“So, our escape route is settled,” said Everheart. “But that does nothing about the fact that we are locked in a dungeon.”
“Ah,” continued Eric, “but I’ve taken care of that as well. I spoke with the guard last night and was not surprised to find that he fears for his job and his family. Our presence in this dungeon has caused many people in Chreos to lose faith in the King’s plan. The guard revealed to me, after some prying questions, that he would jump at the chance to remove his family from Chreos. So, I gave the man a list of all of our family members and where he could find them. He’ll be freeing us tonight, and our families will be in the courtyard, ready to escape with us.”
“He can be trusted?” asked Everheart.
“Aye,” assured Eric. “We leave Chreos tonight.”
•••
As night fell and the Kingdom of Chreos eventually grew silent, the guard kept his word and freed the prisoners from the dungeon.
“Which one of you is Everheart?” asked the guard. Steven nodded his head toward the man. “You say there’s a mountain where we can live in peace, and make a life for our families?” Everheart again nodded to the man. “Well, I’ve kept my word, now you’d better be keeping yours.”
With no more words, Eric led the prisoners out of the dungeon into the starry night. As soon as they were out in the open air, they fell upon the ground and began to crawl toward a wheat field adjacent to the castle. It was the same field that prisoners were forced to work in during the days, and Eric found it sweetly ironic that it would provide the perfect cover for their escape. The one negative aspect of crawling through the field was that it took the prisoners further away from the courtyard that was located at the front of the castle. But there was no passage to the courtyard from the dungeons, and this was their best hope at escape. A large wall separated the wheat field from the streets of Chreos, and once the prisoners had crawled across the field, they sat at the wall’s base for half an hour to make sure no alarms had been raised. When they were sure they had not been spotted, the men began to scale the wall and drop down onto the dark, empty streets of Chreos.
“What if we run into soldiers?” whispered one of the men.
“Then, we will have to do what we have to do,” stated Everheart plainly.
The man nodded his understanding. “I’ll do what I have to, to protect my family.”
The streets were devoid of any people, even soldiers. This was due to the heavy level of work that had been forced upon the citizens during the daylight. Even the privileged soldiers counted every minute of sleep as a blessing that could not be wasted. Most of the men who were allowed to return to their families at night were too happy of that small reward to think of rebellion. The prisoners made quick progress through the streets of Chreos, and in very little time, had made their way to the main courtyard. As they entered the courtyard, families came out of hiding and rushed to embrace the men they had been separated from.
“My Tamara,” whispered Eric as he embraced his wife. “They’ll never take me from you again.”
Everheart moved forward, having no one to reunite with. “The knob, Eric. We cannot waste time.”
“Of course.”
Eric Rivera rushed over to the large fountain in the center of the courtyard, and quickly found the knob that would reveal their salvation. The flat stone raised itself, and without hesitation, the people began to quietly race down the steps and into the passage below the ground. Eric and Steven helped to usher everyone down the stairs, before finally making the descent themselves.
Before leaving Chreos, Eric turned to Everheart. “Who are you, really?” he asked.
“I’m just a man, Eric. No different than you.”
Eric shrugged, and the men took flight into their underground escape.
Chapter 20: Harena
“Evercloud… I’m sorry… I – I can’t believe I…” Riverpaw stuttered in shock at what he had done. Ben and Tomas apologized profusely and helped Evercloud to his feet.
“It’s okay,” said Evercloud. “We did it.” He held the eagle feather out in front of him for everyone to see. “We did it!”
“What now?” asked Annie.
As her question left her lips, the mists to the right of the travelers began to dissipate and clear, revealing an upward sloping path that led out of the valley.
“Come on!” shouted Evercloud and began to run up the path that led out of Morsus.
Though the travelers were weak and weary, their success had rejuvenated their spirits, and it did not take long before they were standing on flat, orange sand, underneath the warm, blue sky. Evercloud dropped to his knees and kissed the sandy dunes beneath him. Riverpaw rolled in the sand like a cub and the others sent whoops into the air, jumping and dancing in triumph.
Then, drifting in slowly, like the first warm breeze of an early desert sun, she kissed Evercloud’s cheek and his weary limbs were filled with warmth and vitality. He stood from where he had knelt and spun in place, watching her as she danced around. Tiny wisps of sand snaked up from the dunes to meet her and scatter as they touched her, embarrassed that they had been so eager to be a part of her dance. Every element was drawn to her. The light reflected off of her presence and sparkled as if she were made of a million tiny jewels. The wind rose and fell with the motion of her arms, as if she was a melody played by sky. All that were in her presence sighed as their chests swelled with the energy she gave, and as they exhaled, she took the form of a woman as beautiful as any that had ever been seen. Her long, black hair fell around her shoulders and draped over her chest. She waved to the travelers with a simple flick of her slender arm and it seemed as if she would paint the world with color. Her skin was rich and lustrous; the color of burnt sienna. Her eyes were rimmed dark brown, but flecked with a vivid orange that warned she was untamed.
She was a flame, but cool and tranquil, a fire, but soft and soothing. She was Harena, daughter of the Earth and Sun, spirit of the desert fire.
“Hello, Brother,” said the mystical woman to Evercloud as he stood in awe.
“Uh…hello…Sister,” responded Evercloud.
“I am pleased to see that all of you were able to pass the test of courage that was set before you. Many have attempted the valley over the years, but failed as they allowed their fears to manipulate their actions. Few possess the courage of your group.”
“Thank you,” said the travelers in unintended unison.
“Now,” continued Harena. “Why have you come to me?”
“We follow the path of a great bear,” said Evercloud. “His name was Strongback. We seek to know that which he knew. We have recently discovered that he was given a gift by the Earth, a gift of great power, the Everflame. We wish to know everything that we can about this exchange. We believe it will help greatly in our quest.”
“It was not Mother who gave to Strongback the Everflame,” said Harena.
“It wasn’t?” asked Evercloud as his face, and those of the other travelers, contorted in confusion.
“No,” continued Harena. “The Everflame was given to Strongback by our father. Please, sit upon the sand and I shall tell you of the gifts given to the Wind.”
So the group of travelers sat and listened as the spirit of the desert sand told them of the Wind and of the four great gifts given to them by the Skyfather. They sat in silence as the warm sun beat down upon them until Harena mentioned the man who received the gift called the Everlife.
“Esteban Floyd?” echoed Ben. Tomas stared, wide-eyed and expectant, as Ben continued his question. “Harena, our names-”
“Yes,” the woman interrupted, “I know your names, Ben and Tomas. And yes, you should be very proud to carry the name Floyd. Esteban is your ancestor.”
All at once, the brothers understood how they had become involved in this great adventure. They understood why it had fallen to their lineage to protect Chera until she could remember her identity, and they understood how important their responsibility was
.
“Harena,” asked Iolana, “the Everlife would give its possessor eternal life?”
“It would.” Harena looked deeply into Iolana’s eyes. “You were unaware of these ancient gifts, Sister?”
“Yes…” said Iolana. “Many memories have been taken from me… it seems that not all have returned.”
“But you are aware of that which your group possesses now?”
“Yes,” answered Iolana. Harena nodded.
“Harena,” said Evercloud, “are you aware of our quest? Are you aware of our purpose?”
“I am aware of your quest to defeat he who we call the Ruiner; the very same quest initially begun by the Wind.”
“Then, it is important to find all of the gifts?”
“It is important to your quest.”
“Do you know where we can find them?” asked Evercloud.
“Other than what you possess? No.”
“Would your sisters know?”
“It is possible,” answered Harena.
“Thank you, Harena.”
“Is there any other information I can give to you?” asked Harena. “The desert is alive on this day and my feet wish to feel the wind.”
“Will we have to travel the Valley of Morsus should we ever need to see you again?” asked Iolana.
“No, you have proven your courage and you possess the eagle feather. Meditate in its presence and I shall answer your call. I must be leaving now.”
And with that answer, a large gust of wind tore across the land and Harena’s human form rose into the air. She again sparkled with light and her energy began to dance and move, as it had before. A flash of light blinded the travelers, and the wind died down. When they were again able to see, a small fennec fox stood where Harena had been. It blinked once and then sped away across the orange dunes.
“I can’t believe it,” said Tomas. “I just can’t believe it.”
“We should find Esteban Floyd,” said Ben.
“No,” said Evercloud flatly.
“Why not?” demanded Tomas. “If he lives-”
“He does not, Tomas. You know this, as well as I do.” Evercloud looked at the brothers with a pained expression.
“The Padre,” said Ben in quiet realization.
“Yes,” nodded Evercloud. “Padre Esteban was an old member of your lineage. He must have given the Everlife away. He was killed by Densa.”
“No,” said Iolana. “Densa was being used by the Tyrant. I don’t hold him responsible. It was the Great Tyrant who killed Esteban Floyd.”
“How will we find the Everlife?” asked Annie. “He could have given it to anyone.”
“Any of the other gifts could have been given to anyone,” said Evercloud. “We need to find all of the daughters and learn what we can.”
“There are seven more daughters,” said Ben. “We can’t walk the entirety of Ephanlarea and beyond. The Tyrant will have destroyed the entire world by that time.”
“We have to split up,” said Riverpaw. “It’s the only way.”
“It’s still too much ground to cover,” argued Ben. “Some of those arrows point completely off of the map. We have no idea how far it could be. We don’t have time.”
“We do if we fly,” said Riverpaw. “I could carry you and Tomas, if Evercloud could carry Annie and Iolana.”
“He won’t have to carry me,” said Iolana. The ancient woman closed her eyes and extended her arms for balance. Five seconds passed, and then, Iolana floated a foot off the ground. Her eyes opened and she smiled. “If I use the same basic ideas that Evercloud uses to fly, it’s simple. I can use my control of water to propel myself. Even in this desert there is enough moisture in the air for me to use.”
“Perfect,” said Evercloud. “Ben, you keep Jared’s map and I’ll keep Strongback’s journal. Let’s take a look now so we can split up the locations of the feathers.” Ben unfolded the map upon the desert sand and Evercloud began pointing at the feathers. “Riverpaw, Tomas and Ben, you take the feathers on the eastern side of Ephanlarea and then the feather that leaves the map to the south. Annie, Iolana and I will take the western feathers and the one that leaves the map to the north.”
“What about the feather that has no arrow?” asked Annie.
“Sometimes I feel like you’re stealing my questions,” said Tomas, staring at the young woman oddly.
Evercloud shook his head. “We’ll have to ask the daughters. Meet back at Gray Mountain when you’ve found your assigned feathers, and we’ll search for that final feather together.”
Tomas elbowed Evercloud in the ribs. “You’ll miss us when we’re gone,” he said with a smile, “won’t you?”
“I’ll miss having someone to laugh at,” said Evercloud.
Tomas frowned and Ben erupted in laughter. “Looks like you’ll always be the little brother, Tomas. Bottom of the pecking order.”
Tomas mumbled to himself and Ben smacked him playfully on the back.
“We’d better get going, before the three of you start wrestling in the sand,” said Riverpaw.
Ben and Tomas climbed atop the large bear and braced themselves for the launch. Evercloud walked over to his cousin and placed his hand upon the bear’s fuzzy ear.
“Looks like you’ll get your fair share of the adventure on this one.”
Riverpaw smiled. “Someone’s got to keep your head from getting so big.”
Evercloud laughed. “Be careful with those two, all right. They didn’t grow up with a bear as a best friend.”
“Neither did I,” shrugged Riverpaw. And with that, he turned, taking three large strides across the desert, before flying into the azure sky.
Evercloud watched until Riverpaw was out of sight, and then, turned back to the two women. “We should be worried about them, shouldn’t we?”
“Probably,” smiled Iolana. “So, where shall we start?”
“I say we try the northern feather that leaves the map. I’ve always thought it best to get the most difficult task out of the way first.”
The women nodded in agreement.
“Umm, I have a question,” said Annie, looking very uncomfortable. “Am I just supposed to grab one of you around the waist and hold on until you stop flying?”
“No,” said Evercloud. “You can fly on your own.”
Suddenly, Annie let out a stunned yelp and began to slowly rise into the air. She waived her arms wildly at first, but after a moment, she lost her fear and began to laugh with pleasure as she spun in the air.
“How are you doing that?” asked Iolana.
“It hit me as you were showing everyone that you could fly,” said Evercloud. “If we can use the elements to move ourselves, then why can’t we use the elements to move others as well? I figured with you and I working at it, we could fly the three of us anywhere we need to go.”
Iolana looked at Evercloud with pleasant surprise, and the man could not help but feel pride well inside of him.
“Well then,” said Iolana. “Shall we?”
Evercloud nodded, and then, he and Iolana combined their powers and began to fly themselves and Annie toward the northern sea.
Chapter 21: Unbroken
How do you give up? How do you wholly and completely give in? How does one allow their mind to come to an end, like a candle that is put out between wet fingers?
This is something completely beyond my ability to reason…
How does one, surrounded by an insurmountable sea of darkness, live on?
How is it that I continue against all odds?
If I had a single question to ask a being that was all-knowing, it would be ‘how does one truly end?’ Because even a being that takes their own life, does so with the thought that anything on the other side of death is better than what they have now. Suicide is the will to change, and therefore, cannot be an acceptance of defeat.
I have tried to give up…
I have tried to fade away into nothing, but it still burns inside of me. I have tried to
destroy hope…
But hope will not die.
Even as hate and bitterness consume my every waking thought, even as tragedy and misfortune parade themselves around my life and even as the weight of sadness saps the strength and life from my body, hope will not let me go…
Why?
What have I done that has made me invincible?
How is it that I remain unbroken?
Densa sat in the abyss of the moon’s core with no concept of how long he had been trapped. It mattered not. He had tried to conjure a thousand different ways to free himself, but not one was possible. He would never escape and he knew that. He would wait until the Tyrant returned, and then, he would fight. Whether it was to be in vain or in triumph, he knew not and he cared not.
He burned.
Against all odds, he still burned.
Densa’s only fear was that madness would take him before the Tyrant returned. Five times now, he had seen a softly glowing figure drift by. It moved in and out of his vision like a ghost, or like reflections on the surface of water. Five times, he had counseled himself not to believe his eyes. He told himself these were but tricks played by an underused mind. He reminded himself that he was alone in this darkness. Even the Farsiders had left the moon, now that he was trapped. He had felt their presence leave him.
I am within this empty shell, alone.
I am all that exists in this hollow space.
I am everything within this nothing.
I cannot allow my mind to do this.
“I never thought I would see you again,” said a soft voice, gently pushing its way into Densa’s consciousness.
“Stop,” said Densa aloud. “This is not real and I will not succumb to madness.”
“Why do you think that I am not real?” asked the soft voice.
“I am alone,” said Densa, trying to will himself back to the logic of sanity. “I am trapped inside the core of the moon, alone.”
“You are not alone,” said the voice. “I am here with you. I have always been here… at home.”
Densa pressed his palms against his temples and shook his head. He didn’t know how to stop the voice, and in his weak frustration, he allowed himself to be plied.
Everflame: The Complete Series Page 62
