Words of Power · Book One
Knowledge
is Power
A novel by Y.J. Sargis · Outlined
"The words were wild, acting off the base instinct to survive and spread."
Inksayers
Magic-born scribes script immense power into the words written in the Ancient Language. When an Inksayer writes a word, it tears through their flesh and anchors into their skin—black tendrils lashing out from each letter, raising from the body like a brand.
"Those who take a word onto their skin are given incredible magic. But the word is alive. It wants to be used. And every time it is used, it takes something in return."
The Magic
Those born with the ability to write the Words of Power into existence. Only they can put power into words. Guided by the Wordspell, the Ancient Language flows through them. Their power is immense. Their gift is rare.
Those who take a Word of Power onto their skin. Though they did not write it, the word still gives them immense powers. But every use draws from their Ouìsia.
The more a word is used, the less recognizable they become. Until finally, nothing human remains.
What remains when the word has consumed everything. Their body is transformed, embodying the very essence of their word. Those rare Lèxis who keep their sanity, avoid conflict at all costs. Wild Lèxis feed on it.
The Ouìsia
A person's life force or soul. The very thing that a Word of Power takes.
"The lines between a sane and wild Lèxi were very thin. That distinction was the difference between life and death outside the wall."
The Wild Lèxi
Most lose their minds to it, the word changing them completely. Their body tends to grow prostrate and on all fours.
The Silencer,
The Collector,
The Nightwalker
An experienced Silencer tasked with hunting the Nightwalker—the greatest serial killer in the kingdom—while investigating the disappearance of a councilman.
Every lead overturned reveals a deeper truth to the words.
The deeper he digs into the case, the more he finds himself drawn toward the very power he was trained to silence.
"The Nightwalker was the most prolific killer in all of Iota. And Rakmeed would be the one to catch him."
From bastard to wealthy proprietor, Malus has his hands in everything across the kingdom.
If something illegal happens, guarentee that Malus is involved... But good luck proving it.
"Malus' desire was simple, to be so entirely unforgettable until the moment he wished to be forgotten."
The most notorious killer in all the land.
He is more myth and legend than man, leaving behind a single toothpick in place of each victim.
He lives a fractured life, several Lèxis fighting within him, vying for control. He answers only to Malus.
But the line between a sane and feral Lèxi is very thin and one Bishop walks daily.
"The Nightwalker could be anyone...he could even be a Silencer."
"The long black hood was visible before the creature's glowing amber eyes. Bishop stood tall before him—a toothpick hanging from his teeth. The rest of him was nothing but a blackened silhouette which shifted unnaturally, as if in a constant flux between the form of his robe and a cloud of shadows.— Knowledge is Power, Book One · Words of Power
He lifted his arm, casting a warm and yellow light into the room. His arm, from the elbow to the tips of his fingers was made black and charred like the coals of a dying fire. Bright red cracks cut through the black, radiating heat. A small, but vibrant flame coated his arm.
He was more word than man. He was the Nightwalker."
The Word Behind the World
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