by Unknown
Shaz filled his mind with images of his friends. Serin, Turkill, Ladtwig, Azrak, Grandfather and even the townspeople. The pain lessened and the voice came again.
"What do you think you are doing?" Gavin Rhill growled.
"You see Gavin, you can only control those who allow you to." Shaz got to his feet and reached for his sword. "I choose to accept my shadow magic as a part of me. Through the love I have for my friends and my people. I will use my shadow magic to destroy you."
"You will never succeed, now bow before me, I command you."
"You don't have power over me." Shaz yelled.
Shaz shoved Gavin out of his mind and rubbed his eyes. The witch still under Gavin Rhill’s control rose up. Shaz stepped forward, closing the gap. With mercy, he thrust his sword into the witch’s heart. The witch stopped instantly. Shaz withdrew his blade as her body crumpled to the floor. Shaz yanked the amulet off her body and tucked it into his tunic. He reached the tunnel's entrance and extinguished the last flames. Darkness filled the room. He placed a shield on the hole to cover it from ever being opened again. His head ached with a dull throb and his side was sore and tender. A dim light cast by the glowing minerals in veins along the walls and ceiling allowed him to make his way out.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
The Orb
Shaz heard noise come from behind him as he hurried down the hall. He shoved off the wall with one foot and darted back the other way. He skidded to a stop as the tunnel opened up into a large cavern. A small ripple brushed against the edge of a small body of water.
"Shh, you fool. You’re going to get us caught." Turkill whispered.
"I am not. If you remember I'm the smart one." Ladtwig said.
"No you’re not.”
"Yes, I am. Plus I saved your butt."
"No you didn't."
Shaz chuckled as he came around the edge and saw Turkill and Ladtwig sitting in the water, each holding one of Serin's arms as she floated.
"You two at it again?"
Turkill and Ladtwig jumped.
"Oh, it's just you." Turkill grunted.
"Are you happy to see us?" Ladtwig said beaming.
Shaz ruffled his hair and said, "I sure am"
Shaz squatted down and checked for Sein’s pulse.
"She's weak. We almost didn't make it in time" Turkill said.
Serin blinked several times.
"Stay here and be quiet. There's something I need to do. I'll be back soon" Shaz said.
Not knowing where he was going, he relied on the feelings he got from the energy around him and made his way to the treasure keep.
“Now what do we do with it?” Brigdon asked.
“We get it to the boy.” Ralti said.
“What boy?”
Ralti heard Shaz’s boots outside the hall and turned toward the opening. Shaz came around the corner slowly with his blade drawn.
“That one.” Ralti said, holding out the orb.
Shaz eyes shifted around the room taking in the details of the treasure trove of gems and precious metals.
“I take it you’re with Azrak?” Shaz asked.
“At least he’s a smart one.” Brigdon said.
Ralti shot him a glare which Brigdon returned with a ‘what’ look.
“Are you going to take this thing or not?” Ralti asked.
Shaz sheathed his sword.
“What am I supposed to do with it?” Shaz asked.
“What, I thought you said he would know what to do with it?” Brigdon said.
“No, I only said we needed to get it to him, after that it’s out of our paws.” Ralti said.
Shaz took the orb from Ralti who skirted quickly out of the way. Shaz searched around the orb looking for anything that might tell him what he was supposed to do with it.
“Where’s Azrack?” Shaz asked
“Opening a can of whoop-ass on Groargoth, I hope.” Ralti said with a glint in his eye.
“A can of what?” Shaz asked.
“Never mind, we gotta get out of here.” Ralti said.
“Right behind you.” Brigdon said.
The gryphton’s hurried out of the room. What am I going to do with this, he thought. It’s too big to carry around and I have no idea how to destroy it. I wish it were smaller, then I could put it in my pocket and figure it out later. The sphere came alive, sizzling energy radiated from the orb. It shrunk to the size of a walnut and Shaz found a necklace with a locket, slipped it inside, latched it shut and slipped it over his neck.
“How is she?” Shaz asked returning to the small cavern.
“Much better.” Serin said, getting to her feet.
They embraced each other tightly.
“I’m so glad you’re alright. I totally screwed up.” Shaz said into her neck.
“Yes, you did.” Serin paused, “Tukill said you totally kicked but.”
Shaz laughed and released her, “Yeah I guess, but he’s the one that kicked but. How did you get here anyway?”
“Jagwynn brought us through the rift. I’ll explain later.” Tukill said.
Shaz cocked his chin sideways as he thought about how she knew where it was.
“Come on, let’s get out of here. We need to find Azrak.”
“Did you get the orb?” Serin asked.
“Yes.”
They stopped at an intersection of tunnels and Serin asked, “Where do we go?”
Shaz shrugged and looked around.
“I know” Ladtwig said as he scurried across the cavern at an angle toward a doorway.
“How do you know?” Shaz asked.
“We got lost trying to find you.” Turkill said running after Ladtwig.
“Where is Jag?” Serin asked.
“Chasing birds.” Tukill shouted over his shoulder.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Azrak the King
“Where’s Azrak?” Helios asked, with bits of cloth still in his nose.
“You know that is the best sight I have seen in years.” Ralti said, slapping Helios on the shoulder.
They burst into laughter as Helios gazed around at his fellow comrades with a blank stare.
“I’m here.” Azrak said, coming from a tunnel on the other side of the room.
He hobbled into the cavern.
“Man, you look like-” Brigdon started.
“Don’t say it.” Azrak said, “I feel like a million gems.”
“Ah, it’s good to see you two.” Azrak said, giving Serin a wink as they came from an adjacent tunnel.
“Who are these two?” Helios asked, motioning to the Minca.
“This is Turkill and Ladtwig.” Serin said.
“And this?” Helios asked.
Jagwynn strode across the floor licking her lips.
“Jagwynn” Shaz said.
“Ah I see you had a fowl lunch.” Azrak nodded to her and winked. “Did you get the orb?” Azrak asked.
Shaz nodded and said, “Let’s get out of here.”
They made their way back to the surface. Helios agreed to carry the Minca so he could study them. The last tunnel opened into a giant cavern with a crystal clear lake. The minerals reacting to the salty water made it glow brighter the deeper the lake went. Water dripped from stalactites feeding the lake. Along two sides of the cave were buildings carved out of the rock.
“Sire.” Lahonti knelt on one knee. In his paws sat the scroll.
“What’s this?” Azrack asked.
Lahonti rose and turned to address the growing crowd, “On our sacred throne sat a gryphton who despised all things good. You have seen him flaunt our ancient laws and corrupt our customs. Each and every one of you, who serve in our noble regiment, has been forced to watch in silence as he brought foreign troops to the soil of our ancestors. You have been forced to watch as he threw away your victories. The past cannot be rewritten, but we can write the future today.”
Ladtwig and Turkill scurried behind Shaz and Serin as the crowed broke into a deafening throng of roa
rs. Shaz and Serin watched, wide eyed, as the crowd then began to kneel. Lahonti read from the scroll the proclamation King Ruadan had left. He gave the scroll to Azrak and knelt again. Ralti, Helios, Brigdon, Jaxton and Pontos also knelt and bowed.
**********************************
The emotions erupting in Azrak’s chest nearly over powered him. The sounds of gentle music played behind the heavy wood doors.
"You ready?" Azrak asked his men and friends. He turned and looked at Ralti, Pontos and Jaxton who gave him a nod. He turned to the other side and looked at Helios and Brigdon who also gave him a nod.
Azrak took his first step as the doors opened. Isles of gryphton warriors stood at attention along with political leaders and scholars. In the stadium seats, were the gryphton's and gryphtoness’s of his kingdom. Wonderful chandeliers hung from the rock ceiling and casted glimmering rays of light from the white glow stones. Swags of fine satins reflected their light, while candled sconces lit the edges of the enormous cave. Azrak was taken back by its beauty. He tried to focus his attention on Shaz and Serin who stood at the opposite side next to Ceros, Inelius and the monks of the academy.
His heart skipped a beat when Lahonti stepped aside and revealed Telete. He hadn't seen her since he fled and he ached to hold her once again. Shaz winked then looked down at the Minca and Jag standing next to him. They appeared smaller than usual in the large room full of creatures that towered over them. Serin was pleased she was finally able to get Ladtwig to wear dress cloths that fit him.
His favorite articles had been ripped and shredded and nearly fell off his small body anyway. Azrak's eyes met with his men before each row of soldiers bent to one knee and bowed. The gryphton armada stood and turned in perfect unison. The monk motioned to Telete to join Azrak on the stairs. She slipped passed Lahonti and walked toward Azrak with a delicate swagger. Azrak held out his paw to take hers as she knelt next to him.
"As in ancient times we have gathered here to swear in our rightful king" he paused and winked at Telete "and queen, and unite our kingdom with Edenocht." The head monk said into the silence.
Azrak on one knee let the green velvet cape fall over his shoulders and brush the floor. Ralti and the others also knelt on one knee. Shaz and Serin exchanged smiles. Azrak bowed. The monk lifted the elaborately decorated crowns from the satin pillow, which sat on a stone pillar in the center of the platform.
"Behold your King and Queen." He set it on Azrak's head, and then the queens.
The crowd erupted into a thunderous roar. Azrak rose and faced his people, then roared back to them. Azrak wore the medallion Shaz took from Groargoth, along with ceremonial gems and jewelry once used in their old customs.
He lifted his paw to quiet the crowd and allowed for the echoes to die off.
"I Azrak do solemnly swear myself to this kingdom, to guide and protect this nation from the evils that would scourge us." Azrak held out his paw and said "I swear our solemn allegiance with the people of Edenocht as long as it is in alignment with the Dodjen, and always to my friends Shaz, Serin and Turkill and Ladtwig of the Minca.”
Azrak then took gold and silver medals and pinned the uniforms of his men and said "Behold the King's council."
Ralti, Helios, Brigdon, Jaxton and Pontos bowed to Azrak, Shaz and then the gryphtons. Shaz, Ceros, Inelius and the Minca bowed while Serin curtsied. Shouts and roars filled the room. Azrak signaled for the music.
"Let's party" Ladtwig said.
Everyone burst into laughter as music filled the room.
Ladtwig scurried in and around the legs of the gryphton's toward the food table. He had to jump up to see what was on the tables.
"Having trouble friend?" Helios asked.
"I can't see what’s up there" Ladtwig said between jumps.
"You won’t like anything on this table, yours is over there." Helios said and pointed to a regular sized table.
"Thanks."
Helios laughed and picked up some raw fish rolled around the remains of a Ribbard. Shaz and Serin were dancing in the center of the room as other gryphton pairs danced in unison around them in a circle. Turkill was having an unevenly matched arm wrestle with Ceros across the room. Ladtwig, who had found the table, was stuffing his face with cheese and piling a plate full of everything he could fit on it.
"So how does it feel to be the official kingdom scholar?" Ralti asked.
Helios said, "Good. How about you, General? And your first in command?" Helios asked.
They laughed at Brigdon who banged on his puffed out chest showing off to several gryphtoness’s.
Azrak and Telete sat in their respective thrones holding paws watching the festivities.
"I'm glad your back. I have missed you so much" Telete said.
"I will never leave you again" Azrak said as he gave her paw a squeeze.
******************************************
"Are you ready?" Shaz asked.
He peeked around the door which was half open.
"Just about" Serin said. She cinched the strap and flipped the top of her satchel and blew out the candle.
"Ralti and Brigdon will take us to the rift. Azrak is waiting in the council room. He wants to talk to us before we go." Shaz said.
Serin slipped through the door. Turkill and Ladtwig came out of the kitchen arguing as usual over how much food Ladtwig had talked the cook out of. They caught up with Shaz and Serin.
"We must keep this portal secure." Ceros said to Azrak.
"Yes, Helios is well informed on the nature of the portals. He has performed the needed security measures."
"Very good" Ceros said. Shaz and the others entered the room, "Oh good, you’re here. It’s good to see you again.
“You too.” Shaz said.
“Are you sure will be able to close the rift?" Ceros asked.
"I'm sure." Shaz said.
"What about your head?" Azrak asked.
Shaz winked at Serin.
"And us, don't forget us." Ladtwig said through half a mouth full.
Everyone laughed at Turkill who scowled at his brother who ignored him.
"Ralti and Brigdon are waiting outside." Azrak said.
He crouched down on his haunches and held his paw out to Shaz. Shaz shook his paw as best he could. Serin leaned in and kissed the back of his paw.
"Let’s go." Shaz said.
The four friends left the room leaving Azrak and Ceros next to the portal.
"You'll see them again." Ceros said.
"I hope so."
*************************************
"Do we have to wear these?" Brigdon asked fiddling with the harness.
"Yes, now stop fiddling your acting like a cub." Ralti said.
Ralti and Brigdon were near the entrance when Shaz and Serin came out into the bright sunlight.
"At your service." Ralti said as he lowered himself onto his front paws. "Climb on."
"Are you sure?" Shaz asked.
"It's our pleasure." Ralti said.
"Not mine." Brigdon grumbled under his breath.
Ralti elbowed him. Brigdon lowered himself onto all fours.
"Well then can I at least carry the pretty one?"
Serin reached onto her tippy toes and kissed Brigdon's cheek before climbing onto his back. Shaz patted his shoulder and climbed onto Ralti.
"What about us?" Turkill asked in a huff. Ralti pointed to a basket with straps. "I'm not riding in that." Turkill huffed.
“Where’s the cat?” Ralti asked.
“She’s already gone, on her way back through the rift.” Shaz said.
Ladtwig jumped with glee and hopped into the basket. "Then stay here." he said.
Turkill huffed again and climbed into the basket. Ralti lifted off and grabbed the straps of the basket. The Minca held onto the edges as it shifted and lifted off the ground. They flew into the morning sun. Ladtwig hollered as the wind blew in his hair. He was standing at the front of the basket looking out over the mountain peaks.<
br />
Turkill sat inside and gripped the edges tightly. The tall mountains soon were replaced with a forest that stretched for hours. Ralti lowered the basket to the ground and let go of the straps. Brigdon landed behind Ralti and Shaz and Serin climbed down.
"Thank you. I know it's not your way to let humans ride you." Shaz said.
"We are a prideful race, but we are also driven by honor." Ralti said.
Ralti stretched his toes as Brigdon stretched his back.
"Thank you" Serin said.
Brigdon bowed and whispered, "The honor is mine."
Shaz searched for the rift. At first all he saw was more trees and rocks, until he realized one of the rocks was actually behind him.
"It's a mirror image." he said.
"The barrier?" Serin asked.
"Yeah look." He said pointing to the rocks.
"Wow, that’s pretty nifty." Ladtwig said looking back and forth.
Turkill’s brown complexion was tainted with a hint of green as he climbed out of the basket and puked behind a rock.
"I don’t see it?" Serin said.
"Over there." Ralti said pointing to his right.
"I do." Shaz said.
He set his pack down and stepped toward what appeared to be a broken reflection. Shaz touched the gel like reflection.
"It's strong."
"Can you close it?" Ralti asked.
"Yes, but it's going to be difficult. I'm going to need your help Serin." He said.
She nodded and said, "We best get to it then. Turkill you ready yet?"
Turkill came out from around the rock and asked, "Are we staying on land?"
Serin smiled and nodded. He reached into the basket and grabbed his pack and said "Let’s go then."
Ladtwig grabbed his overstuffed pack and tried to throw it over his shoulder but it nearly pulled him over, so he dragged it in the dirt.
"Why don't you leave half that here?" Serin asked.
