The Tear of Gramal

by Phillip Jones

  Before she could finish taking it off, Shamand’s voice rose to a level that Clanny had never heard directed toward her. “Do not remove the Tear from around your neck! To do so, would cause all Isorians harm!” His voice softened. “You must be selfless and serve. This is larger than you ... larger than us.”

  Medolas and Clandestiny looked at each other. Confused, Medolas shrugged and then responded, “Great One, what would become of our people?”

  Shamand reached out. “Clanny, show me to your bed.” Medolas followed. Once Shamand was seated, the children plopped onto the bed and crossed their legs.

  Shamand removed the hood of his cape and scratched the top of his head. After a long silence, he answered. “If the Tear was removed from above Clanny’s heart for an extended period of moments, our people would suffer. The Tear can only rest above the heart of one who wishes no ill will. If it was to rest above the heart of a wicked being, the result of this abuse could take many forms.”

  Medolas could only watch as the magnitude of Shamand’s revelation burdened Clandestiny’s face. The understanding that she was the only reason her people could maintain their way of life was unbearable.

  Clanny’s voice trembled as she uttered a response. “W … wh … why must I suffer this injustice? Why must I give up all I desire? I don’t want to bear this burden.”

  “Nor did I want this burden to befall you,” Shamand responded.

  “Then take the Tear from me and place it above your heart, Father. You’re a good man.”

  “I cannot.” Shamand reached out and took hold of Clandestiny’s hand. “Without a blessing by the priestess, my shortcomings would effect the crystal’s ability to protect our people. Unknown wickedness would befall us.”

  “I don’t believe you!” Clanny snapped.

  “It matters not!” Shamand snapped back.

  Clanny crossed her arms in a huff. “I’m listening!”

  Shamand took a few deep breaths. “As I have said, I cannot bear your burden. The removal of the crystal from your skin for an extended series of moments would deliver an end to your own life’s source. You cannot run from this responsibility. You must live a life of service to the Isor now that the Tear has been placed about your neck.”

  Clandestiny took a moment to gather her thoughts. She stood from the bed and moved to take a perceived position of power in front of Shamand. “Father, how dare you allow me to put the crystal above my heart. How could the one who claims to love me most allow me to accept this responsibility? If I were to remove the Tear, how long would it be before I pass?”

  Shamand’s scarred face fought back the sadness that threatened to escape his eyes and sat in silence for a short series of moments before he responded. “To do so, would bring your end within 10 seasons.”

  “Father ... clearly, my faith in you was misplaced! What else have you failed to disclose?”

  Medolas cringed, hearing Clanny’s tone. He knew what was coming and moved to the far corner of the bed as he watched Shamand stand. The strong Isorian towered over Clandestiny’s petite frame. Shamand’s tone was harsh. “Young lady, silence your tongue! You will show me the respect the wisdom of my 684 seasons commands! Now sit! And never question my love for you again!”

  As Clanny moved to take a seat near Medolas, Shamand moved toward the desk and turned around once his hand touched the table top. “When the High Priestess blessed Thoomar nearly 20 seasons ago, it was agreed upon by the Council of the Seven that when the moment was right, Thoomar would become our new king. The council passed a law that the Tear of Gramal must be worn by someone sitting on the throne or someone who was to ascend to the throne.

  “The council believed the Tear’s power, and the responsibility the Tear commanded, should only be worn by someone with this esteemed position. It was not until after this law had been in effect that you were born, Clanny. Try to imagine my consternation when the High Priestess arrived, only to announce your heart was the only one pure enough to accept her blessing. She said, ‘Only this child may bear the responsibility of the Tear’s endowment when Thoomar passes.’”

  Shamand moved his hand around until he found the chair. After taking a seat, he continued. “Burdens often find us when we are least prepared. I have also carried many burdens for our people. You’re my daughter. You’re proud, strong, and possess a gift that should be cherished, not mourned. As the seasons pass, you shall become one with the Tear and be loved by our people.”

  As Shamand continued to speak, he would divulge many secrets of the Tear—secrets the children refused to hear as they prepared to run. Clanny silently folded the blanket from her bed and handed Medolas her pillow. She tucked the blanket under her arm and then grabbed his hand. Without a word, both children tiptoed from the room. The moment had come for them to flee, just as Medolas had requested for nearly a season. Exiting the home through the main hole, they darted across the tundra.

  Moments later, Shamand realized he was alone. He began to call out for their return.

  The children could hear Shamand shouting as they leapt over the hole leading down into Clanny’s room. It was not long before they disappeared into the darkness.

  CHAPTER 4

  Ring of Fire

  NOW … FELLOW SOUL … I’M SURE YOU CAN IMAGINE the anger Shamand felt as he sat in the confines of his home waiting for his assistant, Doejess, to retrieve him for Thoomar’s passing. The whole way to the platform where Thoomar had been laid to light the fire, Shamand vented his frustration, commanding Doejess to guide him faster.

  Doejess had always been nervous while leading Shamand under normal circumstances, but sprinting with an angry, old, blind man across the rough shelves of ice covering the city was the guide’s definition of insanity. Shamand tripped and fell on six occasions before they arrived at the platform, and on each, he cursed Doejess.

  I should tell you, only those Isorians with royal bloodlines received a passing ceremony by fire. Since wood was scarce, it was expensive, and had to be imported from Southern Grayham. Because of this, common Isorians were thrown into the ocean from atop the icy cliffs south of Hydroth. Their bodies were weighted so they sunk, and though it was never discussed, the people knew their loved ones were devoured by predators that lived within the waters of Utopia.

  For those Isorians who did burn, their bodies were placed on a platform nearly 20 paces above the ice. There were two sub-platforms directly below the main level that reinforced the structure. This was to ensure their bodies were fully consumed by fire before the towers collapsed onto the ice. The council did not want the ice to melt and create an early end to their ceremonies.

  Since the Isorian people were affected by heat, they had to sit in special grandstands that were chiseled more than 100 paces away from the platform. Just as you would have seen in the arenas of Southern Grayham, the nobles sat in boxes tended by servants until the ceremonies were over.

  Fellow soul … let us return to the story when Shamand and Doejess arrived at the royal box where Blandina, Shiver, the Frigid Commander, and the ruby eyed child were waiting.

  As soon as Shamand and Doejess stepped through the archway, Shamand listened to the voices of those present to get a sense of where everyone was. He pulled his arm free of Doejess’ grip. “Release me, fool … unless you intend to trip me again!”

  Doejess tried to object, but Shamand sent him away. “Be gone with you!”

  Satisfied that his irritation had left, Shamand called for the Frigid Commander to guide him to his chair. Once seated, he patted the cushion of the seat next to him. “Sit, Commander. We have business to discuss.”

  Darosen nodded. “As you wish, My Liege.”

  Seeing Shamand’s distress, Blandina leaned forward in her chair. “What angers you, Shamand?”

  The advisor cringed at the sound of Blandina’s voice and then pulled the hood of his cape back. “I told Clandestiny her hand was to be given to Shiver, but I fear this news has fallen on rebellious ears. My daughter has
run away with Medolas. My neighbors search for them now.”

  Blandina rolled her eyes. “Did you expect your daughter to be pleased, Shamand? No young woman wants a union she doesn’t choose.”

  The embarrassment Shiver felt could be seen as his mother continued. “I wouldn’t worry about Clandestiny. Your neighbors will find her, and if they don’t, the commander can organize a search.”

  Seeing the stone cold look on Shamand’s face, Blandina offered further encouragement. “Clandestiny is a brilliant girl. I’m sure she’ll come to understand the wisdom behind a union with my son. She’ll accept her responsibility to the people. I wouldn’t fret over her disappearance. Besides, where could they go?”

  Ignoring Blandina, Shamand called for Shiver. The future king stood from his seat and moved to stand in front of his advisor. “I want you to go, boy. Wait for me at the platform. We’ll light the fire of your father’s passing together.”

  “I want him with me,” Blandina objected. “I should be the one to light the fire with my son.”

  Shamand reached forward and secured Shiver’s arm. With his other hand, he reached up and grabbed the back of the boy’s neck and squeezed. “I said go!”

  Without looking in his mother’s direction, Shiver did as he was told. Once the child was gone, Shamand turned his head in Blandina’s direction. “Because of your hatred for Thoomar, I won’t allow you the pleasure of lighting his pyre.”

  “This isn’t for you to decide,” Blandina rebutted.

  Shamand stood from his chair and snapped his fingers.

  The Frigid Commander moved to his side.

  Once his hand rested on Darosen’s shoulder, Shamand responded. “Your son is to be king, but don’t doubt my position. Your influence over Shiver stops with me.”

  Blandina stood from her chair and crossed her arms. “We shall see about that.”

  Seeing that Shamand’s resolve would not bend, Blandina softened her voice. “Perhaps we should search for a way to find peace between us. After all … our children are to be united. Fighting gets us nowhere.”

  Shamand shook his head, “How can Clandestiny be expected to see wisdom in a marriage she’ll despise. I also fail to see wisdom in this union. My daughter can bear the burden of the Tear without marrying your son. I won’t take her happiness from her and also watch her suffer the Tear’s curse. Shiver will be an unwed king until he takes another bride from some other clan.”

  Blandina’s face tightened. “There’s no other with Clandestiny’s beauty. You don’t have the authority to override the council. Law is law, and as mother of this kingdom’s future sovereign, you’ll conform. Clandestiny will marry my son, and you can’t do anything to stop it.”

  Chuckling, Shamand responded. “Woman … I am the council.”

  “Is that so?” Blandina looked at Darosen. “Do you agree, Commander?”

  Darosen nodded. “Shamand’s voice falls heavily upon the council’s ears, My Lady. They’ll listen to him.”

  Grinning, Shamand added, “The only man who had a voice more powerful than mine passed while saving the ruby eyed child.” The advisor’s voice turned cold. “I assure you, the law governing the Tear will change. I won’t offer Clandestiny to your son.”

  Without listening for Blandina’s response, the advisor turned his head in Gablysin’s direction. “After the commander guides me to the platform, I want you to sing a song fit for the departure of my old friend. Once complete, Shiver and I shall light the fire to free Thoomar’s soul.”

  Gablysin nodded and then lowered his burgundy eyes to the floor, “I understand, Great One.”

  Shamand motioned for the Frigid Commander to take him away.

  Once he was out of earshot, Blandina scoffed, “I hope you fall off the platform!”

  Meanwhile, A Great Distance West of Hydroth

  Dropping her blanket, Clandestiny fell onto the ice, her chest heaving. “Medolas, wait! I can go no further!”

  Medolas stopped running and returned to Clandestiny’s side. He put the pillow on the ice and sat on top of it. After catching his breath, he responded. “We must keep moving. They’ll be searching for us. We need to hide where they’ll fail to search.”

  Clandestiny reached forward and pulled Medolas’ knife free of its sheath. She chipped the ice and then placed the chunks in her mouth. She responded only after her thirst was quenched. “Where should we go? I can think of no place my father wouldn’t seek for us.”

  Medolas lowered to his back and pulled the pillow beneath his head. After pondering a moment, he rolled to his side and propped his head up with his right arm. “Thoomar mentioned the Ko-dess. They’d never think to look for us there. We can learn to avoid the abomination and exist in its territory.”

  Clandestiny gasped. “You’d have us run toward greater danger? The Ko-dess would steal our life’s sources. I don’t want to be eaten by an abomination, Medolas.”

  “Spoken like a girl,” Medolas chuckled as he rolled onto his back. “Do you think your father would allow you to stand before the Ko-dess if the creature intended to feast on your flesh?” He bent his right leg and then placed his left foot on his knee so he could scratch the bottom of it. “Helmep has granted you the gift of exaggeration.”

  “Leave Helmep out of this!” she snapped.

  Before Medolas could respond, a noise filled their ears. The children quieted and stared into the darkness. Two glowing eyes were headed in their direction at a rapid pace. Medolas jumped to his feet and retrieved his knife out of Clandestiny’s hand. He took a stance and prepared to strike.

  A moment later, the creature’s mass came into view. Clandestiny’s sudwal was panting. His tiny legs were nearly worn out from chasing them this far. Clanny smiled. “Medolas, look. It’s Sajeen. How adorable.”

  After watching the sudwal flop down at Clanny’s feet, Medolas responded. “Sajeen, you frightened us.” He lifted the blade and pointed it at the dog. “You nearly met your end.”

  Stroking the sudwal’s head, Clandestiny added, “It appears we’ll have other companionship now. A little something from home will be pleasant. I must remember to thank Helmep for his gift in my prayers.”

  Medolas reached out and patted Sajeen’s fluffy back. “I wouldn’t call Sajeen little. I can’t believe his roundness allowed him to run this far. Helmep must have sent him to us for a reason.”

  No sooner did Medolas finish his statement when another noise was heard. Once again, the children stared into the darkness. “Who do you think it is?” Clanny whispered.

  “Shhh,” Medolas ordered. “Be quiet.”

  Two forms materialized. They were large, imposing, and possessed mouths filled with razor-sharp fangs. The snowhounds were gnashing their teeth as they crept toward their prey.

  “We cannot outrun them,” Medolas whispered. “They’ll surely end us.”

  Clandestiny grabbed the back of Medolas’ arm. “Meddy, what do we do? They must have followed Sajeen’s scent.”

  Without another word, Medolas grabbed the sudwal out of Clandestiny’s arms. He stabbed Sajeen with his knife, just deep enough to allow blood to flow. Clandestiny screamed as Medolas tossed the sudwal onto the ice. The dog slid toward the snowhounds and passed between them. As expected, Sajeen panicked and started to run.

  Smelling the blood on the dog’s fur, the snowhounds gave chase.

  Medolas grabbed Clandestiny’s hand and shouted, “Run!”

  The children fled. It was not long before they heard the yelp of Sajeen’s demise.

  King Shiver Veelion’s Throne Room

  5 Peaks of Bailem have Passed

  The Frigid Commander entered the undercastle and made his way to the throne room. Upon entering, he removed the hood of his cape and bowed to his new sovereign. “My King, last night’s coronation was a grand celebration. Be assured, I will serve you well. How does it feel to sit at the head of this kingdom?”

  Standing to the right of the throne, Shamand spoke before Shiver co
uld. “Do you bring word of Clandestiny, Commander?” Familiar with his surroundings, Shamand’s blindness was not an impediment in this part of the undercastle. The advisor walked down seven of the twelve steps leading away from the throne as he continued. “She isn’t safe with only Medolas to protect her. Tell me you have word.”

  Darosen lowered to one knee and bowed his head. “My Liege, there are 11 search parties with more than 30 heads in each. The wilderness is vast. Finding her will take more moments than have transpired since her departure. If only I was authorized to assemble additional parties.”

  Turning on the step, Shamand bowed in Shiver’s direction. “My King, with your permission, I’d like to double the search.”

  Darosen looked up to see Shiver’s reaction. The look on Shiver’s face was exactly what the commander expected. He knew this was Shiver’s first opportunity as king to give a command. Darosen lowered his head to hide his smile and enjoyed the child’s awkwardness.

  Shiver pondered for many moments. Instead of answering, he stood from his throne and walked down the steps. He stopped next to Shamand. The king whispered in his advisor’s ear, “What would you have me say, and how should I say it?”

  Shamand smiled and whispered his reply. “Go back to your throne and say this: I think doubling the search is a fine idea, Lord Shamand. The return of Clandestiny is this kingdom’s highest priority. Carry on.” As Shiver turned to reclaim his throne, Shamand tapped him on the shoulder. The child stopped and listened. “Say these things with authority, boy.”

  Though Shamand could not see it, Shiver nodded. The boy walked up the steps with his chest pushed forward. Upon reaching the throne, he turned and saw his mother as she crept into the room. The young king gave Blandina a smile and then looked past Shamand toward Darosen whose head remained bowed. “Rise, Commander,” Shiver ordered in the most authoritative voice a boy of 16 seasons could muster. “The return of Clandestiny is this kingdom’s priority. Double the search, and...” The child thought a moment, then added. “I shall accompany you.”