by D N Meinster
Rikki and Doren’s eyes met a few times, but they kept quiet as well. Besides their shuffling, they could make out the sounds of the Twilight Islands, from the occasional squawk of the seabirds to the buzzing of unknown insects. It seemed the urchins had only scared the people away. The rest of the animals were staying put.
Even the stirring waters could be heard inland. Rikki wanted to be comforted by it, but it only put her further on edge.
She took out the compass only once, to confirm they were heading in the right direction. Though the needle told her they were proceeding on the correct course, it was an icy wind that guaranteed it.
“Weapons out,” she told her companions.
Aros had both blades in hand and Doren had his shield at the ready. Rikki grabbed onto her staff with both hands and led them through a dense cropping of trees into the frozen half of the island.
Her bare feet crunched down in the powdery white snow, sending a painful shock up her legs. It was the first time since she’d lost it that she wished she still had the Bellish Armor.
Chapter Three
Tunsev Manor
“We never got footwear,” Aros gasped as his feet sank into the snow.
“Maybe there’s some in there,” Doren said, pointing to the red-bricked mansion peeking out from the layers of white.
The blistery bluster stung the bare skin as it pummeled them with snowflakes. There was no indication from where the precipitation came from, nor was it clear how mere feet away it could be so sunny and stifling. It was easy to assume magic was the culprit, as there was no hint of these urchins Hunner had spoken of. What if Aros was right? What if this was all a trap?
Doren began to shiver beneath his armor, but he noticed Rikki’s feet were starting to turn blue as they made their way to the only structure in sight.
“Let me give you my armor,” Doren offered.
“Sure, that’s fair,” Aros grumbled from behind.
Doren ignored his friend. “Come on,” he begged her.
Rikki stopped and glanced at him. “I have a better idea.” Her channeling crystal lit up and she pushed the bottom of her staff into the snow. A crack formed in the white surface from that point all the way to the mansion. And then the crack opened up further and further until the island sand beneath it was revealed. “Hurry, before it’s covered again.” Rikki skipped down her newly created path with fervent haste.
Aros ran after her with unmatched speed, passing Doren before he’d even taken two steps.
Doren hurried after his friends, not eager to get left behind in the blizzard and discover the urchins were actually real. As his boots kicked up sand along the way, he realized the only sounds remaining were his metal stomps and the wind whistling into his ears. Whether it was because of the cold or the frost urchins, the animal life had deserted this side of the island.
The thought of the three of them being alone on the isle with horrific creatures hiding in the snow chilled him far worse than the storm. He tried to keep an eye out for some movement on their banks, but everywhere there was only white. Could these urchins blend in with the snow? Were they even perceptible in this weather?
Doren tucked his shield against his chest for the rest of his run. He didn’t know if he was being watched or chased, but he knew had to be ready for a fight.
Whatever fears he had, they only got worse as he came to the steps outside Tunsev Manor. Rikki and Aros were already waiting on the wooden deck just outside the front door. He climbed the wooden stairway slowly, not so eager to join them. What if they were about to stumble into a trap? Or what if it was a nest of these urchins? Hadn’t Hunner implied they’d find them here?
Rikki approached Doren as soon as he reached their level. While he suddenly expected a kiss from her, all he got was a hand brushing the snow off his shoulders. “I guess the Bellish didn’t make them snow-proof.”
“Can we go inside now?” Aros begged as his entire body trembled.
“Are you in a rush to meet these urchins?” Doren asked. He grabbed Rikki’s hand as she finished dusting him off. It was not nearly as warm as usual.
“I’m in a rush to get out of the cold.”
With a flick of her staff, the front door creaked open. Aros bolted inside while Rikki waited with Doren.
“We don’t know what’s waiting for us,” Doren said.
“A map, hopefully.” She tightened her hand on his and led him in.
It was as cold within Tunsev Manor as it was outdoors, though at least the air was still and the snow was absent. Rikki tapped the door closed and left the trio standing in the darkened entryway of the enormous home, leaving only the dim light from the windows to illuminate the innards of the new locale.
Feet away there were stairs providing a way to the upper floors. There were rooms to the left and right, and a hallway ahead of them that led deeper into the manor.
“Can you teach me to shift now?” Aros asked as he realized just how much they’d have to search.
“Just walk, Aros,” she replied.
“There should be a records room,” Doren said. “That’s all we need to find.”
“I’ll take the third floor,” Rikki said. “Aros, take the second. You get this one.” She gave Doren’s hand a squeeze before pulling away. “If you find the urchins or the map, scream. We’re not dealing with stone walls here. We should be able to hear each other.”
“What does a records room look like?” Aros asked.
“If you find a room with books and parchment, that’s it,” Rikki said. Then she began to fade away.
“So she gets to shift?” Aros grumbled as he made his way to the stairs. “Maybe I’ll find some shoes here.”
Doren watched amusedly as Aros climbed to the second floor. But when he disappeared from sight, another chill shook his body. He ran his finger along his arm to light up the gridlines on his armor and prepare for combat.
With his shield at the ready, he passed the stairway and proceeded into the middle of the manor. Each step was accompanied by a creak as his boot hit the polished wooden floors. He could hear Aros and Rikki maneuvering above him, in addition to his own shallow breaths that briefly left a mist in the air. But there was nothing suspicious nor concerning. Still, he would not let his shield rest at his side.
The back of the manor was devoted solely to the preparation and consumption of food. Doren poked his head into the kitchen area, taking note of the abandoned utensils strewn about the countertops along with half-cut vegetables and rotting fish. They’d abandoned the place in a hurry, and he retreated from it before the heavy odor smothered him.
The dining area was less impressive, with a round table and chairs that could barely fit a single family. The Mayor must not have invited many guests for dinner, or perhaps he did not have many relatives living with him. Either way, it was a rather sad setup when compared to the dining hall in Castle Tornis.
Doren carefully avoided knocking into the chairs or the table as he stepped through. The tablecloth and silverware had been left to wait for a meal that may never come. The Mayor was gone and the Twileans had abandoned the island to the urchins. Would anyone even live in this home again?
To think that centuries ago, it was his ancestors that had lived within these walls. Had Slythe known this place? Had he lived here with King Shine? Doren would never get the chance to ask him.
Why was it that when his family members finally started being honest with him, they didn’t get to spend time reveling in that truth? First, his father started opening up, but only before he had to leave to find the Keys. And then Slythe, after revealing who he was, sacrificed himself in combat. It was almost a pattern.
Yet he might get another chance with Halstrom. Once they found the fifth Key, they could return home. Or did they have to deal with these urchins beforehand as well?
Rikki wouldn’t want to leave while the Twilight Islands were still under threat. She would want to make sure Tunsev Manor and the rest of Noon wasn’t indefi
nitely abandoned. And he would follow her because he loved her, not necessarily because he agreed.
Nevertheless, they’d meddled in the affairs of every other kingdom since they started this journey. Why leave the Twilight Islands as the odd one out?
If the urchins weren’t here, they’d have to seek them out. It was dangerous, frightening, and not at all why they’d come. But he wouldn’t argue against it. His friend and his girlfriend were passionate about being saviors and doing what was right. Even if he could come up with better points, he’d still lose any debate.
What about Hatswick? What if these urchins killed them or took the Keys? Is this what the Goddess would want?
Doren could hear their protestations and moral declarations. Why get into a fight with Rikki again over it? Why provoke Aros over something where he was actually in the right?
No, he wouldn’t get back to Kytheras before these urchins were either exterminated or sent back to where they came from. It didn’t matter whether they found the map and the Key or not.
Doren made his way into another part of the manor. This section contained a table three times as large as the dining room’s, with enough seats to host a horde of Twileans. At first, he thought it may have been intended for banquets, but as he circled the room, he was reminded of a similarly arranged assemblage back in Castle Tornis.
This was a room for High Council meetings. Did the Mayor have a High Council? Or was this a leftover from when the Tunsevs had taken residence?
Doren ran a finger along the table and subsequently examined the appendage for dust. There was a layer of it, as he expected. But had it only gathered since the manor was abandoned? If he found the Mayor or Acting Mayor, he would inquire for an answer, as he was genuinely curious.
The Twilight Islands did not have a king or inherited power. Instead, the people chose who would rule over them. It was such a radical idea, yet apparently it predated King Aergo’s rule. Why then was it not mentioned in all the books of Kytheras? Was it because it might give a prince who was ready to abdicate a system that could potentially replace him? Had his father intentionally hidden it from him? Or was it to keep the entire populace from demanding a say in the affairs of the kingdom?
So many questions. They jettisoned through his mind as he moved on into an area that was apparently meant for leisure and even entertainment. A tabletop with engraved circles, a bag of marbles, and finely detailed statues had been left in the corner. Doren hadn’t played Caviar since he was younger and he’d beaten his father in a round. The King had chosen to have the set destroyed rather than lose again.
Doren picked up the miniature paladin and carefully examined it. The piece was nearly identical to the one he had often used as a child. He placed it back on the table and slid it to the center-most circle.
Memories flooded back to him of his youth while he stared at it. His father had only destroyed the game after his mother had passed. Maybe he’d only done it because of her, not because he’d lost.
Doren swiftly raised his shield back up as he remembered where he was. He hurried from the room and ended up back in the main hallway. For a second, he thought his work was done. No records room on the first floor. No map. And no sign of the urchins.
But then he saw another door waiting for him. He thought it might just be a closet, but when he opened it up, the light from his armor revealed it was much more.
The first few stairs were visible, though the rest were hidden in the darkness. The basement was pitch-black, and anything could be waiting down there.
Doren gulped as he took the first step. He did not want to go down there alone, but there was no reason to call for aid yet.
He took the stairs slowly, as his armor only provided visibility within a couple feet of his body. After each discordant creak, he froze, expecting something to jump out at him. But there was nothing but more darkness ahead.
Finally, he made it to the landing, where he could only make out formless shadows surrounding him. Rikki could have lit the entire underground in a spell. Perhaps he should have called out to her.
But Doren crept through the dark, uneasy but prepared for whatever may be lurking. He listened intently, for there was little his eyes would be able to spot. After each step, he would hold his breath, hoping for the slightest indication that he was not alone and could cease his caution.
His shield eventually smacked into a solid object that revealed itself to be a wall. He’d made it through the entire basement without interference.
Doren’s shoulders dropped as his body relaxed. There were no urchins down here. He was alone.
For the first time since he entered Tunsev Manor, he placed his shield on his back. With both hands free, he patted along the walls, hoping to discover whatever it was they kept down there.
All he found was ancient furniture that had been saved instead of being discarded, a box of channeling crystals that had never been used, and a store of coconuts that had yet to be consumed. There were no books; no records. Maybe one of his friends had better luck finding what they had come for.
Doren snatched one of the coconuts and held it in his hand. “You disappoint me.”
While he was making faces at it, the faint holler of his companion reached his ear. Aros had either found the records room or the urchins.
The coconut rolled from his palm and onto the floor as Doren launched himself out of the basement and back up the stairs.
He darted down the first-floor hallway toward the main stairway, but he paused when the front door came in sight.
It was slightly ajar.
Rikki had closed it. Doren was sure of it. So then, who had opened it? And were they coming or going?
Doren pulled the door the rest of the way open and stepped back outside onto the snow-covered deck.
The path Rikki had created was already lost behind a fresh coating of powder. But there was something else in there in the snow; some pattern of holes.
Doren bent down to get a better look.
It was a footprint. Four talons. Three at the front and one to the side. And it wasn’t just along the path. They were everywhere. The front yard. The deck. The creatures had left their mark.
The tracks indicated there were at least a dozen of them. The only question was where they had gone to.
Doren remembered Aros’ screams and he ran back inside, making sure to shut the door behind him.
Chapter Four
Lost to History
Doren took the steps two at a time as he rushed upstairs. When he finally arrived on the second floor, he glanced to the left and right, hoping for some sign of where Aros had gone to. However, he saw nothing out of the ordinary in either direction.
“Aros?” Doren called out.
The urchins couldn’t have gotten him yet, could they? No, his friend would not go down so easily.
“Aros?” Doren tried again.
“In here!” Rikki’s voice rang out.
Doren flipped the shield off his back as he took off, speeding to the source of her voice. He charged through the open doorway and nearly collided with his girlfriend.
“Careful there,” Rikki said to him.
Doren briefly examined the room and was left in a bemused state. They were standing next to a bed, with plain white sheets decorating the puffed-up mattress. An open closet revealed clothes neatly tucked away. And though the night table and dresser were stacked with books, this was clearly not the records room. It was only a bedroom.
There were no signs of urchins here, either. No obvious danger. No trap that Aros had accidently sprung.
So what was going on? And why was his friend sitting on the floor in a nearly traumatized state?
Doren lowered his shield to his side and looked to Rikki for answers. “He did scream, didn’t he?”
“Well, Aros?” she spoke to him.
“Sorry,” he mumbled. “It’s just, I wasn’t expecting it. I thought it might be an urchin.” Aros looked up at his friends, still tryin
g to catch his breath. “It scared me this time.”
“What did?” Doren asked.
Aros felt no reluctance over sharing what had happened. There was no reason to fear being thrown in the dungeons anymore. His friends would believe him. “Her voice. The Goddess.” He gazed down at the golden M hanging from his neck. Could She hear him even now?
Doren and Rikki glanced at each other and then closed in on Aros. Both kneeled down so they were all at the same level.
“What did She say?” Rikki asked.
“She said the map is with the Mayor,” Aros stated. “And neither are here.”
“That’s it?” Doren asked.
Aros shook his head. “We have to go to Rise. And we cannot dawdle.”
“Cannot dawdle,” Doren repeated. The Goddess had conveyed a similar message in Terrastream. What was Hatswick up to that could have Her so concerned? He only had one Key. Was he nearly in possession of the Twilight Islands’?
Rikki pushed herself back up with her staff. “Maybe it’s time I taught you to shift, Aros.”
Aros didn’t try to hide his excitement. He’d been waiting for a lesson ever since M’dalla had gifted him her cloak. To be able to shift anywhere wouldn’t simply mean he’d feel more like a mage, but it would give him the ability to visit Loraya whenever he wanted. And as he’d wandered the second floor of Tunsev Manor alone, he found his thoughts drifting to her almost incessantly.
Would his friends mind if he left to visit her right away?
More importantly, would Loraya mind? It’d been less than a day since they’d last seen each other, and she had goals of her own. Maybe she wouldn’t want to be interrupted so soon.
Aros slid both clawblades on his back and stood up. No matter if he’d have to wait to return to Terrastream, he was ready to learn.
“Wait,” Doren said, bringing a frown onto Aros’ face. “Neither of you found any sign of the urchins, did you?”
“Nope,” Aros replied, eager to get his lesson.
“Not on the third floor,” Rikki said. “Though I was about to check the attic.”
