by Unknown
Whether it was true or not didn't matter, all he knew was that they were different and hard to fly through and struggled to break the barrier. Azrak inched upward, hoping that at any second he would break through the other side. With one last stoke, he shot into the icy blue sky above.
"May I help you?" asked a pale yellow and orange feathered gryphton, his eyes bright and welcoming.
"I must speak with Helios, my name is Azrak." he said.
"Azrak you say." he said carefully.
Azrak scrunched his brows and scrutinized the old gryphton.
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"You tell me?" he said.
He slipped his paws into the large armholes in his hooded robe.
"I don't have time for these games. Will you send for him or do I have to go find him myself?"
"He has been sent for, he will be here shortly. Come walk with me, I fear there is something troubling."
Azrak walked with him down a long path that circled the several buildings and asked, "Who is the head monk here?"
"That would be Mazark.” he answered. "Do you wish an audience?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Very well."
Helios darted from the sky, and landed right next to Azrak. Azrak slammed his fist against his chest in a salute. Helios returned with the same.
"I can't believe you are back. What’s wrong?" Helios asked.
"What makes you think there is anything wrong?" Azrak asked.
"Are you kidding, you wouldn't come all this way for an afternoon of tea." Helios said.
Azrak told Helios all that had happened.
"So it’s true then." Helios said.
"What’s true?"
"The legend, I was just studying it in fact. The boy, Shaz you say is his name?"
"Yes, and he travels with a girl Serin." Azrack said.
"She is an elemental?"
"I don't know.”
"Mazark will see you now." the monk said, motioning his arm toward an open door.
They had walked all the way to the center and were now if front of the main study. Several skylights allowed for light to rest strategically on different desks and shelves.
"Azrak, I am honored you have come. What can I do for you?" the grand monk said.
Azrak took his paw.
"I'm afraid I bring sorrowful news."
"The legend is true Your Grace." Helios said.
The grand master half-sat-half-stood against the desk and rested his paws in his lap.
"I see, what do you plan on doing?" he asked.
"We have to secure the orb from Groargoth and get it to the boy." Azrak said.
"Groargoth has the orb?" the grand monk asked as his brows lifted and his voice broke.
"It was our last mission before-" Azrak trailed off.
"King Ruadan sent for it." Helios said watching the pain crest Azrak's face.
"I see."
"May I ask how you know about all this?" Azrak asked.
"It has been our duty for centuries to study the history of our world and make a full account of its happenings. We have known about the legend for quite some time."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Azrak asked.
"Who would listen?"
"You’re right."
"What about the Necromancer?" Helios asked.
"I don't know, Shaz mentioned that he knows him but I don't know what presence he has."
Helios rubbed his chin and walked in a half circle.
"Helios, I need you to help me get the orb. We have to get Brigdon out of prison and gather the armies."
"Of course, when do we leave?"
"Now."
"Let me get my things."
"Thank you, I will have to rely on you more now than ever my friend." Azrak said.
Helios nodded and hurried out of the room.
*******************************************
"Wait." Helios said as he grabbed Azrak’s shoulder "Things have changed since king Ruadan."
"How?"
"Political prisoners are kept in the fortress keep along with the treasure."
"Perfect, then we get Brigdon and the orb at the same time."
"It's not that easy, it’s heavily guarded. More so than before"
"That’s why we need Ralti."
"Need me for what?" Ralti said as he landed on the rocky surface.
"It’s about time you show up."
"Yeah, I was keeping myself out of prison while someone I know was gallivanting around without a care." Ralti said.
"Gallivanting? I like to gallivant." Jaxton said landing behind Ralti.
"No gallivanting for you." Azrak said.
Jaxton opened his mouth in mock sarcasm.
Pontos plummeted to the ground and landed softly next to Helios.
"All right enough of the male bonding?" Helios said.
“What did I miss.” Pontos said.
Azrak slapped Ralti and Pontos on the shoulder, gripped Jaxton's arm and said, "Good to see you friends."
"Same."
"We need to get Brigdon and the orb." Azrak said.
"That blasted thing again?" Ralti said and sighed.
"Yes, but this time, we are going to get rid of it for good." Azrak said.
Helios filled them in on what had happened and explained the legend of the boy. Ralti, Pontos and Jaxton listened carefully reacting with spurts of shock and surprise, finishing off with anger.
"What will it take to get inside the keep?" Azrak asked.
"Won't be hard, it’s the getting out that will be the task. Kronos is in charge of the keep." Ralti said.
"Yeah and you thought he was ruthless before." Jaxton said.
"All right so what do you suggest?"
"How bad do you hate him?" Ralti asked.
"Why?" Azrak asked.
"You’re going to hate him pretty good when you hear what he's done to your family." Ralti said.
"I know, Lahonti told me, I'll rip his throat out." he said through gritted teeth.
"Good, because we need you to bring you’re can of whoop-ass if we are going to pull this off. I’m tired of all this ridiculousness. It’s time we had our kingdom back.” Ralti said.
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Meanwhile back at the Castle
The tiny woman hovered over to the blank wall, at the end of the room and held her palms out. Dust fell from the stone header that wasn’t there seconds ago. A large door emerged from the stone. She threw her arms out and the door parted down the center, retreating into the stone wall. A spacious room brightened with crystal chandeliers, glistening in the sunlight from the skylights high the ceiling. A gorgeous gold-spun comforter spread the length of a majestic, deep redwood, bed frame that sat in the center of the room. All around the room the scent of fresh roses filled their noses.
Serin ran her finger along the thin table at the side of the entrance. Not a single speck of dust was on any surface. Even though it had been over two hundred years since anyone had lived there. Turkill and Ladtwig gaped in disbelief, standing paralyzed by the beauty and sparkle throughout the room. A long sofa sat at the front of the room and faced the bed. Large gold and silver vases filled with fresh flowers in bloom, sat on side tables. Large scale paintings hung on the walls depicting delicate scenes of landscapes he had never seen.
Serin stared at her reflection in front of a large silver framed mirror. Displeased, she picked at the boils on her skin. She noticed a soft lavender mark at her temple where the High Priestess had touched her. It was the same as the delicate swirls on her hands and she looked at the marks. Shaz picked up a small wood picture frame with delicate carved vines surrounding two figures.
"Your parents." the Wispmother sung in his ear.
Shaz studied it for a moment then sat it back on the table’s glass surface.
"This is amazing" Serin said.
"Yes it is." He agreed "What happened here?"
"It was destroyed by the Velsharoon. Your f
ather died protecting you and your mother, who escaped with the Dodjen. His dying breath was commanding us to protect this place until you returned." Serin put a soft hand on his arm as she listened to the sad news. "And this," she continued, floating over to another large door. An armoire cracked open, letting the door slide to one side. On the inside hung the black armor from the mural.
"Where is the sheath?" He asked touching the metal hooks.
"Taken by the Dodjen for protection, one was taken with you the other I know not" she answered.
"Bairr Tiornect." he said.
"Ah, yes that would make sense." the Wispmother said.
"Why is that?"
"Because that is its place of origin, and if it is to be destroyed it must be done with both pieces and the tools that created it."
"I have to destroy them all in their places of creation too?" he muttered.
"Yes, or bind them together as one."
"Bind them together?" Serin asked.
"Yes, and become like the Gods." she said.
"What will happen if I do that?"
"You will draw the powers of the universe and become as the creator of this world. None can overpower you. But you must decide what kind of God you will become."
"What kinds are there?"
Serin jabbed him in the ribs, "You’re supposed to destroy them not evoke them" she said.
"That was because that was what I was told. How do I know if that is what is really supposed to happen?" he said rubbing his ribs.
"There are many Gods, but you are either Good and serve the Light or Evil and serve the Shadow." the Wispmother said.
"Can't there be both? I mean, can't a God be both Good and Evil?"
"I should think so, but what would be the point?" She asked "If one is good, then he does good and one is evil he does evil."
Shaz didn’t want to believe it had to be one or the other, What about me, I am both, so what does that make me. His reflection in the shiny black armor stared back at him. The only thing he saw was himself. They were interrupted by the sounds of coins clinking and jingling in pockets. Some hit the floor and rolled to a stop on the smooth polished floor.
"What are you two doing?" Serin snapped.
"Hurry" said Tukill.
He held up his clothes from falling off with the weight of silver and gold coins.
"Stop right there." shouted the Wispmother.
Her voice loud and sharp, she signaled her army to attack.
"No, it's ok, they won't get far, plus I can share."
"You little rascals" Serin chided. Their cheeks reddened sheepishly and slowly let down their clothes. "Put it back." she demanded pointing her arm outstretched.
Hanging their heads low, they slunk back over to the chest at the head of the bed and dumped the coins. It took a moment for them to put it all back and Serin tapped her foot on the floor with a tat-tat-tat. Shaz laughed while sitting in a tall winged back chair, covered in cream velvet fabric that sat next to the sofa.
While bending over his arm in a highly distressed fashion, Ladtwig managed to say “I’m starving.” the numbness in his mouth had now worn off.
"Me too." Turkill said.
"I'm kind of hungry too." Serin said, "But we don't have much left."
"Do not fret." the Wispmother said, “We will return to the dining room where food will be ready." she said floating toward the door.
Shaz and Serin shared confused faces.
"How, the castle is in ruins, and there are no stairs." He asked.
"Come."
Shaz rose and they all left the room. To their amazement, the castle was now in impeccable appearance. Where he had run on the wall, jumped and leapt to the top, were now smooth stone steps. Complete with a deep blue rug caressing each step all the way to the bottom. The stone walls shone in the light reflected by three large chandeliers hanging in the room. Large silver vases with fresh flowers decorated tables around the room. The floor that was once filled with stone, ruble and debris, now had a clean, brand new shine.
"How did you do this?" Shaz asked.
"Because you have returned, we are allowed to rebuild the castle." said the Wispmother.
"I can't stay."
"We will continue to keep the Senate Sanctum Secure. Your mother’s protection spell is now complete."
“Senate Sanctum? My mother’s protection spell?"
Serin ran her finger along the crystal railing as they walked down the stairs. Jagwynn swaggered up the stairs and met them half way.
"Your parents were part of an organization that held senate meetings here for the Teorran Travelers. An unknown group within the Dodjen." she said floating next to him. "Your mother gave me all her magic to keep you safe from the Jaduuk who hunted you."
"Jaduuk?" Serin asked.
"Two legged beasts that hunt like wolves in packs, brought from the underworld by the necromancer to be his foot soldiers. Most have returned to the underworld, but we have felt them near the castle from time to time, searching for you I'm sure." She said.
"They must have been what I heard in the forest." Shaz said.
"What are they exactly?" Serin asked.
Her imagination took her to something awful.
"I suppose they wouldn't be far behind." the Wispmother said,
Shaz and Serin grimaced. She led them to the dining room where they found beautiful tables and chairs finely decorated in bright golds, blues and soft cream colors. The soft colors and sparkling crystals, everywhere from vases to lighting fixtures, made her feel welcome. They didn't have torches or flames in them and she wondered how they illuminated light. Shaz on one side while Serin and the Minca on the other.
"Sit." the Wispmother said.
They sat at the table. Ladtwig and Turkill had to climb onto the chairs, the table’s surface being even with their necks. Food, plates, goblets and silver utensils appeared on the table. The aroma of cooked meat and steamed vegetables wafted from the center.
"This is magic" Turkill said smacking Ladtwig's hand as he reached for the drumstick of the golden brown roasted turkey that was sitting in front of him.
"So, I'm starving, it's been months since we have eaten this good, and I'm tired of dried bread."
He argued back, smacking Turkill's hand away from his and stuck his tongue out. Gripped the juicy bone and ripped it from the body with a sucking sound. Turkill crossed his arms and huffed. Ladtwig took a big bite and tore the meat off the leg. Turkill licked his lips in eagerness and gave in to the rather large grumbling in his stomach. Shaz and Serin filled their plates with mashed potatoes, gravy's, vegetables and roasted meats. Shaz popped a bite of a stuffed mushroom into his mouth.
"We have much to discuss Master Shaz, when you are finished we will meet in the parlor" the Wispmother said.
She floated out of the room, hovering above them, and then was gone.
"This really tastes good." Shaz said.
"Yeah it does." Serin agreed.
The Minca agreed vigorously and shoved more food into their mouths.
Serin sipped sparkling cider from her goblet.
"What do you suppose the Wispmother needs to talk about?"
"Not sure, I guess things about the castle. I wonder if this castle has an armory." Shaz asked.
"Armory, for what?" Serin asked.
"Weapons, those things that are chasing us won’t give up. They'll just keep coming until they find us, and I don't want to be unprepared."
Serin shivered and thought about the night they had woken to the sounds of hooves beating against the ground. Shaz said that it wasn't horses but more like a beast that stood on hind legs. Either way, she didn't want to ever meet them however, she knew it was inevitable. Several minutes later Serin finished and took the soft silk napkin and dabbed at the corners of her mouth.
"Turkill, Ladtwig, why don't you make yourselves busy while Serin and I talk with the Wispmother." Shaz said.
He scooted his chair in.
"Why can't we
come?" Ladtwig asked.
"Because you numskull, it's about magic." Turkill interrupted.
"Fine. But I'm not a numskull, you are." Ladtwig said shoving another piece of food into his already-half-full mouth.
Serin tucked in her chair and left the dining room. The brothers ensued another argument over who was more of a numskull and why.
"I can't believe they can eat so much." she said as she met Shaz at the end of the table.
"I heard that." Turkill called.
Shaz and Serin chuckled and left the room. They crossed the entry way and chose the first hall on the left, and went down a wide open corridor. Several large hand-painted pictures protected by intricate carved frames hung top to bottom. The faces that peered back at them had similar features. They were obviously the family members from long ago. The end of the hall opened into another large room. Several chairs and small desks lined the rounded walls all facing the center of the room. Tall walls vaulted at the ceiling, with several arches and some windows toward the upper part.
"What is this room for?" Serin asked.
"Maybe the senate room" Shaz said.
They continued through the castle and found another room.
"I guess we found the armory" she said.
They wondered through the vast room, admiring the weapons of superior craftsmanship that rested, in cradles on the walls and in isles through the room.
"This one would be perfect for you" Shaz said holding out a deep blue bow. "It's a Whisperwood" Shaz said tapping the engraved sign under the hooks it sat on. Seeing her perplexed look he said, "It just felt like you."
She took the bow, her finger brushing against his. She faced the other way and twisted her wrist back and forth in order to cover her embarrassment. She understood his intentions and on occasion his next thoughts. Why does he make me feel this way, she asked, what feeling is this any way.
"Yes, I think it’s a fine bow, and I like the name too."
Shaz rummaged around for some leather straps and tethers, to strap it on her back and helped her secure it to her comfortably.
