Jodocus smiled as he ran, knowing that he could outrun almost anything, even a bounding deer. There were very few creatures of the forest that would even bother trying. But now, the child was in a race for freedom, and nothing could stop him from escaping.
He would run until his pursuer dropped from exhaustion.
As he leaped over a large root, sensing his stalker do the same, he came upon a fork in the path. Quickly, he chose the left path, knowing that this was the way home. He turned sharply, hearing his pursuer slip behind him. He laughed out loud, but knew the delay would not last long. His stalker was almost equally agile.
Suddenly, a figure burst up through the layer of leaves and underbrush, startling him. He slid forward on his feet, and onto his backside. He was then scooped from behind, and his stalker laughed in triumph as he dangled the child upside down by his feet.
“Gotcha!” Adder shouted, prompting Jodocus to giggle and squeal.
Jhayla laughed, patting Jodocus on the behind and tickling his ribs.
“Put me down!” Jodocus scolded, laughing uncontrollably.
Adder flipped Jodocus over, placing him gently on the ground and taking a knee.
“You’re getting faster,” Adder said. “You almost lost me.”
“Aye,” Jhayla agreed. “If I hadn’t of scared you, you would have gotten away.”
The three of them laughed as the remaining company of Rangers gathered around them, breathless.
“He’s too quick for me,” one of them said. “I don’t think anyone needs to worry about him.”
“Fast as a deer, that one,” said another.
Adder turned to the men, who were breathless and drained. Some of them had lain down in the leaves, desperate to catch their breath.
“You boys need to work on your stamina,” he said. “You’re Rangers now, not thieves. You may very well have to run a lot more.”
“I’m faster than you,” Jodocus said to them. “You can’t catch me.”
He broke into giggles, prompting the Rangers to do the same.
“It’s time to get you back home now,” Adder said. “It’s getting late, and the monsters always come out at night.”
Jodocus giggled again, but suddenly became silent. Adder sensed something nearby, his acute mind attuned to the tiny movements of a presence in the woods. The entire company of Rangers stopped, becoming silent as they, too, sensed the presence.
Jodocus did not seem afraid, but remained at attention. He turned to Adder, looking into the man’s eyes as he waited.
“Something is moving through the forest,” he whispered. Adder nodded, looking to Jhayla, who was also at attention.
“It’s not a monster, though,” Jodocus said.
Adder did not doubt the child’s instinct. He did not feel any sense of danger, either. Still, something was moving amongst his company, and none of them could see it or actually hear it.
Whatever it was possessed skills far beyond those of his Rangers, and even Jodocus.
The presence moved among them quickly and silently. All of the Rangers could feel it pass, but not one of them could pinpoint its location. There was nothing on Earth that possessed enough skill to bypass a thief or Ranger without being detected.
Nothing that they knew of, anyway.
A few tense moments later, the presence had passed. The Rangers no longer sensed it, but Jodocus remained attentive, his senses being more acute. He remained still for a few more seconds until he could no longer feel it near.
Jodocus finally relaxed, smiling at Adder as he sensed that the presence had moved away. The Rangers moved forward to gather around their Captains, and Adder and Jhayla looked to one another for ideas.
“What was that?” Jhayla asked. Adder simply shook his head, turning back to Jodocus.
“Do you know what it was, Jodocus?” he asked.
“Not a person,” the child replied. “Not a monster, either.”
“I didn’t feel anything… malevolent,” Jhayla said, drawing agreement from the others.
“Ma-lev-o…” Jodocus repeated, partially.
“Malevolent,” Adder finished for him. “Mean, nasty, bad.”
Jodocus giggled again. “No,” he said. “Not mean, nasty, or bad.”
“What did you feel from it?” Adder asked.
Jodocus thought for a moment, an expression of empathy spreading over his face. “Sad,” he said. “Worried?”
“Worried?” Adder said. “Worried about what?”
Jodocus smiled, shaking his head. “I don’t know,” he replied. “Can we go home now?”
Adder stood, snatching Jodocus up and holding him against his chest. He headed toward Aeli’s cottage, motioning for the rest of the Rangers to follow. Jhayla sidled up next to him, still concerned about the mysterious presence.
“Some kind of spirit, perhaps?” she suggested.
Adder shook his head. “I’m not sure. But, whatever it was, Jodocus wasn’t very concerned about it.”
With his face buried in Adder’s cloak, Jodocus uttered a single word: “Watcher.”
The Ranger captains looked to one another, neither of them understanding the meaning of the word. Shrugging, they continued on. It was getting late, and Aeli would be returning soon.
Perhaps she could provide more answers.
Tel Drakkar stood towering over the rim of the surrounding crags like a welcoming beacon. In the past year, the Priests of Drakkar had shared the burden of rebuilding its dark spires, replanting the surrounding vegetation, and repairing the crumbling village that once sprawled around it. Now, with the temple back to its former glory, the folk of Eirenoch were able to visit once more.
The temple offered many things to those who came. There was a place of healing, where the sick and infirm could be revitalized, spiritual guidance for those who had gone astray, and even meditation and physical training for those who needed it.
Overseeing the entire temple was its High Priest, Khalid, the former Jindala Sheikh who had won the hearts of the followers of The Dragon. Khalid, under direction of his counterpart Erenoth, had done a fine job in restoring the temple, and fulfilling his role. Khalid was well liked by the people of Eirenoch, particularly the parents of the children he once freed from Gaellos, and his reputation was growing.
He and his acolytes had been instrumental in defeating the undead horde that had spread across the Southern Kingdom, and with the help of Erenoth and his own priests, had ensured that the entire island would remain free of any undead menace forever.
Following the defeat of the Prophet, and the ousting of the Jindala from the now united kingdom, the fourteen priests had scoured the lands, placing wards and blessings at every far corner. Every remnant of The Lifegiver’s foul stench had been erased, leaving the island cleansed of his minions.
Now, as Khalid stood at the edge of the temple grounds watching over the activity, he felt the true power of the Dragon’s influence. Never before had he felt so at home; so at peace with his surroundings. He had found his purpose in life, and that purpose was to serve the Dragon.
To serve one Firstborn is to serve them all.
He thought of Imbra, the Firstborn of Khem and its surrounding lands. Though originally his servant, Khalid had strayed from his path and had fallen under The Lifegiver’s spell. He had led the Jindala against the people of Eirenoch; slaughtering them and adding them to his growing list of victims. His soul had darkened and died, it seemed, and he was doomed to an eternity of servitude. If not for the encounter with Brynn in Taryn, Khalid might have died alongside his minions in the final battle for Eirenoch. If not for Brynn, he would have remained The Lifegiver’s puppet, and would never have come to serve the Dragon.
He was thankful for the young man’s mercy. Brynn could have—should have—killed him in Taryn. But the honorable man, now a Knight of The Dragon, had spared his life. Perhaps it was to give Khalid time to think of his sins; to find a way to redeem himself. Or, perhaps, Brynn just didn’t have the
stomach to kill him as Khalid knelt before him at his mercy.
Either way, Brynn and the other Knights were now his brothers, and he was thankful for that.
“Brother Khalid,” Dael said behind him. Khalid turned to his priest, smiling as the man approached.
“Yes, Dael?”
“The temple is alive once more,” Dael said. “People from all over the south have come to worship on this grand day.”
“Ah, yes,” Khalid said. “The anniversary of Eamon’s ascension. Has it been a year already?”
“Indeed it has,” Dael replied. “But the celebration will need to continue without your presence. The Dragon calls for you. My brothers and I will lead the sermons and perform the temple’s functions in your absence.”
“Very well,” Khalid agreed. “Give the people what they need. I will attend to our master.”
Dael nodded, returning to the complex to blend in with the crowd. Khalid followed, smiling and greeting the people as he passed them. They seemed truly glad that the temple had been returned to its former glory, and that it was now occupied by a new generation of priests.
Khalid was glad as well.
The Dragon stirred in his cavernous prison, gathering the strength to project himself into his more human-friendly study. This was the same means of communication he had used to greet his own son, Eamon, at their first meeting. It was better for him this way, as his human form would allow him physical contact with those he loved.
His previous meetings with Khalid had been in dragon form, where he had been bound and imprisoned in this wretched cavern. He had allowed Khalid to see him in his most vulnerable state; his true form in bondage. He had done this to show Khalid that he, too, was a being of humility. It was the only way he could convince the rebel Jindala man that he was no different from Imbra.
Now, the Dragon awaited his servant in human form. Khalid would see him as just another man, no different than he would see Eamon. It would be easier for Khalid, he reasoned, and would make the conversation go more smoothly. He needed Khalid to focus on the importance of his words, and not his appearance.
As Khalid’s form began to materialize on the throne at the far wall, the Dragon sat back in his own throne. He watched Khalid’s eyes flutter open, his brow furrowing as if he was expecting to arrive in a different location. The Priest looked directly at him, a slow realization coming over his face.
“I was looking forward to being in the cavern again,” Khalid said. “It was rather warm.”
The Dragon chuckled, his deep voice booming in the velvet-walled room. “Welcome, my friend,” he said, standing.
Khalid stood, walking across the room to greet his master. The Dragon was much taller than he had imagined; though he supposed the Firstborn could take any form they wanted. Still, he resembled Eamon, only older and rougher around the edges.
“It is good to see you again, Khalid,” the Dragon said. “Make yourself comfortable.”
“What is this place?” Khalid asked, admiring the room’s octagonal shape.
“This is what I call my study,” the Dragon replied. “I spend most of my time here, perusing my maps, studying the stars, and watching my children.”
Khalid nodded; looking at the twelve zodiacal tapestries in turn, two on each of six walls, and the remaining two walls that boasted murals of the past Kings of Eirenoch.
“It is much more pleasant than the cavern,” Khalid agreed, taking a seat on the plush velvet red couch. “But what surprises me the most is your human form. Is this how you presented yourself to the Queen?”
“No,” The Dragon said. “I wore clothes more suited for a musician. I knew she was a lover of music, and that the vestments of a warrior would be less to her liking.”
“You came to her because you felt the presence of The Lifegiver?”
“Yes. I knew he would return, once he found the means. And that means was the Sultan, Tyrus.”
“I know very little of his origins,” Khalid admitted. “I only know what I have witnessed in my own life. His past is clouded in uncertainty.”
The Dragon sat forward, pouring a goblet of wine for Khalid to drink.
“He was not always a sorcerer,” he said. “In his youth, he was somewhat of a peasant hero, like you. He was a faithful servant of Imbra, but was seduced by the promise of ultimate power. The Lifegiver, who was then nothing more than a voice in Tyrus’ mind, convinced him to cast aside his faith and turn his back on the Earth.”
“Much as I did,” Khalid said, sadly.
“Yes, but Tyrus was different. His arcane studies allowed him to reach out between dimensions and open a portal to connect the two. It was a bridge between this universe and the universe of shadow; a place where matter and antimatter exist as one. It is the only place where the two can exist without complete annihilation.”
Khalid thought for a moment, realizing that the Dragon had been contemplating The Lifegiver’s current form. If the entity was in this universe in his true form, he would be annihilated. He could only exist here if…
“The Lifegiver is a mere avatar,” Khalid said. The Dragon smiled, impressed with his servant’s astuteness.
“Yes, Khalid,” he said. “This is what the outside powers are trying to tell our friends; Farouk and Eamon. While Farouk has an understanding of these concepts, Eamon’s mind is not attuned to these energies. He can only be the sword, not the mind that wields it.”
“I understand,” Khalid said. “It will take the mind of the Druid to create the correct conditions, and the strength of the Onyx Dragon to destroy The Lifegiver’s avatar.”
“And also the lives of the Firstborn to finally close the portal.”
Khalid sighed. “Then what will become of the world without the Firstborn?”
“Humanity will survive,” The Dragon assured him. “But the world will change. As we speak, there are many places in the world where the lines between dimensions are becoming blurred. This fabric of reality will merge with others. It is the only way the life of this universe will continue to exist. When this occurs, many species will seem to disappear, and others will come out of nowhere. The blending of three parallel dimensions will ensure that the balance will be restored.”
“I have felt strange things,” Khalid said. “As if things were near me that I could not see or hear.”
“That is what I speak of,” The Dragon replied. “I wanted to warn you of this, so you would not fear. This is what the powers of the universe have told me, and what the Great Mother confirmed. We are coming upon a great change, and as a result, the powers of this world will eventually become mundane. But life will go on.”
“And what of all the knowledge that mankind has gathered?” Khalid asked. “Will this be lost?”
“Some of it, yes,” The Dragon said. “But Farouk, as the Grand Druid, will ensure its survival, and the survival of mankind.”
“Does he know this?” Khalid joked. “That is a very large burden for one man to bear.”
The Dragon chuckled. “You know as well as I do that Farouk is more than just a man.”
Khalid smiled, thinking of the young man he once knew in Khem. “Like his Father, he is greater than most.”
“That is true,” The Dragon said. “Even now he possesses the ability to travel between dimensions. The powers from the outside have given him this ability. It is a gift that not even his predecessor, Ptah, possessed. He was given this ability to help ease the transformation of the Earth.”
“I understand,” Khalid said. “But why have you summoned me?”
The Dragon stood, hanging his head in thought. He paced for a moment, struggling to put together the words he needed to say.
“I am dying,” he said, finally. “Though we Firstborn will all perish in this battle, my power has been weakened to the point of rendering me useless. I no longer have the strength to do my part in this battle.”
“What is it you want me to do?” Khalid asked, feeling sympathy for the Firstborn.
“I need the strength to return to the Earth. I am trapped here in my realm, I understand that now. There is nothing anyone can do to set me free. I must do it on my own, but I do not have the strength.”
“Then how will I do this?”
“I want you to travel to another realm, where the spirit of a long dead Mother resides.”
“Where is this place?” Khalid asked.
“Within the Earth itself; in the deepest caverns, even deeper than the great ocean itself.”
“I do not understand, my friend.” Khalid said.
“Within the Earth, The Great Mother has kept the spirit of her primordial sister, Theia. In the beginning of our world, The Great Mother and her sister collided. Theia’s flesh was cast into space, and became the moon that you see in the sky. It is dead; its spirit having been trapped within The Great Mother. A temple exists in the caverns within the Earth, erected by The Great Mother to house her sister’s spirit.”
“Why has The Great Mother not used this spirit to strengthen herself?”
“A Mother spirit may not do so,” the Dragon explained. “It would be like me melding with Imbra; though we may impart small amounts of power to each other, it must be given willingly. I, however, can use Theia’s strength as my own, for she is of a different kind of spirit; not a Firstborn.”
“I understand,” Khalid said. “But how do I reach this temple? And must I go alone?”
“You will not be alone, Khalid. I will go with you, in this form. This temple exists between the realms of the Firstborn, therefore I am able to travel there. I just cannot enter the realm of Earth. Once I am strengthened with Theia’s power, I may enter the portal and return to the Earth. Then, I can do my part in the battle against Absu.”
“Absu,” Khalid repeated. “The Lifegiver’s name.”
“Correct,” the Dragon said. “You learn quickly.”
Khalid smiled, looking back up at the Dragon’s face. “Well, then,” he said. “What are we waiting for?”
Into Oblivion (Book 4) Page 2
