Cage swam on and exited the water feeling remarkably better. He was kindly welcomed back and found his loves along with his teacher simply talking about how beautiful the island is.
“All done.” He said while coming to sit down upon the hard ground where he then poured out the water from the bag without losing a shard.
“Then I must remove the observation spell. It is time anyways… Zerreko!” Megdline said commandingly and like before, nothing could be felt.
Cage’s brow furrowed as he noticed that he no longer felt the constant tingle of magic between his shoulders since he left the range of the crystals. He conjured another sight mirror to sigh when the image remained disrupted of the whole island, but as he narrowed the vision he found an aerial view of himself sitting with the others. He sighed. “Good, the spells are effective and holding.”
“You expected they wouldn’t?” Megdline asked.
“Yeah. I did sort of.” He stated. “I don’t sense the magic anymore, but I guess it was due to the proximity of the crystals. At least the disruption works properly except for those already inside the perimeter. I can still see the inside of the island, but to make sure, I’ll need to go outside the isolated space and see if I can break through. I need to be thorough since I also removed the seeker thread protection earlier… well disruption spell would be a more apt description.”
“Let me explain something, Dimwit.” Megdline turned her full attention upon him. “Do you know why I allowed you to implant the spells instead of doing it for you?”
“Because I need the practice or because I need to make sure you didn’t put something in that I didn’t know about?” He asked.
She sighed heavily. “Partially yes for both, but the actual reason is because the strength of the wards reflect the power of the one who created it. The strength of the sight mirror block you erected is stronger than anything I could ever make. If you keep getting stronger, as I have no doubt, no sorcerer will be capable of seeing through the spell surrounding this whole island. Few live who can see past the current ward so if you want the spell stronger you need to go visit the control crystals to allow it to feel your strength so it can match the power you have. Before long, the only issue you would need to worry about seeing past the wards is by dragon elders, the ones with the greatest power.”
The words made him think. “I’ll consider that, but what if multiple mages pool their strength to increase the power of the sight mirror?”
“Good question, but no. Yes, some spells can be strengthened by combining power. Battle mages typically use this method often because they can inflict greater damage since most are lower wizards who get more power through cooperation, but for locating spells it isn’t possible to my knowledge. The strength of one’s mirror is that to the person casting. Several can gather and focus on one image, but the power in the sight will only be as powerful as the strongest individual.”
“Granny, then how did Ceembura make the island impenetrable? I remember it being said that the island defenses were even known to kill a dragon. Beyond that… how could my diamonds pull me from another universe when no being alive could have the power to make the wards do what happened.”
“I suspect Ceembura had the help of a very powerful dragon make the wards that prevented anyone, dragon-kind included, from reaching this place. The power I sensed in the gate pillars led me to believe this. How he got a dragon to make the wards is beyond me. Dragons prefer to watch and guide, not interfere. And don’t even think someone could steal anything from a dragon. They aren’t too friendly to thieves, especially with the magic they possess. Nobody knows who made the crystal you spoke of or the dragon responsible for the wards once placed on them.” She hinted at the bag in his hand.
“As for the diamonds, it’s true that none alive had the power to pull you all the way from Earth. It is an unknown phenomenon which as of yet, hasn’t been explained. Not even I can come close to understanding the raw power and focus across universes could make such an impossible task possible.” The tone she used implied the upmost truth as she knew it.
“Hmm.” Cage grunted and used a simple spell to remove all the water from the full pouch. “Everyone eat?”
“Yes.” Meeka said while tucking a long strand of blonde hair behind an ear. “Elder Metak told all of us your plan and to be ready when you return. We’re almost finished packing up.”
“Good.” He put the bag down, stood and turned around. Putting fingers to his lips he released a loud whistle which gained everyone’s attention. “We’re leaving in ten minutes! Come on in everyone!”
By early afternoon Cage got everyone up the mountain, using the safest areas to climb to the peak. He showed everyone the game trails which led to different areas of interest. He even showed Brooke and Meeka the breathtaking view from atop the cliff which overlooks the waterfall paradise. The flat area made it so Brooke’s fear was much less that she suspected and she knew she would love waking in the morning to gaze out from that spot. Megdline even said she would be making a house on the other side of the river. Cage really didn’t care, but realized the benefits of having a teacher so close.
Up on the lone peak, Cage showed the whole island off with Daku sitting comfortably on his shoulder. It was a hard trek up the mountain, but the breathtaking view from that point inspired equal reaction to that of the paradise. The more dangerous areas he pointed towards as much as the safer places. Hunters took mental notes of where the chief pointed the game to live while the warriors took stock of the best vantage points. He spent an hour explaining everything, making sure every individual had taken his time alone for months and his experiences, to heart.
Before it got dark, Cage began leading the tribe down the mountain in a different trail, one which led to the quickest path to reach the beach.
Along the way Hammit, the male warrior who managed to escape the notice of the empire with Quitte and rejoined the tribe later, approached with his two women. By the two women’s beads they were huntresses and animal protectors. “Chief, might my mates and I make a request?”
“Sure, what is it?” He inquired curiously to the thickly muscled and tattooed warrior and even Brooke stepped closer to listen.
“We three are too old to bare more children and are wondering if we may make a home on the peak of the mountain. Our eyes are sharp and would be good for overseeing the whole island. It would be good for the tribe, Chief. We could react the quickest to any threat from that point.” His mate, Killeo said.
“I will have to find a way to make sure lightning doesn’t strike you and you should also be aware that sometimes clouds consume the peak and will blind you.” Their chief’s answer made them look to each other worriedly for they didn’t know about that. Before their fear could make them reconsider he said “I think it would be a good idea to have you all protecting us in the event my magic misses something. Hammit, you stood with me back on the plains and I know you are deadly with a bow. To have your eyes watching over us would be a great honor.” The middle aged warrior’s chest swelled with pride and even his mates seemed more proud as he was part of them. “Let me work out how to keep you safe from the lightning and wind. Until then I would much rather everyone work their way around the island and learn what it is like. I will be busy for a few weeks, but if I forget, come to me. If you truly want to oversee the island I suggest you scour it thoroughly so you know how to best respond. I’ll leave it in your capable hands.”
“Thank you, Chief. We will be sure to know the island better than you so that our tribe will benefit.” Hammit smiled challengingly.
“I will look forward to the day.” Cage responded.
“Loves, care to get started?” The experienced warrior asked and got nods of approval from the pair, absorbing his excitement into themselves.
They went to diverge from the tribe. “Hold!” Cage shouted and the trio stopped to look back. “I see you’re well armed, but I suggest you take two dogs if you’ll be gone for an extended time.
Wolves will be more wary, but the other cougars I left alone might cause trouble for you. Trust me on this. This island can be more deadly than the plains.”
“We will trust the chief’s judgment.” Killeo said aloud. She and her sister-mate walked over to their grown children who offered a skilled and dangerous hunting dog. Cage knew these dangerous furry hunters were just as skilled and deadly as any canine unit back on Earth. These dogs weren’t simply pets, they were working predators with a mean bite.
Afterwards Hammit, his mates and the dogs disappeared into the forest.
Some other families bid their chief farewell to scout the island. Nearly a quarter disappeared into the forest, but all with children stayed together.
Brooke took his free hand just like Meeka had done since walking down the mountain. “Cage Love, your skills as chief are impressive. I never believed a man could lead our people without force.”
“I believe in letting people choose their own path. If you trust them to stick to their word, they will trust you and yours. The Utala are by far the most honorable group I’ve met. It is an honor to be part of it… Besides, if you lead with an iron grip you risk breaking something which could anger those who follow. If you think about it, the previous chief was a dick who hurt too many. When you killed him, none mourned his death did they?” She shook her head, not even needing to think about how right his words are. “If I die, I want to be remembered for being a good and fair chief.”
Elder Shania couldn’t help overhearing. “You already have your people’s hearts, Child.” She spoke. “None can question your honor as chieftain. You bring great honor to the tribe.”
Not one to endure praise well, Cage simply looked back to smile and see everyone who heard in full agreement. It gave a warm feeling of accomplishment. “We’re almost to the beach!” He shouted back so that Daku’s ear wasn’t right there. “We might reach the boats slightly after nightfall!”
Meeka rolled her eyes to Brooke and they shared a giggle, understanding he was deflecting the pleasant conversation because it made him feel ill at ease. Daku even rumbled from the shoulder.
A dozen floating orbs of light hung overhead of the tribe as they walked in a northerly direction along the sandy beach. Several breaks were needed, but they had reached the beach as nightfall came. Megdline and Cage used their magic to light the way safely. Many of the young children were asleep and being carried by their parents after the long and hard day.
Rena even couldn’t hold out as she slept quietly while Meeka clutched the child to her breast. Sean was beat but he pushed on with determination.
A welcome light in the distance caught Daku’s eye and he pointed out the campfire of those who remained. New energy made the progress faster and within an hour the tribe was greeted by those who stayed. In the two days Cage led the tribe through the island, eighteen teepees were erected along with a large temporary stall to house the horses and a rack with about fifty large fish drying showed much had been done.
Cage had everyone take a load off as he had to complete a task. He dove into the ocean until the waves could be walked upon. He canceled the orb as he knew that once he passed the pillars he’d be exposed to magical sight. He slipped between the pillars in the complete darkness since clouds began building up for a likely rainstorm. It was unsettling walking on water that undulated randomly. Several waves nearly made him fall into the dark water. It pushed his reactions to the limit in the complete darkness.
A quarter mile from the pillars, he turned around on the ocean’s surface and could see the tiny fires of camp, when a wave lifted him high enough. He focused on them before creating the sight mirror. He got a mild headache from staring at the incoherent view being displayed. When he could not pierce the veil he pumped in more and more of his magic. The strain was difficult as he pushed on. Teeth gritted, he felt the rapidly draining power of his own tingle of magic feel like ants crawling all over his skin. He pushed so hard he didn’t notice the spots appearing till he gasped for breath. He stopped only as when the image began to take blurry shapes and his most forceful spell reached a peak. Cage knew without a doubt that few could do as he did just then.
The white skull guardian appeared brightly in the darkness to ask for the password and disappeared when it received it. He reached shore to be greeted by his two women while sluggishly trekking a way to the fires to eat and retire for the night, but not before telling of his experience. Megdline and Frill were the only ones not surprised of his test.
In the morning Meeka awoke to an oddly nostalgic sound. There were many young voices grunting and seem to be doing something that required much effort. She sat up and looked around the main tent they had shared with all the elders since it rained not long after her mate fell asleep from overuse in magic. Families had to share since all tents weren’t erected. She sat up alone, only the elders remained in their slumber. She grabbed her thigh sheathe, tied it on and slid the single edged blade home. She stood and wiped the grit from her eyes before lifting the flap of the tent.
Meeka’s sharp blue eyes found the source of the disturbance. Cage stood between four lines of children paired up. None of the sixty or so carried their knives, but he was teaching unarmed combat. He moved the training session just outside the tents and near the rolling surf so his shouts wouldn’t disturb the ones needing sleep from the hard journey off the mountain. He shouted “Begin!” and Meeka watched the paired children take a fighting stance he had taught her what seemed a lifetime ago. Then the children moved closer and were throwing slow punches and kicks at each other. They took turns throwing and blocking. It was hard to hear everything he said in the strong wind, but she watched as he’d go up to a child and move their arm or leg to a more positive position. He went from child to child, moving as confidently as he always did.
She sighed, glad he recovered from absorbing Megdline’s mana.
Her eyes moved around to find many mothers sitting together on the beach talking and watching their babies being taught by the chieftain. Brooke too sat among the young mothers.
Meeka moved over to the group and was greeted as a sister. She sat beside her love and got a kiss on the cheek. “Sorry for not waking you, Love. You were sleeping so well I didn’t have the heart to do it.”
“That is alright.” Meeka said. “How are our children doing this morning?”
“Rena is a natural at adapting to our mate’s many odd fighting methods. Some of the older girls are also learning well. Sean is more used to his dad’s influence and needs little instruction since he’s had weeks to hone his skills. Our children are still very young and have much to improve upon, but in time their generation will surpass this one.”
Lanna leaned forward to say “My son told me Rena has been taking the children often to go over what the chief taught those few times and keep doing the same thing over and over.”
Brooke nodded. “When Cage and I were going after everyone, he used his magic and saw Rena doing the exercises he taught her.”
“Rena certainly is the prize of our tribe. She takes well after her mother.” One of the women unabashedly said, even as two of her own children were out there.
“The words are kind.” Brooke smiled to her sisters. “If the spirits will it, she will make a fine priestess when my time is over.”
“Why not have the chief use magic on her like the far-seer did to you? We all know Rena will be a gift to the tribe. She never stops helping everybody and is good at guiding the children. She will make a fine leader and future mate for the next chieftain.” Another asked.
“Because he is too unskilled.” Said a deep voice. The group turned around to find Daku had silently snuck up behind them little larger than a dog and sat to also watch. “I will not permit him to place a blessing or a curse of magical properties on anyone until he is more competent. In combat, he lives up to his warlock heritage, but he still has a great deal to learn of his other half, magic. Last I remember of Twilight’s policy, to give a gift upon a perso
n without the power to mold their mana, a mage must have no less than ten years of magic in this study. It isn’t easy to make a magician and many things can go horribly wrong. I’ve seen it happen twice and neither mistake could be corrected before death of the recipient.”
“But what of the Great Prophet? My parents said he was dying and in pain, but he spelled both Brooke and I before dying.” Meeka asked aloud.
“I heard of the one you speak though we never met.” The griffin nodded. “It is a simple answer, he was quite old, even among mages. He was born nearly three thousand years ago. Prophets, true prophets, are the rarest mage of all and they had power equal to that of a common warlock. Because he was so old, the dead prophet was more than capable of weaving a spell upon you in a compromised situation… if Cage were to place a spell upon Rena at the moment in his current level of training, she would die a violent, agonizing death.” His cool words made Brooke shiver. “It is not an option.”
The other women were likewise silenced on the subject.
“Thank you, Daku.” Meeka said to break the awkwardness and the griffin tilted his head. “For caring for Rena’s well being.”
“Yes, thank you.” Brooke spoke at last.
“She is a feisty cub.” He smirked. “Those are always the most fun to play with.” At that moment everyone turned to see Rena step into her opponent’s defenses, sweep her leg behind the other’s knee while pushing, throwing the larger girl flat on her back while maintaining the advantageous top. Rena stopped an elbow to the other girls throat and stood, offered a hand and helped the opponent back up. “She saw that move only once and has mastered it, even if they are intentionally moving slow.” He stated since he watched everything since the beginning, watching how his partner associated with the cubs.
Rena then became the recipient of the same attack as they traded places over and over.
Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga) Page 19
