“Zayle?” Kade asked. The Master Chosen sighed and reached out to put his hand on Kade’s shoulder. The apprentice was so stunned at the physical connection that his knees almost gave out. He did not expect to feel that touch, but more importantly, his teacher rarely showed affection with him in this way. It was his grandfather he was seeing now.
“Be very careful, Kade. Morg still believes he can use you to communicate with the dead. He believes he can gain the knowledge he needs through you,” Zayle said.
“I will not tell him anything!” Kade said vehemently. He was certain that nothing could be truer than what he had just vowed.
“No?” Zayle asked as his gaze fell on the beautiful, blue-eyed blonde kneeling over his body. Kade turned and saw what his master was looking at and faltered. “Even if her life hangs in the balance?” Zayle asked, nodding toward Darcienna with a raised brow as he studied Kade’s face closely. The apprentice opened his mouth but no words came out. He felt an invisible hand squeezing his heart. A knot the size of his fist grew in his stomach and he realized in horror that the vow he had just spoken may, indeed, be difficult to keep. He did not believe he would bend to Morg’s will, but he could not say how he would react if her life were to be threatened. Zayle saw the look in his grandson’s eyes and nodded in the wise way he always did when he was able to teach a new lesson. “We all have our weaknesses. Be careful, Grandson. Be careful.”
“I will, Master,” Kade said. He did not know what he would do if her life were threatened, but he could no longer repeat the vow he had just given. He was certain that Zayle, along with the Ancients, saw right through him as his mind struggled with how he might respond if it came to her life or the information from the Ancients.
“There is no shame in love, young one,” Talos said in his deep voice. If you could so easily stand your ground, you would not be worthy of her love. You are a good man. We can see that,” the Ancient said with a knowing look. Kade felt like an infant in the presence of greatness.
“There is another here that has joined our fight thanks to you, my apprentice,” Zayle said as he smiled.
Kade looked past his teacher, and there stood a woman, where a moment before, there had been no one. His eyes widened in awe as he looked upon her face. Kade quickly glanced over his shoulder at Darcienna and then back to the old woman. She locked eyes with him, gave a smile and nodded once. He looked back at Darcienna, eager to give her the news.
“Jorell has joined our cause thanks to you. She has Nature’s Gift with her. She is the first of her kind to bring her gifts when crossing over. This is important, Kade. Know this and remember it. If her kind must pass, you can help them,” Zayle said. “There is more that you must know,” he said, becoming deadly serious.
“There is a book with many very powerful callings in it that belongs with the staff,” the larger of the two ancients said in a very deadly tone. He was all business now. “It is a book that explains all the callings that the staff is empowered with. One of the callings is very complex and takes forty one moves to perform. That is the one we used to create this arch. With the help of the staff, it was possible to accomplish this. There is also another calling that is equally as complex that could be used to destroy the arch. The book was split into four separate books. It is important that the books not fall into Morg’s hands. It may even be best if they are destroyed.”
“Four?” Kade asked.
“There was only one, but it was split into several smaller books. The information can only be attained when all four books are put together,” the smaller of the two Ancients said.
“Where are these books? How do I find them?” Kade asked.
“To the one who finds them, they will appear to be blank. The cover will be made of a metal-like substance,” the large Ancient said.
“Maybe that is what Morg is after. Maybe that is why he wants to use me to access this gate,” Kade said. The Ancients looked at each other and then back to him. Kade got the feeling that he was missing something but decided to come back to it later. “I want to know more about the books. Where can I find them?”
“You have already found one,” Zayle said as he watched his apprentice. Kade shook his head in confusion and then his eyes came open wide as he recalled seeing a book that fit the description. It was in the sack being guarded by the Mordra. “Yes, you have one of them,” he said, seeing the look on Kade’s face. “I have been trying to locate the other books my entire life. I know they need to be found, but I was not able to locate more than one of them. The other three are scattered far and wide. Find them.”
“Where can I find them?” Kade asked, sensing he was being forced to walk further down this path than he was hoping.
“I can only tell you that in one of my visions, I saw a landscape of crystal trees. The area was of the purest white. The sky was blue without a cloud in the sky. I only saw this briefly but it was enough to tell me that one of the books can be located once the crystal trees are found. I have no more about the books,” Zayle said with a slight shrug of his shoulder.
“Why can’t I just destroy the book I have and be done with it,” Kade said, but he feared it was not going to be that easy or Zayle would have already done it.
“If only it were possible,” Zayle said sadly as he shook his head. “The books are indestructible until they are rejoined. Once all of the books are put together, then and only then can it be destroyed.”
“If Morg does not have me or the books, then you are safe, correct?” Kade asked.
“Yes and no. While we are not in danger directly, he could destroy the arch and we would no longer be able to communicate. It is critical that the arch stay safe,” the thinner Ancient said. There was definitely an intensity to his words.
“Then we must stop him before he learns of this doorway,” Kade said resolutely.
Before the conversation could continue, Zayle and the other three looked to their left. The imposing one became deadly serious as he turned to face whatever had gotten their attention. He scowled at something Kade could not see. Jorell took a step away to give him room and then the man flew into a series of elaborate moves that ended with him holding his hands in front of his chest, one facing down and the other facing up. There was a glowing orb the size of a man’s head pulsing between his hands. Kade had the urge to lean forward as though looking out a window to see what had them on edge but that meant entering the world of the dead and he was not about to do that. The other Ancient slightly turned but it was clear that all expected the man holding the pulsing ball to easily dispatch what had their attention. The formidable Chosen pulled his lips back as if in deep disgust and then lunged forward, letting loose this unknown weapon. There was a screech that reminded Kade of the one he had heard the previous day. He shivered. The Tall man sneered in contempt as he took a breath and let it out again. He returned to the calm, powerful Ancient once more.
Yes, Kade was certain that this Master Chosen would be a match for Morg. Jorell cast a glance around to ensure they were no longer being threatened. Zayle never appeared to be concerned as his fingers were still interlaced in front of himself where they had been the entire time. Lokk had barely turned as he watched.
“There is great danger here that must stay here,” Zayle said as he watched Kade’s reaction. “I wish I could say that all who use the Divine are of a pure heart, but alas, they are not.” Kade got the feeling that Zayle was on the verge of looking at Doren but kept his eyes where they were. “They sense your life force and hunger for it. It is the promise to return to the world of the living. If they can enter a person, they can walk the land of man once again.”
With a sinking heart, Kade realized he was far from done with this danger. He recalled his flight on the dragon and how he desperately wanted to just drop Doren off and then be on his way. He felt like a fool for believing he had a choice. Not only did he need to deal with Morg and the staff but he was expected to search for these metal books, also. With regret, he knew he wa
s only trying to convince himself he was in charge of his destiny. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that the decision to go after Morg had been made when he was on fire with the Blue Flame of the Divine as he worked at convincing the kings and queens to join this war. The decision to go even beyond that was not his to be made, either. It was appearing more and more obvious that he had virtually no say in where his life was supposed to be heading. It was decided. All of it was decided and he was powerless to change it. He was in this until the end. The imposing Ancient must have seen the thoughts running through Kade’s mind.
“It is the way of the Divine, young one. We are given great power and we must use that power to ensure that those that would threaten the good in life are kept in check. You would not expect to be one of the Divine’s Chosen only to waste away on a farm, would you?” the man said with a half smile. Kade could not say why but what the man said helped. Talos saw the change in Kade’s eyes and gave a broad smile. “Just because the Divine gives us a path to walk, all of us, does not mean we cannot still live a life that we find acceptable,” he said as he cast a glance at the beautiful blue-eyed woman staring down at the body of the apprentice. Kade caught the man’s eye and grinned like a boy. “That is more like it,” he said, crossing his arms over his broad chest and adding a nod of his head.
“Thanks,” Kade said, feeling a relief wash over him. The Ancient was right. With a nod of his head to indicate he understood, he returned to the more pressing concern of Morg. “When must I leave?”
“You have some time, Kade, but not much. A days rest may do you well,” Zayle said.
The teacher looked upon his student with pride. A smile crept across his face, which was another odd thing for Kade to see. Jorell came to stand next to Zayle as she looked past Kade to gaze fondly at her student. She clearly had a soft spot for Darcienna as her eyes took on a loving look that was impossible to miss. She put her open hand up to her mouth in a way that gave Kade the impression that the gesture was a subconscious habit.
“You love her, don’t you?” Jorell asked through her fingers as her eyes locked with his. Kade was certain that she already knew the answer, but how? He just stared. “It was obvious from the moment you arrived at the arch. Take care of her and she will always take care of you.”
“I will,” Kade said, all pretense of trying to hide his feelings falling away.
“You have accomplished much since my passing, Kade,” Zayle said. Deep in his heart, the apprentice could feel the love his grandfather had for him. He could also see regret in the man’s eyes. He, too, regretted that their relationship had only been one of master and student, but Kade understood why. “How were you able to do so much with what meager callings you had?” Zayle asked.
“I learned a few more when I found your books.”
“You…learned more callings?” Zayle asked cautiously as he narrowed his eyes.
“The Lightning Calling,” Kade said, proud of himself at first until he recalled that he had destroyed the cabin with his newfound skill. Zayle’s eyes went wide.
“The Lightning…how?” Zayle asked as he glanced at Doren. “I was not going to teach that one to you for another year because you were struggling with the lesser callings. You barely became proficient in the Divine Fire Calling with its six moves,” Zayle said in disbelief.
“I practiced for a whole day until I had it,” Kade said, smiling lightly, dreading telling Zayle of the doom that befell their home.
“In a day? Just one day?” Zayle asked incredulously. He looked down at the ground as if to find what he was seeking while he considered what Kade had just told him. “That’s amazing. And you did not hurt yourself?” Zayle asked as he quickly looked Kade over.
“Well…actually…I almost killed myself with the calling,” Kade said as he shuffled his feet a bit. “I burned the cabin down by accident. If the dragon wasn’t there to pull me out of the fire, I would be with you now.”
“Kade!” Zayle said, reverting back to his prior self as the teacher. “You must be more careful! That calling could have…,” Zayle was beginning to yell when he stopped. He took a deep breath and his face softened considerably. “Grandson, please be careful,” he said with such emotion that Kade felt his heart ache. Zayle stepped forward through the gate, reached a hand behind Kade’s neck and pulled him into a hug. “I love you Grandson. I have faith in you.” For a moment, Kade thought there was more to his comment but brushed it off as his grandfather’s loving arms wrapped around him.
Kade felt the flood gates of his heart open wide. The pain he had been trying to hide hit him like a tidal wave. For the first time that he could recall, he felt like a boy in the arms of a loving parent. The tears flowed freely as he hugged his grandfather for the first time in his life. There was no longer Zayle the Master but Zayle the father of his mother. After a short while, Kade felt a relief so profound that it left him speechless. A weight lifted off him that he had not realized was there until that very moment.
“I am very happy to see you again, Master. I thought you were gone forever,” Kade said as Zayle stepped back.
“Grandfather,” Zayle corrected.
“Grandfather,” Kade said, wiping away a tear, liking very much how that sounded.
“It is also good to see you, my apprentice,” Zayle said with a smile as he emphasized the word, “My”, sparing a glance at Doren.
“Grandson,” Kade corrected with a grin. Zayle laughed as he grinned back at the boy who had grown into a man. Kade had not missed the point Zayle was making. He glanced back over his shoulder at Doren and then smiled even wider at his grandfather.
“And I hated that cabin,” Zayle said with a shake of his head. “It was like a prison. The only reason I was there was to keep you safe. I miss your mother and father, but it had to be. I am sure you understand now.”
“I do,” Kade said, comprehending fully what his grandfather had sacrificed for him all these years. Zayle paused as his eyes widened.
“Did you say…you were saved by the dragon?” Zayle asked, unbelieving.
“Yes,” Kade said with a grin that went from ear to ear. The look on his grandfather’s face was priceless. “It has been critical in helping me survive. Without Rayden, I would not be here,” he said with pride.
“So this dragon, it has stayed with you? The very dragon that carried us?”
“Yes. Rayden is just outside the cave,” Kade said, enjoying the reaction he was seeing. He grinned even more as he readied his next piece of news. “Chance is also back at the tree.”
“Chance?” Zayle asked, knowing that Kade was going somewhere with this.
“Oh, my Mordra,” Kade said, feigning disinterest. The shorter of the two Ancients became alert at the news. Kade waited for him to add something as he appeared to be on the verge of speaking but then he relaxed without saying a word. The look on Zayle’s face was worth all the years of wood splitting and working in the garden. Kade laughed openly.
“You never cease to amaze me, Grandson,” Zayle said in awe. You must tell me this tale when we have time. You are aware how rare those are?” Zayle asked as he, again, glanced at Doren. He grinned, knowing full well of Doren’s search for the infamous creature. Before Kade could answer the question, his eyes widened as he looked at the gate and then to his grandfather.
“You can pass through the arch?” Kade asked, excited at the possibilities.
“It is hard for us. We can pass for short times only. If I stay out too long, I risk the chance of dying the final death.”
“What exactly does that mean?” Kade asked.
“My awareness would fade and I would cease to exist anywhere,” Zayle said in all seriousness.
“Then I will let you go back through,” Kade said as he retreated from his grandfather.
Zayle hugged his grandson one more time, holding him for several long seconds before releasing him. As Zayle backed up, he let his hands fall on Kade’s forearms and squeezed one last time before
stepping through the arch. Kade was surprised to feel a touch of sadness as his grandfather looked at him from the other side.
“You should be on your way,” Zayle said.
“I expected to cross over” Kade commented as he looked up at the arch.
“NO!” Zayle said with such force that Kade took a step back. Zayle took a breath, and continued on more calmly. “Only in the most dire of circumstances are you to ever cross this arch. There is danger on this side beyond your understanding. No. We will always speak like this,” Zayle said as he softened.
“I understand,” Kade said, surprised at the sudden outburst and relieved at the same time. As he was about to turn, he recalled something else that he believed his grandfather would appreciate hearing. He smiled, eager to see his master’s reaction. “I thought you would like to know that I slayed the giant that killed you,” Kade said proudly.
“You did?” Zayle asked and then glanced at the Ancients. Talos gave a slight grin and a barely perceptible nod of his head to Lokk. Kade was certain that he was the topic of those unspoken words but decided he did not have time to learn what had passed between the two. “Please, do tell,” Zayle said, again, amazed.
“I used the Lightning Calling, and I had the help of the dragon. He almost had us, though. It could have gone either way, but in the end, there was a lot of food for the animals. They should be happy for weeks, or until the meat rots,” Kade said with a smile.
“Your gift makes you a formidable opponent indeed. It will be Morg’s undoing if he thinks you an unworthy adversary. This may be to your advantage,” Talos said. Out of the four people standing on the other side of the veil, Talos was definitely one that saw the strengths and weaknesses of any battle.
“You have done well,” Zayle said, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Kade, we need to return to the Great Hall!” the queen hissed urgently to the body lying on the ground. “The king says there is danger!” She jumped to her feet.
The Divine Unleashed (Book 3) Page 9
