The Secret of the Keepers

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  My thoughts whirred with possibilities. The wild child in the back had been strangely quiet since Gavin’s amulet fell, but now it taunted me with harsh honesty.

  I would take a page from Rune’s book. My true intent would be to get rid of the fissure. No matter what, Kailmeyra would not perish as long as I had breath left to fight.

  “We leave the northern border for now.”

  Tark’s eyes flashed, his features hardened. “Nora, we can’t do that.”

  “The animals close to the fall will head into the mountain, the others will flee. And if we try to defend the northern border and fight the darkness to the south, we divide our forces and weaken.”

  “Don’t you think putting all of our troops in one location is just as unwise?” His usually calm voice became tight.

  I closed my eyes as doubt ran through me. Who was I to lead anything? A few years in Kailmeyra hardly qualified me to compel a race to war. Gavin had prepared for this his entire life, and still, he felt he wasn’t ready.

  The silence was stifling. I looked at each of them, Rena’s belief, Tark’s uncertainty, Malachi’s persistence. I turned away praying Tark would understand.

  “We’ll compromise, then. We leave the Northern plain until we have taken care of the south, but we scatter the troops.”

  Tark recanted the idea. “They won’t be able to communicate as they normally do. The Dokkalfar can now deceive telepathically. And if they’ve broken through Ester’s mind they have the ancient language. We must either take that risk or stay together, but if they venture off, it will be no different than dividing the troops and defending the north.”

  Tark did have a point. An idea raced through my mind. “What about a code?”

  Malachi’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Explain.”

  “Throughout history, humans have used songs, patterns, and catch phrases to communicate during times of war. The slaves had code songs. To others, they were just ordinary songs, but the words helped them escape. Maybe we could do the same.”

  Rena grinned. “Tark, call the guard to the front hall. I know what to do.”

  Rena’s joy caused the walls to brighten, and sweet relief threaded through me. For one moment, the ache lessened.

  “I must go,” Malachi mumbled. “Tend to the Simian. She is with child.” Seeing my curiosity, he pointed above her abdomen. “Look at her breast.” He smiled and walked away.

  I stared at the tuft of hair in between her shoulders. He was right. The color was deeper, richer in hue.

  “Malachi, wait. There’s something you should know.”

  He stopped as I ran to him.

  “The Queen knows about the Sfera and the heart of the mountain.”

  Anger flashed across his face.

  “No. You misunderstand. I didn’t tell her, King Frey did.”

  Diamond eyes sparkled in frustration.

  “There’s more.” My mouth became dry, but he had to know. “The Queen kept a journal as a gift for Mia, for when she became Queen. When Gavin left for Earth, Mia grew weak, and so the Queen decided to give it to her early instead of waiting until after they married. It tells of the Sfera cave and another that holds the original power of creation.”

  Malachi’s sadly shook his head. “It would appear our path has just gotten more complicated, does it not?”

  “I’m sorry ...”

  Malachi rubbed his eyes and sighed. “So am I, Light. So am I.” He made his way out of the chamber.

  The Simian weakly chattered, and I walked back through the haze and sat next to her, stroking her fur. I fed her some elven fruit, watching her lick the moisture from her cracked lip. Her paw grasped my index finger.

  “What is it, little one?”

  Her tail swished as her claws traced the intricate carvings on the box’s side. An elderly voice ran on all six streams. “If what you love is lost, look to the box ...”

  My stomach roiled. Ester knew. She tried to warn me. How many times did Malachi stop me from getting this information? And yet, now, when he could easily have kept the box hidden he left it next to me. What is it he wants me to do? And Lera—she regretted ever listening to Ester. Would I be making the same mistake?

  The Simian pushed the box towards me. I hesitated before pulling the sleeves of my shirt over my hands, making sure no skin was exposed. Turning the box on its side, I tipped out its contents. Gavin’s miniatures lay pell-mell on the floor, and I couldn’t help but scoop them up in my cloth-covered hand and shove them in my pocket. Running my concealed fingers over the inner lining, nothing seemed amiss. I held the box in one hand, concentrating energy into the top, watching the stones flicker in response. The sides remained cool, the bottom warmed my palm, and I flipped it over.

  Green light emanated from the stone. I looked at the strange indent in its center. Even through the material covering my hand, the mark was notably warmer as if it were trying to tell me something. Curious, I uncovered my fingertips and ran them across the depression.

  Crazy colors of covered couches blazed through my mind as Ester’s living room came into focus. She took her soul stone from her wrist, tenderly humming Gavin’s lullaby. Frail fingers ran over the box’s emerald in a loving caress. The jewel became malleable, and Ester pressed the end of her amulet into the emerald, forever casting the clasp’s shape in stone.

  The images faded to black. I placed the box on its lid, the bottom facing up. Tears clouded my vision, and I fumbled for Gavin’s amulet. Unlocking it from my wrist, I pressed the clasp into the mark. It fit perfectly, latching into place. Light exploded, surrounding me with an emerald glow. The bottom of the box slid forward; a hidden compartment popped open. I pulled out the drawer, and a silk pouch lay hidden beneath a note. My hands shook as I unfolded the parchment.

  My Princess,

  It is my deepest desire you never find this, for if you do your source has fallen, and the enemy is here. I tried to warn you, but no one would allow you to listen.

  As I’m sure Malachi has told you, I was not born with the gift of prophecy. It started when the Prince was just a boy. My source and I were gathering rare roots in the ancient forest when I happened across an energy I’d not felt before. I unearthed a large stone with golden liquid inside. We took the stone home, and I opened it. The power was too intense, killing my source, but I did not despair, for at that moment I was blessed with visions. I hid my discovery from everyone and allowed the power of the stone to guide me.

  The necklace you hold is the soul stone of the great King Frey. I took it from Queen Naomi’s grave when the Prince went to the dark world of man, for I knew his source would need it someday. I know not how to harness the energy, but it is my hope the Prince’s lineage will allow you to use this stone as you do the one hanging from your wrist. Fill both with the strongest energy, that of love, for you will need them when you fight.

  I pray you find peace with your decisions, as I have mine, and I look forward to getting to know you on the higher plane.

  Ester

  Revulsion shivered through me as I turned the silk pouch upside down. A large stone, several shades lighter than Gavin’s, the color of peridot, fell into my hand. I held up the necklace. I had no idea Ester was capable of such atrocities, but still, I’d do whatever was necessary to save Kailmeyra. Putting the chain over my head, I tried to ignore the weight settling over my heart.

  “Thank you, my friend.” I stroked the top of the Simian’s head. She curled on the pillow, and I tucked Edna’s quilt around her before I ran out of the energy field.

  Peeking around the corner, I hoped Rena and Tark hadn’t come back from their meeting. I needed to travel to the heart of the mountain, and I needed to do it alone.

  The earthy fragrance of mushrooms grew stronger as I descended into the depths of Kailmeyra. I wasn’t strong enough to do much on my own, and I knew I couldn’t physically draw strength from another source. I could, however, take energy from the heart of the land. I’d fill both stones with the p
urest power, that of the love of the Maker. If I made it to the middle of the fissure, I’d combine it with my devotion to the land—for Gavin, and pour it out. Hopefully, it would be enough to seal the portal underneath the badlands, maybe even heal the fissure for good. There’s no doubt I’d die in the process, but faced with the prospects of living to watch the Dokkalfar desecrate the land, or dying and seeing Gavin again, the latter didn’t seem too bad a choice. My heart raced with that possibility.

  The tombs lay forever watching the chasm in the heart of the mountain, and I made my way to its edge. Heat, not as powerful as before, warmed my face, and I concentrated on healing the land. The amulet on my wrist flamed hot as did the medallion around my neck. Energy hummed through me, and tears stung my eyes.

  One last stop led to the Sferas’ cavern. Both the amulet and the necklace held clasps and could be taken from me. I needed to make sure that didn’t happen. I looked around, finding one close to the door that had been opened. The top of the stone stood askew from its base. Carefully placing the lid on the floor, I dipped the clasp of my amulet in the liquid, watching it fuse together just as it had on our wedding day. Even though the medallion’s necklace was long enough to be removed without the use of the clasp, I dipped the entire chain in the liquid and cured the metal with energy before placing it back around my neck. No one would know of its existence, not even Malachi. It now hung under my shirt next to Gavin’s ring. The weight of the amulet pressed the ring against my chest, and I adjusted it, so Gavin’s ring rested on top of his grandfather’s soul stone.

  That thought made me shudder.

  “WHERE’VE YOU BEEN, my lady?” Rena’s question shot across the room as soon as I entered the energy field.

  “She had work to do, Corina.” Malachi’s clipped tone brooked no argument. I looked at him, curious. His eyes, always knowing, seemed frustrated. “Yes, Light, I kept tabs on your whereabouts. I know where you were but do not know why. I will trust your heart has led you to the right place, and that you now have what you require.” He tipped his head low, his eyes seeming to see through me.

  I coolly met his gaze. “Yes, I do.”

  Rena watched the cryptic conversation with growing concern. “Well, my lady, I have no idea what that is about, but before you go traipsing off again, I request that you at least let one of us know. You scared the jebeebers out of me.”

  Despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile at Edna’s saying.

  “It’s bejeebers ... and sorry, Reen.”

  Malachi carried a bag over his shoulder, his walking stick in his other hand. He held out his arm, and we made our way down the path in silence, Rena and Tark falling in behind.

  We talked little throughout the day, my mind solely focused on making sure Rena, Siana, and everyone who lived here kept their home. Without Gavin, I no longer cared whether I lived or died, but, no matter what, Kailmeyra would survive. I looked down, concentrating on the path, refusing to allow my thoughts to stray. Only when Malachi showed signs of distress did we stop. I sat as far away as I could from the rest, needing some time alone. It would only be a few short hours until we reached the lookout, and I smothered the memory of Rune’s melody and Gavin’s heart beneath my ear.

  “My lady?” Rena cautiously approached and handed me a piece of bread. “Malachi has received word. The first wave of animals has reached the sprite’s respite. The others are fleeing to the east, but the predators stay and fight. I had hoped that once they realized we weren’t coming, the Dokkalfar would head south, but it appears some choose to stay.”

  Tears welled. What if I’m wrong? If we lose this battle, the Dokkalfar will have camps to the north and south of the castle. It’ll only be a matter of time.

  Rena patted my hand. “All is not lost.” Her voice shook, and she took a deep breath.

  “You’re right. The land will survive. I’ll see Kailmeyra survives.” The words sounded hollow, even to me.

  Rena’s eyes narrowed. “And you’ll survive too. I’ll see to that.”

  “I am ready.” Malachi stood and hobbled down the tunnel, not waiting for us. The journey to the lookout took quite a while, and by the time we entered the chamber, it was well into the night. A clear sky hung overhead, the chill in the breeze tickled my face. Tark lit a fire, and I pulled out Edna’s quilt, wrapping it around me. The cold, hollow void that ached in my chest lessened, and I relaxed under the Appalachian star. Malachi came beside me and handed me a plate of fruit.

  “The land is a sight to behold, is it not?” He smiled at the distant flicker of sprites in the trees.

  “The last time we were here, a herd of unicorns grazed in the field.” I pointed to just below the ledge.

  “They have been at the ready for months.” Malachi leaned against the wall of the cavern. He frowned; his expression became wary. “My Light, I feel I need to explain. The fissure started getting stronger not long after Mia escaped. I said nothing to you or Gavin because I knew it was imperative you have time to grow and learn from each other. You needed time to strengthen.”

  “Fat lot of good it did,” I mumbled, tears springing to my eyes.

  “Is that what you think?” His diamond irises glittered in the amethyst moonlight.

  I rubbed my head temples. “I don’t know what to think,” I finally admitted. “But I will tell you what I know. I know there are fates worse than death. I now know I possess a power that will at least hold off the Dokkalfar. And I know I will be with Gavin again soon.”

  Malachi stirred. “Your work is not yet done.” He stated calmly as if we were in class.

  A smile hinted at my lips. “I know that as well.”

  “Nora, come and rest,” Rena called from the other side of the cavern. “The Ancient One needs to meditate, and you must sleep before we journey any further.”

  I held my hand up and waved that I’d heard her and sat down where I stood, facing the night.

  “You’ll find a place to rest just beyond that alcove, Malachi.”

  He walked away. “Try and sleep, my Light.”

  I wrapped Edna’s quilt around me, grateful for the little reprieve it offered. The cavern floor was cold, unforgiving, and I shivered through the night. When sleep finally came, visions of the kinsmen being tortured, the castle ablaze, tortured my dreams. It wasn’t until the morning sun warmed the ledge that I found a little peace. We didn’t leave until after lunch, our progress once again accompanied by silence.

  The air took on the sallow, heavy odor of bitter root. Malachi stopped and concentrated energy on a stone until it became hot. I stepped as close as I dared. Rena dropped the pack from her shoulder and went down to the stream to fill containers with fresh water.

  “Our warriors surround the forest’s edge,” Tark said. “Although the battalion taking the obvious route has been detected. Micah has several contingencies spread throughout the mountain, and those remain undiscovered. The codes are working.” He came and sat next to me. “What is your plan of action?”

  I took in a deep breath, trying to find a way to explain what I was going to do without telling Rena. She would never go for it, and she would never forgive Tark if he knew and did nothing about it.

  “You must find Elias, Elaine, and Rune. Only speak to them aloud. Until we know if Ester’s mind has been broken, trust no one telepathically who doesn’t know the codes. Malachi and I will use energy to weaken the Dokkalfar in the fissure. Only when you sense the change, order the guard to charge.”

  “What do you mean, change? And just how do you plan on weakening the fissure?” Rena’s voice echoed through the tunnel. Her hands stayed balled on her hips, her features sharp and suspicious.

  Malachi shuffled forward. “The hour grows late. If Rena and Tark are to make it beyond the abyss by nightfall, they must go.”

  “I will not leave the Princess.” Rena’s voice shook as she faced Malachi. He patted her shoulder.

  “She is with me. I vow to you I will protect her with my life.”
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br />   I took both her hands, holding onto them like a talisman. “Rena, please. Find Elias and Elaine.”

  I hugged her one last time. My thoughts focused solely on Kailmeyra and nothing more.

  Her deep brown eyes narrowed. Tark took her hand, and we watched them jog along the outskirts of the fissure. Dusk settled over the land.

  “Have you searched your heart?” Malachi’s voice barely made it to my ears.

  “Yes, but if you know something I don’t know, now would be a good time to tell me.”

  He half grinned. “I am going to miss you, Light.”

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  Chapter 25

  The Fissure

  THE LONG SHADOWS OF the trees melted into darkness as night fell over the land. Malachi and I stood in silence, waiting, watching the cedar’s limbs ensnare the moon’s pure light. Smaller groups of Dokkalfar milled around the perimeter, pouring thick black liquid onto large piles of wood. Taking two pieces of flint, they set them ablaze, bathing the abyss in unholy crimson.

  “Why do they need the fires? It’s not winter, and they can see when its pitch dark.”

  Malachi’s features became grim. “They are feeding off fear and death.” As soon as he spoke, a small group came from the forest. The first two held large boughs of a yew tree, their branches still covered in green leaves. They tossed them on the pyre. Flames shot up, incinerating the tender shoots. I turned away when the second group came forward carrying animals that were either injured or dead. Thick gray smoke billowed to the sky. The groups sat around the fires, chanting, taking pleasure in watching the energy of the life be consumed in flame. When the blaze had dwindled to embers, the groups disbursed. Malachi waited until the last Dokkalfar wandered back into the woods.

  “I make one last request,” he turned to me. “Allow me to go first. Do nothing until you sense it is time, and only then make your presence known.” He started toward the fissure, but I grabbed his arm.

  “Malachi?”

  “You are the last light of the Ancients.” His hand made its way to my cheek, his eyes imploring. “Do not forget.”