Chronicle of Forgotten Legends. Good and evil

Chronicle of Forgotten Legends

Good and evil

Akop Nagabedyan

© Akop Nagabedyan, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0065-3910-5

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Chapter 1:

Edward had always felt out of place. In a small village surrounded by dense forests and high mountains, he was known as a fragile boy with dreams that seemed too big for his weak body. His peers often teased him, calling him a «coward» and a «loser» because he could not participate in their games of physical strength. Instead of running through fields and fighting imaginary enemies, Edward preferred to spend his time alone, immersed in books about great warriors and magic.

Every morning he woke up with the hope that today would be the day he could prove to everyone that he was capable of more. But usually his dreams were shattered by reality. He watched the other boys throw javelins and shoot arrows while his own attempts failed. Edward felt his heart clench with resentment, but he didn’t give up. Deep down, he knew that his true power was somewhere inside, he just had to find a way to unleash it.

In the evenings, when the sun was setting, Edward often went into the woods to be alone with nature. He loved to listen to the whispering trees and the singing birds, who seemed friendlier to him than his peers. In these moments, he dreamed of how one day he would become a great warrior who could protect the weak and take revenge on those who wronged him.

Chapter 2:

Edward grew more and more confident in his abilities after meeting Darion. His lessons with Darion had opened up new horizons for him, and he could feel his strength growing. Deep down, however, he realized that he needed more than knowledge to become a true mage. He must learn about the world of the dark elves, their culture and traditions.

One day, after a particularly productive class, Darion told Edward that it was time to go to the Dark Elf village. It was a place where magic flourished, and where Edward could gain knowledge that would help him become stronger.

– Are you ready for this journey? – Darion asked, his voice serious. – The Dark Elf Village is not as simple as it seems. You will face many trials there.

Edward nodded, determined. He knew this was his chance.

The next morning they set out on their journey. The forest that had once seemed like home to him now looked different. Every rustle, every sound reminded him that he was on the threshold of something great. Darion led him down winding paths, and soon they were at the edge of the forest where the dark lands began.

As they approached the village, Edward was amazed. The houses were built of ebony, decorated with carvings depicting scenes from the lives of the dark elves. There was an atmosphere of magic and mystery. Edward felt his heart beat faster with excitement.

– Welcome,» Darion said as they entered the village. – Here you can learn more about magic and about yourself.

The dark elves stopped when they saw them and began to whisper. Some of them looked at Edward with curiosity, others with distrust. He realized that his presence here would not be taken lightly.

Darion approached one of the village elders, his face covered with deep wrinkles and his eyes glowing with wisdom. – This is my apprentice, Edward,» he said. – He has come to learn.

The Elder studied Edward carefully, then nodded. – If he wants to learn, let him pass the test. Only those who can overcome challenges can become part of our world.

Edward felt a thrill of excitement wash over him. He knew that this test could be a decisive moment in his life.

– What do I have to do? – He asked, trying to hide the tremor in his voice.

The elder pointed to the dark forest that stretched beyond the village. – You must find and bring me the flower of the night. It only grows in the deepest parts of the forest and is guarded by the spirits. If you can get it, it will prove your strength and determination.

Edward nodded, and, gathering his courage, he set off into the forest. Darion stayed behind, watching him proudly and anxiously.

The forest was full of shadows and rustles. Edward felt his fears begin to return, but he forced himself to keep going. He knew that this challenge was his chance to prove that he was capable of more.

After much searching, he finally found the flower of the night. Its petals glowed in the darkness like stars in the night sky. Edward picked it carefully, feeling his heart fill with joy and pride.

When he returned to the village, the elder accepted the flower with respect. – «You have shown courage and determination,» he said. – Now you can learn from us.

Chapter 3:

Edward stood in the center of the dark elf village, his heart still pounding with excitement after the ordeal. Now that he had proven his resolve, he was ready to immerse himself in a world he had only dreamed of before. The village, surrounded by dense forests and mysterious shadows, was full of life and magic. Every corner of it breathed history, and Edward sensed that there was much more to come.

The Elder, accepting the flower of the night, invited Edward to follow him. They headed towards a large round building made of ebony wood and decorated with carvings depicting scenes from the lives of the dark elves. Inside, the atmosphere was cozy and warm, despite the dark colors that dominated the interior.

– This is our home,» the elder said, pointing to the walls covered with paintings and symbols. – This is where we keep the knowledge and traditions of our people. Each of these symbols tells a story about our ancestors, how we learned to use magic and live in harmony with the darkness.

Edward scrutinized the images. He saw scenes of dark elves communing with the spirits of the forest, using magic to protect their village, and celebrating important events. He felt his interest in the culture of the dark elves grow.

– We are not just mages,“ the elder continued. – „We are the keepers of balance. Darkness is not evil, but part of nature. We are learning to use its power to protect our world and maintain harmony.

Edward nodded, realizing that his understanding of magic was beginning to change. He had always thought of dark magic as something dangerous, but now he saw that it could be both a power and a defense.

The Elder led him to a hall where other dark elves were gathered. They looked at Edward with curiosity, and he felt embarrassment overwhelm him. But the Elder introduced him as a new apprentice, and soon the atmosphere lightened. The elves began to share their knowledge, talking about different aspects of magic, how they interacted with nature and spirits.

Edward was amazed at how deeply the dark elves respected nature. They explained that every magic required sacrifice, and that it was important to understand how to use power without upsetting the balance. He listened with bated breath, absorbing every word.

Soon Edward was invited to the traditional ritual that was held in honor of a new apprentice. He was filled with excitement as he was led into a circle surrounded by dark elves who began to sing ancient songs. The music was mesmerizing, and Edward felt the magic fill the air.

– It is a ritual of acceptance,» the elder explained. – It symbolizes your connection to our people and to magic. You must be willing to accept whatever it gives you.

Edward closed his eyes and focused on the sounds and sensations. He felt his energy connect with the energy of those around him, and in that moment he realized that he was part of something bigger. He wasn’t just a student, he was part of a community that valued magic and nature.

Chapter 4:

Edward awoke early in the morning as the first rays of light broke through the leaves of the trees, illuminating the dark elf village. A spark of hope still burned in his heart, and he felt that this morning would be the beginning of a new phase of his life. After the ritual of acceptance, he was determined to learn and grasp the secrets of magic that the dark elves held.

The Elder, noticing his willingness, invited Edward to see a great dark mage named Loren. Loren was known for his wisdom and power, and was considered by many to be one of the most powerful mages of his time. Edward knew that learning from him would be a real challenge.

– Loren is waiting for you,» the elder said, pointing to a path that led to a secluded spot in the forest. – He will be your mentor. Be prepared for hardship, but remember that each lesson is a step toward becoming you.

Edward nodded, and, pulling himself together, headed toward where Loren lived. On the way, he pondered what awaited him. He knew that magic required not only knowledge but also inner strength, and he was ready to overcome any obstacles.

As he approached Loren’s hut, his heart beat faster. The hut was surrounded by magical symbols, and a light scent of herbs and flowers filled the air. Edward knocked on the door, and soon it opened. Loren stood before him, a tall elf with long black hair and penetrating eyes that seemed to be able to see into his very soul.

– Welcome, Edward,» Loren said, his voice deep and melodic. – I’ve been waiting for you. Are you ready to begin your training?

– Yes, I’m ready,» Edward replied, trying to hide his excitement.

Loren nodded and invited him in. It was dark but cozy inside the cabin. The walls were covered with books and scrolls, and in the center stood a table with various magical artifacts on it.

– The first thing you must understand,“ Loren began, „is that magic is not just power. It is an art that requires respect and understanding. You must learn to feel the magic around you and within you.

Loren led Edward through many lessons, starting with the basics. He taught him how to focus and use his inner energy to interact with the world around him. Edward learned how to meditate, how to feel and control magical flows. Each lesson was challenging, but he could feel his power growing.

One day, during class, Loren offered Edward a challenge. He had to create a magical shield that would protect him from negative energy. Edward concentrated, feeling the magic fill him. He closed his eyes and visualized a glowing shield forming around him. Suddenly he felt his energy begin to waver, and the shield emerged around him, glowing brightly.

– Good,» Loren said, watching his student’s success. – But remember that magic requires wisdom as well as strength. You must use it with care.

Edward nodded, realizing that every action he took had consequences. He continued to learn from Loren, and his confidence grew with each passing day.

Chapter 5:

With each new day, Edward became more and more immersed in the world of magic. Studying with Loren had become his passion, and every minute spent in the dark magician’s hut brought new discoveries. His confidence grew, and with each lesson he became more and more aware of his abilities.

One day, Loren suggested that Edward do some practical exercises to solidify his new knowledge. It was early morning, and the sunlight was shining through the leaves of the trees, creating magical patterns on the ground.

– Today we’ll be practicing elemental magic,» Loren said, pointing to a small pond reflecting the bright sky. – Your task is to control the water elemental. It may seem simple, but it requires a great deal of patience and feeling.

Edward listened intently as the mage explained the basics of working with water. He realized that this was an important step in his journey to becoming a powerful mage. He crept to the bank of the pond and closed his eyes, focusing on his senses. He could feel the coolness of the water and its movement, as if the magic itself was calling to him.

– Start with a small stream,» Loren suggested, watching Edward. – Let the water become an extension of you. Open your mind and heart.

Following the instructions, Edward began to raise his arms slowly, imagining the water in the pond rising with him. He could feel the energy flowing through him as he focused on his intentions. Suddenly, to his surprise, small drops of water began to rise from the pond, forming a sparkling rope that coiled around his hands.

– Very good! – Loren said admiringly. – Now try to create a water balloon. Concentrate on the shape and close the stream.

Edward nodded, his heart overflowing with excitement. He sank into meditation, visualizing the crystal clear water gathering into a rounded shape, as if nature itself were responding to his call. He felt the energy gathering in his palms and, concentrating, he opened his eyes. A transparent ball the size of a grapefruit appeared in his hands, glistening in the sun.

– Perfect! – Loren exclaimed. – You’ve found the connection to the water element. Now try to control it. Let’s make the ball change its shape and dance in the air.

Edward moved his hands with confidence, directing his will, and the water ball began to move smoothly, changing its shape-it turned into sparkling drops that gathered into a waterfall and then returned to its previous form. Edward marveled at the effect, feeling the joy of successfully completing the task.

– You did it, Edward! – Loren said with satisfaction. – Each success brings you closer to understanding magic. It is important that you do not forget the importance of harmony with nature and, above all, with yourself.

A few days later, Edward continued practicing applied magic. Loren’s training covered different elements – he mastered sound, light, and learned to interact with earth and air. Each new lesson left a deep imprint on his soul, and he felt his powers begin to develop like a flower blooming in the sunlight.

Loren noticed that Edward was not only absorbing the knowledge, but was becoming more and more confident in his individuality in magic. One day, when they were practicing in the forest, Loren offered him a challenge: create a spell that combined several elements.

– This will be your first test in creating a complex spell,» the mage said, his voice full of anticipation. – Start with what you know and let your imagination lead you to a new result.

Edward felt excited, but also energized. He began to focus on a kind of visualization of magic-a mixture of water, light, and earth. He visualized all the elements coming together in one space, creating bright sparks dancing in the air.

Gathering his strength, Edward began to recite the words of the spell. Each time he spoke, he added a new element, linking them together. Suddenly, multicolored lights sparkled around him, creating a unique effect in the air-a water cocoon, glittering and shimmering.

Loren stood proudly, watching his apprentice’s progress. Edward felt the magic overwhelm him, causing excitement and delight. In that moment, he realized that his efforts were beginning to pay off-he had gained the ability he had dreamed of.

– Wonderful, Edward! You’ve created something unique,» Loren said, his voice deep with respect.

Chapter 6:

Edward grew more and more confident in his abilities and immersed himself more and more in learning magic. His progress was attracting attention, and it wasn’t always positive. In the dark elf village where he lived, attitudes towards magic were mixed. Many considered mages special, but not everyone shared their enthusiasm.

One evening, as the sunset flared the sky with red and gold lights, Edward returned to the village after a class with Loren. He was full of inspiration and joy, noticing his confidence growing within him. But soon his optimism was dampened.

Outside, a group of young elves walked past Edward with disgruntled expressions on their faces. He heard one of them let out a mocking chuckle.

– Look who’s back! – He said to his companion. – It’s the same guy who thinks he can become a mage just because he found some powers.

Edward felt irritation overwhelm him. He realized that his successes might have caused envy and resentment among his fellow villagers, but he hadn’t expected such an open attack.

– I’m not a ’lad,»» he replied restrainedly, trying not to give in to emotion. – My name is Edward, and I’m studying under Loren to become a real mage.

– A real mage? – the other elf repeated ironically. – You’re just out of touch with reality! We live in fear and hardship here, and you’re dreaming!

The conversation attracted the attention of the other residents, and soon a small crowd gathered around. Edward felt the tension building. He knew that the magic he was learning frightened many people, and it could cause conflict.

– I’m just trying to learn magic to help our village,» he said, trying to be reasoned. – Magic can give us new opportunities, protect us from threats, and improve our lives.

– There is no magic that can change our destiny! – shouted one of the fiercest opponents, a tall elf with a sullen face and shrewd eyes. – You are only playing with forces you do not understand! You are putting us in danger!

As if on cue, the crowd supported his shouts, and discontent erupted. Edward could feel his emotions running high, and it hurt him terribly to see his loved ones turn their backs on him.

– I know that not everyone can understand my purpose,» he said loudly enough to block out the noise of the crowd. – But teaching magic is my way of making the world around us a better place. I’m not going to impose my ideas, but don’t let fear control you! We can band together and create something great together!

But instead of calming the situation, his words only fueled the anger of the crowd. The elves began shouting accusations and threats, some even whispering incantations as if they could drive him away from the village.

Edward felt his own fears begin to manifest. He realized he wasn’t acting the way he wanted to. He didn’t want conflict, but he wasn’t going to give up his ambition either.

At that moment, a village elder emerged from the crowd. Despite his years, his voice sounded loud and confident.

– Enough! – He said, drawing everyone’s attention to himself. – Edward, you have chosen your path, and it is your destiny. But remember that magic is a powerful tool that carries both good and evil. This road requires responsibility.

The Elder looked at the crowd, causing silence with his presence.

– Let us not divide our village into supporters and opponents,» he continued. – Everyone has the right to make their own way. Edward may be the one to help us, but you must also remember your rightness and respect for each other.

The Elder had eased the heat, but the tension was still in the air. Edward took a deep breath and realized that this conflict may have just begun to bring to the surface what was hidden in people’s hearts.

– Thank you, Elder,» he said, trying to remain calm. – I will continue my journey and hope that in the future I can prove to everyone that magic can only do good.

The crowd slowly began to disperse, but there was still animosity in the eyes of some.

Chapter 7:

At night, back at his cabin, Edward couldn’t shake off the intrusive thoughts of the conflict with his fellow villagers. All sorts of images and emotions were intertwined in his mind, and he wondered how far he had come since he had discovered magic. To calm his mind, he decided to think back to his childhood.

Edward closed his eyes and sank into his memories. He was a young boy living in a village full of joy and simple pleasures. The sun shone brightly in the sky, and shone on his face as he played with other children in the flood meadows surrounding their home place. Images of delicate flowers, fragrant herbs, summer-smelling meadows, and good friends with whom he shared all his dreams came to mind.

A few highlights from that time left a deep mark on his heart. He remembered once catching butterflies with his friends, laughing viciously when one of them accidentally landed on his nose. They laughed amicably and shared funny stories, knowing nothing but happiness.

– We will be best friends forever! – With those words, they shook hands in childish naivete, promising that nothing could ever keep them apart.

Edward remembered his very first encounter with magic. It had been when he had accidentally stumbled upon a small lake in the woods, full of sparkling fireflies. He was struck by their beauty and, feeling the wind blowing, expressed his desire to catch one. To his surprise, as if understanding him, the firefly flew to his hand and stayed there for a moment before disappearing again into the night. In that instant, he realized that there was something more than a simple life, and that was the beginning of his love for magic.

This love of magic was noticed by his mother, a kind soul who always told him stories of great mages and their wisdom. She talked about how magic connects people, how it helps find dreams and hopes. Those stories left an impression on Edward that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

But soon his memories began to include more than just happy moments. Edward also remembered the worries that had begun to flood his childhood years. There were rumors of dark entities in the village, and his friends began to show fear. Some of them simply walked away, leaving a place that had once seemed safe for them.

Edward maintained his curiosity despite these worries. He continued to explore the forests around him, but increasingly felt that his dream of magic was becoming something unattainable in the eyes of those around him. He felt himself slowly losing intimacy with his friends due to growing fear and misunderstandings.

Returning to reality, Edward opened his eyes. Feelings arose within him that helped him understand why he so desired to become a mage. Magic was not just a power to him, but a way to connect with those he loved and those he had lost. He couldn’t let fear control his life and the lives of his fellow villagers.

Understanding his own past helped him gain clarity. Edward knew his path would not be easy, but it was his calling. He had to fight prejudice and fears to someday bring his village back to understanding and accepting magic.

Inspired, he felt a surge of strength again. Edward picked up his journal and began jotting down thoughts of the future. He dreamed of creating a space where magic would be a part of their lives, not something to be bewildered or feared. He described his hopes in his journal – to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to show that magic could be a source of light and inspiration.

This night was unusually inspiring. Edward decided that he would be wise to share his thoughts with Loren at the next class. Perhaps his ideas about unity and the use of magic would help him to create a dialog with his fellow villagers, and then they would see magic in a new light.

Chapter 8:

The next morning, Edward looked forward to his class with Loren. There was a combination of excitement and anxiety in his heart, for he felt that the learning process itself was becoming more and more serious and in-depth. Today they were to explore dark spells, an area Edward had heard many troubling stories and warnings about, but also one of stopping magical potential.

When he arrived at Loren’s cabin, he was already waiting for him. The room was in semi-darkness, and old, worn books lay on the table. Loren, dressed in a long, dark cloak, looked at Edward with a faint smile.

– Good morning, Edward. Today we will be exploring dark spells. They can be dangerous, but in the hands of a wise mage, they can be useful for protection and salvation.

Edward nodded, feeling a mixture of interest and fear growing inside him. Loren opened one of the books, and his voice drowned out the rustle of the pages.

– Dark spells are often thought of as evil and dangerous, but they are really just a tool. Like any tool, they depend on the intentions of the person using them. A mage can use them for good or for harm.

Loren began to explain how the spell he was going to teach Edward worked. It allowed him to temporarily bind the enemy’s forces, creating isolation and allowing him to escape danger. Edward listened carefully, realizing that this spell could be useful for both defense and attack. But with each new word, he became more and more aware of the risks he was taking in learning such things.

– «Remember,» Loren continued, ’with such power comes great responsibility. You need to be well aware of the consequences of your actions before you use a dark spell. This is not a game.