Illusional Reality

by Karina Kantas

  Finally, the gates swung opened. Thya was escorted down the path towards him. He silently prayed to the Changlins, thanking them for her safe return. From the expression on her face, the meeting had not gone well. He held out his arm and she grabbed hold of it, pulling him away from the gate in her haste to get away.

  They made their way down the treacherous mountain path. It wasn't until the gates of Senx slammed shut behind them that Omad dared to ask Thya the outcome of the meeting.

  She gnawed her lip. “I am so regretful, Omad. I believe matters have worsened. Kovon infuriated me and I could not permit him to converse in such a manner. I declared my feelings to him and remarked much. More than was meant. I doubt there will ever be an alliance between Tsinia and Senx.”

  Omad's expression was grave. “Let us confer with the council. Amends have to be formed momentarily.” They spoke no more.

  Alkazar worried for Thya's safety and was eager for her return. He paced nervously back and forth, unable to concentrate or focus on his studies. Finally, the announcement of her coming rang through the forest. He left immediately, practically jumping down the steps. He arrived in time to see Thya being ushered towards the Escos by Omad.

  “You are not summoned for counsel, Alkazar,” Omad told him. “And this council does not concern you.”

  Even with the refusal, Alkazar did not relent. He touched Omad's shoulder. “Declare to me, what has occurred?”

  The seriousness of Omad's expression concerned Alkazar. “The conclusion I fear, my friend. The conclusion.” Then Omad turned and walked somberly into the Escos. The door shut, leaving the bewildered Alkazar alone.

  “The conclusion,” he repeated, almost in a whisper.

  Alkazar seated himself upon the ground. What was meant by that, he wondered. He deemed the meeting had not run smoothly, though he was certain Thya performed to her finest and was civil enough with her tongue. In the name of the Changlins, what could have gone wrong? Oh, how he desired to transform into a telent, fly into the Escos, and perceive what was conversed. He pitied the need for Thya to face her judges alone and decided to wait, no matter how long it would take.

  The council meeting had hardly begun when the alarm rang through the city. Thya didn't have to ask its meaning, the councillors terrified expressions told her there was trouble.

  They evacuated the Escos in a state of blind panic. Tsinians ran to their dwellings; some looked lost and confused, some ran aimlessly.

  Alkazar found the Tsinian who sounded the alarm and his anxiety deepened. “Skayfla, why the alert? Do you perceive something of importance?”

  Skayfla possessed the gift of Sonica—increased hearing. He could hear the slightest sound from afar. “My tidings are grave, Alkazar. Darthorn has assembled an army and they are marching toward Tsinia. There is something more I fear. He has unleashed the Dark Force. There is a strength, an energy if you will, far greater than any we could comprehend. We must prepare for the attack. May the power of the Changlins be upon you, my friend.”

  It was worse than Alkazar could have imagined. He was compelled to gather the gifted Tsinians, for only they could protect Tsinia. His desire to learn what had been conversed in Senx grew. What had occurred for Darthorn to alter character so dramatically?

  There was no need to look for the gifted Tsinians as they sought him out. They understood they were needed as they had played their role many times before. The group included Thya, who, now that she had completed her studies, could use her skills to the fullest. Even so, Alkazar was not pleased with having her so close to the attack line. If the Senx saw her standing among them, she would be their first target—their only target. However, he could not argue with the councils' command, or deny the strength of her gift.

  Alkazar tried to understand the reason for the attack. Though he would never trust Darthorn or any Senx, he pondered the sudden transformation. One moment he required peace and the next he was dispatching an army to destroy them. Why?

  Fear and panic rose in the hearts of the Tsinians, and it was Omad's task to calm them. He would have preferred it if they had a ruler who would govern her people. He observed Thya, who stood close beside him. There was no fear in her eyes, no panic, only blankness, as if she had cut herself off from everyone and everything.

  Thya blamed herself for the change of circumstance. She ought not to have spoken to Kovon the way she had. Alkazar had warned her not to, only she had lost her temper. If anything befell the gentle Tsinians, she would hold herself responsible.

  Omad ordered all the Tsinians, apart from Alkazar's assembled group, to leave the city and head for the border of their land until it was safe to return. Words of hope were called out to the group as the villagers departed. The remainder stood in silent wait.

  Alkazar had the task of electing the gift to use in their defence, and how to employ the gift. Only he could not do this until he knew how big the assault would be. It gave him little time to plan his strategy. Even so, he had yet to fail his kinsmen.

  His mind raced through possible scenarios, coming up with a counter attack for each. Fortunately, the gathering did not have long to wait. They heard the sound of a hundred soldiers marching towards them. Soon they were able to sight them.

  Their enemy was clad in black leather garments, with silver chainmail and gold armour covering their chests and arms. Each carried a shield and a sword, which they held high in the air as they advanced.

  When the last of the soldiers came into view, the first were almost upon the city. Alkazar chose their defence quickly.

  “Grenko,” he called. “Produce a growth of thorns and thistle around our borders. An enclosure sturdy and firm that it will deny them admission.”

  Grenko stepped forward. He squeezed his eyes shut, his head bowed. He made an action with his hands, as though he was sprinkling something on the ground. Instantly, a hedge of thorns and thistles sprouted from the earth before the Senx. Soon it became larger than the tallest Tsinian. The group watched as the Senxs tried to hack and chop their way through, only to no avail. Those who attempted it screamed when the thorns pierced their armour and cut into their skin. These were no ordinary thorns; they were as sharp as knives. No protection could have aided the soldiers. After a time, the warriors started to withdraw.

  “Nay, this is too effortless,” Alkazar called out in alarm. “Why do they retreat? They are recalled for a purpose. Preserve and be aware,” he ordered.

  As they watched, a portion of the hedge crumpled, as if crushed by an invisible force.

  “What the blazes?” Alkazar cursed.

  The Tsinians backed away. The invisible force proceeded onwards, flattening everything in its path. The force contained such strength that the Tsinians doubted anything could put an end to its destruction. Turning from its path, it started towards the Plecky.

  Darthorn himself directed the force. He wanted to rid Tsinia of every ounce of goodness until they had nothing to feel cheerful about. Then he would force the Tsinians into slavery so they could do his bidding.

  Alkazar watched in horror as the invisible hand smashed the roof of the Plecky. The building caved inwards, burying the sacred Changlins. The Tsinians scattered, fearful of being hit by flying debris. They waited Alkazar's command. Once the Plecky had been destroyed, it started towards the Escos, destroying every tree dwelling in its path.

  “Do something, Alkazar,” Thya screamed.

  Transfixed by the spectacle; his eyes tried to comprehend what they were seeing. Thya's cry awoke him from his trance.

  “Maril,” he called out.

  Maril possessed the gift of Freice, the ability to freeze an object, though unfortunately not a person, nor beast. He didn't need Alkazar to tell him what to do. He stood as close as was safe, raised his arms into the air, and pointed his fingers to the sky. Then, with his fists clenched, he pointed his thumbs towards the invisible force.

  “Focus, Maril,” Alkazar instructed.

  Nothing happened.

  Ma
ril dropped his hands to his side in defeat. “The energy is substantial. I do not possess sufficient strength.”

  The force was nearly upon the Escos.

  “My lady,” he called. “Thya,” Alkazar shouted a second time.

  She heard the second call and walked over to where Alkazar stood.

  “Take up with Maril,” he instructed. “I require you to concentrate. Disregard your gift of Flite. When you reach the Owto, command your energy to freeze the force.”

  “I do not possess the gift of Freice, only Maril—”

  Alkazar spoke gently. “Trust me.”

  Thya was puzzled by his request; even so, she stood beside the bewildered Maril and focused her sight on the invisible force settling over the Escos. Once she'd reached the Owto, a hidden voice instructed her on thoughts and commands she had not met before. Thya concentrated hard. So intense was her attention, that she did not witness the amazing spectacle.

  From the ground upwards, ice appeared. It grew with speed and froze the energy just as the invisible force was about to crush the roof of the Escos.

  There were no cheers, only a hushed silence, followed by questions: How? What? When?

  Thya recovered from her trance, startled by the sight of the monstrous lump of ice before her.

  “My lady,” Alkazar called. “I entrust the final destruction to your capable hands.”

  Using her gift of Flite, she toppled the frozen mass of energy. It crashed into the mountain, shattering into thousands of pieces. The group cheered loudly, chanting their princess’ name. Alkazar silenced them.

  “My dear friends, I beg you be silent to what you witnessed. I require conversation with our lady prior to the occurrence being announced. Do I hold your assurance?”

  “With certainty,” they answered.

  It was agreed that Maril had frozen the invisible force and that Thya participated in the final destruction only.

  Thya was confused and frightened by Alkazar's words. Once again she felt vulnerable and scared.

  Those sent to the borders returned upon hearing word of the thwarted attack on their city. All were disturbed by the devastation.

  Omad and the council ran to where the Plecky once stood and removed the rubble in haste, desperate to find the damaged Changlins. Omad rejoiced loudly when he came upon them. “Praise to the Changlins, they are untouched!”

  “With certainty,” Alkazar answered. “The Changlins cannot be destroyed, buried certainly, yet you would still sight them untouched. By your leave, I will escort the princess back to the Recas. She is weak from the employment of her gift, for it was our lady that fell the Dark Force.”

  Omad bowed down to her. “Well then, my lady, we are indebted to you.”

  “Tis my duty to aid my kinsmen. Is that not what I was brought back to do?”

  “Well voiced, my lady, and so you have. Withdraw and rest. My gratitude goes with you.”

  As weak as she was, Thya would not leave. “I apologise for what has occurred in your city. I realise that I am the cause of this destruction. I will remain and aid you in rebuilding it, then for your sake, you ought to return me to Earth. You are safer absent from my presence. I do not hold a fondness for your land. I desire to return home. I beg you to permit me to depart; it would be prudent for all.”

  Omad dusted off his clothes. “Do not concern yourself, my lady. Buildings can be restored, our existence cannot. I worry that the Dark Force will recur whether you are among us or not. You ought to understand why we require an alliance.”

  Thya was shocked.

  “You require an alliance after all that has occurred? Are you mad? What will it take for you to realise tis not the means?”

  Her raised voice was heard above the noise of rocks and ice being thrown aside. The villagers stopped working and listened.

  “Why don't you just hand Tsinia over to your enemy?” Thya shouted. “Alliance or not, once Darthorn has a hold he will never release it, and you will be deprived of everything. Do you not understand this?”

  “We do not retain another option, my lady.” Omad held his hands out in a calming gesture.

  “Is there not another means? Why not fight, at least if you are defeated you can hold your heads with dignity and remark that you attempted, rather than present Tsinia without resistance.”

  “We follow the prophecy of the Oracles,” Omad said. “They revealed that you will deliver us from Darthorn's wrath. Although this is not the correct situation to inquire, I will. How will you aid us? If not by an alliance?”

  Thya had no answer for him. She noticed everyone waiting for her response.

  “Sight me,” she yelled. “Do I appear as a saviour? Did not the Oracles prophecise my departure, because that is exactly what I am going to do.”

  She stormed off, blinded by anger. She did not know where she was going or even hear Alkazar calling to her. She felt someone grab hold of her arm and so spun around to confront the culprit. “Go away, Alkazar,” she snapped. “Permit me my solitude.”

  He ignored her and kept hold of her arm. “You are not to blame for this occurrence. I am convinced you did all you could.”

  “Well, you are in error then, aren't you?” Thya said. “I journeyed to Senx with anger in my heart, the opposite of what you instructed.”

  “I do not doubt this, only I am confident you were provoked—”

  “With certainty. Only do not create justification for me. I caused this destruction. My stubbornness brought ruin to your city, and I am so regretful,” she cried.

  Alkazar stepped forward to console her but Thya backed away. “I do not require your pity. Return to Siren for I am confident she seeks you. I did not summon for your counsel.”

  “I did not pursue you out of pity,” he growled. “You are selfish, Thya. You retain gifts and possess a power we can only dream of. Tis a precious gift. You retain the fortune to become a heroine, to rule our land, one that is rich and bountiful. In its place, you are resolved to whine and feel regretful for yourself. Certainly, tis written that you are our hope, only I wonder if you serve the purpose.”

  Alkazar's words cut through Thya's heart like icy knives. The blow almost made her unsteady on her feet. She bowed her head, unable to look him in the eye.

  “Nay, Thya,” his voice calmed, and once again contained his gentle, silky tone, “I do not pity you, I envy you.” He turned away from her.

  “Alkazar, wait,” she begged. “I am so ashamed.” He stopped, yet did not turn. “You are just in your words. I have been selfish. All that has been in my thoughts is my fear and woe, not that of my kinsmen's terror. I understand that my return caused great relief and that all I have displayed since is care for myself. I will uncover a means to obtain peace. This I owe you all. I will form amends.

  “We have a remark in England. Tis cruel to be kind, only do not despise me Alkazar. I am in need of you.”

  He turned to face her.

  “Nay, my lady. You are my queen, even though the crown has not yet passed into your hands. I will always love you as my queen. I am at your service, and as your servant, permit me to escort you to your home as I am doubtful you can stand much longer.”

  Thya had forgotten about her fatigue. As if his words cast a spell, she suddenly felt weak. Alkazar was by her side before she swooned. He lifted her into his arms.

  “Absolve me, Alkazar,” she muttered.

  “Hush, my lady.”

  Unhappy with himself for causing her distress, he did not want to be so mean. His words should never have been said. He wished he could transport her away from her pain and fears, alas, that could never be. She had to accept and confront her fate, and when she did, it would surely result in her departure—whether to Senx or Earth. No scenario existed that would allow Alkazar and Thya to be together, regardless of the love he felt for her, and not just as his queen. He had fallen in love with Thya, the woman. A forbidden, dangerous love; Alkazar was unsure how to deal with it.

  He carried Thya back
to the Recas in silence, leaving instructions with Kezar for Thya to sleep undisturbed. He wanted to stay and watch over her, yet he was needed elsewhere. There was a lot of work to do and every hand was required. The Dark Force had destroyed the Plecky and many tree dwellings.

  Once Thya was sleeping, Alkazar left.

  The Tsinians spent the rest of the fading light clearing the rubble. Everyone aided, apart from Kezar, who remained with her mistress. They took the pieces of the frozen force and placed in a heap at the foot of the mountain, in a hopeful reminder that Darthorn had yet again failed in his quest. Although significant damage had been done, the Tsinians' hearts were light and they sang while they worked. They were relieved that not one of their friends had been hurt and that they had yet again defeated the dark warlord. Even with Thya's harsh words and the threat of war seeming greater than before, they still felt Thya was their saviour. With her aid, they could conquer any strength or power that Darthorn unleashed upon them. Of course, none save the select group knew of or had witnessed Thya's powers.

  Thya woke late in the evening. Refreshed from her deep sleep, she immediately sensed someone else in the room. She turned to find Valcan seated beside her bed. Next to him on the small table was a dish of steaming water emitting a strong flowery fragrance.

  “I deem tis wise to arouse you, my lady,” Valcan said. “Tis late and you need to consume if you are to retain your strength.”

  Thya sat up and took the bowl Valcan held out to her. “Kezar has advised me on your delight in this strange food, although I cannot understand the reason.”

  Thya looked down at the thick orange liquid. “Tomato soup,” she said. “Actually, tis delicious.”

  “Prior to devouring this, I require you to receive my treatment.”

  Valcan spooned some of the fragrant water into a ladle and brought it to her lips. Thya was cautious about drinking it as it looked too hot. However, she trusted Valcan and sipped the liquid. To her relief, it tasted of berries and spices. No sooner had she swallowed the liquid, she felt a warm, soothing, sensation fill her being.