by Unknown
"Who are you?" it asked.
"I am Shazmpt," he said.
Stunned that it was talking, each man's mouth dropped.
“The barrier is the border of time. Once you cross, you will no longer be in our protection," the water serpent replied.
"Yes, I know," Shaz said.
Shaz tried to calculate what the creature was thinking.
"You cannot pass."
The serpent’s voice rumbled deep. He crossed his webbed wings behind his back. The sword hummed in its scabbard. Shaz instinctively pulled it from its sheath, revealing the first few symbols engraved on its solid form. The serpent saw the ancient marking and reared backward, then bowed in reverence.
"My many pardons. How may I help?"
"You must take us to Ebassia," Shaz declared holding the sword halfway out of the sheath.
"I can take you through the Teorran of Time and then to the current that will take you to Ebassia, but that is as far as I can go." The water wyvern said.
He bowed and raised his wings. Slapped the water's surface and grabbed a surge of air. He leapt out of the water thrusting high into the sky then, flipping over head first, he dove back into the sea. Before anyone could speak, the ship bumped again. It lurched forward with a start and slowly began to move.
The creature below the ship swam just underneath the water's surface. Everyone hung over the edge trying to take in as many details as they could. For a time they moved north and then the ship turned tightly to the west. Shaz could make out a large hole in the sky. A faint shimmer of blues encircled an oval shape. Thousands of tiny water particles danced on the surface creating a mirror like effect just before the ship launched through it.
Once through the misty wall, it turned into a tunnel of water and sky. Magic soared through Shaz’s body, leaving his mind exhilarated and full of radiant heat. The further in they went a raining sensation under his skin, left him weak in the knees. He wondered why the tunnel was taking magic from him. The ship gained speed and water sprayed from the front bow. The light blue sky turned dark and specks of light whizzed by for a moment. It faded quickly into a deep shade of blue. They were now through the barrier. Shaz regained his strength as the magic returned to his body.
A small throbbing started behind his right eye and he knew a headache was coming. It was now night, it had only been less than a half an hour since the beast first appeared. The ship slowed quickly leaving them unsteady on their feet. Shaz's eyes moved around the horizon, he was now in a completely different world. He walked over to where Riddick was staring out at the sky. Small mountain peaks glowed against the purple hazy illumination of the three moons in the distance. At least the moons are the same, he thought. The breeze flowed through their hair.
"I wonder how long it will take to make it to the main land?" asked Shaz.
"I didn't even know there was anything else other than our own islands," Riddick said shaking his head from the thought.
“Me either.” said Sebastian.
“We are in the main current now. It won’t be long until another ship finds us,” Captain Yerild said.
Shaz was trying to figure out what all this meant. Creatures he had never seen and magic he had never known. Riddick knew that when Shaz was in this state, he wasn't much for conversation.
"It's late, I best be getting to bed,” Riddick said and went below deck.
Shaz thought he was alone as he stood watching the stars dance in the sky.
"You might as well get some sleep. There won’t be a ship tonight."
He seemed to be a little grayer in his beard than before they left.
CHAPTER SIX
Ebassia
Ebassia was nothing like he had ever seen before. Large buildings stretched into the sky and seemed to disappear into the atmosphere. Some had square, hand-honed stones, and narrow arched triangular windows. The tops had several crenellations, as if they'd been perches in a time of war. Other buildings peaked at the tops, with highly polished stone work, and intricate carved details above the windows and doors. Waterways had been lifted high in order to allow for ships to pass freely underneath. Captain Yerild promised Shaz, that Mrs. Bailey made the best roast on this side of the barrier.
"Excuse me." Shaz said.
He maneuvered around people now starting to fill the boardwalk.
"Watch it." said an old man, hobbling with a cane.
His bald scalp glistened in the bright morning sun.
"Sorry."
Shaz skidded around several small children, as they raced through the entrance to the working district. The fresh sea breeze became tainted with a hint of smoke, as he approached the outer ring of the city. The stench of melted ore filled his nose. A small fire burned in a steel barrel next to him. The little warmth it gave felt nonexistent and he wondered why it was even there. The sun had not yet reached the high point in the sky. Long shadows from the high aqueducts, and outer buildings, loomed the city floor.
"Over here." a young man called from the waterway that was several feet below the cobble stone alley way.
"Me?" Shaz asked pointing his finger at himself.
"Yes, you." the young man called. He stood on the back of a long narrow boat, and wore shiny black shoes and dark pleated trousers. His long dark hair was pulled back. Shaz situated his pack on his shoulder and took the steps two at a time. "Do you need a ride?" the young man asked.
"Sure" Shaz said,
He hopped into the water craft. Three rows with two seats each filled the boat, leaving a platform in the back, presumably for luggage.
"Where you headed?"
"Umm," Shaz said.
He pulled out the small crinkled paper and repeated the address. The boat boy took the long pole from the side, and pushed against the moldy moss covered stone. Shaz's nose wrinkled with the dank odor of the musky combination, but settled into a seat.
"I knew you needed a ride because you aren't from around here." the young man said, "Where are you from?" he asked.
Shaz wasn't exactly sure what to say. He was sure that no one would know where he was from. He decided that because he was from so far away, it wouldn't hurt telling him.
"Turob." Shaz said.
"Hum, I've never heard of that one, and I've heard and seen a lot." He said.
A young woman wearing a deep purple cloak caught Shaz’s eye. Her hood was down exposing soft creamy skin. She carryied a small bag.
"It's far to the east." Shaz said, turning in his seat so he could see her better.
The boat moved in the opposite direction through the easy flowing water.
The boat caddy saw the young woman, "Something you like?" he said.
"Uh, No, it’s just-"
"Uh huh." the boat boy said.
Shaz looked over his shoulder and realized how that must have appeared. A warm sensation crept up under his cheeks. He was thankful for the coolness of the shade from a stone bridge. It wasn't so much that he thought she was pretty. All though thinking about it, she was. There was something different about her, something he couldn’t explain.
"My name is Deagan."
"I'm Shaz." Shaz said.
He didn't really want to talk, but figured it was rude if he didn't.
"So tell me about Turob?" Deagan asked, pushing the stick into the soft murky bottom.
"Well, it's an island far from here. It's small, one could walk around it in a few days. It has lots of tall trees and inlets." Shaz said.
"Sounds nice." Deagan said.
Everyone knew there were no islands in the east. In fact there was nothing to the east, or the west. Come to think of it, the north as well. Shaz had to hold onto the side, as Deagan turned a corner sharply, as the little boat moved fairly quickly. The old run down doors and shops, were now replaced with neatly put together store fronts. Fruit and vegetable stands speckled the walkway. Fresh baked breads, pastries, and roasted meats, now replaced the musky stink of the working district.
"We're now in the Commerc
e District" Deagan announced, shifting the pole to the other side.
Shaz sat in silence as they rounded the next bend. The same young woman stood in the alley. Her long brown hair glimmered in the new rays of the sun. Shaz didn't understand his intrigue with her. He rarely thought of girls, why now? Why did she flex emotions he'd never known before?
When Deagan gazed at Shaz's expression he could tell it was more than a pretty face. "Do you know her?"
"Hum? Uh no."
"You seem intent on that one." Deagan said.
"She is familiar to me somehow, but I've never been here before."
The boat bobbed around another bend and Shaz put his chin in his hand.
"How much further?"
"We're here.” Deagan said.
"Oh, sorry." Shaz said, throwing his satchel over his shoulder. He pulled out some coins Grandfather gave him, and handed a few to
Deagan. "Thank you for the ride."
Shaz slapped him on the back as he climbed out of the boat.
"My pleasure sir." he said, quickly shoving the coins in his pocket and shoved off.
"Hey, where do I go from here?"
"Twenty blocks through there." Deagan said, shouting back, pointing to a narrow alleyway.
Shaz made his way through the people, when he saw the young woman again from the corner of his eye. She was giving a piece of fruit to a small boy who was ragged and unkempt. He moved quickly toward the shop on the other side of the plaza. As he approached where she had been, she was gone.
"Blast"
As a hunter, he hated it when he lost what he was stalking.
"Did you want to buy some fresh fruit?" asked a friendly voice from behind the cart.
"Do you know that girl that was just here, the one with a purple cloak?" he asked.
The woman shook her head. It kind of bothered him, he’d spent so much time thinking of someone he didn't even know, and would probably never meet. He realized the time was getting late and he had better get to Mrs. Bailey's. He started back toward the narrow alley. The alley had a unique feel to it. It was close and tight.
Lanterns hung on the walls slightly higher than the doors. Little light shone on the shaded corridor. House numbers were etched into stones, and small windows sat next to the doors. Stairways led up to houses sitting on top of the ones on ground-level. He was amazed that so many homes fit into such a small area. As he examined the new buildings, he decided, he would rather live in one on top like his tree house back home.
The door of sixty-two, had a small flower pot with a bright pink flower, sitting half wilted, on a stool next to the door. Light pink lace covered a window in the center of the door. He knocked, using the little knocker and stepped back. A little round woman opened the door with a big smile.
"Ah, you must be Shaz." she said, her red cheeks getting a little redder. "My you’re a handsome one you are."
Shaz shifted his pack uncomfortably.
"Come in, come in." she said.
The house was warm. Soft pastel colors decorated the rooms. The aroma was delicious, but seemed to have an off-flavor hanging in the air.
"Thank yo-" Shaz began.
Mrs. Bailey waved her hands.
"It's no trouble. My brother speaks highly of you. It's an honor really." she said, between breaths. "Here, come let me show you to your room."
Shaz followed her up a flight of stairs to a small room. The room had a decent sized bed, a side table and an armoire. Quaint and comfortable, just the way he liked it.
"Now, dinner won’t be long, so get cleaned up."
She motioned to a wash room across the hall and shut the door.
Shaz put his pack on the bed and pulled out an extra tunic and a pair of trousers, he had been given from the rescue crew. The trousers were a little too short but they were clean. He took them across the hall. He poured water from a pitcher into a bowl, which was sitting on a wooden table. To his surprise it was warm. He wondered how Mrs. Bailey knew when he was going to be there. He took the cloth hanging on the rod, washed, dressed, and then went downstairs.
"Shhhh child, don't go getting all worked up, it's an honor to help, and besides he's an attractive young man." Mrs. Bailey said.
"Fine." a young woman said.
He rounded the corner and was surprised to see the young woman in the purple cloak standing in the doorway.
"You?" he blurted.
"Me?"
She had one eyebrow raised with one finger pointed at herself.
Shaz realized how he must appear and cleared his throat, "I saw you from the boat today."
"Oh." She said.
"I'm Shaz."
"I'm Serin."
"Pleasure to meet you." he said.
He felt awkward because Mrs. Bailey was staring between them.
"You too. I hear you are going to stay here with Mrs. Bailey for a little while?"
She pulled the hair at the side of her face and tucked it behind her ear.
"Yes, for a short time"
"Wonderful, now that you two have met, I'll finish in the kitchen while you get to know each other." Mrs. Bailey said.
Serin shot her a glare. She knew what Mrs. Bailey was up to and she didn't like it one bit. She sat in the chair which was at an angle from the couch.
"So Mrs. Bailey says you are from far away." Serin said.
She rested her hands softly in her lap and her legs crossed at the ankles under the chair. She hated making small chat and was going to let Mrs. Bailey have it at the earliest convenience.
"Yes, from across the sea" He said.
"I didn't know anything was across the sea."
Shaz shifted in his seat. He thought he better come up with something else to tell people. Grandfather had told him that only a select few know about the barrier.
"Well, far away anyway." he said.
Serin didn't want to give him any idea that Mrs. Bailey's attempt at matchmaking was working. He was probably just like all the other good looking but self-absorbed guys she’d met.
"So do you live here too?" Shaz asked.
"Oh no, I live on the outskirts of town. I study the art of healing from Mrs. Bailey."
"The art of healing?" he asked.
"Herbs, plants, things like that," she said, “I better go before it gets too late.”
"You have to leave already?" Shaz asked. You derp, what are you doing? Sounding like an idiot, that’s what, he thought. "It was nice to meet you."
"You too." she said.
She said good bye to Mrs. Bailey and left the house, shutting the door quietly behind her.
*******************************************
Shaz sat straight up with his heart pounding. His hair hung in his face and sweat dripped down his back. The small room was bright as the sun shone in, giving off warmth and comfort. He sagged back into the mattress and pulled the sheets over his face. The pain in his head pounded against his skull.
"Not again" he muttered.
He put his arm over his eyes and tried to think of anything other than the pain. All that came to his mind were the images from his dream. He heard a soft knock on the door and mumbled for them to come in.
"Mrs. Bailey asked me to bring you some new things." Serin said.
She put the clothes on the side table.
"Thank you." he mumbled.
Serin stood a moment, she wanted him to know it was Mrs. Bailey’s idea. She can be a very persistent woman.
"Sorry to wake you, but Mrs. Bailey insisted."
Shaz pulled the blanket off his face and labored to sit up. The pounding in his head made it almost unbearable to open his eyes.
Serin’s heart skipped a beat seeing him without his shirt on. His strong muscular frame quivered. He managed to blink a few times through bloodshot eyes. Serin couldn't help herself, she came to the side of the bed and sat down next to him.
"Lay down." she said softly.
Shaz laid back down and put his arm over his eyes.
&n
bsp; "I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be rude." he managed.
"No, I'm sorry." Serin said.
For an instant she perceived the pain he was in and shuddered.
"I get these awful headaches." he said, through a shaky voice.
"I have something for that. I'll be right back."
A few moments later, she returned and put a bowl of cold water on the side table and sat on the bed. She dipped a cloth into the water and wrung it out.
"Here put this on your forehead." she said. She moved his arm out of the way. "Does the light make the pain worse?"
Shaz nodded. She went over to the window and pulled the heavy curtains shut.
"There, that should help." she said.
Shaz blinked and opened his eyes slightly.
"Thank you." he said. She pulled out the stopper of a blue glass bottle. "What's that?" he smelled the potent concoction.
"This will help with the pain and let you sleep." she said. She tipped the bottle onto her finger, and rubbed the oily substance under his nose.
The sweet earthy aroma surprised him. He actually liked it. Most medicines didn't taste or smell good. A cooling sensation started in his nose and went to his chest. It reached all over his body. Serin tipped the oil again and wiped the medicine on his forehead and around his eyes. Down his neck to his collar bone, then arms and wrists. Her skin was cool to the touch.
"Better?"
"Yes, thank you."
Her eyes fell onto his scar, "That must have been horrible."
"It doesn't hurt anymore, it’s just not pretty." he said.
"Can I ask you what happened?"
"It's a long story, you probably don't want to hear it."
"Actually, I do."
