by C S Harrop
“Morning harbour master,” Willow said through the window startling him.
“Ah! For god sake woman don’t just sneak up on man like that you’ll put me in an early grave,” responded the harbour master with sudden realisation who he was talking too. “My apologies lady Willow I didn’t realise it was you.”
“We are here at the request of the Elders, we require a ship,” asked Willow.
“Yes I received word, your boat and crew are waiting on bay twelve it is fully provisioned and in good order,” replied the harbour master eyeing the child sized person suspicious accompanying Willow and Riven.
“Thank you. We shall be on our way,” Riven said bowing his head in respect as he set off.
Their boat was of a medium build with three large masts with rigging attached to the multiples of sails leading down to tie off points on the upper deck. Crew quarters were to the lower deck partitioned into sleeping quarters consisting of bunk beds fastened against the walls and hammocks tied across support posts and a mess area that had an arrangement of tables to eat and drink. The next level down was the armoury with seven cannons positioned at both port and starboard and a variety of shields and bladed weapons hung around the walls. At the bottom level, the hull had been partitioned mostly for storage with a sizable kitchen for the chef to prepare food for the hungry sailors.
The captain’s cabin was situated on the top deck overlooking the stern of the ship. Two burly sailors dressed in blue cloth pants and baggy shirt with a white sash tied around their waists knocked and opened the cabin door. Sat behind a thick sturdy table of a large comfortable room was a large ginger haired man with two distinctive braids in his beard wearing a torn dark blue and brushed steel military uniform representing the Myst navy, eyeing a map rolled out across the surface held down by a large brass compass and an old oil lamp.
“Captain, I have brought the passengers as requested upon their arrival,” stated the sailor looking anxiously at Riven being the first time they had seen any type of cat of his size.
“Good! Prepare the ship for departure and advise Lieutenant Finnvard to set sail for Isle of Anger,” ordered the Captain as the two sailors saluted in acknowledgement.
“Welcome aboard my little boat,” the captain said watching his cabin get suddenly smaller as the three travellers entered. “My name is Captain Uldrik Wolfgang but Captain Uldrik will be fine. My boat is strong and my crew experienced, it will get you to Angar.
“Thank You Captain Uldrik, My name is Willow and my acquaintances are Riven and Relg. We appreciate at such short notice the journey you must take but it is of the utmost importance.”
“I wandered why the all extra food for only three passengers, now I know. You are big beast aren’t you,” Captain Uldrik said looking at Riven his bulk filling most of the space.
“I will take that as a compliment captain,” replied Riven.
“Of course, what about the child here why with all the coverings?” asked Captain Uldrik trying to get a glimpse of Relg’s face.
“Relg here is more of a sad story he was born with disfigurements which has also stumped his growth. He covers up to avoid drawing attention to himself as you could understand,” lied Willow thinking fast on her feet.
“There will be no judgement on my ship Relg, if to keep covered is your wish then so be it,” turning his attention back to the map. “There is only one way in and out of Andoria and that’s along the Mountains Strait which spits you out into the northern sea. It is when we sail close to Isle of Angar where the problem begins. Huge rocks protrude out from the sea of the shallow coast and many more just below the water line that surrounds the whole island that makes a boat of this size impossible to navigate. Then there are the dragons who could burn us to ash with the first sight of our sails,” highlighted Captain Uldrik.
“Let’s hope the gods are watching over us,” replied Riven as he felt a slight unbalancing nudge as the ship was cut loose and pulled away from the harbour heading slowly out towards the mountainous regions until the harbour was mere speck in the distance.
Chapter 16
Bourn of Two Halves
Darkshore had not changed since the last time Asha was here. She reappeared on the same cove standing on the same fine white sand with a soft breeze blowing her face looking out across the calm twilight waters with the bright moon above and the sun poking up on the horizon. However, there was one difference this time than before, this time Asha was prepared.
Still visible was the wooden walkway that led out into the dark blue waters. Like before Asha made her way over stepping onto the wooden planks with her dragon scale boots. A silhouette appeared once again at the far end of the walkway, Asha knew in her heart who the figure was. Without thinking, she sprang at full speed into the embrace of Aunt Elora.
“Well look at you, a Guardian now. How time has soon passed,” Aunt Elora said with a wide proud smile.
“I have missed you so much Aunt Elora,” cried Asha tears of mixed emotions running down her face.
“Me too Asha, me too. It seems the prophecy is coming to pass by the looks of you. I see your father has given you a gift, how is he?” Asked Aunt Elora brushing her long white hair over her shoulders.
“We have yet to meet. I came straight here on completion of my training, with the help of Elder Fallon. He said the path I choose now is my own.”
“Interesting how Elder Fallon did not send you to your father, maybe what’s going on down here is related to his decision,” Aunt Elora thinking out aloud.
“Why what’s happening Aunt Elora?”
“There has been a change in the breeze you feel. It is much cooler and the direction has changed possibly towards the Dark Isle, which has never before happened in Darkshore. The Dark Isle is on another plane where all the dark blooded creatures go when they die, that is if they are deemed worthy in the living world by their god. How they are deemed worthy we do not know. Both our world must be joined in some way occasionally we can now hear their war cries echoing thousands of voices across the waters,” replied Aunt Elora leading Asha by the arm towards the end of the walkway where a decoratively carved rowing boat waited.
Taking Asha’s face in her hands a proud and loving warmth of Aunt Elora is all that she needed to make her feel like her old self on Lake Erat with all that has gone on over the past few years. She guided Asha into the boat where they both took a seat on the wooden horizontal slats; to her surprise, the boat had no oars to row. With a sudden jerk, the boat began to drift with purpose across the dark calm waters watching the walkway they had just stepped from slowly shrinking out of view.
Asha had made a mental note when she first arrived in Darkshore that she felt that she was on the outside looking in, which now seemed plausible as she looked up from the boat to the twilight sky to see faint stars that shone faintly behind a translucent cloth.
In what seemed like a short time in Darkshore even though time itself seemed irrelevant in the afterlife, Asha could not be too sure how long she had actually been here or even drifting on the boat for that matter. Eventually land started to emerge up ahead with trees starting to take form beyond the rocky shoreline to form woodland.
They came to a stop at a similar wooden walkway. Clambered out Asha and Aunt Elora followed what seemed to be a path along a slight incline to the top of a hill. The full extent of a paradise land laid before Asha with greenery as far as the eye could peppered with flowers and rocks nestled amongst the patches of forest. Yet the colour was visible but everything including Aunt Elora had that same slight dull coloured haze which made it clear to Asha she was definitely not in the world of the living.
“Follow me Asha, just down to the tree line over there,” insisted Aunt Elora.
“Where are you taking me?” Asked Asha inquisitively.
“I’m taking you to the Sanctuary which is the ruins of an ancient monastery. Some believe it to be the very first ever built to show their dedication to the gods and a place of worship. Pe
rsonally, I am a little sceptical. For as long as people around here can remember the Sanctuary has been used to converge. All the different races would send advisers from the lands they have chosen to occupy in Darkshore to discuss whatever topic arises.
“Seems nothing changes even in the afterlife. Land and hierarchy,” stated Asha not impressed.
“You need to understand Asha that it’s the only life we have all known. Territory and hierarchy keeps people contempt, if a person chooses to they can have a set role and place just like in life.”
“How big is Darkshore, the amount of people here must be unimaginable?” Asked Asha noticing the land disappearing in the distance.
“Not as big as you might think remember Asha only the worthy come here the ones who have shown dedication even sacrifice to the preservation of our world. The same goes for the dark bloods but they will have a different belief. You’re looking at tens of thousands of souls here as for the dark bloods again we don’t know much about their side, they could have hundreds of thousands and maybe more,” answered Aunt Elora has they passed the first set of trees and continued into the woodland.
The woodland were full of wide tall healthy trees with leaves of bronze and red colour sweeping the tops with their roots dug deep into the soft dirt surrounded by a carpet of flowers all different types and colours. Asha wished she could see the full spectrum of colours that Aunt Elora could see instead of a dull contrast like she looking through a vail. They soon came across scattered dark grey coloured stone some twice the size of Asha herself. The further they walked the more stones emerged as if they were dropped from the sky and came to land randomly in the woods. The trees began to thin as they headed towards the boarder of the woodland.
Her first fist few steps out from under the trees Asha became wide-eyed at the magnificent view of ancient buildings spread throughout the grassy area. It took Asha a few moments to realise the buildings were actually ruins. Walls had crumbled along with roofs partially collapsed and chunks of stone scattered throughout the green landscape. Asha thought it looked like a huge explosion had taken place, which now made sense why the same type of stone was also in located the woodland. However, the main build in the centre seemed to be mostly intact. The walls were cracked and partly crumbled but the stone columns holding up a gigantic carved stone domed roof still stood tall.
“This is believed to be the first monastery ever built, some believe not,” spoke a dark haired middle-aged woman walking over to meet them with an aura of authority emanating and giving Aunt Elora a respectful nod. Her leather and steel armour showed signs of battle but was clearly made of a high standard and her inscribed gold handled sword strapped to her back was of the same quality. “My name is Valen. What should we call you, Shade or maybe even Lost Soul?”
“I am Ashalia of the house Bourn and a disciple of the Guardians,” Asha said noticing a gathering of different races steadily increasing.“ Wait – Valen, the Founder?”
“That’s correct Asha,” interrupted Aunt Elora. “This is Founder Valen one of the founding members of the Guardians.
“My apologies Founder Valen,” bowed Asha overly low with respect.
“That was in a past life child you can call me Valen. Walk with me Asha,” Valen said starting a slow walk through the ruins. “We don’t know who actually built this Sanctuary as they is no one left from that time but as the myth goes the builders built this place in respect for the god Aldor. Apparently, Aldor has a personal dislike of such buildings and the whole idea of worship in general. Actions of an individual, as well as what is in their heart at the time of those actions is that matters most to him. So he let his displeasure known as you can see,” pointing to the surrounding ruins.
“He certainly did,” acknowledged Asha, looking over her shoulder and all around hoping to recognise someone particular.
“She is not here Asha,” Aunt Elora said in a sorrow voice knowing whom she is searching.
“I don’t know what you mean Aunt Elora,”
“Your mother Ashantia,” exhaling deeply. I only found out myself when I came here. If anybody had proved they belonged in Darkshore, it was your mother.
“What do you mean Aunt Elora, where is my mother?”
“Onyxia must still have her soul somehow it’s the only viable conclusion I came to,” Aunt Elora said placing a comforting hand on Asha’s shoulder.
“Everyone here is fully aware of the prophecy and that a Shade is the chosen one to fight for the light,” stated Valen. “I do not want to indirectly cause change to your path you travel that may affect the outcome of the prophecy but this I must speak. There was talk from a fellow guardian a dwarf who came here some time back. He once overheard a couple of orc talking about Onyxia before they were slain, that she has a precious jewel hanging around her neck to keep someone she truly hated close to her in spite.”
“We think Onyxia has her soul trapped in the jewel around her neck. They hated each other with a passion growing up, and to have Ashantia’s soul just dangle around her neck when she should be here at peace is unspeakable,” said Aunt Elora showing her anger freely which Asha had never seen before. Asha had seen her get cross like any parent towards a child but this was different, the hatred for Onyxia showed clearly in her eyes.
“I will kill that witch Aunt Elora and I will rip that jewel from her lifeless body,” promised Asha through clenched teeth with such a dark hatred of emotion infused with her Angarian blood. Her palms once again producing emotional blue sparks that quickly elevated to full glow then with a destination in mind she vanished.
The moon shone brightly above Andoria highlighting the silvery colour of a permanent mist that covers the entire surface surrounding the city of Myst, which gives the illusion of a floating city in the clouds. The moon had risen nearly twice since Asha’s departure to Darkshore. It was now the early hours of the morning the streets of Myst were once again deserted. Guards patrolled the streets in pairs with echoes of clanking boots and armour filling the silence. The guards stationed on the wall and the main gate of the Core struggled most specifically on the night shifts with nothing to stimulate their brains just the dark silent cobbled streets and maybe the odd drunken stumbling back to their lodgings. Even the courtyard of the Core was eerily quiet, a Guardian appearing from a cloud of black dust every now and then. The Spire however never seemed to sleep, a light could always be seen from the many windows. On this morning, a large candle flame shone brightly from the top floor with the shutters open wide against the outer wall.
“It feels like a silence before a storm,” Elder Fallon said looking out of windows feeling very much rejuvenated from his much-needed rest.
“Maybe it is, we just don’t know when it’s going to hit,” signed Elder Jorik at the specific moment an explosion of blue light thundered into the large round room destroying a small wooden table and sending the accompanying chairs smashing against the bookcases.
“I think it just has,” replied Elder Fallon uncovering his face with his arm seeing an enraged young woman standing there with glowing clenched fists.
“She has got her wrapped around her neck Elder Fallon, trapped forever,” shouted Asha. “I must find her and put a stop to her miserable life.”
“I didn’t expect you back so soon, but you need to calm yourself Asha remember your training your Angarian trait can get the better of you at times,” watch Asha take a few deep breaths. “I assume you are taking about Onyxia, what is wrapped around her neck and what is trapped?” Questioned Elder Fallon.
“It’s not what it’s who, my mother!” Shouted Asha angrily. “Onyxia trapped her soul in a jewel when she killed her which she keeps fastened around her neck.”
“Are you positive Asha,” asked Elder Jorik fixated on Asha’s glowing hands.
“Aunt Elora was waiting for me on the other side. If she were there then my mother would certainly be there. I was keeping my eyes open for her but she never appeared then I learnt this truth that a previous o
ccupant of Darkshore overheard some Dark Bloods mention the jewel.”
“My god, I knew they had their differences but this is beyond hatred, it must be Onyxia’s way of a final insult to Ashantia and to your Aunt Elora,” explained Elder Fallon.
“You can’t go fighting Onyxia alone when she has an army behind her, it would be suicide. You must continue along your path Asha,” cautioned Elder Jorik his fingers waving in sign through the air.
“Elder Jorik is correct Asha you would lose if you faced Onyxia alone especially with what we now know,” stated Elder Fallon. “But don’t get me wrong Asha when this war comes to end I will help tear that jewel from her body and release your mother. That I can promise.”
“What is it you know Elder Fallon? Asked Asha breathing deeply subduing her anger knowing both elders are wise and speak the truthful.
“What we have recently learnt Asha as stated in the prophecy, is that a great war of light against dark will take place. We believe Onyxia is searching for a relic that will allow her open a doorway to the Dark Isle and unleash an army of the dead. Her priests are searching relentlessly and when they find it and they will, she will have an army of the living and the dead under her command,”
“I have sent word to the kingdoms of the west and to all the Elders to be prepared for a battle this world as never seen before,” stated Elder Jorik.
Asha took to a walk around the room taking in the full ramification of what she has just learnt. A war of the living is one thing but a war on both fronts is unbeatable. Her palms were no longer alight and her emotion dropped to reasonable levels, which opened up her thoughts to a more open-minded thinking. Looking at the array of books crammed into the bookcases one stood out from the rest that resonated from her recent visit to the Sanctuary, which read ‘Worship’.
