This is my first piece, and I welcome any criticism.
In times long past, worlds were different. Each world was in someway connected to another. These connections were no secret, and were the first gateways. In time, these connections became literal gateways, as in a substantial entrance, like a door. The people of each world would travel freely. But, shadows were beginning to emerge. These were not like your typical shadow. These were beast and demons such as you could only see in the darkest nightmare of your darkest hour. They were vanquished by the heroes of old, yet they had already corrupted some. Those who had been corrupted were then named after those who had corrupted them. The Shadows sought to take over the gateways, and rule all worlds. The leader of the world of Anercien had known of their plans. He opened his worlds gateway as a trap. He sent them instead of to the world of their choice to a barren land, with no name. Then, King Gwyloni, for that was he, locked each gateway, and scattered the keys to all the remaining worlds. He also took the master key, the one to open the Shadow's world, and broke it into pieces, and sent it to the worlds as well. The pieces were disguised as something important to that world. He also appointed guardians to each piece, and they were the ones with the power to travel between worlds, and use the force of magic. These were the precautions taken.
For many years, peace was triumphant. Yet corruption existed still. And one of the guardians, Realmdrifters, as they were known, became corrupt, and sought to free the Shadows. For years, he was kept in his world, and a Realmdrifter was appointed to replace him, yet he retained his powers. At last, he escaped and got one piece of the master key. A team of young Realmdrifters was sent to capture him. But wait. Perhaps I should start at the beginning.
Chapter one
I was running through the grass towards my home. I was in a hurry because, as usual, I had forgotten the time. I was late coming from the amulet shop, were I worked. There had been a sale on the new amulet of love seekers. I lived in a small cottage with my mother, who was a healer, my father, a carpenter, and my younger bother. I was a boy of fourteen, with long dark brown hair. I had always been told I had "piercing" green eyes. I was about five foot two inches tall. We lived on the outskirts of a small village in Anercian's main province, Relicia. The village was called Callerna.
I rushed through the door, knocking over a pile of books. My brother, Narne, was quite messy, and was studying to be a healer like my mum was. I shook the herbs off my clothes, and continued to the table. My family was just beginning to eat.
My father said, "Mel, it's about time. Sit down and enjoy this stew your mother made."
I replied, "Of course. Why not? My mum can cook better than a professional in the palaces of Plenlia."
It was a common joke around the house. After sitting down to dinner, we went to the main room and lit a fire. It was time for Father's stories. Dad could tell the best stories, after he had been apprenticed to a bard. That, however, was not his calling, but he had learned much from it.
"Tonight," he began,"I tell you of the guardians of the worlds. I tell you of the Realmdrifters."
I had heard this before. I always liked it. I still did.
"The Realmdrifters are not like you and me. They can harness the powers of magic, like the wizards and master bards. Yet, they have no retaliation from the magic. They do not get dizzy or sick. This talent allows them to travel to all ten worlds. This is what sets them apart from everyone else. They guard each world.
"Once every three years, they will go to a meeting in the Anercian palace. There they discuss things not many know. It is said they will speak of the ways to fix problems in certain worlds. Another rumor states that they will speak of ancient problems that plague us still. Yet I know that they discuss..."
That was when my life was shattered forever.
