“You…you are less than a century old, Carrie. Some do not find their bond until they have walked five hundred or more years. How do you know I could not be?”
She casually rose from her seat, chuckling. “Because he is, Danny. Say what you will of my bond, but it shall stand as strong as this mountain.”
“You’re a fool to think such things. Eagles do not fly in the company of sparrows…let alone nest with them. You are the rarest of the rare. You deserve an eternity of greatness. Fly with me, Carrie. The bond will develop…and grow. Fly with me.”
“I would rather fly face first into a jagged hillside than in the company of a wretched being such as you. If you truly are an eagle…then I too am a sparrow.”
“Why would you speak so cruelly to me, Carrie?”
“You are as bendable as water—willing to flow in any direction, regardless of the destination. Have you no conscience? Do you not foresee where your actions would take this society? So willing to throw away all we are, and for what?”
He strolled to her, smirking. “Your father’s words are the truth, Carrie. You simply refuse to hear and accept them.”
“Accept this as your final warning, Danny. Leave this hall…crawl back to your empty home…and do not stir when my father summons you. Do this…and I will spare you.”
His laugh filled the room—his head flying backward dramatically. “Silly, Carrie. You kill one ancient fellow and you think you can butcher all who oppose you. I find this comical.”
“Brennus wasn’t laughing.”
Danny’s expression changed, his gaze hardened—his upper lip twitched slightly. “Brennus was a friend, Carrie. I will hear no more of this. The weak of the Society are locked away within their homes, tucked tightly with their weak-minded beliefs. Only those that envision greatness roam about Evrastill on this day. I will not retreat. You will come to see your father as the visionary he is.”
“Danny…I do not hate you. I do not wish your existence to end prematurely. This rebellion will be within our history for all time. Do not let your time end in infamy, Danny.”
“Leave us, Danny.” Tarik entered the room.
As their gaze broke, Danny walked from the room, shutting the door behind him.
“It would seem as though we have some discussing to do, Daughter.”
“Indeed it would. Please…address me as Carrie. I wish to preserve the familial titles for those I consider such.”
“Sit down, Carrie.”
As she took her seat, he approached. “What a world would it be if our kind walked freely in the sun’s glorious light…every day? To expand our reach from this mountain and devour the earth’s gifts the way they were meant to be. What a world we would live in if we were the primary species. There is only a simplistic set of values that distracts us.”
“Values? My longing to assist mankind is instilled in my very being, Father. It is as natural as longing to taste clean water and fresh air.”
“What has this offered you in return, child? You are a prisoner of this mountain. Our kind is shunned and forced away from the stars…the clouds…and the humans that are left to enjoy those things continue to poison their world. Assisting that is unnatural, Carrie.”
“No. Here are my terms. Release Andre and the humans. Once the Council is reestablished, they shall decide the fate of you and your rogue crew. I will ask for leniency if you release them now and halt this crazy charade.”
“My dear…you are in no position to be presenting terms. You possess a gift you are unfamiliar with. You find yourself slowly becoming one with it. Do you not?”
“This magic is powerful, yes. You will face its wrath if you do not cease this traitorous nonsense.”
He chuckled lowly as he meandered closer—his hands clasped behind his back. “Carrie, your human friends are comfortable. If you threaten me once more…I assure you they will be anything but content.”
“I am not threatening you, Tarik . I’ve spent the majority of my existence longing for what was just within reach…my only desire in all the world. My dreams were ever-consumed with his face…with our love. I need not power, nor any riches of this mountain or this earth. I long for a simple existence under the safety of a just Council, and with my unified bond.”
“Pathetic…truly uninspiring. The Queen stares idly at her throne before turning from it to dirty her hands in the garden gathering herbs, merely hours before giving herself to a mortal.”
“I wasn’t finished. I am not threatening you. If you so much as mention harming him even once more, you will scream under my voice as it ends you.”
“Carrie, do come with me for but a moment.”
She reluctantly obliged her father; rising from her seat, she followed him from the Hall—remaining several feet behind him. As they stepped out into the community, the same community Carrie was entirely familiar with, Tarik smiled and raised his hand toward the mountainous walls as if he were presenting them to her for the first time.
“You, my dear, possess a rare and powerful gift. The echo has been said to have the ability to crush entire armies. It is mysterious, grand, and largely unexplored. I challenge you now, Carrie, end me. Loose your splendorous rage upon me. Watch me diminish to nothing…and watch too the walls of this kingdom implode under your glory.”
Carrie’s vision bounced about the blue-beaming inner walls of their kingdom. What if he is correct? Would my gift destroy this kingdom if unleashed?
“You see, my dear. If you truly love and care for your people…you will contain what lurks within you, regardless my actions. You will come to accept your true identity. You will embrace it. There is no escape. Compliance is the only option.”
The cruelty and conviction in his tone had Carrie’s throat tightening.
“Irena!” Tarik’s forceful summoning was answered within seconds. Irena appeared behind them from within the Hall.
“Yes, Tarik.”
“The human, Clark. Fetch him promptly.”
“Indeed, Tarik.” Irena vanished instantly.
“Father, no, please. Clark is my friend; he’s guilty of nothing. Please do not harm him.”
“Perhaps you shall heed my future warnings, Carrie.”
A deep dread clawed from Carrie’s core. The thought of Tarik bringing harm to Clark was unbearable. A few moments later, the human Clark was presented in the grasp of Irena. The man’s gaze remained anchored to the ground—his face wet with tears.
“Father…do not harm him. I beg you.”
“I am Father once more I see. I will not harm him. Irena will end this human, and you will bear witness to his final breath.” Tarik’s words had Clark crashing to his knees, unable to maintain his composure.
A concerned Irena looked toward Clark, and then to Tarik. “Tarik, why is this necessary. These weaklings are of no concern to our cause. He crumbles at your words like a coward—what threat could he possibly present?”
Carrie watched in horror as Tarik presented a dagger from beneath his cloak.
“He is weak, dear Irena. Are you? Does your loyalty to our advancement go beyond your words?”
“Of course, Tarik. Your vision is mine.”
“This human…of a human world and of a human mind…is one of many that will hinder our process. End him now with a humanly weapon.” Tarik tossed the dagger to Irena.
“Rise, and meet your end like a man.” Tarik’s demand was met with Clark attempting to stand—his fear shook him. Although his tears continued, he attempted to appear brave.
“Run him through, Irena. Let his heart welcome the blade of his people.”
“Father, no…don’t do this!”
“Silence, Carrie.” Tarik held his hand up in opposition.
Irena stepped to Clark, raising the blade. “I…I feel his fear, Tarik.”
“As do I, Irena. You are greater than that. Run him through.”
Irena glanced once more to Tarik—the blade met the ground before her. “I cannot, Tarik. I long to
cease his fear.”
Tarik gave a boisterous, forced laugh. “Too weak, Irena. Your loyalty thus far has been highly appreciated; however, you are of no further use to me. Your journey ends with this human’s.”
The anger…the white-hot rage within her, was aching to erupt. She longed to allow her voice to control the madness taking place before her, and send her father flying. Her physical attack would need to suffice. She leapt between a frightened Irena and her approaching father. So forceful was the backhand she delivered, that it sent Tarik sailing toward the surrounding trees.
“Carrie!” Irena appeared horrified. “Your strength is unimaginable. It is true. You possess the great gift.”
“Irena. I need you take Clark back to the prison. Release Andre and the others and retreat deep within the tunnels. Andre knows the alternative route to the surface.”
“Carrie…I have heard of wicked things that roam about the tunnels.”
“Wicked things roam here. You are not safe here. If we are to battle these foes, it must not be at the destruction of the Kingdom. We will travel the back way to the surface…and they shall follow me to their end. Go.” Carrie then looked to a highly shaken Clark. “You are okay, my friend. Your journey does not end this day.”
“I am weak. I do crumble.”
“We are all weak when faced with illogical madness. Even kings can crumble, Clark.” She wiped his tears and hugged him briefly. “Not this day, my friend. We have a society to resurrect. I need you.”
He offered a hopeful smile as he and Irena turned for the prison.
Methodical in her approach, Carrie entered the thicket in search for her father. She found him fractured near the mountain’s wall. Peering down upon him, she wished only to end him and his treachery. “Your pain is extensive, Father.”
“Your power…is glorious, Daughter. The capabilities just waiting to be unmasked.”
“Close your eyes, Father.” She stood confidently above him—her gaze piercing his as his body remained motionless below her.
“I’m healing, Carrie. I’ll be upright within minutes.”
“No. Your journey ends here. Close your eyes.”
“Carrie! How could you?” Danny appeared. His eyes wide with shock as he looked upon a wounded Tarik. “You would kill your own father?”
“Danny…I warned you.”
“And I have a warning for you, wench. Step aside or meet my magic.”
Danny rushed to the aid of Tarik. “Sir…Irena and Andre have escaped with the humans.”
“They leave Evrastill for the earth above?”
“No…it is believed they delve into the tunnels.”
“Let them…they are doomed to peril.”
“Tarik, Andre knows the tunnels well.”
“Indeed. He should be mindful of what lurks within them. They will fall to the clutches of darkness, or end by my hand.”
Carrie stepped closer. “Father…what evil resides within the tunnels?”
“Look around you my dear…what do you see? There is much beauty here. This kingdom is bathed continuously in the brilliance of the blue crystals.”
“Speak swiftly, fool! I haven’t the time for theatrics.”
“Even deeper within this same mountain…the crystals shine just as boldly…yet they bask the surrounding walls in a wicked glare. The residents there are…charming.”
“I do not believe you. We are all that reside in this mountain. Only bats and stranded bears roam the tunnels.”
“Indeed. So much of your own world you are ignorant to.”
“I should say the same of you, but enough talk. You die now, Father.”
“Spare me…I ask you as your father. Please do not end my days now.”
Carrie peered upon her father, rapidly healing, yet broken before her. “To spare you is to spare your agenda as well. How can I collect my friends…only to deliver them to this lunacy?”
“Carrie, if you descend into the tunnels beneath this kingdom…there will be no return. Andre is a fool to venture there.”
“I believe nothing that leaves your mouth, Father.”
“He speaks the truth.” Nyrobie appeared—eyes wide and her mouth agape. “Tarik…your injuries leave you unguarded. Your thoughts are as vulnerable as a mouse at dusk within an open field. You are truly despicable. End him now, Carrie.”
“Nyrobie.” Carrie walked to her disturbed friend. “What did you see?”
“She’ll never see again!” As an enraged Danny charged at Carrie’s closest friend, his throat met Carrie’s grip—slamming him to the ground below her.
“I…warned…you.” Both hands wrapped tightly around his throat. A sickening popping noise resounded—the whites of his eyes shaded a slight pink and then a brilliant bloodshot red. So broken was his neck within her grasp, that it resembled a stocking full of sand rather than the muscular neck of nearly nine-hundred-year-old Danny. Carrie rose to Nyrobie.
“Carrie…your father has escaped.”
“We haven’t the time to track him now. We must collect our friends from the tunnels.”
Nyrobie’s eyes filled as tears streamed her face. “Oh, Carrie!”
Carrie embraced her friend. “Nyrobie…we are at war with these fiends. I had to end Danny.”
“That is not why I cry. I know your father’s crimes. They are vast.”
Carrie studied Nyrobie’s face. “What? What crimes, Nyrobie?”
“Your…your mother, Lady Victoria, she did not meet her end accidentally.”
“No! You cannot speak the truth!”
“I do. She opposed your imprisonment and your father’s disapproval. He ended her in the tunnels.”
“No…my own mother? It’s not possible.”
“I’m so sorry, Carrie.”
“I’ll kill him. I will end him in my grasp!”
“Carrie! He spoke the truth. We are not alone in this mountain. Something malicious resides below us. I fear our loved ones are in great danger.”
“Andre is ancient, if such evil exists, surely he would know of it.”
“Let us go to them, I’m not willing to take any chances. Jerrek is waiting for us now.”
Chapter 13
Chilled and damp, the tunnel was a never-ending cave of dangerous, slippery darkness. The musky smell reminded Charlie of hay bales when they were left to rot in the spring rain.
The only light source was a soft glow from a lantern Andre carried. Joseph, Clark, Elinor, and Charlie were followed by Irena. It appeared the remorseful woman was at a loss for words—perhaps she was mildly fearful. Charlie was fearful, yet the familiarity that came with near-darkness was comforting.
Each step outside of Evrastill was a step away from her and their new beginning. So much uncertainly loomed in the confined, hollow tube.
“Mind your step. The path becomes treacherous around the bend.” Andre charged on as the others shuffled behind him.
“Andre…I am wary of our destination.” Irena’s call was heard from further behind the party. She had stopped walking.
Andre halted the party and turned to her. “Irena, of all things to be wary of, you choose physical destination? What of your choices today? What of your cruel words? Keep walking.”
“I’ve heard things. Strange tales. I do not wish to venture further.”
“My dear, they are not tales. Do as you wish.”
“You would lead us to our doom, Andre?”
“I would lead you from it! You would fear what lurks in these caves yet pay not mind to what resides in your heart. Do your choices not make you wicked? Are you not evil?”
Irena appeared dumbfounded. “I oppose your views…this does not make me—”
“Were you not present when they led my bride from the entrance this morning?”
Her eyes widened. “That was not my choice.”
“Yet you stood idly by as three innocents were marched to what they believed was their death. What are you if not wicked?”
An odd
breeze drifted through the tunnel—it carried with it a scent completely foreign to Charlie. It was clear Andre took notice as well. His expression sharpened as he held the lantern higher above his head, his gaze bouncing about the walls.
“Keep moving…or stay still. Either way, be silent.”
The party continued their trek—slowly, yet steadily. They were soon to an opening—a large cave with several tunnel openings leading from it.
The opening was tall, and a faint sound of rushing water was heard in the distance. Andre looked about the area; a strange purple hue tinted the walls of the cave, tiny glowing crystals illuminated the area—all a rich violet.
“An…Andre. What is this place?” Irena moved to his side, her fear detailed in the basking light from all around.
“We must keep moving beyond this place. We are unsafe here.”
The breeze was now a gust—as if someone had opened the front door on a blistery autumn afternoon—and then it was still—stagnant and still.
Charlie looked about the frightened party, the backs of their heads shivering in fear. Then his eyes settled on a new member—someone had joined them.
Elegant and poised, the cloaked woman slowly approached from the opening of one of the tunnels. Her dark hair was tucked under the hood of the cloak. “Ty-lahoon-hyzin.” Her soft voice had an eerie quality as she approached Andre.
“Milady, we wish safe passage. We seek only hours of refuge.”
As she cocked her head in the light of the lantern, Charlie stepped back in horror. Her flawless face boasted two pitch-black eyes…as if her entire sclera was a dark pupil. She lacked basic expression and moved oddly.
“You seek refuge here…in the dark…of the mountain?” Her question was but a whisper.
Andre kneeled. “We are at your mercy. We flee tyranny.”
Peering down on him, her gaze suddenly broke—she stared directly at Charlie. “Humans…you are in the presence of humans.”
She walked to Charlie, her frigid hand gently cradled the side of his face—saturating each nerve in fear. He stood motionless as the woman…creature, traced his jaw with the tips of her icy fingers.
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