Chapter 0 - A Tiny Reminder

He wore a dark purple robe which somehow seemed to both reflect and absorb light at the same time.

Despite moving slowly, that robe left a trail behind it - a faint twisted after echo of where he'd been just half a second before.

At every corner of the pyramid black lightning arced out from where his hand would have been, if he'd had a need for anything so primitive as a hand. 

Each cascade of lightning focused on the corner of the mirror prison as he passed, and it danced along the walls.

He liked to think of it as dancing, that word just seemed...right?

Or it had for the last 42 of the 484 years he had spent in this unwavering routine anyway.

That lightning also left an echo in it's wake, a sickening inverted after-image that would take even longer to fade before thankfully disappearing after several seconds.

His robe was covered in runes, some so dark a purple, they were almost black. And other smaller runes so black, they almost seemed to swallow the surrounding light.

The robe shimmered, and if anyone was to claim black can't glow? It'd be much kinder to leave them in ignorance than show them this as evidence. 

Occasionally at random a single rune would flare as it extended outwards.

Though that was not quite accurate - “seemingly at random” would be a better description.

Oh it was most definitely random to throw them off, but for a small random percentage? There was absolutely nothing random about the flaring of those runes.

It was as if the rune was somehow being pulled out of the robe against its will, and the further it extended - the more it resisted.

When the runes flared the dark purple faded to a not quite white. Though white would be horrified to be compared to this colour (or even mentioned in the same sentence for that matter).

After a few seconds white would reject that rune with as much vehemence as black lovingly embraced it.

His robe dropped almost to the floor yet never quite touched it, hovering above it by mere millimetres. The trim of his robe was a band of lighter purple, tending almost towards pink. The edges were stitched perfectly from a single continuous thread that wasn't quite silver, and wasn't quite black.

That thread was the thing that had really confused his jailers.

To say he went down fighting would be an understatement, and they suspected the thread was the reason they'd had such trouble subduing him.

And they were indeed correct on that front, though only partially.

When they tried to take a sample of the thread, and he didn't even try to resist? Alarm bells must surely have been ringing?

And when he helpfully raised his right arm to let them take their sample? Surely they might have paused? Or even had a flicker of a doubt?

But despite being 'all powerful' and 'all knowing' they were also arrogant and stupid.

For the idiots who'd tried to take a sample of the thread? It was just a shame they didn't live long enough to feel any pain. 

When they demanded he remove his robe? He laughed at them and was (for once) entirely honest. The robe was him, and he was the robe. He couldn't remove his robe, any more than they could remove their own nervous system.

However he repeated his helpful gesture and raised his right arm, exactly as he'd done before.

He suggested they might have more success removing his robe than they had with taking a sample of the thread?

They weren't quite as stupid as he'd hoped. Maybe he shouldn't have baited them, and that way he might have killed a few more.

However as it turned out, he worried needlessly. They were infinitely more stupid than he could ever have imagined.

For some reason they didn't destroy him right there and then...

Apparently they don't kill, but instead they imprison. I mean just how stupid can you get?

Not that he was one to complain.

The trim of his robe was held together by this single thread, and the trim was most definitely lighter in colour (as long as white didn't have any say in the matter), but most definitely not lighter in any other regard.

This trim marked the edges of his robe, the sleeves, and his wide low hood. 

Inside that hood there is nothing but darkness. That darkness was not only the absence of light - it was a darkness that consumed the very light itself.

Hovering in front of that eternal darkness there are two glowing red eyes fading to yellow at the edges. That said, are they not yellow eyes fading to red at the edges? It's difficult to be sure as those eyes flicker randomly in a most disturbing manner.

This confusion isn't helped by the fact the black within his hood seems to eagerly reach out, as if trying to claim the light from those eyes.

Again this was not quite accurate - it would be better (and in fact more scientifically correct) to describe it as 'the black within his hood seemed to greedily suck in the light from those eyes'

Besides there was nothing random about that flickering. It was in fact a carefully calculated algorithm. The eyes flicker in that sequence deliberately, for no other reason than to be disturbing.

Indeed they aren't even real eyes, and they don't really serve any purpose - other than being the most terrifying thing anyone has ever seen.

And yet, what greater purpose than this could there possibly be?

The fact that nobody could see his eyes at the moment was a moot point. He'd become accustomed to them, and the resulting power drain was miniscule.

Again this was not quite accurate - he knew this was entirely illogical and irrational. However although he might not admit it, even to himself - deep down he knew the eyes served another purpose.

The eyes were a tiny reminder - both to keep his morale up, and to sharpen his fury to a single deadly point. 

He knew those eyes would be the last thing they saw before they died...

...the last thing they saw before they all died!

Part 1 - Awakening

The Butterfly Effect

The butterfly effect is the metaphorical example explaining how a tornado might be caused by a butterfly flapping its wings, several hundred miles away, several weeks earlier.

The concept is also used outwith the context of weather, to highlight how a small change might be the trigger for events with much larger consequences.

“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”

Stephen Hawking

Chapter 1 - The Dishonest Return

In Theanis Old Town it's a fiercely debated topic as to whether the 'Honest Return' was originally named such genuinely, or as a joke.

Either way it's now known to most (by some with fondness, and others in disgust) as the Dishonest Return.

Raz'Kul shook his head as he thought to himself miserably.

Probably not the wisest place for the man with the largest bounty ever known to be hiding out?

He nervously opened a small crack in the curtains to scan the alley from the second floor window of the inn.

The tinkling of hundreds of bells, or chimes (or whatever the blasted things were) reverberated in time to the rainbow of multi-coloured lights playing across Raz'Kul's hawk like features.

Raz'Kul hissed in frustration. “Can't you quiet those blasted chimes? And maybe tone down the light display a bit?”

“Don't you know I'm a wanted man? I have a 40,000 shard bounty on my head. Dead Or Alive! And I suspect you may have something to do with that.”

An unconcerned voice lazily replied, every word echoing in time with the chimes. “I am well aware of your situation Raz'Kul, and you can't blame me for your current predicament.”

The deep voice continued. “However I have enclosed this room in a dampening field. I assure you nobody can see or hear us. You really don't need to peek through the curtains.”

“We cannot be detected from outwith my field.”

“Well unless someone was to physically enter the room that is. Or I suspect much more likely? Kick the door down?”

“Besides, your bounty was just doubled. It is now 80,000 shards.”

“80,000!” Raz'Kul cursed in frustration as he let the curtains fall back into place, spinning to focus on what he was now convinced was the reason for this turn of events.

And he was once more stunned to silence by the sheer beauty and ridiculousness of the sight before him.

Magenta coloured smoke curled up from the floor in what could only be described as a miniature tornado. Multicoloured flashing lights spun in and out of that tornado like fireflies, or tiny stars caught up in it's fury. 

As the smoke entwined upwards the rotation became less chaotic, and further up still it seemed to solidify into the torso of a smartly dressed human like figure. 

But even if that wasn't enough to convince Raz'Kul, there was absolutely no doubt - this was no human.

The beings eyes glittered like glowing purple gemstones, with the left eye covered by some sort of device. It was almost like a monocle with multiple continuously shifting lenses. Raz'Kul suspected it was seeing things not only beyond the confines of his room, but beyond his comprehension.

Four purple orbs (disturbingly similar in appearance to the creatures eyes) circled its head in lazy orbits. Raz'Kul had spent a good ten minutes just watching those orbs, to see what would happen when their seemingly random orbits caused them to collide.

To his disappointment, and despite coming close - they never did collide.

However on later reflection Raz'Kul realised he should probably be relieved of that fact.

He suspected each orb likely contained more than enough power to turn the Dishonest Return to ashes.

The bald headed being was wearing on its top half a spotless white shirt, a light blue overcoat, and a dark blue tie.

This ensemble combined with the pinks and purples should have clashed horrifically - yet somehow, it didn't.

Raz'Kul was positive the outfit was very expensive, and the absolute height of fashion. 

Well it might have been two or three hundred years ago anyway...

A glowing green gem was attached to the creatures belt, and Raz'Kul's initial plan to try steal it had lasted around three seconds. Just looking directly at that gem gave him a blinding headache, and he now had even less inclination to touch it, than he had to look at it.

His eyes were again drawn downwards, following the trail of smoke as the miniature whirlwind tapered down faster and faster - finally ending in a single point.

Raz'Kul laughed at the ridiculousness of the ancient, battered and tarnished copper lamp that spewed out this all powerful Genie.

Taking offence at this scrutiny, the Genie looked Raz'Kul up and down condescendingly in return.

The Genie took in Raz'Kul's sharp angular features, and his cropped short black hair. A black leather jerkin over a black shirt, fingerless black leather gloves, and a black cloak and hood.

The Genie sighed at the black leather belt with various compartments, pouches, a dagger, and the rather obvious lock pick set (without even an attempt to hide its purpose). 

It noted what were obviously very expensive boots - light but strong. They were built for stealth, speed and climbing, over black leggings with re-enforced leather. 

In fact the only thing that wasn't black was Raz'Kul's angular face, and his piercing and calculating blue eyes.

The Genie laughed at Raz'Kul before proclaiming in a cheery whisper. “You know Raz'Kul? I may have some advice for you!”

“Oh really?” Raz'Kul responded suspiciously.

The Genie said mockingly. “Oh don't worry, you get this one for free! You know for a thief with the largest bounty ever known on his head..?” 

“...have you ever considered looking a little less like a thief, or assassin, or... whatever look it is you're going for there?”

The Genie continued dryly, every word echoing with the chimes. “They do still have the concept of disguise in these times? Or has that mystical arcane knowledge been somehow lost in the last twenty years?”

Raz'Kul glanced at himself in the cracked desk mirror, and grudgingly admitted - the Genie might have a point.

Not that he'd admit that outwardly of course, so instead he changed the subject. “So explain this to me again Genie, just so we have it clear...”

“You're telling me you're an all powerful, all seeing, magical Genie?”

Raz'Kul nodded at the Genie with a grin. “And no offence intended, you also look the part! If that's the look you're going for there?”

The Genie crossed its arms and glared at Raz'Kul.

Raz'Kul continued. “However I don't actually get three wishes?”

“And the one wish I do get, isn't really a wish at all? And in fact you can't even guarantee me that my wish will come true?”

“If I wish for a hundred thousand shards, you can't summon them up with a click of your all powerful fingers?” Raz'Kul snapped his fingers to deliver his point.

“And maybe throw in a wheelbarrow for me to cart them about in?” 

“In fact you can't even tell me where I might find a hidden cache of a hundred thousand shards?”

The Genies glare deepened, but Raz'Kul continued regardless as he paced the room.

“If I wish to become the greatest wizard in the New Empire? You can't grant me magical powers?”

“You can't in fact tell me where I might find a magical staff?”

“Or maybe? I don't know? A spell book? A magic ring? A cloak?”

“I'm not all that fussy really! Any of those would do!”

“If I wish for the Elixir Of Life? You can't tell me its exact location, or even how to get it?”

The Genies eyes narrowed further and the chimes rattled in discord to match its irritation. “Raz'Kul! You get one wish, and I will provide information on how you might best achieve that wish.”

“I will provide you with...let's call it a guide. I will provide you with hints and suggestions as to where the answers to your wish might be found.” 

“I will point you to the locations, people, events, or whatever is most likely to make your wish become reality.”

The Genie continued. “But Raz'Kul, if you're expecting the co-ordinates to 'The Elixir Of Life', a map with a route through the maze, a key to unlock the gates, and the magic word to put the Behemoth guarding it to sleep?”

“No, I can't do that!”

Raz'Kul's eyes lit up in triumph. “Aha! So there is an Elixir Of Life.”

The Genie seemed to falter for the first time. “No Raz'Kul. There is no Elixir Of Life. Well not to my knowledge anyway, and I see almost everything.”

“I made all that up. As I said before, if you wish for something that doesn't exist, or simply isn't possible - I wouldn't be able to provide you with any information on how to achieve it. And in that case you waste your single wish.”

“And you know Raz'Kul? At this moment I'm really kind of hoping you do go down that route!”

The Genie continued. “Do you think I'd be dumb enough to just give you all that information? A Genie cannot impart information until the wish has been made.”

Raz'Kul replied with a smug grin. “Ah, but you did just tell me The Elixir Of Life DOESN'T exist! Thank you Genie.”

“Right, what shall we cross off the list next then?”

The Genie sighed, then after a short pause laughed in resignation opening its arms to provide Raz'Kul with a mock bow. “Well played Raz'Kul! You get that one for free as well.”

Raz'Kul sat down at the desk to ponder the conundrum. “So I don't wish for the Elixir Of Life, but instead I wish for...a means to immortality?”

“I need to keep it vague, yet also unambiguous and achievable? All at the same time?”

Realising the Genie wasn't taking the bait Raz'Kul switched tactics. “You know this really isn't what I expected! Honestly it sounds like either a complete waste of time or some sort of trick.”

The Genie crossed its arms once more and glowered at Raz'Kul. “Well first off Raz'Kul, I'm not sure how you could have expected anything. Given you didn't even know that Genie's existed until an hour ago?”

“And second? You might argue my former employer, the King - you know the guy who you just stole me from? Well he seems to have done pretty well for himself in the last twenty years?”

“Raz'Kul if you think you can anger me, or bait me into giving you information for free, think again. Many have tried, all have failed!”

Raz'Kul sensed the slightest hesitation in the Genies words, a potential weakness he pounced on. “How many have failed?”

The Genie hesitated, then replied back defensively. “Well you know? Lots!”

Raz'Kul pressed his advantage. “So are you like a beginner? Do you Genies have ranks? How come I get the amateur?”

He looked up at the roof and queried in a half shout. “Management? Can I get an upgrade please?”

The Genie glared at Raz'Kul, and this time purple lightning crackled in its eyes. Raz'Kul took a step back wondering if perhaps he'd pushed things too far.

The Genies voice shook the walls.

“HOW DARE YOU! I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW...”

Then surprisingly as quickly as it had started, it stopped, and the Genie let out a sigh. It seemed to have been sighing a lot since it met Raz'Kul. 31 sighs in 48 minutes? That was definitely a new record.

“Look Raz'Kul, truthfully I'm 420 years old. That may be old for you humans, but for a Genie, and given we spend most of our time locked away in dusty vaults?”

“Well I guess I might be considered the equivalent of a ten year old human! Now you get that one for free as well. Stop baiting me and make your wish!”

Raz'Kul grinned in celebration of his success. “420? Well in that case a few more minutes or hours will be nothing to your good self.” 

“I'll stop baiting you when you stop rushing me! I can see the possibilities obviously, but I'm still not sure how all this works. I need to think...”

The Genie considered this for a moment then queried. “Have you heard of the butterfly effect?”

Raz'Kul nodded. “Yes of course! The theory that a butterfly farting at the other end of the world can cause a tornado hundreds of miles away?”

The Genie laughed. “Not quite how I would have put it, but yes! A decision made in a heartbeat? A single piece of knowledge? Even a single word can change the world!”

“I'll give you a lot more than a single word Raz'Kul, and you know - you might not have as much time as you think.”

Raz'Kul nervously peeked back through the curtains scanning the alley once more. “Why ARE you rushing me Genie? You know for someone who's been sitting in a dusty vault for 20 years and obviously loves to talk - you seem to be in an awful hurry?”

“Just let me think for a minute!”

The Genie nodded solemnly. “As you wish!”

Raz'Kul laughed. “Very funny!” 

Raz'Kul tried a different approach. “So tell me Genie? What do most people wish for?”

The Genie sighed even deeper this time, accompanied by a cacophony of very miserable sounding chimes. “Almost all wish for exactly what you suggest Raz'Kul.”

“Endless riches, to be the King, to be an all powerful wizard, eternal life...blah blah.”

The Genie continued sadly. “It's all so tiring, and all so selfish. Now wouldn't it be nice if someone wished for something selfless? Just for once? Something for the greater good?”

Raz'Kul snorted in amusement. “The greater good? Don't be ridiculous Genie! You've been locked away in that dusty vault for too long. Like what? World peace? An end to famine?” 

Raz'Kul started pacing and the Genie noted the wear on the floorboards. Raz'Kul obviously paced a lot when he ranted, and he obviously ranted a lot.

“The world is as it is. The world is as it has always been. You claim to see all Genie? You know this.”

“The world is full of the rich trampling over the poor. The strong dominating the weak. The rich get richer, and the strong get stronger.”

“There's always a war. If I wished to stop the current war? Another would spark up within weeks.”

“You said yourself Genie, you can't summon something that doesn't exist? That you can only provide information? Well no information will change base human nature...”

The Genie again crossed its arms, yet for once did not fill the obvious gap Raz'Kul had left for it. Instead the being watched Raz'Kul intently.

The chimes had lowered to a faint background whisper. It was almost as if the Genie was waiting for something..?

Though Raz'Kul had only just met the Genie, this silence seemed out of character for someone who obviously loved to argue as much as he did. However Raz'Kul's rants were legendary - and there was no stopping him once he started.

“Ridiculous Genie! What would you suggest I wish for?”

“An end to the plague? Which plague?”

“World peace? Shards for the poor? Food for the hungry?”

“Or should I wish for something from the children's tales?”

“For wings to fly to the moon?“

“To slay a dragon? Sorry Genie, I'm afraid there's no dragons left!”

“Should I wish for the return of the dragons?”

“Should I wish to rescue a fairy princess perhaps?”

“To live happily ever after?”

“Should I wish to save the world from some impending doom..?”

And everything stopped...

Chapter 2 - The Deafening Silence

Raz'Kul wasn't one for being quiet, so he'd never really understood the expression 'the silence was deafening'. 

Well not until that very moment anyway.

Raz'Kul realised he had tuned out the ever present (and thoroughly annoying) background chimes accompanying the Genies every word and movement. 

Those chimes had stopped in a heartbeat at his last words, and that in turn silenced Raz'Kul mid-rant (an impressive feat in itself). The thief paused to look at the Genie in confusion.

The Genies form seemed to have frozen in place, and that relentless tornado had stopped spinning. The multicoloured lights had paused - still bright, but no longer flickering to cast ever shifting rainbows across the walls. 

It was as if the invisible wind that caused those ripples of smoke and colour, or the power that fuelled that miniature tornado...

 ...had just stopped?

It was almost as if the Genie held its breath.

After a moment there was the slightest movement, and the Genie smiled at Raz'Kul.

And Raz'Kul realised it was the first genuine smile he'd seen the Genie make, without even a trace of mockery. It was the first smile to reach the Genies glittering eyes.

Then incredibly this being of extreme power (who he had no doubt could destroy him with a flick of its fingers) bowed its head to Raz'Kul in respect.

After a few seconds the tornado, the sparkling lights, and the chimes, all resumed as if they had never stopped.

Raz'Kul felt a shiver run up his spine, but ever mistrusting quickly shook it off. With a somewhat unconvincing laugh Raz'Kul continued. “Oh don't be ridiculous! The world always needs saving from something.”

“Mostly from itself to be honest! And what could I do?”

“There are already wars aplenty as I said. Human nature is human nature! I couldn't implement world peace even if I was the King.”

“And I most definitely don't wish to be the King!”

The Genie opened its mouth to reply but seemed to falter as the chimes drifted slightly off-key. The ethereal wind grew in strength and distorted its features.

“Raz'Kul I cannot give you any information unless you wish for it. I cannot even hint at it until you make the wish.”

The chimes drifted further out of tune, the music became jarring, and the Genie's every word seemed pained. “As you said Raz'Kul, human nature is...human nature...”

Now it was as if the Genie was fighting against something, and struggling to keep itself together. It's entire body rippled as that invisible wind grew stronger still, blurring its face.

The Genie continued. “But perhaps what you...what you need...”

There was a resounding thunderclap and the desk mirror shattered, sending fragments flying across the room. The shock wave threw Raz'Kul backwards as he clapped his hands over his ears at the deafening sound. 

The Genies form was swept away in what seemed like a hurricane, leaving nothing but the sound of hundreds of chimes rattling in it's wake. 

And after a few seconds those chimes reverberated back into silence...

Raz'Kul looked around in shock. The Genie was gone!

All that was left was that battered copper lamp, which was now spinning furiously on its side in the middle of the room.

Raz'Kul rubbed his bruised shoulder and clambered back to his feet, then took a step forward to check the lamp. It looked like it had a new, and very impressive dent in it's side.

Raz'Kul hesitantly moved forward to investigate, but as the lamp slowly spun to a halt, the magenta smoke started flowing once more.

The Genies form slowly pulled itself back together and the chimes returned, though this time they sounded more muted and subdued than previously. 

The Genie however was silent. Where its mouth had been, there was nothing but smooth skin!

Raz'Kul queried in a whisper. “Genie? What happened? Are you well?”

Raz'Kul was surprised by the strength of his concern, and realised that within the short hour he had known this Genie, he had genuinely grown to like it. 

Not it, him! Despite Genies arrogance (or perhaps because of it given it mirrored Raz'Kul's own) he liked him. 

He enjoyed Genies company and found in him a cleverness and humour that matched his own. He enjoyed arguing with him, and even suspected that might be part of the reason he'd been delaying his wish.

Raz'Kul said with more authority. “Genie! I demand you speak to me!” 

But Genie was silent, simply looking at Raz'Kul with pleading eyes. After a few seconds Genie shrugged his shoulders in defeat and gazed back at Raz'Kul - waiting.

Raz'Kul sat at his desk, absent mindedly picking shards of the shattered mirror from his clothing as he considered his wish. He remained deep in thought for several minutes, occasionality glancing up at the Genie in suspicion. 

Finally Raz'Kul seemed to come to a decision and looked up at Genie, who's eyes had never once left him.

Raz'Kul grimaced. “I really can't believe I'm even considering this. If this is some sort of trick Genie? I'll throw you - lamp and all, into the very Void itself!”

Those words seemed to strike Genie like a physical blow, and for a second a look of terror clouded his features.

This served only to further unsettle Raz'Kul, who after a pause glanced down as he laughed at himself. “Very well Genie! I formally wish for you to tell me...”

Raz'Kul stopped himself short. “No! I can't even believe I'm considering this. It's absolutely ridiculous...”

However Raz'Kul's mind was set, and he continued regardless. “Genie! I formally wish for you to tell me...”

“...how to save the world.”

Chapter 3 - Saving The World

Raz'Kul looked up at Genie as he said this and choked bitterly. Just as he'd suspected Genie's mouth re-appeared in a broad grin.

Raz'Kul hissed through his teeth in frustration. “I knew it! You tricked me into making that wish! You CAN still speak!”

“And do you want to know the worst part Genie? When you were blown away? And that was some very convincing effects by the way! Do you know I was actually concerned for you, not for losing my wish!” 

“I should have known better, all the stories say the same - never trust a Genie. My mother always said I was too trusting!”

Genie was taken aback by Raz'Kul's concern, and his grin softened. “Raz'Kul I can assure you - that was no trick! I was silenced and could not speak again until you had formally made your wish. A Genie is forbidden from influencing someone's choice of wish.”

“Even worse is for a Genie to even hint at the reason for, and therefore imply the solution to a wish - before it's been made. It is very rare for a Genie to be silenced, and I will be called in for severe punishment after your wish is delivered.”

Raz'Kul felt marginally placated by Genies words - though he was still somewhat dubious.

Genie continued. “However Raz'Kul, your wish has been made, so here is your riddle.”

Raz'Kul burst into laughter and mocked the Genie. “A Riddle! A Riddle? Seriously? You never said anything about a riddle!”

Raz'Kul continued. “You could at least make it sound impressive! Here was me expecting claims I am fates harbinger? For you to intone prophecy? For you tell me it was my destiny, and my coming was foreseen a thousand years ago?”

“Maybe some flashing lights? A bolt of lightning? You know, all that sort of stuff?”

“But all I get is a riddle?”

Genie glowered at Raz'Kul and this time the purple lightning in his eyes crackled more fiercely as he boomed out in fury.

“PROPHECY? FATE? DESTINY? HOW DARE YOU!”

“Do you think I'm some cheap street performer Raz'Kul? I see almost everything but NOBODY, not even a Genie, can see into the future with any certainty.” 

“Everyone crafts their own future, just as I do, just as you do. To even think otherwise..?”

“I work with fact, and I calculate! I work with probabilities, and I predict. But nothing is certain, and nothing is fixed! If it was? Well what would be the point in anything?”

“There are limitless possibilities, and as you so neatly put it - a butterflies fart could change the outcome.”

Anyone with any sense might have tried to calm this all powerful being who looked more than capable of (and very close to) shooting lightning bolts from his eyes.

Instead realising he'd hit a sore point, and against anyone's better judgement - Raz'Kul decided to press it. “So basically what you're telling me Genie, is that you just guess?”

The lightning in Genies eyes strengthened with his fury until Raz'Kul could now taste the electrical charge in the air, and he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.

Genie seethed. “I'd rather you call it a guess than FATE, PROPHECY, or DESTINY! Yes I guess, but it's an educated guess. It's a guess based on proven mathematics and a huge amount of data.”

“It's a guess based on statistical analysis, probability matrixes, and chaos theory. It's a calculated guess based on past examples and likely outcomes fed into multiple databases, and thousands of simulations.”

“It's a guess based on a lot of hard work and study! So call it a guess if you will, but do not dare call it prophecy!”

Genie finally calmed a little, and the lightning in his eyes faded a fraction. “However I can assure you Raz'Kul - you wont find a better guess anywhere.”

Raz'Kul made a mental note to find out what all that meant, but he had to admit - it sounded impressive!

Genie continued. “Prophecy? Fate? Destiny? Sheer nonsense! Nothing but tools of religion and the charlatan! Tools to manipulate the the weak, or to give substance and meaning to their own failures.”

“If that's what you want I could recommend to you 'The Oracle Of The Glowing Quill'. She lives just three streets down and will give you a prophecy, tell you your fate, and intone your destiny.”

“All three in one for a single silver coin!” 

The Genie mocked Raz'Kul. “And funnily enough you will find a single silver coin you forgot about in the lining of your cloak. There's a hole in your left pocket. You should really get that mended!”

“Now how's THAT for a 'guess'? Oh, and you get that one for free as well by the way!”

“The Oracle claims to have the finger bone of Altimus Tiertia himself. Actually it's the finger bone of her deceased husband Wilfur.”

“It's really quite a sad tale but let's not get sidetracked! If it's prophecy, destiny and fate you want? Well she'll spin you a pretty one!”

Genie seemed to find his calm, and his chimes settled once more as his mischievous grin returned.

“However Raz'Kul, as you have made your wish, and just for you - seeing as you made a special request...”

The candles were snuffed out and the single lantern dimmed as the edges of the room were wreathed in shadow.

There was another resounding boom, the appearances of multiple mirrors, flashes of lightning, a lot of smoke - and those blasted chimes!

The Genie intoned in a deep voice which seemed to come from both everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

“Raz'Kul! Here in lies your pre-ordained destiny. Your fate is sealed as written in the eternal stones of the infinite ether a hundred thousand years ago. I fore-prophesize (I just added that to the dictionary by the way) that you will do great things, and you will indeed...”

There was a pause as trumpets appeared behind Genie and dramatically started playing a ridiculous fanfare somewhat out of tune.

“SAVE THE WORLD!” 

“Looking into the future? I can see sunshine, flowers, and cute little bunnies dancing with butterflies - all farting under a rainbow!”

The trumpets faded as the fanfare ended, and as they did so burst into tiny multi-coloured fireworks that sputtered and died most unspectacularly.

If it was possible for a trumpet to have a head, then the final surviving out of tune trumpet most definitely shook that head - right before it exploded.

Raz'Kul was laughing so hard at these over the top theatrics he now had tears streaming down his face. He was really starting to like Genie!

Genie grinned, and one again Raz'Kul knew that grin was genuine as it reached Genie's sparkling purple eyes.

But as their eyes met Raz'Kul realised Genie's mockery hid not only a genuine warmth and humour - but all that bluster was a means to hide a darker secret. 

Raz'Kul had been trained since childhood in misdirection and deception, and recognised the ploy all too well. It was in fact the exact same trick he used himself.

Genie's smile faded and his purple eyes brightened to an almost white as he intoned the riddle in a flat voice. There was no mock theatrics this time, no lightning or smoke, yet despite that, the words carried so much more levity.

And the first few lines were enough to wipe the grin from Raz'Kul's face as well...

Chapter 4 - The Riddle

The Dark Is Old

The Dark Is Cold

Release The Void.

A World Destroyed

Within That Dark A Single Flame

A Fallen Soul From Heaven?

A Demon Most Would Claim

A Shadow Fire Named Eleven

That Flame Is The Last

Still Standing, Ever Steadfast

No Respite, Defiantly Trying

But Alone, Slowly Dying

Calm The Shield, Two Twins Of Fire

Shadow Burning, Frozen Desire

One Without A Crimson Fist

One No Spider On His Wrist

Quiet Is The Crimson Petal

Silent Blades Within A Tomb

Flowers Worth More Than Metal

Release Their Wrath Some Time Soon

Is It Time To Break The Peace?

This Battle Too Much For One?

A Kraken On A Leash?

With Allies Could It Yet Be Won?

Unwise It Is To Pierce The Last

But Even Then There May Be Hope 

The Last Perhaps Is The Past?

Beneath The Ice We Grope

With A Tear In His Eye

How Foolish Is The Fool!

A Credit To The Master Spy

How Foolish Is The Fool?

Two To The Single Strand

Two Too Much For Two

Two Playing In The Sand

Two Too Much For You!

Two Are One, One Each Hand

Two Not Too Much For Who?

Howling Mist Fully Clear

Tip Of The Highest Spear

Old Full She Wont Be Near

Newly Full She May Appear