The Buried Symbol (The Ruins of Issalia Book 1)

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  “When you touched my head the other day, I’m sure you realized that I’m Unchosen. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know how.” He paused. “Being Unchosen leaves you with few options and no future. I just wanted to make a better life, to make a difference. I paid someone to mark me with the rune of Order and came here to become something better.”

  “Brock. You don’t understand,” Ashland said, sitting upright. “I don’t care if you’re Unchosen. In fact, I saw runes when I read you. I even saw the rune of Order.” She shook her head. “But I also saw something else; something the Ministry says is evil.”

  Chills climbed his spine, fearful of what she might say. “What did you see?”

  Ashland stared into his eyes. “It was a rune that looked like a starburst with four large points.”

  A second wave of chills washed over Brock. “Chaos,” he said. “That’s the rune for Chaos.”

  CHAPTER 90

  Ashland stared into Brock’s eyes. “How do you know what the rune is called? We were never taught what it was or what it meant, only that it was bad.”

  Brock shrugged. “Benny and I have…been doing some research. We found an old book with that rune on the cover and have been translating it, trying to understand what Chaos is and how it works.”

  She nodded, her eyes downcast. “Well, when I divined you and saw that rune, I wasn’t prepared for it.” Her eyes lifted to meet his. “But I know you, and I love you. If it’s part of you, I’ve decided it can’t be evil. You’re too good of a person.”

  He smiled. “I love you, too. I’m sorry I never told you I was Unchosen. No more secrets, I promise.”

  He leaned in for a tender kiss.

  Pulling away, he said, “But if I am Unchosen, then why can you divine runes within me?”

  She nodded. “That’s because any ecclesiast skilled in divining is supposed to look for that mark during the Choosing ceremony. If the symbol you call Chaos is present, the person is to remain Unchosen. It’s one of the first things we learn in apprentice-level training.”

  Brock thought about what she said. It seemed to make sense. That’s why he was skilled in Order though he was Unchosen. He was born with the talent, but they didn’t mark him because they saw Chaos within him as well.

  “There’s something else, Brock.” Ashland looked down at the floor. “I also am Unchosen.”

  He was surprised, never imagining that he wasn’t the only one at the school under false pretenses.

  She continued. “When I was ten summers, my parents used everything they had to pay for me to be marked. They then sent me off to live with a distant uncle to train for the Academy.”

  Curious, Brock leaned in and placed his hand on her forehead. When he drew upon her, he saw symbols appear. The first was Order, but Chaos and four others followed.

  His eyes opened to see her staring at him, fear reflecting in her eyes. When he nodded, her eyes dropped to stare at the floor.

  Softly, she said, “It’s…what I’ve feared since I first learned about the rune they call evil. That I was Unchosen because it was part of me.”

  He put his fingers under her chin, lifting it until their eyes met. “Ashland, I refuse to believe a rune marking some ability within you is evil. You said it yourself about me.”

  She nodded, smiling. “How do you always know how to make me feel better?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe a book that I read told me what to say,” he said, smiling.

  . . .

  It was late when Brock stepped into the boys’ lounge. Benny, Cam, and a dozen others were in the room, talking in small groups. One by one, they noticed him standing in the doorway. The conversations stopped as they stared in his direction. Benny was the last to notice.

  Benny stood and exclaimed, “Brock! You’re free! Are you okay?”

  To the room, Brock announced, “I’ve been cleared of any charges. I don’t have details yet, but I’m to meet with Vandermark in the morning. And, yes, I’m fine.”

  Those in the room gathered around him, patting him on the back, stating that they were glad to see him. Some asked about the incident with Corbin, but he explained that he wasn’t to discuss it until meeting with Vandermark. They soon dispersed, and Parker pulled him aside.

  “I’m glad to see you’re free, Brock. When I heard that Corbin was dead, I went to find the headmaster to tell him of Corbin’s obsession with you. I convinced most of the others to do the same. I hoped it would help your case.”

  “Thanks, Parker,” Brock replied. “I appreciate the support. I just hope they let me stay so I can put the whole thing behind me.”

  Parker nodded. “By the way, you missed the archery contest while you were out.”

  Brock had forgotten about that. “That’s right. I’m sure I wouldn’t have qualified anyway. At best, I’m average with a bow. How did you do?”

  Parker smiled, pulling a medal from under his shirt. “First place with the longbow,” he said, proudly displaying his prize.

  Brock flashed a smile. “Good show, Parker. I heard you were skilled, but I guess I didn’t realize how well you handled a bow.”

  “Effects of a misspent youth,” Parker grinned. “I’ve been competing with a bow since I was ten summers, winning the Sol Polis Tournament two of the past three years.”

  “That explains it,” Brock said. “Congratulations.”

  Brock patted Parker on the shoulder and left to join Cam and Benny.

  “Hi, Benny. Have you made any progress?”

  Benny smiled. “I finished the book on the Wailing War.”

  Brock raised a brow. “What did you find?”

  Benny sat forward eager to share his findings. “Well, you know how the Banished Horde was an unstoppable force, destroying any army it opposed until the final battle?”

  Brock nodded.

  Benny smiled. “When the Ministry got involved, things changed.”

  “Okay. Spit it out,” Brock said.

  “In order to combat the might of the Horde, the Ministry unleashed a secret weapon. They don’t ever name it in the book, but there are hints and clues. Apparently, the use of Chaos turned the tide. The armies of man decimated the Horde and returned to Fallbrandt, where they agreed to form what is now the Empire.”

  Brock nodded. “Interesting. That makes sense. According to Byland Hedgewick’s note, the Ministry decided to erase any mention of Chaos from the histories. But, what happened to the Chaos users who helped to defeat the Horde?”

  Benny shrugged. “The book doesn’t say and that was hundreds of years ago.”

  Brock sighed. “Well, we aren’t going to solve this tonight. I’m heading to bed. I’m exhausted, and I have to meet with Vandermark in the morning.”

  . . .

  Vandermark finished reading the report, setting the paper down and leaning back in his chair. He stared at Brock, his gaze lingering for an uncomfortably long moment. Leaning forward, he finally broke the awkward silence.

  “I’m sure you’re aware that this will be a delicate situation for the Academy. I’ve been put in a position where I must inform the leader of the Empire that his son is dead. Dead at the hands of one of our own students, no less.”

  Vandermark paused, exhaling. “However, after a thorough investigation, I have determined that Corbin was at fault in this matter. Why he was on a mission to destroy you is still unclear. Perhaps that’s something you can shed some light upon?”

  Brock nodded, steadying himself. “On our first day at the Academy, he and I got into an altercation. He was forcing himself on a female student, and I stopped him. He...took offense to my standing up to him. That was the first of a series of confrontations. After I defeated him in the Arena Championship, it became even worse. He knew that I am...very close to Ashland, and he wanted to hurt me by hurting her. When I came to her defense, he attacked me.”

  Vandermark nodded. “That story makes sense, based on the information I’ve gathered. What I still don’t understand is how the s
olid metal rod was driven through his skull. You’re a fit lad, but not nearly strong enough for that.”

  Afraid the conversation might lead in this direction, Brock had readied the best story he could concoct.

  “Sir, as you know, I was rendered unconscious for days following the event. Other than grappling with Corbin to release Ashland, I don’t remember much at all. I recall that somehow, the press broke and a huge wooden beam went flying. Perhaps one of those events caused the rod to impale Corbin. If not, then I have no idea.”

  He stared back at the headmaster, trying to appear as innocent as possible. His armpits were damp with cold sweat, but he maintained a calm exterior.

  “Very well,” Vandermark replied. “Before you’re dismissed, you must understand that any details of Corbin’s death are to remain private. I am sure other students will ask about it, but you will tell them that you are not allowed to discuss the death of another student. Do you understand?”

  Brock nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “Okay. Please resume your classes as scheduled. The year ends soon. You have little time remaining to prove you have what it takes to continue at the Academy. You are excused.”

  Brock stood. “Thank you, sir. You won’t be disappointed.”

  Walking to the door, he pulled it open and left to resume his career at the Academy.

  CHAPTER 91

  “And when Brock came around the corner on the Hedgewick Roller, the whole class gasped, even Karl Jarlish,” Benny said, trying to not spill his glass of wine. “Brock sped in, looking as if he might run right into the crowd until he pulled the brake and the roller slowed to a stop, just inches from where Nindlerod stood.”

  “The old man began clapping and hopping around, giddy with excitement. I was so happy at his reaction that I jumped in, grabbed his arm, and danced a jig with the old coot.” Benny laughed, everyone else joining him.

  “And that’s why we celebrate today. My invention, the Hedgewick Roller, has earned the top prize for this year’s Invention Challenge. I hope that in years to come, people throughout the Empire can benefit from this affordable form of transportation.” Benny climbed down from the chair, clinking glasses with others standing nearby.

  Brock was happy for Benny. The boy had some crazy ideas, but they usually turned out to be genius. He put an arm around Ashland’s shoulders as he sipped his wine with the other.

  “I’m surprised you agreed to ride that thing after the last episode,” she said to him.

  He nodded. “Yeah, I know. I have to give Benny credit. He took my complaints to heart and made some changes. Now that there’s a way to stop the thing, it’s actually fun to ride.”

  Brock glanced around the room. He estimated that over two hundred students had gathered in the lounge, including many girls. Once word spread that there were three casks of wine for Benny’s celebration, students swarmed to join the party. Parker was even there, laughing with Benny as they talked. Without Corbin in the picture, Parker seemed to be free. In fact, most of the boys who had followed Corbin had befriended Brock and the others in the weeks since his death.

  Benny patted Parker on the back and walked over to where Brock sat with Ashland.

  “How do you like my little party?” Benny asked.

  Brock lifted his glass to tap Benny’s. “I’ve never heard of anyone throwing a party for themselves before, but I like it. I bet the wine cost you plenty, though.”

  Benny shrugged. “It wasn’t that bad. I paid for it with some of the coin I was awarded for my invention, so it evens out.”

  “You still haven’t told me how you’ve been able to get the casks here anyway.” Brock remarked.

  Benny smiled. “Take a guess.”

  Brock nodded. “I bet Dory helped you get them.”

  Benny looked disappointed. “You spoiled the secret. It’s not as fun now.”

  Brock laughed.

  Cam approached, nodding to the group. “There’s one week left of school. What are you doing for summer break?”

  Benny responded, “I plan to go see my father in Selbin.”

  Brock shrugged, glancing at Ashland. “We haven’t decided except that Ashland and I plan to go somewhere together. What are you planning, Cam?”

  Cam smiled. “I’m traveling to Nor Torin to see my family. Maybe you guys could come with me?”

  Benny jumped in. “Hey, Selbin is on the way to Nor Torin. We could travel together.”

  Lars stepped up to the group. “What are you guys going on about now?”

  Brock replied, “Hi Lars. We’re talking about summer break.”

  “Oh, that. I’m going to see my mom and pops at their farm just past Selbin,” Lars said before downing his wine.

  Benny spoke, rocking his shoulders in that odd way of his. “I’m from Selbin. In fact, these guys are going to Nor Torin, so we thought we’d travel together.” Benny reached up and clapped a hand on Lars’ thick shoulder. “Would you like join us, Lars?”

  A wide grin broke out on Lars’ face. “If you guys will have me, I’d like that a lot.”

  “Of course we’ll have you, Lars. You’re one of us, too,” Brock replied.

  Benny called out. “Parker, come here.”

  Parker walked over. “What’s up, guys?”

  “We’re talking about what we’re doing for summer break,” Benny replied. “We’re all going the same direction, so we’re traveling together.”

  “What are you planning, Parker?” Brock asked.

  “I’m heading to Sol Polis, pretty much the opposite direction from you guys,” Parker replied. “I’m traveling with the others down to Wayport, and we’re taking a ship the rest of the way to save time.”

  Brock nodded. “That’s what I expected. I guess we’ll see you when break is over then.”

  “That is if we all make it,” Parker said. “We haven’t been raised to apprentice yet.”

  Brock hadn’t thought about that. What if he wasn’t raised? After the incident with Corbin, he hoped that the Academy didn’t decide it was more trouble to keep him around than he was worth.

  . . .

  Students grouped by level filled the heart of the massive temple. A narrow section of masters divided each of the three groups like a purple spoked wheel of blue. The dais at the center of the wheel included Headmaster Vandermark and Master Ackerson, who assisted in running the proceedings.

  After an initial welcome speech, Vandermark began calling the names of adept-level students who were being promoted to master. One by one, they approached the dais and were handed a master’s cloak and a signed writ, proclaiming their newfound status. Beginning with the lore masters, the ceremony continued one discipline at a time until all of the new masters had been announced.

  Next came the apprentice-level students who were being raised to adept. As it was with the previous group, the ecclesiastic students were the last to be announced. Brock waited anxiously until Ashland’s name was called. He clapped and cheered as she approached the dais to claim the pin she would add to her cloak, marking her as adept. He was happy to see her continue toward her dream to become a master.

  Finally, the advancing novice-level students were announced. Vandermark began with those who would specialize in Lore before moving on to the engineers. As expected, Benny’s name was one of the first to be called as an apprentice engineer. His friend held his new cloak up for everyone to see before reclaiming his seat.

  Vandermark proceeded by announcing the hierarchists, with Parker’s name as one of those advancing to the apprentice ranks.

  When he began announcing future paladins, both Lars and Cameron sat up in anticipation. Neither had to wait long. It was obvious to Brock that they would advance since they were already among the best fighters at the school.

  To complete the ceremony, the headmaster began calling the names of those being promoted to apprentice ecclesiast. As the names were called and Master Varius handed new cloaks to proud recipients, Brock grew increasingly more nervous. W
ith one cloak remaining, Vandermark announced the last name.

  “And our final novice to advance to the rank of apprentice ecclesiast is Brock Talenz.”

  A wave of relief washed over him. As he stood and made the trek to claim his prize, he found himself reflecting on the incredible odds of his accomplishment. From an Unchosen nobody, he was one of only fourteen students raised to apprentice ecclesiast and was just two years from becoming a master.

  He accepted the cloak from Varius, clutching it to his face to kiss it. As he returned to his seat, he wiped the tears of joy from his eyes with the precious new cloak.

  EPILOGUE

  The Training Temple was dark other than the single glowlamp lighting the dais. Master Varius turned his direction when hearing him enter.

  “Ahh, Brock,” she said from across the room. “Thank you for coming. Please join me.”

  He descended to the center of the room, climbing the steps onto the dais. As he neared, Varius addressed him.

  “You’re probably wondering why I asked you to meet me here tonight. I wanted to speak with you before you left for summer break.” She began, looking him in the eyes. “I’m sure you’ve realized that you’re more skilled with Order than your classmates. What you may not realize is that you may be the most powerful ecclesiast we’ve seen in generations. Ironically, the only student I’ve seen who’s even close is Ashland.”

  “You’ve the ability to be something special, Brock. I saw a glimmer of that the first time we met. Since, I have watched you blossom, your skill and power growing steadily. It will be years yet before we know your limits. Perhaps you’ll uncover abilities we haven’t seen in centuries.”

  She glanced toward the door, then back to Brock. “You might be wondering why I’m telling you this. Others among the Ministry fought hard to have you expelled after Corbin’s death. I fought to keep you, informing Vandermark of your potential. I convinced him that unless he found proof of your guilt, it was worth the risk of upsetting the Archon.”