by Sanders, Dan
Daimon nearly tripped as a lump of mud formed into a humanoid shape, with red pins as eyes, stopping him in his tracks. Daimon slid his CBlade from its scabbard.
“Zerali, don’t touch them,” said Aldrick.
Daimon hadn’t heard, and deftly sliced the blue blade down between the two red eyes. The mud form, with its stumpy arms, fell aside back into the earth. Daimon’s satisfaction was short lived as the tunnel suddenly filled with red eyes like fierce light-beams glancing off the walls. Angry stuttering and muddy splashes flew across the tunnel. Emily gagged on the smell of stale water.
“You broke the agreement, stupid boy,” Aldrick snapped.
Daimon glared and Lupi said, “Go easy.”
Aldrick stepped forward. “Hail Zerali, friend of the Academy.”
A muffled voice shot back. “No friend slays one of our kind.”
“He is an Earthling boy, hot-headed and unknowing of our ways. Let us pass.”
“You have defiled our agreement, old master. Your rule is not what it was. You will give us the artefact you stole from the tombs.”
Emily’s heart beat hard as she felt hatred spitting from the mud forms before her. They couldn’t give up the glasses; this seer-stone was the answer she needed.
“I am Emily of Eostra. Please let us pass,” she said. “We are on a most urgent work in her name.”
An echo sniggered off the walls. “We know of your plight and we follow not the path set for you or the instruction of the Last Elemental.
“But she is Eostra,” Emily said.
“Her power wanes. The darkness of Gorgos spreads. Your attempts are futile. Give us the seer-stone.”
Lupi played her pipes. The haunting melody rang off the walls. Daimon, Rupurt and Noogie stilled, smiling dreamily under the influence of the mesmerising music.
Laughter came from another mud pile. “Your Agramond ways have no power down here. You give us no choice but to recover what is ours.”
The little beings shuffled around the floors and up the walls. Daimon dropped to his knees and rained blows, splitting the mud forms in two. They fell back into the floor before rising in doubled numbers. Noogie and Lupi flew over the squat beings and into the darkness.
“Aldrick, what can we do?” Emily screamed.
Aldrick held his arms high and whispered into the blackness. The air shimmered into a mental wall blocking their attackers. Each form evaporated as it struck the power of the wall. Angry cries of denial rang out.
“It won’t last long,” Aldrick puffed. “Sabina, you know Elemental Lore. Do something.”
“I know the Lore but cannot connect with it.”
“What about Water Lore?” Aldrick said. “I know you have connection with that.”
“How…”
“Quiet,” Aldrick roared. “Do it.”
Sabina’s shock quickly turned to her usual look of concentration. Emily saw her silhouetted against the cave wall, grim faced, her long fingers dancing in the dark. At first nothing happened.
“I…I can’t Uncle…”
Emily closed her eyes and pictured Sabina’s large emerald eyes and the gifted mind behind them. A beautiful emerald door appeared, with perfectly formed white and pink diamonds inlaid in intricate patterns, the edges to her mind bevelled with precision. Emily knocked at the cold rigidity of her mind’s door. In a last grab at hope Sabina let Emily into her mind, crying for help. Emily was overwhelmed at what she saw and for a moment lost herself in the bleakness. Behind the cool intellect of this young woman’s mind was a cavern devoid of emotion, a fortress of the mind, lonely and powerful. Images of numbers and letters, Lore and learning exploded across Emily’s eyes. An emerald blackness engulfed her until it dawned on her the only thing she had to give Sabina was love and self-belief. Emily focussed her mind on all the positive thoughts of her past, of the wisdom of Bijou, the encouragement of Noogie and Tikki, her brother. She felt herself connecting with the beautiful power she had felt from Eostra and Magas, and pushed that through the door to Sabina’s mind. The power engulfed them both. As the waves settled, peace and hope filled Sabina’s self again, and she saw water. Sabina was able to grab the water in her mind and control it. She pushed Emily out of her mind.
Emily lay in the mud panting, her fur soaked with exhaustion. Sabina turned to the encroaching muddy forces before her. Perspiration poured off Aldrick’s face as his arms wavered and the mental shield faltered. Gurgling Zerali slid through the invisible wall.
Sabina’s eyes were alight with green fire, her hands fingering the air as she whispered Lore unknown to Emily. The emerald ring on Sabina’s hand burst into bright green tendrils freezing the air. Aldrick’s wall collapsed and Sabina pushed her hands at the attackers. The dumpy beings grasped hungrily at Emily, water dripping off their muddy hooks. With her paws covering her face Emily watched as the Zerali hovered over her, mud dripping on her fur. Their hands were almost on Sabina when they froze in mid-air. Emily peered through the darkness and saw the mud-beings were statues in mid roar.
“It worked,” Sabina said, leaning against the wall, spent from the effort of her will. Breathing heavily, she tucked her silver hair behind her ears. “The water molecules in their forms froze as I instructed them.”
Emily wasn’t sure what she meant but was pleased it was over. Her world went dark and her long white ears hit the icy mud floor.
Chapter 17
Torek’s New Power
Umadoria, northwest Ranges,
Annwyn
Xavier guessed they had camped somewhere outside Umadoria, near Vendor Mound. He was amazed at the purple mass of sky-rock nearby. According to Blade, the glowing landmark had landed on Annwyn over eight millennia ago and was brought under control by the first Melder, Branwyn Vendor. It was the first sign of worlds other than Annwyn.
It had been two weeks since their first conversation. Since then Blade had let the occasional non-instructional command seep in at sunset. While not bonding, Xavier warmed a little to the Melder as his instruction was finally paying dividends. Xavier was learning to control elements other than Fire Lore. Blade hadn’t mentioned his test again, and he wasn’t in a hurry to raise it.
The wet darkness of night settled and cold winds whipped their faces. Xavier held his hands over a rock, and spoke. The rock burst into gentle flames, providing instant warmth to the tired pair. He released his red hair from his hood. The servants sat behind in the shadows. He held his hand toward his travel pack, focussed his will, and felt his hand vibrate before the pack flew across the campsite and into his hand. Yes, he thought, this is getting easier. Each day I gain in skill and strength. Soon I will be independent.
He decided to push his luck. “You speak of this Chosen One, come to destroy all that Gorgos is building. How do we send her back to Earth? I thought the AGates are one-way portals.”
Blade scanned the shadows before whispering, “We have a tool to ensure our success.” Slowly, almost reverently, he withdrew a black crystal dagger from his robe. The ornate orange handle glinted in the firelight.
“This is the Adros Dagger. This blade has been forged from the elements of both worlds under ancient Lore by the Adrosians. Its design is even unknown to Melders from both realms. It can slice into the very fabric of the energy lattices, between space and time, and open a portal between the worlds.”
“How did you get it?”
“That is not your concern.”
Xavier thought it must have been when Blade met two other Melders a week ago in Mirakoth. Rather than risk revealing his spying activities, he asked another question.
“Do you know how to use it?”
“Of course.”
Blade pulled back his hood, releasing his long cream hair. He held the dagger up to the light of the two moons, twisting it in his fingers, quietly speaking unfamiliar words. After a moment the reflected purple light of the nearby Vendor’s Mound began disappearing into the blade. As his master held the dagger higher into the sky, mor
e light vanished into the black shimmering blade. Xavier stepped back from the unfolding energy. Blade’s exposed arm shook from the power pouring from the sky directly into the tip of his new tool. Using two hands he pushed until Xavier saw a spark from the tip of the blade crack into the night. Suddenly the blade released its captured light into the darkness, blowing the night time strangers off their feet.
Temporarily blinded they sat in silence with slumped shoulders. Blade’s dark voice broke the quiet. “Well, I know the Lore to use it, but nobody, even our Master Torek, has been able to make a cut into another realm yet. You must say nothing about this night. Torek dislikes failure.”
Xavier thought it prudent not to ask how he planned to use the power of the dagger. He was nervous about this Chosen One they would be facing soon. He must be powerful to have his new master seek the assistance of such a tool.
As if Blade read Xavier’s mind he said, “It matters not that the power of the dagger has not yet been mastered. We are but one of the tools that will bring His vision to the world. As we speak, the unstoppable force of Gorgos will penetrate their sacred peace and demonstrate that their days are numbered. A new world order will rise.”
Xavier nodded, looked at the dull shimmer from the discarded dagger, and was even more grateful his own test was never mentioned.
Chapter 18
The Ibendari King
IBENDARI-HOME OF EARTH LORE NATION
ANNWYN
When Emily first spied the towering magnificence of Ibendari across the banks of the Orena River, she almost cried in relief. For Emily privately knew it would be unlikely that she, even with the help of her new friends, could accomplish the burdens placed on her.
She watched silently as her friends spent the morning with their heads down and shoulders bent in determination, trying to prepare for the upcoming quest.
Something had changed in Sabina since the fight with the Zerali. She walked a little taller, but with a look of uncertainty, as though she would have to face some unwanted demon within.
Perhaps they had all been altered in some way. At times Aldrick looked intently at Emily as though to reveal some secret, only to sigh, and resume his previous thought. Even Lupi and Rupurt were subdued. Sabina took time out of reading the prophecy to look at the surrounding lands as though trying to connect what she read in books with the reality around her.
Emily mused about the events of the past few days of their trek around Snowitch Lake. Sabina’s mother, who wailed at Sabina leaving with Emily, had asserted they would not be able to secure a ship to travel across the lake due to the ‘Lady of the Lake’, a powerful Water Sprite, once again claiming territory over the Lake in the name of some long past master. Her words had proved correct.
Aldrick kept mumbling about a conspiracy with the Dissonant One. “Magas will hear about this,” he said. In the end he decided it was too dangerous to take the Chosen One over the lake anyway. They braved the longer way through the Pelwyth Mountains and barely slept for three days. Aldrick drove them beyond their limits, saying, “We’ll be late, we’ll be late.”
Driven like a herd of wildebeest, the group took guard shifts both night and day. Emily was most impressed by Daimon, who was the most stoic, often taking Sabina and Emily’s shift. At first Emily accepted his kindness until she saw the toll it took on him. She also watched Daimon’s frustration increase at not being able to connect with the power within his CBlade, his eyes and lips darkening, his mood distant and irritable.
Rupurt never strayed far from Emily as they hiked along the sandy shores of the lake and into the mouth of the Orena River.
Emily’s mind ached. When Sabina first revealed aspects of the prophecy, it was though it had been made real. Unfortunately much of the text, while readable, was cryptic. Emily had reconciled that Magas would be the only one to help find the other seer-stone and unlock the mysteries.
The look on her friends’ faces now revealed their joy at the sight unfolding before them. Ibendari was one of the grandest and oldest nations on Annwyn. It towered over both banks of the mighty Orena River, itself a marvel of Water Lore. The Ibendari were a people dedicated to Earth Lore, building their cities out of the finest stones, flora and crystals known on all Annwyn. Four gigantic pillars of stone, two on each side of the river, were connected by a criss-cross of crystal tunnels running across the banks. The main castle sat above the river supported by the intersection of these tunnels. The sun sparkled off a yellow crystal dome of the octagonal stone castle; mist gently rose from the river underneath shrouding the castle in a ghostly veil.
They made their way to the massive castle gates at the first pillar. Lupi broke the silence.
“What a humble way for the Chosen One to meet the King of Ibendari.”
“It certainly is an inauspicious start,” said Sabina. “I wouldn’t be concerned with royalty though. Most are conceited and self-absorbed.”
“That’s unfair, Sabina,” Daimon said. “Remember leaders often do things that common people cannot or will not do for themselves.”
“That’s deep, little one,” Lupi said.
Sabina stared at Daimon before revealing a short smile.
The travellers were expected, and after verification from Aldrick were escorted through the city by a horseless carriage powered by Power Planks. Daimon’s head hung over the edge in amazement at this wonder.
The streets rang with the bustle of numerous nations intoxicated on the upcoming festivities. Emily forgot the dark matters that troubled her. Aldrick broke the spell when he spoke to their escort. “Why are we not going to the castle? We are to visit the King.”
“Yes, Master Icelander, but he is with his legions. You will join him presently.”
On the southern bank, at the rear of the castle, a walled area held a sea of soldiers. Flags of different nations proudly displayed their Standards. Daimon’s hand itched on the hilt of his blue CBlade.
Emily’s heart leapt when she saw Magas in a blue velvet robe, his blue-streaked white hair and beard flapping in the breeze. She hopped ahead of the group and bounded into his arms.
“Magas, Magas, I’m glad to see you.”
He looked into her with strident blue eyes. Her heart welled with relief at his presence.
“And I you, little friend.” Magas grunted with effort as he released her back to the ground.
“Emily, this is King Dralia Gwyngad, sovereign over Ibendari and head of the Confederation of Annwyn.”
The King was large with a chin that drooped onto the collar of his shirt, like a pelican gullet on a hog’s body. His golden shirt matched gold buttons on his grey vest, as large as amulets. He twisted one of the buttons whenever he was nervous or angered, which, to Emily, seemed often.
In the tradition learned in Adros, Emily bowed so low her whiskers tickled on the grass. Magas continued as the others caught up. “Your Majesty, this is Emily of Earth, Chosen One of Eostra and the first symbol of renewal and balance between the Twin Worlds. She is joined by her bird friend, Noogie.”
“Welcome Earth friends. You are a welcome sign to our troubled times.”
“I believe you know Professor Icelander, Master of Hawkmoth Academy.”
“Welcome, Aldrick. We have much to discuss.” They saluted by touching their respective foreheads with the tips of their fingers. Emily felt foolish for not knowing the salute for this King. At least she’d tried.
“And his most famous student in the legends of all Hawkmoth tales, since Aldrick himself,” Magas continued. “This is Sabina Bru.” Sabina bowed stiffly, left arm across her waist in the manner of Loric.
“Welcome to our land most studious one.” The King looked at her for a moment as though searching for a memory.
Magas continued, “This is Daimon Petridis, son of Aspasia, liege to a general in the Earth-bound Athenian army.
“Good to have a solider in our ranks. Welcome son.” The King’s deep voice stretched Daimon’s smile wider.
“This b
lue Adros Rabbit is Rupurt, Emily’s sworn liege for her quest.” Rupurt smiled and hopped closer to Emily.
“Our home is yours, Adros friend.”
Magas had thought the introductions were over, but Daimon called out, “What about Lupi?” Lupi had been hiding behind Aldrick’s broad back but she sheepishly flew toward the King with her head low.
“I am glad to be in your presence, lordly one,” Lupi said.
“Hey, don’t I know you? You’re that scoundrel Agramond that led my son on a wild goose chase in the Arusio Mountains a few years back.” The King’s cheeks became red and his lips puffed thicker than usual. “I have a mind to have your wings ripped off and thrown to the Zerali.”
Lupi stiffened. “Listen you old steam pot. That’s a foul thing to say to an Agramond. Know this. Your son is a grown man with a taste for adventure. I just told him it was time for me to leave. Can I help it if he follows me? Besides I have battled with the Zerali. I’m not afraid of them.”
Emily saw Lupi swallow, so she hopped to her friend.
Magas stepped between the King and Lupi. “Your Majesty, Lupi has been chosen as the bearer of the Wellwyn Prophecy and to accompany the Chosen One on her quest. Perhaps your son did not then have the wisdom he has now.”
The King straightened his crown. “I only wish my son had lost his taste for these foolish escapades. He takes not his calling as the future heir of Ibendari seriously.” He stuck his nose in Lupi’s face. “Be warned stray one, stay away from him. He needs his wits about him for the Grael competition in two days. He can win this for Errenor. We must win this.” He trailed off, twisting a button on his vest.
Emily looked at Lupi who simply winked and flew away with Noogie under the pretence suggested by Aldrick that she inspect Ibendari.
Daimon interrupted his thoughts by asking, “What are all the soldiers for, Your Majesty?”
“Good question, my boy. Follow me and we’ll talk.”
Emily wanted to get Magas alone and tell him everything. She hopped up and grabbed at Magas’ robe, but his look asked her to wait.
