When the wizard flung Issa back, Asaph saw red and ran at him, whilst putting up a mighty struggle to prevent the dragon within from awakening. But Domenon had reacted with such speed and skill, he had been utterly unprepared.
He’d assumed the man was just a wizard with little to no fighting skills. But the man was strong, uncannily strong, tumbling Asaph as if he were a child. He was also faster than Asaph, faster than a Dragon Lord. Domenon had clearly had training, lots of it, and Asaph wanted to know where he’d got it from. Despite his dislike of the wizard and his chagrin at losing the fight, he was forced to respect him.
The boatman guided the boat to the nearest jetty on the main island. Several seers must have spotted the prone elf and were waiting anxiously to assist. They helped carry the wounded elf to the medical tent where healers and physicians were busy working. Asaph waited outside whilst everyone else went in. It was crowded and he didn’t like any kind of hospital.
‘How did you do that?’ Asaph said when Domenon re-emerged alone.
Domenon looked away and gave an exasperated sigh. ‘Do what?’
‘You know what. Fight like that. I didn’t think wizards were trained in fists.’ Asaph’s hard gaze was met with an equally hard stare.
‘There’s probably a lot of things you “didn’t think” about the world, given your lack of…training,’ scowled Domenon, touching his bruised cheek and grimacing. ‘My advice would be to not start fights with those you can’t beat, otherwise, you’re in for a bashing.’ Domenon smirked.
He stood almost the same height as Asaph. The man’s dislike of him was odd and went deeper than the fight they’d just had.
‘You don’t even know me, so why do you hate me? Why did you call me a half-breed? Humans don’t generally give a damn.’
‘Most humans are quite dumb,’ said Domenon. ‘That’s why the world is in the mess it’s in. Let’s just say, I know full well that an untrained Dragon Lord is a danger to everyone. And, unlike most humans, combining dragons with humans creates nothing but abominable half-breeds.’
‘I can’t help what I am and, besides, how can you be against what Feygriene has ordained?’ Asaph folded his arms.
Domenon glowered. ‘Why don’t you go tend to your love?’
‘Why don’t you teach me what you did back there? I’ve almost worked it out anyway. There’s more you could teach me. I can pay you,’ said Asaph.
Domenon laughed loudly. ‘How ridiculous. You think I’ve got time to play around with fools?’ The wizard stalked off. Asaph watched as he disappeared down a side street. A small smile of victory spread on his face.
13
Orb of Earth
FAINT stars twinkled in the darkening skies.
Issa walked towards the makeshift healing tent where the seers attended Orphinius. Miraculously, the elf was sitting up on his bed pallet, his wounds were stitched and bandaged, and a little colour had returned to his face.
Dar knelt on one knee by his bedside holding his hand, and Iyena and Suli rested their hands on her shoulders. Everybody’s eyes were closed. Issa watched silently as Orphinius began speaking in a quivering voice, recounting what he had witnessed when Baelthrom invaded the Land of Mists. Issa knew the seers were witnessing what he had seen as he relived it through their communal touch.
‘The Dread Dragons came, bringing fire. Very quickly everything was burning, there was nowhere to run, no place to hide. We couldn’t get away.’
Issa imagined the beautiful realm with its gold and silver trees and sparkling rivers turning to fire and ash. She shivered when he spoke about Baelthrom and tried not to think about the terror the people witnessed. Nowhere to go, no way of escaping. Trapped and knowing they were going to die. She shook away the fear and focused upon what Orphinius was saying.
‘I saw Daranarta fall. We tried to get him to Averen’s shield but our king was mad with fury. Then a tree fell on us. Daranarta was trapped and my friend was…killed.’ Orphinius struggled with his emotions. When he next spoke his voice was unsteady.
‘Red eyes opened in the sky above us. I tried and tried but I couldn’t free Daranarta’s legs. He said not to bother because they were broken anyway and the Death Hounds were coming on fast.
‘He told me to take the orb and run. I said I didn’t want it and that I wouldn’t leave him, but he made me. I’m no magic weilder but he bound it to me with magic and thrust it into my pocket.
‘I tried to stay with him but he screamed at me like a madman. He wanted me to save the orb. So I ran and didn’t look back. I’d almost reached Averen and his shield when a blast threw me off my feet. There was terrible pain…and then nothing.’ Orphinius swallowed, his features were alarmingly grey.
‘Speak only if you want to,’ said Iyena softly, still keeping her eyes closed.
‘I must,’ said Orphinius. ‘There is more and everyone must know. When I awoke I was in a dead world. Everything was grey. There were ghosts; some of their faces I recognised…’ his voice dropped to a hoarse whisper and he struggled to continue. ‘It felt like I was there for days. I couldn’t get out, and the sorrow was consuming, this feeling of the world swallowing me… Then she came. The Raven Queen. She brought me back and here I am.’
He opened his pale green eyes and smiled weakly at Issa. She shifted awkwardly. The seers opened their eyes and Dar stood.
‘Relax now, Orphinius,’ she said. ‘You survived and saved the orb, and that’s all that matters. You’re safe now.’
‘May the Night Goddess find and carry Daranarta’s soul,’ Issa whispered and was surprised when everyone echoed her prayer.
She looked at the floor. This would never have happened had Daranarta listened to her. It was his selfishness that had caused the death of millions. But her feelings for the misguided, indifferent elf king now lessened with his death and she felt deeply sorry for him.
‘The orb must be protected at all costs.’ Domenon’s voice behind her made her jump. He stood in the doorway, his eyes shadowed, his bruise angry looking. How long had he been there?
‘Indeed, Master Wizard Domenon, but look, the man needs rest first,’ said Iyena, motioning to Orphinius who had slipped into a doze. ‘We’ll remain here with him all night casting our strongest shield over him. You needn’t worry.’
This seemed to be good enough for the man, Iyena had a way of placating the difficult wizard. Domenon nodded his thanks, his face softening a little before he turned away. Issa followed him out. The wizards were soon to have a meeting and she was excited to have been invited. Without talking, they took the short walk through the town centre and down a side street to a small white house at the end.
All the wizards were already there and she was surprised to see Naksu seated amongst them at the big round table. She returned Issa’s smile. The wizards were already in a debate, so Issa and Domenon quietly took the remaining empty seats.
‘If we’re targeted like this, all the orbs are in jeopardy.’ Drumblodd shook his head.
Many wizards spoke at once, all saying different things about what to do with the orbs.
‘At least he named another its Keeper before he passed,’ said Drumblodd.
‘We must separate ourselves from each other at once,’ said Navarr.
‘We are safer in numbers with our combined powers,’ said Haelgon.
Luren didn’t seem to know what to think and looked only at Domenon.
‘It doesn’t matter what you say, Orphinius is not strong enough to hold that orb.’ Domenon’s quiet voice cut through all of them. Everyone turned to look at him. ‘I’ve analysed his energy fields, his aura—everything. He is not even a magic wielder. Daranarta gave the orb to him as a last resort before he lost his life.’
‘He should have given it to Averen,’ Issa agreed with Domenon. Another mistake made by Daranarta. ‘If he had then maybe he would be with us now.’
‘Those elves who left so hate the elves who remained.’ Drumblodd sighed.
Issa remembere
d that the dwarf and Averen were good friends.
‘I saw Averen,’ she said, smiling at the dwarf. A spark lit up in his eyes. ‘He’s all right—more than all right, in a way. He seemed in bliss. Sheyengetha said they had made a soul agreement.’
She glanced at the others. A look of wonder spread across Freydel’s face.
‘I offer to be Keeper of the Orb of Earth, though I know it’s a great burden,’ said Domenon abruptly, making everyone start. ‘It’s clear to me that none of you want me in possession of the orb, but may I remind you that I am the only other Master Wizard here and I have elven blood, no matter how small.’
So, he admitted his elven heritage was minor, noted Issa.
The wizards looked thoughtful, apart from Freydel who scowled. Naksu’s face remained interested, though she said nothing.
‘Your audacity never ceases to shock me,’ said Freydel, sighing.
‘Who else has the power to hold the orb? You know I’m the strongest. Coronos was certainly not strong enough,’ Domenon hissed.
The mention of his name in this manner hurt, and though Issa had a growing dislike for the man and his rough manner, she couldn’t deny the truth of what he said. There was an orb that needed protection and he was the only Master Wizard without one.
The wizards exploded into heated discussion. It felt like a power struggle and Issa drew back from it as they argued. They were all afraid of everything that had happened and so was she.
“In you, all things are made whole.” She recalled the things Zanufey had said to her, the ones giving her clarity and direction
‘We should recombine the orbs, the ones we have left,’ said Issa. She spoke quietly but captured everyone’s attention. They looked at her and she shrugged. ‘A power divided is weak. Perhaps now is the time we become one and Maioria’s magic is united, however that is done.’
‘And risk Baelthrom being able to take greater power?’ said Drumblodd.
‘Or fight him back with greater power,’ said Issa. ‘Look, I don’t know what the answer is now, I only know that in the end the orbs must be recombined, just as magic wielders must become as one. Seers, witches and wizards must one day soon become one school and learn each other’s wisdom. I know this is what we must do.’
Domenon glowered at her.
‘And how would we combine them?’ asked Haelgon, his smooth, shaven head glowing in the candlelight.
Issa shrugged again. ‘I don’t know. Murlonius and Yisufalni are still with us. The Ancients broke the magic of Maioria, so I think the answer is with them.’
King Navarr nodded. ‘Yisufalni was the last Ancient and female to sit upon the Circle. She was once a High Priestess and a wizard too. I wonder if she still has the power and the knowledge to do this.’
‘I would think her knowledge greater now than ever before, but her power?’ said Freydel. He shook his head. ‘It’s a grand idea but I don’t think such things can be done,’
His doubt surprised Issa. Was he reluctant to try? She noticed his hand was in his pocket where he kept his orb. Maybe he didn’t want to give up the orb of power. She glanced at Drumblodd. He was looking into the centre of the table, frowning. Would he give up the Orb of Fire just like that? Would any of them?
She realised then the magnitude of what she had just asked. All the wizards hungered after the power the orbs gave them, and another wizard almost had one in his clutches. Whereas she would willingly give up her orb to make whole what had been broken.
‘Without the other orbs, the magic cannot be recombined anyway,’ said Freydel.
‘Until that time, the Orb of Earth needs protecting,’ Domenon pressed. He sighed heavily, his fingers brushing the bruise Asaph had given him. ‘Fellow wizards, I am very tired. Please think long and hard on what I propose before it’s too late.’
Issa was surprised when he stood up and left the table without adding more. She thought he would have tried much harder to get what he wanted. She watched him shut the door and turned back to the discussion.
Asaph was staring up at the stars and leaning on a garden wall when Domenon emerged from the house where the wizards were having their meeting. He enjoyed the surprise on the wizard’s face.
‘What are you doing here?’ Domenon asked.
‘I came to look at the stars and walk Issa home,’ said Asaph. ‘You can’t trust anyone these days, not even here on the Isle of Myrn.
Domenon snorted. ‘I’m not interested in her.’
‘That’s not the impression I get, but maybe I’ll take your word for it,’ said Asaph, pushing himself off the wall and following the wizard as he stalked past.
‘What do you want? Another fight? Want to learn some new tricks?’ Domenon grinned, his eyes hard.
‘Yes, to all,’ Asaph grinned back. ‘But maybe not tonight. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and there is something oddly familiar about you, though I’m certain we’ve never met before. They say you’re far older than you look, so maybe this familiar feeling can be found in the dragon’s shared memory—’
‘I know all about the Recollection, you don’t need to bore me with an explanation.’ Domenon wafted his hand.
‘Do you know about the sleeping dragons?’ asked Asaph, ignoring the man’s manner and excited that he might discover something.
Domenon stopped and turned to him. ‘I know a lot about a great many things. You’d be surprised. Whatever it is you want from me, you’re not going to get it. Why don’t you run back to your little missus?’
Asaph folded his arms. ‘You called me a half-breed. Only one other has called me that before.’
‘I didn’t call you a half-breed, I said dragons call you people that,’ said Domenon.
‘Yes, it was a dragon who said it. Not all dragons hate humans,’ said Asaph. Or did they? The thought that he might be hated by the very beings he’d dedicated his life to finding, chilled him to the bone. ‘How do you know so much about dragons? Do you speak with them? They’ve been sleeping for decades.’
Domenon nodded. ‘And long may they continue. When the world and all this madness has ended, they will rise again to be what they once were.’
Asaph frowned. ‘If they stay sleeping, they won’t be waking up ever again for Baelthrom will destroy us all. I didn’t realise you trusted in Issa so much.’
‘I don’t.’ Domenon snorted. ‘I don’t think she or any human can save this world. Look how easy it was for Baelthrom to control even you, with all your Dragon Lord powers.’
Asaph refused to react to his goading. ‘I believe it is as she says. If we come together, we have a chance to defeat the darkness. Divided we fall—and that includes dragons. Soon, I intend to find the Sword of Binding and awaken them.’
Domenon’s face darkened. He seemed about to say something then changed his mind. He nodded behind them. Asaph turned. The door of the meeting house was opening, spilling light onto the cobbles. Wizards emerged, chatting.
‘Looks like the meeting’s finished,’ said Domenon. ‘Why don’t you go look after her before she gets attacked. I’ve got work to do.’ The wizard whirled away, his satin cloak shimmering as he disappeared into the dark.
Asaph sighed, turned and waved at Issa. She came over.
‘What are you doing here?’ she asked in surprise, lifting the collar of her robe.
‘I’m just your man-servant come to walk you home,’ he bowed.
She laughed and took his hand.
14
Worlds of Dominion
‘I feel as strong as a young man here in your crystal palace,’ said Freydel, lightly stroking his blue crystal staff.
In this magnificent place from where it was cut, the staff hummed with power. The power filled him almost to the point of trembling.
‘Your travelling here has become seamless.’ Ayeth nodded. ‘You’re a fast learner and skilled to be able to navigate across time and dimensions so quickly.’
‘I would not be able to do it without the power of the staff
you created, and your tutelage.’ Freydel looked up at Ayeth, feeling in awe of the majestic being.
Ayeth’s face gleamed and his dark blue eyes shone. He was standing perfectly still before a wall of glinting blue crystals. His cloak was the same blue making him appear to blend into the wall.
Ayeth had used his magic to strengthen Freydel’s portal connection to the crystal caverns across the vast time and space over which he had travelled. As a result, this visit from Freydel felt stronger and less ethereal. His body held more density and he could breathe easier without feeling nauseous.
Yes, Ayeth was the most powerful wizard he had ever, or would ever, know.
‘With your vast knowledge I could do so much more with the energies of Maioria,’ said Freydel.
‘Power can be a dangerous thing,’ said Ayeth. ‘Especially if one learns a power beyond one’s means. It can destroy you. I say this not to anger you, but we all have limits that are tied to our physical bodies and the planets from whence we came.
‘Hmm, so you say I destroy my beautiful home planet Aralansia.’ He held his palm up and a dark blue planet the size of an apple appeared, turning slowly on its axis. ‘And the question is why. What in the light could make me do such a thing? The Yurgha say the Rorsken have the power to move planets and the Anukon the technology to destroy them utterly.’
Above his hands, two more planets appeared; a tan coloured one with patches of blue and a darker one covered in white swirls that Freydel assumed to be clouds. He looked at his own palm, wondering how to create such an illusion and hungering to learn.
‘I don’t know the why of anything, but I believe whatever happens to destroy you and Aralansia can be halted, which is why I return—’ Freydel stopped as an oblong light about five-feet high appeared between the crystal pedestal and the wall.
Dragons of the Dawn Bringer: The Goddess Prophecies Fantasy Series Book 5 Page 16
