The Songs of Change

The Songs of Change

R.T. Garver

Mystical Valor Publishing

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright ©2024 by R.T. Garver

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by an electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

This paperback edition first published in 2024

Book design by Thomas Slover

Illustrations copyright © 2024 by Michael Pickford

ISBN 978-1-961163-33-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-961163-34-8 (hardcover)

Contents

The World That Existed Before

1.A time of Autumn

2.The Forgotten One

3.Hell Fire

4.The Vahesion

5.A Promised Life

6.A Jaguar’s Lust

7.New Beginnings

8.The Wanderer

9.The Destroyer

10.The Unknown Factor

11.A New Era

12.Crystal Community

13.The 12 Dragon Guardians

14.Pieces of Eight Bio

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Also By

About the Author

Welcome to the

The events that you are about to read take place in a fantasy world.

The Songs of Change:

Tales of the Past

The World That Existed Before

Long before the continent of Midgardum came into being, the Earth was once home to the United States of America. Similarly, before the emergence of Cysbro, Earth existed as a realm of its own. During a period known as the Great Awakening, extraordinary abilities were non-existent, and the mystical fae were just starting to reveal their presence. However, the course of history took a dramatic turn on a momentous day that brought one era to an end and gave rise to another.

In the year 2025 AD, a devastating outbreak of Parainfluenza spread across the globe, leading to a significant decline in the human population. By 2033 AD, nearly half of humanity had perished, and subsequent years saw even more loss as global warfare claimed the lives of another third of the remaining population by 2037 AD. This dark chapter in history was gradually forgotten over time, becoming another ancient and lost civilization waiting to be rediscovered. Only fragments of the past endured, hidden in a dormant state, barely visible to the world.

The survivors of this tumultuous era clung together for support, forming close-knit communities that would withstand the test of time. They learned to adapt, relying on ingenuity and resilience to rebuild what was lost. Among these survivors were those who had experienced the rise and fall of an advanced civilization before the cataclysmic events reshaped the world.

Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged. Some individuals discovered latent abilities within themselves, tapping into the mystical forces that now permeated the world. These once-fabled gifted individuals became a tangible reality, becoming the catalysts of change by reviving ancient arts and unlocking the secrets of the past. Their emergence marked a new chapter in the world's history, as the long-forgotten abilities and lore came back to life, shaping the destiny of Midgardum and ushering in a new era filled with both wonders and challenges.

Before the Great Awakening, the fae had only just begun to emerge, but the shifting energies of that transformative period affected them as well. They embraced their newfound powers and formed a deep bond with the surviving humans who accepted and understood them. In these emerging communities, humans and fae coexisted, built on cooperation and mutual respect, although some humans remained wary of the return of abilities.

In the decades that followed, these diverse communities thrived as the world recovered. They built cities, harnessed their powers, and rediscovered the forgotten technologies of their ancestors. The scars of the past slowly healed, and the survivors vowed never to forget the lessons learned from history, honoring the sacrifices made to prevent such devastation from recurring.

The stories of those who lived through those dark times turned into legends, passed down through generations. These tales became reminders of humanity's and the fae's strength and resilience, inspiring hope and unity, and instilling the belief that no matter how dire the circumstances, the spirit of survival and progress would endure.

As the world healed, explorers ventured into the remnants of the old world, unearthing forgotten knowledge and artifacts that shed light on the mysteries of the past. This rediscovery sparked a renaissance of understanding, leading to new advancements and innovations that shaped the present and promised a brighter future. The world evolved into a realm where skill, strength, and technology coexisted harmoniously, guided by the spirit of the Great Awakening, forever shaping the course of history for generations to come. It became a tapestry woven with threads of the past and the aspirations of the future, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both humanity and the fae. As time marched on, the bond between the surviving humans and the fae strengthened, evolving into a unique harmony that defined the world. The coexistence of these two once-separate beings enriched the cultures and societies that flourished across the realm. Their collaboration sparked a beautiful fusion of traditional human craftsmanship and the fae's inherent magic, resulting in remarkable feats of architecture, art, and technology.

The cities that sprouted from this collaboration stood as testaments to the enduring spirit of unity and progress. Towering spires intertwined with enchanted vines, while streets were adorned with luminescent crystals, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the night. In these cities, humans and fae lived side by side, embracing their distinct qualities and learning from one another.

However, the delicate balance they had achieved was not without its challenges. As the world recovered, remnants of the past posed occasional threats. Ancient relics of immense power, once wielded during the time before the cataclysm, were sometimes unearthed and required careful handling. The rediscovered technologies, though advanced, had to be approached with caution to avoid repeating the mistakes of history.

In the face of such challenges, the shared history of the dark times served as a guide, reminding the inhabitants of the importance of unity, empathy, and understanding. Legends of the Great Awakening and the resilience displayed by both humans and fae were woven into the cultural fabric, fostering a collective commitment to protect their newfound world.

As the centuries passed, the connection between the surviving humans and the fae evolved further. The mingling of their bloodlines gave rise to a new generation—individuals who bore both human and fae heritage. Known as the Kin, they inherited a unique blend of abilities, becoming bridges between the two races. The Kin were seen as symbols of hope and progress, representing the potential for deeper integration and mutual growth.

The world continued to evolve and thrive, propelled by the spirits of cooperation and innovation. Their healing world taught them that even after enduring great hardships, the resilience of the human spirit and the mystique of the fae could rebuild what was lost and forge a brighter future together.

And so, the legacy of the Great Awakening lived on, not just as a historical event but as a guiding force, shaping the world into a realm where harmony between humans and fae blossomed, and the journey of progress, discovery, and unity stretched far beyond the horizon, forever continuing the saga of this transformed world.

Chapter one

A time of Autumn

Back in the autumn season, her mind wandered among endless thoughts, akin to clouds floating in the sky. The cool air and the pleasant aroma of the season embraced her warmly. The canopy above appeared as though crafted from the boundless dreams of scarlet and gold. Playful sparks of color painted the sky with a soft light, like candles illuminating the daylight for all to behold.

On one fiery autumn day, she found herself daydreaming about spring, envisioning the warm sunshine melting away the icy remnants of winter. For a moment, she let herself believe in the coming flowers, with their vibrant petals of pinks, reds, whites, blues, and lush green plants. But then she chuckled, realizing she was still in the embrace of fall, a season with its unique way of displaying beauty, much like a woman, each with her distinct allure.

Autumn gifted beauty by awakening the senses and transforming what could be dull into bewitching natural art. It was the beauty of its twisting flames that set it apart, offering a fresh start. As the season deepened, the graceful boughs of trees turned into exquisite charcoal sketches, standing tall under the wintry sun's gentle light.

However, the charm of autumn gave way to a cruel and deceptive side when news of a viral outbreak, called Parainfluenza or PAVID-25, began to spread. Reports suggested that it originated in Mexico, but the true origin remained uncertain, while the potential deadliness of the virus became evident. At that time, she was just a 13-year-old girl, living with her 84-year-old grandmother since her parents had gone missing two years before and were eventually declared deceased. Tragically, her grandmother fell victim to PAVID-25 on April 21st, 2025 AD. Subsequently, she entered the foster care system, desperately searching for a family that would truly accept and care for her, but she bounced from one family to another without finding a stable home.

During her time with the last family, she met a boy named Vinny, slightly older than her. They became incredibly close, and she even considered taking his last name, Amore. Sadly, she spent only a brief four months with him, as the family adopting her eventually sent her to a private facility where she lived with thirteen others for the next few years.

In this facility, she lost her former identity as Rebekah Englandson. Most people there knew her as test subject nine, or Cimeries. To Dr. Conrad and the other thirteen individuals, she was simply known as Becca.

Life at the private facility, where she became known as Becca, proved to be an isolating and confusing experience. As test subject nine, she was subjected to numerous experiments and observations, as if she were no more than a nameless specimen to be studied. The days blurred together, and the hope of finding a sense of belonging seemed more distant than ever.

Amid the sterile walls and clinical surroundings, she found a glimmer of solace in the company of her fellow subjects. They formed an unexpected bond, sharing their stories and struggles. Each of them carried their own unique burdens, scars from lives left behind.

Dr. Conrad, the head researcher, was an enigmatic figure, shrouded in mystery. Despite his relentless pursuit of knowledge, there were moments when she sensed a flicker of compassion beneath his stern facade. He often referred to them by their given names, perhaps recognizing that they were more than mere statistics in his experiments.

One day, as she was strolling through the facility's barren courtyard, she spotted a small, delicate flower pushing through a crack in the concrete. Its determination to bloom despite the harsh surroundings struck a chord within her. That tiny flower became a symbol of resilience, reminding her that even in the darkest of times, there was hope for growth and renewal.

In the midst of this desolate existence, she discovered an unexpected gift within herself – a latent talent for art. Drawing became her escape, a way to pour her emotions onto paper, creating a world of her own where she could find solace and self-expression. Through her sketches, she conveyed the beauty she once witnessed in the autumn foliage, the fleeting joy of imagining spring, and the emotions that had been suppressed for so long.

One fateful day, Dr. Conrad stumbled upon her artwork during one of his routine checks. Surprisingly, he didn't condemn it as a distraction from his experiments but seemed intrigued by the emotions conveyed in her drawings. To her astonishment, he encouraged her to explore this talent further, providing her with art supplies and time to create. As she delved deeper into her newfound passion, she began to open up to her fellow subjects about her past – the missing parents, the loss of her grandmother, and the longing for a true family. In return, they shared their stories, and together, they formed a tight-knit circle of support amidst the sterile environment.

Gradually, she started to understand that their shared experiences united them, making them a family of their own. Though they came from different backgrounds, the struggles they endured forged an unbreakable bond, one that surpassed the confines of the facility.

Time passed, and their group grew stronger, helping each other navigate the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead. Through their resilience and mutual support, they found solace even in the most challenging circumstances. Together, they learned that family wasn't just defined by blood relations, but by the connections they formed and the love they shared.

And so, in that secluded facility, amidst the shadows of pain and the flickers of hope, she discovered her true identity as Becca – not just a test subject, but a survivor, an artist, and a person worthy of love and belonging. Her journey was far from over, but with the support of her newfound family, she knew she could face whatever the future held with courage and determination.

Chapter two

The Forgotten One

To truly comprehend his tale, one must venture back in time, even before the concept of humanoids existed. It was an era when humanoids were mere mythical imaginings, and humans reigned supreme. Over four millennia have elapsed since the momentous event known as the Great Awakening faded into oblivion. That pivotal occurrence served as the catalyst that reshaped everything. Today, the world bears little resemblance to its former self, akin to how ancient civilizations once perceived the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

The vestiges of those great civilizations now lie largely forgotten and obscured. Once towering buildings have succumbed to the passage of time, reduced to nothing more than concealed ruins, rarely catching the wandering eye. The once magnificent vehicles and weapons, marvels of their era, have now succumbed