Everville: The Rise of Mallory

by Roy Huff

  He quickly returned the contents back to both boxes and then put them back where he found them, being careful not to make it look as if someone has rummaged through them. Once things were back in order, he left, and less than an hour later, he paid Jacob a visit.

  “I believe this is what you were looking for?” he asked Jacob.

  “Yes. Yes it is. I know I don’t have to tell you this, but even though you haven’t done anything wrong, make sure you don’t tell anyone about this. We don’t want to cause any unnecessary trouble,” Jacob replied.

  “You don’t have to tell me. This isn’t the first time I’ve done something like this, and I doubt it will be the last.” With that said, he handed over the jar to Jacob.

  Once Jacob was alone, he opened up the jar and poured roughly twenty drops onto the artifact. The artifact began to change shape. A thick transparent metallic casing in the shape of a pendant grew around the center. Mallory would be able to place it around his neck, and the small size of it would make it convenient for him to wield.

  After he created the artifact, Jacob dabbed a couple of drops of the element on his tongue, creating a connection with Mallory across the expanse.

  “Mallory, I have the first artifact,” Jacob said with triumph.

  “Yes! Finally!” Mallory said with great satisfaction.

  With the influence of the element, Jacob was able to will the artifact to Mallory’s location. Mallory caressed the artifact that now adorned his neck. His excitement could not be contained.

  “Yes! Yes!” he shouted. “When will the others be ready?” Mallory then asked.

  “It shouldn’t be long now. This small amount of element will aid Eli and me in getting the rest of the materials. I’ll contact you again when I have made the remaining artifacts,” Jacob finished.

  “Excellent!” exclaimed Mallory as Jacob severed the connection.

  Mallory could not stop touching the pendant. He could already feel its power. Once the dragon was fully mature, his power would be limitless. Until then he would have to settle for sharing his power with the Rathlar.

  CHAPTER 8

  CONSEQUENCES

  At the university, Owen’s mom, Amelia, had just arrived and knocked on his door.

  “Hey, Mom,” Owen said after he opened the door. “This is my roommate Adamo.”

  “Hello, Adamo,” Amelia said.

  “Hi, Mrs. Sage. I’ll leave you two alone. I’m going to go grab some breakfast. It was nice meeting you.”

  “You too, Adamo,” Amelia replied as he walked out the door.

  She stepped closer to Owen and gave him a big hug.

  “I’m really sorry about all this, mom.”

  “Don’t be sorry, Owen. I know you did what you believed was best. You’ll get through this, just like you get through all your challenges. I know it must be disappointing not to be able to attend classes next semester, but you’ll be able to make it up in the summer. Think of it as an opportunity to do something that you wouldn’t have done in he first place. You can use the semester to travel, or learn a new skill, but there’s no need to let it defeat you.

  “Now you said you had something to say about your father and something else that was really important. What is it?” Amelia asked.

  “Mom, what really happened to Dad?” Owen asked.

  “Why do you ask?” she replied.

  “What I am going to say is going to make me sound absolutely nuts, but please hear me out, and I’m not the only one. My friends can back me up on this,” Owen continued.

  “Alright then. Go ahead. Tell me what this big news is that you have to tell,” Owen’s mom replied.

  For the next hour, Owen went into detail regarding his adventures in Everville. He explained his first few encounters and the big battle with the armies of Them. He explained how he told Anika and Dante, and he went on about the Art Club and Echo Club. He detailed every journey, every Pillar, every major victory and defeat, all the way up until the present moment and the current situation with Mallory.

  He explained why they had taken the beetle from Jacob’s room, the situation with Dante and Cleophas, and finally what he was about to do in Everville in order to find The Third Pillar of Truth. That brought him back to his father and how the Second Pillar of Truth looked just like him.

  Amelia paused, and Owen wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. He waited for her to speak until she finally did.

  “I’m sorry, Owen. You’re not crazy. Just like Cleophas told you, the reason you have a connection to Everville, the reason that you, in particular, are so strong is that both your father and I come from a long lineage that has had the same connection,” she said looking genuinely concerned.

  “Yes, Owen. Everything you have said is true. Your father is The Second Pillar of Truth. Of course, he wasn’t always The Second Pillar. Like I’m sure you know, some things are bigger than us. He did what he had to do, just like you did what you had to do in The City of Worms,” she continued.

  “I’m not sure exactly how to respond, but I guess that’s one of the two possibilities that I assumed were most likely,” Owen replied.

  “I just hope you don’t hate me or your father for it. I would have liked to tell you sooner, but it just wasn’t something that we could do. We figured that you would be pulled into this eventually, but we thought it was more important for you to live a normal life as long as you could. We believed it was most important to help develop your character, wisdom, and integrity. We weren’t sure how letting you know about the tremendous power and influence you have would have impacted your life and your perspective on things. I hope you understand,” Amelia finished.

  “I get it. I do, and I’m not upset. I guess I probably would have done the same thing,” Owen replied.

  “I’m glad to hear that, but there is also something you should know. Jacob found out about his connection at a much younger age. Both of his parents were lost to the other side. His search for answers and power led him down the wrong path. Unless something changes, I think Jacob will continue to pursue power, just like he’s doing now. I want you to be careful, but I have faith in you, and I’m proud of you,” Owen’s mom said as she fought back tears.

  “So as you can see, there is really no point in talking with the dean. Just be careful, but if it comes down to doing what you have to do or dealing with some negative blow back on this side, you do what you have to do,” Amelia said.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Now I understand that you’re meeting this morning at the Echo Club,” she said.

  “Yes, that’s right,” Owen replied.

  “Well, while you’re there, I’ll just go give myself a tour of the campus. I wish I could go visit the dean and give him a piece of my mind, but I’ll resist the temptation. I’ll be back here around lunchtime, so go do what you need to do. I’ll see you then,” Amelia said as she gave Owen another hug and walked out the door.

  Half an hour later, Owen and his friends Anika and Dante arrived at the Echo Club. The nine members with special connections were all supposed to be there, but it appeared it would just be the three of them along with Avery and Cleophas. After waiting another ten minutes or so Avery spoke up.

  “I guess it’s just us then. Let’s go ahead and move into the back,” he said as they opened up the large ornate door that led into the back chambers of the Echo Club.

  “Why don’t you tell everyone how you’re doing, Cleophas,” Avery said looking at Cleophas.

  Cleophas stood tall, towering over them. His current mental condition did not detract from his muscular body, and the wrinkles in his face only made his height and physique stand out even more, especially for someone as advanced in age.

  “Before all of you get too concerned, let me say that I’m holding up just fine. I’m still in possession of my faculties; I just get foggy sometimes, especially when I forget to take my medicine. I have a system down now to help with that, and I’m otherwise okay. There are a few things that I did ne
ed to explain to you regarding my current condition.”

  “You’re not going to die soon are you?” Dante asked.

  “I certainly hope not, but that’s not it. The reason that my dementia is so irregular and so unpredictable is because it was not completely naturally caused.”

  “What do you mean, Cleophas?” Owen asked.

  “Well, just like Dante was put in a coma along with the others before him, and just like Samil was killed by channeling too much energy through the paintings and artifacts, I too have been impacted by all of these events. I was involved in stopping an earlier breach in Everville and I have been instrumental in so many different things that used the artifacts. Unlike you, Owen, I am not immune to the affects of using artifacts to channel energy or the element. That is why I am in my current condition.

  “I can’t say with certainty whether or not my natural disposition made me more susceptible to this type of thing or not, but I can say that it has definitely hastened its progress and made the symptoms much more unpredictable. My faculties can quickly improve at times, while at others they take a quick turn for the worse.

  “I didn’t want to meet here just to give you an update on my condition, although I do appreciate your concern and support. The reason that I wanted to call you here is because you need to be aware of the danger. The training I put you through earlier when handling the different objects and artifacts will be instrumental in limiting its potential damage, and for most of you, Owen not withstanding, you will have to give it up at a certain point or risk the same fate.

  “What this means for you is that you must limit your exposure to the artifacts as much as possible. Your connection to other realms in the multiverse is what attracts the element to you, but only a few can withstand constant exposure, so limit your use to only what is necessary and understand that you will have to walk away from your gifts at some point in the future.

  “I really wish the others were here. Do you know where the rest of the nine are Avery?” Cleophas asked.

  “I’m not sure. They said they would be here. I guess I’ll just have to explain things to them later,” Avery replied.

  “Well it was really good to see you again, Cleophas. I have several things I have to take care of right now, and I have to say goodbye to my mom before I take Zee with me back to Everville,” Owen said.

  “What did you tell your mom?” Anika asked.

  “I told her everything, but she knew all along. It also turns out that The Second Pillar is my father. I’m not sure what that means for me, but it sure makes things more interesting,” Owen replied.

  Shortly after the meeting, Owen went back to his dorm and said goodbye to his mom. He then called Zee and asked him to come over.

  “The Keeper asked me to take you with me back to Everville. He said there is something important you need to know about your father,” Owen said to Zee.

  “It has to be good. I still don’t believe my father was an evil man,” Zee replied.

  “I hope so, too,” Owen said in agreement.

  “Here goes nothing,” Owen said as he touched Zee’s shoulder.

  In an instant, they were both standing in the presence of The Keeper.

  “Owen, you’re back and I see you have your friend Zee with you. It’s good to meet you, Zee. We have a lot to discuss.

  “You, Owen, should get back to Varstock and meet up with Grenmar and the Ubaloo before you embark on your journey to The Third Pillar of Truth. Thank you for bringing Zee,” The Keeper said.

  Moments later, Zee watched as Owen vanished, willing himself to the dwelling of Varstock in the distant mountains beyond The Valley of Darkness.

  “Keeper, what is it about my father Samil that you wanted to discuss?” said Zee.

  “I wanted to tell you that I don’t believe your father is as evil as his actions may have implied. It’s true that he facilitated the armies of Them and appeared to take great pleasure in those injured on the battlefield who fought against him with Owen, but I believe it may have been all for show to trick the armies of Them as part of a ploy,” The Keeper said in a serious tone.

  “What kind of ploy?” Zee asked.

  “The Other In Between is a place where millions of people in Everville have been taken against their will by those we call Them. It’s a place where people go when they die too close to the borderlands surrounding The Other In Between.

  “Former residents of that land, who gave up their body in exchange for a collective mind, possess it. It was their hope they could save our lands from distant races of beings, like those that seeded the worms. In order to gain more power, Them sacrificed the individual mind and flesh for a collective mind. That is where the name comes from, to set Them apart from the individual. Them hoped this would provide more power and clarity in order to defeat the potential enemies who were once whispered about among in our world.

  “With the help of a few willing traitors, Them can gain a foothold in Everville and its eight surrounding lands by creating a breach. This is done in the hopes of maximizing power in order to prevent being over taken by the threats beyond.

  “Your father was one of the few people who might have been able to retain individual thought within The Other In Between. If that was his hope, there may have been a purpose behind that. He had his flaws, and he paid the price for those flaws, but I think the end of your father’s book has yet to be written. There is a great battle that lies ahead. I am unclear how Them will fit into this battle, but I thought you should know nonetheless.

  “There are forces of evil and forces of good in your world. Be careful, and know which side you are on,” The Keeper said to Zee as he transported him back to his home.

  Zee was relieved to know that there was some good that may yet come from the death of his father. More importantly, he was happy that his father wouldn’t have so easily given himself over to such evil. Zee, like his father Samil, was no saint, but he did have boundaries.

  A short time later, Zee called Drusilla to come over and discuss what happened.

  “I still can’t believe the dean’s not going to let you finish up next semester and graduate with your class. I mean, for Owen it’s not so bad. He can just make up the classes over the summer, but for you it really sucks,” Zee said with regret.

  “Yeah, I know. It definitely sucks, but at least I’ll still graduate, even if it’s a few months late. Now tell me what happened with The Keeper?” she asked.

  “You know, I knew my father couldn’t be that evil. That liquid only gave us part of the picture. The Keeper told me that my father had some kind of plan. He wasn’t exactly sure what it was yet, but it may have something to do with a new battle that’s going to be fought soon.” Zee replied.

  “I’m glad to hear that about your father. He was definitely a really cool professor. I know you must be relieved. It’s just too bad he’s no longer here with you,” Drusilla responded.

  “You know, let’s take another look at the boxes that Odious gave us. Maybe there was something we missed,” Zee said with some excitement.

  They grabbed the boxes and brought them into the living room and began sorting through the different objects.

  “It’s missing!” Zee exclaimed.

  “What’s missing?” Drusilla asked.

  “The jar with the liquid. It’s gone!” Zee said in frustration.

  They searched the boxes several more times just to be sure.

  “You’re right. It’s gone. It’s gotta be Jacob. He must have taken it somehow!” Drusilla suggested.

  “Yep, and we’re going to have to do something about that,” Zee said seriously.

  CHAPTER 9

  THE JOURNEY

  Owen transported himself from The Keeper’s Workshop back to the residence of Varstock and his companions.

  “You’re back,” Varstock said as Owen appeared.

  Grenmar started hopping up and in down with glee, and then he hopped over to Owen, barely able to wrap his arms around him due t
o the marmook’s spherical shaped torso.

  Owen picked up the parchment that contained the map to The Third Pillar.

  “Can Owen transport to The Third Pillar of Truth?” Felix asked.

  “It’s not that easy. Owen and others like Owen are only able to transport themselves into certain locations, like in the presence of a Keeper, for instance. The Pillars of Truth must found the old fashioned way, on foot,” Varstock responded.

  “We better get to it then,” Owen replied.

  Before they left, Felix ran over slurping up the last of his stew.

  “Please escort them back above to the surface,” Varstock said to the eunuch.

  Owen let the eunuch take the lead, and the Ubaloo and Grenmar following closely behind Owen until they reached the surface of the mountaintop.

  “It was good to meet you. I never get the chance to meet people anymore,” the eunuch said before they departed.

  “It was good to meet you, too,” Owen replied.

  “Yes, it was good. It was good,” Felix copied.

  Owen then began walking along the trail towards the pass that led to Black River.

  “Guys, let’s see how much of the elixir we have left,” Owen said before they made any more real progress.

  They poured the elixir back into the small container and handed it over to Owen.

  “This may come in handy,” Owen said as they continued forward.

  “How much longer ‘til we get there, Owen?” Felix asked.

  “I’m not sure exactly, but looking at this map, I think we’ve got at least another day’s journey ahead of us. We’ll probably have to make camp someplace before we get to Black River,” Owen said.

  “How much food do we have left?” Felix asked.

  “Is that all you think about, Felix? We have enough,” Asher replied with emphasis.

  The mountain was beautiful. Steep spires of rock covered in ice and snow extended as far as they could see. The precipice by the mountain pass was not yet visible beyond the steep peaks ahead. The Valley of Darkness had already receded behind them in the distance, but they could see chains of mountains on both sides of them and in between there were valleys. The valleys below closest to them were lush and green, but off in the distance, the shades of green gave way to more muted browns, grays, and black. The changing color of the valley hinted at the darkness that infected the region off in the distance.