by B. D. Suever
“I'm sure you heard the voice before entering, letting you know who could enter the library,” Quinn said.
Ethan looked up at him, confused. “Wasn't that you?”
Quinn shook his head. “That was the voice of Idalia. She decides who is worthy of entering. Anyway, back to my tale. After the previous keeper had passed, I remained in the library alone. One morning when I awoke, I had the sudden urge to read. I am unsure if Idalia had anything to do with it but nevertheless, I began to read. The more I read, the more knowledgeable I became. I soon began to formulate words until I had perfected human speech. I have read every book in this library.”
Ethan was impressed. “Wow. You must be the smartest being on Terah, then.”
Quinn chuckled. “I would not be so bold as to say I am the smartest on all of Terah, but I am very wise.” He paused. “Now that I've answered your question, let's move on to you.”
Ethan was a little worried. He wasn't sure how much information he should share with Quinn.
“Let's start with the obvious. Where are you from?” Quinn asked. “I know you are not from this world so do me a favor and tell the truth. I will know if you are lying.”
Ethan decided to just tell the whole story. “Ok. But there is a whole lot.”
Quinn eagerly awaited Ethan's story.
“So, like you said, I'm not from Terah. I come from Earth,” Ethan explained.
“Ahh, our brother planet,” Quinn said. “That makes sense.”
Ethan continued with his story. He talked about his home, his hobbies, school, favorite foods, his parents and his friends. He noticed that the more he talked, the closer Quinn came to him. He must really be into my story, he thought. He talked some more about home and then he began to talk about his trip to the antique store, where he found the book. Ethan began to describe the book to Quinn.
“Stop there,” Quinn said. He quickly got up. “Follow me.”
Ethan was a little annoyed that his story was interrupted but he decided to keep his irritation to himself. He didn't want Quinn mad at him.
Quinn led Ethan along the back wall of the library. He stopped in front of a display case that had many ancient books inside. He pointed to one close to the bottom. “Was this the book?” he asked.
Ethan peered in the display case. The book was the exact same except ... “The cover of the one I have is green. This one is red.”
“So, I guess then it is safe for me to assume you are the Avent,” Quinn said.
Ethan was shocked; how did he guess that? He nodded to Quinn, indicating he was correct.
“Marvelous,” Quinn laughed. “The Avent here with me. I never thought the day would come.”
Quinn led Ethan back out to the main room. Ethan rummaged through his pouch. “So since you know who I am, I guess I should ask you then.” He laid the items out. “I have these items that were given to me by three elders. I'm not sure what they are. Have you seen them before?”
Quinn walked over and looked at the items. “Hmm. This rune here,” he said, lifting it up on his claw, “this is what gave you access to the library. Only a select few still have this in the world today.” He examined the rune. “I read about this type of rune in a book a few years ago. Not only is it a key to the library, but it has magical properties as well. It was written that it has the ability to draw out someone's hidden potential.”
Ethan looked down at the rune. “Yeah, I've already experienced it drawing out my hidden potential.”
Quinn regarded him curiously. “What happened?”
Ethan explained about the bright light he had seen, then about healing all the people at the temple.
“So, your inner light is that of a good heart,” Quinn smiled. “That's good to know. I'd like to go on thinking the Avent isn't actually here to destroy the world, ha ha ha.” Quinn continued to look over the items. “This key ...” He trailed off for a moment as he thought about the key. “I've seen this symbol before.” Quinn pointed to the symbol on the key. “This unlocks the third level passage holding the ancient scrolls and texts of Terah. Though I've had the gate unlocked for centuries, since I'm the only one here. Gather up these items and let's head up there.”
Ethan gathered up all his belongings and followed Quinn up the stairs. As they reached the third level, Ethan saw that the gate to this section of the library had been ripped off its hinges. “You must have really wanted to read these books, Quinn,” he said.
“Well, ahem, I was bored one day and was tired of reading the same things repeatedly,” Quinn explained.
Ethan set the parchment down on the table and placed a candle close to it, so it was easier to see. “I'm not sure if this is a symbol, a word, or a phrase,” Ethan said.
Quinn looked over the parchment very carefully. “Hmm. ELENITAR,” he said.
Ethan was surprised. “You can read it?”
“Just barely. It's written in a dead language. This language has not been used for thousands of years,” Quinn explained. “When translated into our language today, it means 'journal.' Unfortunately, I don't know which particular book would have this.”
“Are there any historical documents that have to do with the Avent?” Ethan asked.
Quinn looked at him. “I believe so. Why do you ask?”
Ethan picked up the parchment. “These items are meant to help me find the Amulet of Light. Maybe the Avent before me left a clue in a book.”
“Very clever, Ethan. I think I know of a book that has historical documentation about the Avent. Follow me,” Quinn instructed.
Ethan followed Quinn along the wall of the third level. He peeked over just to see how high up he was. The library looked massive from where he was.
“Here it is,” Quinn said as he grabbed the book in his teeth and dropped it on a nearby table.
Ethan sat down and began to read through the book with Quinn. He sifted through information about disasters that had occurred on Terah, magical creatures, and places of importance in the world. As they read more, they finally came to a section regarding the Avent.
“I think this is the section I was looking for,” Ethan said. “Let's see what the Avent really is and what I'm supposed to do.”
Quinn looked over Ethan's shoulder as they both read the book. Gradually, Ethan began to fully understand what the purpose of the Avent was. He read about a legendary character known as the Warrior of Light. This warrior later became known as the Avent. The very first Avent was a fierce warrior who helped the people of Terah fight back against the darkness and defeat the Dark Lord Maganoth.
“Look at this,” Ethan said. He pointed to a picture showing a man bathed in light fighting a man in dark armor. “I saw this same picture at Jasper.”
“It appears this Warrior of Light was the first of your kind to come to Terah,” Quinn said.
Ethan read more about the Avent and what his role was. The book indicated that when the balance of the world shifts and darkness rises, the Avent is summoned to help push back the darkness and bring forth the light. The doorway between the worlds was the key to restoring balance to the world of Terah. The Amulet of Light, which resides in the Tower of Whispers far to the north, was said to hold the power to release its energy and restore balance, but to do that the amulet must cross over the threshold between the worlds. Only then would the amulet release its full power, restore balance and return from whence it came.
“So, it looks like I have to go further north to this Tower of Whispers to get the amulet,” Ethan said.
Quinn was still reading. “It looks as though someone wrote about the previous Avent here, Ethan.”
Ethan read further down and saw the excerpts that had been written by an unknown hand. “Look at this, Quinn.” Ethan pointed to a section towards the bottom. It was the same symbol as was depicted on the parchment he’d been given. “I think someone wrote that on the parchment as a sort of signature for me to find.” He began to read through the notations on the side:
During
the 487th cycle of the twin moons, the Avent opened the doorway to the parallel. Selfishly, he decided to remain in Terah with the woman he loved. Disaster was narrowly averted thanks to the Avent, yet the balance has shifted. Earthquakes, tornadoes and rifts in the Enderverse have been occurring more often. Many believe it is due to the Avent remaining in our world.
“How did the doorway open?” Ethan asked. He flipped a couple pages ahead to see if there was any information on how to open the doorway between worlds. There was no mention of it. He flipped back to the last page he was on and continued reading the notes.
489th cycle of the twin moons. The Avent was able to close the rift to the Enderverse, trapping the dark creatures behind their prison wall again. The people rejoiced and have all but forgiven the fact that he remained here for his own selfish needs. Yet I have seen with my own eyes that the darkness is rising to the south. Something is coming.
490th cycle of the twin moons. A shrine has been erected in the northern lands to honor the Avent and his deeds. I still feel uneasy about him remaining in our world. I plan to leave this village. I fear disaster will follow the Avent as long as he remains in our world.
“Looks like he stopped writing after he left the town,” Quinn said.
Ethan turned the page. “Oh, he added something later.”
517th cycle of the twin moons. It’s been thirteen cycles of the twin moons since I left Janikar. I traveled back to the village to visit an old friend. The horror of what awaited me there was saddening and filled me with anger. The entire village along with the Avent shrine had been buried. Locals informed me a massive earthquake swallowed the entire town. The Avent had died two years prior and was laid to rest in his shrine along with the Amulet of Light. The villagers who survived told me they felt that if the amulet was buried with the Avent, then his spirit could find its way back home and restore balance to the world.
Ethan jumped up from the table. “So, the amulet is buried in this shrine? How am I supposed to get it now?” His eyes began to well up, tears beginning to form.
Quinn jumped up too. “Wait here, Ethan. I think I may have something that can help.” The giant tiger leaped down to the second level. He was only gone briefly and when he returned he had another book in his mouth. He dropped it on the table in front of Ethan.
“The history of Janikar,” Ethan read aloud. “What's this for?”
Quinn used his claw to open the book up for Ethan. “I remember reading in here that a temple was erected on the very spot where Janikar was buried. It was created to mourn those lost there. I also read that one of the workers remembered feeling air coming from below the temple, as if there were caves underground.” He smiled at Ethan, showing his teeth. “There may be a chance that the Avent shrine is still intact underneath the Temple of Janikar.”
“So, there's still a chance I can find the amulet and go home!” Ethan said excitedly. He rushed over and gave Quinn a big hug.
Quinn tensed awkwardly at first but then hugged him back, putting his large paw around Ethan. “It's been a short amount of time, Ethan, but I have enjoyed our visit together,” he said.
“Me too,” Ethan said. “You were really scary at first, but you turned out to be really nice. I've never had a giant wild cat for a friend.” He gave a smile.
Quinn stood up. “It's time for you to go, Ethan. It's time for you to fulfill your destiny and bring balance back to Terah.” He had a somber look. “I will walk you out.”
Ethan and Quinn headed down to the lower level of the library in silence. As they reached the grand hallway to the library, Quinn looked at Ethan. “Promise me one thing, Ethan.”
“Sure,” Ethan responded.
“If you ever find your way back to Terah, come visit me and share your stories with me.” Quinn's eyes were sad. “I enjoy hearing about your Earth.”
“I'd like that,” Ethan said.
The giant doors to the library slowly opened, letting in the afternoon light. Ethan could already see Nera, Trixxie and Naveni sitting on the steps waiting for him.
Naveni quickly got up and let out a roar in Quinn's direction.
Quinn yawned at Naveni. “Calm down, my furry little friend. You'll strain your voice screaming at me like that.”
Naveni gave a low grumble and walked away from Quinn.
Nera and Trixxie looked at each other in astonishment. “Did I hear right? Did that cat talk?” Nera asked.
Trixxie shrugged her shoulders and walked over to comfort Naveni.
Quinn let out a sigh, “My name is Quinn young lady. As opposed to the cat.”
“Oh sorry. This is Quinn and yes, he can talk. It's a long story,” Ethan said. “The most important thing is we found where the amulet is.”
Nera was still staring at Quinn. “That's great, Ethan. Are you all right?” she asked, concerned.
“Trust me, I'm fine. I was scared at first, but Quinn helped me a lot,” Ethan said.
Nera walked up to Quinn. “Thank you for protecting him,” she said.
Quinn bowed his head. “That is not necessary. I enjoyed the company.”
“So, boys and girls. Where are we headed next on our adventure?” Trixxie asked excitedly.
Ethan looked at them. “We have to go to a place called Janikar. There is a temple there that was built over the previous Avent's shrine. The amulet was buried with him.”
Quinn gave Ethan a nudge. “Remember your promise, Ethan,” he said with a toothy smile.
“I will, Quinn. Thanks again,” said Ethan.
Quinn turned to walk back into the library. The giant doors closed slowly behind him. Ethan watched him walk down the grand hallway until the doors slammed shut. Bye, Quinn, he thought.
Nera pulled out her map. “So, according to this map, the Temple of Janikar lies to the east. From the looks of it we should get there in a couple of days,” she announced. “Let's start out now. We should be out of the desert and into the forest by nightfall, where we can make camp.”
They gathered their belongings and started out for the forest. Ethan was eager to get there as soon as possible. He was excited knowing that he would be going home soon.
As they all walked away from the library, a raven perched on a nearby rock took flight. As it flew over them, it gazed at them with purple glowing eyes. It then changed course and headed south towards a hooded figure waiting on a nearby sand dune. The man removed his hood to reveal a Necrom initiate. The raven landed on his shoulder.
The initiate didn’t notice the rogue hidden in the sand behind him watching his every move.
The initiate gave the raven a pat on the head, “So, they are headed to Janikar. We must inform Lord Vetick and Graff.” He motioned for the raven to head off in the direction of the underdwell. The initiate muttered an incantation and turned into a dust cloud. The cloud disappeared over the sand dunes heading in the same direction as the raven.
A pair of beady orange eyes watched the initiate disappear over the horizon. He turned his attention east and watched as Ethan and his group walked off into the distance. A cloaked figure emerged from under the sand; his face and body scarred from burn marks. “Now where are you off to, hunter?” he mused.
Lightning streaked across the dark skies above the Underdwell. Screams could be heard coming from the pits behind the castle. Vetick watched from above as the slave workers continued mining the pits for ore.
“Lord Vetick,” a voice from behind him said. “Graff has returned.”
Vetick turned and headed into the castle. As he entered the main hall of the castle he was greeted by Graff holding a raven.
“Did you succeed?” Vetick asked.
Graff gave a smile. “I wasn't able to capture the boy, but I learned the location of the amulet.”
Vetick’s eyes gleamed. “Show me,” he commanded.
Graff walked Vetick over to a mirror. He plucked a feather off the raven and made a small cut on its side to gather a drop of its blood. The blood dripped onto the tip of the
feather. Graff then ran the feather down the mirror, which created a vision of what the raven had seen.
Vetick watched the goblin attack outside Dragenmar. “The raven followed them the entire time?” he asked.
Graff simply nodded and pointed back to the mirror.
They watched as the goblins were defeated by Nera and Trixxie. Who is this witch that has joined them? Vetick thought. As they watched, he saw how easily the goblins were taken down. “Pathetic. These goblins are worthless,” he said. “What of the elder? Did they at least capture him?”
“Dead,” Graff replied.
Vetick continued to watch as the group crossed the northern border and entered the Desert of Donmire. “So, the boy headed to Idalia,” he mused.
Graff glanced at him. “There is plenty more. Listen.”
Vetick watched closely and listened to the conversation. He heard Ethan inform his friends that the amulet's final resting place was below the Temple of Janikar. “At last! We have the location,” he crowed. “You've done well, Graff.” Vetick paused and caught Graff’s eye. “However, you failed again to capture the boy and you let the elder die. Had you been there to assist, you may have been able to overwhelm the hunter and this witch.” Vetick regarded Graff coldly.
Graff’s face paled. “My lord. I felt I would be of more use if I followed them and gathered as much information as I could.”
Vetick gave him an evil grin. “While you were able to gather valuable information, you let them escape and they have a head start on us.” He stared at Graff. “I warned you I didn't want this to happen again.”
Graff went white. “Lord Vetick, please!” he said. “I'm begging you. Please give me another ... UHHHHH!”
Before Graff could finish his sentence, a sword was thrust in his back. He looked down and saw the end of a sword pointing out of his chest. His eyes rolled up as he fell to the floor.
“If there is one thing I cannot stand, it's begging and pleading,” Vetick said with a wicked smile. He turned from the body of Graff and raced down the hall, out the front gates, and through the main courtyard. He approached a building just outside the castle walls. “Krimm! Krimm! Where are you?” he yelled as he burst through the front door.
