The Life of an Immortal: The Secret Magician

## Plot

### Before the Beginning

A writer stops at an inn for the night after a failed attempt at traveling to Loomat to interview a lord there in order to earn some money. He arrives nearly coinless and manages to strike a deal with the innkeeper on a place to sleep. While he is resting at the bar, an old man with a cane enters and demands the writer to join him in his room.

Once there, the old man reveals he is the last of the Immortals and wishes the writer to make an account of what he has to say, offering the writer a generous bag of money. The writer sleeps on it; he considers stealing the money from the man, but is persuaded by a propaganda flier reading: 'Unite the World, Conquer the Enemy.' This resonates with the writer and he instead decides to wait on the old man and listen to his story.

### Part One: The Moonwoods

#### Chapter One: The Stone Den

In the Immortal village Valsalt, Immortals Finn and Bero are spending the day up in a tree with their mortal friend, Quocitte when Quocitte falls to the ground. Bero begins yelling in horror while Finn goes to look for Silas, the leader of the village.

Finn finds Roal, a stone golem, who is able to feel the stone that Silas is standing on and leads Finn to him. They come to a large boulder that Roal is able to open, revealing a small den that Silas is sitting in. Silas grabs a staff and rushes back to Quocitte and Bero after Finn explains and is able to heal Quocitte.

Silas takes Finn back to the Stone Den and explains to him the difference between Mortals and Immortals, claiming Finn has been too careless with Quocitte. He tells how she was found in the woods as a baby and Silas took her in to raise her. Finn feels a connection with this since he was found in a similar way and there had been no new Immortals since. After discussing the history of Cocalus and Mirifus, the first Immortals, Finn comes to the conclusion that he was sent to be the Immortal to join the Mortals and Immortals together again. Silas tries to dissuade his eagerness, but Finn refuses to listen.

#### Chapter Two: Magas Cen

The Immortals of Valsalt are preparing for Magas Cen, a centennial celebration where the Immortals let loose of their lethargic lifestyle by drinking extra Huthà Shi and dancing through the night. After spending a few days with Roal instead of at home with Silas and Quocitte, who is still recovering, Finn is excited to see his first Magas Cen.

Once there, Finn is immediately disappointed with the party. There is no dancing or singing of any kind, rather all Immortals keep to themselves drinking their Hutha Shi. He runs into Theran, who complains as usual. Later, he meets with Bero, who wonders why Finn is not back with Quocitte who has become more ill and Silas who was currently taking care of her. Finn shrugs it off and waits for Magas Cen to begin.

Suddenly, an explosion of colors roars throughout the night sky, causing murmurs throughout the Immortals. Theran is eager to take a stand as leader since Silas is not there, but fails at it. Silas finally arrives and explains that it appears to be some form of old forgotten magic. Finn, convinced it's another sign that he's destined to save the Land, decides to secretly journey to the Mortal Lands to investigate after Silas warns him not to get involved.

#### Chapter Three: Escape in the Night

Finn is sorting through his possessions and Bero's large collection of rocks that night, preparing for his journey. He comes across a couple of wooden statues he and Quocitte found together and doesn't hesitate in packing them. He checks Silas' room, curious if he has anything for long journeys and come across some odd food that Finn doesn't hesitate to pack. As Finn passes Quocittes door, he promises himself he'll visit as soon as he gets back from his trip.

Bero is waiting at the door, deciding agaisnt his better judgement to go with Finn. They sneak to the eastern entrance to the Moonwoods, but realize they forgot items, going back for blankets, then again when they agree they should have some kind of weapons. They break into a neighbor's farmhouse and take a sickle and an ax.

They run into Roal, who says he will not tell anyone what they're up to as he doesn't usually interfere with the Will of the Livings. Then, they take their first steps into the forest.

#### Chapter Four: The Mirage

They attempt to eat the next day, but deem it so awful, it's almost inedible. They wander along the river and soon run into a terrifying creature, looking rotted and vicious. They escape it by leaping in the river, but by the time they manage to get out, they have lost the path and their awful food has been reduced to mush, which they dispose of in the river.

They stumble around the forest, clearly lost. They both begin to bicker until it becomes near hostile. They agree to sleep on their conflict under a peculiar looking tree.

Finn has an odd vision during his sleep where he talks to a tree-Silas about his choices. Finn comes across the tree they fell asleep under and begins to chop it down with the ax he brought. He wakes up feeling better and notices the tree has really been chopped down. Bero is determined that their anger the previous night and the dreams they had was the effect of the tree. Finn isn't so sure, but they continue on either way, trying to find the path again.

#### Chapter Five: Folas in the Forest

Finn and Bero get a growing sense that something is watching them. They are woken the next morning by an awful stench coming from the carcass of some animal accompanied by large pawprints. They fear it's the creature from before catching up with them.

They run into a green creature called a Fola. Finn tries asking it for directions, but they are soon overtaken by several Folas and are taken to the Fola Cove. They are placed in a giant hole for the night and are to meet with their leader, the Corbar the following day. A young Fola named Vinca visits them and gives them some food. She tells them about how they call the creature the Leucrota and that it hates water and has hunted the Folas before they moved to a safer location.

The next day, they are taken to a hall of trees where the Corbar lives - an old weathered man-like being seemingly attached to a very beaten tree. The Chief Fola, Gailwyn talks to him in a foreign language and, to her dismay, announces they are to be released tomorrow. Gailwyn bickers with another high-ranking Fola, Silvyia throughout the trial.

Back in the hole, Vinca visits them again and mentions that the Chief doesn't always listen to the Corbar's orders. Worried that they may still be stuck there, Finn desperately asks the naive young Fola for help, but she says she isn't allowed.

#### Chapter Six: The Edge of the Moonwoods

Vinca returns later that night. Bero is sleeping, but Finn is wide awake. She says she heard the Chief talking about a feast and that the Corbar is not to know. Figuring there is no hope in being released the next day, Finn has Vinca lead him to the Corbar to see if they can explain things to him.

A knife falls on Bero and cuts him, waking him up. He hears Gailwyn and Silvyia arguing and infers that Gailwyn was intending to eat the Immortals. Gailwyn complains that the Corbar knows nothing and that the Folas should be free to do with intruders as they choose. Silvyia argues that the Folas have worked hard to prove themselves as more than primative animals and that the Corbar lets them appear civil. They attack. Silvyia breaks Gailwyn's arm and hops down the hole, about to do what she was scolding Galiwyn for, but when she sees Finn is missing, she hurries back out of the hole. After several attempts, Bero gets the rope to fall down and begins climbing up

Finn and Vinca reach the Corbar. After Vinca wakes him, the Corbar roars, which echoes throughout the forest. With every Fola in the Cove alerted, Finn and Vinca rush to get back to Bero.

Bero is running to the Corbar when he hears the roar. He manages to hide from some Folas who climb up some trees waiting for Finn to pass by so they can jump at him. He attacks one hiding in a bush, but is quickly pushed aside. He manages to meet up with Finn and Vinca and they all head for an exit that Vinca says is forbidden.

They make it out of the Cove, but are soon met by the group of Folas. Vinca pushes the Immortals in the river to escape, but run into the Leucrota at the bank. They get out of the water and run away while the Leucrota goes after the Folas.

Vinca departs when they reach the outskirts of the forest. One of the Folas catch up and makes a last attempt at the Immortals, but Bero manages to toss Finn the ax and Finn slashes the Fola's face. The Fola then runs away.

Before leaving the forest, they see an antlered animal they admire for a minute. Once out of the forest, they spot the Mortal Lands in the distance and anticipate their next step in their journey.

### Part Two: Dynnas

#### Chapter Seven: The Sleepy Salamander

After spending several days just outside the forest surveying the kingdom of Dynnas, Finn and Bero are about to continue their journey when the Leucrota once again finds them. As it jumps after them, an arrow hits it in the head. A group of Watchers save them from the beast; a man named Sim shot the fatal arrow and another named Sahl cuts it's throat. The Watchers are ready to arrest the Immortals (who have decided it's best not to reveal that they are, in fact, Immortals), but Sahl, the Head Watcher, dismisses the rest of the group after Finn reveals they are from the forest. instead of arresting the Immortals, Sahl lets them go and gives them directions to a nearby in called the Sleepy Salamander.

At the Sleepy Salamander, Finn and Bero accidentally get in a tussle with the innkeeper who thinks they're trying to cheat him out of money. Sahl shows up and saves the Immortals, paying for their stay. He has dinner with them and tries to get their full story, but Finn and Bero stay quiet on that matter. Sahl tells them not to go telling the wrong people where they're claiming they're from.

The next morning, a young, eloquently dressed woman named Pippy comes to talk to the Immortals. She is very protective over the Watcher Sahl and warns them that he is not a man to mess with.

After seeing a play that portrays Immortals as some sort of dangerous creatures akin to Folas, the Immortals return to the inn to get some sleep, but are interrupted by Sahl, who has been ordered to take them to his captain, Braski.

#### Chapter Eight: King Tanneus

As Sahl leads the Immortals into Dynnas, Finn and Bero eventually explain more of their journey throuhg the forest and eventually mention Quocitte. After this, Sahl appears more on edge and anxious. They pass through the gates of Dynnas and are led to the Hall of Magistrates. Sahl is looking for Braski, but the lead Magistrate, Keeler Kasteroc butts in on them and leads them directly to the king.

Keeler tells Sahl his talents are wasted being a Watcher, but Sahl says he has his reasons.

After explaining the situation to the king, he pardons the Immortals and gives them free access to the city of Dynnas. Keeler is clearly upset over this decision and tries to persuade the king toward a trial, but the king refuses.

Sahl tries to get more of Finn's story out of him, mentioning there's someone he'd like them to meet. They end up back at the Sleeoy Salamander, where they are able to stay during their visit. They agree to lay low considering Sahl told them not to mention the explosion and try to get some answers out of the Watcher himself.

#### Chapter Nine: An Enchanted Dinner

Finn and Bero receive a letter from the king inviting them to a dinner party celebrating his daughter's birthday. The letter is delivered by Braski, who warns them that he has not given up on locking them up.

Finn is forced to go to the dinner alone after Bero injures his leg and ends up running into Marell, who offers to let him join his table where Sahl and Sim are also seated. Finn is intrigued by the Enchanters - a choir that is consistently shifting people so there is always singing in the hall. Sim tells of his encounter with the Night-Mare - a gigantic beast that roams the grounds at night. No one believes him, claiming he enjoys tall tales too much.

Pippy comes over asking where Frina - the king's daughter - is. After getting no helpful responses, she exits the hall and soon Frina appears. She claims she has been hiding from Pippy since she can't stand the woman. She then talks with the group, saying she suspects ulterior motives for the party.

A great roar is suddenly heard throughout the hall and everyone reacts to it as if it didn't happen. Frina takes Finn aside and tells him something isn't right in Dynnas and that they should talk later.

Back at the Sleepy Salamander, Bero claims an intruder came in their room tearing it apart. Finn then tells Bero what happened at the dinner.

#### Chapter Ten: The Ancient Feud

Finn and Bero ask Gil about the break-in and he says he didn't notice any strange persons, but he will keep an eye out for them.

Sim and Marell visit the Immortals. Braski walks in and yells at the two men for abandoning their post. Sim talks his way out of it, but Marell isn't so lucky considering he's much lower class compared to Sim. Braski leaves after accusing Marell of killing his twin brother as a child and causes Finn to suspect him as the one who broke into their room. They plan to ask one of the magistrates later for information to use to catch Braski.

They find Keeler and tell him they suspect Braski. Keeler seems unimpressed, but says he'll look into it. The king finds them and insists he take them on a tour through a museum. He explains how Dynnas was part of a larger kingdom until the Immortals caused Mortal Madness and slowly tore the land apart, leading to a great feud between Dynnas and Corredas.

After they leave, they see Frina and Sahl walking into a building together. They follow and end up in a building for the sick. They interrupt Braski yelling at Sahl for not doing his duty, who then storms off. Sahl and Frina were visiting Sahl's grandmother, Docey.

Sahl leaves and Docey laments the fact that she had to give Sahl over to Braski since she was unable to take care of him herself. Frina hints that she knows of a way to find possible information on the odd things happening, but she son't say anything more.

#### Chapter Eleven: Lost in the Labyrinth

Finn is woken up by a mockingbird saying to meet at the courtyard that night. He figures it is a message from Frina.

Rustling is heard downstairs and they hear from Gil that a criminal known as the Blind Mercenary has been caught along with an accomplice. Finn and Bero join the innkeeper to see the trial over in Dynnas. On the way, Finn learns Gil is a talented singer and realizes he has been hearing is voice several nights as Finn fell asleep.

They listen in. Sim, Sahl, and Marell are addressing the court and Keeler is judging. Sim claims the two were found wandering the forbidden plains. The two intruders claim to be called Cocalus and Mirifus and that they were lost in search of shelter. The king recommends they go off with a warning, but the magistrate is insistent that they are to be sent to the dungeons. As they are led out, Finn catches a glimpse of the convicted recognizing them as Silas and Theran.

Finn is convinced Silas intended to be caught and is dismissive of the potential danger that is upon his fellow Immortals. Bero argues that they need saving, but Finn is convinced a simple talk with the king will solve everything.

Frina reveals herself to the Immortals once the courtyard has emptied and takes them to a hidden tunnel within a building that leads to a portrait gallery, where behind each of the paintings is a tunnel leading to another part of the city. She leads them to the Labyrinth, a system of underground halls intended for the personal use of important figures. Frina suspects Braski must have something incriminating hidden in his part of the Labyrinth.

Inside the room, they find strange maps altered so Dynnas covers more land and the forest of Valsalt is circled. They also find signed documents agreeing to end the feud between Dynnas and Corredas - never executed apparently.

Frina comes to the realization that they must be in her father's room rather than Braski's. They soon hear someone approaching, so they hurry to another room with a single cell that has had it's door ripped off it's hinges. They assume the man is Braski until Bero listens and realizes it's Keeler. The three scurry away trying to get back to the secret tunnel, but Keeler knows someone is there with him. Seeing no other option, Frina reveals herself to the magistrate to let the Immortals escape, handing the map of the portait gallery to Finn for safe keeping. Finn, however is determined to find something before they leave. he tries for another door he thinks is Braski's, but it won't budge, however, he finds a strange book laying beside it scribbled with notes on magic. Finn is positive Braski has learned magic and is responsible for the odd things happening in Dynnas.

Then, the same roar that Finn heard at Frina's dinner party is heard again. Finn races to find the source and is horrified to see what it is: an overgrown monstrous hound locked behind a secured cell. They don't stop running until they are safe back in the portrait gallery. Once back in their room at the Sleepy Salamander, Finn decides he should talk with Silas.

#### Chapter Twelve: Cocalus and Mirifus

Finn spends the next few weeks trying to find a passage to the dungeons from the portrait gallery. One day, he hears a strange call coming from one of the paintings so he decides to follow it. The tunnel leads to Frina's room where she, her bird, Lorraine, and a mute maiden are gathered. Frina is crying to the maiden saying she can't deal with a certin someone anymore. Finn is surprised to find the bird speaks for the maiden even though the maiden cannot talk for herself.

The Immortals have breakfast with the Watchers and learn that Braski has relieved Marell of his duty due to negligence of duty. Finn learns that Marell did indeed have a brother that died and Silas tells that his grandmother, too, had a sister. She was taken as a baby and believed to be taken into the west, which is why Silas took up the position of Watcher of the West, to find any sign of her.

Since Sahl been put on dungeon duty, Finn asks him if he could take them to see the ones called Cocalus and Mirifus. Sahl is hesitant so Finn offers the paper Frina gave him of the portrait gallery so Sahl can visit his grandmother without the risk of being seen by Braski again. Silas cautiously agrees.

Down in the dungeons, Finn and Bero meet with Silas and Theran. They give news that Quocitte is dying, but Finn thinks this is a trick to lure him back to Valsalt. They also say that there have been dangerous creatures coming into Valsalt, something that shouldn't happen with the Doliri Shira - a special type of tree that circles Valsalt that emits toxins to keep unwanted visitor away. Finn is ashamed to admit that one of the trees were chopped down by him, which concerns Silas.

After several arguments, they leave and run into Braski. He says that Sahl betrayed them and told him their plan. He plans to kill them there in the dungeons, but Bero pushes him against a cell where several prisoners grab hold of him while Finn and Bero escape, hoping someone would understand their innocence.

#### Chapter Thirteen: Conspiracies Revealed

Gil allows Finn and Bero to hide out in the cellar of his inn. One day, he tells the Immortals he ran into the king, who asked about them and mentions he has a meeting later. Finn sees the meeting as an opportunity to spy on the king, trusting it had to do with what to do with Silas and Theran - hoping he could then figure a way to free them.

Gil then announces that Pippy has entered the bar. Finn is eager to talk to her, but Bero thinks revealing themselves to her is suicide. It turns out, Pippy hadn't heard the news of the Immortals' crime, but volunteered to the magistrate to return their visitor badges to them. Finn then asks for Pippy's help to sneak into Dynnas, which Pippy happily obliges.

Pippy disguises Finn in one of her elaborate outfits and Finn leads her through one of the secret passages. Pippy is disgusted by the filthy state of the tunnel, but at the same time is amazed at what was hidden just beyond the walls.

They make it to the King's office just in time to hear him, the magistrate, and Braski discussing the matter of Finn and Bero. Braski wants the word spread throughout the Land of their crimes, but the king wants it kept silent. The magistrate correctly guesses that the king wishes to eventually ally with Finn's people so he can finally defeat Corredas and bring his kingdom out of the ruins. They begin to argue, but are interrupted by a knock at the door.

Finn recognizes the visitor as the Fola he struck with his ax and it soon becomes apparent that she has called the meeting. The Fola, Gailwyn, explains that the Folas have killed their Corbar due to treason and wishes for the king to act upon their agreement which promises one twin baby whenever a new Corbar is needed. Due to the fact that not all the requirements of the agreement have been met and that no warning has been made for preparations, the king is forced to decline and tries to think of an alternative solution.

Gailwyn explains that the reason they were forced to kill the Corbar was because he allowed two of their prisoners escape - two immortal prisoners. The king tries to rationalize this is impossible due to the Immortals being closed off by a barrier, to which the Fola responds that the barrier has been destroyed. The three men realize that they've had Immortals living in the city for months and preparations are discussed concerning how to handle this news. Thanks to Braski's persuasion, it is soon decided that an attack is due on the Immortal forest and Silas and Theran are to be executed.

Finn is shocked to find Frina listening behind him and even more shocked to hear she wishes to help stop her father.

#### Chapter Fourteen: Royal Negotiations

The two women convince Finn that it's time to take action. He agrees and begins by taking Silas' staff from the king's office. Bero fears that their home will be destroyed by Dynnas, But Finn explains he can handle it without the help of Silas if he can figure out how to work his staff.

Sahl stops by the Sleepy Salamander. Gil goes to answer and the group goes to listen to what is being said. Soon, Gil is hear throughout the inn yelling. He comes back and explains Sahl came with a group of men looking for Finn and Bero. Pippy marches to the bar and confronts Sahl for his unreasonable behavior. After Sahl explains he will not arrest or attack the Immortals, Finn shows himself. He tells Sahl that Quocitte is Sahl's grandmother's sister. Sahl falls apart and says he was forced into this position by Braski, but swears to help make things right again after Finn tells him he's leaving soon to find answers. Gil then chases hiim out again.

The next morning, Finn and Frina head to Corredas, leaving Bero with Gil and Pippy due to his injured leg. They note the thick fog covering Dynnas and find wanted posters for the Immortals. Finn begs for a rest, but Frina urges them to keep going.

They meet a stone golem named Jaak who warns them of the evil of the magic in Corredas. He claims it cursed his stones and suggests they take caution from the city. Frina, never having met a stone golem before is petrified, but Finn declines Jaak's warnings. They finally rest for the night and before falling asleep, Finn thinks of Quocitte once more and wonders how Bero is doing back at Dynnas.