Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  She bound into his embrace, hugging his neck, yet trying to be careful with his wounds. “You’re alive! You’re here. I can’t believe it! Lotari, you survived.”

  “As are you. Sweet girl, I heard all about what you did in that valley. Telling the chief guard of the Dark Lord to shut up.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Oh, I would have given my tail to have seen that.”

  They both laughed as she shook her head. “What happened to you?”

  He shrugged, his fingers sliding over the thick bandages. “I’m still deciphering the facts, and in truth, it all seemed like a dream. I believe I died, or came near it. We centaurs are not easily destroyed either. What I do remember is finding myself in Shaydon’s presence. I wanted to join my ancestors. The pain was unbearable, and I longed for it to end.” He shook his head and stared off toward the crowds. Stitch and the others had left them alone to talk.

  “The King asked me if that was my true desire.” Lotari gave a wry smile. “I desired the pain to cease. However, I wasn’t ready to leave this earth. Then he inquired as to what I wished to do with my life should I be allowed to continue.” Tears flowed freely down his cheek. “Remember the young centaurs in the stable? The ones Stitch was with?”

  Alyra nodded.

  “I want to return to them. I long to do this more than anything, Alyra. They are clueless as to whom they are involved with. They do not even know about King Shaydon. They’ve only been fed horrible lies. I told Issah that if I could return to my former abilities, I would never hide myself away in the forest again. I’ve sworn to find those wild centaurs and tell them about this Kingdom. As soon as I regain my strength, I’ll be setting out. Stitch is to accompany me on this venture.”

  Alyra touched his bandages. “So why didn’t he just heal you?”

  “When he heard my desire, he breathed life back into me. I asked the same thing and Issah said they knew I’d be eager to go. He said there are a few things I must learn first. So my life was spared, but my body has to heal. By the time I heal, it should be time for me to go.”

  A medallion hung around his neck as well. Upon the disk was an emblem of a needle and thread.

  When she held it in her hand, he said, “Stitch has one similar to mine. We are to be menders. We will help restore the broken relationships between the creatures and humans.”

  Her brows wrinkled, then she laughed. “I get it, like stitching something together. That’s what his name means, right? Or did he find out his real name?”

  “Oh, he did indeed, but refuses to disclose it. Issah says the name he goes by now suits him well. I, of course, think it’s silly.”

  She giggled. “Lot, can go with you?”

  Lotari grasped her own medallion. “I know you also have something special you need to do.”

  Her heart raced, wondering what her task might be and if she would be up for the challenge when the time came.

  Chapter 39

  Over the next few months, Alyra began training at the Academy. She had two classes with Katrina and History of Alburnium with Stitch and Jerin. Stitch, who became antsy during long lectures, often slipped away to roam the beautiful countryside. He convinced Alyra, who sneaked off with him, they’d learn more first hand from the animals and people they met along the way.

  Jerin spent most of his time at the arena, training to be a warrior and also bristled over being cooped up in a classroom. “I need all the practice I can get. The General should arrive anytime with his unit, and I want to be ready.”

  Alyra joked, saying he only wanted to be ready to show off to the maiden warrior, Carah.

  Katrina and Lotari loved all their classes and couldn’t get enough of the vast books in the library. One never found either of them without a book of some sort in front of their face or tucked under their arms. Lot spent hours studying with her.

  On one particular spring day, as Alyra and Katrina left A deeper look at the King’s Letters class, they met Issah waiting next to the exit. He still wore the attire of a Prince, but not as stunningly brilliant as the first day she entered his throne room. Alyra hadn’t seen him since the celebration, and they ran to greet him. He hugged them both, and asked Katrina how her studies were going.

  “Wonderful,. Yes? I have Alburnium Cultures class next.”

  “I love your eagerness to learn, child.” He patted her cheek, then turned to Alyra, “I wondered if you would take a walk with me?”

  Lotari had promised to tutor her for a history exam between classes, but she knew he’d understand her lateness, so she agreed.

  Spring in Aloblase was even more beautiful and tantalizing to the senses than when she first arrived back at the beginning of winter. Blooms cascaded down from balconies and across the bridges and along the busy streets. Alyra followed Issah through the city and out toward the pasturelands. Lot especially loved strolling though the open lands, so different from his dense woods.

  “How are you enjoying your studies, Alyra?” Issah stopped beside a bubbling stream, slipped off his boots and waded out.

  “There’s so much to learn. My head spins with it all.” She also kicked off her shoes and followed, gasping when the coldness sent tickling chills up her legs. The sun shone down bright on the rippling waves and she squinted against the glare.

  He chuckled, eyeing her suspiciously. “I’m sure you find your explorations with young Stitch more enjoyable, don’t you?”

  “No hiding anything from you, is there Issah?” The fact that he still loved her despite all her willfulness still amazed her. “Neither of us has ever seen such beauty. We can’t help ourselves.”

  He found a flat rock and patted the spot beside him for her to sit. “Some learn more by experience than by books. I’m glad you’re taking advantage of the various alternatives.”

  “Issah, when will I start learning about how to light up? Or at least how to control it better.”

  “Soon. I have someone in mind who will provide your training. In the meantime, I’d appreciate you keeping Dean’s medallion a bit longer.”

  She nodded, clutching the two disks she kept beneath her shirt.

  “Now Alyra, what I want to talk about is the meaning behind your medallion.” He slid off the rock and walked out of the stream, motioning for her to follow as he headed across a wide field.

  She put her shoes back on and hurried to catch up. “It’s something to do with the prophecy, right?

  Red and purple flowers adorned the tall, wavy grasses. Off in the distance, lay Aloblase and the Academy, nestled against the mountainous peaks.

  “There was a word, given long ago, how a child of the mountain city will come forth and lead others toward the destruction of evil’s hold on the land. The child’s brightness is to light the way into the innermost part of the Dark Ruler’s stronghold.”

  “Am I the one who’s supposed to do this?”

  Issah stopped to face her. He studied at her for a long while with those brilliant eyes she always felt were so probing. Her breath caught as she waited for his answer.

  “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

  She stomped her foot in exasperation. “There you go again!” She began to pace, wishing he’d simply tell her right out. “It seems evident that I am. That’s what Darnel thought? Right? That’s why he kept me alive?”

  Issah’s brows arched in amusement. “Very good. Yes to two of your questions. Darnel assumed that a child of the Illuminate would be the means to his destruction. So he sought to destroy all of the Light People he could. Until you were brought to him, and he thought you’d be that child since you were the one who had entered his realm. So he kept you and tried to turn you toward his ways.

  “Now his assumption isn’t true. King Shaydon will bring the traitor Darnel to justice. However, there is someone who can begin the process and end his reign as it now stands.”

  “Me, right? I’m supposed to be the one? And when I return to Racah, he’ll kill me. Bezoar said so.”

  “Alyra, you have many tal
ents. Lighting up dark places is only a fraction of your abilities. Your talents are only aids to help you complete your purpose. Nevertheless, you have a choice to follow the King’s purpose or your own. All my children have a free will. You chose your own destiny.”

  In Racah, life was dictated by Darnel. People did what he wanted, or suffered his punishment. Issah was telling her the complete opposite. Her love for him grew even more, though she didn’t know how that was possible.

  “So it’s up to me if I’m the one or not?”

  “Yes.”

  “If I want, I can live here in Aloblase forever and ever and never leave. And you won’t be disappointed in me?”

  He sighed and laid his hands on her shoulders. “My love for you does not depend on what you do.”

  “If I did decide to go, he’ll kill me.”

  “He will try. Even if you stay here, he will always be searching for you, looking for a way to recapture. You are a danger to him, even more so now, than when he had you in captivity.” He must have seen the frightened expression on her face because he added, “I will never send you back into his territory without protection and preparation. Still there will be risks.”

  “My Mo took a risk, didn’t she? Now she’s dead.”

  His face darkened with sadness. “I never told her to go on that expedition. She went of her own accord.”

  “So what you’re saying is, when we choose to do something on our own, we’re no longer under your protection?”

  The sky darkened. A loud clap of thunder sounded, followed by a flash of lightening. The Prince pulled his cloak over their heads. Then, as if a bucket had tipped over, a heavy rain came. “We should head back. Where were you heading after your class?”

  “To meet with Lotari.” She hunkered under his coat, wondering how such a storm could happen so suddenly.

  “Ah, wonderful.” They started walking back toward the city. Alyra pondered all he’d said and had become lost in her own thoughts. Halfway across the field, Issah turned away from the direction she was going. The downpour drenched her hair and clothes as if someone had dumped a container of cold water on her head.

  “Issah wait!”

  He faced her, still completely dry under his cloak. “Yes?”

  “I thought you were going to go with me to see Lotari.” Water ran into her eyes.

  “Oh, I would love to go visit him,” he answered casually. “But I can’t right now.”

  “You didn’t tell me.”

  “You didn’t ask me where I was going.” He stepped closer to her but not enough to cover her. “Even though I asked you.”

  She felt bad-selfish and inconsiderate. “Okay, point taken. I’m sorry, Issah. Would you like for me to go with you?”

  His face crinkled in a big smile. “Absolutely.”

  He covered her again with his cloak, not that it made much difference, because soon the sun came back out and he draped it back over his shoulders. She remained soaking wet, even though everything around them quickly began to dry.

  “Alyra, I’ll love you no matter what, just as I love all my children and friends. You are free to decide where you wish to go. I do, however, hope you will remember that every choice has an outcome. Be sure you are willing to live with the resulting outcome.” He hugged her tightly, not seeming to mind her sodden clothes dampening his princely garments.

  “Tell my friend, Lotari, that I will come soon to speak with him.” Before she could say another word the air began to swirl around her so fast, she couldn’t see anything. The next instant, she stood before Lotari who was trying to clean up a spilt drink.

  “Is this your new way of making a dramatic appearance?” He mopped up juice from the table with a napkin.

  She gawked at the dusty stacks of books surrounding the centaur. Shelves towered up the walls crammed full of even more tattered textbooks and manuals. Beams of light filtered in through tall, narrow windows in the stone walls. Several candles burned around the table where he worked.

  “You’re all wet,” Lotari said.

  “I’ve been with Issah.” She managed to reply.

  A low chuckle shook his shoulders. “Say no more, I completely understand now.”

  * * * *

  Wanting to keep the ties made on the King’s Highway, the travelers vowed to meet once a week for a meal. Katrina and Alyra shared a roomy apartment near the Academy. Stitch and Lotari lived in the open spaces, seldom in the same place twice. Jerin bunked with the other warriors in training, so everyone agreed to meet at the girls’ residence.

  Katrina and Lotari looked over a book together, something they both found a common ground. Stitch browsed through her collection of maps, looking for towns he hadn’t visited yet. Alyra rested in one of the overstuffed chairs beside the balcony doors where a cool breeze ruffled her hair as she watched her friends. She wished they would always meet like this. Yet, she knew soon Lotari and Stitch planned to leave on their assignment to win back the rebellious centaurs. Jerin practiced everyday to fight with Shaydon’s warriors and set out protecting the lands from Darnel. Katrina hoped to eventually return to Denovo and start a school there.

  What would she do? Alyra sighed, hating the thought of being separated from her friends. Perhaps she could ask to go with the centaurs or maybe with Kat and help her in Denovo. Issah said she was able to make her own choices.

  However, Lot often told her centaurs didn’t allow humans near their warrens. And Denovo had turned to Darnel, and she’d never be safe there on her own.

  Jerin finally arrived out of breath from running. He stopped in the doorway. “General Marcel is about to have an audience with the King. Issah sent me to fetch all of you. Said you’ll want to hear his report.”

  When they entered the throne room, Jerin caught sight of Carah, and their gazes held as she broke into a big grin. Alyra wondered if he was still breathing.

  Looking up at Lotari, she said in a singsong voice, “He’s so in love. His wittle heart just pitter patters.”

  “Not funny,” Jerin growled, despite his goofy smile. “True, but not funny.”

  Lotari patted his back. Katrina chided her for teasing him.

  Prince Issah stood before the throne of King Shaydon. The General and his troops gathered upon the crystal waters as if it were dry land.

  Issah asked, “What news have you brought?”

  The General spoke in a soft, authoritative voice. “Your Highness, we’ve secured the town of Yarholm once more,” Jerin gave a quiet cheer as Marcel went on, “and brought some of the people with us for training. They came willingly and are eager to learn how to become a Kingdom Township.”

  The Logorians led the group in between the pillars. Which included Rog and Lydia, the Inn Keepers. Then to Ariel’s utter surprise, DezPierre entered last, his big eyes wide as maple leaves. She grabbed Jerin’s arm and pointed.

  “Welcome, guests.” Issah bowed in greeting.

  They bowed in return, remaining on the shore. She knew their time to approach Shaydon’s throne would come later. Jerin waved at those he recognized. They nudged each other and whispered, seemingly just as surprised to see him as he was to see them.

  Prince Issah grinned at the exchange. “As you see, one of your sons is already here and in training. You may visit with him during the celebration.”

  Stitch gave a quiet whoop. “Awesome. I love celebrations!

  Issah turned back to the General. “This is a great victory. Well done, all of you.”

  The General nodded. “Thank you, Sire. After we secured the town, some of our unit moved toward the Racanian Mountains. They discovered that the guardian dragon is no longer patrolling the ranges. We feel if a way can be found past the cliffs, we may gain entrance into the heart of the city and the castle itself. For now, we do not have enough warriors, or a means of finding our way in. We come to humbly request your advice on these matters and submit ourselves to whatever you declare is the best course of action to take. Yours is the greatest wisdom.�
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  Alyra’s breath caught. They wanted to try to enter Racah? Now? Her heartbeats quickened.

  The General bowed low again, and his unit all knelt on their knees behind him, waiting for the King’s answer.

  The Prince turned to King Shaydon, a bright light upon the throne as before. After a long silence, Issah said, “We are aware of the need of a strong, unified military force before we embark on the Dark One’s stronghold. We will be meeting more with knowledgeable minds to discuss this further. Your unit is invited to remain here awhile and partake in the dialogue?”

  Marcel seemed taken aback by the King’s statement. Yet he straightened and gave a slight, bewildered nod. “Of course. We’d be honored.”

  “Very good. Is there anything else, General?”

  For a moment, Marcel stood frozen, as if in some sort of stunned trance. Carah moved to his side and whispered something that snapped him out of his thoughts.

  “Yes, there is one more matter we seek counsel on.” Marcel made a motioning gesture with this hand. “We encountered a small enemy unit which we overtook fairly easy. All perished, except for one who we found unarmed and unwilling to fight. We’ve brought him back as prisoner. Though he has no inclination to hear about you or your … uh, as he says, ‘fairy tale kingdom.’ We simply are unsure of what to do with him.”

  From the crowd, someone yelled, “If he’s not for Aloblase, he is against it and should be destroyed.”

  They led the ragged prisoner in. Alyra’s heart broke as she remembered how tattered and beaten Dean the Messenger was when he’d been dragged into Racah. Surely Prince Issah wouldn’t leave this unfortunate soldier to the same fate that Darnel sentenced Dean.

  Issah held up his hands for silence. For a long moment, he simply stared at the prisoner. Eventually, the man lifted his face. Alyra heard the centaurs standing on either side of her let out a gasp.

  “Isn’t that…?” Lotari began.

  “Our groomsman.” Stitch finished.

  Alyra shook her head. “Tarek?”

  Whatever was being said between Issah and Tarek, she couldn’t hear. Finally, Tarek looked away again as Issah ordered, “Take him to the prisons. General, thank you for sparing his life. Now, let’s all enjoy some festivities.”