Jenneva started to get dressed and Alex placed his vial on the table next to hers. “Where are you going?” Alex asked.
“To Targa,” she replied. “Get our belongings together and round up the rest of the party. It’s time to get to work.”
“But...your condition,” protested Alex.
“I am not going to melt, my husband,” she whispered. “I want our child to be born safely at home. I also want there to be a home for her to grow up in.”
Alex laughed. “So, you are going to will a girl, are you? Okay, I know when I’m beaten, but promise that you will take it easy.”
Alex left for the Tower of Peace to meet with King Solva. Along the way he gathered Prince Rigal and Prince Tergota and informed them that they were leaving for home. The two Princes took care of getting supplies ready for the trip while Alex entered King Solva’s chambers.
“Your Highness,” greeted Alex, “we are returning to our homes.”
“I know,” replied the elf King. “Egam was here and informed me of Alutar’s escape. I am sad to see you go, friend. I am sadder to know the times that we are in.”
“Egam was here?” questioned Alex. “Did the guards admit him?”
King Solva slowly shook his head. “No one saw him come and no one saw him leave. I guess I should not be surprised at the doings of the Mage, but still, it shivers me. Whatever Sorelderal can offer you for your journey, you shall have. May we meet again, Alexander Tork.”
Alex bowed low to the King of Sorelderal and exited the tower. He caught sight of Prince Rigal and the four unicorns and strode over to them.
Kaz, my friend, we could use your help, if you are willing.
You shall have more than you bargained for, my friend. Egam has been by and taught us some new spells. Well, they are new to me, but he said they were common spells for my people at one time. We are going with you to Edona.
You are going with us to Edona? What of your people? You are Shamta.
Your quest...our quest is of the gravest concern to my people as well as yours, Alex. That is why Egam taught us the spells. They will aid us on the journey. We now have the ability to hide our horns when necessary, but we also have an ability much more important.
Kaz snorted and a magnificent set of wings appeared on the unicorn. Alex stood transfixed in amazement at the beauty of Kaz and his large windswept wings.
If you don’t close your mouth, Alex, you will rid Sorelderal of all the flying insects.
Alex laughed and ran to get Jenneva. Alex, Jenneva and the two Princes mounted their unicorns and literally took off. Alex was tempted to grab Kaz’s mane when they lifted off the ground, but he steadied himself and peered at the quickly receding ground. Kaz led the group in an ascending spiral around the Tower of Peace while the elves below all shouted in enthusiasm and pointed. King Solva and Queen Alysa waved to them from the top of the tower as they passed and Kaz turned and headed northward.
Alex had been impressed at the view from the Tower of Peace, but Kaz now had them much higher so they could pass over the mountains and the view was breathtaking.
Kaz, how does it feel flying? I mean, are you really in control? I know you couldn’t have had much practice at this.
Kaz snorted his musical laughter and answered. I don’t blame you for having a little concern, Alex. Grab my mane, it won’t bother me. Actually, though, it feels quite natural, like I was born to travel this way. The others are holding on, especially Prince Tergota. I don’t think he cared much for riding when we had our feet on the ground. I feel sorry for him, but this will cut our travel time tremendously.
Thanks, Kaz, but I think I should learn to balance without holding on. I may need to use weapons in both hands and I would rather learn to balance now rather than later. You will detect me off balance, though, won’t you?
You won’t fall, Alex. Not from my back.
Alex watched as the mountains rose up to meet them and disappeared behind them. Off in the distance the desert shimmered under the falling sun. Alex started looking for an uninhabited stretch to set down for the night. Kaz led the group to a lower altitude and glided along the edge of the desert, finally setting down on the northern fringe of the sandy wasteland. Alex figured they were somewhere south of Southland in the Edona Universe.
How do you feel, Kaz?
Not bad, Alex. The only strain was in getting high enough to go over the mountains and that was similar to galloping for a while, only different muscles were used.
Alex dismounted and ran over to Jenneva and helped her down from Yorra’s back. “At this rate,” he said, “we will make the Junction tomorrow. How do you feel?”
“I feel fine, Alex,” she responded. “How did you like first flight?”
Alex looked at her queerly and quickly realized that she had flown before. “I forget,” laughed Alex, “that I’m married to an eagle. What would that do to our son?”
“Oh,” Jenneva giggled, “I can see that you are going to make an excellent father. Trust me, Alex, I will do nothing that endangers her. No eagle trips or battling with Sarac until she’s safe.”
The group settled in for the night and Alex took turns standing watch with the two Princes. The next morning they were off in the predawn light so they would make the Junction before nightfall. Kaz had assured Alex that he could fly at night if they needed to, but Alex was glad when they touched down in the mountains before sunset. Rather than risk an attack by the Dielderal, the group passed through into Edona and made camp for the night.
In the morning the group mounted the unicorns and set off for Talman, which was not far off. Kaz had the unicorns hide their horns and Prince Tergota directed the group to a cave entrance to the dwarf’s realm. Shouts rang out through the tunnels as the dwarves noticed Prince Tergota’s return and sent runners to inform King Tugar. By the time the party entered the King’s chamber, the King and Queen were seated and a large assemblage of dwarves filled the room.
Prince Tergota bowed and knelt before his parents. “King Tugar, Queen Gilas, your son has returned and brings greetings from King Tring of Dorgun, a nation of dwarves that live in the Universe of elves. The theories of Universes are true and we have visited with elves and dwarves that live in close peace, helping each other and trading with one another.”
King Tugar motioned that the party should be seated. “Greetings, my son. Greetings to his fellow travelers. The news you bring is most welcome and I will hear all of it.” He signaled his attendants to bring food and drink.
“Father,” Prince Tergota interrupted, “time is precious for my companions. They need to embark on another journey with great haste and we have not yet journeyed to Glendor. The royalty of Talman and Glendor agreed to meet in peace if we returned victoriously. May I suggest that we journey immediately to Glendor and allow for the telling to both nations?”
King Tugar seemed offended that his son should suggest sharing this moment with the elves. It would mean that he would have to take the first step towards his enemies. Queen Gilas motioned the food bearers away and leaned to her husband’s ear.
Prince Rigal recognized the stubbornness to think of the elves as allies that Prince Tergota had originally exhibited on the journey. He thought of his own reluctance to accept the dwarf as a friend and rose to speak.
“King Tugar,” the Prince of Glendor began, “I feel that a joint hearing would be very beneficial to both races and ask leave to return to Glendor immediately to inform my parents of our arrival. I shall say no more than what has been said here and urge King Gondoral to meet you half way. Glendor has both open areas for our human friends and cave accommodations for our dwarf friends. That is the only reason that Glendor has been chosen by our group’s leader to hold the discussion.”
King Tugar looked at the group and seemed to notice Egam’s absence for the first time. He stared at Alex and nodded. “I would be ill advised to reject the invitation of those who have risked their lives for the benefit of Talman, Prince Rigal. Go in
peace. The party from Talman departs within the hour. We shall use the tunnels that have long connected our two realms. We will wait between the lands for King Gondoral’s offer of entry into Glendor.”
Prince Rigal bowed and departed at a run. Two dwarves accompanied him as far as the boundary of Talman. King Tugar ordered preparations for the journey and asked Doryelgar, the dwarf magician, to accompany them on the trip to Glendor. He did not ask any further questions of the returning party, knowing that they would be reluctant to divulge any information before the gathering.
The enlarged group worked their way through the myriad of tunnels that connected Talman and Glendor. Eventually, they entered a large chamber and were met by King Gondoral, Queen Gelfora, and Prince Elgorn.
“King Tugar, Queen Gilas, greetings,” the elf King greeted. “Today both of our nations have cause for celebration. I bid you and your party, welcome to Glendor.”
“Your invitation is well received, King Gondoral,” replied the dwarf King. “I accept your invitation and assurance of safety for my party. Please, lead the way.”
The large party made its way to Glendor and the story telling began. The tales were told well into the night and Alex, Jenneva, Kaz and Yorra left in the morning for Atar’s Cove via the Door in Egam’s cave. The other two unicorns remained in Glendor where they delighted the elves with short flying trips over the forest.
Shanor was delighted to see them return. “Jenneva! Alex!” she bubbled. “I’m so glad to see you back. Was the trip fun? Tell me all about it. Where is Master Egam?”
Jenneva laughed at the little girl’s enthusiasm. “Has Uncle Oscar been checking up on you?” she asked.
“Oh, yes,” Shanor replied. “He comes at least once a day. Aunt Callie sometimes comes with him and stays for several days. They offered to take me to Targa, but I would miss my friends here.”
Tofu, the large tiger came into the room and curled up at Shanor’s feet. Alex laughed and gently scratched Tofu’s head. “I will tell you all the tales of our journey, Shanor, but, first, we need to get Jenneva to bed so she can rest. Why don’t you take Kaz and Yorra on a tour of the island? The three of you share some talents that you will find interesting.”
Shanor was a little surprised when the two horses walked out of the room, but she quickly followed them to find out about their talents.
Chapter 12
Dark One
Campfires littered the landscape in Sarac’s unnamed Universe, ogres spread out over the plain like an invading army grabbing their final respite before battle. Lattimer stumbled wearily, zigzagging between campfires trying desperately to tune out the grisly, munching sounds that accompanied their eating. He tried to concentrate on getting to Sarac and not let his mind pause on the thoughts regarding the creatures the ogres were eating. Lattimer sighted the tower that marked the exit from the Universe and veered towards it.
A long, low wooden building sat next to the stone tower and Lattimer recognized it as Sarac’s warehouse for gold and weapons. That is where Sarac’s office would be and he would not be permitted to rest until he reported in. The Black Devil did not look forward to Sarac’s displeasure when he heard that an ogre that knew the path to their location was left behind in the ogre Universe with Alutar.
Lattimer reached the wooden building and leaned up against it, panting deeply. He took a few moments to capture his breath before opening the door and stepping inside. Row after row of chests lined the floor of the long building. Piles of broadswords and battle-axes on one side, shields, helmets and chests of gold on the other, Lattimer walked down the pathway to a small enclosure where he could see three people talking. As he neared the small office, Lattimer could see Sarac talking to Alon and Frej. Sarac was probably questioning them about Lattimer’s whereabouts.
Lattimer walked into the office and met Sarac’s icy stare. The Master of the Black Devils waved his two subordinates off and dismissed them, waving Lattimer to one of the vacated chairs.
“Welcome back,” Sarac greeted his head henchman. “I can see from your condition that your escape did not go as planned. Tell me about this demon, Alutar.”
Lattimer told Sarac what had happened, starting with the details that he was sure Alon and Frej had just recounted. When Lattimer reached the part about his ogre escaping he felt his eye twitching and fought to bring it under control.
“I searched for him,” recounted Lattimer, “but he was nowhere to be found. It is possible that I got him lost by detouring on my escape route or he might even have been destroyed by Alutar.”
“Or Alutar has hired him as a guide,” spat Sarac. “I ought to make you go back in there and get him.”
Lattimer finally placed his hand over his twitching eye and tried to appear as if he had dust in it. Sarac sat quietly gazing at the wall and his henchman recognized his plotting pose and knew that Sarac was deciding what step to take next. Just then, a Black Devil came in and interrupted Sarac’s concentration.
“We just received a messenger from Sordoa,” the Black Devil said. “Aurora is now the Empress and Ali Kasim is dead. Borundi requests directions as to the attack on Targa. He also added a note to let you know that your child by Aurora will be born any day now.”
Sarac sat up straight and stared at the messenger. “My child?” he queried. “Why didn’t anyone tell me of this before?”
After a moment of silence, Sarac relaxed and smiled. “Well, Lattimer, if looks like you will soon have a new student. I expect you will strive to bring him to greatness.”
Turning to the messenger, Sarac added, “Tell Borundi to attack whenever it is convenient for him. There is no need to coordinate the attack with Cordonia as long as he is not defeated quickly.”
The messenger turned and left the office while Sarac continued his plotting. “Lattimer, get some sleep. You are starting to look as ugly as the ogres outside. I will expect you in here first thing in the morning so we can determine what steps must be taken to keep Alutar out of my way.”
Lattimer dragged himself out of the office and headed for the stone tower. As he mounted the stairs he couldn’t help noticing the shoddy workmanship of the tower. A stone mason in Targa would be flogged and driven out of town for this quality of work. Lattimer reached the top of the stairs and passed through the unseen Junction into a room in the Dusty Trail Inn. The room looked much like any other private room in a Targan Inn. He opened the door into the hallway and descended the stairs.
The Black Devil approached the innkeeper and requested a private room and ordered a dinner sent up to it. Lattimer looked over the crowd in the common room and smiled as it appeared similar to any inn he had frequented. He stumbled up to his room and passed out on the bed before his dinner arrived.
Lattimer arose refreshed and noticed the sun had not yet risen. He grabbed a hard piece of bread from the dinner that had been delivered, but pushed the cold stew off to the side. He sat on the bed eating the bread, oblivious to the crumbs dropping to the floor, and thought about his encounter with the demon. He was surprised that he had slept without nightmares and tried to remember the story that concerned Alutar. With power like what he had seen demonstrated, Lattimer found it hard to imagine the power of the Mage who banished him.
Lattimer descended the stairs and sat himself in the common room. There were only a few travelers up this early in the morning. The Black Devil ordered some food and sat watching the sky start to lighten. Unconsciously, he found himself listening to the conversation at the next table.
“The priests in Klandon were talking about the end of the world,” one man was saying. “Some old prophecy about false kings and the return of some demon. I’ve got to tell you, the people were taking it seriously. Some items like food were so expensive I couldn’t afford to get provisions, but other items like jewelry and fragrances were a real bargain. Imagine children’s stories determining the economy.”
Lattimer stiffened as the prophecy flowed into his mind. The battle between Alutar and the Mag
e was not the only reference, which Lattimer had read that mentioned a great demon. The prophecy of the Dark One slowly flooded into Lattimer’s consciousness. He remembered back to discussions he had had over the prophecy when no one understood anything about Universes. What Lattimer had seen over the past few years brought new meaning to the ancient prophecy. He hastily finished his breakfast and dashed up the stairs to the Junction.
When the Black Devil arrived at Sarac’s office, the Master was already there. Lattimer unceremoniously walked in, sat in a chair and proceeded to tell Sarac what he remembered of the ancient prophecy.
“Lattimer,” praised Sarac, “you have an amazing talent for remembering items that you have read. Things begin to make more sense now. I thought this Alutar was getting in my way with his astoundingly bad timing, but it would appear that fortune smiles on me after all. Send a message right away to Mitchel. Tell him that I have waited long enough for him to locate Jenneva’s hideout. If anyone has the Book of the Beginning, it will be her and I want that book. I’m going to have a chat with Alutar.”
Lattimer stiffened. “You can’t be serious, Sarac. The demon has powers that we can only imagine. He will crush you, for sure. I beg you not to go.”
“Lattimer,” soothed Sarac, “do not be ridiculous. How can I become the Dark One unless I strike a deal with Alutar? He may be very powerful, but I hold the key to his escape. Don’t forget that the demon seems to be unable to move between Universes without someone to show him the way. I would think that I am in an excellent position to bargain with him.”
“But what about the imprisonment portion of the prophecy?” questioned Lattimer.
“We don’t have to worry about it,” chuckled Sarac. “Modify the message to Mitchel. Have him get word to Borundi that Aurora and her child are to die, but not until she has issued orders for Sordoa’s army to attack Targa.”
Lattimer smiled as he went off to find a messenger. He had never cared for Aurora or anyone else who got close to Sarac. Sarac called for an ogre cart and set out for the Junction to the ogre Universe. At the Junction he got out of the cart and told the ogre to wait for him no matter how long he was gone. Sarac walked a short way up the path and halted. The sky was covered by a dark, menacing cloud and he remembered Lattimer’s warning that anything under the cloud would die. While he doubted that piece of wisdom, he erected a shield, just in case, and headed towards his old castle.
Ancient Prophecy Page 14
