by Doug Backus
“I may not know a lot of things but a soul comes from within someone’s body. You cannot see a soul, yet you look as normal as I do.” Deke responded looking Deo over suspiciously.
“And how would you know what a soul looks like, Deke? Have you ever seen one? Did you even know for sure that you had one, let alone two?”
Deke thought about this momentarily. He had always assumed that a soul was not visible to the eye, but then again that is only what he had been taught.
Deo sighed “You see Deke this is where it gets a little confusing. Your beliefs were partially right. On earth you are not meant to see me but I am part of you and I protect you. That is how it was designed. Souls are made up of energy. Your inner soul is protected by your body. The body materializes around your soul taking on its appearance. The outer soul is one with the Balance, the Universe. The outer soul remains as such, it has no body. While you sleep your outer soul becomes alive within your dreams. The outer soul helps you evolve by learning things beyond the comprehension of the inner soul. This will help you understand what lies ahead when your body dies and our souls become one. You can see me now because when we left our world my function changed. We are no longer guided by the laws of physics that encompass Earth. When we arrived here I became embodied. That is why you can see me. Should, we ever return to earth, this body will die and things will be as they once were. While we are here our souls will still function together, just in two different bodies.”
“If what you say is true then where were you when I was being chased in the cave, and then trapped on the cliff with nowhere to go except to plummet to an untimely death! And where were you when a falcon appeared out of nowhere and saved me from being burned to death by a rather large dragon!” Deke asked rather annoyed.
“Have you already forgotten the part about falling off that cliff with your father,” Deo answered.
Deke was stunned. “What, how could you know that? I thought I had imagined …”
Deo smiled “Deke, please give me a moment to explain, I was there. As I said to you earlier I am part of you. The amulet you hold, please take it from your pocket.”
Deke hesitantly pulled the arrowhead from his pocket and looked at it.
“The amulet you hold is that of Queen Elissa, the ruler of this world and while you possess it, you will have abilities that no one else has, including the ability to transform your Paladin. In essence, I will transform into whatever you think of, as long as it is a real living being or creature and it is something you have seen with your own eyes. You must be aware though, that the larger you make the creature or the longer I am in a transformation state, the greater the strain you will be placing upon yourself. It will drain your energy, making you weaker and weaker. I am sure you feel completely exhausted right now. That is because of the energy you used to transform me earlier. It takes time to master the art of transforming me into another being at any given moment, but it will happen in extremely stressful situations.”
Deke stared blankly at Deo as he continued “When you arrived in the cave, you were quite rightfully stressed after being chased by the Kaltaures. For whatever reason the cave made you think of bats, which in turn made me transform into one. I was trying to stop you from leaving the cave as I knew you were in grave danger. That is when, not knowing who or what I was, you struck me in the head causing me to lose consciousness momentarily. I could not stop you from running out of the cave directly into the path of Phanthus, the dragon you mentioned earlier. When I finally got to you, you were thinking of home, specifically of your father. I began to transform into him when you first saw me. As Phanthus’s ball of fire was nearly upon you, there was no time to do anything but grab you and jump. It is why I told you to think of your falcon, which you did. As the image of your falcon filled your mind, I changed from your father to the falcon and ultimately flew us from the Valley of Solace to here. When we passed through the falls, your anxiety level decreased and I appeared as I normally would.”
Deke stared at Deo in disbelief “Well, why did you not say something while we were in the cave? It might have made things easier,” he exclaimed.
“And how would you have reacted Deke, talking to a giant bat?”
Deke thought for a second and agreed that might not have been the best strategy.
“I know it is not easy to comprehend Deke, but people believe in many things that cannot be seen. For instance, people believe in the Creator or as you know him God. You must have read about or even seen people escape impossible situations without any other explanation other that a miracle, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, in those situations, is it so hard to believe that it was the person’s Paladin that stepped in and helped save them? The outer soul is one with your inner soul, they are connected. It becomes simple for an individual’s Paladin to change that person’s path or thought process because essentially we are part of that person.” Deo explained.
“Why couldn’t my parents’ Paladins have helped them, then? You must have been there, if you’re always with me. What happened?” Deke demanded. He was becoming visibly upset.
“Deke, not every situation is the same. If their Paladins could have helped, they would have. If I could have helped your parents I would have. You cannot blame yourself for what happened. That, was your parent’s fate and nobody can change that.”
Deke could have continued asking questions but he realized he would only become more upset and right now there more pressing issues. His parents were dead. Nothing could change that.
“How is it you know so much about this world?” Deke asked.
“The soul is a window to the universe, Deke. The outer soul has a greater understanding of what lies beyond than the inner soul. It is designed this way so that on the day a living being passes on and their souls become one they will have a full understanding of what life was and what it is going to be. This maintains a balance between life and the afterlife. I have travelled to this world many times while you slept. You are in a unique situation Deke. You will learn more about this world and others much before your time.”
Deke thought he might know the answer, but he asked anyway “How and why am I here Deo and why are so many trying to harm me?”
“It’s because you hold the amulet Deke. That makes you a very dangerous person to Solharn. I cannot give you all the answers you need but once the Sacred Amulet of Rhol was taken from Queen Elissa, she became powerless against Solharn. The amulet must be returned to her. With that amulet Deke, you can save Rhol and help stop Solharn’s depraved plan. It is the amulet that chose you and brought you to Rhol and if Rhol has any chance of survival, it is now in your hands.”
“But who is Solharn?” Deke asked.
“He is a Dark Angel and he is pure evil. He and his armies quite nearly destroyed Rhol and enslaved the inhabitants but your questions are better answered by Kiran, Queen Elissa’s closest confidant. We will go to her now.”
By now they had crossed the river and were closing in on the small village. They were almost there when Deo turned abruptly and began to walk toward a rock wall.
“Where are we going?” Deke asked.
“To see Kiran, just follow me and don’t worry,” Deo said.
Deke followed Deo around a small tree that was growing from a cave that tunneled through the rock.
“That’s an Orler tree, Deke. Remember it,” Deo said.
Deke looked at the tree. It was a little unusual, and certainly not the most appealing thing he had ever seen. It grew straight up and down without a bend or branch on the trunk itself. The tree stood about seven feet high, and was a foot around. It had no bark, and the deep grain of its wood glimmered as if coated in varnish. Straight spiraling black branches flowed from the top of the tree, and were covered in purplish orange leaves which appeared much too large for such a small tree.
“I don’t know how I could forget it,” Deke whispered under his breath.
Deke could see the end
of the tunnel almost as soon as he entered it. It opened up into a large cavern that appeared to be an extension of the hidden realm. The space was lit with lanterns, and in the middle of the cavern something caught his eye, stopping him in his tracks. There was a building which looked like a modest log cottage. Long grass wrapped in bundles appeared to have been used to make the roof. Large rocks substituted for what might be called a fence, and lined a flagstone walkway. The walkway stretched a few hundred feet or so, leading up to the door of the cottage. Smoke slowly billowed out of a stone chimney that jutted from the roof. However, it was not the cottage that had him so awestruck however. Standing just to the left of the door was a magnificent creature unlike anything he had ever seen before.
Looking at Deke, Deo laughed “It is one of the most beautiful animals in Rhol, Deke Brolin, and perhaps one of the most dangerous. That is a Pegapire.”
Chapter Nine
The last thing Jayden recalled was being struck in the head and Aiden yelling something to him before he lost consciousness. When he awoke he was looking into the face of Oisin.
“Oisin, how did we come to be here?” Jayden asked while slowly sitting up.
“It was Aiden. Just before the Ralcriff reached us he struck you in the head knocking you to the ground. He said it was not your time, and ordered me to drag you to the depot. Palvoy and Kaelyn saw what happened and ran out to assist me.”
Oisin looked away from Jayden’s eyes, and as tears slowly rolled down his cheeks, he continued, “I should have stayed with Aiden. If I had not seen it with my own eyes I would not have believed it! With one arm he kept the Ralcriff from passing. Even with one tearing into his leg he still stood steady, slicing away at the horrid creatures. When he finally lost his balance and fell to his knees, he managed to swing his sword in an upward motion severing all four legs off a Ralcriff that attempted to leap over him. The Ralcriff fell within inches of you, unable to move. The last thing I heard him scream before the tunnel collapsed was “Rhol.”
Jayden placed his hand upon Oisin`s shoulder, “My friend, I know how you must feel inside. It is not in a Lealian’s heart to retreat or to leave another behind, but you must remember it was Aiden’s wish. Aiden was a mighty warrior but a Lealian first. He has fought many battles to protect his people and Rhol. Aiden knew that we would never have left him there, and by knocking me unconscious he left you no choice. Aiden knew how important it was to save as many Lealians as possible, so in standing here you have not disgraced him. You have honored him.”
Jayden stood and raised his sword, “Let us honor Aiden and all the fallen Lealians who fought proudly for Rhol and whom we will never forget.” Jayden was sure the cheer that followed must have been heard in the Valley of Aura itself.
“Our battle is just beginning. Tonight we will rest. Tomorrow we must forge on to the Valley of Aura and summon the Pegapires!”
Noticing the quills protruding from Jayden and Oisin, Kaelyn interrupted. “But Jayden, how long will it take to reach Aura from here?”
“We are about twenty miles in with another thirty or so to go. I would say that it should take around fifteen hours,” Jayden responded.
“But the quills, they are poisonous…..” Kaelyn began.
Jayden cut her off. “Rest and fill your stomachs, we have a long journey.”
Jayden found a place away from the others and sat down. He was exhausted, but knew sleep would not easily come for him. He looked up and saw Kaelyn walking towards him. She was closely followed by Oisin. Jayden had expected Kaelyn to find him, but not this quickly. He knew what she was thinking before she spoke.
“Jayden, maybe some Lealians’ are not aware that the quills are poisonous, but I know you are.”
“Yes, I am well aware of the poison the quills inject their host with.” Jayden said.
“Then you are aware that in a twenty-four hour period, twenty-three by now, you and Oisin will die a painful and horrible death. We must leave now and get to Aura to summon the Pegapires. They are your only hope. They can get you to the Wall of Solace in time!” Kaelyn exclaimed.
“What would you have me do, Kaelyn? The people are exhausted and hungry. Some have wounds to tend to, and others can hardly walk. Leaving now would surely result in some of their deaths, and I will not risk several lives for the sake of two.”
Oisin, who had been listening intently stepped in, “He is right Kaelyn. It is not worth the risk.”
“What is wrong with you two?” Kaelyn shouted. “You are every bit as important as anyone else. Oisin has shown his worth today, and the Lealians’ need someone to lead them.”
“Someone will take my place, perhaps you Kaelyn,” Jayden retorted.
Kaelyn was now visibly angry, “The poison must already be taking effect, so you will just sit there and wait to die! You raise your sword in honor of Aiden who died to get us here, who died to save your lives. You give an eloquent speech to Oisin, who left Aiden so he could save you, but it means nothing! You don’t honor Aiden, you dishonor him.”
“Kaelyn!” Oisin shouted. “Mind who you are speaking to...” “It is alright, Oisin. Kaelyn is right,” said Jayden calmly.
“Kaelyn, take Oisin and Palvoy and leave. Take food and water. You will need it if you are to make Aura by morning. You will know you are near Aura when you get to the next depot. It is one mile from the end of the tunnel. The depot contains additional weapons. Be sure to arm yourselves with as many Orler arrows as you can carry. I am not sure what will be waiting for you when you exit the tunnel and enter the Valley of Aura.”
“You must come with us, Jayden. You will die otherwise,” Kaelyn implored.
“Kaelyn, you challenged me! You said that Aiden need not have died to save me and Oisin if we were not willing to save ourselves, but you also pointed out that the Lealians need someone to lead them. I have heeded your words. Oisin will fight for his life, and I will lead the Lealians to Aura ensuring their safety.”
“That is not what I meant Jayden…,” Kaelyn stopped herself. There was no further point in arguing.
“Let’s go. We have no time to waste,” Kaelyn grumbled, and with that she departed with Oisin and Palvoy.
Jayden leaned back against the cool dirt walls of the tunnel, closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. It seemed like it had been only five minutes, but it was more like two hours when Jayden awoke with a start. A young boy and his mother were urging Jayden to eat.
“Please Jayden. I have made you a plate of food. You must eat,” requested the mother who Jayden knew as Cordelia.
Jayden took the plate thanking her as she sat down beside him. “Let me remove the quills from your neck,” Cordelia said.
Before Jayden could answer, she was already digging away at them as her young son eagerly watched.
Cordelia grimaced, “The quills are embedded deep Jayden. This will take some time.”
“I don’t think your boy will mind Cordelia. He seems amused,” laughed Jayden.
“Keagan, do not bother Jayden,” his mother scorned.
“It is quite alright, Cordelia. I would not have been much different at his age; Keagan, that is a fine name!”
That acknowledgement was all the encouragement the boy needed to blurt out the questions he had so patiently waited to ask, “Sir, I heard Kaelyn mention that we must go to the Valley of Aura to summon the Pegapires. I have never seen one, but I have heard they are magnificent animals. Can they really fly? How many are there? What…?”
Jayden laughed, “Well, so many questions and I can understand why. They are extraordinary animals. The Pegapires are a proud breed, and they are fiercely loyal to the Lealians, as we are to them. Would you like to hear about them, the way my father told me?”
Keagan nodded his head up and down several times.
“Very well, then.” Jayden chuckled.
“In ancient Rhol, the Pegapires were worshipped by all inhabitants. They are elegant creatures, ivory white in color. They resemble a horse, but they
have white wings spanning twelve feet on either side of their long muscular bodies. Their wings are so strong that they can fly great distances in a matter of moments.
“The only other colors visible on the Pegapires are their long graceful tails and their eyes. Their tails are jet black. Their eyes are a bright yellow. It is said that their eyes can hypnotize any creature that gazes into them. Their hypnotic power enables the Pegapires to attack their enemies effortlessly, and leave them standing, staring into emptiness for eternity.
“The Pegapires lived in Tamon, which is a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. No man or woman has ever stepped foot in Tamon, except for a very few Lealians of whom one was my father. Tamon cannot be accessed by foot, only by flight. Over the years, many have tried to enter the Valley of Tamon, but they met their deaths from the freezing cold temperatures and unpredictable weather high in the mountains.
“My father once described Tamon to me. He said that the valley was lush and green, with abundant streams of crystal clear water. The streams flowed freely over small pebbles and sand, which always kept the water pure. Many Orler trees grew there protected from the ravages of people who would destroy them all, just for the chance of using their magical powers. I don’t know whether my father was exaggerating or not, but he claimed there was one Orler tree in Tamon that was over forty feet high. He said that tree kept the strain of the Orler trees alive. I have never seen an Orler Tree even a quarter of that size, but my father rarely joked about such things.”
The conversation brought many memories of Jayden’s father rushing back to him, and it made him pause momentarily before continuing to describe the Pegapires for the boy.
“The Pegapires are ferocious fighters who have sharp jagged teeth which they use often in battle, swooping down over their enemy biting down, and carrying them high above the ground before releasing them to plummet to their death. They are loyal only to those of good nature. Pegapires used to roam throughout Rhol in abundance. They had no natural predators, and rarely fell to enemies in battle.
