The Embroidered Serpent (The Crystalline Source Book 1)

by M. Woodruff

  Nels felt his stomach grumble and realized they still hadn’t gotten anything to eat yet. “Why don’t we skip the temples from here on out until we at least get something to eat, eh?”

  “Good idea,” Casandra readily agreed.

  Turning around, they headed back down the street and crossed to the other side. They ended up in front of a building that was thronged with people milling about; others were leaving with hands and mouths full of food. The building itself was made of green marble with yellow veins. There was no front door, only a long open horizontal rectangle, where people wearing big yellow hats were distributing food.

  “Let’s see what Miliken’s is serving today.” Casandra led them off to the right where a board was posted with a list of choices. She decided on a bread loaf baked with a melted cheese center for them both, so Nels wouldn’t have to worry about any living creatures, he hoped. They chose to forgo any beverages since they’d have to eat and walk at the same time and the cheese in the bread was rather runny. After they had finished what Nels thought turned out to be quite good bread, they headed over to a public water fountain. Water jetted out six feet in the air from a solid block of stone where people could gather and drink for free. Etiquette dictated you could either cup your hands to catch the water or bring your own cup or flask, but no buckets or barrels. Opening your mouth to catch the falling water was frowned upon.

  “It’s time to go back up,” Casandra abruptly said. Glad to get out of the heat, which now was causing the sand to stick to even more unfortunate places, Nels agreed gratefully.

  Turning around, his forehead ran smack into a floor mat that was cruising through the air. On top of the rush mat sat a withered old man wearing nothing but a white loincloth. His bald head was covered in a sheen of sweat and he was paddling with an oar as fast as he could. “Watch your big fat head, you oversized melon! You wanna knock a poor old man out of the sky, eh? Well, I’ll knock your melon head off the vine, eh!” The old man promptly rapped Nels on the head with his oar and swiftly rowed away.

  “What was that?” Nels asked Casandra, rubbing his throbbing head.

  Suppressing a grin, Casandra answered, “Oh, it’s a basic model flying rug. You can get them pretty cheap if you don’t get the power steering and navigation options. An oar comes standard.”

  5

  Nels and Casandra arrived back at Javin Bone’s estate in luck, he had returned home. Sans escorted them through double doors that branched off to the right of the main hall. Resisting the impulse to turn around and run into the center of the living light sculpture, Nels found he was once again overwhelmed when he stepped into the receiving room.

  It was the exact opposite of the dark entry hall. Here the walls, floor, and ceiling were of solid white marble with very little marble actually showing due to the enormous windows of colored glass. The room was at least three stories, wrapped around by balconies that weren’t attached to the walls. Instead they free-floated, so the windows could run uninterrupted from the floor to ceiling. Almost the entire ceiling was one sheet of glass, no dome this time, but the effect was just as stunning. The colors were light and bright: mostly sky blue, pale to vivid yellows, and a pure white that made Nels think of a pearl that had been lit from within.

  There was no visual lighting effect that jumped off the floors, only reflections that stayed flat on the shiny stone, but it made one feel as if he or she were in a mystical underwater garden. So much so, that Nels expected to see fish swimming to and fro. He nearly fell over when he did see a large fish swimming not two feet from his face. It was a foot in length of shimmering white scales. At first he thought it was blue and yellow too, to match the room, but soon realized as it continued swimming, it was a solid white that was quite reflective in the light. Its almost translucent fins billowed out navigating the air, the lower ones trailing at least three feet, leaving trails of prismatic colors.

  The fish suddenly turned back, facing Nels, peering at him intently with liquid-blue eyes, then opened its mouth and trilled, letting out crystalline bubbles that floated serenely for a moment before dissipating silently.

  “Ah! Ghostra likes you. That is a good sign. She is a very perceptive fish. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Javin Bone and you must be Nels Hunter.” The large man had suddenly appeared beside the fish seemingly out of nowhere. Surely Nels would have noticed a man wearing a three-foot black cone hat and robes that were so dark even the light of the room couldn’t touch them. They didn’t even resemble fabric—it was as if instead of a presence there was an absence. He felt the same inexorable pull towards the robe as he had felt in the forest towards Javin’s Portal; if he put a hand on the blackness of the supposed fabric, he knew it would disappear into the nothingness, and he’d never get it back.

  “Yes, I am Nels. How did you know?” Nels responded as smoothly as he could. He was totally unnerved by the man’s robes, fish, and knowledge. Had Casandra somehow mentioned him already to Javin? They had just met, had she had time while she waited for him to follow her to Sandrid? Nels shot her an imploring glance, hoping for an affirmation.

  Instead Javin answered, “No, Casandra didn’t tell me. I’ve known about you for quite some time really. But, that is not something we need discuss right now. Later, when we’ve gotten to know one another better, as they say.” Smiling, showing dazzling white teeth that transformed his appearance from ominous Illusionist to congenial host, Javin held his arms out to Casandra. “My dear, you look delightful as always.” Giving her a kiss on each cheek, he then ushered them to a sitting area Nels hadn’t noticed before.

  There were three identical blue velvet tufted settees surrounding a powder-blue longhaired rug. In the center of the rug was a completely clear table that Nels couldn’t tell if it was glass—it looked too perfectly clear to be made of glass, maybe crystal, but even then—it was so smooth and rounded that he couldn’t help but touch it.

  “It is like a work of art, yes? So simple and pure; that’s what makes it so unique and why you couldn’t help but touch it.” Javin settled himself on one sofa while Nels and Casandra each took their own. Nels couldn’t help but wonder if there normally was a fourth sofa where there was now an empty space, as if Javin foreseeing the need for only three had made the fourth somehow disappear. He had the feeling the man was a perfectionist and would see the extra as redundant.

  “What is it made of?” Nels asked while leaning forward still stroking the impossibly fluid surface.

  “It is from one solid crystal,” Javin responded as if he had been reading Nels’ mind. “A gift from a friend. They are experts at crystal and gemstone creations. I hope—no, in fact, I am sure you will meet her soon.”

  “Is it Grayson Scarlett?” Casandra interrupted.

  “Yes,” Javin affirmed.

  “Ooh, is she planning to visit soon? I do hope so! Oh Nels, you will love her! She is so wise and beautiful,” Casandra gushed like a little girl while bouncing up and down excitedly.

  Nels raised a skeptical eyebrow, really. He’d never seen Casandra look and sound so ridiculous.

  “Oh, she is all that and more, Nels. By the way, I do hope you don’t mind that I address you so informally by leaving off the ‘Hunter’, but I do feel a certain familiarity where you are concerned.

  “And unfortunately, no, Casandra, Grayson Scarlett will not be visiting us, but I would like for you both to visit her in due time.”

  “No, I don’t mind,” Nels mumbled, wishing he had on more than just a robe for some reason. This guy was making his skin crawl—what did he mean by a certain familiarity? He’d only just met the guy. “Is this lady from around here?”

  “Oh no, she’s from Silver Persia. It is most likely some distance from Sandrid I would imagine. Our worlds are quite different in composition, as you will see,” Javin said as he smoothed his robe over his knees.

  “Just like Sandrid is some distance from The Kingdom, I suppose,” Nels said feeling smug at being in the know and catching on qu
ickly.

  “Yes, you are right Nels. My, you do catch on quickly I see,” Javin said and had the audacity to wink. Nels felt his stomach lurch—so much for being smug. “And pardon me for being remiss. You both need refreshment and then I will have Sans show you to your rooms. You are planning to stay, Nels? I do hope what you’ve seen so far of Sandrid hasn’t turned you off of our little domain; I understand you spent time in the Lowers before touring the Uppers. Mmm, tomorrow Casandra must be sure to show you the fairer part of our realm. I might even be able to join you for a bit, if the gods allow,” he chuckled.

  “Of course he’s staying, Javin,” Casandra piped in, “and it was most definitely my plan to take him through the Uppers tomorrow. I would have today, but he wasn’t quite comfortable enough on the carpet ride, yet.”

  “I see,” Javin said giving Nels a flat smile. “Well, hopefully that will be rectified tomorrow. There really is nothing to be afraid of. I have never even heard of a flying carpet accident. Why, you’re more likely to trip on the regular old kind of rug, like this one lying here and gash your head open upon this table spilling out your brains, than you would be in danger from falling thousands of feet down to your death from a flying carpet.”

  Nels gave Javin a flat smile in return.

  “They are really quite safe, you know. They have built-in safety features, such as if you did get too close to the edge the rug will gently tilt to nudge you back and if you persist in your folly the rug will actually knock you down and roll you up until it lands. Parents send unaccompanied children out on them all the time, and certainly they wouldn’t do that if they deemed them hazardous. Why, elderly Mevrou Diablo is stone blind and she’s out everyday sailing the skies. Even Meneer Diablo, who has been stone drunk for nigh on one hundred years now, finds his carpet invaluable for frequenting his haunts. And believe you me when I say he is not a quiet drunk. No, no, quite rowdy, actually.

  “No Nels, you have nothing to worry about on one of Sandrid’s flying carpets. I guarantee it.”

  “See, Nels, Javin guarantees it!” Casandra exclaimed.

  Nels quirked his lip in what he hoped approximated a smile. All of a sudden he missed the Deadwood forest, and curses on the wind, he couldn’t believe he was thinking it, but even Black’s Hand seemed downright homey compared to this place. He had felt the first exhilaration of adventure upon arriving, but now he wasn’t so sure this was his kind of place. Even though he knew he had had to leave Parker’s Town, he began to wonder if he had made the wrong choice in not going back to the Black Mountain. Surely whatever it had waiting for him was better than this.

  Sighing theatrically, Nels took the better part of valor and said, “Well then, if Javin guarantees it, I will be absolutely thrilled to take a tour of the Uppers tomorrow.” With a sly glance to gauge Javin’s reaction he added, “too bad we can’t go tonight.”

  Unperturbed, Javin gave a hearty laugh. “Ah, my boy, your enthusiasm is contagious, but that would never do. No, you must rest and—oh yes, refreshments, I almost forgot.” On his right hand was the biggest ring Nels had ever seen. He wore on his middle finger what looked to be a big triangular glop of obsidian, which he then spoke into. “Sans, if you will bring our guests some drinks please. Yes, thank you.” He smiled at Nels. “A wonderful communication device thanks to our friends in Silver Persia, once again. Very handy—no need to yell, pull chords, or ring bells to get prompt attention.”

  Sans entered carrying a silver tray with a glass pitcher full of a yellow liquid. He set the tray on the crystal table and poured three tall glasses. As he watched, Nels saw the liquid had a fizziness to it that he had never seen before; and it made a buzzing noise when poured. It reminded him of some kind of burning acid and Nels was immediately certain he should not be drinking this drink.

  Javin, catching his soon to be forthcoming objection with a raised hand, replied, “Be at ease, Nels. This is a local drink of ours. I assure you it is quite harmless despite its unique coloring and unusual properties. Its cool sweetness and bubbly texture will sure to delight your parched palette.” Taking a big sip himself, he smiled with an “ahhh.”

  “Oh, do try it, Nels. It really is quite good,” Casandra said, sipping from her own glass. She didn’t “ahhh,” though. Just smiled in encouragement.

  Nels decided—what the hay, when in Sandrid—and took a big gulp. After a slight burning, he realized the cool sweetness did taste good going down his parched throat. And the fizziness was…intriguing, to say the least. Imitating Javin, he gave his own “ahhh” and then stifled a sudden up-rush of gut air with a sly grin.

  “Excellent! Stay and enjoy the Nectar of the Gods as long as you like. When you are ready for a brief rest let Sans know. Oh,” Javin pulled a face. “I’m afraid you’ll have to do it the old fashion way, by using the bell pull. Dinner will be served in the dining hall at seventh bell. Casandra, you know the way. I must attend to business, but I look forward to more conversation over dinner. Until then.” Javin gave a slight bow and left the room.

  “Well, what do you think of him?” Casandra waited no time in pouncing as soon as the door was shut.

  Nels found himself at a loss. What did he think of the man? He certainly had a confident and forceful presence. His robe was creepy, but his manners were impeccable. Still. He wasn’t quite sure what Casandra saw in him. Why she felt he was so…trustworthy? Of course, he reasoned she had been sheltered her whole life, and this whole “traveling” thing was a bit overwhelming. It made sense she would admire someone who had experience in this new area and could teach her and alleviate her obvious loneliness. She had someone she could share the “gift” with and that created a special bond between the two. But now that she had Nels, maybe she wouldn’t have to be so dependent on Javin. There was something about the guy that he didn’t trust and it may be that Casandra needed a little looking after herself.

  Nels decided to keep his own misgivings to himself—it wouldn’t do to alienate her by besmirching her mentor. Instead, he told her, “He seems quite the gracious host. Very considerate. Yes, I can’t wait to learn more about him.”

  Casandra beamed. “You will, Nels. He has so much knowledge to share. I just know you’ll find it fascinating. I certainly did, and I’m still learning. It’s too bad The Kingdom has no history like Sandrid. After being here I can’t help but feel our people are so dull. It’s sad, really.”

  Nels agreed, but he couldn’t help but feel…uneasy. After his experience with the unknown, he thought that sometimes it was better to not know there was an unknown. He could have continued his life in Parker’s Town just fine if those black rocks hadn’t shown up, and that Illusionist, and Langard Turkand—and then he wouldn’t even be sitting here with Casandra. And…he wasn’t sure what he thought.

  “Would you care for some more Nectar of the Gods?” Casandra asked holding up the pitcher.

  Nels was about to respond in the affirmative, when another fish came swimming over to him. This one was just as large, but orange and purple in color with luminous amethyst eyes. It came right up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Startled, Nels almost dropped his glass.

  “Bette, you shameless flirt!” Casandra exclaimed. “That one’s a pip! She’s always after food, so Javin won’t let her in the dining hall, but she’ll just wait outside the door all the same. Hoping someone will smuggle her some leftovers, I imagine; which I do sometimes.” Casandra came over and started stroking her scales. “I just can’t help it—she’s so cute! Aren’t you? You little fatty!” She laughed and gave Bette a kiss on the side of her head.

  Bette looked expectantly at Nels.

  “Oh no,” he said shaking his head. “I don’t kiss girls on the first date.”

  Sans led Nels and Casandra to their respective rooms with Bette in tow. They passed through such a labyrinth of hallways and stairs, Nels wasn’t sure if he was on the top floor or underground by the time they reached their destination. He sure hoped Casandra really did know where t
he dining hall was or they would never be getting any food.

  His room was as lavishly appointed as he’d expected, but he found himself somewhat bewildered as to why Javin would give him a suite that was more appropriate for a grandmother. There were flowers on every available surface and none of them were real. The bed cover was white with blue flowers; the rugs were blue with white flowers, which he tried carefully to avoid in case Javin happened to be a prankster and one decided to knock him down and roll him up. The walls were white with yellow flowers; the chairs were brown with pink flowers; the curtains were yellow with brown flowers; on every solid surface of the white wood furniture there were vases of silk flowers. Even the comfort station had floral fabric draped over the privy hole instead of a lid, complete with matching floral cloths and wipes.

  Nels went next door to check out Casandra’s room. Needless to say, her room was paneled in rich mahogany with deep velvet green accents—all solids. Her bed was larger and softer with a coverlet that was so soft and fluffy someone could probably sink into it never to return. Her chairs were thickly padded soft leather with footrests for each one. Her privy, in the same mahogany, had a lid; and all the cloths were in the same forest green. She had no rugs.

  “Is there something wrong?”

  Nels harrumphed and went back to his own suite.

  Bette had kept Nels company while he rested on the bed staring at the flowers painted on the ceiling wondering what kind of artist would agree to do such a thing, probably the starving kind. She hadn’t been pushy—when he wouldn’t allow her to snuggle on the bed with him she retreated a respectful distance and stared at him, not unkindly. She had followed Nels and Casandra back through the maze of Javin Bone’s home and was now waiting outside the closed door.