Everflame: The Complete Series

by Dylan Lee Peters

  Suddenly, The Rusty Nail lurched to one side. Everyone looked around in alarm and a high-pitched squeal sounded above the noise of rain and waves.

  “What was that?” said Ben.

  “You know what that is,” growled Nesbitt. “Damn the moon. We’ve got Farsiders.”

  The boat again lurched as something stronger and more focused than a wave hit its side. Again, the unearthly squeal pierced their ears. Evercloud focused his mind. Tenturo, we need you. No answer came.

  “It’s time to fight,” growled Riverpaw. “Time for vengeance.” The bear roared and ran up the stairs to the deck.

  “Let’s go!” yelled Evercloud.

  The rain fell hard on them once they had left their shelter. Lightning lit up the sky and the sea rolled and tumbled. They looked all around them, trying to glimpse what was attacking them but couldn’t find anything. Lightning struck again and this time they saw it. Like a giant eel it came, shooting out of the foamy sea, right over the boat. Even in the midst of a storm, its foul stench permeated the air. The group spun to see where it had gone, but it had already disappeared into the briny below.

  Moments passed and again the creature leapt from the sea. The monster had to be equal to the length of the ship. It flew directly at them and they dived out of its way, just before it could take them in its pelican-like beak. The black creature shrieked at its failure and plummeted back into the ocean.

  “Is there only one?” shouted Ben Floyd above the storm.

  “I think so,” Evercloud shouted back as a flash of lightning reflected off of his golden claw.

  “Come for us, you foul thing!” roared Riverpaw.

  The beast listened. It emerged from the water, throwing its massive head onto the deck of The Rusty Nail. The deck shook, causing Tomas to fall onto his back and misfire a prepared arrow into the air. The head of the beast lunged for Evercloud. He moved, slashing at the Farsider as it missed him. He connected with the creature’s beak, but did little damage. Riverpaw tore at the beast’s side as it went for Evercloud. It shrieked in pain and returned to the sea.

  “How do we kill it?” yelled Tomas.

  “You can’t,” Captain Nesbitt yelled back. “We have to chase it away. Just keep fighting.”

  The creature raised its massive body out of the ocean again. Its head was at least twenty feet in the air above them. Lightning flashed and the creature opened its beak to the sky, unleashing a tower of flame into the air. The Farsider looked down at the newly united crew of The Rusty Nail, knowing they could not defeat it, and steadied itself to strike again. It let a shriek out into the darkness and opened its mouth to bathe its prey in flames. Lightning again illuminated the sky, yet this time the foul beast was not alone. Swooping down upon the Farsider came a giant griffin.

  Tenturo, thought Evercloud.

  The ancient being grabbed the black creature in its talons and carried it off into the storm. The group cheered and yelled loudly as the great Tenturo carried the eel away, and as it was all happening, Tenturo entered Evercloud’s mind. You’re welcome.

  The six travelers made their way back below the deck and did what they could to dry their soaking bodies. Evercloud looked at Nesbitt who shook the wetness away as a dog would.

  “I’m sorry,” Evercloud said. “We shouldn’t have gotten you involved in this.”

  “Well you have,” replied Nesbitt. “And now you’re stuck with me.”

  Chapter 7: The Sowing Fields

  “Oaktongue, there is something I must admit to you.” Firerock paced the cave that had been designated as the headquarters for the Department of Information. He was completely out of his element and it was beginning to weigh upon him. “Can I trust you?”

  Oaktongue sat at his table, watching Firerock’s nervous walk, back and forth across the room. Ironic, thought Oaktongue. That was me, just days ago. Now the small bear was the epitome of composure. His arms hung around his chair quite leisurely. A great burden had been removed from his shoulders with the arrival of Tenturo. The Kingdom was no longer looking for information; they had been given more than they had bargained for. In fact, the arrival of Tenturo had left Oaktongue the opportunity to do something he had wanted to do for some time; take power.

  “You should know that what you say to me stays between us,” Oaktongue replied to Firerock.

  “I wasn’t ready for this,” blurted out Firerock. “I would never have refused Eveneye, but, but I feel… lost.”

  Firerock stared at Oaktongue blankly, hoping and praying for the words that would bring clarity back into his life. You’re going to make this so easy, thought Oaktongue.

  “I know this sudden responsibility is, well…sudden. But you have my aide till the end, old friend.” Oaktongue stood from the table and walked around to place a paw upon Firerock’s shoulder. “With your leadership and my intellect, we’ll do just fine. This kingdom is behind you, Firerock. You know that. We’ll make our Kingdom proud.”

  “You’re right.” Firerock heaved a sigh of relief. “I knew I could count on you.”

  Oaktongue smiled and nodded, and now to plant the seed.

  “It is odd though, Eveneye leaving the way he did. Don’t get me wrong, I know that his human son is out there without his protection, but…well, I shouldn’t say it.”

  “No, Oaktongue, it is all right. You’re a friend to me and I to you. You can speak freely.”

  “It’s just that, well, it just seems to me that Eveneye is sacrificing so much for Evercloud.”

  “Hmm.” Firerock considered his point. “I hadn’t really thought of it that way.”

  “I mean, Whiteclaw has already lost his life because of this quest. What if Eveneye were to lose his? A kingdom without a king?” Oaktongue could see the seed beginning to grow in Firerock’s mind.

  “I suppose someone would have to be the new king if that were to happen.”

  “I suppose someone would.”

  The room was silent as Oaktongue allowed that thought to marinate in Firerock’s mind. How soon before this kingdom follows your every word, and you follow every one of mine?

  “I think that I shall retire to my cave, Oaktongue. There is much for me to consider.”

  “I understand, my friend,” replied Oaktongue. “Take your time, and remember where you can find me.”

  “Thank you.”

  Firerock exited the Department of Information and Oaktongue returned to his seat. He pondered what had just happened and prepared himself for his next move. Give Firerock time, he thought. His fears will turn him against Eveneye. His insecurities will keep him listening to me. But who next? Goldenheart? No, she will be the hardest to break. Autumnbreeze? Hmmm…I think that choice will be just fine. Who better to aid this revolt than the wife of a fallen hero? I think it is time to pay her a visit. Oaktongue smiled and ran his tongue across his teeth like a predator before a feast. And I know just where to find her.

  Oaktongue laughed to himself. “The times are changing, aren’t they?”

  He stood from his table and left the Department of Information, unable to hide the grin that was scrawled across his oily face.

  •••

  All of Autumnbreeze’s worst nightmares had come true. Well, half of them had. Her little cub was still out there…somewhere. This wasn’t supposed to happen, she thought. He was supposed to come back to me, safe. She lied on her bed, staring at the ceiling of the cave with her vision blurred by tears. Nightmares aren’t supposed to come true. How was she now supposed to have faith that her son would come back to her, when her foundation, her rock, her Whiteclaw, had fallen? Autumnbreeze was finding it harder all the time to have hope.

  Goldenheart walked into Autumnbreeze’s room. With the departure of her family, she was now also finding it hard to keep spirits up.

  “I made dinner,” Goldie said.

  “I’m not hungry,” replied Autumn.

  “You never eat anymore. You can’t let yourself waste away.”

  “Why not?”<
br />
  “Because…” Goldenheart couldn’t think of a reason. “It’s not healthy.” Autumnbreeze didn’t respond. “Please come eat with me, Autumn.” Goldenheart tried to plead with her. “I really don’t want to be alone.” Autumn shot daggers from her eyes. “I didn’t mean it like–”

  “What did you mean it like? Tell me, Goldie, am I supposed to feel bad for your loneliness? Your husband is alive.” Tears rolled down Autumnbreeze’s face as she shouted at Goldenheart.

  “I’m sorry,” mumbled Goldenheart.

  “I can’t sit in this cave anymore. I’m going out.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Out.”

  Autumnbreeze pushed past Goldenheart and exited the cave. The sun had just set and twilight was upon the mountain. It gave Autumnbreeze just enough light to see where she was going. Not that she needed it. She could walk the path that was in front of her with her eyes closed. She had lied to Goldenheart; Autumn knew exactly where she was going. Where else would she go?

  Since Eveneye had left the mountain, she had been spending probably too much time with the statue of her departed husband. She would sit in front of it for hours, just staring at the memory cast in stone. Sometimes she would fall asleep while alone in the room, and that suited her just fine. She liked sleeping these days. It afforded her the opportunity to dream. In dreams, her Whiteclaw was not gone. In dreams, he was right beside her, he had never left. She could feel his warmth, hear his voice and smell his scent. She wished she could sleep forever.

  Also, no one stared at her in her dreams. She had become the pity of the Kingdom. She couldn’t count the number of times someone had told her that they were sorry. It was practically the only thing anyone said to her anymore. Even when their lips weren’t saying it, their eyes were. It had become easier for Autumn to stop making eye contact.

  The sky had gone completely dark by the time she had reached her husband’s statue. Wildflowers had been laid all around it. Some bears had left paintings and some had even left poems. Autumn never read them. She couldn’t bring herself to do it. All of her strength was spent keeping her eyes dry, and the emotion of written word was far too much for her to handle. She sat down in front of the statue and stared at it.

  “Why?” she whispered. “Why did you leave me?”

  Autumnbreeze was exhausted from all of the emotions she had been dealing with for so long. Her eyes were constantly red and puffy and often wet with tears. She was losing the will to go on. She couldn’t admit that to herself, with her son still somewhere out in the world, but it was the truth. She lied down among the Kingdom’s offerings and fell asleep.

  Dream took her quickly, as if it had been waiting for her arrival. The warmth of her Whiteclaw was immediate and she pressed herself closer to him.

  “I’m sorry,” said his voice. “I never wanted to leave you.”

  Autumnbreeze buried her head into her husband’s chest and held him even more closely.

  “I never want this to end. I want to stay here; to sleep forever.”

  “You can’t, Autumn.”

  “My life is so empty without you here. I need to be with you.”

  “Riverpaw needs you, Autumn. He’s in danger.”

  “Tenturo said he was fine. Tenturo promised he would return to me.” Suddenly, Whiteclaw’s warmth began to fade, and his voice became more faint. “No. Don’t leave me. No. Stay here with me.”

  “Find the white mouse, Autumn.” Whiteclaw was dissipating before her like a ghost. His words were so faint they were but a whisper. “Save our son. Find the white mouse.”

  The dream was gone. Autumnbreeze opened her eyes and found herself back in front of the Everflame. Was that what her life had come to? Longing for dreams. She slowly rose to her feet.

  “Find the white mouse? I’m really starting to lose it.” Autumnbreeze rubbed her eyes and decided to leave the room. She was beginning to regret snapping at Goldenheart. Goldenheart was all she had right now. She figured it would be a good idea if she apologized.

  Autumn left the room and began walking down the tower stairs. It wasn’t long before she saw the figure of another bear coming toward her. Probably someone bringing more flowers to Whiteclaw, she thought. She put her head down as to not make eye contact. The last thing she wanted was another bear telling her how sorry they were for her loss. She could hear the bear getting closer; even see their shadow on the floor. Please keep walking, she thought. Please keep walking.

  “Autumnbreeze,” addressed the voice. “It is an honor, as always.”

  Not Oaktongue. Oaktongue was quite possibly the last bear on the mountain that she wanted to see.

  “Hello, Oaktongue.”

  “I was just on my way to pay my respects,” he said. “I want you to know that I have always regarded Whiteclaw in the highest. He was a model bear, the greatest I’ve ever known. I truly mean that.”

  “I’m sorry, Oaktongue. I really don’t mean to be rude. I’m just not in the mood for conversation at the moment.”

  “No, milady. There is no need for apology. I imagine that you must be furious right now and I don’t blame you.”

  “Furious? At whom?” Autumnbreeze was confused.

  “Well,” began Oaktongue. “Excuse me for saying so, but with the King, milady. It was he who sent your husband out to battle the Great Tyrant. I mean, I understand that we were all told the quest was to find the Ancients, but no doubt Eveneye knew what danger would be involved in that. He must have known that they would eventually run into the Tyrant and his minions. He sent your husband and your son.”

  “He sent his son as well,” argued Autumnbreeze.

  Oaktongue heaved a sigh. “I know that I’m speaking out of line right now, milady, and please forgive me for doing so, but I’m not the only one who wonders if he didn’t send that boy away to get rid of him.”

  “What?” said Autumn. “Are you mad? What are you suggesting?”

  “Think about it,” said Oaktongue. “The Plan for Peace was never going to work, but as long as Evercloud stayed among the Kingdom it would always be on everyone’s minds. Eveneye couldn’t back away from it, even if he no longer thought it was a good idea. The only solution was to get rid of the boy.”

  “He loves that boy,” barked Autumn. “They both love that boy like their own.”

  “But he’s not their own, Autumn. He never was.”

  “I have to leave.”

  Autumn left Oaktongue’s presence without saying another word. The seed is planted, thought Oaktongue as he stood, watching Autumnbreeze flee.

  Chapter 8: The Hunter

  Rachael worked her way through the woods that would lead her to Madeline MacArthur’s cottage. She didn’t dare use the road. There was no telling when Mr. Bumble would wake from unconsciousness, but when he did, he would surely alert the Garrison authorities. So it was necessary for Rachael to trek through the thick woods even though it would take her longer.

  One advantage that she had was her training. She knew where to lay her footsteps in order to make the least amount of noise and how to walk quickly, but lightly. She could see far better under the moonlight than most humans could, and she could evaluate the best paths to follow so as not to get stuck in the thickness of the brush. She was a shadow, and no one outside of the creatures of the forest would have known she was there.

  She stayed a certain distance from the road so there was no chance of being seen, but remained close enough so that she could also monitor any traffic upon it. No one had passed in the time she had been in the forest. No horse, no carriage, no one on foot. She was alone with her silence, and in solitude, silence will speak. It spoke doubts into her mind about whether this woman had truly seen Edgar. Could the fact that his name was Murray be just a coincidence, or was that the name that Edgar was going by now? How appropriate, she thought? Could this man have been Edgar, traveling with a woman? When would that have happened, and was this woman friend or foe?

  There were so man
y questions going through Rachael’s head that it caused her to break her concentration on the floor of the forest. She snapped a twig. The sound echoed through the silent wood, Rachael remained motionless. That is how you get caught, she said to herself. Remain focused. She watched for a moment to make sure that she was still alone, and then she continued along her path. She could see the cottage now through the wood, though no lights could be seen through any window. Madeline MacArthur must have retired for the night. She would have to be woken up. Rachael wondered how long she had to speak to this woman. I’m going to have to be as quick as possible, she thought as she took her first silent step onto Madeline’s porch. She laid one abrupt and firm knock upon Madeline’s front door.

  Madeline MacArthur had just lain down to go to sleep for the night. The knock that Rachael gave was so abrupt that Madeline mistook it for a random occurrence. She had assumed some object had hit the cottage, possibly blown by the wind. She never thought it was anything she should concern herself with. She laid her head back down upon her pillow, her gray cat snuggling up against her back, and closed her eyes to be taken away by dreams of carriage rides and dancing.

  The knock came again, singular and abrupt. Odd, thought Madeline, but once again ignored it. Then the knock came a third, fourth and fifth time in close succession. Now it was unmistakable that this noise was something that needed attention. Madeline rose to her feet and wrapped a robe around her body. She took a candle with her to the door and spoke out, her breath trembling as she did.

  “Is there anybody out there?”

  “The authorities, ma’am, from Garrison. There are some questions that need answering.” Being the trusting, innocent person that Ms. MacArthur was, she opened the door to her visitor. A hooded figure stood alone out in the darkness. “May I come in?”

  “You’re alone?” asked Madeline. Then, remembering her manners, “Umm. Yes, of course. Is there an emergency?”

  The hooded figure walked through the doorway and into Madeline’s cottage. “Well, it would seem that there have been rumors of a very dangerous criminal in the area. It is my duty to find this person and bring them to justice. So if you could answer a few questions for me, I would greatly appreciate it.”