Fate of Realms — John Edgell

This riveting fantasy story is other realms fantasy at its best. It will grab you attention and delight your reading fancies. It is a complex story with twists of mystery and numerous intriguing characters. In this riveting fantasy story, an old prophecy by Hewbra Hamky, aged, blind and on her death bed, is given to Jafner Krewkr. The prophecy, cryptic and all but forgotten, had been given at Jafner's birth: The shriveled seeress stared from empty eye sockets, took out her dark spectacles...and pointed a twisted shaky finger at the wee child. I name the boy Jafner, Glowing One, for I see a star shining in a dark, dark sky. The old woman's raspy high pitched voice grabbed the attention of all who gathered in the room. Years later, Hewbra, Jafner's adopted great-grandmother, lay dying and has called for Jafner. In her few remaining minutes, she gives Jafner a gift. The gift puzzles him, the spectacles she had worn to cover her blindness, and she has been blind for as long as he has known her. The prophecy has long been the impetus for Jafner being the butt of jokes and much ridicule. Hewbra had prophesied that although he would have no stature or rank, his destiny was greatness. Since Jafner ended up being the town chimney sweep, that made for endless scathing ridicule by just about everybody in Farhill. Jafner shows amazing restraint and good character by living humbly, and decides to pay no mind to the gossipy town folk of Farhill. Their unkind and unfair treatment included almost being railroaded into an unwanted and unsolicited marriage! Hewbra gives Jafner a charge. He must go on a journey to The Felding, and Jafner has no idea what or where that is, or what possible reason there could be to go there. But with little to hold his heart in his hometown of Farhill, he makes up his mind to find out, despite the urging of his adopted parents to rethink the idea. Why not take this opportunity for a grand adventure at the ripe old age of sixteen? Jafner declares it to be a grand holiday, and argues that he will be safe, as he will be taking Shaspra, his pet drax, a normally vicious animal that Jafner tamed. Coinciding with Jafner's decision to embark on the journey, the town is visited by eelan, strange religious beings, neither men nor elves, dressed in robes that appear intent on deceiving the locals into believing in their god, and not Elohim (Baruch, the Maker of Realms). This does not sit well with Jafner or his friend Kaspy, who are believers in Elohim. Unbeknownst to Jafner, his holiday will not be a solitary one. His friend Kaspy decides he cannot let his friend go alone and joins him part way into the trip. As they travel the rough terrain, days go by and it becomes evident that both young men are being stalked. Eelan are spotted along the way, and Jafner and Kaspy begin to realize that they both are in serious danger, but it's too late to turn back. Jafner and Kaspy face mortal peril in the long journey, which ultimately takes them to the Unholy Abyss, to the chamber of the Aajin of the Damned, a place of the living dead, a place where evil souls do the bidding of their leader, Aapal, whose sole mission and desire is to conquer Jafner, the one of whom the prophecy spoke. Jafner's destiny is finally revealed. But it appears it is too late, for alas, both are trapped facing torture and death. Writing other realms fantasy stories is not new to this author. His stories will take you to a variety of fascinating realms with intriguing characters and creatures, a real treat! He has written numerous one of a kind riveting fantasy stories as well as a couple of delightful series. Check them out!