“Time to leave,” she said.
They sprinted towards the boat which was slowly drifting out into the open sea. After wading through the water, they grabbed the ropes the boatman threw and pulled themselves up on the vessel.
“Take off,” Arkon ordered the boatman as he swung himself up.
The man, having witnessed the battle, needed no further encouragement. He pulled at the oars, and the boat pushed away, riding the fast waves.
Exhausted, Zo watched the shore. The durkha was nowhere to be seen. She glanced at the women. What did they want? Did they still intend to kidnap Leo?
One of the akachima smiled. “I’m Izma, the new leader of the akachimas.”
Zo recalled seeing her during the fight. She was the one whose arm had been burnt. “Your friends…”
Izma looked back at the beach, as if expecting the durkha to emerge from the sand but there was no movement.
“He will escape soon enough. I couldn’t kill him, but merely imprisoned him in glass. It will take him a while to become free but by then we will be out of his reach.”
“How did you imprison him?” said Arkon. His sword was still in his hands, as if he expected trouble from the women.
“It was something I used to do a lot when I was a child. Lightning strike on the sand causes the sand to melt and once the heat dissipates, the sand cools rapidly, leaving behind a glass formation. I turned the sand around him into glass. It would not hurt him, but it will take him a while to escape.”
“That was clever thinking,” said Izma admiringly.
Zo shifted on her seat. She pulled off her wet boots. “Why did you save us?”
“We are sworn to protect the boy,” Izma said. “He’s the new prophet.”
“You could have allowed the demon mage to kill us, and taken off with the boy.”
The akachima’s lips stretched in a smile, making her look almost harmless, like someone’s favorite aunt. “You are his guardians. He has chosen you, and it is our duty to protect you along with him.”
Arkon tapped Zo on the shoulder. He moved to sit beside her. “That’s a different take than what your lot had earlier.”
Izma blinked. “I’m sorry. That was a mistake. Some of us tried to tell Sylvia that it was in one of the books that the new prophet will choose different guardians, and we would need to protect them as we would protect him. But she wasn’t ready to give up our old assigned role. Change is difficult.”
Zo didn’t know what to make of this new turn of events. The akachimas were not only offering help, they had indeed proven their loyalty by risking their lives to save them from the durkha. It was a relief to know she wouldn’t have to fight these wily ladies again. They had tricks up their sleeves, and even at her full strength, they were more than a match for her.
“How can you be sure Leo is the new prophet?” she asked.
Izma walked over to the child. She lifted the medallion he wore around his neck. Leo cringed at her touch, but didn’t resist. “See this. That was the same medallion worn by the old prophet. He was kidnapped by Vindha, but he escaped and hid somewhere. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t find him. This here,” she pointed at the engravings on the stone, “these are symbols of a magic spell. This medallion was created hundreds of years ago, and is passed from one prophet to another. Although the prophet can peer into the future, this medallion opens their inner eye, and helps them to see better.”
Ahh!” Arkon sheathed his sword. “So Bikram was right. We did find his heir.”
Zo didn’t know what to say. Was the old man they saw die in the village a prophet and Leo his heir? Had Bikram seen that Zo would come across the boy in his vision?
“You met Bikram?” Izma let go of the medallion. “Where is he?”
“He is dead. Vindha’s mage killed him.”
Izma sat on the bench next to Leo. The boy shuffled away warily. “He’s dead? I can’t believe it…”
“I’m sorry. You served him?” Zo asked.
“Briefly. When I was newly inculcated into the tribe…” Izma held her head with both hands. Tears escaped her eyes. “He was a great seer.”
Zo ran her hand over the edge of her bench, surprised to see such blatant grief on the woman’s face. “How many of you are left now?”
“Nine of us, but now…” Izma looked back at the beach. “I don’t know how many will join us in Iram.”
“How did you know where to find us?”
“We unearthed some books that foretold this event,” she said. “We then used the clues and tracked your progress to decipher the exact location where the durkha would catch you.”
“Are there things written in your tomes about the durkhas?”
Izma nodded. “Yes. Their coming was predicted.”
Zo leaned forward. “What else is recorded about them?”
“We didn’t have the time to look at all that was written but it’s said they are immortal. The only way to destroy them is to plunge them into the molten fires of lava.”
“Lava?”
“They are born from lava, from the fiery depths of hell…and the touch of it is death for their mortal bodies.”
“It’s going to be hard to catch them and then fling them into lava,” sneered Arkon.
Izma cocked an eyebrow. “There is another way. A magical weapon must be created. Among other things, it has to be plunged into fire to fortify it with the poison to kill them. Some of my friends are bringing in our old tomes. We’ll find out more on how to kill them after we read those…and perhaps the new prophet can guide us.”
Zo glanced at Leo. He was staring at the women with wide, innocent eyes. She didn’t think she could rely on the boy as yet to offer a solution to a problem of this magnitude. She rubbed her forehead. Perhaps the akachimas would prove to be useful adversaries against their new enemy – the durkhas. Also, they needed someone to teach Leo how to hone his talent, and the akachimas knew all about prophets.
“So you are joining us in Iram?”
“With your permission, we would like to stay with the prophet. We’ll teach him…”
Zo raised her hand, palm up. “You’ll have to follow my rules regarding his education and care. He will be free. You’ll not bind him or coerce him to do anything. As teachers, you will encourage him but you will not force your will on him.”
“Yes.” Izma nodded. “We’ll follow your guidance.”
Zo pursed her lips. Well, they seemed amicable enough now. Only time would tell whether the akachimas adhered to her rules or not, but for now at least one of her problems was solved. Leo would not be able to get better teachers than these women.
“In that case, you’re welcome to Iram,” she said. “We’ll be glad to have you as allies.”
A look of relief crossed Izma’s face. She hadn’t been as sure of Zo’s decision as she had pretended to be. “Thank you. We’re indebted to you.”
Zo smiled. “Well, you did save our lives so we are in your debt also.” She still found it hard to believe they were alive. If it wasn’t for the akachimas…? She owed them.
Leo passed on the pouch containing the flowers to her, and she clipped it to her belt.
Silence reigned over the boat as they sailed over the choppy sea. A faint breeze ruffled their hair and whipped through their cloaks. Zo sat at the prow of the boat, eagerly awaiting her first sight of Iram – her beloved home. She couldn’t wait to see Alicia and Seve and prayed they were well.
Time flew. Morning turned into afternoon, and the merciless sun beat down on them. Zo covered her head with a scarf.
Her stomach grumbled. It was nearly lunch time. Arkon walked over and handed her a loaf of bread and a small, wizened apple. “It’s all we’ve left. Gave some to the ladies.”
“Good. We’ll get food once we are home.”
“Hot stew.”
“Mutton,” she said.
He licked his lips. “Fresh bread straight from the oven.”
They laughed, sharing a joke
only people who had been hungry for a long time could understand.
“It’s been a hell of a journey, hasn’t it?” Arkon pushed his hair back with both his hands.
Raising his arms up in the air, he stretched. “Can’t believe it’s over.”
Fear burned in her heart. “Nearly over.”
Arkon straightened. “I’m sure they are alive.” His tone indicated he understood her concerns.
Zo ripped off a piece of bread and tossed it to the gull circling their boat. She watched as the bird swooped down and took off with the morsel in mid-air. “If they’re not, we have wasted a lot of time, and I’ve lost my entire family.”
Arkon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ll not lose your family. They will pull through.”
Zo smiled. “I hope you’re right.”
Arkon nodded. He turned to leave. “Arkon,” she said.
He turned towards her, a questioning look on his face.
“I owe you my gratitude. You saved my life more than once.”
“You also saved mine, princess.”
Zo tossed the rest of the bread to the gull. Suddenly, she wasn’t hungry. “I also owe you an apology. Earlier I thought as a mage I was untouchable. Now…I know better.”
Arkon smiled. “We’re all vulnerable. All of us can die.”
“Except the durkhas…” Zo thought of the battle they had nearly not made through.
Arkon shook his head. “Even they die. We’ve to remember that or else their fear will settle into our hearts. They can be killed. We just have to find the means to do so.”
Zo ran her hand over her cloak, straightening it. “You’re right. We’ll find a way.”
Arkon looked ahead. “See, we’re nearly there. I’ll go pay the boatman.” He walked off.
Zo whipped her head around to look as the shoreline of the island appeared in the distant horizon. The boat cut through the whipping waves and headed for the wooden deck swaying in the gentle wind. As the boat neared the island, everyone on the boat gathered near Zo, watching the beach loom closer.
Shading her eyes with her hand, Zo could make out the tall, swaying coconut trees that dotted the land. In the distance, she could see the mountains – but it wasn’t yet possible to see the castle perched mid-way up the mountain range. She prayed for her siblings as the boat raced towards the deck. The boatman slowed and threw the rope to the waiting deckhand. Zo and Arkon jumped off even before the boat docked.
“We’ll send someone to fetch you,” she yelled back at the startled Leo. “Stay with the akachimas. They will keep you safe.”
Not that she thought there was any danger to him on the island. Still it was better to be cautious. If the king was attacked, anyone could be the next target.
Zo and Arkon raced over the swaying deck. They leapt off, not bothering to take the stairs that led down to the beach. The sand slowed them some, but they ran to the post that held horses. A startled stableman appeared out of the stable.
“Princess…?”
“We need two horses now.” Without waiting for an answer, they rushed passed him and took two saddles off the hooks. Each of them chose a horse and got it ready, even as the stable hand hovered around them, anxious to be of any help.
Zo mounted her gelding. “There are six guests on the boat. Make sure they get a ride home. Are there guards posted nearby?”
“A new post has been built not more than fifty feet away.”
“Go there and tell the guards to escort them to the castle. Five women and one child.”
He bowed, looking befuddled. “Yes, princess.”
Zo guided her horse out of the stable. She urged the gelding to a gallop, knowing Arkon was close behind her. Leo would be safe. The akachimas would give their lives before letting any harm come to him. For now, her sole concern was to get to the castle as soon as possible. She had the cure – all she needed was to give it to Alicia so she could brew the potion that would save her life and their brother’s.
Zo prayed she wasn’t too late.
Chapter Twenty
Alicia sat slumped on a chair in Seve’s room. It was an effort to keep her eyes open, but she tried to focus on the blue shield that pulsated around her brother. She could see the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest – still. He was alive, but barely. As was she.
“Princess.” Someone knelt beside her. “You must drink this.”
Alicia craned her neck to see who was talking to her. It was Zima. She was holding a cup in her hand. It contained the potion Alicia had made yesterday. Alicia opened her mouth. Zima raised the cup to her lips and tilted it so Alicia could take a delicate sip. One, two and three. The magical brew burned its way down her throat, giving her energy for a few precious moments.
She’d been forced to share the secret of the binding spell with Zima. The older woman was helping her as Alicia didn’t even have enough energy to pick up the cup.
“What time is it?” she whispered.
“Dusk is upon the land.” Zima placed the cup on the table. With one gentle hand, she wiped a drop from Alicia’s lips.
Alicia sighed. She lay back against the chair. “We’ll not make it to the morning,” she breathed out the words. The poison was more potent than she’d anticipated. She’d tried her best, but time had run out. Zo was not back, and now perhaps it was too late even if she did come.
“Don’t say that. Your sister might make it.”
Alicia closed her eyes. She had no strength left to make idle chatter. All her energy was focused on the internal workings of her body. As long as she breathed, so did Seve. She had prepared for this eventuality. If she died, her people knew what to do. The castle was guarded well. No outsiders were allowed in. Until Zo returned, a group of well-chosen advisors would run the kingdom. If Zo never came back – the thought choked Alicia’s mind – they would choose a new king or queen.
What if something had happened to Zo? It had been many days since she last wrote in the diary. Alicia didn’t have the strength to write anymore, but Zima checked the diary three times a day and cursed her sister when nothing new appeared.
Perhaps Zo was no more? So many dangers ruled the mainland. What if she was dead? It was an impossible thought to bear. Even if she died, Alicia wanted her sister to be safe.
A commotion outside the room forced her to open her eyes. She’d given strict instructions that no one was to disturb her here. If this was her last night in the world, she wanted to share these moments with Seve – and no one else. What could it be?
The door banged open. Someone leapt inside the room.
“Get away from her, you old bat.”
It was Zo. No one else could yell so loudly.
“What…?” Alicia tried to sit straight but even before she could look at her sister properly, Zo weaved a magical web that bound itself tightly around Zima’s frail body. The old mage slumped on the floor with an astonished expression on her face.
Her sister was by her side. Alicia smiled. Zo was safe, but why was she behaving so wildly? What had Zima done? Her thoughts were too muddled to make any sense out of the situation. She focused on her sister’s face. She was mouthing out words…yelling, in fact. There was a pouch in her hands. She took out some flowers from it.
Finally, something clicked inside Alicia’s brain. She turned her head to stare at the tumbler that stood on a table by Seve’s bed. She’d prepared that special potion two days ago, knowing she wouldn’t have the strength to do it later. Walking over, Zo picked up the tumbler. She brought it by Alicia’s side.
“Do I put just these inside? Is everything else done?”
Her voice seemed to be coming from far away. Alicia nodded. Everything was ready but would the spell work? She watched as Zo took the lid off and dropped a dried flower inside. “One more,” she croaked out the words as a faint yellow smoke issued from the potion. Zo dropped in another flower. “Enough.”
The liquid inside the tumbler churned and bubbled. The yellow smoke thicke
ned and dispersed. A sweet smell permeated the air. Zo picked up a clean cup from the table by Alicia’s side and poured some of the yellow liquid in it. She raised the cup to Alicia’s parched lips.
Tears shone in Zo’s eyes, and Alicia watched her sister’s precious face as she drank deeply. After she drained the cup, Alicia reclined on the seat. For a while, nothing happened. Would the spell work? Or had the poison already done too much internal damage making it impossible for them to recover?
Suddenly her stomach burnt with a furious intensity. The burning spread inside her body until it felt as if the very blood that ran inside her veins was on fire. Alicia felt her muscles tighten. Spasms shook her body. The initial sweet taste of the antidote turned into a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Her potion was beginning its work. It remained to be seen how much of the poison it would manage to eradicate.
Her blood heated as the potion fought the poison. Rivulets of sweat appeared on her face, arms, and the rest of her body.
Alicia held her stomach as sharp bolts of pain pulsated within. “Uff!”
Tears trickled down Zo’s cheeks as she watched her sister fight the mammoth battle. “What’s happening?”
“Patience…” Alicia heard Arkon’s voice almost as if it was coming from somewhere far away but then she saw his hand appear on Zo’s shoulder, holding her steady.
After what seemed like an eternity, the spasms subsided. Alicia took a few deep breaths. Fresh energy infused her battered body. There was weakness still, but she felt as close to life as she’d been close to death moments before Zo’s arrival.
“Give it to Seve.” She couldn’t yet trust herself to stand on her own. She watched carefully as Zo measured a cupful of the miraculous potion and carried it to Seve’s bedside.
Zo frowned. She moved her hand and the blue shield disappeared. “Someone tried to tamper with this shield. Was there another attack?”
“Long story,” said Alicia, realizing there was much she needed to tell Zo. So many things had happened in the time since Zo departed; the attacks on Seve, the discovery of the spy, and Sultan’s death. “We’ll talk later.”
The Demon Mages (The Power of Three Book 1) Page 24
