by LJ Andrews
“Why do you not want me to find the relic? Gwyniera you have to understand it makes you seem very suspicious. What are you hiding?”
Gwyniera smiled. “I did not vant you to search for za relic because I know you may be our only hope against za Architect. Ve could not afford to lose you.” Killian was filled with a deep sense of foreboding as she spoke.
“What do you know about the relic?” he whispered trying to dispel the discomfort welling in his chest.
Gwyniera looked at him hesitantly. “You must go to za high peaks in Glaciem. Za journey alone vill be very dangerous. Many Glaciens do not even survive za journey.” Gwyniera gulped again and wrapped an arm around her midsection.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Za words vill not come painlessly. I have been sworn to binding secrecy, za bond is not one to break lightly. Our discussion may not end vell for me.” Gwyniera took a deep breath through her nose and closed her eyes.
“I didn’t know Glacien’s could do such things.”
Gwyniera smirked at him. “To my dismay there are many things you do not know, but are right in front of you.”
He heard Egan whisper behind them, “There’s the Gwyniera bite we’ve been waiting for. We couldn’t get through without her degrading someone.”
Ignoring the attempt to lighten the mood Killian pressed further. “So you want me to go to the mountains? How will I find the relic there?”
“You must…find za…use your power…find za…man. He vill be…in za…mountains.”
“There's a man in the mountains that has the relic?” Killian scrunched his face, it seemed unlikely. He’d learned in realm school months earlier the mountains in Glaciem were deadly and few could survive for long periods in their harsh weather.
Gwyniera nodded, but clenched her jaw in pain. “I hid him. Be careful…he…” she couldn’t finish.
“We should let the empress rest Miller,” he heard Maurelle whisper. Killian looked up at the Queen. “I’ve heard of these types of tongue tying spells. It could kill her if she keeps going.”
“It’s true,” Dalia added. “And with the mental powers Glacien’s have it could destroy her mind.”
“Killian,” Miller said between Gwyniera’s loud gasps. “Let’s let her be. We at least know where the relic is, and either she is very convincing in her deceit, or she is not the Architect.”
Killian nodded and stood to leave. “Wait, one more thing,” he said kneeling in front of Gwyniera. “If you are on our side, why would you attack the Queen?”
Gwyniera smiled wickedly. “She caught me at a bad moment, and I lashed out.” Gwyniera chuckled, the mad undertone unnerved him. Quickly, he stood and followed the others out of the room. Once the door had been secured Killian faced the rest of the group.
“That was the strangest, most uncomfortable conversation I think I’ve ever had.”
“I still think something is wrong here,” Maurelle said sitting neatly in a nearby chair. “I’ve never seen Gwyniera behave in such a way, have you Egan?”
The Chief shook his head. “I saw glimpses of the real Gwyniera, but the end was upsetting; frightening to be honest. I wonder if confinement is getting to her. Gwyniera has never had to live without luxuries.”
“Do you think we should believe her Miller?” Killian finally asked, suddenly remembering his secret meeting with Nathaniel. The traitorous man had also mentioned the icy hills as the hiding place for the relic.
Miller shrugged. “We don’t have any other leads, but she could very well be leading you into a trap. She was adamant Mercedes not join you and as much as she fights her relationship with her, I believe Gwyniera cares for her granddaughter on some level.”
“She wasn't lying about the dangers of the mountains," Dalia whispered to the ground. "It would be wise to take a skilled Beastian to go with you; creatures live in those peaks unlike anything you've ever seen."
"The most talented beastie is Mercedes, so I can't really do that," Killian replied trying to hide the cynical tone that slipped out with his words. Dalia met his eye and furrowed her brow. Killian brushed a hand through his chestnut hair and sighed. "Sorry, but I'm just worried this is a wild goose chase and I'll end up without the relic."
"Or dead," Egan said matter-of-factly.
"Thanks," Killian huffed.
Egan licked his lips. "Look, Killian if the relic is in the realm the high mountains would be the perfect place to hide such a powerful object. Only the insane, or desperate would attempt to find it there. Even a powerful Cimmerian would face obstacles that can bypass magic. I think it's the best lead we have, though I don't know what Gwyniera meant about a man."
Killian remembered the shop owner in Glaciem. He'd sold the relic to a Glacien man years ago. Glancing at the curious faces in the room Killian realized he was mumbling through the memory under his breath.
Clearing his throat, he straightened his shoulders and walked to the center of the room. "I'm not going to worry about her ravings about a man; I'll deal with that if I come to it. I agree with Egan. I think the mountains are the best place to search for the relic."
"Once we find the green pearl," Maurelle began, "only the Cimmerian relic will be left."
Killian grimaced thinking of his lost gold charm. "Yes, but we will be searching for a person for that one. Someone stole it, someone who doesn't want to keep it or as you know the bond would have killed me." Everyone nodded.
"Killian," Miller said painfully. "The mountains will test you and Infinium. Please use what you've been taught from Dalia and don't be afraid to use as much force as necessary if it means you'll be safe." Killian saw a shining line of tears gather in the corner of Miller's eye.
"I'll try my best, Miller," he said lowering his voice and stepping closer to his grandfather. "You know this is the only way we can do this, right?"
“No I don't know that!” Miller snapped. “There are more experienced recruits who would be willing.”
"Killian stepped close to his grandfather so they were only inches apart. “Miller, you know you won't sacrifice them when we can use Infinium. I've gotten better with it." A twang of doubt burdened his heart as he said the words. "I'm a better option than sending someone else out there with only a sword, or a spear. You heard Egan, even powerful Cimmerians could be defenseless."
Miller gripped Killian's arm hard. "Ignisia will be nothing compared to the mountains. Stay true to yourself, the creatures aren't the only things I worry about. Those hills will test every mental capacity you have."
Killian nodded his understanding, but didn't know what else to say to comfort the old man.
"Miller, Killian," Maurelle spoke softly from the back of the room. "Dalia had a suggestion. She would like to accompany Killian to Glaciem and aid in the search for the relic," she said once everyone had turned their attention toward her.
"Dalia, you would risk so much?" Miller asked.
"No more than Killian is risking. I know how to help Killian with Infinium, and I am an old Cimmerian," she smiled. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve."
"You can't bring your club," Killian said teasing her. Dalia chuckled, and finally looked at him with her typical motherly gaze.
"Before you leave," Egan said. "I don't want to put added pressure to you, but I would like to echo Gwyniera's request. Please do all you can to keep Mercedes from going with you." The chief looked at the plush carpet before continuing. "I am just starting to know her, the idea of her going up there...please do all you can."
"I've already told her she needs to stay in the palace, and I will keep trying. Just remember your daughter is stubborn."
Egan sniffed and laughed. "That she is."
Miller cleared his throat and returned to his demeanor to the stern face of the Ponderi director. “At first light you will leave. We will try to arrange a track for you. It can be tricky to create a completely open track system, but we will try to override it so Dalia can travel with you. You two should get some re
st, you’ll be leaving in a few hours.”
Killian didn’t go back to his room, instead he wrapped up in a soft, plush blanket on one of the white sofas in Miller’s office. The soft warmth of the light lavender sun brushed away the chill of the night. Squinting against the light his stomach leapt as he remembered the task of finding the green pearl.
Slowly he shuffled toward a porcelain sink by the coffee tray. He splashed a stream of cold water on his face, freezing away any sleep left in his eyes. Glancing in the small oval mirror he stared at the orange rings around his pupils, the color pulsed as his attention shifted, as if Infinium was reminding him it was always there. His hair was creeping close to his jaw line, and short dark stubble lined his chin. Running water through his chestnut hair, he tamed the wild strands before turning away from his exhausted image.
He stared at the small leather pack he'd stuffed James Thomas's journal in before he'd left for Glaciem. Sauntering toward the pack he removed the leather bound book and scanned the pages hoping to find something that could help them.
1588-
I betrayed Master Claec. For months I have worked with Merlin and other council members on developing a new form of government. Since the attack of the Venture the races are untrusting of one another. The council has determined Terrene should be locked and races returned to their home realms to govern themselves. A new organization will be tasked with assisting in equal distributions. I am overwhelmed, as the council has asked me to lead the new organization, to help keep the original balance of the realms.
The council confronted Claec this evening and he has been found guilty of withholding resources. Claec has kept food, and medicinal supplies for the realm of Cimmerian, but not the others. I do not know if Claec will remain in position as the king of Cimmerian, or Rowan. If so, the council has seen fit to limit their voice in decisions regarding the Hemisphere until a new trust can be developed. I cannot help but feeling guilt for standing against Claec, for it was Claec who introduced me to this wondrous world.
1588-
Dalia has returned with the Glacien man behind the attack on the Venture. It is curious only Dalia can reach him at times. He refuses at this point to explain how he created such a power, though Merlin suspects it came from the four magical pieces created that have since been hidden within the realms, but he will not answer his inquiries. I have allowed the man to stay with us in the new headquarters for our organization we have named Ponderi, though I admit I remain aloof, his interests seem very focused on the hidden magical pieces. Dalia assures me his intentions are pure. I suppose time will tell.
Killian scanned the pages trying to make sense of the words when the door creaked open and Miller sauntered in.
“Oh good you’re awake.” His grandfather shifted his weight, already dressed in a fine pinstriped suit even though most people still slept. “How are you feeling about this?”
Killian bit his bottom lip and subtly slid the journal under the blanket. “I’m a little nervous, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy finding the relics.”
“We can get other volunteers. You don’t have to fight this alone just because of Infinium.”
Killian sighed. “I doubt I will fight alone if the Trinity is as bloodthirsty as I imagine. But Infinium gives me an advantage to fight against things more-so than someone else. And because I know that I can’t in good conscience send someone else to do this.”
“I understand.” Miller sniffed and nodded as Dalia and Maurelle floated through the door. Killian grabbed the leather pack and put the journal back in before standing to greet the others.
Miller squared his shoulders and scanned the room. “Well it looks as if we’re all here. Should we try the portal? Connor tried to tweak the leader transport so that you might be able to pass. The Custodis stone is out of the question, it would be simply too dangerous to send the wrong blood type through.”
Miller stepped up to a wooden table and opened one of the small drawers. The table seemed out of place in the magnificent room with scratches and scuffs scaring the surface. Miller removed a small golden orb out of the drawer with a silver dial on the top and the four realm symbols engraved into the sides. Turning the dial, he pointed the orb to the Glacien symbol. The orb lit up and immediately the wall began to shimmer and disappear. Before them a milky doorway had replaced the wall.
“Ah, the portal is weak. I don’t think it’s stable to go through. Let me try again,” Miller huffed. Twisting the dial once more the milky matter frothing before them seemed to come together more. The salty smell of the green sea filled the room.
“I think that’s as close as I’m going to be able to get it. Give it a try.”
Together Killian and Dalia moved toward the open portal. It had a strong energy force as they stepped closer, almost pulling them toward it. Killian stuck out one hand and pushed it through the opening. A fierce shooting pain shot up his arm. He felt his heart leap in his chest. He cried out and fell to his knees.
“Killian, what happened?” Miller cried as he came to his side. Slowly Killian picked himself off the ground.
“It shocked me. It was like lightening,” he gasped.
Miller closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I was afraid it wouldn’t work. It isn’t allowing you through because you aren’t leaders.”
“Well, perhaps I should go with Killian,” Maurelle said softly.
“No, my queen,” Dalia said firmly. “You must stay here. You are one of the few who could defend the Praetorium if needed. Killian will get us to Glaciem.” Dalia faced him and stared at him with a stormy gaze. “He just needs to believe he can.”
“What are you saying?” He asked briskly.
“How did you get home from Ignisia?” She retorted.
“You want me to just open a portal right here? I tried it last night and it didn’t work. I can’t do it.”
Dalia scoffed. “You keep telling yourself that! How do you expect to survive on those mountains if you can’t open a simple portal?”
“Dalia, now that isn’t—” Miller started.
“No, sir he will never be able to defend the Hemisphere if he can’t do the simplest things. I’ve spent months helping you, and your answer to me is you can’t do it!”
Killian’s neck burned in a savage fire. He placed a palm on the skin to calm the sensation, but his anger simmered everywhere. His veins were filled with annoyance.
“I’ve tried the best I can. What more do you want?” He shouted.
“I want you to do better! If this is your best, we don’t stand a chance. Now open the track.”
Killian glared at the woman, whose silver eyes burned into his heart. Concentrating again on the brilliant sea and the fresh air that felt so pleasant in his lungs; a billowing mist developed again in front of them. The swirling wind was harsher, and stronger. Maurelle and Dalia’s long ebony hair whipped around their faces.
“That’s it? Keep going Killian!”
“Shut up!” He shouted over the noise. “I’m trying.” The mist grew and pulled them closer toward the dark tunnel, but still it flickered in its strength. Slamming a fist against the wall he let out a cry of irritation and again focused harder, firmer on Glaciem. The shimmering doorway burst again in a furious warm energy. The wind lashed against his face and a tug around his midsection signaled it was time to leave. Scanning the room, he locked eyes with Dalia who beamed at him.
“Ready?” he shouted over the furious noise. She nodded and leapt toward the swirling opening. The portal engulfed her and she disappeared. With one final look toward his grandfather he followed her into the depths of the swirling gateway. Sinking deep into the thick matter he was pulled away from and thrust through the squeezing track toward Glaciem.
Chapter 13
The Mountains of Glaciem
His focus was clear and the uncomfortable sensation of his lungs being squeezed didn't bother him. The strong portal ended with a freezing blast of water. Killian gulped against the bitter cold t
rying to fight his way to the surface. Panic settled in his chest as the dark water swallowed him and his sense of direction was lost.
Briefly glimpsing pale light, he kicked as hard as he could toward it, until his head broke the surface of the water. Within moments he was swallowed up again by a furious wave and tumbled against the rocky floor. Breaking through again he turned and watched a wave rumbling toward him. Diving underneath the strong current he broke surface and swam quickly to the shoreline bobbing with lighted homes and buildings.
His legs ached from the piercing cold of the massive ocean. Cursing Infinium for dropping him into the deadly tide, he pulled his sore body from the green depths. From the sandy shore the crashing waves and salty air were peaceful and relaxing, never letting on to the ferocious current steps away.
"Are you all right?" Dalia's voice pierced the darkness over the crashing waves. She stood holding a small lighted bulb in her palm.
"How come you didn't land in the water?" he asked angrily.
"Next time don't get so angry at it not working as quickly as you want," she said nonchalantly.
"It! Dalia Infinium isn't a human inside of me. Besides I was angry at you."
“That’s what it took to get you to open the portal.” Dalia sighed. “Killian, when you realize the amount of life source that power has perhaps you will allow it to connect with you more."
He rolled his eyes and scanned along the shore trying to orient himself. Killian saw a sandy path climbing a small hill away from the green sea. Coughing against the swallowed seawater he trekked up the hillside. His legs ached from the exertion, but once at the top he saw the glimmering lights of the Palace only a mile away. He admired the palace for a short moment, basking in the radiant lights streaming along the white walls.
“Oy, vat are you doing down there? Don’t you two know za tide is coming in?” A woman with bright blue robes wrapped over her crooked back called to him from down the road. She held a large wicker basket on her bent back and a wooden cane with the other hand.
“I…I didn’t mean to end up by the shore. We're just going to the Palace.” Killian sauntered closer to her. “Can I help you with that?”
