Jack Staples and the Poet's Storm

by Mark Batterson

  Arthur seemed to search Mrs. Dumphry’s face for some sign of what she was thinking. The longer Mrs. Dumphry stayed silent, the paler he became.

  Mrs. Dumphry’s hands shook as she reached for the box. Arthur handed it to her, and for a long moment, she cradled it as if it were the most important thing in the world. “Arthur Greaves”—her voice quivered—“you have no idea what you have done.”

  “I’m sorry!” Arthur wrung his hands. “I really didn’t know. I never would have—”

  “No. You have done something that should not have been possible. You have recovered the Poet’s Coffer! We had no idea where it was or how to find it, but if the Awakened are to have any chance of surviving the Last Battle, we need it.” Mrs. Dumphry glanced toward the cavern entrance. “I’m sure it is the reason the Shadow Army has been able to track us. To their eyes, this coffer would shine like a beacon in the night. They can feel its presence.”

  “I would have told you if I’d known. I would have—”

  Mrs. Dumphry stepped forward and cupped Arthur’s chin. “You saved us all from sure death at the Assassin’s hand. And now you have done this. Arthur Greaves, I am honored to know you.” She leaned in and kissed Arthur on the cheek. He blushed so furiously, Alexia wished she had an apple handy to compare which was redder.

  “What is the Poet’s Coffer?” Jack’s eyes were glued to the box.

  “The Assassin stole it from the poet after he died. I have been searching for it for as long as I searched for you and Alexia,” Mrs. Dumphry said.

  Alexia studied the box. There was nothing fancy about it. If she’d seen it in a shop, she wouldn’t have looked twice.

  “In the old days, poets made a living traveling between cities and towns. They told stories and juggled and did acrobatics. They played music and sang songs, and when they arrived in a town or village, crowds gathered to hear their stories and watch them perform.” Mrs. Dumphry had a faraway look in her eyes. “In those days I didn’t understand their importance. Now I know a good storyteller is far more powerful than any king or queen. All poets carried a coffer with them. It was where they kept their most prized possessions.”

  “What’s inside? What was the poet carrying?” Arthur asked.

  “I have no idea.”

  “So why do we need it?” Alexia asked. “Why is it so important in the Last Battle?”

  “Because the poet told me it was.” A smile crept along the corners of Mrs. Dumphry’s lips. “Besides that, the same prophecy that speaks of you and Jack also mentions the coffer.” Her voice took on a cadence as she recited, “‘When the Awakened are destroyed and the foundations of the world have crumbled, from beneath the Assassin’s Shadow the Child of Prophecy shall open the coffer to release the Poet’s Storm.’”

  Mrs. Dumphry shook her head. “Not even the Sephari know what it means, but it is clear at least one of the Children of Prophecy will need to open the coffer. Arthur Greaves, the fact that you took the coffer is as big a blow to the Assassin as losing the Children of Prophecy, perhaps bigger.”

  Alexia snickered. She’d been wrong. It was possible for Arthur to turn an even darker shade of red.

  “Mrs. Dumphry”—Jack pulled a small leather fold from his cloak—“I think this might help you open it.” He handed her the fold. “King Edward gave it to me when we were in Buckingham Palace. His family kept it safe for thousands of years so he could give it to me. I think it will help you open the coffer.”

  “Wait. What?” Arthur interrupted. “You met the king and didn’t tell me? Did he have a crown? How can you be sure it was really him, and why would he give you an old pen anyway?”

  Mrs. Dumphry sighed as the coffer disappeared up her sleeve. “Arthur Greaves,” she said, studying the ancient quill, “wisdom and brevity are siblings. And while you have become friends with one, you have spurned the other.”

  A look of confusion crossed Arthur’s face. He opened his mouth, then promptly closed it again.

  “Jack, I would very much like to hear the story behind that pen. But I will not take it from you. If Edward’s family kept it safe so he could give it to you, then you should keep it.”

  “But don’t you want to open the coffer?”

  “No, I do not. According to the prophecy, either you or Alexia need to open it. And though it did not specify whether it could be opened more than once, we do know it must be opened after the Awakened have been destroyed and the world has crumbled.”

  “I still don’t understand,” Alexia said. “Why did you search for so long to find me and Jack when the prophecy says we will destroy the world?”

  “Because it also says you will save the world and defeat the Assassin,” Mrs. Dumphry said cheerily.

  “Mrs. Dumphry,” Jack said. “I think I remember what we’re meant to do next. At least I think I’m having the memory right now.”

  “You will have to talk once we’re on our way,” a voice called from the ledge of the cavern. It was Elion, a Sephari. Elion’s skin sparkled like diamonds, the tops of her ears were pointed, and her eye color shifted according to her mood. She was from the world of Siyyon, home of the Author and birthplace of the Assassin. Elion could fly on her own and had circled back to get a better look at the Shadow Army. “The Shadow Souled will be here soon, and I am sorry to say we must flee yet again.”

  “That be impossible,” Andreal rumbled. “They could no be coming so quickly.”

  “Only a fool questions what is, Andreal. And you are no fool,” Mrs. Dumphry said.

  “They are even wearier than we.” Elion’s eyes gathered the sunlight even as they shifted from crimson to stony gray. “But it is not just their desire to capture Jack and Alexia that has pushed them so hard.” Elion cast Mrs. Dumphry a grim look. “An Odius leads them.”

  Andreal groaned, and Wild looked fearfully at Alexia.

  “What’s an Odius?” she whispered.

  “It’s death,” he whispered back.

  “The puzzle has come together.” Mrs. Dumphry clapped her hands. “The dark army will be as afraid of the Odius as they are desperate to retrieve the Children of Prophecy and the coffer. With an Odius to lead them, they’ll not give up until they’ve captured us or died from exhaustion. Young Jack and I will discuss his plan as we fly. But we leave now. In another twenty hours or so, we should come to an Oasis. The Author willing, we will have found a way to escape by then.”

  “Though you are correct that we must leave,” Elion said, “let us wait a moment longer. I’m afraid I bring even worse news than that of the Odius.” She turned to look out of the cavern. “The Assassin’s Shadow comes. Even now it smothers the world with its embrace. I came as fast as I could so we could all stand beneath the sun together one last time. Come and drink in its light. Feel its warmth in your bones.” Elion met Alexia’s eyes as she approached the cavern mouth. “It may be the last time any of us see it again on this side of life.”

  Alexia had no idea what the Assassin’s Shadow was, but she did as she was told. The sun shone bright, and not a cloud could be seen in the noonday sky. Elion gripped Alexia’s hand and closed her eyes, turning her face to the sun.

  Alexia was about to ask what was happening, when she saw it. A vast, slithering darkness was sweeping the land. It came from the south and spanned the horizon. Dread rose in her chest as her eyes lingered on the darkness.

  “Do not waste a second watching this evil.” Elion squeezed Alexia’s hand warmly. “Turn your face to the sun and remember this moment.”

  The Awakened stood in silence as the darkness rocketed over them, swallowing the sky.

  Chapter 2

  A Memory of Things to Come

  The Assassin’s Shadow radiated despair. Jack Staples could feel its touch on his skin. Whereas the sun brought life and warmth, the Assassin’s Shadow brought only misery. From the back of his winged panther, Jack pulled h
is cloak closed. The sun is gone, and we may never see it again! It was a chilling thought.

  He glanced upward, shielding his eyes against the slithering darkness. How do we fight the sky? It hadn’t even been a full day since the darkness had come, but already he could feel its effect on his mind and body. Jack had to fight to stay positive.

  “Do not lose heart, children,” Elion called from beside him. Even beneath the slithering darkness, her skin sparkled like diamonds.

  Alexia brought her winged fox closer. Jack had recently learned that Alexia Dreager was his sister, though he hadn’t found the right time to tell her yet. He’d grown up with an older brother, Parker. But he knew now that Parker was not his real brother. For a reason he didn’t understand, Parker and Alexia had been switched at birth.

  “The Assassin only has the power you give him. Even this darkness will not touch you if you don’t allow it.” Elion spoke loudly to be heard over the wind.

  “But what is it? How could the Assassin possibly black out the sky?” Jack asked.

  “It is the Assassin’s Shadow. It is his essence. It is fear and hatred, pride and jealousy. And those who bathe in its darkness must fight to stay pure.” Elion’s eyes shifted to white gold. “I don’t know how he created it, but it was spoken of in the prophecy as his greatest weapon. I am afraid the end is near. The world won’t be able to stand beneath this darkness for more than a few days.”

  Now her eyes were deep maroon. “Take heart, Jack Staples and Alexia Dreager. The size of the enemy is far less important than the warriors’ strength of heart and will. No matter how great the darkness becomes, you must allow your lights to shine. There can be no room for fear.”

  “But I am afraid,” Jack said. “How can I not fear when everyone I know and love could be hurt or killed?”

  “You misunderstand. I am also afraid. I fear for you and Alexia.” Elion shifted her gaze to Alexia. “And I fear for the Awakened. Will they be strong enough to stand against the hordes of darkness? But I do not fear the Assassin, for he only has the power that we give him. And I do not fear his followers, for they are not evil; they are simply deceived. While the two of you still live, there is hope for this world.”

  A shiver pricked across Jack’s skin. Between one breath and the next, the world had become … pure! The slithering darkness still obscured the sky, yet the feeling of misery was gone. “What just happened?” Jack looked around.

  “The air is so clean!” Alexia gasped.

  Jack looked in wonder at the valley below. Every tree stood strong and tall, and the world was filled with color. Even without the light of the sun, the flowered fields and rich grass were beautiful.

  “Ah! It seems we have arrived at last.” Elion smiled. “It is good to be in an Oasis again! In many ways they feel similar to the world where I was born. Yet I cannot stay with you any longer.”

  “What?” Jack and Alexia said at the same time.

  “You can’t leave! We just got here,” Jack said. “Isn’t the Shadow Army still following?”

  “Yes, but there is something I must attend to.” Elion turned and flew backward as she spoke. “The Last Battle has come, and in every corner of the world, in every city, town, and village, the fighting will be fierce. On every mountaintop and in every valley, the world is raging against itself.” Elion’s eyes shifted between crimson and black.

  “But the true battle lies with the two of you. Whether or not you are successful in defeating the Assassin is the only thing that matters. So I go to raise an army to fight beside you.” Elion turned to face forward again. “So long, Jack Staples. Remember that no matter how skilled a Blades Master you become, your sword is merely a tool. Your truest weapon lies in your heart. And so long, Alexia Dreager. Remember that no matter how lonely you may feel, you are never alone. You are surrounded by friends who love you very much.”

  Without another word, Elion turned and flew back in the direction they had come. Jack looked at Alexia. She shrugged, and then her fox dropped to dart between the trees far below.

  Jack inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with pure oxygen. Whatever evil was happening in the world, inside the Oasis, there was only good. Just being here made him feel better. The place radiated energy. He still needed sleep, but his mind was working quicker, and the aches in his muscles were beginning to fade. His winged panther circled down and landed in a small clearing. Jack stepped down and patted her.

  When they’d left the cavern, Jack told Mrs. Dumphry of his new memory. She’d listened until he was done and for a long time hadn’t said a word. Finally she’d smiled and said, “You have come up with a very good plan.” Before Jack could respond, she’d flown ahead. Now that they’d arrived at the Oasis, Jack was more nervous than ever.

  Within seconds, the Oasis was stirring like a kicked anthill. Everywhere he looked, people ran this way and that, carrying armloads of supplies as animals darted between them. A feeling of desperation settled around Jack as he watched. Can they escape in time, or will every one of them die today?

  “Child, I need you to go pick up that tree.”

  Jack turned to see Mrs. Dumphry climbing down from her elephant. She stood and placed her fists in the small of her back and cracked it loudly.

  “You want me to pick up a tree?” he said slowly.

  “Yes. We will need that tree if we are to save these people.”

  “I don’t understand. How can I pick up a tree?”

  Mrs. Dumphry snorted. “You can’t, of course. It’s a ridiculous request.”

  “They why did you just—”

  “A true leader does not carry what is not meant for him. Try and you’ll be crushed as sure as a feather beneath a mountain. You are not responsible for what happens to these people. I suggest you start working on what you are responsible for and leave the rest to those who are meant to carry it.” Mrs. Dumphry’s birdlike eyes never blinked as she spoke.

  “But I don’t know if it will work,” Jack admitted. “What if I’m not strong enough? I wasn’t trying to come up with a plan; I was just telling you what I remembered. Except I don’t even know if I remember! What if I try and nothing happens?”

  “There is no shame in trying and failing. But to never try for fear of failure is the greatest shame on earth.”

  “It’s not that I won’t try,” Jack said. “I’ll do my best, I promise. But if … if I fail, every one of us will die.”

  “Well, then”—Mrs. Dumphry winked—“I suppose you had better not fail.” She chuckled as if she’d made a grand joke, then turned and stalked toward the gathering crowd.

  Jack hadn’t noticed the hundreds of Awakened arriving behind them as they spoke. It looked as if every member of the Oasis had crowded in the clearing. All were laden with bedrolls, blankets, food; and by the looks on their faces, they were afraid.

  Jack tried to shove down the anxiety rising inside him. He knew what was about to happen. The Assassin’s minions would descend on this place of beauty and peace, and unless these people were able to sneak away, every one of them would be captured or killed. As for the Oasis, he didn’t know what would happen, but he was sure it would be bad.

  Mrs. Dumphry stepped forward. “My name is Mrs. Dumphry, and you should know that ten thousand Shadow Souled are on their way and will arrive soon.”

  Whimpering children clutched parents as adults shifted uncomfortably, yet none spoke. All eyes stayed glued on Mrs. Dumphry.

  “You are not who you used to be,” she continued. “You are members of the Awakened and far from helpless. Three hundred leagues to the east, you will find a Great Oasis where the Awakened are gathering by the hundreds of thousands. Many of you have felt it in your hearts, a tugging, that feeling of something drawing you away. Just as that feeling brought you here, it will guide you in all things. It is one of the ways the Author communicates with us. If you feel it now, it is because he
is calling you to the Great Oasis.”

  Many in the crowd nodded as if they had indeed felt something.

  “Your journey will be treacherous, but be strong and have courage.” Mrs. Dumphry walked through the gathered crowd. “Look out for each other. The world has become far more dangerous than it once was. Do not give in to despair. In the midst of darkness, you are the light. But be wary! Just as this Oasis stands with you, you will find Quagmires that have joined the Assassin. No matter how far you must travel to go around them, do not under any circumstances enter a Quagmire. To do so would be a quick and brutal death. Now stay strong and keep together!”

  “Does this mean you won’t be coming with us?” A small, shaggy-haired man stepped forward. “I’d hoped you might lead us there.”

  “No.” Mrs. Dumphry shook her head. “You will be far safer if we don’t travel with you.” She placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Both of the Children of Prophecy are with us. The Shadow Souled will not stop until they are captured or dead.”

  Gasps erupted from the gathered crowd. Every eye fixed on the four children—Wild, Alexia, Arthur, and Jack. The crowd was clearly trying to ascertain which two were the Children of Prophecy. Each face showed a mixture of fear and wonder.

  The prophecy says we will destroy them. It says we will destroy the whole world. Jack shared an uneasy look with Alexia. They’re right to be afraid. Yet the prophecy also said they would defeat the Assassin and save the world. It didn’t make a lick of sense, and even the Council of Seven didn’t pretend to understand it.