Chapter 4: A Voice in the Night
Night had fallen by the time Michael got back to Reno’s house. Candles and lanterns were lit, illuminating the room with a dim glow. Reno was at the table glaring toward Michael.
“I heard that the doctor’s son was attacked by a boy with a cheap piercing in his right ear. I think you have some explaining to do.”
Michael quickly retold the events that happened during the day, including the encounter with the guard.
Reno seemed convinced by the story. “That makes sense. The doc is so rich that he just counts gold all day, he couldn’t care less what his son does.”
“He seemed pretty upset when he saw him bleeding to death.”
After a moment of silence, Reno spoke. “It seems I never fully thought it through when I decided to let you stay. If I can’t trust you to stay out of trouble on your free days, how can I trust you to sleep in my home?”
“But it wasn’t my fault! Am I supposed to just let people trample me into the ground? I’m sorry, but that’s not what I’m used to. Please, just give me one more chance.”
“Here’s the deal,” Reno paused, thinking of what to say. “…you can stay if you steer clear of Aaron and his father. Am I understood?”
“Yes.”
“Then head to bed.”
Michael got ready and said good night to Reno, then he went to the spare room.
Hours slowly crept by, but something kept him awake.
Suddenly he heard a noise, like a faint whisper. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind, but then he heard a voice creep into his thoughts.
Michael…Michael…answer me.
“Who’s there?”
I am Jallana, the first leader of Jenoth.
Michael looked around the room but there was nobody there.
Come to me Michael …my power is fading quickly…I must see…you… before it is too late.
Michael was hypnotized by the tone of her voice. The rhythm she spoke with was soothing and, as it seemed, magical.
I will guide you to the spot where I rest…please hurry.
A luminous golden ball appeared in the room. It hovered in the air as though it wanted Michael to follow it, so he did.
The golden sphere led him down the stairs and into the kitchen. There was a flash, and the rack of knives disappeared, revealing a secret passageway. The sphere entered it, and Michael followed.
Above the doorway was a strange symbol. It was a four pointed star with a sun in front of it. In the middle of the sun was a crescent moon. The design rested on a green, shield shaped crest.
Torches were set in silver cases on the walls of the tunnel. The walkway was made of gold bricks, each with an emerald stone in the center. The walls were polished marble swirled with black and white, and silver pillars supported the arched ceiling. At the end of the hall was an enormous solid gold door with knockers shaped like lion heads.
Michael pulled the handle and the door slid smoothly on well-oiled hinges. “Hello?” Michael’s voice echoed in the huge room.
Roots stuck through the ceiling and vines clung to the walls. In the center of the room were four emerald-green torch flames. A bed was in the middle of the four flames.
“Michael, is that…you?”
“Yes.”
“I am Jallana. I have waited long for this moment. Come closer.”
Michael slowly walked to her bedside. Looking down at her, he saw a radiant face. Golden hair covered her round head. Sparkling blue eyes showed a great power in her mind. A simple elegant white dress cinched at the waist by a thin golden belt covered her. The links were so close together it appeared to be made of a golden snake—the same symbol that was above the door was on the front of the belt around her waist.
“Give me your hand. There is not much time left,” She held out her hand for Michael to hold. He hesitated but then grabbed it. “You must not run away from your destiny—” Jallana coughed and fell back into the bed.
“But what is my destiny?” Michael asked, pulling away from Jallana. “Am I to go back to the castle?”
“If that is what it takes!” she said as thunder cracked.
“But why me? What am I supposed to do?”
“Do you accept it or not?”
“I don’t believe in destiny. I choose my own path, and I refuse to let you, or anyone else, dictate my life! That is why I chose to run away from my home behind the castle walls!”
“You cannot run away from this, Michael. This moment will haunt you for eternity, but it is your choice; nobody is dictating that. Magentara needs a hero; it needs you, Michael.”
“And what if I say no?”
“Then the world will burn, and you will live the rest of your life knowing that you could have stopped it. You will have to live with the knowledge that you were too selfish and proud to sacrifice your new life to save everything.”
The prince felt his ears reddening and heat flushed his face. Michael leaned in close and whispered angrily, “Fine, you want my choice? I will save Magentara, but I’m doing it my way.”
“You will learn to lean on others for strength. Learn to believe, Michael, and you will succeed.”
A flash turned the entire room into a blinding white space. The belt that Jallana wore flew through the air and attached itself to Michael. He screamed in agony and terror as hooks fused it to his waist. He toppled forward and all went silent.
Sea of the Dead Page 4
