The Lost Relics Box Set

by LJ Andrews

  Feeling frustrated that it was taking longer than anticipated he turned and glanced back at the armoire the creatures had rushed into. The two wooden doors were the only other doors he could find in the room. Shuffling over he stepped over several laundry fairies, which smugly ignored him. Scanning the tall wooden structure, he opened and closed the doors often, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Killian slammed the doors closed finally in frustration. Once closed, he noticed the strange keyhole, or what should’ve been a keyhole. A round gray button was underneath the handle. Feeling heat prickle his neck something inside him urged him to push it.

  Nervously pressing the small button, he saw the armoire shift and change with loud clangs and cracks from breaking wood. The thick wooden doors melded together, until smooth, shining steel replaced them. The armoire was no more, but a normal, Terrenian elevator was displayed in its place. The Praetorium elevators were glass boxes with steel doors, completely managed by neurotransmitters from a human being. They didn’t run on an up and down pulley system as the Terrenian’s, they rushed freely behind the wall in every direction until the passenger was delivered exactly where they desired to go.

  Killian had used the advanced travel system so long it was strange and uneventful to see an old elevator car in front of him. He recognized the button pad next to the steel doors, but instead of an up and down arrow button, it only had down. It was unbelievable he could go any further down into the vast depths of the underground.

  He stepped inside the car and began the journey downward. The elevator lurched and creaked, along. The ride was not near as swift or smooth compared to the glass boxes behind the walls. Finally, the car stopped with a great lunge and the doors parted. The room before him was empty, and bitterly cold. Frost coating the walls left behind a thin film of growing ice. Killian didn’t see any cells as he thought he would, but there was a thick iron door bolted with five different latches. There were no keys to unlock the bolts, but next to each was a button with a strange symbol engraved on the surface. He sighed, how was he supposed to open the latches? It couldn’t be as simple as pressing each one, but he tried it anyway. Nothing happened though he could see his breath now. Shivering again, he tried to focus on the right order.

  His hands were numb by the third combination he tried. Above him he heard the cracking of ice. Long sharp icicles now drooped from the ceiling. Killian panicked. This was a bad idea; the frigid room was slowly freezing over and it was getting worse with each attempt to open the door.

  Killian backed away and placed a hand on the wall the elevator that had dropped him off searching for a button to open the doors. A thick layer of ice coated the steel wall. There were no buttons, no way to open the frozen doors. He was trapped, unless he could figure out which button opened the iron door. Peering at the unfamiliar symbols, while trying to control his chattering teeth he noted there were still several choices and by then he could freeze to death. Closing his eyes, Killian tried to strategize his way out. As he yearned for heat, his body seemed to respond. Even if it was in his mind he was feeling warmer and more comfortable. The warmth was pleasant, like someone had wrapped a warm blanket around his shoulders outside in the winter. The chill burned his cheeks, but the rest of his body was comforted.

  Opening his eyes Killian smiled at the door. It was made of iron, melded together from earth of each realm. Others may be required to know the correct code to open the large door, but he didn’t. It was obvious the room was designed to trap trespassers in a deadly ice box.

  “Open,” he said quietly, while in his mind he urged the metal latches to obey his command. Cracks and moans sounded as the bolts pushed against the ice layer that had formed on their surfaces. The ice chipped away and the door opened.

  Though he had hoped the door would respond, it still amazed him it had actually worked. Stepping beyond the threshold of the bolted door warm air rushed across his face. The corridor was black and smelled of damp, rotting earth.

  I knew you’d come. A voice echoed along the long, dark corridor.

  Killian ignored it but the mysterious voice made him shudder as he breathed in the rank, damp smell of mold. The corridor resembled nothing close to the sleek building above him. The walls were made up mud, roots and cracking bricks. Scuffles and squeaks filled the long hallway. As he walked along the muddy walls every so often had wooden doors, crudely built into the dirt. There were no windows, no openings, yet Killian knew he’d found the cells. He just had no idea how to find out where Nathaniel was.

  As he searched, mentally trying to reach out to Nathaniel, he heard bellows and horrifying screeches as he passed door after door.

  “Help me.” Killian stopped at one of the large, rotting wooden doors. A young child’s voice had come from behind the muddy wall.

  “What?” he said under his breath, not loud enough for anyone to hear.

  “Please help me, I miss my mother. I can’t open the door,” the young voice sobbed. Killian’s heart skipped in his chest as he heard the heartbreaking cry and quickly reached toward the door to rescue to the poor child.

  “I wouldn’t do that.” Nathaniel’s voice sang from the door directly behind him.

  “Nathaniel?”

  “If you open that door you will have your vital organs removed and harvested for feeding, along with every limb…slowly. It’s a Tiyanak. A dark, child demon from Cimmerian. Captured at the end of the venture. Wretched little thing.”

  Killian gulped and backed away from the endless sobs that faded to harsh wails and howls as he made the choice to leave the door unopened. Killian turned and faced the door behind him.

  “I need to speak with you,” he said curtly.

  “By all means, my boy, step inside my mansion,” Nathaniel chuckled wildly, concealed behind the dingy cell door. Killian gripped the rusty door handle, but it wouldn’t budge.

  “It’s locked,” he huffed.

  “Ah, Killian must I hold your hand through everything?” Nathaniel’s condescension bit. Anger surged through Killian’s veins. Bitterly, he urged the rotting iron hinges to give. As he pushed the wooden door, it immediately bent to his will and groaned open.

  He pushed into the room with confidence, but his heart still pounded heavily as he anticipated facing Nathaniel. The room was cool and comfortable lined with long walls of the sleek clean copper, different than the steel that made up the upper levels of the Praetorium. The floors were polished and shiny; enough to show his reflection as he apprehensively paced toward Nathaniel. In one corner rested an impressive wooden desk, lined with books and a small silver cappuccino machine. A cot was stationed against the other wall with white cotton sheets. Another door led to a small, but functional restroom. Killian imagined his own stay in prison would’ve been much more comfortable had his cell looked like this, but the room was a prison nonetheless.

  “Killian,” Nathaniel smirked from a small steel chair in the center of the room.

  The once impeccably dressed man was wearing plain, tan scrubs with gray cloth shoes covering his feet. His black beard was longer with the same distinguished gray hairs scattering his head and face. Nathaniel’s dark eyes took in Killian’s face, he looked tired, but still held some of the cunning and malice he’d witnessed the day he’d almost killed him. “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. You weren’t in the greatest shape the last time I saw you.”

  Killian only glared at the man, fury was building up inside him again. Nathaniel simply grinned.

  “What can I do for you my boy?”

  “Tell me who else you were working with.” Killian’s voice was harsh. He could feel the blood pulsing through his muscles, bringing heat and strength almost as though his body were preparing for a fight.

  Nathaniel cocked his head, and smiled at him like he was an innocent child.

  “No greeting, no cheery hello? Only demands," Nathaniel pouted dramatically.

  "I'm not in the mood to play Nathaniel. Tell me what else you know."

 
"Now Killian why would I just tell you my secrets? What would I have to bargain with?” Nathaniel chuckled again and made his way to the cappuccino machine. The steaming liquid came out thick and clotted like mud. Nathaniel frowned and shook his head. “I don’t know what a man has to do to get some decent coffee around here.”

  “You’re pathetic,” Killian’s words were sharp and furious. Nathaniel tried to keep the same innocent, friendly sparkle in his eye, but Killian caught the fleeting glance of disdain flash through his dim eyes.

  “Are harsh words necessary? If you think back, Killian, I was the one who supported you from the moment you came to the Praetorium.” He frowned.

  "You're kidding right? You supported me, okay we'll go with that," Killian said snidely as he leaned against the wall. "We'll just leave out the fact it was you that sent the Malumian wolves, tried to kill me in Ignisia, oh and tried to drain all my blood during Peridus."

  "I understand your frustration with me. But if you could try to understand my side for just a moment. I only wanted the best for the Hemisphere. Let's face it Killian, you are not much of a leader, and Infinium would have benefitted the Hemisphere if a true leader had it."

  “You wanted Infinium to destroy Terrene, don’t act so honorable!”

  “That, my boy, is the Trinity’s mission, not mine. I simple wanted to restore one leader over the Hemisphere. As I just explained, I wanted to be that leader.”

  “You don’t want that anymore, huh?” Killian scoffed.

  “I’m no match for the parasite in your brain. I lost my chance for the power. Whether you believe me or not Killian, I don’t want to see Terrene destroyed. I’m motivated by greed, not death.”

  "If you were working for a powerful person like the Architect I have a hard time believing they never caught on to you not having the same end goal. I think you're lying."

  "Believe what you will Killian," Nathaniel said sipping his mug and grimacing. “But at this point I want to help you. I’m no fool Killian. You see my boy, you aren’t ready to face the Architect yet. And this cell,” he continued signaling to the copper walls, “is what’s keeping me alive at the moment. I betrayed my leaders…I tried to get Infinium and terminate you before it was time. If Miller removed me from this place, there’s no question I would be executed by the Trinity. So while this cell may not be much to look at, it is my sanctuary.”

  “You don’t want to help me. YOU TRIED TO KILL ME!” Killian bellowed.

  Nathaniel nodded and spoke calmly. “True, but I failed lucky for you. Infinium has activated from the look of the horrendous red mark on your neck.” Killian self-consciously reached for the back of his neck and covered the arrow shaped brand. “Infinium can be more powerful than the Architect, but you don’t believe that yet. I am on the side of the formula.”

  Killian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to keep calm, for Mercedes and the other guardians. Nathaniel knew more about the relics than he had let on. The Trinity was closer to knowing the guardians if they had found Mercedes.

  “Nathaniel, if you want to help, and don’t want the Trinity to destroy Terrene then tell me who the Glacien guardian is.”

  Nathaniel looked at him thoughtfully. “You aren’t interested in the Ignisian guardian?”

  “I already know who it is.” Killian sucked in a breath, chiding himself for letting such precious information slip.

  Nathaniel’s eyes widened. “Interesting, of course I was going to tell a white lie to test your little mental trick and pretend I knew who it was, but I admit I am curious who guards the Ignisian relic. Would you care to appease a curious soul?” Killian scanned Nathaniel’s face, he dug deep into his emotion. There was no malice, no bloodlust. He believed he truly didn’t want to kill the guardian.

  “I'm not telling you,” he growled. He glared at the man, hoping to send the message to leave her alone.

  Nathaniel smirked casually. "You're just being defiant. You can sense I mean the guardian no harm."

  Killian let out an arrogant chuckle as he ran his hand along the cold wall of the cell. "Looks like you don't get to know any of my secrets—unless you start telling me something."

  Nathaniel glared darkly at Killian, which sent a wave of pleasure surging through his veins. The old man was used to getting whatever he wanted. Keeping information from him was intoxicating. Killian tapped the cappuccino machine playfully before facing his enemy again.

  "Anything you'd like to say Nathaniel?"

  Nathaniel's face softened and his typical calm demeanor returned. "Nothing comes to mind Killian. I can't trust you with anything. You have no power over the Architect and when you're cornered someday, I suspect will be soon, you will spill everything as you beg for your life." His words were sinister and dark. Killian's neck burned as the warning seared through his blood. Nathaniel's eyes were sincere as he prophesied—and they frightened him.

  "If you want my help Killian, I need to be brought into your trust circle," he began. Killian opened his mouth to spew and onslaught of angry words toward Nathaniel, but the old man silenced him with his hand. "Even if I only stay there temporarily. I assure you, I mean the guardians no harm. I have lost my chance at obtaining the formula." Nathaniel stood and paced in front of Killian. "I want to be on the winning side, which is why I joined the Trinity. The Architect was by far the most powerful being in the Hemisphere. You may say it is a cowardly move, I say it was a wise career choice. When I learned of Infinium all that changed. It's maddening how you have not even allowed yourself to grasp the power flowing through your veins. I could've harnessed the power, and saved Terrene from the Architect.

  “Unfortunately, all those people now must depend on you. You will need all the help you can get, Killian. And it’s up to you to let bygones be bygones and accept my help. I fooled the brightest members of the Ponderi for over twenty years; I still have my ways of digging up information. Now, if you want the Ignisian guardian protected on my end, I suggest you tell me."

  Killian's heart thumped furiously against his chest like a wild stallion pounding the ground. Every word Nathaniel spoke seared in his veins, but still he sensed no malicious intent. He thought of Mercedes, she was in just as much danger as he was from the Trinity. Nathaniel was a snake; he would never be brought into complete trust with him. But there was one certain truth he couldn't deny—Nathaniel wanted Infinium. The reality of his lust burned like a scalding match over his skin. Given the chance Killian knew Nathaniel wouldn't harm the guardians, but he would take any opportunity to kill him to take the power.

  "Alright Nathaniel," he relented. "I want you to know I don't have much to lose, and if I hear you make any attempt to harm any of the guardians I'll kill you. You think I have no insight to this curse, but I assure you I've progressed much further than you think." He knew it was a half-truth, but he continued on as a flash of hesitation mixed into the older man's gray eyes. "Keep in mind the power is an obsession to you, so what makes you think I'd give you the chance to see just how powerful I've become. You pathetic man, I've kept much of what I've learned for you, I wouldn't give you the satisfaction—”

  "Enough!" Nathaniel shouted. Killian chuckled at his reddening face. He was pleased how ruffled he'd pushed Nathaniel. "Tell me who I need to keep my eye on, Killian, or I will politely have to ask you to leave."

  Taking a deep breath Killian spoke softly. "Mercedes." The stillness in the room was suffocating. Nathaniel's eyes bore into him as if he were trying to find any ounce of deception. After a pause that felt much like an eternity Nathaniel jubilantly clapped his hands together and chuckled.

  “Ah, I had grown suspicious of Mercedes Forino ever since her aunt and uncle were killed. I didn’t know who she was, but I knew her aunt and uncle were familiar with our world after they valiantly fought off the imps. In truth Speron didn’t fight at all. The two posing as her family had defeated the creatures by the time he’d stepped into the house. Speron merely took her out and through the portal. I assumed
they must have been some type of guardian for someone special. But I was locked in here before I could learn the truth.”

  “I've told you what you wanted to know," Killian snarled. "Now tell me who the Glacien guardian is. And do not lie."

  “I suppose you’ll have to use your parasite to gauge my honor. As it so happens, I don’t know who the guardian is.”

  Killian seethed. "You don't want to help. You just want to play with me. And I'm the idiot who keeps falling for it." He cursed himself for giving up Mercedes' identity to the enemy.

  “Now relax, my boy. I said I didn’t know the guardian, never did I say I didn’t know anything about the relic.”

  “Do you?” Killian’s heart slowed and his self-chastisement ceased for a moment.

  Nathaniel smiled in his smug way. "I do, but we need to discuss terms if I am going to be helping you in your quest." Killian's face flushed with heat, but he didn't disagree. Too much was at stake. "Perfect," Nathaniel continued. "At the moment, all I ask of you is to prevent my transfer from this cell. Your enemies, and now my enemies, are closer than you think."

  "Don't you think it would be better if you told me who the Architect is? Then we can just get rid of them now," Killian huffed.

  Nathaniel shook his head, and Killian detected the slightest hint of fear. "You truly don't understand who you're dealing with Killian. It's much safer for you to be in the dark regarding their identity until the proper moment.”

  “Then you are still letting the Trinity strengthen. For all I know they could kill me tonight. I’m starting to wonder if you even know who the Architect is.”

  The smell of cappuccino filled the room as Nathaniel refilled his cup with the sticky drink. He stirred and extra squirt of cream absent mindedly with his back away from Killian before slowly turning toward him, his face weary and tormented. “I wish I hadn’t seen half the things the Architect has done or allowed to be done over the years.” His voice was flat, and for the first time a wave of regret overwhelmed Killian’s core. “I know who the Architect is, and that is why I know you must have more confidence in your ability, or you will be destroyed. You will not be killed tonight. That fool Bant that was brought down by Egan truly believes I am still a loyal warrior for the Trinity. What little knowledge he has of the Architect’s plans has proven quite valuable."