by Sanders, Dan
Aldrick simply smiled. “We have gained much today. We have the prophecy, not just information. You have been brave, Emily. We must take this to the Academy, where a dear friend of mine, a scholar, will assist in deciphering this gift. Remember, at any time you are free to choose your own path.”
Emily nodded. She didn’t want to disappoint them, but how would she help these people and then get back home? She was suddenly tired.
Emily hopped towards the exit to be with Daimon, but Lupi gently grabbed her paw and shook her head.
“Let the boy be,” she whispered. “We will sleep here tonight. We leave before first light.”
Emily wanted to push all of them away and hop off the high tree and hop and hop until she found the place where she met Eostra, where this all began. But somehow she knew she must do as she was told, for despite what the Professor said, she was not free to choose. She pulled at her whiskers in anger, hid her fear and sat in the darkest part of the round tree-home.
Daimon stood in the darkness holding his blue blade. The occasional cries of night birds broke the silence; the light of the twin moons his only company.
Chapter 15
Xavier’s doubts
Somewhere in the
SOUTH-WEST RANGES,
ANNWYN
Nearly an entire lunation had passed since Xavier was taken by the Lord Melder, Torek Mothfoot. His world had changed but everything remained the same. He was free from his father, yet remained in chains.
During the day, Xavier’s new master, Blade Maddock, kept him so occupied he didn’t have time to brood about what had happened. He had however made up his mind on one score; he would never forgive his father.
Night brought him time to think, but no solace, for when his head dropped onto the pillow he would hide tears for his old life, of the adventures with his birth-mate Bardolf, with Sirakon his Faoir friend and their good times in the forbidden Reven stronghold.
They travelled around the cities and towns in the far flung places of Annwyn, never spending more than a day or two in one place. On the rare occasion they slept it was during the light, under the cover of a rock cave or behind a waterfall created by his new tutor and master.
As they possessed no other forms of transport they usually travelled as a cloud driven on powerful wind currents. Sometimes they borrowed horses without asking or used a leaf boat. Although Blade preferred flying by the anonymity of Elemental wind travel, Xavier could tell that converting himself as well as the two servants into formations of the Air-Element took its toll. After two or three days Blade was racked with coughs and barely able to stand. Xavier and the servants had to use their own limited TC to assemble makeshift lodgings.
Xavier was impressed by the power displayed by this Melder. His master did not look older than thirty but for a Melder he could be much older. He always kept his cream hair and dark eyes hidden behind his hood. His TC was formidable, his Fire Lore power nearly the equivalent of Xavier’s own father’s, but Blade possessed equal power over the other elements; power reserved for chosen Melders. It was the first time Xavier realised another being could best his father in raw power, and that scared him to the quick.
Most of their time was spent in relentless training and study, with an urgency always wound on the tight lips and concerned brow of Blade’s polished white face.
Xavier was introduced to deep Elemental Lore, manipulating forbidden forces. Being raised solely under the Fire Lore had severely limited Xavier’s ability to connect with the other elements. Often Blade’s frustrations boiled over into threats of putting Xavier into a deep freeze or to blow a wind storm into his throat, or even change his molecules into stone if he didn’t learn to connect to their respective elements. Xavier doubted Blade could do such a thing, but didn’t want to test his theory.
It was nearly a week into his training when Xavier worked up the courage to push a conversation with his captor as he called him. They had set up makeshift lodgings next to a river, just outside Lyford Cove in the north, when he broached the subject of the Melders of Eostra, the Melder with whom he was most familiar.
“Blade…”
“Master, you insolent boy.”
“Master.” Xavier gritted his teeth and took a breath before continuing. “Why is it I had never been taught of Gorgos? It seems nobody has ever seen him.”
Blade spat on the ground in disgust. “Your education has been run by the soft headed educators of the confederation. If only your great-grandfather had converted to the CIS when he had the chance.”
“What does my ancestor have to do with this?”
“My master gave your great-grandfather the opportunity of his life, to leave the confederation and join the CIS, but he refused. Your father is the first of your line to have the courage and insight to abandon the weak and suppressive notions of the confederation. And he has been rewarded by his leadership of the entire coalition.”
Xavier had not known how far back these power struggles reached into his past. He felt small and even more powerless. He wondered what decisions he would make that would shape future generations.
“Master…?” Xavier hated the subservience demanded in his new role.
“What is it?”
“What is Gorgos? Is he like the Urith?”
“Mmm, the Fire Elemental you speak of is one of the original Elementals created at the beginning of time. Do you not know of the history of the Elementals?”
“I know that the original Elementals are the individual consciousness of each element.” Xavier wanted to show he wasn’t ignorant. “I know they fought for a million years, and nearly destroyed Annwyn, their own creation.”
Blade nodded and completed the thought. “Yes, it is then that they created the last Elemental, Eostra. She was meant to be an Elemental to bring harmony to the land. They said she was the light and goodness of each part of each element wrapped into a single being. In their arrogance they didn’t realise that they had created another Elemental, Gorgos. Gorgos is the exact opposite to Eostra. Where Eostra stands for conformity and agreement, Gorgos stands for independence and individual might. Where Eostra was created in the energy we can see, Gorgos was created in dark energy lattices, the unseen power that exists in the smallest matter, a power much greater than the seen.”
“I don’t know how to ask this…” Xavier said.
“Fear nothing boy, ask.”
“Well, if Gorgos is more powerful, why does Eostra dominate Annwyn and the Twin World, Earth?”
Blade’s eyes narrowed before continuing. “As I said, Gorgos had been trapped since his creation into the dark energy lattices, until two millennia ago, when a wondrous event happened that would forever change Annwynian history. The first Earthling fell through a tear in the energy lattices into our world, freeing our mighty master to begin the path to his final glory, to undo all Eostra has raised, so Annwyn can be rebuilt in His name.” With satisfaction he concluded, “Our time is at hand.”
Xavier walked over to the river’s edge. The moons were small and the light across the marshes was dim. He closed his eyes and listened to the water slap on the occasional rocks towards its unknown journey. He sent out his mind to Thoughtspeak Sirakon, hoping his new powers were strong enough to reach her. Nothing. She was too far or he was too weak. It didn’t matter, the result was the same. He was tired and turned to go to bed. He was startled by Blade standing beside him.
A breeze puffed Blade’s cream hair. “You are strong and a quick study. Normally a Melder has centuries to build our knowledge of the various Lore, but fate is upon us. You are ready for your next test. I will inform Lord Torek.”
Blade spun on his heel and retired into the bushland to be alone. Xavier wondered what he really did night after night. His curiosity heightened, he ignored his fatigue and followed Blade into the dense trees. Hiding behind a tree he saw him whispering to a glimmering version of Torek. The Lord Melder’s red eyes glowed in the dark. Astral projection, he thought. There was so much to learn.
As he settled to sleep, Xavier’s mind was troubled. He had decided long ago there was little he could have done to prevent being taken. His eyes were heavy and he knew he had to focus on the future. What was the upcoming test? What would happen to him if he failed? Should he run away back home and face his father, or spend his life on the run? He didn’t give a damn what his father thought. Maybe Sashiel could help. That seemed to be the best plan. Until then he would use this Melder to learn what skills he could so he would regain control of his life. With that thought his eyes closed in peace for the first time in many nights.
Chapter 16
Sabina and the Seer Stone
HAWKMOTH ACADEMY,
LORIC,
ANNWYN
After two days in the saddle Emily ached for a good long hop and to twitch her tail in full flight. Watching the Air-Elf buzzing between the clouds with her best bird-friend depressed her. To spare Emily’s feelings Noogie announced their explorations under the guise of scouting with Lupi for potential trouble. Emily knew otherwise but simply nodded. She still felt guilt for Noogie being caught up in this. She looked down at Rupurt sleeping, with his gentle snore and twitching whiskers. She patted his soft blue ears.
Aldrick’s spirits lifted as they drew closer to Loric. He had talked incessantly of Sabina, a famous student of his: Sabina this, and Sabina that. Even Daimon and Lupi thought something was a bit strange, and Lupi never held back when it came to telling her view of others. Emily preferred to keep her views to herself. She needed all kinds of help on her mission.
“What’s so wonderful about this girl anyway? Is she a genius?” Lupi said.
“Genius doesn’t do it justice,” Aldrick responded icily. “She is special. She graduated from Hawkmoth academy at the highest level by the time she reached her first year of adulthood, the youngest student in the Academy’s history etc etc. She is intensely interested in the affairs of Annwyn. She has been helping the Adros Lore masters with their research into the Adros Dagger. She will be…” he drifted off, looking at the sky.
Emily was focused on the task at hand: meet Sabina, get her to translate the manuscript and reach Magas at Ibendari within five days. She remembered Magas being firm about being at Ibendari for the Errenor Festival. She didn’t know why, but took it seriously. Magas reminded her of Grandpapa Malmour, the brood chief, always serious and wise.
As they entered Loric, Emily’s fluffy tail twitched furiously. She smelled the sea, the rich salt air wet with excitement. The breeze brushed her fur and her ears eagerly poked around the new town. The tired horses clopped along the foreshore with the sea to their left, the watery blue carpet lifting and slapping in rhythmic waves. The bustling of dockyards reminded her of home.
“You see it too,” Noogie said as her thin claws grasped Emily’s shoulder fur. ”It’s great to feel the water again. Reminds me of home.” Noogie nestled her beak into Emily’s neck.
They reached the towering Javastone wall of Hawkmoth Academy. Aldrick slid off his horse, strode over and startled a pair of soldiers dozing against an amber wall next to the entrance gates.
Aldrick raised his hand to the crystal gates and whispered. Emily felt the gates come alive. They glowed a bright emerald, as though excited to see this stout man. A nervous soldier led his master through the gates. Aldrick winked at his stunned companions as they were led through the myriad of stone buildings that swept into the surrounding hills.
Daimon pointed to the drifting students chatting and studying on the lawns. As they trudged through the campus, students from different species surrounded Aldrick adoringly.
“Who were those blue people, Professor?” Daimon said. “I saw people from the same race in the Inn at Mirakoth.”
“Ah, the Vodnik. As you may know by now, my boy, people are closely connected to the land. The Vodnik nation sits at the southern foot of the BlueSage Cliffs, the sapphire crystal mountains. They derive their skin colour, sustenance and much of their power from this crystal.”
“Clouds alive, you must be important,” Lupi said, hovering between Aldrick and Emily. “Why do they call you master?”
Aldrick laughed, “I am the Head of this fine institution.”
“For all of Annwyn?”
“Afraid so.”
“Woo-hoo,” Lupi said. “You’re that Aldrick? I’ve heard about you. Ice-block Icelander, we used to call you at school. People said you were a cold-hearted fish.”
“Not very original,” Aldrick said. “Besides, I don’t blame the Agramond for struggling in the Hawkmoth environment. The Academy studies holistic Lore of the elements. The Agramond prefer, and I tend to agree, to focus on Air Lore, as is their birthright.”
Lupi buzzed ahead to chat with the Vodnik students. The nervous soldier finally stopped, pointed, and said, “Master, last I heard, Miss Bru were in the scholars’ library.”
“Was, Elwan, was, not ‘were’,” Aldrick said. “Anyway, say hello to your father for me.”
“Yes, sir, yes I most certainly will. Thank you sir, and it’s good to have you back, sir.”
They arrived at a large stone building at the centre of the campus and entered the ancient library with yellow walls glowing from the power of Rock Lore. It was an inviting, musty light for those who spent every waking breath mulling over ancient artefacts collected from the ancient worlds in forgotten times.
Rows of dark red desks were occupied by old men and women, with thinning hair and glasses, some with pointy ears and others with pointy chins, all engaged in reverent whispers. They looked up, angry at the disturbance, until they recognised Aldrick. Quick smiles were exchanged and conversations resumed.
They reached a table tucked between towers of books. Emily saw a woman with silver unkempt hair hanging over her cheeks, wearing a ring with a small pink stone and reading eagerly from a large bound book.
Aldrick stared at the girl for some time, a fatherly look on his face. Lupi rested on a pile of books at a neighbouring table, with her legs crossed and her wings still. Noogie flapped her wings once and snuggled between Emily’s furry ears.
Aldrick cleared his throat. The woman continued reading. Aldrick said, “Don’t you ever get out, young lady?”
The young woman looked up through the hazy light and squinted at the strangers staring at her.
“Uncle, hail, welcome home.” She stood and threw her robed arms around Aldrick’s embarrassed neck.
“Hello, Binny. It’s good to see you too.” Aldrick gently pulled her arms away.
“Have you seen Mother?” Sabina said.
“Not yet, we will. Let’s go to my study and talk.”
Aldrick’s office was in a tower on the same level as the masters’ library, and looked like the room they came from, except for brighter lighting with plush green seats. Vials and crystals piled on a long bench under the window. The breeze brought the sweet smells of fruits. Emily’s nose twitched incessantly. Must be a rabbit condition, she thought.
A painting hung on the wall in front of a large auburn desk. In its golden crystal frame a woman in a silky flowing dress of rainbow colours floated above the trees, surrounded by animals and other beings. Emily recognised the Agramond and Faoir flying next to the woman in silk, worshiping reverently.
“That’s Eostra.” Emily pointed, her bushy tail twitching in amazement. “Have you seen her?”
“Once, about two hundred years ago,” Aldrick said, “with Magas and an old colleague of mine, but that’s a story for another time.”
Aldrick introduced his fellow travellers, and at each new name Sabina nodded, as though they were another book being consumed by her fierce emerald eyes.
She crouched to pat Emily as she was introduced. As Emily’s purpose was revealed Sabina threw a curious look at Aldrick. Emily thought this woman looked unkempt. Her ochre tunic and yellow robe sat awkwardly. She had round eyes and full lips. Her bony fingers fidgeted on an emerald pendant hanging from her neck. Emily wondered if she realised how beautiful she was
.
Lupi hovered above Sabina’s head and hailed her according to formal Agramond greeting, with both palms pressed forward, as though they were pushing at an invisible wall. Then she folded her hands across her chest.
As the introductions and Aldrick’s explanations continued, Sabina’s eyes grew wider and more intense. After the tale was told Sabina sank into a chair and absently stroked Rupurt’s fur.
“What’s that?” Rupurt said, touching the emerald pendant in the middle of her chest.
“It’s a gift from my grandmother. A Seltan–seahorse to the Styx.”
“Stonyel, fetch us refreshments,” Aldrick said to a young man with a goatee.
When Sabina spoke, her voice was soft and quick, almost musical. “Let me see if I have understood clearly. The venerable Eostra, the last and all-powerful Elemental, has chosen a rabbit from Earth to save our world, a world more powerful than hers, from the darkness of Gorgos and his Melders?”
“When you put it like that…” Emily said, a little hurt and scared at Sabina’s summary.
“…and to help her defeat this almighty force, we have a boy— an Earthling at that, another cute, but smaller rabbit, a bird and,” Sabina cast a look at Lupi who was sitting on the windowsill fingering her musical pipes, “…and a lost Agramond.”
“I’ll have you know—” Lupi began.
Aldrick interrupted. “Binny, this is serious. Emily is the Chosen One in the Wellwyn Prophecy. The dark ones hunt her as we speak.”
Sabina’s look of curiosity stayed with her as she paced the room, occasionally pulling at her silver hair in thought.
“The Wellwyn Prophecy has been lost for nearly a century. Nobody knows where it rests or even if it is real.”
“Oh it’s real all right, Miss Uptight,” Lupi said smugly as she withdrew an orange crystal cylinder from her pack.
“By the two moons, is that it?” Sabina grabbed at the cylinder but Lupi dodged and flew over to place the quietly pulsing artefact between Emily’s footpads.
“Yes, it is,” Lupi continued with satisfaction. “It’s been in my possession for nearly thirty years.”
