The Nameless was more than just a cruel, callous goddess, she was Rikar’s creator. She had reformed him and brought his spirit back from the nether world, the place that rests between life and death. She owned him; owned his life.
But Caisa cared nothing for what he had done to her, at least that’s what Rikar had told Devonia after one of his nightmares. Caisa’s revenge was for the others. What she demanded of him she would get. It was impossible to resist the Nameless.
It was after Devonia had heard his story repeated many times that she decided to return to her training as a Dragon. If Caisa were to return, then they would need an army and Devonia would need to be strong and prepared for the worst.
She had encouraged Rikar to fortify his mind, to defend against the nightly onslaught of his nightmares. At Master Goleth’s suggestion, Rikar studied with a master mentalist, an old hermit who lived in a cave in the mountains south of Carvina, along the sea. It had helped, at least Devonia believed so. The nightmares had subsided, and the memories of them faded into the background like the distant drone of sirens. His mind strengthened, he had learned to control the madness.
Or perhaps he had merely embraced it. A frightening thought, indeed.
Devonia rolled over in bed and admired Rikar’s muscular physique. Even though she knew it was improper, she tugged the covers down to look at him. She should be ashamed of herself. But she couldn’t help it, he was so beautiful.
He was sleeping fitfully, eyelids and lips twitching, his strong arms tensing and jerking as if engaged in some struggle. Was he fighting someone in his dream? Or trying to resist Caisa? Did Devonia feel jealous of her nightly visits? Perhaps in a way she did. But when he woke, he was all hers.
He opened his eyes slowly and smiled. “There you go again, staring at me while I sleep. You’re such a pervert.”
“How dare you say such a thing? You must have me mistaken for another girl.” She crawled over and planted a kiss on his lips. “You can’t go sleeping all morning. Your friends are here.”
She paused, worried if she should bring it up. Would he be angry with her? But she steeled herself, knowing it was important. “By the way, shouldn’t you tell them about your nightmares? I think they have a right to know. And about all the cults springing up in the city. Something is happening, Rikar. You told me yourself.”
What she didn’t bring up was where he went on the nights when he woke, unable to sleep, and left their bedchambers. But when she’d asked her guards about him, they’d sworn he’d never left the palace. So either he was flying out into the night again or opening magical portals to places unknown.
Sometimes he’d whispered Darkov in his sleep, and she wondered what the word meant. Was it a person or perhaps some place on his previous adventures? Rikar had told her scant details about his past, and what little she had learned of his adventures had come from his friends, from the time she’d spent in Naru.
“You don’t know Talis.” Irritation flashed in Rikar’s eyes. “If I tell him, he’ll be suspicious—and rightfully so.”
“But he’s your friend. You’ve earned his trust. And you’re different now, aren’t you? So doesn’t that mean you have an obligation to tell him?”
He sighed and wiped his nose. “I suppose I do, but it doesn’t mean I will.”
“You should tell him,” she said, feeling belligerent. “I doubt he’s going to stay in Carvina for long. He always has that wanderlust look in his eyes. He told me in Naru how he dreamed of going to the Isles of Tarasen in search of dragons. You know, to verify what Palarian had said.”
“The other Dragons of your Order supposedly went to Tarasen.” Rikar frowned, tracing his finger along the sheets. “That’s what Nikulo told me. They went in search of real dragons, to start the sacrifices again.”
“No, it can’t be. There are no more dragons, not anymore. They’re chasing after an illusion.”
“How can you be so sure? And what about Talis, isn’t he a dragon?”
“He’s different. Though for the life of me I don’t understand how he can do it. How is it even possible?”
“I don’t know, but it is. And besides, dragons are real, I saw them on Vellia with my own eyes.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me about it?” Devonia felt angry suddenly at him for withholding the information. What else had he so conveniently forgotten to tell her? “I always wondered what was truth or myth from all their stories of your adventures.”
“I should have told you, I’m sorry. But I guess I was embarrassed by what I did. But it is true. There are dragons on Vellia, so many they nearly covered the sky. Powerful, massive beasts larger than Talis when he’s in dragon form. They’re also very crafty and intelligent, and can cast strange spells. They were truly a wonder to behold. I still dream about them sometimes.”
“Gods, I wish I could have seen them!” For a moment she did, in her imagination. She saw the massive creatures flying across an endless blue sky. “So do you really believe that dragons might still be in Tarasen?”
“Maybe I’m just crazy. But they could be hiding, yes, perhaps. It’s possible. You know the historical records about them, from our mythologies and yours. They could still be alive. And there are many mysteries undiscovered on this world, you know.”
“Is that where you go sometimes at night? In search of mysteries?” She gave him a naughty grin. “Or is it to visit some lovely girl? I wouldn’t mind, you know; as long as you still love me.”
He shook his head, laughing to himself. “There’s no one else, trust me. And, yes, I do go exploring sometimes at night. To places on this world that I’ve been to, but this time delving deeper, asking questions, searching. To a city called Darkov—”
“So it is a city!” Her imagination went wild, thinking of some strange and ancient place. “You’ve often said the name in your sleep and I wondered. You should tell me all about it, I’m dying to know. Why didn’t you?”
“I’m sorry, I should have. It’s just that I’m too used to keeping everything bottled up inside.” He gave her an apologetic smile. “I will tell you the story, soon, I promise. And, yes, it’s a very old and magical city far to the east. Lord Aurellia once ruled there. But I doubt you would’ve liked it.”
“Don’t be silly, of course I would. I grew up in the empire once ruled by the dark lord. Darkov sounds like another piece of the puzzle, a side of Aurellia we never know. I wonder how he managed to rule there and the Jiserian Empire?”
“He had his ashen fingers over much of the kingdoms and powers on this world. Except on Tarasen, I think. Lord Palarian somehow kept him at bay. It’s crazy to think what might be up there.”
“Why haven’t you gone?”
“And leave you all alone?” He winked at her. “Besides, the journey would be a long one, too long for a visit at night. But I’ve been thinking about going. I think about it all the time, in fact. But something has held me back.”
“So why don’t we go together?” She cupped his face in her hands. “The palace is finished and most of the work of rebuilding can be done by others. Why don’t we leave? We can even invite Talis and Mara to join us, right? I’ve always wanted to go on an adventure with you guys. I feel jealous whenever I hear your stories. Why don’t we go?”
“It’s not like some vacation.”
“I’m not a child.” She scowled and he withered at her glare. “I’m to be the Empress of the Jiserian Empire. If I want to go on a campaign in search of dragons on the Islands of Tarasen, then I have a sovereign right to do so. We are an empire and empires demand expansion, do they not?”
Rikar gave her a mock bow. “Your Highness, my humble apologies. I should practice groveling at your feet.”
“Stop it. No need to act the fool. I only meant we should seriously consider going there.”
“I suppose so. But you do remember the kind of trouble you got into last time the Jiserian Empire tried to expand. And I can’t say if Talis and Mara will agree to come.”
“Of course they will, why wouldn’t they? They’re bored and Mara doesn’t want to be queen. It’s perfect. She’ll insist on coming and will talk Talis into going, if he doesn’t want to. Do they have any better place to go?”
“They might. I don’t know whether you know it or not, but Talis possesses the ability to travel to other worlds. With the fragments and crystals he holds, he can easily return to the middling world and even to Vellia, the world where dragons still fly free. Part of what I’ve been searching for are the specific rune sequences to travel to new worlds.”
“Why on earth would you want to travel to a new world?”
“It bugs me. It’s been bothering me because of what Melchezze and his followers said about the Origin World. I have this vague recollection of journeying there before. I think those memories are connected to the Nameless and my time imprisoned deep in the Ruins of Elmarr. Maybe the memories belong to the Nameless, memories over ten thousand years old, from her time on the Origin World.”
She gaped at him, eyes worried. “So you’re actually trying to travel to this Origin World? That’s insane, Rikar. How Talis described it, it’s a dark world devoted to worshipping death—much like your Lord of the Underworld. Why in the name of all that is good would you want to go there?”
Rikar exhaled for a long time, then finally looked up at her. “Because she compels me to do so.”
3. Journey to the West
The sailing ship reminded Mara of their journey to Carvina around the cape, and the storm she’d survived with Talis. She still remembered it as a feeling deep in the marrow of her bones. The fever, chills, and everything that she knew was forbidden. Last night with Talis felt similar, though restrained. He’d been afraid and so had she. But it didn’t matter. It felt so natural when he kissed her. She had been so curious and amazed by how he had looked at her so tenderly.
But then a group of royals had come and interrupted the spell.
She sighed, smiling. It was probably better that they had come and interrupted them. Where they were heading, she knew, of course, and it was dangerous. But she had felt incredible, being there with him that night. She looked forward to being alone with him.
“I don’t know why we’re going by boat,” Talis said, smirking at Rikar. “I could open a portal to Ursula and we could fly north from there.”
“You magicians are all the same, always trying to find the shortcut. Besides, I’d rather travel in style.” Princess Devonia sauntered up and stopped, eyeing them. “I’ve heard wizards can command winds and make ships travel so fast it feels like you’re flying. But I’m sure you can’t manage such a thing. Perhaps it’s beyond your abilities? Will I have to acquire wizards from Ishur?”
“Nonsense,” Rikar said, looking offended.
“We should have brought Nikulo—he’s the one filled with wind.” Mara chuckled.
“More like toxic gas. He’d melt the sails.” Talis offered her his arm and together they followed Rikar and Devonia up onto the ship. “No, I think it’s best for Nikulo to stay in Naru and mind his wife and baby. Leave the adventuring to us.”
“Not that we’ve done much adventuring, recently. This is our first journey not involving saving someone or saving the world.” Mara was happy not to be forced into going off onto some quest. When Rikar had suggested the trip, she eagerly accepted and Talis didn’t object to joining.
“That’s definitely a good thing,” Talis said, looking impatient. “Are we going to set here all day moored to the dock? Let’s raise anchor and sail, already. I’m set to show Princess Devonia how little need we have of court wizards.”
He raised his hands and aimed at the sails flapping loosely in the soft breeze, his eyes teasing and wild.
“We’ll see about that. Prepare to sail!” shouted Devonia. The sailors on deck scrambled at her words, untethering the ropes from the dock, and raising the gangplank and the anchor. Soon the sails were hoisted and the wind caused them to pop and flutter about.
Mara felt the ship head slowly out into open sea. She took in a huge gulp of air, feeling excited and free.
“Now we’re ready to disprove your doubt concerning our capabilities.” Talis glanced at Rikar, his face shining and exuberant.
Rikar raised his hands as well and the two of them aimed their fingers at the sails. A burst of wind rippled across the surface and the ship lurched forward. Mara had to cling to the railing to keep from tumbling across the deck. Others weren’t so fortunate, as many sailors and crew fell or were catapulted back, much to their surprise.
“Stop that wind or you’ll break the masts!” shouted a man’s commanding voice.
Mara turned and spied someone who looked like the captain, a bearded man dressed in a crisp white uniform complete with shiny gold buttons and many medallions. The old man limped over to where Talis and Rikar stood, frowning at them with expectant eyes.
They ceased their casting and hung their heads liked scolded children.
“Ya gotta bring her on slowly and let the ship pick up speed.” The man took off his broad hat and shook his balding head. “What kinda mages are ya? Haven’t ya ever done this before?”
“Forgive them, Captain Drathan.” Princess Devonia set a placating hand on his shoulder. “It is indeed their first time. I’m afraid they got a little bit too eager to fulfill my challenge.”
“Well, it appears as such, Your Highness.” Mollified, the captain turned to Rikar and Talis. “Now, if you’re not complete fools, why don’t you try it again, this time ease up on the power. The ship will tell ya when she’s ready to go faster.”
Again, they raised their hands. This time they brought a gentler wind, accelerating evenly until the ship reached a speedy pace. Talis and Rikar smiled at each other in pride at their achievement, glancing at Mara and Devonia as if craving their recognition.
“That’s not too bad,” Devonia said, her voice consoling. “Much better. Though I hope you don’t mind that I invited a few more court wizards to help during our journey.” Princess Devonia motioned toward several shriveled wizards who looked like they were waiting at death’s door. The two robed men joined in the casting and soon told Talis and Rikar that they could rest.
“Not at all, but you’re spoiling us. We could use the hard work.” Talis stretched his back and settled next to Mara along the ship’s railing. “When we get to Tarasen, I have a few ideas for things we should search for.”
“Like what?” Mara looked up at him.
“Well, considering Palarian is an expert runemaster, I was hoping to find some interesting runes within his old home on the island.”
“Runes?” Rikar’s eyes darkened. “Why do you mention runes?”
“Don’t you remember why? You of all people should know,” Talis said.
“You don’t have to say it like that. I only wondered why you were looking for runes.” Rikar cleared his throat, shaking off some strange mood. “What do you think the old eccentric is doing on Vellia? He’s probably cooking up some scheme.” He leaned against the rail and stared at the cobalt-blue sea.
Mara remember Palarian’s contented face back on Vellia. She was sure he was doing just fine, and getting the rest and homecoming he deserved. Despite being kidnapped by him, she still held a fondness or perhaps an odd fascination for the old sorcerer.
“He’s probably by the sea in some quiet village, catching fish and soaking up the sun.” A smile came over her face as she pictured the scene. “Sleeping in the afternoon and dreaming of dragons and the snow falling over the Tarasen Islands. That sounds like our Palarian. Finally getting his due reward.”
“I hope he catches a hungry shark—a big one—right in the face.” Talis gave Mara a look. “The only reward that devious bastard should get for kidnapping you is a swift kick in the ass, knocking him into a shark-infested sea.”
“Now, now, he wasn’t that bad.” She ran her fingers through Talis’ hair, chuckling to herself at how protective he was of her. “He did terrible thi
ngs for the right reasons—his reasons. You’d probably do the same if you were trapped on a strange planet for thousands of years and longed to return home.”
“But would it even be your home after that long of a time?” Rikar shrugged. “Think about the Nameless. I don’t really understand why she craves to return to the Origin World after all this time. Everything and everyone she remembers is probably gone.”
“Don’t you see, it’s all about revenge,” Talis said.
“Well, maybe, if you say so. But against whom?” Rikar twisted his face in irritation. “It’s been ten thousand years, for the love of the gods.”
“Not that this conversation even matters.” Mara stole a glance at Rikar. Did he know something about the Nameless that he wasn’t telling them? “She’s locked down there in the Underworld. You’re talking about the Nameless as if she’s still alive.”
Rikar’s eyes hardened, and his expression sent cold tendrils of fear pulsing through her mind.
“What, why are you looking like that?” Talis’ voice went shrill. “Is she still alive?”
“We never killed her. We only imprisoned her with that spell we learned from Zagros.”
“But she was a statue… completely transformed. How could she be alive?” Talis hissed, his face going red. “Why don’t you tell us what you know?”
Rikar turned to Devonia and frowned. “I told you he’d be suspicious. Habits are hard to break.”
“Take a deep breath and slow down.” Mara stepped in between Rikar and Talis, hoping to calm the situation. “Why don’t you just start from the beginning and tell us what you know?”
Rikar let out a long exhalation. “Alright. You win. I’ll tell you what I know. If you promise to listen and not judge me. Ok?”
Origin Mage Page 3
