RHEN (Themrock Series Book 1)

by Charity Kelly

  Ceceta screamed at the top of her lungs as the King’s guards seized her, Latsoh and Crystam.

  “Now, now, boy, why fight it,” the man with the scar on his face yelled while he fought to hold on to Rhen. In desperation, Rhen splashed both men in the face with a large amount of water. They released him to wipe at their faces before they swallowed any of it.

  The University’s grounds, which were peaceful in the morning, filled with teachers and students, who had come to help, after hearing screaming. Reed, who had been nearby in the forest, previewing some of the paths that were going to be used in today’s races, ran out of the woods onto the University’s lawn to see what was wrong as the Thestran Royal Family arrived on the lawn to help. Charlie had fetched them when he’d seen the Surpen soldiers walking down the hill towards Rhen while sipping his morning cocktail.

  “Come back here boy,” the soldier with the scar yelled.

  Rhen swam across the lake in less time than it would’ve taken Sage. He scaled the rocky cliff on the other side to the top of Death Rock then laughed and made a rude gesture towards the soldiers, who yelled insults at him.

  Ceceta, Crystam and Latsoh struggled against the soldiers who held them. “Use your knives,” the soldier with a scar barked at his men. The soldiers pulled knives and placed them at the women’s throats, bringing their struggles to a halt.

  The scarred soldier turned back to watch Rhen. The two groups stood in silence, staring at each other. They seemed to have reached a stalemate. Neither side knew what to do next.

  “Come on Aul. Let’s go,” the massive soldier said, stepping past the man holding Ceceta. “He got away from us. He won this time.”

  “No, Narseth!” Aul yelled, startling the soldier, who was holding Ceceta. He jumped, bumped into Narseth and threw Ceceta to the ground by accident.

  Ceceta screamed at the soldier in Surpen, calling him an ‘idiot’ while reaching up to see if her throat had been cut by mistake.

  Aul stared at her with disgust as Narseth bent over and picked her up. Neither man was used to being spoken to by a woman. They found Ceceta’s outburst disturbing. A moment later, Aul smiled and turned back towards Rhen. “Rhen has allowed his woman too many liberties. We will teach her some manners.”

  “Men,” Aul shouted, so Rhen could hear. “Take these women back to Surpen. If we can’t have what we came for, we might as well enjoy ourselves with these whores.” He smiled with satisfaction as he watched Rhen grow still on the distant cliff. The soldiers started to move up the hill, away from the water, pulling the screaming women with them.

  “Time for action,” Kate said. She and the others stepped forward to intercept Aul and his men, but James grabbed her arm.

  “Wait,” James said. He pointed towards the right side of the University building. Andres and Bosternd were just walking out the door on their way to the Teacher’s Residence Hall. “Let’s see if they’re acting under Andres’s orders.”

  Kate nodded and the Royal Family hid behind the crowd of students, teachers and elves, who had gathered to watch the scene.

  Andres and Bosternd seemed to be deep in conversation as they walked towards the Teachers’ Residence Hall, but when they noticed the entire school was standing outside facing the lake, they stopped to see what was happening just as Aul yelled to his men, telling them they would be raping some pretty Thestran women tonight.

  Rhen took the bait that Aul was dangling in front of him. He dove off the cliff into the water.

  Seeing that Rhen was returning, Aul held up his hand to indicate to his men that they should wait. They watched as Rhen began to swim towards the school.

  “That’s right, Rhen,” Aul said. “Come back here and I will entertain you while my men enjoy the company of your pretty wife.”

  His words had an unexpected result. Instead of continuing towards the shore, Rhen stopped swimming. He stared at Aul, treading water in the middle of the lake. Then, unexpectedly, he sank down, underneath the water. Everything was quiet.

  Boom! An enormous eruption sounded from deep beneath the water’s surface. It rocked the ground, making the windows on the school’s buildings rattle and causing several people to fall. The crowd watched in horror as a gigantic typhoon lifted up into the air like an angry cobra with Rhen standing still and dry in the middle of it. The look on Rhen’s face was cold and his eyes glowed red. When Rhen stepped forward, the typhoon moved. With every step, he brought the typhoon closer and closer to the shore.

  The soldiers holding onto Ceceta, Latsoh and Crystam released them and ran towards the University building for safety. The moment the women were free, the typhoon disappeared, the horrendous roaring sound that had accompanied it ceased, and the University’s grounds became silent. Looking out over the water, the crowd saw Rhen standing on top of the lake as if he were standing on land, his eyes glowing red.

  Ceceta, Latsoh and Crystam were standing behind Rhen. They appeared confused and glanced to their left and right, trying to get their bearings. Latsoh bent down to touch the water beneath her feet. “It’s like glass it’s so still,” she said, as Crystam reached down to dip her fingers into the cool water.

  Andres marched down the hill towards Aul. “You’ve done more today to hurt our cause than you have any idea,” he said. Turning towards the lake, he lifted his hands above his head and clapped. “Okay son. You’ve proven your point, you can come back now.”

  Rhen hesitated a moment before walking across the top of the water towards his father. His feet made smacking sounds as if he were walking on wet pavement, yet the water didn’t even ripple under his trainers. As Rhen neared the shore, his glowing, red eyes faded back to their normal black color. Ceceta, Latsoh and Crystam followed him, marveling at the experience of walking on water. Rhen stopped on the shore in front of his Dad and saluted.

  “What have I told you about using your powers,” the King demanded.

  Rhen stared at the ground, before answering, “It’s forbidden.”

  “You are not allowed to use your powers,” Andres yelled, slapping Rhen across the face. He regretted his actions at once. They were days away from Rhen’s 18th birthday. He needed to control his temper. He had to get Rhen back on Surpen. Loreth had big plans for Rhen. If Andres caused a rift between them, those plans could be jeopardized.

  Frowning, Rhen looked out over the water. A red handprint had formed on his cheek, where his father had hit him. Rhen narrowed his eyes and turned his head back towards the University’s grounds. For a second there, he had thought that he had heard Loreth’s theme music, but he couldn’t see his father’s advisor anywhere.

  Andres turned on Aul. He ripped three bars off Aul’s uniform. “You have disgraced our soldiers today. You will return home to be punished and you will remain in your new, lower rank, for one year.”

  Aul saluted Andres before turning to go to the school’s portal. “And,” Andres yelled, making Aul turn back. “You are forbidden from ever coming back to Thestran, unless you have my permission. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir,” Aul said with a salute before marching up towards the University building with his men.

  “I’m sorry about that son,” Andres told Rhen, after Aul had left. Rhen’s eyes held Andres’ for a moment and then he shrugged. Reaching out, Andres put his hands on Rhen’s shoulders. “You made a very nice typhoon.” Rhen gave Andres a blank look. “I didn’t even know you could make a typhoon. We should use it when we attack a liquid planet.” Rhen didn’t respond.

  Andres removed the red cape that was attached to his military shoulder plates and draped it around Rhen. “I do hate water,” he said with a shudder. “Why don’t you go change and come back home with me. Today is a Warrior Holiday. We’re going to have a big party. You’ll have a wonderful time. Bosternd has seen to all of the festivities.” Rhen shrugged in response, bringing Andres’ ire forward. “Is that a yes or a no?”

  Rhen cleared his throat and took off his Dad’s cloak. As he handed it back,
he said, “It’s a no.”

  “Oh,” Andres said, taking the cape from Rhen. He noticed he still had Aul’s military bars in his hand. Realizing his son’s lower rank had brought on today’s mishap, he handed Aul’s bars to Rhen. “I now restore upon you, your full military rank. You are once again Commander of Surpen’s Military Forces. Congratulations!”

  A typical soldier, Rhen snapped to attention, saluting his Dad, before taking his stripes. “Thank you, sir,” he said, sounding official.

  “Will you come home now?”

  Rhen shook his head. “Sorry Dad, I have another event to attend.”

  “What other event?” Andres growled. “I told you, you’re not allowed to attend any of the Thestran’s functions.”

  “It’s a Universal function,” Rhen said.

  “What Universal function?” Andres asked.

  “I’m going to a jet bike race at the Wood Elf Castle,” Rhen told his father, knowing it would make him angry.

  “What?” Andres yelled. He raised his hand to strike Rhen but caught himself.

  Rhen grinned as he watched his father struggle for control. If Andres hit him, he was going to retaliate. He’d had it with his Dad’s attitude.

  Instead of lashing out, Andres dropped his hand down by his side and walked towards the University. “Well, if you change your mind, our festival will be going until late into the night. You can join us after you’ve seen this… jet race,” he called out over his shoulder. Andres was pleased he had kept his temper in check. He knew it would confuse Rhen. Turning with a smile, he asked, “Why don’t I send Bosternd by later tonight to check in on you?”

  Rhen hesitated. “Okay,” he said. He walked up to stand beside Andres.

  Andres threw his arm over Rhen’s shoulders, and the two of them continued up to the school. Stopping by the door, Andres said, “Maybe I’ll see you tonight Commander?”

  “Maybe,” Rhen said, looking bewildered. He couldn’t believe his father was going to let him stay on Thestran to go to a jet bike race without a fight.

  With a wave, Andres entered the University building with Bosternd on his heels.

  After Andres had left, Rhen turned to find Ceceta standing behind him. “Are you hurt?” he asked, reaching out for her.

  “No,” she told him, stepping into his arms.

  “Latsoh, Crystam, are you okay?” Rhen asked. When they said they were fine, Rhen sighed with relief. “I’m sorry that happened,” he said. “Soldiers aren’t allowed to attack women, unless we’re at war with their planet. You’ll be happy to know they’ll be severely punished for what they did.”

  Latsoh and Crystam weren’t sure what to say in response, so they nodded, to indicate they had heard him.

  Rhen hugged Ceceta and kissed the top of her head. “Breakfast?” he asked. He knew he had screwed up. Not only had the Genisters told him not to use his powers, but his Dad had issued a similar rule, for while he was at the University. If he hadn’t of been so angry at Aul, none of this would’ve happened. Now everyone knew he could control water. Rhen was sure they’d be gaping at him all day long because of it. He cringed at the thought. He had wanted to enjoy a quiet day at the races, but now the Thestran Royals would be all over him, again.

  “Sure,” Ceceta told him. “I’m feeling famished. I might even eat two bowls of bloodworms this morning.” She looped her arm around Rhen’s waist and winked.

  Rhen lowered his lips to her ear. “Thanks for making everything alright.” Ceceta gave him a quick kiss and the two of them turned to walk into the building. Erfce and Tgfhi caught up to them just as the door was swinging shut. They grabbed Latsoh and Crystam up into their arms and hugged them. “That was way disturbing,” Tgfhi said before smacking Rhen on the arm. “You never told me you could control water. Do you think you can show me how to do that typhoon thing someday? I’ve never met a person with water powers, who can make a typhoon.”

  “Someday,” Rhen said, without meeting his eyes.

  For a moment, Tgfhi couldn’t understand why Rhen was avoiding his gaze, and then he remembered, Rhen wasn’t allowed to use his powers. He couldn’t show Tgfhi anything. If he did, he might be punished, and it wasn’t worth the risk. Tgfhi was about to ask Rhen why Andres wouldn’t let him use his powers, when Erfce said, “So, Rhen, are we really going to the jet bike races today?” Rhen nodded and Erfce fist pumped the air, making the others laugh.

  It occurred to Rhen that his friends were like Ceceta. He could rely on them. He felt a connection to them that he hadn’t realized he had before. Putting one arm around Ceceta’s shoulders and one around Erfce’s, he pulled them towards the student dining hall.

  The Thestran Royal Family and the Elfin Royals gathered on the University’s lawn to discuss what they had witnessed, while Loreth floated above them in his invisible state. Loreth had been angry with Andres for not bringing Rhen home, but after today’s display, he was pleased that Rhen had remained on Thestran. Today’s incident had been hysterical. The look in the Thestrans’ eyes, when they had seen Rhen in that typhoon, was priceless. That young Thestran, known as Charlie, had run for cover, panicking at the sight of Rhen’s red, glowing eyes. Loreth laughed in silence. If the boy only knew.

  James was speaking, so Loreth floated down to listen to him. “…and his eyes,” James said with concern. “Did you see his eyes? I’ve never seen anyone’s eyes glow, when they use their powers. Rhen’s powers are different from ours. They’re stronger.”

  Loreth sensed James’ fear and clapped his hands in triumph. That’s right you Thestran scum, he thought. Be afraid. What luck that Andres hadn’t brought Rhen home sooner. Today had been marvelous fun for him.

  Everyone in the group agreed with James’ statement. They had all noticed Rhen’s glowing eyes, and they didn’t know what to make of them. “No one’s eyes change color when they use their powers,” the Water Elf King said. “Why did his turn red?”

  “His powers are stronger than yours, Mom,” William said.

  Yes, they are, Loreth thought. What will self-centered Kate say about that?

  “Well,” Kate said. “His powers over water are stronger than mine. But, his other powers are not as strong as mine.”

  Loreth giggled, listening to Kate’s thoughts. How delicious of her to deny Rhen his due. He was going to enjoy taking her life, even more than he had anticipated.

  The Thestrans fell silent as they pondered over what they had just witnessed. What powers did Rhen have? What was with his eyes? How had he created and controlled a typhoon? How was he able to stand in the middle of it? How did he walk on water? They had so many questions they needed answers to.

  “Answers you will never receive,” Loreth remarked to himself, flying up into the air. He’d grown tired of them. He wanted to swing by Andres, to hear what he was thinking. Before today, the Surpen King had believed Rhen capable of only one power. What would he think of his son now?

  Meanwhile, Charlie raced through the school’s portal yelling, “Zorthan Midmeree Mountain.” He jumped onto the rocky ledge before him and waved the temporary portal behind him away. “Themrock,” he said. He had just seen Thaster’s glowing, red eyes on Rhen.

  Thaster, the cruelest Genister ever, the ruler of Hell. Thaster had been locked into a different dimension by the other Genisters. Although he could become ethereal to slip through the bars of his prison, so he could visit the Universe, Charlie had never heard of him possessing someone before. Thaster’s eyes glowed red. Rhen’s eyes had just been red. Could Thaster have somehow possessed his brother? It would explain the powers that Rhen had shown.

  Charlie walked along the rocky cliff towards the twin peaks in the distance. Was Thaster controlling his little brother? He needed to think about this development, and the best place to do so was in the cultish cave of the Zorthan High Priest. He reached the twin rocks and took the hidden path to the right. Within a few minutes, he found himself in the hidden enclave of the High Zorthan Priests. The younger priests bow
ed to him as the older ones waved hello. They recognized him from his earlier visits.

  Charlie decided to forgo the cave of enlightenment today. He sat down in one of the outdoor pavilions near the pond, closing his eyes and opening his mind to the possibility that Thaster might be controlling Rhen. The oracles’ predictions of his little brother conquering the Universe seemed even more believable now. If Thaster was giving Rhen his powers, he could defeat anyone. Ever since Thaster had been locked into the dimension known as Hell, he’d been trying to find a way out. It was possible he could have found a way to connect to Rhen’s brainwaves. What if he was living again through Rhen? Dear Themrock, Charlie thought. If it were true, it would be the beginning of the end.

  Charlie felt the presence of an elder and opened his eyes. The tiny, wrinkled Zorthan High Priest bowed to him. Charlie nodded politely in response. Without speaking, the Priest presented a small, wooden bowl to Charlie. It contained several, colorful mushrooms, also known as Ventarian Delights, the most hallucinogenic drug in the Universe. They were banned, and had the High Priest not consumed these delicious ‘delights’ with Charlie before, he never would have shown them in public.

  Charlie pondered his situation. He needed to meditate about Rhen and Thaster, but he also needed some relief from this morning’s activities. One of the mushrooms rolled over in the pot, revealing a dark-brown patch. Dark brown was Charlie’s favorite color. It has to be a sign from the Gods, he thought. Besides, what better way could there be to meditate about Rhen than under the influence of the forbidden Ventarian Delight?

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Charlie told the High Priest, reaching out to take the mushroom that had a dark brown patch on it. This is going to be good, he thought as he popped the entire mushroom into his mouth; the younger priests around him gasped. The High Priest smiled and sat down beside Charlie. A moment later, he had placed a tiny piece of purple-blue mushroom into his mouth.