“Wait,” he says. “All we can do is wait.”
“If something goes wrong,” Jiron says to Scar, “I’m holding you personally responsible.” He continues staring at Scar then flicks his eyes to Potbelly before returning to James’ side.
Several minutes pass while both Miko and James lie there quietly. Then they all of a sudden begin spasming and with a gasp, James opens his eyes as he sits up. Releasing Miko’s hand he gasps, “Oh my god.”
A fraction of a second later a scream is torn from Miko as he snaps awake as well.
James looks around with eyes wide. When he realizes he’s back in the camp with the others he visibly relaxes. Next to him Miko holds his arms around his chest and groans in pain.
Brother Willim arcs an eyebrow questioningly at James and he says, “Better check him out. I’m fine.” The pain which was so excruciating while in the dream with Miko is now quickly beginning to fade.
Nodding, Brother Willim moves closer to Miko and says, “Let me have a look.”
Miko removes his arms from his chest and Brother Willim pulls up his shirt. Beneath the shirt his chest is a mass of burns, boils have formed and some are oozing pus. “Get the Star,” he says to Jiron.
As Jiron removes the Star from Miko’s pouch, Scar asks, “What happened?”
Once the Star is in Jiron’s hand he gives it to Miko. No sooner does the Star rest in his palm than a glow envelopes him. They watch in awe as his chest begins to return to normal. The boils recede and the burns turn brown, eventually flaking off to reveal the new skin that has formed underneath.
When the glow from the Star vanishes, Miko is breathing much better.
“Now, what happened?” Jiron asks.
James begins to relate to them his experiences within Miko’s dream. When he’s done Miko has little to add, the memory of the dream has already begun to grow cloudy. “All I can remember is that I needed to get into that room, but was unable to,” he finally says.
“What was the room like?” Shorty asks. “Why did you need to get inside?”
Miko shakes his head. “I can’t remember,” he admits.
“I caught a quick glance within before the door slammed shut,” announces James. “The room was of average size and a pedestal stood in its center.”
Jiron has a thoughtful look on his face when he asks, “Did the room have eight sides?”
Shrugging, James says, “Maybe. I couldn’t see it all but I suppose it could have. Why?”
Jiron doesn’t answer his question, instead he turns to Brother Willim. “You said that the same force or presence was here both times Miko had these visions. Was the presence malign or good?”
“It didn’t feel either way,” he replies. “It just was.”
“Hmmm…” he says as he resumes thinking.
“Let me get this out before I lose my train of thought,” Jiron says. “Miko has the Star which is from the god Morcyth. Miko has now had two visions in which a temple is involved, both times the temple radiates bright light.” Turning to Miko he asks, “Am I correct so far?”
Miko nods.
Turning to Brother Willim he says, “In one of the prophecy you mention that ‘the light of knowledge will be at his side’.” Then back to the others he adds, “I believe the temples he saw are the High Temple of Morcyth in the City of Light.”
“What makes you so sure of that?” asks Scar.
“First, Miko holds the Star,” he says. “Second, a temple of light. I hardly think an evil temple would have a white light associated with it.” Turning back to Brother Willim he asks, “Would it?”
Shrugging, the brother says, “I really couldn’t say one way or another. But since it was Miko’s dream, everything in it would be based upon what he believes to be true.”
“So the light would have to be good then,” he says. When Brother Willim nods he continues. “Third…” Turning to James he says, “Remember just after we met and were trapped in my hideout, before we fled the City of Light?” When James nods he continues. “How did we get out?”
“Through a secret door my medallion opened up,” he says. “A flight of stairs went down and we…” His eyes widen as he remembers.
“Exactly,” continues Jiron with a nod, “we went into an eight sided room that had a pedestal sitting in the middle.”
“I don’t see the connection,” Shorty says.
James turns to him and says, “At the time I figured the room with the pedestal to be located beneath the site of the previous High Temple to Morcyth.”
“There are too many things here that point to that spot,” Jiron concludes. “It has to mean something.”
They look at each other until finally their eyes settle on Brother Willim. “If all you say is true,” he begins, “then I would have to believe Miko needs to enter that room.” He glances to James and says, “And soon.”
“It has long been believed that dreams, especially dreams of such power, are sendings from the gods,” he explains. “The fact that so many have come in so short a time cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. James, you have had dreams of Cassie and Tinok in that place you call a carnival. Miko, your dreams are of a temple that is swallowed by blackness. Blackness that you are terrified of.”
He glances around and says, “I myself have had dreams of late. Nothing compared to the power of the ones you two have experienced, but potent nonetheless.”
“What were yours?” asks James.
“A garden,” he replies. “None too surprising given whom I serve. I often have dreams about gardens and such. However, since I’ve accompanied you, they have become more intense. Lately they have begun differently, but all end at a withered garden. A blackened tree, wreathed in mist, rises high. The tree cracks open, a monstrous creature steps forth and consumes the garden.”
“That’s it?” Potbelly asks.
Nodding, Brother Willim replies, “Yes.” He pauses a moment as the others assimilate what he told them. Then he turns to Miko and James. “I would guess that you, Miko, were sent that dream to tell you something. Possibly by Morcyth or one of his agents. The fact that you were prevented from going into the room seems to indicate that another force was working to stop you from discovering why.”
To James he says, “Take your dreams. They start out nice, but when you are about to make contact with Cassie, shadows and other things work to stop you. Finally thrusting you from the dream altogether.”
“That would explain a lot of things,” agrees James.
“So what should we do about it?” Stig asks. “Wait for more dreams?”
James shakes his head. “No. In the morning we are going to head to the City of Light, find the room with the pedestal, and discover why Miko must go there.” He glances at Jiron and says, “I know this will take more time before we can begin the search for Tinok. But with everything going on, I feel we must.”
“Then tomorrow we make for the City,” agrees Jiron. “You haven’t steered us wrong yet. If you feel this is what we must do, then so be it.” Behind his eyes the others can tell he wants nothing more than to head straight into the Empire to find his friend. Circumstances seem intent on keeping him from that goal.
James stands up and says, “We all need to get our sleep. It’s a long way to the City from here.”
Miko nods and lies back down on his blanket, the Star already having been returned to his pouch.
James makes sure everyone is returning to their blankets, everyone but Stig that is, it’s his turn at watch. Once they are, he lies down and churns over the events in his mind. He’s amazed by the fact that he was able to enter another’s dream and wonders if he could do it again. He can’t help but wonder if someone had a hand in supplying Scar with that information, wouldn’t be the first time such a handy piece of information crossed his path at just the right time. Trying to still his troubled thoughts, it’s a long time before he’s finally able to fall back to sleep.
Chapter Five
_____________
____________
Up with the sun, they head cross country toward the northeast and the City of Light. They ride in silent contemplation. Miko is worried about what may await him in that room below what use to be the High Temple to Morcyth. Will there be a fearsome creature as in the dream? Or will it be something else.
James worries about what all their dreams can mean. In each, a terrible presence has manifested. Within his dreams it was the shadows and monstrosities, Miko had a powerful presence, and Brother Willim a dead, black tree from which a monstrous creature steps. Are they all interconnected, or does each deal with a different event? He doubts if he’ll understand before it’s too late.
Riding hard, they swap between their spare horses periodically to better able maintain the pace. Cutting cross country as they are, they don’t encounter any other travelers, the few farmsteads they pass look deserted. A couple have been utterly destroyed, quite possibly when the Empire came through here last year.
Throughout the day and into the night, they ride. Only the fact their horses are on the brink of exhaustion do they even stop for the night. But it isn’t for very long. No sooner does the sun rise than they are again in the saddle and racing across the countryside. A half hour after the sun rises they come to a road traveling east and west. Several wagons are on the road heading toward a town visible to the east.
“That’s Reardon,” Scar announces when the town comes into view. “Follow the north road leaving the city and it will take you directly to the City of Light.”
“Excellent,” says James.
They ride for the road and upon reaching it turn eastward toward Reardon. The men on the wagons glance their way but otherwise offer no greeting. The loads they are hauling are mainly comprised of lumber and stone, materials needed in rebuilding the city. As they draw closer to the walls surrounding Reardon, many people are seen moving in and out from the gate where the road passes through.
The walls look fairly intact, though there are places where it’s evident the Empire’s siege equipment came into play. Not wanting to get caught up with what’s going on inside the city, they turn and pass along the outside of the walls as they circumvent the town.
When they reach the road moving northward, they turn onto it and again increase their speed to a fast gallop. Along the road between Reardon and the City of Light, they encounter many civilians. Families as well as merchants and the occasional group of soldiers are upon the road heading south to Reardon. Many have their belongings with them and their mood is one of hope for the future.
James remembers last year and the refugees who were fleeing the approach of the Empire. His heart is gladdened that the fear and hopelessness he had seen on the faces of many has been replaced with joy and hope. He fervently wishes that they will be able to continue having hope and joy for a very long time to come.
Before the walls of the City of Light come into view, camps are seen where they’ve sprung up along the sides of the road. Tents turned into makeshift taverns operated by smart tavern keepers supply ale and other essentials to those who are working to put their lives back together.
Few women and children are seen, though there are pockets of them here and there. The majority of those they encounter are men, workmen who are here to begin the rebuilding of their country.
When at last the walls of the City come into view, the pit fighters come to a stop. This is home for them. Where they were born and raised. James is actually surprised to see a tear come to the eyes of some of these hardened fighting men.
“There she is,” breathes Potbelly.
“Never thought I’d ever be coming back here,” Stig says.
“Let’s go,” urges Miko. When he first laid eyes on the walls his sense of urgency increased. Nudging their horses, they take a more moderate pace as they approach the gates to the City.
“James,” Jiron says, “look over there.” He directs their view over to an open area west of the road near the walls.
“What about it?” asks James.
“That’s where you took out the majority of the enemy when we left,” he replies.
James looks hard, but after the effect of several seasons, there’s hardly any evidence left of what happened. A few blackened trees here and there are all that stands in testimony to the explosion that rocked the night so long ago.
The closer to the gates they go, the denser the tents and number of people become. The pit fighters scan the people they pass for any sign of those they knew, but so far haven’t recognized anyone.
Soldiers stand guard at the city’s gates, more for maintaining order than anything else. Jiron leads them through and into the city. Surprisingly enough, the streets are fairly clear of debris.
“They sure cleaned up this place,” remarks Jiron. During their escape, James had played merry hell with several of the buildings, exploding them in the night in order to cover their escape.
Moving across the courtyard, they pass through the next gate into the city. Signs of reconstruction are going on everywhere. People, mainly shopkeepers working to get their business back in shape, are seen setting stones and hammering planks.
“If Delia hurries, she could make a killing selling these people building supplies,” comments Shorty.
“I think she already has that idea,” replies Stig.
“Didn’t Lord Pytherian say the first building that would be rebuilt here would be that temple you wanted?” Jiron asks.
“Yes he did,” answers James. “But I don’t expect them to be able to arrange that until the hostilities subside.” Glancing over to his friend, he adds, “Besides, it’s not like we’ll be around to tell them where to build it.”
Nodding, he says, “That’s true.”
“Can you find your old hideout?” James asks.
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” he replies. “Even with the state the City is in now, I know my way around.”
“Oh, man,” Scar says sadly.
“What?” asks Jiron.
“Beggerman’s is gone,” he says, indicating a destroyed building that once sat on the corner ahead of them.
When James looks questioningly at Jiron he says, “It was a place where pit fighters hung out. A tavern and brothel all rolled into one.”
“Yeah,” agrees Shorty. “Beggerman had been a pit fighter in his younger days. Set it up when he had accumulated sufficient money to last him the rest of his life. He claimed he won the building in a card game, though no one’s ever been able to verify that.”
“Wonder if he’s still alive?” Potbelly asks.
Just then three young teenage boys come running around the corner and Scar signals them to stop, that he wants to talk.
Slowing down, the three lads approach him. “What do you want?” one asks.
Scar reaches into his pouch and says, “I’ll give you each a copper if you can answer me a question.”
“Sure,” says one. The other two nod as well.
“Beggerman,” he says. “Do you know who I’m talking about?”
“Sure do,” the first boy replies. Gesturing back to the destroyed establishment he says, “The guy with only one eye and missing half an ear, right?”
“That’s him,” nods Scar. “Do you know if he’s still alive?”
The lead boy glances to the other two who only shrug. Turning back to Scar he says, “We haven’t seen or heard about him since the City fell.”
Removing three coppers, he flips on to each of the lads. “Thanks,” he says.
“Sorry we couldn’t be of more help,” the lead boy says. Then they’re off down the street on whatever errand they were about before being stopped.
“Remember that massive mace he use to keep behind the bar?” Stig says. “He always said anyone who caused problems would get real familiar with old ‘Ironhead’.”
The others laugh at that. “Never once saw him take it down,” Potbelly states.
“I would think it came down when the City fell,” Scar says more somberly. “H
e wasn’t one to run off when trouble came calling.” Several of the others nod at that.
They slowly continue to make their way through town. Jiron leads them unerringly from street to street toward the entrance of his hideout. Along the way, other places that once held meaning to them are passed and James learns more about the men who have chosen to travel with him.
Finally Jiron says, “It’s not too much further.”
A green glow springs to life around Brother Willim. James notices and asks, “Trouble?”
Shaking his head, he says, “I don’t think so. I can feel something here.”
“What?” asks James.
“I’m not sure,” he replies. “I think what I’m feeling is the holiness of this place.” Glancing to Miko he sees the odd look on his face. “You feel it too don’t you?”
Nodding, Miko says, “I didn’t know what it was.”
The greenish glow disappears as Brother Willim’s attention is turned back to James. “When a holy place stands for a long time, the rocks, stones and at times the ground itself resonate with the god’s power. The more holy the place, the stronger it becomes.” Glancing around he adds, “And the longer it remains.”
“Why can’t I sense anything?” James asks. Usually when magic is near his skin tingles.
“It’s not active magic in the sense you are referring to,” he explains. “More like a resonate signature that marks the place as holy. Having once been the location for the High Temple, I can understand why I can sense it even after the Temple has been gone for so long.”
James nods his head. He remembers one of the early visits by Igor in which he took him to Disneyland. Igor referred to Disneyland as a focal point. That to those who are good, the place is like a beacon in the night. Perhaps it’s the same principle.
Jiron turns after a severely fire damaged building and then enters a street with a large crater in the middle of it. He remembers when they had originally been sneaking out and Cassie had sneezed just when a column of enemy soldiers were passing by. The hole is where James blasted a group of them to give them time to return to the hideout.
The Mists of Sorrow: The Morcyth Saga Book Seven Page 6
