SORMARATHE EVIL TOME

S. L. Reel

The copyright for this story belongs to S. L. Reel

Copyright © 2024 by S. L. Reel

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any -means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by Hemingway Publishers

Cover design by Hemingway Publishers

ISBN: Printed in the United States

Edited by: Laurine Mangels

slreel@yahoo.com

Dedication

Dedicated to my loving parents: John (Doc) and Delores (Dee) Reel

About the Author

Sandra resides in a small Nevadan community. She is an optimistic, gregarious person who loves making new friends. When she was younger, she was fortunate enough to drive a semi-truck and see a lot of the country. Aspen, Colorado; Kenai, Alaska; and the Black Hills of South Dakota are some of her favorite locations.

Her love of writing developed later in life, and she got the courage to write down her thoughts because of her amazing teacher, Phyllis Ihly. Her go-to genre is fantasy, which includes fantastical monsters, fierce fights, and lots of adventures in her writings. Her first book, Sormara The Evil Tome, a riveting read from the word go, is now available in paperback and e-book formats.

Table of Contents

Dedication

About the Author

Prologue In the Beginning

Synopsis

1st Chapter

2nd Chapter

3rd Chapter

4th Chapter

5th Chapter

6th Chapter

7th Chapter

8th Chapter

9th Chapter

10th Chapter

11th Chapter

12th Chapter

13th Chapter

14th Chapter

15th Chapter

16th Chapter

17th Chapter

18th Chapter

19th Chapter

20th Chapter

21st Chapter

22nd Chapter

23rd Chapter

24th Chapter

25th Chapter

26th Chapter

27th Chapter

28th Chapter

29th Chapter

30th Chapter

31st Chapter

32nd Chapter

33rd Chapter

34th Chapter

35th Chapter

Prologue

In the Beginning

In the land of Seledor, the light of magic and sorcery had always reigned supreme. Crops grew tall thanks to the plentiful nutrients in the soil. Dragons and Zundars protected the province while coexisting peacefully with mortals. Whitetail deer, antelope, and wild mustangs roamed freely among the rolling hills and grassy meadows bordering the forest trees. The air was filled with the enchanting melodies of birdsong, adding to the ethereal atmosphere of Seledor. The province’s magical and mortal inhabitants thrived in harmony, cherishing the bountiful blessings bestowed upon them by this mystical land. The timber wolves’ rock dens were hidden among the thick vegetation of the mountains. Oak trees did exceptionally well in the Tonepass and Middrom Mountains. Towering forests, with their solid and sturdy trees, stood as a testament to the resilience of nature in Seledor’s rugged terrain. 

In the Kinnick Mountains, giant redwoods flourished. These majestic trees reached toward the sky, their towering heights casting shadows over the forest floor. Their massive trunks symbolized strength and endurance, providing a sanctuary for countless wildlife species.

The Atron Mountains, in the northwest, provided nutrition for the ancient pine trees. With their thick and aromatic needles, these old pines thrived in the Atron Mountains’ nutrient-rich soil. Their branches stretched outwards, creating a lush canopy that sheltered a diversity of birds and small mammals’ ecosystems. Seeing these towering pines was a testament to the harmonious relationship with nature.

Those who dared to explore the western marshes and wetlands did so at their own peril. This region of Seledor was treacherous and unpredictable, with hidden sinkholes and quicksand that could swallow a traveler. Venomous water snakes and alligators populate the waterways in large numbers. Grasses and reeds of the wetlands formed the land-to-water transition zone that surrounded lakes and streams. The dense vegetation and murky waters made navigation nearly impossible, and dangerous predators added to the inherent danger of these untamed lands. Only the most skilled and daring adventurers would venture into these treacherous territories, hoping to uncover the hidden secrets.

A river marked the boundary of the Enwood territory. Pildar, the Potentate’s stronghold, stood on a high hill west of the Seabray River, which marked the northern border of Enwood territory. Beyond the river, the landscape was a lush forest teeming with diverse wildlife and ancient trees that seemed to whisper secrets of their own. The land is dotted with towns and settlements.

In the farthest north territory lie the Damen Mountains. Hidden in the northwest corner is the Drom Valley. The treacherous Black Wormill Forest thrived in the northeast region, which protected the dark stone fortress of two evil sorcerers, Tomar and Nadora. As you enter the evil forest, the sun’s rays are obscured, and the chilling fog rolls through the trees. Shadows of dead men dart about in the darkness, giving the forest an eerie feeling. Black and brown thorn bushes with gnashing fangs encircled the left side of the woods. The sun was obscured as the land folded in on itself; amid the pitch-black landscape, smoke, rot, and decay wafted. The underbrush is home to monstrous black snakes and enormous red spiders. The fearsome Ice cat and the elusive Nightshade fire wolf, which Nadora conjured to prowl the Black Wormill Forest, continuously protected the evil palace. Other kinds of creatures thrived in the treacherous terrain, their predatory instincts sharpened by the harsh conditions of their habitat. The legends spoke of a legendary creature, rumored to lurk deep within the mountains, guarding a treasure that could grant unimaginable power to whoever possessed it. Giant Mountain Trolls and fearsome black and gray, flat face, reptilian skin Gilzdars terrorized the northern region. These beasts were known for their immense strength, making them formidable adversaries to anyone who dared to cross their path. These monstrous creatures added a layer of danger to an already treacherous landscape.

Tomar and his young wife, Nadora, penned their most potent spells into a dark tome and gave it the ability to seek out evil hexes. They called this tome the Sormara. This book, trimmed in gold, foresaw who had conspired against them. The pages within the all-seeing tome also granted them the power to manipulate minds and control the elements, solidifying their reign of terror. As time passed, the Sormara capability grew, and it created its own much darker incantations. With this formidable weapon, they became nearly invincible, instilling fear in all who opposed them. The evil sorcerers would scour the book’s pages when the moon rose. Under the pale moonlight, they met in their hidden lair, surrounded by flickering blue candles and the scent of ancient parchment. With each turn of the page, they delved deeper into the forbidden knowledge of the Sormara, uncovering new charms and dark secrets that further enhanced their malevolent powers. As they chanted in unison, their eyes gleamed with a sinister intensity, knowing that their mastery over the forces of magic grew stronger.

On a chilly full-moon night, they opened the tome. The room filled with an eerie silence as the pages of the Sormara fluttered in anticipation. A surge of energy pulsed through the air. The book detailed that the Cadar, the Sorcerer of Light, and Masar, the Dragon King, intended to end their reign of tyranny. Cadar and Masar knew their mission to overthrow them would be dangerous, but the duo was determined to restore peace and justice to their land. Little did they know, however, that their actions would set in motion a chain of events that would challenge their physical strength.

Cadar hid his pregnant wife and their unborn child in the Middrom Mountains; he knew that if their plan failed, his family would be in grave danger. Cadar’s heart ached at the thought of leaving them behind, but he also understood the necessity of protecting them from the impending chaos. With a heavy heart, he kissed his wife goodbye and promised to return victorious, praying their sacrifice would not be in vain.

The Sorcerer of Light and the Dragon King were the targets of a plot hatched by Tomar and Nadora. Cadar and Masar left on a clear night. The darkness obscured their path as the two pressed on toward their mission. The wind howled a haunting reminder of the dangers that awaited them. They knew their success would save their loved ones and bring peace to the realm once more. The Seledor’s defenders were confident that they could destroy evil forever. With each step, their determination grew more robust, fueled by the unwavering belief in their abilities and the knowledge that failure was not an option. The weight of responsibility rested heavily on their shoulders, but they were willing to bear it for the sake of all they held dear. As they ventured deeper into the treacherous night, Cadar and Masar’s resolve remained unshaken, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They fell into a trap the sorcerers had set, and the Sormara conjured black-ice demons. The evil emerged with ferocity, sending shivers down their spines, their razor-sharp claws, and piercing red eyes, instilling fear in Cadar and Masar’s hearts. However, they refused to succumb to despair, summoning their inner strength and strategizing to find a way out of this dire predicament. The two fought valiantly against the evil, but the dark forces ultimately won. Without Seledor’s guardians, the realm descended into chaos and darkness. The once vibrant and peaceful land now lay in ruins, its inhabitants living in constant fear and uncertainty.’

Tomar and Nadora ruled over the land with deadly force, instilling fear and oppression in the hearts of its people. Their iron grip on power left no room for dissent as they mercilessly silenced any opposition that dared to challenge their authority. The land was plagued by cruelty and death, leaving its inhabitants desperate for liberation from their tyrannical reign. The once vibrant forests withered, shattering the harmony of the land.

The zundars and dragons fought back against the dark forces. Despite the overwhelming odds, they valiantly resisted the wickedness, forming a formidable alliance against Tomar and Nadora's oppressive regime. Their bravery inspired hope among the oppressed population as they launched daring attacks on the tyrants’ stronghold, determined to restore justice and freedom to their land. While the dragons and zundars slept soundly in their mountain fortresses, an explosion leveled their empires one moonless night and ended the Dragon Dynasty. All the zundars except for three perished and were left devastated and filled with grief, mourning the loss of their families and friends. The once-powerful alliance had ended. The zundars vowed to honor the memory of their fallen comrades and restore hope to a realm consumed by darkness. 

The once-clear sky was now filled with choking ash. The formerly succulent tree bark hardened into stone. Seledor’s land was shrouded in shadows. The sorcerers cruelly ruled the land.

The emerald forests collapsed under the weight of the wickedness. The birds had suddenly become silent. The blaze had grown unmanageable, and a blanket of smoke and ash obscured the sun. As the dead trees’ leaves fell, the landscape became desolate. Thick foliage grew in the region where the spiders and snakes thrived. As they slithered through the forest, armyworms fed on the rotting bark of trees. Seledor was a land of extreme aridity and starvation, as the evil forces had drained the once fertile soil of its nutrients. There was a severe lack of water and food because the rivers and lakes had dried up. The once prosperous land had degenerated into a barren wasteland, and its inhabitants were now fighting for their lives.  

Synopsis

Suhzar, Gular, and Mobee, these three remaining zundars, vow to help protect Seledor and its people from the clutches of Tomar and Nadora. With their unique abilities and unwavering determination, they formed an alliance with the brave warriors of Seledor, ready to fight against the evil sorcerers and restore peace to their once-thriving land.

Crosoft, the lone Sorcerer of Light, and his wife, Mara, have been waging a tireless battle to rid Seledor of its darkness. Their daughter, Easha, is kidnapped as the battle rages on. The parents enter the evil domain to retrieve their daughter. Mara is unable to survive the perils of this battle and perishes.

After the passing of his wife, Crosoft retrieved his daughter and devised a plan to defeat the evil sorcerers. Nadora falls for the deception and turns on Tomar. Crosoft takes advantage of the battle between the evil sorcerers by sneaking into their lair undetected and expelling them while sealing their souls in the Sormara, the sorcerers’ ancient Tome of Spells.

Light returns to the realm of Seledor. Months turn into years, and it feels as if the darkness will never return. While Crosoft begins to wither with time, Easha becomes fully empowered. She takes over as the Sorceress of Light after her pa’s death, protecting the land from the imminent danger if Tomar and Nadora escape captivity.

Easha finds Tomar and Nadora’s sealed tome, christened the Sormara. She discovers the books’ seal has darkened, denoting that they will soon be released from captivity unless the Sormara is destroyed. Easha discovers that a mysterious key is necessary to defeat the darkness. Only a zundar can find this key. Suhzar, a blue and white zundar, sees Easha’s distressing smoke signals, immediately flies to her aid, and becomes the Key Searcher.

Suhzar sets out, hoping to sense the key along the path a fellow zundar had suggested. He began his travels through the Kingdom of Dwarves and Elves and then into the Deman Mountains. As he makes his way through the forest, he faces off against dangerous perils. When he arrives in the Valley of Drom, he finds two sorcerers, Aldar and Mirra, hidden in the valley. He overhears them plotting the return of Tomar and Nadora. Suhzar encounters other mythical beasts such as Gilzdars, Mountain Trolls, and a brand-new mutant race called Annicks, the evil created to support in conquering Seledor. After learning of the dark army of beasts, Suhzar contacts Lundar, the white eagle, through sound tones and informs him of the uprising.

Lundar goes to tell Easha the bad news.

Eventually, Suhzar detects that he is getting close to the key as Pildar’s warriors ravage the land.

Easha recruited several fighters throughout the conflict. The adventurers meet a princess, her noble best friend, a ghost, dwarves, and elves. The warriors have to cross dangerous territory, avoid predators and environmental disasters, and have already lost several strong fighters. As they travel through the realm, protecting one another and alerting others to the impending danger, they forge bonds that can never be broken.

The defenders decide to split their warriors. Half will follow Easha to the Fortress of Drom in hopes of destroying the Sormara. The remaining fighters will venture to the dangerous Damen Mountain and into the Valley of Drom to kill the evil sorcerers and their army of beasts.

***

1st Chapter

I

n the realm of Seledor, a fifteen-year-old lad named Crosoft resided in a hidden cottage at the eastern edge of the black forest in the Middrom Mountains. 

Mum, would you like a bowl of tomato bisque soup? I made it this morning.

No, I’m not hungry. She extended her hand and took his. Come sit with me.

I want you to be resilient after I leave. My son, please don’t be upset; it’s my fate. Living is mysterious. We need to be made aware of the time we have remaining. We must embrace each moment and find strength within ourselves to carry on. Remember, life is full of challenges, but it is through resilience that we can overcome them and find our own path to survival.

I understand, but I think the malicious sorcerer summoned the poisonous snake and made it seek you out. It is not one from nature. I’m sure you would have lived a long life if it hadn’t happened. Why it did not attack me is a mystery to me. I was standing next to you. It stared at me before it vanished. He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

I believe everything happens for a reason, and perhaps this encounter with the snake was meant to test our strength. Despite the mysterious circumstances, you must stay strong and continue your journey towards survival.

I vow to you, Mum, I will face my future knowing my ability to endure will guide me through, and he held her hand.

She extended her other hand and touched his cheek with her palm. Since your birth, I have protected you from the evil forces; they are unaware of your existence. It’s time for me to join your Pa, but before I do, I must tell you what I have kept from you since birth.  She said, but the air around her thickened, making it hard for her to breathe. Her eyes were still fixed on her son, and she parted her lips, but no words came out. She tried again, Your—. But before completing the sentence, she let out her last breath.

He sobbed and kissed her forehead, pleading, Mum, don’t leave me. He hid his face and asked, How can I live without you? as sorrow flooded his heart. 

Crosoft exited the bedroom and made his way to the kitchen. He grabbed a towel off the counter and wiped his red, tear-stained face. As he composed himself, he took a deep breath and reminded himself of the strength his mum had instilled in him. With determination in his eyes, he vowed to honor her memory and carry on her legacy. 

What should I do next? The boy entered the bedroom again, his eyes widening. 

Where has my mum gone? His head dipped, and his torso tensed. 

He approached the entrance and turned the doorknob. 

It’s still locked, hmm. How did she vanish? My pa must have taken her after she left the physical world. That’s for sure what took place. But the fact that they are back together does make me feel better, his head cocked up. I know she loved and missed him. Pa, I wish I had known you, but we will cross paths one day.

A sense of longing and sadness washed over the boy as he stood there. He couldn’t help but wonder what his life would have been like if his pa had been present. But deep down, he held onto the hope that one day, their paths would finally converge, and they would be able to share the love and connection he had always yearned for. The young lad sobbed while rocking in his mum’s rocking chair. After closing his eyes, he nodded off. 

Crosoft’s sorrow subsided as time went on. He found solace in his mum’s unwavering love and support, and gradually, he began to heal from the pain of his mum’s absence. He grew more robust and determined to create a fulfilling life each day.

• • •

A bright light flashed and woke the young lad. His pa, whom he had never met, spoke.

Crosoft, my son, you must embrace your destiny as the Sorcerer of Light. It is your birthright. 

It is too early. 

After a few more minutes, he took a deep breath, rubbed his blue eyes, and looked around the room.

It was a dream; I’m not the Sorcerer of Light. He tilted his head back, rolled his shoulders, and sat on the edge of the bed while shaking his brown hair out of his face. As he gathered his thoughts, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing for the magical world that had captivated his dreams.

My mum told me stories about a Sorcerer of Light, but he is no longer alive. I slept soundly until my dream woke me. 

Crosoft got to his feet, raised his arms above his head, massaged his sore jaw, and turned his stiff neck. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to his dreams than mere fantasy. The images of mystical creatures and powerful spells lingered in his mind, fueling his curiosity and desire to uncover the truth about his heritage. The muscular lad moved gracefully, like a cougar, toward the kitchen. He let out a long sigh and looked out the window. His strong chin line was emphasized by his high cheekbones, visible in the window pane’s reflection. With one arm on his waist and the other resting on the windowsill, Crosoft’s lips parted. 

As I travel the southern terrain today, I’m curious to see what I will discover. My mum told me that my pa was more adventurous while she was more circumspect. I’m sure it was because she raised me; I’m sure of it. 

The young man studied the typical dead, black trees and shrubbery while lowering his eyes and tugging at his tattered tan shirt. His gaze shifted from the barren landscape to the distant horizon, where a hint of curiosity sparkled in his eyes.

Crosoft swiveled his head to look at the cottage’s plants. 

Will I ever understand why my garden thrives inside but withers outside? His brows furrowed. When Crosoft got up from the window and reached for his hand-carved oak walking stick, his step quickened. He grinned as he took a look at the cane. I wish I understood what the gold metal meant. 

I am thankful that my pa left me this walking stick. It is stunning. He flashed his pearly white teeth in a wide smile. He turned his head and again focused on the gold medal perched atop his stick. The gold medal symbolized his pa’s achievements and constantly reminded him of the legacy he had inherited. Crosoft was proud and motivated to continue nurturing his garden, hoping to uncover the secret behind its thriving beauty. He turned the white doorknob and opened the wooden door while covering his mouth and nose with a triangular-shaped cloth. 

Mum never explained why the cottage is never filled with ashy air. Before he exited the cottage, he inhaled the scent of blooming flowers, filling his senses with a sweet and refreshing aroma.  

He lowered his head and shrugged. Upon entering, his forehead furrowed when he stepped on the dead leaves and branches in the front yard. Under the pressure of his feet, they crumbled and broke. He was no longer alarmed by the sounds of rodents beneath the overgrowth. Instead, he found solace in the familiar crunching sound, a reminder of the life still in the cottage.

I consider myself fortunate to reside in a home with clean air. But I hope the forest will someday come to life like in my mum’s stories, he sighed and dipped his head. 

The dead tree branches scraping against the ground made an unsettling sound. The moment the black thicket to his left began to tremble, Crosoft’s shoulders tensed, and his heart began to race.

Is that a snarl I hear? His eyes darted toward the source of the sound, his imagination conjuring images of fierce creatures lurking in the shadows. The hairs on his neck stood on end as he strained to catch any further signs of movement. He shook and bit his bottom lip, but he inched closer.

Ouch! After a tree branch tore his skin, he rubbed his injured arm. When he saw a gray beast feasting on a white wolf guarding her lifeless pups, his eyes widened, and his face turned white.

It growled, threatening Crosoft with its razor-sharp, blood-dripping yellow teeth as its fire-colored eyes shone. He flinched and swallowed forcefully as a cold sweat spread over his body. 

A light beam emerged from the medallion on his stick and killed the beast. Confused, he raised his brows and fixed his gaze on the metal. The light beam illuminated the surrounding area, revealing intricate symbols on the medallion’s surface. Curiosity mixed with fear as Crosoft reached to touch the medal, wondering what powers it held.

The pendant kept me safe and put an end to the beast. The area around me was healed, but how? 

He was astonished to find the grass alive, tall trees and huge purple flowers growing around his feet. The vibrant colors and flourishing life around him seemed almost magical, as though the medallion had restored and revived the land. It was as if nature responded to the pendant’s power, leaving Crosoft in awe of its potential.

He cast a glance at the symbol, perplexed by its abilities. 

What noise did I hear? I am aware that the beast is no longer alive. Was there a pair of creatures? 

Crosoft’s body trembled as his adrenaline surged, and he rubbed the side of his neck.

He remembered what his mum had told him: Fear is your enemy. His heart was in his throat as he pulled his hair back. Taking a deep breath, Crosoft tried to calm his racing thoughts. He reminded himself that he had been trained for this moment, and now was not the time to let fear consume him. With determination in his eyes and tightening his grip on the staff, he prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. 

I’m up for this. 

Crosoft maneuvered around the now-green thicket while holding his cane out in front of him. He did not see any other animals, and the wolves had died. A whimper was audible. 

There must have been a pup that escaped death. Crosoft searched the area. He squatted down next to the cubs and moved the ones on top with a cloth he pulled out of his pocket. When a tiny white head rose, he winced. The pup’s eyes were filled with fear and innocence, reminding him of the fragility of life. He carefully picked up the cub, cradling it in his arms, determined to nurse it back to health and protect it from further harm.

How did you avoid being harmed by the beast? Until you can walk alone, I will take you home, Crosoft moved toward his house while holding the cub tenderly in his arms. 

Another branch broke five feet behind him, close to the cottage door. He stopped, his shoulders tensed, and his brows rose. The young lad turned and looked around. 

It’s too dark; nothing is visible. The young boy gulped and rushed inside the cottage. He felt secure after the lock clicked. While holding the cub, Crosoft lit a lantern to illuminate the room. He knew that staying inside would provide them both with safety and comfort. 

We are fortunate. The fire is still active, the lad said, shaking his arms. He placed the infant on the tan wool rug beside the fireplace.

Remain here and keep warm. I must bandage my wound. I don’t want it to worsen. Afterward, I’ll bring you some elk milk. Crosoft grabbed a leaf from the alkalizing plant and wrapped his arm.

I’ll be there right away, he smiled, poured the liquid into a tiny bowl, and then went to where the cub awaited.

This is for you, he said, kneeling beside the cub and gently placing the bowl before him, hoping it would provide nourishment and comfort.

The cub licked his finger after he dipped it into the milk. Good boy, he rubbed his head.

You can stay here until you get stronger. Tonight, you will stay warm by the fire. Goodnight and I’ll see you in the morning. He drew a deep breath, closed the tan drapes, extinguished the oil lamps, and climbed into bed. 

As he lay in bed, he couldn’t help but worry about the cub’s future. He hoped that providing it with nourishment and warmth would give it a better chance at survival.

• • •

The white wolf strengthened over three months. 

Crosoft knelt alongside him. You have been a great companion, and I enjoyed our time together. He hunched his shoulders forward and had his hair hanging in his face.

The white wolf nuzzled Crosoft’s hand as if understanding his words. Crosoft couldn’t help but feel sad at the thought of parting ways with his loyal friend. As they prepared to say their goodbyes, Crosoft reflected on the bond they had formed. The white wolf’s