Bridgeworlds: Rise of the Magi

by Randy Blackwell

  She kicked at the floor like a child in a temper tantrum. “But the more I run from him, the more he comes after me. He really is relentless.”

  Ischus looked at Protos. “I believe the time has come, Protos. I don’t think she can stay here any longer. We must show her the book and tell her about the quest ahead of her. You know it too, don’t you?”

  Protos closed his eyes and nodded his head.

  “You mean you have more secrets?" Kasey demanded. "You better spill it, guys. I’m tired of all these secrets. I see you both as my brothers, and I don’t need my family keeping me in the dark.”

  Ischus only hesitated a moment longer. “We only did what the Master commanded, Kasey, waiting for the right time. I think the time is finally here. Follow us.”

  They led the way into Ischus’ guest quarters. Ischus asked an ’Am Mayim to stand watch at his door. Ischus shut and locked the door. Then he pulled out an old book and set it on top of his bed. The words on the cover were written in Greek.

  “And? Is this supposed to be something special?” Kasey snapped.

  “Before we left Musterion that was a leather-bound book that said Die Ganze Heilige Schrift on the front of it. That's German, an Earth language. But it’s been transformed here. The language on the cover is now Greek, the old tongue of Soterion. The real surprise, though, is what happens when you hold it in your hand for any amount of time.”

  Kasey picked it up. She watched as it transformed from a book into a 13-foot-tall sword glowing light blue. Kasey cried out and almost dropped it, but it was as light as air. Her eyes glistened as she turned it in her hands. “Machaira ho he to Pneuma,” she breathed, flipping from the Alpha symbol on one side of the hilt and the Omega symbol on the other side.

  Ischus nodded. “Yes, Kasey. It’s the Sword of the Spirit.”

  Her face filled with awe. “I must take this back through Musterion and into the land of the spirit where Gabriyel sent me. With this sword, I could defeat the Dark Lord.” The more she turned it in her hand, the more her face glowed with delight.

  Protos shook his head. “It is forbidden, Kasey. Your orders are specific as to what you’re to do with it.”

  Ischus nodded. “This sword belongs to someone here on Soterion. You’ll need to search him out. When you find him, give him the sword. This sword is not yours. You cannot take it to Musterion or go anywhere else with it. There is a war brewing on Soterion, and it is imperative that we get this sword to the one who knows what to do with it.

  “There are critical things you must know, Kasey, before you start your journey. Satan, or the Dark Lord that you knew of when you battled alongside the angels has a different manifestation here on Soterion. He will not be known to you despite your previous experience. He is now “The Great Red Dragon” and he’s a shape shifter, a liar, a deceiver, and a sorcerer. He’s battling to take total control of Soterion and rule it by his wicked powers. There are many who are already struggling against his vile intentions, but they need a weapon that will overcome his power. This book -- rather, this sword -- is that weapon. But be on your guard. The sword’s presence here is a challenge to his kingdom, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep you from delivering it.”

  Kasey sighed. “I understand, and I’ll carry this burden. You can be sure that I’ll find this person and deliver the sword. Do we have any idea at all where this mystery person might be?”

  Protos shook his head. “All I know is that he’s a carpenter. I don’t know where or even how you’ll be able to find him. I’m confident that the Master will guide you in your journey. We’ll pray for you that you succeed.” Protos didn't try to hide his deep concern. “But it’s a good time to go now to keep Myles away from you.”

  Kasey looked as if she’d swallowed a bitter pill. “I do understand the mission, and I’ll do as the Master wills. Will you accompany me to the mainland? I have a request of you once we get there. It’ll require that you leave the island for at least a short time.”

  Protos knew that her request would violate the rules they had agreed to. Still, he replied, “I’ll do what you wish if I can, dear sister.”

  21

  Ariana

  Myles opened his eyes and realized that he was in bed in his room, a pleasant thought for him after what he’d been through. As he tried to stretch and throw off his sleepiness, however, he found that he couldn’t move or even feel his left arm. In panic, he looked down and was relieved to see it was still there. Omar must have numbed it, he thought.

  He felt different then, like he’d been awakened from a long sleep or had just been released from a cage. It was a joy that comes from escaping the claws of death. He felt like he was on top of the world. Not bad, he thought, for a guy who’d just been attacked by some dragon creature and dragged down a deep hole.

  He began wondering how he’d gotten out of there and ended up in his own bed when he suddenly heard a giggle. He looked around in reaction to the sound, but no one was there. Then a female voice said, “You really should’ve stayed out of the jungle rather than go in there alone. Bad things happen there, you know.”

  Before Myles had time to ask any questions, a Nepsah appeared right in front of him, flying just above his head. She had long flowing red hair, light blue eyes, and pale skin. She was dressed in flowers with petals for a dress and leaves for a blouse. She had a look of confidence and mischief about her, but she was also beautiful.

  Myles gave her a skeptical look and inquired, “Who are you and why are you in my room?”

  In her crystal voice she said, “My name is Ariana. At the moment I’m flying, and this seemed like a nice place to fly. It was quiet until a moment ago.” Then with an impish smile she landed on his chest, walked up to his face, and poked his nose. “By the way, I am not a Musterling as you so commonly refer to them. I found the Magi here on this island, and I would like to join your order.”

  Myles shook his head in disbelief. His eyes betrayed his curiosity as he asked, “Are you saying that you’re from the mainland?”

  Ariana nodded.

  Myles decided this was a moment for deep thought so he reached for his pipe, managed to put some tobacco in it one-handed, and lit it with a match. He blew out smoke rings. Ariana flew up and zipped through them. Myles laughed at her antics and said, “Hey, if you came here from the mainland, how come the ’Am Mayim haven’t spotted you?”

  “Now what good are secrets if you have to tell them?”

  Okay, are you just cute or are you dangerous? He’d gotten just a little more suspicious of cute things after his encounter with the lizard creature. He watched her flitter above him and wondered why she needed to keep secrets. He sat up with his left arm still dangling by his side.

  Ariana giggled again watching him struggle with his numb arm and admitted, “I’ve been watching you all for about a year and a half. You see, in the past I’d visit here often to clear my mind. Then, suddenly, one day there’s this tower and all these people walking around like they own the place.”

  “So after a year and a half of spying on us you decided to just walk into my bedroom and ask to join us, huh?”

  “Aren’t you one of their leaders, sir? Can't you make that decision?”

  “Well, yeah I am.” Talk about a weird wake-up call. “But it’s a co-leadership. You must be clever, by the way, I admit that, but that kind of cleverness sure doesn’t lend itself to building trust. Why didn’t you just introduce yourself from the beginning?”

  She threw her hands up and zipped around his head. “I didn’t know who you were when I first found you. I didn’t know if you were safe or what your intentions were. But, I’ve decided that you’re safe now.”

  “Who’s to say that you won’t reveal all our secrets to the rest of Soterion? We’re trying to be discreet so that we don’t frighten others and can find a way to build a good relationship with everyone. First impressions are everything, you know.” Myles felt that he’d given a smooth answer and charmed her a little. But he w
asn’t trying to con her. He genuinely wanted to learn more about her. “How can we be sure you’re telling the truth?”

  “Oh, that’s easy. I’ll stand on the 'Rock of Truth' and promise to never reveal the secrets of the Magi.”

  “Rock of Truth? What’s the Rock of Truth?”

  “Hah-ha! Funny you don't know about the Rock of Truth! It's right outside the tower, just a little to the east. I’m sure you’ve seen that large rock jutting out of the ground there. Well, that’s The Rock of Truth.”

  Just then there was a knock on Myles’ door. Ariana winked at Myles and put her finger against her mouth. “Shhh!” She disappeared. Myles sighed. “Come in!”

  Omar stepped in, looking around. “I thought I heard voices in here.”

  Ariana appeared right in his face and let out a big, “Boo!”

  Omar dropped the medical supplies he carried. Ariana collapsed on the ground, giggling and pointing at Omar while he began to gather up the supplies. As he watched her antics, Omar observed, “You’re not one of my Magi.”

  Ariana clapped her hands. “Five points for you!”

  “So who are you?”

  Myles spoke up. “This is Ariana, and she wants to be a Magi when she grows up.”

  Ariana jumped up and down in front of Omar, stretching up her arms like a toddler wanting to be picked up. “Can I? Can I? Huh, can I?”

  “We’ll see,” Omar frowned. He turned to Myles. “How are you feeling, partner?”

  Ariana jumped up onto Omar’s robes and hung upside down from the rope belt at his waist. Myles was trying to not be distracted by her antics. “I, uh… my arm is numb. I can’t feel a thing right now. I thought I’d lost it at first—”

  Ariana let out a “Wheeee,” as she swung back and forth from Omar’s belt.

  Omar continued speaking to Myles. “If you keep it up, you might really lose a limb someday.”

  “Ew, that’s gross,” shouted Ariana as she climbed farther up Omar’s robe.

  “Do you mind?” Omar snapped.

  Ariana flashed perfect teeth. “Not at all!” She climbed up and sat on his shoulder. “So, when can I join?”

  Omar sighed as he rolled his eyes. “You’re testing my patience.”

  “I sure hope you pass the test! But I wouldn’t worry if I were you. You’re a smart boy!” She flew up and patted him on the head.

  Peel-off suddenly came into the room to assist Omar, and Ischus followed close behind him. Peel-off suddenly dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “You’re Majesty, I’m sorry to interrupt. I wasn’t aware that you were on the island.”

  Ariana giggled at the confusion on Omar and Myles' faces.

  Omar noticed that she wore the same signet ring that Seux had been wearing back in Musterion. Seux's crazed confession. No one except Kleis was able to decipher all of what Seux had said when Myles had threatened him. Omar had asked Kleis to write it all down and give him a report on it. Omar had been particularly interested in Seux's claim that he was from a future Soterion where he was second-in-command of the Magi.

  Kleis and Omar had considered back then that Seux’s ramblings might actually be true. Seux had exhibited skills that the Magi hadn’t even been taught yet, and which didn’t exist on Soterion yet either. Now here was this female Nepsah with the same signet ring, and Peel-off had just claimed she was a queen.

  Omar went to one knee, remembering his lessons about royal protocol. “My apologies, your Majesty, I didn’t realize you were the Queen of Caelsis. Please tell me why you would wish to honor the Magi with your membership in the order.”

  Ariana's demeanor changed. Accepting his show of humility, she descended to a place where she could talk eye to eye. “Well, dear Omar, let me explain. You see, this island is mine; it resides within my kingdom. When I first discovered your presence, I almost brought my armies to give you the proper greeting for a trespasser who’d imposed himself on me. There are protocols for acquiring a land deed from me or making any Barony request. I wasn't happy that you’d just taken control of my island and built a tower.

  “In my initial anger I consulted the Elder. He is a Remmy who is the oldest creature alive on Soterion, to my knowledge, and was the first Monarch of Soterion. I also consulted Erestar Lurin, who is a neighboring leader of the Raphad. Erestar, though young and a new leader, is wise beyond his years. He suggested that I have you watched to observe your practices and find out why you’d risk your life in this way when your warriors were only eighty-five strong. Over time we learned that you had committed this act out of ignorance and not in malice. I intended to continue this observation from the inside, as a member of the Order, to learn more. That’s why I acted as I did when I revealed myself to Myles. If Peel-off hadn’t walked in and exposed me, I would have continued to disguise my true identity for quite some time.

  “I even discovered that you, Omar, as well as Myles, were from a different planet all together. Your purposes seemed to be peaceful here, despite your intense training in battle skills from the Miyka called Kasey. I’ve come to enjoy watching your training and find that I would now like to be formally added to the Order of the Magi. You have many valuable things to offer. I assure you that you have no concerns about whether we will expose you before it is time. Only Erestar, the Elder, and I know of your presence, and you will find that the three of us are quite adept at keeping secrets.”

  Omar bowed again to show his appreciation for her protection. Myles was surprised by the fact that he appeared to be accepting her into the Order. Omar didn’t notice his questioning gaze. Myles wondered what distracted him when Omar spoke up again. “Your Majesty, may I ask you how you’re related to Seux?”

  Adriana started. “Explain your question.”

  Omar smiled. “We met Seux in Musterion when he came to us and asked to join the Magi. At first, he seemed nervous and acted as though he was hiding something. Myles even accused him of lying to us because it was so obvious. When he finally opened up to us, he claimed that he was from the future of Soterion and that he was a prince of Caelsis.”

  “He’s my brother and he’s dear to me. We’ve been through a lot together and, yes, he’s the second in the kingdom of Caelsis.”

  “Thank you, your Majesty. He also claimed that he was a Magi in the future Soterion and was the second in command of the Magi in his time. We shouldn't reveal this to him because I don’t want to change the course of the future. But please send for him now. Since this is your land, I’d like to sit down with you and Seux and work out some kind of covenant that we can both benefit from before you join the Magi.”

  “Agreed. But I must tell you that Erestar will be arriving here today. I sent a message to him telling him about you and your order, and he is interested in joining also. The Raphad rule the lands adjoining mine, and they would be a powerful ally for the Magi, though I doubt more of them will ever want to join. The Raphad tend to stick to mastering the arts of war and diplomacy for their own purposes.”

  “Then I guess we should wait for Erestar’s arrival.”

  Myles watched Omar charm the queen and win her cooperation. Wow, he’s becoming a skilled con man.

  22

  Like a Son

  Thanatos had made this journey with hesitation, but he knew it was necessary. He now approached Mt. Drakonge and braced himself for the meeting, knowing that the master would be furious that he’d failed. He didn’t have Gabriyel’s powers of teleportation so it had taken him some time to find an alternate passage into Soterion after Kasey had banished him from Musterion. The news he brought would also be late, not allowing the master much time to make plans. He did not look forward to this meeting.

  The Great Red Dragon required upon entering his lands that visitors take human form. As he stood before the volcano basking in the warmth of fresh lava flowing down its side, he tried to form some idea of what the master would say or do.

  The Drakoni guards at the front gates of the citadel scowled at him. They knew the power that he
had and how he had a much higher standing with the master than they did. Blind ambition consumed everyone in this wretched place. Even these guards were no exception. They knew of his failure. He could see it in their sneers. Thanatos approached one of them, backhanding it. It shied away, hissing at him. Both of them cowered and groveled before him, as they should have done from the first. He laughed and savored the sense of power.

  After he’d entered the gates, he took the passage directly to the Great Red Dragon’s den. When he opened the giant doors, he beheld the greatest mountain of treasure he’d ever seen. The light from the torches in the chamber brought forth reflections from all the gold. Thanatos, however, had no use for gold. He much preferred collecting minions and having power, so he concentrated all his efforts on that. It was the custom to bring the master a gift when entering his lands, so he took a jagged obsidian sword from the sheath at his side and laid it before the sleeping Dragon. He’d given this sword the power to kill on contact anyone it cut and then re-animate the corpse, giving the one who wielded the sword total control of the new minion.

  The dragon opened its eyes and examined the gift. It spoke in Thanatos’ mind. “This is a good weapon. It is a good gift and an acceptable apology for the mistake that you’ve made.”

  “Sire, my own minion failed me. I’m terribly sorry.”

  “That is your problem. You put too much trust in your minions, Thanatos. And because of that, the Sword of the Spirit is here on Soterion. It must never reach Suchikos. If the carpenter gets the sword, I will make sure that things don’t go well for you. For now, you will stay here on Soterion. I want you to reside in the swamps of Caelsis and remain there until I’ve acquired the sword. Take leadership of the Haspen who are there and prepare them for battle, but do nothing that would reveal my presence here.”