City of Gold

by Daniel Blackaby

  Thinking for a moment, Cody began writing earnestly: Do you know anything about the creation-which-should-be-one’s-own? He had spent much of the day’s travel pondering Stalkton’s cryptic revelation.

  Never heard of it. Cody sighed. It was worth a shot. A yawn forced his jaw open. Goodnight he wrote, then headed to bed.

  The moment his head touched his pillow he was blinded by the sting of light—it was morning. He groaned.

  Five Days Remaining…

  “No-no-no! Feel the rhythm,” Dace lectured as Cody bounced like a rag-doll in his saddle. “You control the motion; don’t just go limp…well, at least you’re not the most miserable rider…” Dace winked at Poe who was clinging to the side of his reins for dear life, flopping repeatedly against the horse’s ribs.

  Several hours later Cody actually was starting to find good rhythm; or at least rhythm that wouldn’t leave his butt black and blue. Despite his outward jesting, Cody knew Dace was deeply disturbed by the previous day’s events. Lacen and Kingsty had been handpicked for the operation. Their swift death was a sobering reminder of their mission’s unfavorable odds.

  “Seems like just yesterday I was a’ riding alongside ya’ in a convoy just like this. Only back then you were a dangerous fugitive.” Cody turned to acknowledge the husky guard Wolfrick as he came alongside.

  “A lot has changed since then,” Cody responded gloomily. Wolfrick cackled, “Aye, suppose so…although I’m still a lousy drunkard and Sheets still smells worse than dried horse dung. Ain’t that right, Sheets?”

  The red-haired Sheets appeared on Cody’s other side. “We’re nothing if not commendably consistent!” he responded proudly. Wolfrick gurgled as he took a long sip from his flask. Cody didn’t ask what was inside; it was safe to assume it wasn’t water.

  “Dace is taking the deaths really hard,” Cody observed, more as a statement than a question.

  Wolfrick lobbed the flask over Cody’s head to Sheets. “That he is, indeed. Good men, both of them. When you live as a soldier death always finds you in the same way. We’ve seen many comrades fall, but ol’ Dace has never grown numb to it. It’s what separates men like him from men like Levenworth.”

  “Aye, two more ticks for the sword handle,” seconded Sheets.

  “Two more ticks?” Cody asked.

  “Every warrior slain under his command gets his initials carved into the hilt of Dace’s sword. He remembers every one by name.”

  “Symbolic in a way; every enemy life he takes avenges one of his fallen soldiers,” finished Wolfrick.

  Cody gazed at Dace who rode alone at the front of the convoy. He felt honored to have the Captain leading the mission.

  Cody wiped his glistening forehead. The temperature increased with each step The Company took. He felt like they were plunging deeper and deeper into a blazing furnace.

  Chazic had removed his shirt, fully revealing his impressive physique. Sweat shined off his back, highlighting each muscle and revealing an expansive tattoo. The faded ink depicted three equal rectangles, positioned together to form an upside-down arrow. The arrow was surrounded by a runic sun.

  Sensing Cody’s stare, Chazic flung his shirt over his shoulders, concealing the image.

  “What’s it mean?” Cody asked. When Chazic didn’t respond Cody probed further. “It looks significant….”

  “It only has as much significance as it is given,” Chazic responded in his rich voice.

  “When did you get it?” Cody persisted.

  The Enforcer turned to face him. “I don’t know.”

  “How can you not know? It probably hurt like crazy!”

  Chazic shrugged. “I was dedicated to the AREA as an infant. Silkian says it was already present then. That’s sufficient for me.”

  “You sure don’t talk much,” Cody observed.

  “I speak when something is worth saying,” A sudden snicker drew their attention. Tat had reared to face them. “He prefers speaking with magical orbs.”

  Chazic grinned. “If you talked to the holy Orb half as much as you shot your mouth, you might almost be a pious man.”

  “Children, stop your bickering,” interrupted Dace. “We’ve arrived at Redtown.”

  17

  Redtown

  THE FIERY PLAINS. A hazy cloud of scorching heat hovered overhead and served as a warning to all unfortunate trespassers to stay away. The barren grounds stretched as far as the eye could see. Resting on the edge of wasteland was a small cluster of buildings.

  Who would ever live in such a miserable place? Coming to a stop in the town square, Cody received his answer—absolutely nobody. The doors and windows of the rundown buildings were bolted up; and by the look of it, they had been that way for a long time.

  “War doesn’t just stain human life,” Tat explained. “An epic battle during the Great War scorched the land with fire and blood. This crumbled parish was once teeming with vibrant life.”

  Dace’s long hair clung to his neck like a wet mop and his face was inflamed. “But now, no one passes through Redtown, which is to our advantage. Night soon will be upon us. Find shelter from the heat. We depart at first light.” The Company dispatched, fervent to escape the unbearable temperature.

  Cody found the building farthest from the square. He was eager for a little privacy; not to mention ample distance from Wolfrick’s resounding snoring. The two-story building had once dually functioned as a store below and a living quarter on top.

  Finding the bedroom, Cody flopped onto the tattered bed. As always, he removed the Book from his backpack and slid it under his shirt for safekeeping. The flowing energy felt refreshing after the day’s ride.

  “Byrae,” he whispered. A cool draft came streaming through the window. The breeze was frigid as it rolled over his sweaty skin. He gazed out the window. Jade, where are you? He had only been gone two days, but already the journey felt an eternity. I miss you….

  Cody’s eyes shot open and he sat up. His heart was racing and he was drenched in sweat. It was dark outside but he was fully alert. He turned to the doorway. Standing in its frame was a man; two lid-less eyes peering directly at him. “Ahhhh!”

  “Cody, it’s okay!” Cody’s eyes opened. He was lying down again, although still soaked in sweat. Tiana stared down in concern. “It was just a nightmare.” Cody sat back up and glanced to the empty doorway.

  “There was a man…in the doorway.” Cody tried pointing but Tiana pushed his arm down and pulled him toward her. “It was just a nightmare.”

  “It felt so…real. What are you doing here anyways?”

  Tiana stood from the bed. “I was sleeping downstairs when I heard screaming. I thought I was alone in this house so I came to investigate....” Cody grinned; he was seasoned in the art of excuses. As a master, he saw right through Tiana’s amateur lie.

  “Why would you sleep downstairs if…He’s back!” Cody pointed to the door. Tiana seized her dagger. A large silhouette filled the open door.

  “Show yourself!” Tiana demanded. The figure stepped forward—followed by another man, and then another. Dozens of men poured into the room; each one with skin armored with gold platelets.

  Tiana swung her knife up just in time to block a savage blow.

  “We’re under attack!”

  18

  Ominous Feelings

  ATLANTIS HAD ALREADY DRIFTED into its nocturnal slumber; the creaking of ancient buildings rattling like deep, rhythmic snoring. Eva gazed down on them from her chamber window. Like the city, the citizens had succumbed to the need for rest, every worry and care set aside to be picked up and worn the following morning. For the time being, however, pleasant dreams blinded them to despairing realities. For Eva, it usually was her favorite time of day—but not tonight.

  She paced back to The Speaking Sands. As it had been all night, the sand was tranquil and undisturbed. The silence affirmed what she already knew to be true—something had gone wrong. She could tell; she could always tell. It was her curse. />
  Prince Kantan stroked his chin as he gazed absently toward the flames dancing in the fireplace. The quiet night was soothing. He reached into his desk and unlocked the bottom drawer, retrieving the only object inside: a framed picture, with the simple caption—Kantan and Arianna.

  The woman’s playful smile caused his stone face to soften. He brought the picture to his lips and kissed her forehead gently.

  “Brother….” The startling voice caused him to jolt. He flung the picture back into the cabinet and slammed the drawer.

  “Sister, you are not to enter unannounced!” His face was flushed, but he felt his anger slowly ebbing out. “What is it, Eva?”

  “Something’s wrong with the quest.”

  Kantan’s eyebrows pulled toward his nose. “One of your feelings?”

  Eva nodded.

  Kantan stood. “Then we must consult our sister.”

  Suddenly a large shadow engulfed Eva. General Levenworth appeared from behind, blocking the entire door frame. “I apologize for the untimely intrusion—but there’s been an incident.”

  Kantan exchanged glances with Eva. “With the mission?” Levenworth’s face was hard as rock. “No, sir, with the prison…Randilin has escaped.”

  19

  Clash of Steel

  SPARKS ERUPTED WITH THE SOUND of clashing steel. Tiana’s dagger danced in smooth arcs through the air. The three bodies littering the floor were instantly replaced as warriors continued funneling into the room. Despite Tiana’s furious defense, they were being backed against the wall inch by inch.

  Cody watched helplessly. “Help! Help!” he screamed out the window. Tiana winced as blood smeared down her cheek from a newly-carved gash. The golden golems engulfed them in a semi-circle.

  Cody’s stomach began to tingle. He clutched his chest and felt the outline of the Book still tucked under his shirt. The sensation raced toward his head. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and relaxed his jaw. Like a distant spectator he heard himself whisper, “Duomi.”

  Then the entire room exploded.

  Dace was instantly alert. The ground still trembled from the roaring boom. He tightened the grip on his sword.

  Without a sound, he crept to the front door. The smell of smoke polluted the air—across the clearing a building was engulfed in flames.

  His trained ear instantly recognized the low whistling noise ringing out beside him. Without hesitation he flung his body backwards—half a second before an arrow lodged into the wooded archway an inch from his face. Emerging through the shadows a legion of golden warriors swarmed into the town square.

  Dace allowed the tension to drain from his body and willed his muscles to relax. Pressing the cold hilt of his sword against his forehead, he mouthed a soundless oath. He could now smell the charging assailants. With a deep breath, he flung himself at the front line of attackers.

  Cody shoved off the rubble that imprisoned his lower body. A gaping hole in the ceiling exposed the bedroom above. They had fallen through into the bottom storefront that now was aflame. The scorched bodies of the soldiers had been blasted around the room. I definitely need to remember that word!

  “Hurry!” He was yanked to his feet by his collar. Tiana’s face was smeared black with ash and her blonde hair powdered gray with grime. “We need to get out of here before…” A loud cracking noise sounded from above as the ceiling sagged. “Run!”

  Cody bolted after Tiana across the room. He felt the intense heat of the fire as he dodged a collapsing piece of flaming debris. Then came another loud crack from above. “Jump!” Cody hurled himself toward the door. “Umph!” Falling debris slammed against him mid-jump, pinning him to the ground.

  Dashing back through the flames, Tiana grasped Cody’s hand and pulled with all her strength. She dragged Cody through the fiery door as the roof came crashing down.

  As Tiana heaved Cody to his feet, he saw that the entire courtyard had been consumed by furious combat and already several slain soldiers lay crumpled on the ground.

  Tat perched on a rooftop picking off warriors with his bow; each arrow perfectly penetrating between the embedded golden platelets. Below, Wolfrick, Sheets, and Tryin formed a shield around the building.

  Approaching footsteps stole Cody’s attention. Three golden golems charged toward them. Tiana flipped her dagger into the air and caught it by the blade. With a fluid motion she sent the blade whirling across the clearing. Thud. The knife plunged up to the hilt into the lead soldier’s neck, killing him instantly.

  The two remaining warriors continued the charge, but their path was unexpectedly blocked by the hulking mass of Chazic. Before the surprised golems could react, Chazic’s giant scimitars ended their lives. The Enforcer positioned himself in front of Cody, daring more challengers to attack.

  Dace was seasoned enough in battle not to be blinded by success. He recalled General Levenworth’s favorite proverb: “It’s not the hundred conquered foes that determine your fate; it’s the remaining one who plunges his dagger into your back as you admire your victories.” They had fought valiantly; but the waves of enemies were relentless. There are too many of them. Tat’s quiver would eventually run dry and even Chazic’s brawny arms would tire. We need to flee.

  “Dace! Behind you! A Dark-Wielder!” Xerx dashed toward him pointing urgently. Dace pivoted and braced himself. Approaching slowly was a bald being whose entire body shone as though made of diamonds. It wore a dark purple robe that trailed behind it as a cape. Its expressionless face tilted. As it did, Dace’s legs stumbled and he plunged waist-deep into sinking sand. He fought to climb out, but every move pulled him deeper into the earth. Dace stretched his neck to keep his face above ground.

  The Dark-Wielder opened its mouth and boiling lava poured out like a waterfall, streaming toward Dace.

  “Colania!” Xerx shouted. The flowing lava began to slow, hardening into an icicle in front of Dace’s face. “Gadour! Gadour! Gadour! Byrae!” Three fist-sized stones appeared, circling above Xerx’s head in a whirlwind. He flung his arms and the stones launched like bullets toward the diamond foe.

  The first rock chipped off a large shard from its shoulder. Before the other two stones could strike, the Wielder’s eyes focused and the rocks imploded into dust. The Wielder sliced its arm through the air. Xerx gagged as he felt something hairy forming on his tongue. Soon a thick fungus filled his mouth, obstructing his breath. Xerx collapsed, his head burning for air as the mold climbed into his nose and out his nostrils.

  The Wielder stood over Dace. A thick cleaver grew into the man’s hand. Dace winced as the blade came swinging down.

  Thump! A body collided with the Wielder, sending both toppling to the ground. Poe rolled to his feet swinging a sledgehammer. The adversary was equally as quick, jumping up and launching a lightning-fast strike toward the stubby servant. To Dace’s surprise, Poe ducked, allowing the blade to swing over his head. Pirouetting in a full circle, Poe threw his full momentum into a weighty swing of his hammer. The diamond foe’s head shattered into a thousand glittering shards.

  Poe stumbled back. As he did so, his hood fell from his head. Dace gasped. “What in the name of…Randilin?!”

  Randilin’s dry lips formed an ugly smile. “A thank you wouldn’t ruddy hurt….”

  20

  Trust No One

  “OPEN THE DOOR,” KANTAN COMMANDED. He shoved past the two flustered guards and through the thick, stone entranceway of the prison. “Light.” One of the guards handed him a lit torch. The Prince marched to the jail’s lone cell, his furious eyes burning brighter than his torch.

  “P-p-p-prince K-K-Kantan?” stuttered a meek voice from within the cell. “Th-th-thank heavens! Are you here to let me out?”

  Without responding, Kantan turned and exited the prison.

  “What shall be done?” questioned Levenworth.

  Kantan fought to slow his breathing and quench his billowing rage. “Find Randilin. Bring him here alive. I want the satisfaction of killing him my
self.”

  Four Days Remaining…

  “You had better have a good explanation, boy!” Dace scolded. Cody looked sheepishly to Randilin who sat wearing an unnaturally large, amused grin.

  The Company had managed to fight its way to the stable and charge through the enemy mob out of Redtown. Although bloodstained and heavily wounded, none had been lost in the ambush. Their miraculous survival did little to quell Dace’s anger.

  Cody shrugged. “I trust him. When Cia prevented him coming, I guess I just took matters into my own hands the night we departed.” Dace strode to where Randilin, whose hands were bound by thick rope, was sitting.

  “The Queen forbade it because he’s a criminal. His dark deeds are not called so without reason. It’s too dangerous for him to return to El Dorado. Not after last time.”

  Randilin huffed. “Dace, I know you. You’re too ruddy noble to abandon me here, and I’ll be hornswoggled if you weren’t smart enough to realize you can’t afford even a single man to escort me back to Atlantis. Sorry, lad, but I’m afraid you’re bloody stuck with me.”

  Dace thought a moment before nodding. “Flore Gub. You will accompany us, under close surveillance, to Flore Gub. From there you will be turned over to Captain Eagleton and escorted back to your cell.”

  Randilin shrugged indifferently. “Anything beats playing a blasted servant.”

  Chazic stood, having finished healing Tryin’s wounds. “Randilin’s fate is not our chief concern,” he announced. “We’re lucky to be alive.”