City of Gold

by Daniel Blackaby

  Whoosh! The yell of a second victim echoed—then silence. The Hunter was picking them off like a bird of prey snaring helpless mice.

  “Split up! Lead the demon away from the Book Keeper!” Dace ordered. Cody felt a tingle wafting against his neck. Cranking his head, he saw the Beast burst through the smoke, its iron, blood-stained jaws gaping.

  “Ahh!” Cody nearly was jerked out of the saddle as his horse thrust itself abruptly to the left. The Hunter’s powerful wing whizzed over Cody’s head. Cody’s stomach lurched as his horse hurled through the air and resumed its mad dash down the ridge of the steep dune.

  Two shapes appeared at Cody’s sides, falling into steady stride: the broad-shouldered Chazic galloped to the right wielding his mighty scimitars. Looking left, Cody exhaled a sigh of relief—Tiana’s fair skin seemed to glow in the night. Her blonde hair had broken free from the headband and was now streaming in a wild train behind her.

  CRASH! The sound echoed like dynamite. The Hunter had landed and was now racing on all fours down the dune after them—and quickly gaining. Reddened saliva gushed from its open mouth as it howled in hungry ecstasy.

  Cody slammed his heels repeatedly, but the Hunter was too fast. The creature’s long talons ripped into the ground as it careened down the hill. Its voracious panting grew louder as it lowered its shoulders. Cody winced. With another wild shriek, the Hunter pounced.

  In a blur, Chazic propelled himself off his horse and rammed into Cody, sending them both soaring through the air. They crashed to the ground and skidded to a rough stop.

  Cody grabbed his chest, fighting to regain his wind. A staggering Chazic was already on his feet; a bloody gash pumping from his side. The Hunter rolled to its feet; its blood-red eyes burning with rage. It surveyed its challenger; then, without hesitation—it sprang. Chazic dodged left and swung his blades in a powerful arc—but the Beast was faster. Its gargantuan wing bashed the Enforcer against the dirt. Launching onto the fallen attacker, the Beast sunk in its claws. Retracting its talons, it hurled Chazic out of the way, a smear of blood tracing his path. The Hunter returned its lustful gaze to Cody.

  “Dastanda!” The earth shook as enormous soil pillars burst up, imprisoning the Beast. Tiana emerged into the clearing wielding her jeweled dagger in one hand, and the other palm open to the Beast. Her pale skin glistened with sweat. “Gai di gasme,” she finally uttered. She knelt beside Cody. “We have to run!” The Hunter immediately burst through the earthly prison.

  Tiana jumped between the creature and Cody. With one swift thrust of its wings, the Beast propelled forward. Tiana sidestepped the first attack. A splatter of black blood squirted onto her face as her knife sliced the predator’s wing.

  The Beast howled in rage. Its hind leg smashed against her, knocking her over. Tiana’s forehead struck against the solid ground and her body instantly went limp, blood pooling around her head.

  Cody shuffled backwards as the Hunter approached. He could no longer think. He knew he should resist and fight, but he had become incapable of unscrambling his thoughts. The Hunter’s gore-soaked talons stretched out toward him. He felt the prick of the claw slowly puncturing his skin—then nothing.

  The Beast released a fierce wail. Its giant wings spread out and with one powerful flap it soared away into the night.

  Cody clutched his throbbing forehead. Tiana! He pulled himself weakly to where she lay unmoving. A stream of blood trickled down the side of her head, staining her beautiful golden hair. He scooped her into his arms. “Help! Somebody, please help!” Cody looked up. Standing across the clearing was a stranger.

  He had long, stringy gray hair that merged with a thick beard to form a matted mane. His garments were tattered and grimy, and his face was filthy. The man’s wide, dilated eyes gazed unblinkingly at him. Cody realized the man had no eyelids at all.

  “Cody! Cody!” Cody spun to the top of the dune where Dace was racing toward him. Turning back to the clearing, Cody saw that the stranger had vanished.

  Everything went black.

  14

  Discord

  “SIR, WE CAN’T LINGER—it could return any moment.”

  Cody pushed himself up and winced as a stinging sensation raced through his shoulder. As he did, the hushed voices around him ceased. Dace and Tat turned in unison toward him. “The Book Keeper wakes. Now, we must move on,” Tat urged.

  Dace examined Cody curiously. “It appears that the miraculous has befriended you. You’re lucky to be alive.”

  Memories of the nightmare crowded Cody’s mind. “Ti! She’s hurt! And…”

  Tiana stepped into view. The gash on her temple had vanished although dried blood stained her fair hair. Her expression was one of relief—but not for her own life. She clearly was as relieved to see him alive as he was to see her.

  “Fortunately for both of you, Chazic is trained in the art of healing,” Dace noted. The Enforcer stood silently beside the Captain, his torn cloak damp with blood. “Although the sacred Book worked its own wonders on you.”

  Cody squinted and rubbed his eyes, fighting to make sense of what had occurred. “In the haze, I heard screams.”

  Dace’s eyes hardened. “Lacen and Kingsty.”

  “A sacrifice in vain if we don’t move quickly,” pleaded Tat.

  Dace agreed. “Mount up!”

  The remaining Company members scurried to prepare their horses. Poe pushed himself in front of Cody with a clumsy bow. Attempting to ready Cody’s saddle, the servant fumbled with the straps causing it to slip off the other side.

  Tat scoffed. “Mistaken as a warrior, indeed. Two seasoned soldiers fall yet the bumbling slave remains.”

  Poe puffed his chest but Cody’s hand on his shoulder quieted him. “It’s not worth it, Poe.” The servant gazed silently downward as the scout trotted away.

  Cody noticed that Dace was standing several feet behind. “We both know that it was more than dumb luck that has you alive. The Hunter doesn’t abandon helpless prey. It must have had a reason. Cody, did you see anything? Anything…unusual?” The haunting image of the eyelid-less man replayed in Cody’s mind. Had he been real?

  Cody shook his head slowly. “No…nothing at all.” He lied, unsure why he felt the need for secrecy. His head was still spinning. What could scare off a monster that, by its very nature, was fear itself? He wasn’t sure he wanted to discover the answer to that question.

  Six Days Remaining…

  The sky exploded, flinging streaming light shards across its vast canvas. Like an invited guest arriving early to a banquet, the sudden transformation from night to day startled the ten riders as they galloped across the rocky wasteland.

  Cody peered over his shoulder; the immense stronghold of Atlantis was now a pebble on the crest of the skyline. They had put ample distance between themselves and the city before daybreak…although at a steep cost: the lives of two honorable men.

  Like hail shelling against a tin roof, the drumming of the horses’ hooves filled the air. A cramp clenched the left side of Cody’s butt. He shifted his weight with a groan but the ache soon migrated to the right side. After what seemed like several eternities, Cody was relieved when Dace raised his fist and reeled his reins. They had arrived at a water station.

  With a sigh of relief, Cody flopped off his horse onto the cold ground. The others dismounted with exponentially more grace, and scanned the surroundings. No one needed to acknowledge the watchful action; they all shared the same fear—the Hunter. It was still out there somewhere. Its savage hunger would only be contained for so long. It would find them. For all they knew, it was stalking them at that moment.

  “Stretch your legs and water the horses. We depart in ten minutes,” Dace barked as he dunked his face into the refreshing water of the well.

  The imposing figure of Chazic gave a fluid bow. “Captain, let us offer up the Hymn of the Orb in thanksgiving....” His steady voice was deep and richly toned.

  Cody instinctively bent to his knee, but Tat
tugged him back up. “Thanksgiving? For the slaughter of two good men? We don’t have time for your nonsense if we’re going to make it halfway to Redtown by darkfall. Let’s go.” He turned his back, muttering, “Hail to a powerless orb…”

  In a soundless instant one of Chazic’s scimitars was leveled against Tat’s neck.

  “Whoa! Everybody relax!” Dace commanded, jumping forward. “Chazic, lower your weapon…that’s an order. We can ill-afford disunity. Our enemies are numerous enough as is…we will chant the Hymn.”

  After a few tense seconds Chazic lowered the blade. He pressed his face an inch from Tat’s. “Your eyes are a glassy lake...” The Enforcer turned to leave but Tat grasped his shoulder and swung him around. “You have something to say? Then speak!”

  Chazic’s eyes narrowed. “You care nothing for our mission, Jade, or this war. You blaspheme the Orb in a personal crusade to rescue your wife….”

  In a blink an arrow was fitted into Tat’s bow. Wolfrick dove forward and tackled him as the arrow discharged, ripping a chunk of flesh from Chazic’s cheek. Voices raised as the others rushed to break up the commotion.

  Cody leapt back to avoid the conflict. In the periphery he caught sight of Tiana alone by the water well. She made no motion to acknowledge his presence as he approached. She stroked her fingers though the downy mane of her white stallion and wet its brow with the cool water.

  In that moment, an idea consumed Cody’s mind—a horrible idea. The instant it materialized Cody knew he should reject it. But before reason could deter his rashness he took a deep breath. Turning, he placed his hands on Tiana’s cheeks and planted a wet kiss.

  15

  A Torn Heart

  TIANA MADE NO EFFORT to pull away. Time slowed to a stagnant halt. When Cody finally broke the embrace his breath was ragged and his forehead burned. He braced himself for the inevitable explosion of rage—but it never came. Instead, Tiana’s face was tender for the first time in weeks. Drying her lips with her sleeve, she grinned. “You should probably water your horse.”

  As she turned to leave, Cody touched her shoulder gently. “That…felt really good,” he blurted. What are you doing!? Pull yourself together! “I’m sorry, that sounded stupid. I mean…thank you…for earlier. I wish… ” he stuttered. Tiana placed a finger on his lips. “Tonight.” Without another word she leapt onto her horse and trotted away.

  Cody was hypnotized as he watched her leave. His stare was broken as Poe led his horse by the reins. With the servant’s help, Cody mounted.

  His face was beaming. Wasn’t such a bad idea after all! The kiss had felt really good. He searched for Tiana again, but instead looked straight into the burning eyes of Xerx. The young monk’s usual spiteful expression was replaced by a glare of pure hatred.

  “You can teach yourself the High Language, you filthy pig.” Xerx reared his horse, but only moved several feet before turning back around. “Two men have died—for you! The men in this Company risk their lives on this suicide mission—for you! How do you respond? By frolicking around like a love-sick child.” Xerx was quaking. “You make me sick.” He spat a mouthful of saliva and departed.

  They rode hard, occasionally pausing at water stations but never lingering long. Each time, at Chazic’s request, everyone would recite the Orb’s Hymn; everyone except Tat who used those moments to disappear on unexplained scouting duties.

  Throughout the day, Cody’s attempted eye contact with Tiana was unsuccessful. The same could not be said for Xerx, whose continual glare burned a hole into his back.

  Dace decided it was too risky to ride through the night again, as the necessary light to guide their path would too easily expose their position to the Hunter. So when the daylight finally vanished Cody released a sigh of relief.

  The tents were quickly erected. Tat was assigned first-shift watch duty. The rest of The Company retired to their dwellings. Cody felt savage butterflies raging in his stomach recalling Tiana’s earlier promise—Tonight. He stared unblinkingly at the entrance of his tent—and waited.

  But Xerx’s outburst continued to resonate. Why had he kissed Tiana? It was as though he temporarily had lost control of his body. Was it because their first kiss, the night of his first Atlantis sunset, had been the greatest moment of his life?

  He heard the deep rumbling of Wolfrick’s snoring from the adjacent tent. Why isn’t she coming? Did she lie to me? Cody sighed in disappointment and rolled over. I should have known. Maybe Xerx was right.

  A cool chill washed over him, tickling the hair on his arms. He sat up. “Illumchanta.” The faint light filled the tent, steaming around Tiana like an eclipse. She looked angelic. “I thought you weren’t…”

  “Shhhh…” Tiana cooed, crawling toward him. “We have more important things to…think about.” Without warning she pressed her lips against his. She inched closer, backing him against the edge of the tent.

  Breaking the kiss, Tiana smiled. “Did that one feel… really good?” she purred.

  Cody’s heart beat in a wild frenzy. “Ti…I thought we were going to talk about…” His words were muffled by another passionate assault. Cody felt the warmth of Tiana’s body next to his.

  “Stop!” Cody shouted, shoving her away. “What are you doing?!”

  Tiana’s face hardened. “What’s wrong with you?! I thought this is what you wanted.”

  Cody bundled his blanket around himself as a barrier. “I wanted to talk. This isn’t talking. It’s wrong…”

  Tiana pursed her ruby lips and ran her fingers through her thick hair. “Are you telling me…you didn’t like that?” She crawled toward him again, but Cody forced her back with his legs.

  “Stop! Yes, it felt amazing. I think you’re absolutely beautiful. When we kiss I can’t even think straight…” Cody stammered, speaking faster than his ability to pronounce the words, “but that’s not the point. Obviously, I care about you; but I want to go back to how it was before the ambush; before everything became so complicated. What you’re doing tonight isn’t right.”

  “What I’m doing isn’t right?” Tiana spat. “Don’t you dare blame me. It wasn’t me who started smooching you at the water well!” Her cheeks were scarlet. “Why can’t you understand? Things can’t go back. Never…”

  Cody found himself smiling. “If you really believe that then why are you here?”

  Tiana turned and left without answering.

  “Go to bed,” Tat issued flatly. Cody froze his silent approach toward Tat who was keeping watch outside the tents. When it was clear Cody wasn’t leaving, Tat finally shrugged. “Oh, very well. Have a seat if you must.” Cody found a rock beside Tat and joined him in staring into the darkness. For the next several minutes neither spoke. The silence was soothing.

  “Is it true?” Cody asked quietly. “What Chazic said today; about your real mission to find your wife?”

  A small smirk came across Tat’s face. “I suppose it is.” He pulled an arrow from his quiver and began twirling it through his fingers. “You of all people should understand—when that piercing sting of love exposes everything else as dull and colorless….”

  “What was she like? I mean…”

  Tat laughed. “What is she like?” he corrected. “She’s the most beautiful woman alive, Upper-Earth or Under-Earth alike. Her eyes are glittering gems and her laughter could light the darkness to Atlantis and back…my precious Rali. I don’t deserve her. I never have,” he chuckled. “When I asked her to marry me, I felt so unworthy. I saved my earning for three years to buy her a bracelet with a heart-shaped pendant. To the Inner-City folk it would be a cheap trinket, but for me it represented everything I had to offer.”

  “Did she like it?” Cody asked.

  Tat shook his head. “She couldn’t stand the thing! Oh, she never said it, but I could tell by the look in her eyes. She wasn’t one for expensive clothing or excess. But she’s worn it every day since then, even to sleep. To her it represents something more priceless than anything money could b
uy—true love.” His voice trailed off, but his face continued to glow.

  Cody shifted uncomfortably, keeping his eyes downcast. “How did you…know?” He felt his face flush and was thankful for the shadows.

  Tat grinned. “How did I know I loved her?” Tat began drawing a heart in the sand with the arrowhead. “I knew it the day I realized I couldn’t live without her; that life apart from her wasn’t living….”

  “Oh.” Cody responded for lack of anything better.

  Tat began to chuckle. “Kid, I earn my living by reading the signs and connecting the pieces. You’re conflicted. You care about Jade like no one else. She understands you in ways that no one else ever has. But whenever Tiana looks at you or touches you, you get this feeling…”

  Even the night couldn’t hide Cody’s scarlet face. “How did you…” he stumbled, but Tat laughed. “You wear your affections like a banner flown high.” Tat snapped the arrowhead from the shaft and tossed it to Cody. “We don’t know each other well, and it’s certainly not my place to decide for you. But there will come a time when you will need to decide between the wild lightning storm you desire and the steady mountain you need. The question is, when that time comes, which one will you choose?”

  16

  Carvings and Ink

  SAND TRICKLED THROUGH HIS FINGERS into the dish. Cody shook the bowl gently, spreading the sand evenly. The Speaking Sands. His thoughts were racing too fast for sleep. He needed comforting, and Eva had the special knack of doing just that.

  This is so strange, he thought, staring at the dish. He began tracing—First day. The Hunter. Two Dead. I Am Safe. He leaned back. Now what? Suddenly the sand began shaking, washing out the words like an Etch-a-Sketch. He watched in amazement as letters were drawn into the sand by an invisible hand. Hail!

  Cody blushed, recalling their embarrassing encounter in the storage room. The sand in the bowl shuffled as Eva drew the words: Was worried. Who was lost? Cody quickly recapped the journey’s first day. In turn, Eva updated the affairs of Atlantis. With Cody now out of the picture, Kantan had made a heavy push for the crown and the people of Atlantis were divided.