MYTHORIA "Secrets of Elipsium": "Secrets of Elipsium"

BOOK 2

MYTHORIA

The Lake Ohrid Enigma

By Hamilton Hill

First Published in 2025 – UK English Dictionary National Library of Australia A copy has been contributed to the library through legal deposit.

Cataloguing-in-Publication data: Mervyn D, writing as Hamilton Hill - Book 1 of the Mythoria Series

Text copyright © Hamilton Hill, 2023/2025 Cover & Chapter illustration © 2025 Hamilton Hill

This Version published in 2025

The right of Hamilton Hill to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

ISBN 978-0-9943777-9-1

All rights reserved.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it was published. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, place, incidents and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

SOCIAL MEDIA - Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/hamilton.hill.98

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Several Beta manuscript readers assisted me in writing this book, namely Christina Tue, Aruj Fatima and children's book author Sylva Fae and Alpha reader Sara Murray.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Chapter 1: The Golden Ball

Chapter 2: Shimmer and Tremble

Chapter 3: Twice Upon a Time

Chapter 4: A Stone Overturned

Chapter 5: When are We?

Chapter 6: What A Difference a Base Makes

Chapter 7: An Unexpected Eggsplanation

Chapter 8: It’s All About Embrace

Chapter 9: A Shenanigan of Naughty Steppers

Chapter 10: If You Destroy It They Will Come

Chapter 11: The Freedom of Preach

Chapter 12: Let There Be Mystery

Chapter 13: As One Door Closes

Chapter 14: The Slivered Tongued Devil

Chapter 15: The Singer Not Her Song

Chapter 16: A Passageway Less Travelled

Chapter 17: Somewhere Under The Rainbow

Chapter 18: Hello Darkness My Old Fiend

Chapter 19: The Writing On The Wall

Chapter 20: Let The Battle Begone

Chapter 21: As Time Goes Bye

Epilogue

What Has Gone Before:

If you have read Book 1 Mythoria - Secrets of Elipsium

, you may skip to Chapter 1.

If not, then welcome to…

Mythoria, a majestic island surrounded by a vast ocean. It was a playground for the Gods and remained uninhabited for centuries. Until one day, a misplaced jewelled bracelet infused with the energy of an ethereal gem changed everything. As a result, the four divinities Earth, Air, Fire and Water formed a cosmic energy called Etherea—the essence of creation itself.

Etherea brought life to the barren land, giving birth to flora and fauna, which paved the way for creatures of light and darkness to co-exist. Eventually, humankind emerged, and Mythoria was divided into four significant kingdoms: Nobatia, Taranahi, Malivri and Kush.

In the present day, within the Kingdom of Kush, a girl named Lorelei turns sixteen and, like most teenage girls, looks forward to greater freedom, but a letter from the High Shaman changes her direction. Her shamanic abilities are beyond her years, and she is invited to Elipsium- a place reserved for adults. There, she is announced as the Journeywoman of her generation, assigned the name Moonshadow, and bestowed with an ancient relic—a necklace with four jewels. However, a strange incident happens shortly after the ceremony. An unusual creature of the darkness appears out of nowhere, and only Lorelei can defeat it after a jewel on her necklace begins to glow. She recites incantations for a ritual she never learnt before. The elders are amazed by what she accomplished, but she is astonished and curious.

This incident leads Lorelei, Max and Oliver to look for clues as to why these strange creatures suddenly appear throughout Mythoria, as well as the power that the necklace holds. Clues are found in the ancient tapestries hanging on the walls of the various Kingdom's Institutes, Lodges, and Temples.

Along the way, Lorelei discovers the identity of the ancestor that she, and more precisely, her pendant of power, is spiritually connected to, and the puzzle pieces start to fall into place. In a nutshell, Lorelei and her companions need to find a way to time travel, then join Lorelei's ancestor Constantina, and together with her locate and destroy a dark tablet called the Umbral Codex and defeat evil forces, referred to as Luminae that protect it.

With the job done, they return to the present. Their peers are amazed by their incredible journey and success. They are celebrated and hailed as heroes.

What now? Read on…

Chapter 1

The Golden Ball

Although not yet winter, the water in Lake Ohrid was definitely on the chilly side, and it was the second time in as many days that the trio were taking to the water. Lorelei hesitated momentarily before lowering herself into the rowboat. She took a moment to admire the breathtaking scenery surrounding them. It was, after all, the place where Mythoria was first formed some 300,000 years ago. Dense, ancient forests framed the lake's edge, and enormous mountain peaks, dusted with the season's first snowfall, helped to create a picturesque backdrop. The scenery made her recall her previous adventures in Nobatia, along with Max and Oliver less than a year ago. She immediately shut them out. Her preference was to live for today and not dwell on the past.

Can you tell me again why we decided to go fishing on a day like this? she said, looking at Oliver.

He chuckled as he handed her a fishing rod. Because, my adventurous lady, he said, his breath visible in the crisp morning air. We're explorers at heart. And besides, we couldn't resist the thrill of a lakeside adventure, even if it means braving the cold.

Lorelei rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she accepted the fishing rod. She couldn't deny that Oliver's adventurous spirit was one of the things she loved most about him. Max, Lorelei's ever-energetic Border Collie, wagged his tail excitedly from his favourite spot, the boat's bow. Always ready for a new adventure and eager to start, Max had jumped aboard before Lorelei could even take a step.

The rowboat gently rocked as she settled down on the port side of the stern seat.

Besides, Oliver said as he commenced rowing, propelling them away from the wooden dock. I've heard that the fish are particularly active in colder water. We might just catch something amazing today.

Lorelei sighed in mock exasperation but couldn't hide the glimmer of excitement in her eyes. If yesterday is the example, then I don't hold much hope for today—we caught nothing!

Oliver chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he replied to Lorelei's playful complaint. Well, my dear Lily, yesterday was merely practice for today. You see, we were just giving the fish a sporting chance. They won't stand a chance today against my expert fishing skills.

And what skills would that be? I somehow failed to notice them.

Oliver flashed a confident grin and gestured dramatically with his fishing rod. Ah, Lily, my dear, fishing is an art that requires patience, finesse, and a deep connection with the aquatic world. Yesterday, I was establishing a psychic rapport with the fish, letting them know we are in peace. Today, they'll practically jump into our boat, drawn by the sheer magnetism of my angler's aura! He punctuated his explanation with a theatrical wink.

All right, all right. You win. Let's see if we can catch one of those legendary Lake Ohrid fish.

With that, she cast her line into the water, watching the bobber float on the surface. Max's keen eyes were fixed on the bait, and he seemed equally invested in the fishing expedition.

As the minutes ticked by, the tranquillity of the lake enveloped them. The only sounds were the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze and the soft water lapping against the rowboat.

Oliver gazed at Lorelei. His eyes filled with affection. Even if we don't catch anything, just being out here with you makes it all worthwhile.

Lorelei's heart warmed, and she reached out to squeeze his hand. I feel the same way, Oliver.

Just then, Lorelei felt a tug on her line, and her eyes widened in surprise. I've got something! she exclaimed.

Max barked excitedly, his tail wagging furiously as he watched her reel in her catch. Whatever it was, it was putting up quite a fight.

Let's hope we're not in for another bout with a Lampeta, Oliver quipped, recalling Lorelei's previous encounter with the creature during a trip with her mother to the nearby Shamanic Institute. That incident sparked a series of battles, launching them on an exhilarating journey to uncover the heart of Mythoria’s secrets. They fought across both present and past, ultimately leading to the public recognition they now enjoyed as a united team.

Ppft! Lorelei replied as she struggled with the fishing rod, a gleam of anticipation in her eyes. That was different, Oli, and you know it. Whatever I've caught at the end of this fishing line can't be a Lampeta, but whatever it is, it as sure as heck seems to be a strong one.

Lorelei's scruffle to reel the fish in displayed determination and skill. As she gripped the fishing rod firmly, her muscles tensed with the effort. The line, now taut and quivering, pulled relentlessly against her grasp. The fish, whatever it was, put up a spirited fight. It darted beneath the surface, creating ripples that danced around the rowboat. Lorelei's arms flexed as she leaned back, using her entire body to counter the fish's resistance.

Her brow furrowed with concentration, and beads of perspiration formed on her forehead despite the chilly air. Her breaths came in shallow gasps as she maintained a delicate balance between tugging on the line and giving the fish room to manoeuvre. The fishing rod bowed under the strain, the reel whirring in a high-pitched whine as the fish made a sudden, decisive run. Lorelei's heart raced as she held on, determined not to lose this battle. Oliver, standing by her side, provided encouragement and support. He readied the net, his eyes never leaving the water. Together, they were in a thrilling dance with nature, locked in a contest of strength and wits against the unseen adversary beneath the surface. Lorelei's fingers ached, her forearms burned, but she refused to relent. With each inch of line she reeled in, the fish's resistance intensified as though it sensed the impending showdown. The boat rocked gently with their movements, and Max barked excitedly, offering his own form of encouragement.

Oliver let out a mighty whoop as he netted the fish. Lorelei continued to reel in the catch, and with Oliver's help, she finally had the fish in the boat. It was a beautiful Celestial Giltfin, a seldom-seen fish big enough to feed thirty or more people and rarely caught. Considered a gift from the gods as a symbol of fortune and abundance, it is said to be the guardian of hidden treasure troves, and if caught, it generally results in an underwater search for riches by those fortunate enough to hook one. Its scales shimmered in the sunlight. Max barked his approval. His mind was focused on a quick feed rather than treasure. Lorelei couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. She had not only caught their first fish of the day—she had won legendary bragging rights. In some regions, and Nobatia was one of them, capturing a Celestial Giltfin is cause for a grand feast, where friends and family gather to share the bounty and celebrate life's blessings. These feasts are known as Feasts of Prosperity and are believed to bring good fortune and unity to those who partake.

Oliver busied himself in removing the fish from the net. Well, he said, pausing for breath. I guess we'll rest and then go treasure hunting.

On the brink of exhaustion herself, Lorelei sat back in her seat. While I think the legends of a treasure trove is a load of malarky, I agree that we should go scavenging. It will be fun, but not today. If we tried it, we'd freeze to death.

You think? Oliver said, putting his hand in the water for a few seconds before yanking it back. It's cold, but I think I'd survive. One sec, though, while I see how deep it is.

Lorelei shook her head. She knew from experience that it wasn't worth arguing, so she relaxed and watched on. Oliver had removed the hook from his fishing rod, replacing it with a sinker, which he dropped off the side of the boat. He watched the line unreel. When it stopped, Oli put the rod down, grabbed the fishing line and cut it through with his knife. He then proceeded to roll the line around his left hand until he retrieved the sinker. He then took the sinker end and carefully positioned it against his chin. Holding the sinker tightly with his right hand and gripping the fishing line with his left, he extended his left arm to its full length, letting the line slide through his fingers as he did so. As he reached the limit of his arm's reach, Oli paused briefly, then repeated the process. This ritual continued, over and over again, until the entire length of the cut fishing line had been processed. It's about seventeen feet to the bottom, so it's an easy dive.

I guess I don't have to remind you that we have no diving gear nor a change of clothes, said Lily. Are you sure you really want to do this?

It's okay, really. I'll free dive in the nude. I haven't got anything you haven't seen before, and you can close your eyes.

Lorelei's cheeks flushed with a faint rosy hue at Oliver's candid response. She couldn't help but find his nonchalant attitude endearing. With a playful grin, she replied, Well, Oli, you've certainly got a point there. We've been through countless adventures together, and I think I've seen almost everything by now. She paused, her gaze meeting his with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. But, if you're going to dive in the nude, I hope you don't mind me keeping an eye on you to make sure you don't get into any fishy situations down there.

Oliver smiled, turned his back on Lily and readied himself for the dive. He had prepared himself mentally for a dive into chilly water but had his breath knocked out of him as he plunged in. He surfaced for a second air intake before disappearing again beneath the surface, completely nude.

Max, perched at the boat's edge, barked excitedly, his tail wagging with anticipation as he watched Oliver descend into the depths. The canine had a unique ability to sense the emotions and intentions of those around him, and today, he felt both excitement and a touch of apprehension in the air. Lorelei, leaning over the edge of the boat, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and worry for Oliver. Her heart pounded as she watched him disappear into the azure depths, his silhouette fading into the darkness beneath.

Below the surface, Oliver's world transformed into a dreamlike realm. The water embraced him, the coolness sending shivers down his spine. He descended further, the light from above-growing dimmer with each passing moment. After a minute of exploring, he saw nothing but sand and schools of silvery fish darting around him. He swam a little deeper and started feeling the need for air.

Unable to contain his excitement, Max whined and paced anxiously at the boat's edge. He had always been an adventurer at heart, and the sight of Oliver vanishing underwater made him want to do the same. He kept looking back and forth between the water and Lorelei, waiting for her to signal his release, but the order never came.

His tension eased a little as Oliver's head popped up for air. Gasping, he said, No luck yet, Lily, nothing but sand. With that said and his lungs refilled, he descended once more.

Max was growing increasingly concerned. His barks turned into frantic yelps as he watched Oliver disappear into the depths. It was as though he could sense something amiss, a subtle change in the currents or a shift in the underwater energy. Unable to contain his worry any longer, Max made a bold decision. With a mighty leap, he plunged into the water, breaking the surface with a splash. Lorelei gasped in surprise, her worry for Oliver and Max now doubling. Underwater, Oliver was blissfully unaware of Max's audacious dive. He continued to explore the lake's depths, swimming a bit further away from the boat. He examined the ground below and all the rocks and crevices he encountered. If any hidden treasures existed, his searching could find no signs of it. Max caught up with him as he ascended again, and his powerful strokes propelled him upwards in sync with his human companion. Momentarily startled by Max's sudden appearance, Oliver couldn't help but smile. Max's loyalty and courage knew no bounds.

Still nothing. I'm beginning to think it's a total waste of time, Oliver said as he surfaced, with Max breaking through next to him."

Lorelei, concerned about etching her features, called back to him. Be careful, Oli. Don't push yourself too hard, and look after Max.

Oliver nodded. His resolve was unwavering. He took a few deep breaths and then descended once more with Max in close pursuit. Together, they continued their underwater journey, exploring the depths of Lake Ohrid side by side. Yet, despite their efforts, the landscape below yielded nothing but discarded debris from years past. During their third descent as partners, Max spotted something unusual with his keen canine instincts. Just out of their reach by several hundred feet, a mysterious, glowing ball emitted an otherworldly, iridescent light. The colours shifted and danced like the scales of an iridescent Celestial Giltfin. Both Oliver's and Max's excitement was palpable, but knowing that they could not reach it without diving gear, Oliver called it time. The need to breathe was pressing, and they had to return to the surface. Oliver was still unaware of what they had stumbled upon and was even less certain if it was a treasure.

He also could not hazard a guess as to what secrets this mysterious, glowing ball could hold. All he knew was that he couldn't wait to find out. As they broke the surface, he rushed to get dressed while Lily looked the other way. Eager to reach the shore and share the details of the find with Lorelei, Oli started rowing back to the wooden dock while he chatted. By the time Oliver had completed the description of the find, they had moored the boat, and the two seventeen-year-olds had moved to a picnic area. Lorelei sat quietly with Max, lying at her feet for a minute, contemplating their next move. Here's the grand plan, she said with confidence. First, we head off to Mystic Grove Institute and give them the Celestial Giltfin.

GIVE THEM THE GILTFIN? Oliver interrupted. Whoa! That's crazy. We should take it home with us and feast with all our friends, or if not, sell it to Kush.

It's rude to interrupt Oli, Lorelei said calmly, her face without expression. What I was saying, if you cared to listen, is we give them the Celestial Giltfin in exchange for drysuits. Reaching the depth you estimate, the ball will require diving gear. More than this, you said it's glowing. That could mean nothing or anything. We can't risk it, so our gear must be 'magic proof'. As you know, Oli, Nobatia is the only realm in Mythoria with mystic engineers capable of crafting the mythic drysuits we require.

Oliver had to concur. Lily hit the nail on the head, and since they had no money, he knew that bartering the Giltfin was their only option. Damn! I hate it when she's right. He thought. Let's have lunch? He said, diplomatically changing the subject while reaching for his backpack.

We'll head for the Mystic Grove right after lunch then, Lily said, taking Oli's change of heart as a sign of agreement and a win for her argument.

#

The mode of public transport offered in Nobatia is the Earthstrider, a steam-driven carriage large enough to seat a dozen passengers. Although the Mystic Grove Institute was within walking distance, the size and weight of the fish forced them to consider a better way to travel. This suited Lorelei. Fish or no fish, she thought an Earthstrider was 'a wondrous vehicle' and would have hailed one at the Lake Ohrid harbour anyway and for no other reason than to enjoy the ride. There was no direct route to the Grove, and the driver followed the

cobbled road through Wagadon to get there. The trio stepped down from the Earthstrider when it stopped at the Institute building. Leaving the Celestial Giltfin in the carriage with an instruction for the driver to wait for them, Oliver walked forward and rapped on the door, then took a backward pace to stand next to Lorelei and Max. Having been there before, they knew the routine. It would take a while for someone to open the door, so they patiently waited without knocking again.

It was a good few minutes before a voice from the other side spoke. Who comes to the Mystic Grove Institute?

Moonshadow of the Shaman Institute of Kush, Lorelei said, using her official shamanic name. Accompanied by Oliver Hastings, a student of the Kush Military Academy.

State your business, the voice commanded.

We seek an audience with the Master of the Institute, Lorelei replied.

Welcome, Moonshadow, the timbre of the voice changing from solemn to admiration. You are recognised, my lady and the Master will receive you.

Wow! Oliver thought. What a difference fame makes, recalling all the pomp and circumstance they had to go through to get into the building less than a month ago.

There was a momentary pause followed by the clicking sound of door bolts being drawn back,