"Scrolls
of Sorrow"
Written
by Kerry L. Marzock
through
the words of Karillee of Sorrow
SCROLL NO.
1
"The Time
of Knowing"
It was the restful period between the Great Wars of Hypocrisy, the one far behind and that which was to come. When those
who once ruled with an imperious, tyrannical hand had sent too many loved ones to die in the name of peace and religion.
Those blusterous reasons were nothing more than their own lust for power and greed. Like all wars it was inhumane, and
once again, heinous crimes were committed against society. Today, they attempted to lead their various realms with compassion
and understanding. It's quite evident by any logically thinking person that it all remains to be seen.
Not long after the cries of our dead and wounded from battle began to fade away was when I first heard the Whisper.
At first it felt like nothing more than a tender summer breeze running a comforting hand through my thick auburn hair, or
the soft, gentle rustling of my long, scarlet skirt around my ankles. But it was more, so much more. Lying upon
the lush green grass with my back against the Ancient Sycamore, six hundred years old if but a day, I closed my yellowish-brown,
hazel eyes and drifted off, allowing the wind to caress my pert, trembling lips. A solitary tear broke free and ran
crookedly down a reddened cheek for it felt like the kiss of my sweet Pasquale who was now gone nigh a score and four, but
nary a second away from my lonely heart.
But the Whisper was more than a gentle wind, or a tender kiss. It graced my ears like a distant voice I had heard too
often over the past ten years. Somewhere deep in my dreams from a nether world to which I had never been, yet seemingly
so much a part of me, I reached through a soupy blanket of fog so thick that it was like spreading a mass of intricately dense
spider webs between my trembling fingertips. Mysterious hoots and snarls and cries assaulted my ears from all directions,
fearful of what creatures or beasts those sounds were arising from.
Yet onward I traveled through this haunted landscape, drawn towards a voice that seemed to be but an icy chill. It was
clearly a voice, of that I was sure, but from man or woman I could not tell. Through this grayish-white blanket I could
make out shadows that seemed to resemble trees, yet in my own beautiful Land of Sorrow the trees did not look remotely like
these. They appeared to be almost skeleton-like with multiple arms that swayed and groped forward, moving with either
no particular purpose, or at times with thought provoked intensity. Once in awhile one of these limbs scratched at my
arms and caused my scattered heartbeat to nearly leap from my chest. Forget about the constant brushing against my legs
of something clearly alive beneath the swirling fog. I positively did not wish to know if it was animal or some living
foliage for what slim modicum of bravery I once held onto had very nearly slipped away at this point.
Time had also appeared to stand still. Perhaps it was the alien terrain I now found myself stumbling upon, unable to
tell how far I had traveled, or what distance I still had to go. Some stranged premonition though told me that I was
very close to who I was destined to meet, or what outcome awaited me. That something was the Whisper, gaining more clarity
and becoming louder, echoing within my mind. For now I could tell that this haunting voice came from a female, but whose?
Surely no woman I was akin to and yet I couldn't be absolutely positive. The voice was low and sultry, sexually mesmerizing,
drawing me ahead towards some unraveling truth, or unexpected fate. I wondered if I even desired to know what those
answers would be.
Within the denseness of the forest a small, narrow branch like the index finger of a skeleton's hand reached for my head.
I quickly ducked to avoid being struck and fell to my knees, suddenly submerged in this swirling sea of fog. My frazzled
breath came in gasps as my legs seemed to become entangled in my skirt, or at least I thought it was my skirt. Crawling
forward my hand brushed a large rock to my right and I used it to regain a standing, albeit unsteady, position.
As my head broke the surface of this mysterious morass I was temporarily stunned for now my eyes rested upon a large, sun-drenched
field of the strangest white and yellow flowers that I had ever seen. Surprisingly, it was as if I could hear the chatter
and laughter of little children, but all I saw was what appeared to be a living, breathing ocean of vibrant colors.
Far in the distance was a massive black mountain with several jagged peaks topped by a thick, dark cloud mass. As I
gazed up I discovered the sky to be a roiling variation of blues with swirling ribbons of red and green moving like agitated
vipers in a snake pit.
Walking slowly to the edge of the field where there was a gently rolling drop off, I paused to let the fragrance of jasmine
and honeysuckle wash over me. This peaceful interlude was suddenly broken by the loud cawing of a bird somewhere overhead.
A massive black shadow came streaking across the field towards me. It was quickly apparent that it was a raven and yet
it was terrifyingly huge. The mammoth wing span seemed to stretch a good four feet and the yellow, beady eyes were as
large as my own. A sudden wind draft threw the bird temporarily off from some intended course. After a few seconds
of tumbling out of control the huge bird easily righted the flight pattern and then plunged directly towards me, beak open
and intense eyes zeroed in upon the target.
Ducking down low to avoid this hurtling torpedo I lost my balance and went sprawling forward, rolling head over heels into
the expanse of thick flowers. When I finally came to a stop everything was dark and my heart began pounding wildly.
I began to wonder why the sunlight had become blocked before realizing it was nothing more than my long skirt and petticoat
wrapped around my head. Embarrassed at this fear I floundered with my arms until the fabric came away and bright sunlight
glowed again.
Rising slowly, still dizzy from my maddening fall, I brushed hair away from my eyes and frantically stared towards the sky
searching for the winged terror that had given me such a fright. Looking around I didn't see anything, but as I glanced
about I could feel a tickle, or light suckling sensation on my legs. Lifting up my skirt a little I watched in fascination
as several of the flowers were actually touching my ankles in what appeared to be a kissing motion. They resembled sunflowers
with large brown faces, for within the dark center was what clearly looked like two eyes and a mouth. It couldn't be
I thought, but then everything about this world I had fallen into was utterly strange.
Then
I heard that subtle laughter of children again, very faint but unmistakable and yet there were no other human beings for as
far as I could see. I leaned down towards the flowers, extending my slightly trembling fingers. The flowers which
had been kissing my ankles quickly pulled back, leaving small red pucker marks all around my feet and lower legs. I
stopped moving my hand as the flowers actually lifted their faces towards me. And then I heard that childish chatter
again, realizing it was actually coming from these magical plants.
"It seems that they like you," said a low pitched voice behind me.
Standing, I quickly whirled around towards the hill I had just tumbled down. There was nobody there and I wondered if
I was starting to go just a little crazy.
"Up here Lady Karillee, in the tree just about your pretty head," stated the amazing bird in a very husky, gravely voice.
Very slowly I lifted my gaze and was stunned to see the huge black raven perched upon a thick branch directly above me.
It very nearly had a vulture-like appearance, and yet it was clearly a monstrous raven like no bird I had ever seen before.
"Who are you and where have I landed?" I asked with nervous trepidation.
The giant black bird lifted those massive wings, fluttered them wildly in the air, then neatly tucked them safely back against
its' sides like a cloak of shiny, black satin.
"Alas my Lady, so sorry if I frightened you, but I'm just very tired. The flight here was quite long and exhausting.
However, my instructions were to arrive before, or not long after, you did near the Lake of Mist and Fog. If I startled
you then I deeply apologize. To answer your questions, my name is Emiliano, and this magical part of our world is known
as Oleander," spoke the raven.
"I've never heard of this place. Is it far from my Land of Sorrow?" I inquired, wondering if all this was but a weird
dream since I seemed to remember falling asleep in the grass lying up against the Ancient Sycamore. It was also somewhat
strange that the name of this raven sounded so familiar to me.
The great bird issued several loud, sharp squawks that almost sounded like a laugh. Even its' open beak nearly resembled
a clown-like grimace.
"Nay my Lady, this Land of Oleander is very, very far from Sorrow. Please trust me when I say that it is as real as
the beautiful place you call home. However, you have been summoned here through your dreams so that we may talk about
things to come in the near future," said the raven in that very odd, gravely voice.
Lowering my gaze I stared at the miraculous yellow and white field before me. I was getting dizzy anyway looking up
into the tree. Something began tickling my ankles again so I glanced down to see three of the larger flowers once more
kissing my lower legs. One of them was at an odd angle and I could've sworn one of the eyes winked at me. I didn't
bother moving my right foot because quite frankly it didn't hurt at all. In fact, it gave me a strange and comforting
feeling, almost motherly.
Now that my frantic heartbeat was slowing down and my nervousness began to subside somewhat, I became more aware of my surroundings.
I stood quietly in a state of awe. the rainbow-like sky seemed to be filled with a variety of strange looking birds,
both small and very large. For the most part they looked somewhat like those from my Land of Sorrow, but the differences
were unique. The colors were astounding, some in solid hues of red, green, yellow, blue, black, and white. Others
were as colorful as the largest parrots from southern climes. The physical differences were what amazed me the most
though. Some had appendanges at the end of their wings that appeared to be human-like hands, while others surprisingly
seemed to have two heads. However, the difference which stunned me the most was one large bird in particular that looked,
even at the great height it was soaring at, to possess a human face. That countenance stared down at me and then smiled.
I quickly turned away and shook my head in disbelief.
"Are you okay Lady Karillee?" inquired the bird-like voice once more which now seemed to come from directly behind me.
Turning around slowly I was surprised to see the huge raven now standing about four feet away. Now that Emiliano was
upon the ground I could see that he nearly came up to my shoulders. He stood very stoically, beady eyes staring ahead
and waiting pensively for me to answer his question.
"Dear Emiliano, to say that I'm not in a state of shock would be an understatement. Is everything in this Land of Oleander
so strange looking?" I inquired.
The huge bird moved his head forward and back several times, lifted its' shoulders and opened his large, very sharp beak.
I expected to hear a loud series of squawking, cawing noises, ready to quickly cover my ears.
"Strange? My Lady, what may be strange to you is that which is normal in Oleander. If you mean, why is everything
so large? Yes, for the most part size here is exaggerated in both animals and plants. The vibrant coloring of
the birds is more for protection and at the same time camouflage for as you can easily see, the sky here is quite different.
As far as the physical abnormalities, Oleander has been under a very deep spell for nearly ten years now and what you've seen
thus far is just a very small segment of how Oleander differs so much from the home you call Sorrow."
"You said a spell? Who would cast something to strange and terrible upon this land?" I asked.
Emiliano strutted forward several steps and I quickly reeled backwards, nearly stumbling and falling into the field of flowers.
I wondered suddenly what it would feel like to have all of these childish-appearing flowers kissing my entire body.
I quickly righted myself, not really anxious to find out.
"Don't be frightened Lady Karillee. I will nay hurt you, of that you must be sure of by now. However, in order
for you to understand just how strange Oleander truly is, can I please demonstrate? Trust me, you are in no danger,"
came the gravely voice.
Staring at the large black bird, I lifted my shoulders slightly and smiled.
"I'm not frightened of you Emiliano. Just please don't make such quick movements," I said softly. "What type of
demonstration would you have me see?"
"Perhaps you'd like to move out of the flowers and sit on the large rock over there near the gentle mist. It shall only
take a few moments, but I wouldn't want you to faint from surprise," said Emiliano, his beak almost smiling.
Moving quickly towards the large gray rock I turned and stared at him. "If I haven't fainted yet, I'm sure kind blackbird
that I will not. I am not normally ruled by fear and have experienced many surprising and terrifying things in my life."
Spreading my skirt beneath me I sat down on the rock and then just as quickly jumped back up. Staring down, it seemed
that the rock had moved. But no, it could not possibly have done so. It was a rock for God's sake and was not
alive. My mind seemed to be running away from me and yet I did have to secretly surmise that much of Oleander had in
fact been a surprise, as much as I hated to admit it. Taking a deep breath I sat on the rock once again and could almost
hear a moaning sound. Forget it I thought, just forget it.
Emiliano had moved to the edge of the field and stared at me. There were loud screeches, caws and hooting sounds in
the air above. It was obvious that many of the birds were aware of what he was about to demonstrate, even if I had no
idea whatsoever.
"My Lady, you may close your eyes if you wish, but what I'm about to do shan't be unpleasant, just surprising, and will take
no longer than but ten heartbeats. Are you ready?" he asked.
Slowly I slid my hands up to cover my nervous eyes, not sure if I was prepared to see any more surprises, but within the same
breath more than just a little curious. With fingers slightly skewed, I smiled at the great raven.
"I'm ready Emiliano, for what may be in store for me," I murmured sweetly, my lips slightly trembling. Okay, so maybe
I was a tad bit nervous.
As my heart started to beat loudly, the huge bird raised those mammoth wings and then covered its' body completely.
As it did so, a spray of glittering sparkes spread forth from behind the wings, followed by a cloud of the most vibrant pink
color I had ever seen, or at least as much as I could see between spread fingers.
Emiliano was so right, for in no more than a span of ten heartbeats the pinkish cloud slowly started dissipating to reveal
a very handsome young man kneeling before the field of yellow and white flowers. He was dressed all in black with shining
hair the color of glimmering raven feathers cascading around his shoulders like the wings he proudly possessed only seconds
before. To say the least, I was now completely stunned and more than just a little faint.
He slowly stood with a confident grace, uncoiling what appeared to be a very lithe, muscular body that was well over six feet,
possessing wide shoulders and an extremely chiseled, handsome face. However, it was the eyes that kept me enthralled
because they were a cross between human and those of the raven who had stood before me less than a minute ago.
Crossing the ground between us, he knelt at my feet and took my right hand in his, lifting it to his lips where he gently
placed a kiss. With his head bowed, he spoke.
"Lady Karillee, my prayer is that you do not consider me a monster and a freak. Nay, it is not my intention to frighten,
or unnerve you. It is simply that I am part of the spell that has long befallen Oleander," Emiliano said, barely above
a whisper.
At first I could not answer him for it seemed that what I had just witnessed was simply magic, or the fabric of which myth
and lore are made of. Truth be told, I had listened intensely to stories of such creatures that could alter physical
state between man and beast, but had always thought them to be mere tales to do nothing more than frighten or entertain a
small child. Now I knew for certain that the stories were not in the least bit that of childish fairy tales. They
were true, but my mind wondered to what extent?
Clearing my throat slightly I held Emiliano's hand and smiled.
"My dear birdman, I would never think of you as either monster or a beast, for the raven that spoke to me but a minute ago
was nothing more than courteous and respectful. Now I look upon a man who is not only both of those, but seemingly gallant
and quite dashing as well. However, I must admit one thing," I said, a slight chuckle in my voice. "You have suddenly
created many more questions than what I had before.
Kissing my hand once more Emiliano arose and then helped me to stand up from the rock which strangely enough had never stopped
moving beneath me the entire time I sat upon it. Keeping hold of my hand we moved to the edge of the great field of
flowers and stood quietly, gazing out at this magical world, perhap pondering what to say next.
"Sweet Lady Karillee," he began, no longer in that gravely voice, but now with a very deep, masculine timber to it.
"I pray we do not have much time since you will have to return to your Land of Sorrow very shortly. So please ask what
questions you have and I will try to answer as best I can. Then I must convey an extremely important message to you
before our time runs out."
Turning I stared up into his yellowish eyes and wondered what that message would be and from whom. I could only pray
it was from Pasquale.
"How is it that you can go from giant bird to a young man so easily? And who, in the name of all that's good in the
world, doomed you to such a strange life?" I inquired.
"The spell was cast upon every person in Oleander after the last war by Shanella, the evil witch who lives within tht far
off volcanic mountain. She had always been thought of as a witch that healed the sick and provided for those in need.
However, when the invading armies came to this land, the people who lived in this valley aided the side that slaughtered many
of Shanella's followers. They were tortured, burned at the stake, and hung high from poles placed along the one main
road through the valley. It was a terrifying time for Oleander and it was no wonder that Shanella went completely mad.
In revenge she cast a number of spells that changed this valley to what you see, but so much more. Many of the invading
soldiers were slaughtered in some of the most inhumane ways and those that survived were made to live as beasts, only to be
human for one night in the cycle of the moon. That night, and only that night in the month, when the moon is full and
completely visible, can we change back to human form. If the beast cannot bask under the light of the full moon, then
their hunger to be human once more will pass them by. I was able to do so today because it's all part of your dream
and the magic of Oleander. As you can see from that mountain, the darkness above tis' not storm clouds, but rather smoke
that rises from the depths of the volcano," as Emiliano's voice faded.
At first I was stunned upon hearing this tale. I could only imagine the terror and death that must have run rampant
throughout this land. But his brief story of Shanella and the valley only created more questions.
"So why is it that these flowers in this beautiful field appear to have human qualities? I swear I can hear them talking
to me and their faces seem to be so alive?" I asked, still in disbelief this was happening.
Turning slightly, Emiliano looked down and smiled. "Because Lady Karillee, truth be told they are in fact alive.
The flowers within this field are the people of this valley. The name of this once thriving village was Allieu and in
retribution for their discretions against Shanella and her followers, they were turned into these flowers. You may think
they are quite beautiful and sweet, which of course they are, but in reality they are assaulted often by giant insects and
beasts of all descriptions, as well as torrential storms that arise because of that volcano. You are here today in a
dream, but if you were to actually visit this land at another time then you would behold a different scene."
Letting my gaze spread across the colorful field, tears started rolling down my cheeks. Kneeling I touched several of
the flowers and let them brush against my open palm. How in the name of God could this be happening I wondered?
And then I realized that the absence of God was most likely the answer.
Wiping away tears from my eyes I asked the inevitable question.
"So Emiliano, why was I brought here? What is so important that I should be summoned within this manner?" I inquired,
uneasy about what he might tell me.
Clearing his throat slightly, he walked me back to the rock where I sat and he knelt on one knee. As he did so I looked
into his eyes and realized, as odd as it seemed, this handsome stranger reminded me of somebody within my memory.
"Emiliano, I'm not sure of anything anymore, but for some reason I think I've met you before, yet how in the world could that
be?" I asked somewhat nervously.
"Because dear Lady Karillee, we have indeed met each other in the past. It was quite awhile ago, fourteen years to be
exact. I was second in command to your Pasquale when we departed the Land of Sorrow to wage battle halfway across the
world. He was not only my commanding officer, but my best friend. I know that you have spent many agonizing nights
wondering what happened to your dear Pasquale. That's why you were called here and the main reason I appeared to meet
you," revealed Emiliano.
Above all the surprises I had been witness to over these past crazy moments since arriving in Oleander, this revelation was
perhaps the one that stunned me the most. There was simply only one question left to ask.
"Emiliano, you just said that Pasquale was your commanding officer and best friend," I asked with most evident
concern in my voice. "Does that mean that Pasquale is dead?"
Standing erect, he leaned down to help me rise and then wrapped his strong arms around my shoulders as I began to weep.
All of these years, holding onto the slimmest hopes that my valiant warrior still lived, were now suddenly dashed.
Pushing me tenderly away, Emiliano looked down and smiled. "Nay Lady Karillee, your Pasquale is very much alive.
However, he is not in this Land of Oleander, as I was not, for if you remember me saying that I had flown a great distance.
After the battles were waged in this valley and the spell or curse, however one would like to call it, was placed upon us,
we who survived were able to escape Shanella's wrath. However, sad to say, we were not able to free ourselves of the
spell she had cast."
"So Pasquale is alive, thank God. But, are you also saying that Pasquale is now a bird the same as you?" I asked, now
equally concerned for his welfare.
Emiliano broke into a loud laugh which lasted for close to a minute. I wasn't sure what was so funny and it was making
me rather angry, feeling quite foolish. Finally, when the fit of laughter subsided he wiped his eyes and took my hands
in his.
"Yes my Lady, he is not quite the same Pasquale as you once knew and held so tightly. Oh, his heart and bravery are
still the same as always, and his love for you has never wavered. But, is he a bird like a raven? Nay Lady Karillee,
a bird is not for the invincible Pasquale. His beast is that of a magnificent black wolf," revealed Emiliano.
"Are you with him everyday? Does he talk of me often?" I inquired.
"Without a doubt, there are few times when he does not think of you, and yes, we are as close now as the day we left for battle,"
he informed me.
"Then why has it taken so long for you to contact me? Why wasn't a message sent long ago so that I might come to him,
to help him?" the questions tumbling out.
Taking my arm, gently guiding me back past the rock and up to the mist, he said, "Because we were unable to until not
long ago. Lady Karillee, have you heard strange whispers in your dreams?" he asked me.
Turning I stared at him very intently. "Yes, for quite awhile now and lately they have been getting louder, clearer.
I could not imagine what they were and was beginning to doubt my sanity."
"Oh Lady Karillee, it is nay your sanity in question at all. It was the Whisperer who has been keeping in touch with
you and finally we were able to bring you here to Oleander where the magic that surrounds this place could make that happen,"
he conveyed to me.
Stopping at the edge of the fog where the swirling mist began to encircle our feet he squeezed my hands and looked down at
me very intently. "Who is this Whisperer, does it have a name?" I inquired, curious as to the voice which had haunted
my dreams.
"Oh yes, for sure," declared Emiliano. "The Whisperer is very real. Her name is Selania. When we escaped
from the clutches of the wicked witch Shanella we traveled for many trying days and hundreds of dangerous miles. Eventually
we arrived in Selania's realm and came to find that we were drawn there without our being remotely aware. She is the
Goddess of Wolves and was whispering in Pasquale's mind like she was in yours. With her assistance and guidance we have
thrived and regained some strength. And just so you know, Shanella and Selania are sisters, but that's where the family
connections end. Shanella could not stand how her younger sister was revered and adored among their followers so she
placed a curse on Selania and banished her from Oleander. But, that is a very long story in its' own right. Just
know that Selania, the Whisperer, is a valuable friend and the messages she sends to you are for your benefit and well being
so you must trust her."
"Now you know the truth," he continued after pausing, "as weird as all that may sound. Pasquale asked me to tell you
that his deep and abiding love has only grown and that he will tell you so when you both are together again," said Emiliano
reassuringly.
"When we meet again? Are you and Pasquale coming home soon?" I inquired.
Emilian's handsome face broke into a wide smile and he shook his head.
"It's sad to say Lady Karillee, but we shan't be returning to Sorrow in the near future. However, you will be coming
to us and your Pasquale," he quietly informed me.
Standing back I stared at him. "And how will that be possible when I've no idea where you are at, or how to get there?
I will cross Hell and back to find Pasquale, but how will I find you? Are you coming back to Sorrow to help me upon
this journey?"
"Nay, I will not be returning with you. Remember my Lady, this is but a dream. However, upon your waking again
in the Land of Sorrow, you will make contact with someone who will lead you to us. You must know however that it will
be a very long and quite dangerous trek. Your comment of Hell and back could very well be true," he said, almost begging
me to realize what dangers were ahead.
"So you're saying that when I awake from this dream some man will be there to guide me to Pasquale?" I asked, my voice continuing
to sound surprised as it had since I arrived in this strange land.
Emiliano chuckled. "Well, let's just say that it might not be a man. But, you will know when you make contact,
trust me. Now Lady Karillee, it is time that we part for I have a long flight ahead of me. You must return and
begin to prepare for your arduous trek. Surround yourself with only the bravest and strongest warriors you can find.
Trust me and embrace this loyalty from whomever, or whatever, it may arise from, for those strangers may be sent to assist
and protect you."
Leaning forward I hugged this bearer of good news as tightly as I could and then pulled away. My heart was pounding,
not only from hearing the most welcome news that Pasquale was alive, but for the dangers the future now held for me.
The handsome young man walked to the edge of the field and knelt, lifting his arms above his head. As before, only in
reverse, from his open palms came forth the same pink cloud, followed by a shower of glittering sparkles. When they
cleared away in but ten heartbeats Emiliano stood and raised his impressive black wings. With a loud caw he lifted from
the ground and soared high into the colorful sky, heading for the distant horizon. He did not look back for he was sure
that I would do as requested.
Taking a deep breath I plunged back into the swirling fog and kept walking straight ahead. At some point I realized
that both eyelids were getting extremely heavy and my legs began to tremble. I remember falling forward into the mist
and yet did not feel striking the ground. Just another very strange occurence I thought. But then, it was a dream,
was it not? Multi-colored skies, tittering little white and yellow flowers, large birds like a raven that talked and
who then became a handsome young man. Dreams are but our fantasies that become reality. As I slept until the point
of awakening, I realized this dream was in fact real and one that would unfold into many twists and turns.
* * * *
* * * * * * * *
The
fantasy continues .........
* * * *
* * * * * * * *
If you enjoyed
this part of Scroll No. 1, please feel free to leave me a message in my signing book on the first page. I hope this
taste of Karillee's fantasy adventure hs created the hunger for more. Thanks so much for reading. Kerry
