Charlemagne´s Return

Charlemagne sleeps in the Untersberg, but now he must return to aid the mortals.

Charlemagnes Return Mark Frederic Tiwo
(expository summary)


Dawn breaks over the Untersberg, a mountain of myth, where Emperor Charlemagne stirs in his eternal sleep. Every century, he awakes, watching for the ravens. If twenty-four circle, he sleeps on. If not... he must act.

Myth and reality collide in Salzburg. Alva (violin), Andy (drums), Stella (flute), and Clemens (voice), four young heroes, are chosen by the emperor. They would stand with Charlemagne. But the peace is shattered. The Rastances, creatures of darkness, emerge from the mountain's depths, seeking to break their spirits.

Yet, the heroes resist. With the Emperor's help, they fight back, their bond strengthened. Charlema-gne, needing allies, finds Xaysinert, an extraterrestrial. Geomancy becomes their weapon.

llinespace:1.5}Alva's violin, Stella's voice, Andy's rhythm, and Clemens' vocal power serve as a strong force. They unleash their creativity. grow telepathic and their their senses are heightened.

The Rastances ally with alien invaders. music is turned into an irresistible weapon, and even the exo-planet Sesnuk yields. Charlemagne prevails, the Rastances are held at bay. The battle for humanity has begun.




Charlemagne's Return



The dawn broke over the Untersberg, bathing the mountain's rugged peaks in a warm light. The imposing mountain giant seemed to stretch towards the heavens. A mysterious silence surrounded the legendary behemoth. The air was fresh and clean, with a hint of damp earth and dark fir trees.
A pitch-black raven crawled out of a deeply bent tree, its black wings beating slowly as it sailed through the air. It landed on a moss-covered rock, its eyes attentively scanning the landscape. The presence of the raven seemed to awaken the mountain, and the air began to vibrate with fine energy. A second raven appeared, its arrival calm and unobtrusive. The two birds seemed to communicate without words, their glances conveying a deep familiarity. Together, the ravens hopped towards a gnarled fir tree, its branches twisted and shaped by violent weather changes. The tree seemed to bow as if listening to the silent conversation of the ravens. The clear alpine scent and the sound of the wind rustling through the trees were a boon to the waiting birds.
As the ravens settled on their new perch, a figure emerged from the mist. It was a woman, clad in a robe of deep, heavenly blue. Her presence was calm and commanding; she moved with slow, deli-berate steps. Xandra was an elegant figure of impressive stature. Her taut, almost muscular physique was the result of strict discipline. The slightly tanned skin and delicate facial features naturally underscored her noble disposition. The crystal-clear green eyes could withstand any gaze. The dark eyebrows and striking facial features supported her magical aura. The short, close-fitting hair, with its bright shimmer, emphasised the imposing aura of this, nevertheless, very feminine being, whose well-formed mouth repeatedly signalled a warm smile. Xandra's flowing robe silhouetted her figure and gave her movements an extraordinary grace. The fabric fanned around her with delicate refinement, so that one could get the impression that she was a supernatural being. In her hands, she held a short staff that emitted blue sparks of light. It seemed like an addition to her physical beauty and gave her a power that came from the inner forces of the magic mountain. The immense energy that flowed to her from it made her a powerful ally for a monarch, to whose grotto she was now striving with her companions.
Many years past, Charlemagne and this Celtic sorceress had met through extraordinary circumstances. The Emperor, newly roused from his centuries-long slumber, had known Xandra for a long time and had repeatedly called upon her services. Some two hundred years prior, the Alagiertiner had caused such a ruckus amongst the inhabitants of the imperial grotto that help was sought. How were they to face these ghastly creatures from the Nixloch, whose superhuman strength and dark magic in the Almbach Gorge had driven the imperial troops to a desperate battle? Through their sorcery, the Alagiertiner had grown so powerful that the dwarf Huidal was tasked with seeking allies within the Untersberg. During one of his explorations, near the Geiereck Huidal chanced upon Xandra. She spoke to him, even before he had voiced his request. Apparently, she was familiar with the Alagiertiner, whom she had already been forced to restrain in the Elfengrotte, as they were on the verge of overrunning the elven castle. Xandra revealed to Huidal that she was descended from the Yalufer, an ancient family of mages whose roots lay in the world of the Celts. The Yalufer knew all the important power spots in the Untersberg and drew their strength from their energy fields. The magic they possessed was so potent that it armed them against any danger.
Xandra had succeeded in countering the magic of the Alagiertiner with equally potent sorcery. She recounted her most impressive experience: "The Alagiertiner kill anyone who stands in their way with dark magic. A hundred years ago, I faced them in a treacherous gorge. When the leader of the horde raised his devastating fist to obliterate me, I challenged this fiend. I invoked my Panim Grenn, a spell of Celtic origin, whose power emanated from the sacred oak, against his Zarax Morsum. To my astonishment, the attackers fled immediately. Since then, they have avoided me."
Deeply impressed, Huidal asked her to stand by the emperor's side. She looked at him, her eyes flashing briefly. In an instant, they were whisked through the air and found themselves before the Emperor. They bowed and awaited his words.
Charles, visibly pleased, turned spontaneously to Huidal: "We are glad to see you again so soon and to know that you have found assistance." Then he addressed Xandra: "We welcome you to Our grotto. Huidal has hopefully informed you of Our troubles. Who are you, and how can you assist Us?" Xandra regarded the emperor intently. For generations, he had awaited the moment when he could once again set things right among the people. Despite his advanced age and impressive beard, he was a truly majestic figure. With remarkable vitality, he sat upon his imperial throne. Neither his hands nor the visible part of his face bore the marks of time. His bushy eyebrows and penetrating gaze commanded respect and equally fascinated the high-ranking nobles and seasoned warriors gathered there. His full hair, not even touched by grey, was yet another sign of his unbroken virility.
Xandra, unfazed by the court's splendour, replied in a firm voice: "I am Xandra, a Yalufer. My ancestors learned the magic of the trees from the Celts. The Alagiertiner avoid me because my magic surpasses theirs, as their roots reach far back into the past, and the strong power of nature acts directly upon me. I offer you my assistance in the fight against them."Charlemagne studied her intently, then nodded in agreement. "As you know, the Alagiertiner are Our bitter enemies. They have repeatedly caused us great harm with their raids. Your help would be most welcome. What do you expect in return?" Xandra answered without hesitation: "You must know that the Yalufer have always served the rulers to whom they pledged their loyalty. Through our constant efforts, we knew all the important defensive techniques against the machinations of darkness. Since I know your noble disposition, I am prepared to use my magic in your service. It is tradition in our family to maintain the balance of power in the Untersberg and to put a stop to evil forces. The Alagiertiner are cold-blooded murderers, and we must put them in their place. I will stand by your side in the fight to neutralise them."
Many years had passed, during which they had repeatedly crossed swords with the relentless Ala-giertiner. Since that last, decisive encounter, when Xandra struck the final blow by invoking the secret of the willow tree. She trusted the Druid priests, who revered the willow as a powerful mediator between life and death. A hurricane of brightly coloured lightning bolts swept over the enemies, who, seized by panic, immediately fled, never to be heard from again. Xandra hadn't seen the emperor in some time, yet her thoughts were ever with him, and she sought to aid him indirectly with her keen sense for danger. The gathering today filled her with great anticipation. In her hand rested a wand, from which a gentle, blue light still pulsed. The tip now traced a slow circle, as if painting an ancient sign of protection and power in the air.
Xandra's gaze met the eyes of the ravens, and for a moment, an invisible bond seemed to connect the three. It was as if they formed a single unit, existing beyond words. One sensed they were on the cusp of something momentous. Xandra's voice was calm and controlled, while her words carried an unwavering authority. "Today is the day we have waited for," she said, her eyes fixed on the ravens, who had settled upon her shoulders. "In the heart of the Emperor's grotto, Charlemagne will decide when he shall reappear to the world."
Xandra raised her staff, which emitted a low hum. In the next moment, they were gone, leaving on-ly the faintest whisper of the wind behind. They found themselves before an overwhelming rock face, its surface covered with a tangle of ancient ivy. The ravens bowed their heads, their beaks striking the hard stone in precise, targeted blows. The wall groaned, split apart, and revealed a hidden entrance, adorned with an ancient map. In fine, silvery light, the constellations of the heavens shone As they crossed the threshold, the gate closed behind them, as if guarding the secrets within.
Soft murmurs and muffled musical notes drifted from the depths of the mountain, beckoning them onward. Their path led them into a cool, damp passage, deep into the heart of the Untersberg. At the end of the path stood two guardians, clad in furs, witnesses to a bygone era. Their eyes signalled instant recognition as Xandra and her companions approached. They nodded in unison to grant them access.
Xandra entered the grand hall, her heart a drum against her ribs. The vast cavern, a marvel of na-ture's design, was lit by flickering torches that cast eerie shadows upon the dark walls. At its heart stood the Emperor's round table, a monolithic slab of oak and iron, surrounded by nobles and knights from across the breadth of Europe. Their armour gleamed almost imperceptibly, adorned with the seals of forgotten realms.
Emperor Charles sat upon the throne at the head of the table, his very presence demanding rever-ence. The monarch's silver beard cascaded across the tabletop, a testament to the centuries he had seen. The Emperor's most senior officials flanked him, their faces etched with wisdom and resolve. A minstrel stood upon a wooden dais, his lute weaving melancholic songs that infused the hall with a spirit of bravery and honour. An observer could almost feel the weight of centuries, heavy with history and tradition, settle within the room.
Xandra approached the Emperor with a measured step, her curtsy deep and respectful. The ancient monarch, Emperor Charles, stirred from his centuries-long slumber, his eyes sparkling with re- newed vitality. "Your Majesty," Xandra began, her voice firm and resolute, "I have travelled over the mountains to recruit for the army. But I must be frank: the task proves more challenging than anticipated." She paused, her gaze meeting the Emperor's piercing eyes. "In the city of Salzburg, I saw people who are unlike our generation. Their clothing is plain, their bodies either weak or bloated Few seem capable of enduring the rigours of battle, not even with the finest training."
In the room, a profound silence reigned, Xandra's words suspended in the air like a challenge. The Emperor gazed deeply into her eyes, weighing the gravity of her report. ,,Xandra," he began, his voice resonating with the weight of centuries, ,,as you know, We awaken every hundred years from Our slumber to celebrate a grand festivity in Our imperial grotto. It is a time of rebirth, wherein our faithful and we partake in the delights of renewed life. But for now, we shall remain, awaiting the signal from our ravens to assist the mortals in their final great struggle.? He smiled wryly, his eyes sparkling; His Majesty appeared amused. ,,As for the men of today, we have observed them during our occasional visits to the Gaisberg. They seem soft, untested by the fires of war."
The Emperor raised his glass in a toast, inviting Xandra to take a seat at the table. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and his voice adopted a tone of camaraderie. ,,Come, Xandra, let us dine and discuss the challenges before us. We have much to plan and little time to waste." Xandra glided into the seat beside a warmly smiling bishop, who greeted her with a slight nod. The conversation a-round her was lively, a vibrant cacophony of voices, as her two raven companions settled upon the table. His Excellency listened attentively, his gaze fixed upon Xandra, while the ravens communi-cated with her in their unique tongue.
As her eyes swept across the table, Xandra beheld a remarkable sight: Empress Sissy, having mar-velously recovered from a perilous situation in Geneva, sat beside the Emperor. Victor, the more observant of the two ravens, leaned forward and whispered in Xandras ear, ,,We have observed something peculiar. Nearly everyone in New Juvavum carries a small, image-filled device with them. They constantly stare at it, frequently colliding with one another due to their inattentiveness. They hardly converse with each other, but rather with these devices, as if they were alive. Even in gatherings, they fall silent, their eyes fixated upon the screens."
Xandra nodded thoughtfully, her expression serious. ,,You are right, Victor. I shall inform the Emperor of this. It is as though they have been enchanted." She straightened, her intention unmistakable, and strode confidently towards the imperial throne. As she approached, the minstrel filled the cave with his rich voice, singing the classic love song, ,,The Silent Nightingale." Xandra reached the Emperor just as the minstrel sang: ,,As the good man embraced and kissed me, no one saw but him and me and a little bird." Following closely behind her were Victor and Lizz, her raven companions. Intrigued, the Emperor leaned forward to listen. Xandra began, her voice calm and resolute: ,,As you are aware, we have noticed, whilst observing the people, the changes that have taken place. This time, we have observed something strange. The people are behaving oddly, carrying small rectangular devices in their hands, their faces bowed low. Their eyes are fixed firmly upon these gadgets. They converse little with one another; instead, they speak with these devices, as though they were their companions. Even in the company of others, they sit mute, their attention wholly claimed by these little screens."
After a brief pause, the voice of a dignitary could be heard: ,,Why do we not cast aside all formali-ties and make our way to the Gaisberg at once?" The suggestion ignited a wave of enthusiasm, and all eyes turned to the Emperor. Rising to his feet, he declared with the full weight of his authority: ,,Let us reflect. We could all use a break; this would be a welcome change." Applause and cheers erupted in the room, and every attendee was ready to depart immediately.
As they stepped outside, torches in hand, the Emperor brought up the rear of the procession, his stature commanding respect from all present. Xandra led the way, her wand effortlessly opening the heavy gate. The night air was cool and refreshing, infused with the scent of the mountains. A sense of excitement and adventure hung palpably in the atmosphere. Amir, the court magician, sidled up beside Xandra, a mischievous smile playing upon his lips. ,,We could take a detour, fly over the city, unnoticed," he suggested. Xandra nodded in agreement; this way, everyone would see that her re-port was true. Amir and Xandra, both hailing from families with Celtic roots, shared the cultural heritage of their ancestors. Amir, a muscular yet lithe giant, was known for his graceful movements, even in the Emperor's presence. He was popular in the grotto for his cheerful spirit and sense of humour. His centre-parted black hair and well-groomed moustache left no doubt about his determina-tion. Xandra and Amir complemented each other splendidly, forming a dynamic duo that impressed the Emperor. With a flourish of their wands, the entire group was enveloped in a magical aura. To everyon s surprise, Sigurd, the Emperors massive bear, approached and enveloped Xandra and Amir in a loving bear hug. Despite the shock, they could not help but laugh at the bear's playful affection.
In an instant, the group soared over the city, a breathtaking view unfurling beneath them. The Em-perors voice, filled with wonder, echoed as he beheld the mortals below. ,,What is this? We see so many racing carriages and people on rolling boards, outstripping Our swiftest runners." Archbishop Arn, Charles, constant companion, offered an explanation. ,,Your Majesty, these are new modes of transportation, known as scooters. They are powered by something called electricity, allowing peo-ple to race through streets and alleyways while standing upright, as swiftly as an arrow. It seems, however, that many have forgotten they possess legs." As they left the city behind, the imperial company was greeted by a fresh mountain breeze. The Emperor could not suppress his excitement, stroking his beard with a satisfied smile. Sigurd, Charles rather oversized pet, placed a paw on his shoulder, eagerly anticipating the fun to commence.
The Emperor led them to a modest wooden hut, which concealed the entrance to two enormous slides that plunged over a hundred metres into the abyss. As they prepared for the descent, the horn of the imperial master of ceremonies sounded, signalling the first group to get ready. Sigurd let out a thunderous roar and plunged into the dark chasm, Charles firmly on his back. As they raced down the slide, vibrant lights flickered from the shadows, and a beautiful choral melody filled the air, further heightening the Emperor's joy.
At the first landing, they were greeted by three wild women clad in white garments, who kept watch over the vastness of Charles realm. The Emperor waved cheerfully, and they returned his greeting with warm smiles. This slide experience was a surreal affair, revealing the extraordinary abilities of the seasoned spiritual dignitaries and their magical world. Meanwhile, a group of young nobles, including the Duke of Burgundy, hurled themselves into the tumultuous hunt with unrestrained en-thusiasm. Their laughter and shouts echoed through the shafts, creating a symphony of exuberance that seemed to shake the stars from their celestial perches. The Duke, a man of commanding pre-sence and cheeky charm, prepared for the zip-line plunge into the depths, but his finely embroidered doublet caught on the gnarled knob anchoring the rope. In a spectacular mishap, the doublet tore free and soared high through the air before disappearing into the shadows. The Duke let forth an expletive that left his companions gasping for breath and prompted stifled giggles from all. He shook his head, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and amusement, as the group erupted in laughter. Such blunders were the hallmark of these chaotic, intoxicating hunts, where decorum was often joyfully cast aside. The night was still young, and the adventure had only just begun.The
Duke felt the weight of the Bishop of Worms disapproval pressing down upon him like a cold wind sweeping across the Alpine ridge. The Bishop's sharp tongue was legendary, his gaze capable of quelling even the boldest spirits. Meanwhile, the mandlins, those tiny, mischievous creatures who served the high lords, frolicked wildly, their usual serene demeanour forsaken in light of the nights frenetic energy. They darted through the crowd, their self-made tunics glinting silver in the moonlight as they tumbled and leapt about like acrobats. Their raucous laughter mingled with the clatter of hooves from the waiting steeds and the creaking of ropes, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere. Despite being deep within the mountains, one could perceive the moon and stars, as though they were guided by magic, finding their way into the darkness.
As the night advanced, the festivities reached their climax, only to come to a sudden halt. A deep, resonant horn blast cut through the cheerful din, signalling the end of the hunt. The crowd, breath-less and pulsating with adrenaline, gathered at the Zistelalm, a rustic meadow bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight. Xandra and Amir, known for their flair for the dramatic, had one final surprise prepared. As the group assembled, a breathtaking spectacle unfolded before them: a herd of grey-ish-white horses, their coats shimmering like polished silver under the starlight, with golden stirrups gleaming in the darkness. The Emperor, a man with weather-beaten features and enduring vitality, regarded the horses with satisfaction. His eyes sparkled with childlike wonder. With an agility that belied his age, he swung himself onto the saddle of the lead horse, his movements as fluid as those of a man untouched by the passage of time. He turned to Empress Sissy, who had gone largely unnoticed amid the earlier festivities, and offered her a gallant hand. Sissy, her delicate features framed by a cascade of dark curls, accepted with a playful smile, settling herself behind him on the horse. In a moment of bold-ness, she gently brushed her fingers against Charlescheek. a gesture so tender and unimperial that it brought a faint blush to his weathered face. Sissy was renowned for her charm and her love of freedom; despite her occasional inclination towards melancholy, she had an extraordinary ability to uplift the Emperors spirits. His eyes narrowed into a smile, his heart warmed by their fleeting intimacy. For a moment, the weight of his years and the burdens of his office seemed to dissolve, and he was merely a man enjoying the simple pleasure of the moment.
As they prepared for their night ride, the excitement of the crowd was palpable; their spirits were still ignited by the nerve-wracking thrill of the evening's escapade. The night seemed to stretch endlessly before them, and it appeared that Xandra and Amir had saved the best for last. As the riders mounted their steeds, the signal was given to depart, and the procession began to move in the waning light of the night. Two dozen horses, their white coats hauntingly luminous in the dark, glided gracefully down into the lower terrain. They seemed to float rather than gallop, moving with such harmony that it appeared as though they were silently soaring through the night sky. The riders, still exhilarated by the excitement of the evening, let out joyful cries that reverberated across the alpine expanse, carried far into the distance. As they raced beneath the star-studded heavens, the wind whipped against their faces. A sensation of weightlessness overcame them, as though they had become one with the horses and the night itself. Xandra and Amir guided the animals with practiced hands, their hooves treading softly through the darkness. The laughter and shouts of the riders were testament to the sheer joy of the moment, their enthusiasm palpable as they charged towards the Untersberg.
Upon reaching the rugged silhouette of the mountain, they dismounted, and the crunch of their boots on the rocky ground echoed through the stillness. The horses vanished as suddenly as they had appeared, leaving only a faint shimmer of stardust in their wake. A collective sigh of regret escaped the group, knowing that a night such as this would not come again for many years. Charles, standing at the entrance of the cave, gazed into the distance, his mind already turning towards the next adventure. He could hardly wait to reunite with his companions for a few carefree hours. Per-haps, he mused, they could consider a new destination where adventure and excitement awaited. It seemed a great pity that they had to wait so many years for the next journey.The Emperor was re-solved never to let so much time slip by again, contemplating the possibility of venturing to a different locale next time. With a smile, he allowed himself a moment to reflect on the memories of todays experience. A strong yearning for fresh excitement suddenly washed over him.