Larissa could feel Jake’s despair, and truly felt sorry for him. If something happened to her mother...she couldn’t bear to think about it.
“I’m sorry, Jake. I wish there was something I could do.”
Jake’s face cleared. “Could you ask the Crystal to help? I noticed you talking to it earlier on.” Jake looked hopeful. Larissa doubted it very much, she sighed.
“I guess we can have a go.”
* *
Larissa took out the Crystal once again from her backpack, and placed it in front of her. She closed her eyes, and concentrated her flow of energy to its core. This time, she felt warmth, which became hotter and hotter. Then, it cooled rapidly.
“Hello, Larissa,” the Crystal spoke. “I see we have a visitor in our midst. How may I be of help?”
Larissa was startled, for had they not spoken just a few minutes ago? Its tone had certainly changed.
“Er...this is Jake. We need help in regards to obtaining information about Jake’s mother, and his brother, Zleus,” said Larissa. “Can you tell us where they are now?”
The Crystal was silent, like it was thinking. It spoke,
“They are in grave danger. Zarina is locked away, somewhere dark. I cannot locate her exact position. Zleus is on his way to Eve’s Drop.”
“What is Eve’s Drop?” Larissa asked.
“I have heard of it,” said Jake. “It is a place deep in the Evelyn Mountains, known greatly for its deep ravines, and burning springs. Eve’s Drop is a circular stone situated in the hidden mountain, and is not easy to find, unless you have a code.”
“Do you know the code, Jake?” Larissa was surprised.
“No, only the Sacred Witches have access,” he replied.
“What about the High Witch? Does she know about Eve’s Drop?”
Jake didn’t answer, but shrugged his shoulders. Larissa redirected the question to the Crystal. It remained silent, hesitant to give more information.
“Please, we have to know,” said Jake.
“The High Witch indeed has heard of it, I believe. However, I cannot be certain that she has knowledge of it. The Fathers of all the Sacred Witches created Eve’s Drop by magic. However, today is not the time to tell you of its history. All I do know, Jake and Larissa, is that you both need to travel to Zrotaz quickly, but you can only do that once the Aurora Borealis is repaired, for the safety of the humans and Planet Earth.”
“Crystal, can you tell me if my mother is unharmed and safe?” Jake asked.
“She is alive, if that is what you mean. Whether she is unharmed, I cannot tell. Blessings and stay safe.” The Crystal went to sleep.
“What did he mean?” Jake asked anxiously.
“I really don’t know.” Larissa was equally bewildered.
* *
Jake and Larissa settled down in front of the fire, each to their own thoughts. Larissa was very interested in the place called Eve’s Drop, and especially its history. She looked towards Jake, who was lost in deep concentration. She could only guess what was going through his mind. She turned her attention to Mike; he was surprisingly still out cold.
“Hey! Mike!” she called.
“Do you think he’s dead?” Jake took the empty bottle from his hand, and tipped the last remnants onto the floor.
“That’s not funny, Jake.”
Larissa was concerned, where was everyone? She decided to contact her mother.
“Mum, where are you?” she tale-communicated.
The reply came a short while later; and it was faint.
“Larissa...is that you, Darling? Listen to me, you must stay where you are.” The voice became static, like a weak radio signal, but then it became loud again.
Larissa heard the word ‘danger’ before communication died down completely.
“Mum? Mum! Can you hear me?” Larissa shouted in her head.
However, there was only static.
“Larissa, what’s wrong?” Jake asked.
“Please, help me wake Mike,” Larissa cried. “Mum and the rest are in danger...!”
17
ZROTAZ
Zleus, the unisus-Charm, and the witches had been flying for two days, and took small breaks in between. They varied their resting places; sometimes on moors, briefly in caves, and in the woods. They endured weather that consisted of a mix of ferocious winds, warm but dangerous flying dust, and icy sheets of rain.
Zleus was amazed at the intensity of the counter-spells used to beat the the weather fronts, although the power from them wasn't always effective.
It was a warm morning, with the orange sun just rising. The group had found an island that appeared perfect for resting. The gentle, warm, pink sea lapped at Zleus’s naked feet as he ate a fruit that wasn’t anything like he had ever seen or tasted before. The fruit was round. It had a white and blue, striped skin that looked amazing! It was easy to get into and very delicious too.
“That is the Qye fruit,” said Verna, the witch councillor, who came to sit next to him.
“How do you know?” Zleus asked.
“I have eaten it,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Zleus took another bite out of the fruit. The tangy, sweet juice trickled down his throat, at which point fiery flames exploded inside his mouth. Zleus spat it out immediately! Verna laughed.
“What was that!” he shouted, standing up.
“I’m sorry,” Verna was still laughing. “I forgot to mention that!” She held out her hand, and a vial appeared, with blue liquid inside.
“Here, drink this,” she said. “It will soothe your tongue and throat.”
Zleus looked at it suspiciously.
“Trust me, it is safe,” said Verna.
Zleus took the vial and drank the liquid. A multitude of flavours burst inside his mouth, which sizzled, cooling him down instantly.
“Can I have more?” he asked.
“You can’t have too much of a good thing,” Verna winked.
Charm came up to them. “It is so beautiful here; I have never been to this part of Zrotaz.”
“Many haven’t ventured here...it is not very safe,” said Verna. It seemed that her mind was miles away, and Zleus’s curiosity ignited. He was going to ask her what she was thinking about, but the Sacred Witch interrupted.
“Can everybody gather around, please,” she called.
The group assembled, and the Sacred Witch looked from the witches, to Zleus, and finally to Charm.
“What I am going to say, concerns Zleus,” she began. “I have news, whether this is good or not, I cannot say. Abyliss, the unisus council leader, has been in contact with me. He has been able to send Myeth and two of his bravest soldiers to Earth, for the protection of Larissa, and for those travelling with her.”
The Sacred Witch looked directly at Zleus.
“Xyth is among the group, Zleus.”
“My brother is with them?” Zleus was taken aback.
“Indeed,” replied the Sacred Witch. “He was sent to Earth to protect Larissa, and the Crystal, as you are aware. Now, let me get to the matter in hand. I have been given information about the Aurora Borealis, and I am saddened to tell you that the holes have widened further. This is extremely distressing news.”
The Sacred Witch filled in the details of Larissa’s quest to repair the holes, a necessity to regain safety for the people of Earth, the citizens of Zrotaz, and other neighbouring planets. She talked about the Earth Spirits and of the dangers prior to meeting them. However, she didn’t mention Chantelle’s abduction for the same reason she told Larissa, back on Earth.
“Larissa will return to Zrotaz with the Crystal. It is her destiny to fulfil the prophecy and destroy the High Witch. You all have knowledge of this already. But now, it is up to us, to help Larissa to reach the Aurora Borealis.”
“And how do we do that?” asked Beskine brusquely.
“That can only be assessed once we meet with the other Sacred Witches,” replied the Sacred Witch patiently. “Our tim
e has been reduced; therefore we must find a quicker route to Eve’s Drop.”
Everyone set out to work on another possible route. For Zleus, it meant paying extra close attention to the details, especially of any dangers that may spring up. The Sacred Witch said a few words, just enough for the group to hear, and the ground beneath them trembled. A large crack appeared, and everyone stepped back.
A miniature model of mountains, islands, and the sea erupted upwards, stopping at a good height. Labels hovered above the landscapes. One caught Zleus’s eye: the Dead Sea. A holographic line showed the new route.
The Sacred Witch sighed.
“I was hoping to avoid the Dead Sea,” she said. “But it seems this is the only quick way. It will get us there seven days earlier.”
“But isn’t the Dead Sea supposed to be really dangerous?” Zleus really didn’t like the idea at all of crossing that treacherous sea.
Charm nodded. “Anyone unfortunate to fall in, well, let’s just say, they need to pray to the Gods.”
Jake gulped. The Sacred Witch whispered another spell, and the model began to crumble, turning into dust in a matter of seconds.
“Alright, we all know the new route now. I suggest we eat and drink up, and make our way to Forex Krell, our next stop,” the Sacred Witch said. “Any questions?”
She looked at everyone. No one responded.
“Very good,” she concluded.
Everyone became busy again. Once they all were rested, and had satisfied their hunger, the group flew back to the sky.
Zleus looked back down at the island, and already regretted leaving it. He had enjoyed himself for a while...then he thought of his mother, and cursed himself for being so selfish.
* * The group were flying over a meandering river that crashed between huge rocky cliffs when Charm spotted something down below.
“Mermaids!” she said incredously. “I thought they all died out!”
“So did I!” said Zleus. “Look, they seem to be following us.”
The mermaids splashed in and out of the pink river, racing with one another. Then, one looked up. Zleus was sure her eyes rested on his for a second, he gasped.
“What?” asked Charm.
“One looked at me,” he said.
“Are you sure?” Charm asked. Her voice betrayed the darkness of her tone.
“Yes, why?”
“I have heard things,” began Charm. “They are dangerous creatures; their minds are not to be trusted.”
Zleus watched the mermaids as they spectacularly danced in the water. The sun reflected their beautiful scaly tails that shimmered in different shades of silver, blue, red, and gold. He had to admit they were beautiful.
Charm flew higher, obscuring the view below. Zleus could remember his mother reading stories of mermaids to him when he was a small child; the mermaids were always good. They were always friendly. Were they just stories and myths?
Just then, the blue sky turned grey. Black fog and cold mist surrounded them. A strange sound clattered in his ears, and Zleus tried to block it. He remembered a counter-spell that his mother had once taught him, to ward off evil. Would it work?
“Cold of the night and day, let the cries crush vanish. Hold tight the light!” Zleus waved his arms above his hands, “Pruxlemeli!” he shouted.
The fog and mist cleared, but then came back in the next second. Zleus heard a screeching noise. His ears were pierced by a scream.
“Look out!” someone shouted.
Charm swerved upwards, trying to fly out of the darkness, but it held. They couldn’t see anything.
“Charm!” Zleus shouted. He blinked, and his eyes watered. His throat began to constrict, he couldn’t breathe.
Then, he and Charm fell.
18
Zleus surfaced from the frothy sea, gulping for air. His eyes stung as he searched for the others but he couldn’t see anything. He had never been a strong swimmer but thankfully, the sea seemed to be carrying him, instead of trying to drown him.
Huge waves bounced him this way and that, each swell taking him high and giving him the opportunity to see everywhere, but only for a few seconds before the wave collapsed and pulled him under.
Zleus tried to summon a spell to help him stay conscious and breathe under the sea, but it was proving too difficult.
“Charm!” he called, but only a faint voice appeared.
There was no sign of her, or anyone. Just then, another wave hit him and took him under one more time, he struggled to fight the sea’s mighty power but he lost consciousness.
* *
Zleus found himself tied to a tree, the trunk’s skin cold and smooth, unlike the rough and thick surfaces he was used to. He twisted hard, trying to free himself, but the thick ropes held him tight. Around him, stood similar trees with huts dotted here and there. It looked like he was in a small village.
“Hello, is anyone there?” he shouted. However, this activity made him cough, stinging his throat.
What was this place? Why weren’t there any people around? Moreover, who had tied him up? Zleus tried to call out again, and ended up coughing again. The sun was high in the sky; it must be noon. He thought back to the last time he was conscious, wasn’t he going to drown? Moreover, how did he get here? He yawned. His eyes began to feel heavy, and soon he fell asleep.
He was barely conscious when water splashed on his face. He came to, startled by the moist droplets.
“Hello, Zleus,” said a pretty creature.
Zleus stared. What? Another mythical creature?
“How do you know my name?” he asked wearily. The creature laughed, “The stars told us,” she said. “Are you real?” Zleus wasn’t so sure.
“Of course, are you?” the creature asked.
Zleus couldn’t help but gaze at the centaur. Her flank was shiny, red, and orange. Her long tail swished back and forth. He noticed she wore a brown tunic that covered her torso and chest. She had long golden hair that spiralled around her striking face down to her waist. She was a beauty to behold.
“I am Sanfa, the second in command on Forex Krill,” she introduced herself.
Zleus thought he remembered that place, had not he heard the Sacred Witch mention it? He looked at the centaur.
“Why am I tied up?” he demanded.
“So you don’t run away, of course,” came her answer without a beat.
“Why would I run away, and from whom?” Zleus asked, exasperated. “Never mind, can you untie me now? Also, I would like some water, if that is allowed.” He couldn’t help but be sarcastic.
Sanfa smiled, and Zleus’s ropes fell away. Then, a tall, unique shaped vial of water, the colour of pale blue, appeared before him on a flat stone.
“It’s not much.” Zleus was dubious.
“It will do the job,” smiled Sanfa.
Zleus drank, and to his surprise, his thirst disappeared.
“Thank you,” he said.
Zleus should have not been surprised at this magic; after all, Zrotaz was a magical planet.
“Come with me.” Sanfa began to lead the way.
“Excuse me, but where is Charm? She is a unisus who fell into the sea with me. Did you find her?” Zleus asked as he followed. “And what about the Sacred Witch and the other witches, do you know what happened to them?
Sanfa stopped in her tracks and turned around to face her guest.
“My cousin is well, but wounded. You and Charm fell into the Dead Sea and it was very lucky we found you both; the Mermen nearly took you. As for the Sacred Witch and her councillors, they are safe.”
“What do you mean, Charm is your cousin? And Mermen?” Zleus was perplexed.
“The unisus is a cross breed of a pegasus and a unicorn. Years later, many winged unicorns – the unisus, such as Charm and Abyliss – came into existence as all creatures do.
The centaur is an evolution of the man and the Horse. How we came about, no one knows but the undeniable fact is that we all share the same gene trai
t of the common horse, making us cousins.”
“To answer your second question; when you fell into the Dead Sea, the Merpeople were ready for you, to take you to their kingdom under the sea. However, Charm was still strong after that fall, and rose out of the sea. She called for assistance using her telepathy. My friends and I arrived and brought you to safety. I must assure you it wasn’t easy, the Mermen are very angry creatures and tried their best to keep you in the water.
“We must make headway now to the Tribe Head, he is the first in command of this island. He will be very pleased to see you have come around at last. You have been asleep for a very long time. The Sacred Witch of the East will be relieved too,” said Sanfa.
“The Sacred Witch is here? I thought she...” Zleus stepped on something sticky. He screwed up his face as he wiped his feet on some large leaves lying on the ground.
“As I have been informed,” Sanfa said, and she began to walk again. “The Sacred Witch didn’t leave you, Zleus, and is in conversation with the Tribe Head.”
Zleus felt the conversation was closed; and so he walked in her wake, his mind buzzing with a thousand questions.
* *
Sanfa and Zleus walked through green foliage where strange, small animals darted in and out of leaves and broken tree bark. Zleus made out tiny huts that reached his knees. Smoke billowed out of the chimneys and light shone through their windows.
“This is the village of the elves,” said Sanfa. “They can be helpful little creatures but only if they want to. Oh, mind where you step. They don’t appreciate their homes being trodden on. The last creature who did it, well let’s just say he no longer lives on this island.”
Zleus didn’t like the sound of the elves, and swiftly moved on. However, he couldn’t help but peer into one of the little huts. Inside, a female elf was cooking something delicious, the smell was so tantalising! Her eyes met his, and she squealed, dropping the tiny pan. Zleus’ eyes widened and he hastily apologised, before running out of the village.
Witch Crystal (Witches of Zrotaz Book 1) Page 11
