Legends of Marithia: Book 2 - Darkness Rising

by Peter Koevari

  The carving’s teeth were formed from immense crystals that served as beacons for dragons in flight; another entry to the caverns was hidden beneath them.

  Vartan stood tall on the edge of the cliffs, admiring the view before him. The long, apple green blades of grass whipped around his and Trisa’s legs by the powerful, yet caressing winds. Sunlight sparkled on the seemingly endless bed of ocean below, shining as if gems lay just below the waterline for as far as the eye could see.

  “Now I know why Finn called this view, Pirate’s Bay. It’s as if the plunder of fallen ships lay on the sea bed,” observed Vartan, turning to Trisa. “I never got to see these on my first visit to Trahoterra, or any of the wonders outside the caverns. Karven was so focused on training that I spent all of my time underground, growing paler by the day from lack of sunlight. If he were here, he would likely be giving me a lecture about responsibility right now.”

  Vartan turned back to the magnificent view.

  “Probably, but don’t worry too much about that. If Karven returns whilst we are here, I do have a good reason for this trip. I wanted to take you to the Weeping Falls, which are only a short walk from here. If you swim in the falls, I expect you to be strengthened by it,” said Trisa.

  Finn flew from below to land on the nearest of the ten carved heads, stretching out his wings and casually asking, “Where are we off to now, brother?”

  “To the Weeping Falls, I think I need to have a swim,” laughed Vartan.

  Finn jerked his head around to glare at his brother, cocking his head in disapproval and snapped, “A swim in the falls is forbidden, Karven would have a fit if he found out!”

  “Calm down Finn. Karven was the one who suggested the swim, so I’m sure that it will not be a problem,” responded Trisa before turning south toward the falls.

  She is telling the truth, although there is of course the other small, insignificant detail that you may not be thinking about, said Keturah.

  Oh really, and what is that? thought Vartan, following Trisa down the grassy hill. Finn took flight to watch them from far above.

  You are supposed to be training, remember? Staying strong, keeping both of us alive. I quite like the thought of us staying in the world of the living, not wasting time sightseeing, said Keturah, her voice laced with fear.

  I have no plans on dying any time soon, but you do raise a good point, thought Vartan.

  They soon reached a tunnel under a steep hill that led to the falls, their steps echoed deep into the darkness. Luckily, the tunnels were inhabited by glow-worms that provided enough ambient light to guide their way through.

  “Trisa, did Karven mention anything about my training to you?” asked Vartan.

  “Yes, you are to resume your studies once you swim in the falls, and once he has returned from Trahoterra.”

  “Surely he didn’t mean for me to wait that long, did he? I think I’ll interpret his instructions as ‘once I’ve had a swim or once he has returned’.”

  Trisa just smiled and shrugged.

  Finn landed far ahead of them, on the other side of the tunnel. He was growing in size, but had not yet reached a size that was appropriate to be ridden.

  “Are you coming yet? Who knew that Vartan, the almighty saviour of the world, would turn into a tired old man,” teased Finn sarcastically, as only his brother could.

  “Yet another joke from my side-splitting brother, Finn. Who knew that you would turn into a grand jester?”

  Trisa’s eyes narrowed and she put her hands on her hips. Her voice was harsh as she said, “Stop it, you two! Or I will pour the oil of unquenchable itch onto somewhere sensitive while you are both sleeping.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” they said in unison.

  Actually, she would, laughed Keturah.

  “Some things never change,” said Leon, approaching the tunnel entrance beside Finn.

  Vartan and Trisa winced in the bright sunlight, trying to let their eyes adjust from the dark tunnel. A blurry image of Leon limping toward him, soon cleared in Vartan’s vision.

  “Father, what are you doing here?” asked Vartan.

  Leon smiled and said, “I am returning from the falls to take these back for Nymira. I only need to carry half the load now that you are back on your feet again.”

  Vartan embraced his father, almost knocking the water jugs out of his grip.

  Vartan released him slowly and his voice warmed as he spoke, “I haven’t made the time to thank you father, and cannot express how much your efforts mean to me. If it wasn’t for your help, I may have never made it back.”

  Leon worked on regaining his composure, as he was not used to open displays of affection from his son.

  “You’re welcome, but it’s no different from what any father would do, Vartan,” he said sheepishly.

  He turned to Finn, always conscious of giving both his son’s equal attention. He put a hand on his son’s scaly face, patting him gently.

  “Finn, what a fine dragon you have turned into. Who knew that such a proud day would come for a father? I am blessed to have you both, now please… enough with the bickering. You need each other, like two halves of an orb. Marithia also needs both of you to save us,” said Leon, “Now, I had better get back to it. It’s a perfect day to visit the falls, enjoy your time there,” said Leon, turning to walk away.

  Vartan caught sight of Leon’s smile spreading across his face. In that moment, he felt how blessed he was to have such a family. Finn grinned at Vartan, and then took to the skies once more, sending leaves and dirt flying below him.

  “I’ll watch out for any danger from above, brother,” said Finn.

  “Thank you,” responded Vartan, resuming their walk through Trahoterra’s forest.

  “Karven left books of advanced magic for you to read while he is gone, I will show them to you when we get back to the caverns,” said Trisa.

  “That would be a great…” he began, pausing mid-sentence as they cleared the forest, his mouth widening in awe.

  “Welcome to the Weeping Falls, Vartan,” said Trisa, taking a seat on a nearby rock.

  His voice was lost within the roar of the magnificent falls as he blurted out, “My word!”

  The falls were far greater than he had imagined. Aside from where the water fell into the pool, the rest was an almost still body of water surrounded by a bed of smooth rocks, but that was not what gave his eyes a feast. The water led into a giant mouth of a cave, and at the entrance to the cave, was what appeared to be a towering water statue of a dragon, with its wings spread wide open.

  The water did not drop from the dragon itself, but two waterfalls fell into the pool from the water dragon’s eyes. At first, the surface of the water dragon appeared solidified, but on closer inspection, it was clear that the entire body was made of rushing water.

  Finn landed on the Weeping Falls cave’s crest, yelling to Vartan below, “Quite a sight isn’t she? We call her ‘Mother Dragon’. She holds our memories, and links us with the souls of dragons past. She is our deity and we pray to her regularly. These waters are sacred to us and for you to be allowed to swim in these waters is a rare honour. What are you waiting for?”

  Vartan turned to look at Trisa.

  She winked at him and whispered, “Don’t worry young man, I’ve seen it all before. You have nothing to be shy around me for.”

  “I wasn’t…” began Vartan, his cheeks reddening, “Never mind.”

  He lay down his sword and undressed, leaving his clothes behind. Walking carefully, he made his way barefoot over the smooth rocks.

  “The rocks are warm!” he exclaimed, “They feel soothing to walk on.”

  “They sure do, the water is warm too. The rocks are heated by the falls. Even in the coldest of winters, steam rises from the water. It is said that magic keeps it from cooling,” said Finn.

  Mother Dragon watched Vartan closely, her watery eyes following his moving form.

  Taking his first step into the water, he felt his
entire body immediately react to the warmth. A tingle danced its way around his body. Letting a long breath escape, his instincts urged him to dive in and soothe his aching muscles, but he decided to walk slowly into the water until he was neck deep. He felt his body involuntarily begin to float and as he lay back in the water, he felt himself be gently carried toward Mother Dragon.

  “Just relax,” yelled Finn, “There is nothing in the falls that will harm you!”

  I, I can hear them… there are so many, exclaimed Keturah.

  As Vartan neared the water dragon statue, the voices began to whisper in his ear.

  Chosen one… One of us… Choose… Become one… Spirits… we can help you… Strength…

  The voices grew louder in his mind until his head felt like it was being battered with noise. Keturah’s voice screamed in fear.

  “Please, stop!” yelled Vartan desperately.

  Mother Dragon blinked her eyes and the waterfall ceased to flow.

  With a voice that sounded like the most beautiful string instrument being played, Mother Dragon said, “Silence, all of you.”

  “By the gods!” exclaimed Trisa, now standing in disbelief with her mouth gaped open.

  Finn immediately bowed at the presence of Mother Dragon, Trisa soon followed suit as the shock began to subside. Mother Dragon folded her watery wings and picked up Vartan in her claws. He sat upright, coming face to face with her and bowed his head.

  Mother Dragon nodded knowingly and spoke softly, “Dear child, you come to me as freely as your mother and father once did, but with a heavy heart and damaged body. I did not grant them their human lives for you to be created and soon destroyed.”

  “Mother Dragon, you created my parents?” he asked warily.

  “To answer your question, of course… but I speak of the gift of a human life, which in turn, created you,” she answered, turning her head upward, “and your brother, Finn, who has now been reborn in his true form.”

  “I beg of you, help me. I fought with every thread of strength and power I had, but I failed at the…”

  “Hush child, it takes great power for me to appear before you today and our time together will soon come to a close. I may be far above this world, but I have already seen the path which you have walked.”

  Vartan looked to the sky and asked, “Above?”

  In a perfectly clear blue sky, a lone star sparkled like a diamond.

  “I see now, but if you see all, then why have you graced us with your presence?” Vartan asked.

  “So powerful and prophesised to save this world, but you still have a long journey toward wisdom. Throughout the many ages, all true heroes share a common trait. They are unlike others in their world, but they are linked to our world, the realm of gods. We do not want Marithia to fall into the underworld and can assist you greatly… but everything granted has a price,” she continued.

  “I understand, please go on,” he begged.

  “I will restore your strength to you and grant you a gift. You will be given a choice of enchantments and for all our sakes; I hope that you choose wisely. Any choice will require the sacrifice of one of our god’s souls.”

  Vartan shook his head with disagreement and his voice dropped as he spoke. ”That is too a high price and burden to bear, mother.”

  “There are many gods, and they regret their mistakes which led to the creation of Shindar, the one who would destroy the world which we have lovingly created. They want him back in the land of the gods, to be purified, and are prepared to make an ultimate sacrifice to achieve it. He has grown far too strong to be completely destroyed by anything or anyone in your world, but there is one way that he can be sent to the gods for punishment… he must be taken there, alive,” she continued.

  “What! How!” he exclaimed.

  He could see the disappointment in her eyes and lowered his head as he said, “My apologies Mother Dragon, but this task is impossible. I was beaten by Kassina, and have yet to face Shindar. I imagine that his powers well exceed those of his apprentice. How in the name of Marithia could I possibly do anything to control him while he is alive?”

  “The gods have many creations, and there is another being that was sent to Marithia with the fate of assisting you in ridding the world of Shindar. She is known in Marithia as Anakari, and you need to find her,” answered Mother Dragon.

  “Anakari, and where may she be?” he asked.

  “I will do what I can to help align your paths once you are ready to leave Trahoterra, you will need her help with the task of dealing with Shindar,” she continued.

  “What is the task?” he asked.

  “There is a place, built by the ancients that contains a portal to the world of the gods. It will allow you to send Shindar to where he can never return, and once that task is complete, you will have saved Marithia from this apocalypse.”

  Vartan proudly said, “I know that place, it’s called She’Ma’Ryn.”

  “No, She’Ma’Ryn can only take you to another world on your plane. The world of the gods can only be reached by other means. The ancients called this place, Daessar,” said Mother Dragon.

  He remembered that Talonsphere had spoken of that place as well and said knowingly, “Now it is all starting to make sense, where do I find Daessar?”

  “Daessar had to be protected and hidden from those that would wish to destroy it. As such, the ancients built it under a veil of protection. I am unable to locate it, but Anakari is your key to unlocking the way,” she answered, “Now, you must choose your gift as this meeting is swiftly coming to an end.”

  “I understand, but what are my choices?”

  “There are five elements for you to choose from and your body can only be enchanted by one of them. They are water, fire, gold, soil, and wood. Each element will grant you powers that will aid you in your journey, but the choice must be yours.”

  “What powers will each element grant me?”

  “This is not something that I am able to answer for you and that is not how it is done. I can only show you the doors, you must choose one to walk through and discover what you find on the other side. Choose when you are ready. I will begin to restore your strength to you while you decide,” said Mother Dragon.

  She laid Vartan on the water, keeping him afloat on the surface. Blinking her eyes, the water began to fall once more. Momentarily, Marithia fell into darkness as the sun was blotted out by the moon in what appeared to be a solar eclipse.

  Yellow wisps flew out from the mouth of the cave, gliding gracefully on the water which began to glow with a pale white light. Vartan relaxed as the power of the waters began to surge through his body, rebuilding his muscles and repairing the damage. He felt a tingling sensation overcome his senses.

  Mother Dragon’s voice sang over the water, “You must choose, now.”

  Vartan’s imagination went wild with the possibilities of what each element’s powers may enable him to do, but his mind kept coming back to one element, water.

  “I choose water,” said Vartan, putting his hopes on the element that right now was giving him so much life.

  “As you wish,” answered Mother Dragon.

  In the star speckled sky, one bright star shot across the darkness. Vartan thought that it was just a shooting star, until he realised that the light was becoming brighter and more focused. The spirit burst through Marithia’s atmosphere, momentarily blinding anyone daring to gaze skyward and came crashing down into the pool and into Vartan’s body.

  His skin flashed, burned momentarily and he felt as if a boulder had hit him. Bringing his hand to his face, he noticed that even this simple movement felt different, stronger, his body had grown considerably in strength.

  “I don’t know what else to say but thank you Mother Dragon,” said Vartan.

  The wisps returned into the darkness of the cave and the sun was slowly let free of its binding. “It is done. Until we meet again, Vartan,” said Mother Dragon, letting go of Vartan and returning to the form of
the water dragon.

  Vartan stood warily and slowly headed out of the Weeping Falls, toward Trisa and his awaiting clothes. He walked on the surface of the water as if it had solidified underneath him.

  Trisa stared in disbelief at the changed man stepping confidently out of the falls. Her face was ghostly in appearance as she said, “I have seen many wondrous things in my years, but I have never seen anything to equal that.”

  Chapter 9 : Demon’s Trail

  “The battle has been won, but the journey before us is plagued with shadows.

  My remaining knights’ spirits are high and our army grows in the new city of Veldrenn.

  I have seen the most unlikely of alliances take place as we unite to face a common enemy. Humans and elves that previously had grievances are putting their history aside for the benefit of all Marithians.

  Alliances, bonds, community… these are key ingredients to our success in the war with Shindar.”

  (Sir Dryden – Knight of the Elves)

  The sound of leaves crushing under her horse’s hooves became almost hypnotic in the chilled night air. A hooded cloak made of sheepskin was her sole source of warmth, but each foggy breath expelled from her lungs reminded her that she needed to find shelter, fast.

  Holding a lantern in her ice cold hands, lit by the spell of moon glow, was the only way she could see within the darkness. Feeling that the roads were unsafe, she chose to head through the forest in the general direction of the nearest town, Crondor. Rumours said the town had been untouched by the Forces of Darkness. She had been taught to read the stars to guide her, but the forests were so thick that the stars were lost to her and she couldn’t find her way.

  Her heart pounded and breaths quickened. It’s been far too long now, I should have already arrived at Crondor.

  In an effort to calm her nerves, she parted her soft lips and began to sing a Marithian folk song.