“I hope so. I just don’t understand... why me, why was I chosen?”
“That bothers me too. But with what we know at this moment, there’s no telling,” said Niles. “Whoever planned this knew the Avatar War begins in October, which is only a few weeks away.”
“Guess I’ll find out when I get there,” Rook moaned. “Is there anything else?”
Niles paused for a moment. He leaned back in his seat and sighed. “You’ll receive a package tomorrow from the Avatar Commission and everything will be explained when you attend the ceremony in Star City—where the war will take place,” Niles explained.
“I’ve never heard of Star City before—what state is that in?”
“State?” Nice chuckled softly. “Not a state, Marques. The world as we know it—New York, the United States, planet earth—in our society we call it Inworld. Star City and places similar to it are called Outworld,” he added.
“Outworld? How come I’ve never heard of this before?”
Niles sighed. “I never imagined you’d ever need to know, honestly,” he answered. “Star City was created using magic by the royal families. The best way to describe it would be that it’s another plane of existence, separated from ours. This ensures that the War can be waged without interruption or innocent casualties in our world.”
Not only did Rook not know of a War between mages, he also didn’t know there were other places, created by magic. He tried his best keep up with all the information his uncle was giving him, but there was so much. Not only could he die if he didn’t fight in the War, but he could also die during the War.
Rook rubbed the sides of his temple. “This is too much. Will you be coming with me to Star City, Uncle?”
“No. I’ve left that life behind me. Since I cannot see, I will have Felix keep me updated. Some things have probably changed since the time I last attended, so we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Rook settled into his seat. He was now a Link and had to partake in a War between mages. He felt he wasn’t ready, but had confidence in his uncle’s words and would do whatever he had to do to get himself ready. What he really wanted, however, was Bishop to be by his side when he went. They did everything together, and he wanted this to be no different. He was also curious how Bishop knew what the contract was before he did and why he had gotten so upset about it.
“Now go on, get some rest,” Niles ordered. “You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow, Marques.”
Rook rose from the both. “I’m sorry, Uncle Niles. I’ve disappointed you.”
“Listen, I understand why you feel that way. But now is not the time for apologies, Rook. You’re not a kid anymore. You wanted the responsibilities of being an adult and making your own decisions. Now you do and you have to live with them. Your focus now needs to be on one thing; the War.”
Rook stood silent for a moment absorbing Niles’ words. He nodded and went upstairs to his bedroom to sleep, but he knew that would be impossible. In a single day, his life was turned upside-down. Going forward, his life would be different; the comforts of sitting in Niles’ diner and being able to do as he pleased were gone. Now he had to face the uncertainty of the Avatar War.
7
Translantern
Rook was awake before his alarm clock on his phone rang out. Turning it off, he laid back on his bed. As he’d expected, he didn’t get much sleep no matter how hard he tried. His thoughts focused on what was to come, but he wondered even more where Bishop had gone. He kept his bedroom door open to hear if Bishop would return so he could talk to him, but he never did.
He sat in silence, thinking about where his friend was and how he was feeling until he drifted to sleep. When he last looked at the clock, it was two in the morning, and there was no sign of Bishop. Felix returned hours before and informed him that Bishop told him to go back to the café and not to follow him. It made him worry even more.
It was almost time for him to leave. The night before, his uncle Niles gave him as much information about the Avatar Wars as he could remember and he ran it through his mind over and over until he remembered every detail. It didn’t take him long to get ready. He showered, brushed his teeth and packed clothes within thirty minutes.
Picking up his one strap pack, he entered the hallway, stopping in front of Bishop’s room. He peered inside to find it as it was after they returned from the Rathbone Estate. Bishop hadn’t returned.
After a few moments, he walked downstairs and entered the café. Niles sat behind the counter admiring a small picturing frame he held. He snapped his head in Rook’s direction and lowered the picture frame as Rook’s arrival seemed to catch him off guard.
“Good morning, Marques.”
“Good morning, Uncle Niles,” Rook replied. “Everything okay?”
Niles smiled. “Everything is fine. Did you sleep well?”
“Not nearly enough, Uncle,” Rook said while shaking his head. “Any word from Bishop?”
“Not yet,” said Niles. “But he’ll be here.”
Rook sat at the counter in front of Niles and placed his pack on the seat next to him. He rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt and exhaled before Niles slid a cup toward him.
“I heard you getting ready, and figured you’d want coffee, so I had Felix make you a cup,” said Niles.
“Thank you,” replied Rook before taking a sip. “Is there any update on the War?”
“None yet. The package should arrive at nine o’clock. You still have a few minutes.”
Rook said nothing. He only sat staring at the cup of coffee, twirling his thumbs around its rim. The door to the café suddenly burst open and Bishop stormed inside causing the bell above it to ring, grabbing Rook’s attention.
“Bishop, I was worried! Where have you—”
Bishop ignored Rook’s attempt to speak with him. He kept his head lowered and his hands in his jacket pockets as he walked passed them and up the stairs. Rook sat in disbelief as his eyes followed him until he was out of sight. He knew Bishop was upset, but he didn’t think he’d be so upset to not speak to him.
He figured Bishop staying out all night was to clear his head and approach Rook rationally and express his frustrations rather than ignore him. A knock at the café door took him out of his thoughts and his gaze fell to a figure standing on the other side. Rook looked to Niles who sat in the chair gripping the top of his stick.
“I think it’s for you. The Messenger.”
Rook tilted his head. “Messenger?”
“It’s as the name implies, Rook. They deliver messages,” said Niles with a smile.
Rook rose from his seat and walked to the door. Opening it, he saw a man dressed in royal blue robes with a hood drawn over his face. In his hand was a box with a brown envelope attached to it.
“How can I help you?” Rook asked.
The man raised his hood slightly after noticing the symbol on Rook’s hand.
“I’m the Messenger. I’m here to present this to you, Link.”
Rook hesitated for a moment before taking the box. The Messenger bowed before turning and walking away, disappearing up the stairs and out of Rook’s sight. Rook went back into the café and placed the box in front of Niles.
“What is this, Uncle Niles?”
“It should be your introductory letter and the Translantern.”
“Translantern?”
“It’s a key to Star City. It’s like a jumportal, but you don’t use your own magic to activate it. The translantern is a magical item with its own source of magic and it transfers a person from Inworld to Outworld and vice versa. Only those with the Link crest can use it for transportation, thus stopping those without it from entering Star City. The letter attached should explain its purpose and how to use it. You can read it yourself, but I can show you just as well.”
Rook removed the envelope from the box. Using his conduit pocketknife to cut under the candle wax seal, he removed the let
ter from inside reading aloud the cursive handwriting.
Marques Montcroix,
You have chosen to partake in the 60th Avatar War, held in Star City. This letter serves as a reminder, to inform you that the Flame Ceremony will begin this evening at the Bell Tower and you are to arrive no later than 10 a.m. est. Inside the package, is a translantern, and two gateway badges.
The translantern is the only way you can enter Star City. It recognizes the Link crest on the back of your hand. The gateway badges are for your guests who can accompany you to Star City and witness the War from the Bell Tower.
Best regards, Belgarath Stormgarde, Gamekeeper of the 60th Avatar War.
Niles scoffed. “Belgarath, huh?”
“You know him?”
“I do,” said Niles. I’ve known him since I was a little younger than you. “Of all the royal families, he represents the only family to have competed once, and it was in the first Avatar War. He’s an eccentric, but he’s a good man.”
“I see. Ten o’clock,” Rook recalled. “That’s only an hour from now!”
“Relax, Marques, let’s head to the basement, so we can get you there in time,” said Niles. He turned toward the door that led to the kitchen. “Felix!” he called out.
A few moments passed before Felix entered, exiting the kitchen.
“Yes, sir? Oh, hey Rook!” he greeted.
“Hey,” Rook replied.
“I heard what happened, I’m sorry man. But I believe in you, Rook,” Felix said confidently.
“He will need a little work, but with training preparation, I think he will do fine. I have faith in him. Do me a favor, Felix, can you tell Bishop to meet us in the basement?”
“He’s back? All right, I’ll try—I mean, I tried last night to talk to him and he lashed out at me. He apologized, but I hate seeing him like this.”
“It’s okay,” Niles assured him. “He’ll come down.”
With a nod, Felix headed up the stairs. Rook lifted the box and grabbed the letter. He and Niles made their way down to the basement with Rook leading his uncle, lending his shoulder to him while he navigated down the stairs and into the basement.
They arrived in the basement a couple of minutes later. Old tables and chairs and other items from before Niles acquired the café took a majority of the space. He gave Rook instructions on setting up the Translantern and how it worked.
“Set it on the crate over there and point it toward that wall across from it, aiming the circular cylinder on its front at the wall,” Niles ordered.
Rook opened the box and pulled the lantern out by its handle. It had a copper base and a large clear glass which held an orb swirling with a blue magical energy inside. It looked antique with its silver cage framed it, protecting the glass from breaking and unusual design.
The sound of footsteps grabbed their attention. Rook felt relief at that moment, believing Bishop was coming down to join him, but to his surprise it was Felix, and he was alone. He reached the bottom of the basement steps and walked to Rook, shaking his head.
“He locked himself up inside his room. I tried knocking, but I got no response.”
Rook sighed heavily before turning back to the wall. “It’s all right, I can do it myself. I have to.”
“I thought he’d be here, but it can’t be helped,” said Niles. “I’m sorry, Marques, but it’s time.”
Rook nodded. “I’m ready.”
“Open the cylinder at the front and say your destination.”
Rook stepped over to the lamp. His breathing was heavy as he rolled his shoulders and tried shaking off the jitters. It was a way for him to prepare himself for what lay ahead. He touched the lamp and opened the cylinder.
“Bell Tower, Star City.”
The blue magical energy inside the orb illuminated as Rook stepped back. They watched as the blue light beamed from the lamp and onto the wall, widening until a large circle of light covered the wall entirely.
Rook and Felix stepped forward as the image of courtyard appeared within the circle. A large tower with a bell at its top was in the distance. But it wasn’t an image at all, it was Star City and that they were looking at was the Bell Tower.
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Felix exclaimed.
Rook’s eyes widened and his heart raced. He swallowed a lump in his throat. “Me neither.”
“What are you two fawning over? It’s just a dumb tower,” snapped Bishop.
Everyone turned to see Bishop standing by the basement steps. He wore his usual blue jeans, a white hoodie with a leather coat over it with its hood drawn over his head. His emergency survival kit was draped around his waist and a blue pack hung from his shoulder.
“Bishop!” Rook exclaimed.
“You didn’t think I would let you go it alone, did you?”
“I—”
“Of course I wouldn’t!” Bishop interrupted with a smile. It quickly faded as he approached Rook.
“There is something you need to know. I’m only coming with you to make sure you don’t get yourself killed. That’s it.”
“I understand,” Rook said with a smile. “Thank you, Bishop.”
“Thank me, when you’re done. Until then, let’s get this over with,” he said, walking past him and grabbing a gateway badge sitting next to the translantern.
Niles nodded as he passed, smiling softly. Deep down inside, Rook knew Bishop wouldn’t allow him to go alone, no matter how mad he was and he didn’t let him down. He felt his confidence returning, believing with Bishop by his side, he now stood a real chance. Rook held his pack tightly to his shoulders as he joined him in front of the portal on the wall.
“We go in together, we come out together,” Bishop proclaimed.
“Agreed,” said Rook. He turned to Felix and Niles. “I’ll see you soon.”
Niles and Felix both nodded as they watched Bishop and Rook pass through the portal and into Star City. Once they entered, the light from the lantern disappeared with them.
8
The Bell Tower
Stepping through the portal, Bishop and Rook arrived in the gray stone covered grounds that made up the courtyard of the Bell Tower. The tower stood before them, twenty meters high, surrounded by large trees and woods. There was no one else in sight as they admired their new surroundings and the portal closed behind them.
They were in the heart of Star City. Around the Bell Tower were different landscapes that blended with each other as far as the eye could see. Excitement overtook Rook’s nervousness as he admired the trees and the large silver bell high in the sky. Bishop, however, wasn’t impressed and seemed more irritated than he usually was.
“Check this out, Bishop! Can you believe it? They created this place using magic!”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s just a bell, Rook.”
“Oh, come on, it’s more than that. Can you create a city using magic?” Rook questioned.
“If I wanted to, yes,” Bishop answered. His tone was plain, not carrying the usual sarcastic and boisterous tone.
“You’re not serious,” Rook responded quickly.
“I am serious, and you need to be too, Rook. This isn’t a vacation to a theme park, this is life and death,” Bishop snapped, before walking toward the tower leaving Rook standing alone. “Let’s get in there.”
Rook hated to admit it, but Bishop was right. As amazing as he found Star City and the Bell Tower to be, it wasn’t a vacation. The last thing he needed to be focused on is incredible feats of magic.
He promptly followed Bishop without a word. As they approached the large wooden door that was the entrance to the tower, they saw a man in crimson robes walking toward them. He was older, with short gray hair. He wore a smile on his face as he went to greet them.
“Good morning to you,” said the man, before stopping before them. “Welcome to Star City.”
“Thank you,” said Rook, before shaking the man’s hand. �
�My name is Rook.”
“Ah yes, you are the Link. It's a pleasure to meet you, Rook,” the man greeted. “I am Parmchez White—a Guide, and I will be your guiding you around Star City until the War begins.”
Bishop shook his hand before speaking.
“The name’s Bishop. So, where’s this thing supposed to take place?”
“Oh yes, right this way, the Flame Ceremony will take place in the lower chamber of the Bell Tower and it shall commence shortly. I’ll have the ceremonial robes ready for your quarters if you would please follow me.”
Parmchez spun on his heel and walked toward the Bell Tower entrance with Rook and Bishop behind him. Entering the large wooden door and into the Bell Tower, they saw a long hallway with men and women dressed in similar robes as Parmchez walking about the large hall. Crimson carpet covered the marble floor that led to the center of the tower, showing another entrance on the other side.
As they walked, Parmchez explained the bronze statues that lined both sides of the hallway and who they represented. On the left side of the hallway were the Avatar Champions, Links who won the War with a plaque on the bottom that read their name and which War they won. On the other side, directly facing the others, were statues of the Avatars the Links used to help them win the War with silver plaques at their feet.
Rook stopped when he noticed a statue of a man that looked familiar to him. Bishop and Parmchez noticed he’d stopped and walked back to him as he admired the statue. It was his uncle. Niles Lockhart, winner of the 41st and 42nd Avatar War. The statue seemed like a different person. His shoulders were broad, his long locks of black hair flowed down his back and he wore a wide line of paint down the right side of his face. There was no mistaking it, it was Niles.
“Niles won the Avatar War? Twice?” Bishop asked, shocked at what he was reading. “Your uncle was a Link?”
“He told me about it last night, but seeing it is a whole different thing,” Rook explained. “I guess that explains why you could never touch him when you challenged him.”
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