Prologue

“What a wonderful sight.” Luka thought taking in the beauty of the grand white tree speckled by the crimson hue of its fruits  standing majestically in the middle of a small clearing in a dense forest. She pulled her mantle around her to ward off the cold. The full moon could be seen through the gaps in the branches of the tree. Although eerie, the ethereal beauty of the scene held her captive.

She had been summoned here by the leader of the sprites who protected Elmer, the tree with white leaves. She had been here many times with her father when she was just a kid.    

Luka cringed as she heard a rasping voice in her ear.

“The time draws near, ”  It said.

A creature with a humanoid figure and the tail of a reptile appeared from behind the tree. Its scaled pale skin reflected the moon with a tinge of pink; it looked like marble. The numerous tentacles that sprouted from its head draped its shoulder looking like hair.  It was florescent and gave off a soft white glow.

“Mura!!” Luka said, she had not expected facing the leader of the Shruthals herself. “It’s an honor to meet you My Lady,” she bowed down to her.

“The daughter of the great sage Naman.  I had seen you as a child.” Mura said. Her voice sounded so unnatural that it sent chills down Luka’s spine. Mura was communicating by telepathy. Though Luka was trained by her father to endure telepathy, she was still uncomfortable about leaving her mind open to another being.

“Are you up to the task set for you??” Mura inquired. Her black eyes made it impossible to read her emotion.

Luka could not afford to look inept. It was as if the creature could read her thoughts. She remembered the words of her father. “Don’t let your heart waver when you stand before a Shruthal. Those creatures can pick up scattered thoughts like spilled grains. So gather your thoughts and be firm before them.”

Luka gathered herself and straightened her back.  

“My father has taught me all that I need to know before he was laid to rest. I am delighted that this rare occurrence is coinciding with my term as sage.” She said.

“As you can see only a few of the fruits need to ripen.” Mura said looking back at the tree. “They will be ready by the hunter’s festival of this autumn. Only those who eat the fruit of the Elmer White can see what is hidden from the others, only they can enter the realm of the gods and participate in the sacred tournament,” She said wearily.

Luka bit her lip. “This autumn!” she thought. She had hoped that there would at least be a few more years for it. Was she truly prepared for this??

“Your thoughts are all over the place Luka.” Mura said, she sounded angry. “Do you know what we feed upon??” she said advancing towards Luka..

Luka could not let herself be scared, that would be exactly what the Shruthal would want. “On thoughts,” she said standing firm to the spot.

Mura stopped, seeing her resolve. “A distraught mind is the easiest to feed upon, do not tempt me, im not one to hold back,” she said as she stared into Luka’s eyes.

Luka tried not to blink as the creature studied her. After what seemed like ages to Luka it turned and walked back towards the tree.

“The Realm of the immortals and demons will soon merge and the inevitable battle between the gods and the demons will be fought within 12 months from the hunter’s festival,” Mura said.

“The mortals are to prepare themselves for the battle that takes place in the heavens as it will have its effect on the land as well. Natural calamities are going to shake the very foundation of Eiga.” She said.

“The heavenly beings do not like to engage themselves in slaughter and so they made a pact with the mortals to grant them magical powers and creatures to fight the battle for them and three among them are chosen to rule over the three great nations of Coloris Regna.” Luka said.

“We are neutral beings. This war does not concern us.” Mura said.  

“You are the one who will guide the chosen ones Luka. You can’t afford to be meek. Or should I do the favor of relieving you from this burden,” she asked planting a stern gaze on Luka.

“I intend to play the role I have been given with utmost devotion,” Luka replied.

“Leave now. I am weary of your presence,” Mura said and dissolved into thin air. She sounded as if her meal had just run out on her. Luka stood there transfixed. She had broken into a cold sweat for a moment. She thought that she was going to die. Perhaps the only reason she was left alive was because she was a sage.