The Circle of Six: Emily's Quest (Legends of Eostra)

by Sanders, Dan

  Emily whispered to Sabina, “Why must we follow the King? Can’t we just tell Magas what we discovered?”

  “We might discover things in the affairs of these royals to assist our endeavours. Just be patient.”

  Emily couldn’t see how this chatter would help, but decided to follow as best she could.

  “Each nation has two hundred soldiers to represent them,” King Gwyngad said. “We have twenty nations attending the Cup, so that’s around four thousand soldiers in these fields. If everybody arrives, it will be the largest representation in the history of the Cup.”

  Courtiers and soldiers, including his advisor, Zenon Weed, clapped their approbation at this declaration.

  “Forgive me for asking,” Sabina put in. “Couldn’t the increase in numbers have to do with you holding the final vote for participation in the confederation?”

  “That’s cynical, Miss Bru. Ibendari is known for hosting the finest events on Annwyn. That’s the reason for our record attendances.”

  “What’s the confederation?” Emily asked.

  Zenon, the King’s advisor answered her. “The Confederation of Annwyn or CoA, is the supreme governing body that represents Annwyn’s best chance for a harmonious world. It is said Eostra herself supports these aims. The renegade nations of the Coalition of Independent states or CIS, as they call themselves, are led by Jalpari. And they threaten that stability.”

  They had arrived at the King’s large tent when the King waved the conversation over. “Now we prepare for the Grael competition; the greatest sporting competition in the land, where the best warriors compete in a battle of Elemental and TC Lore for the title of Grael champion. The nation who wins the Cup is honoured across Annwyn. This year, I hope my son will lead the charge for Ibendari.” He swigged from his crystal goblet and continued, “They have final practice tomorrow. You should join them, and see my son. It is done.” He slammed down his hand as though a new comradeship had been formed.

  “My King, may I ask a question?” asked Rupurt.

  “Speak, little one. All here have a voice.” The King laughed magnanimously. “Unless it is a voice we don’t want to hear.”

  Emily felt Sabina stiffen.

  Rupurt said, “It’s exciting, but what about the dark presence? What are you doing to stop Gorgos? We could use your help.”

  Sabina smiled, fingering her Seltan necklace, while Magas and Aldrick turned to the blue rabbit.

  “Well well… I see… Well well.” The King took another swig from his goblet. “They are matters for the Melders. I am a simple man of Annwyn. Such matters are not for me.”

  Emily decided not to wait any longer. She stood with her ears extended. “But Sire, if Gorgos wins, doesn’t all this beauty you have shown us get destroyed?”

  The King looked for help to Zenon, who looked to the general, who looked blankly across the fields at the rows of soldiers.

  “All talk for another time,” he dismissed.

  Emily was not going to give up that easily. “But Sire, we have only to the spring morn to fullfil the prophecy. We need to find the other half of the seer-stone. Are you prepared to risk everything for a festival?”

  The entire field stopped. The winds whistled off the crystal shields.

  The King said, “I know of no seer-stones. What powers do you have to defeat such Elemental power?”

  He was right. She had no power. The King waddled down the hill to his armies. The advisors and courtiers clapped in unison and moved along.

  Emily knew their audience with the King was over. Her fear and frustration grew. How could people not see what was happening?

  Daimon left with Remus Frost, general of the Ibendari army. Emily and Sabina turned to talk privately with Magas but he had gone.

  Chapter 19

  Xavier meets Theni

  IBENDARI,

  ANNWYN

  Xavier stretched his arms wide and completed a barrel roll, relishing the wind in his hair. He was glad he’d tied it back.

  Looking down through layers of white clouds he wondered how he’d ever lived without his new power. While he enjoyed flying on his dragonfly, Lin, nothing compared with the independence of utilising the true power of TC and the air element. He realised the flame he had always played between his fingers was gone. It would take deeper concentration to maintain a flame at this speed.

  He glanced at Blade and saw his master’s long cream hair pulled back by the wind. His eyes were closed as usual.

  Blade had been sullen all morning but Xavier was grateful to be left alone with his thoughts. He was sure he’d cracked the secret. Last night he thought he’d just reached the edge of Sirakon’s mind. If he hadn’t been interrupted he would have reached her. Tonight he would finally communicate with her, in Astral projection. He had to decide what to say.

  Xavier Thoughtspoke. “Master, where are we going today?”

  Blade responded, “Your master has requested your test of power and commitment.”

  Xavier faltered mid-flight. Heart racing, he refocused his concentration. He swam through the air and quickly caught up with Blade just as they passed through a thick white cloud.

  “What test?”

  Blade pointed to a castle atop the Orena River. “See? Ibendari. Tomorrow is the Gala Ball and the final vote for the confederation alliance. We have to ensure victory for the coalition of independent states.”

  “How–?”

  “Later.”

  As two black clouds, Xavier and Blade drifted to the outskirts of Ibendari. Reaching ground level, Blade instructed Xavier to convert to the air element to avoid being seen. Xavier had learned the act of transmutation of his particles but with his heart racing he forgot to convert his right foot. Blade was angry when a few peasants pointed at the mysterious case of a floating foot passing through their village. Xavier focussed his will and the foot disappeared.

  “Stop here,” Blade Thoughtspoke.

  Blade stopped, and in a puff they were both standing at the edge of the Ibendari castle behind a stone pillar. Xavier was concerned about being seen in their dark green robes as hundreds of people passed, chatting about the upcoming Gala Ball. Blade ignored the commotion. Eventually, a girl in royal robes, laced with the gold leaves of the Storven nation, approached. She bowed to Blade but ignored Xavier, which annoyed him. If she only knew who he was. She handed both of them brown travel robes from her pack.

  “Glad to see you, master,” the girl whispered.

  “Ssh, imbecile,” hissed Blade.

  She nodded, her face hidden. They followed her through the castle until stopped by guards. The girl removed her hood and spoke quietly to the soldiers. They pulled aside their spears and let them through. Each time this happened, the crowds thinned. Xavier’s curiosity was roused. The girl was about his age. He thought he had seen her before. Her relaxed brown hair and chiselled features looked vaguely familiar. After passing three guarded posts they entered the inner sanctum of the castle where only the soft sandals of royalty slapped the polished stone floors. They paused until a legion from Ibendari passed. Xavier saw a man in a silk red robe with long red hair. It was his father. Without thought he lifted his hand to get his father’s attention.

  Blade pushed his hand down and Thoughtspoke, “Not now fool. He must not know you are here. The time is not right.”

  Xavier watched as his father shuffled past, only an arm’s length away. Unexpectedly, his stomach burned with longing.

  The girl ushered them to a room and shut the door. She removed her hood. The memory came to Xavier. “I thought I knew you.”

  Theni looked at Blade. Xavier said, “Theni, it is I, Xavier.”

  The girl almost sneered at him. He was taken aback by her response.

  “Don’t you remember me?” he persisted.

  “Of course I do,” she hissed. “You Jalpari were the plague of my family for generations.” She turned to Blade and said, “We are ready, my Lord. Her chamber is three down from this one.”
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  Xavier shook his head. “What’s going on?”

  Blade removed his hood and said, “This is your test young apprentice. You first fight in the battle for ultimate victory.”

  Theni giggled at Blade’s description before catching herself. She straightened her robes and poured Blade a straw-coloured drink.

  “As I said, the vote for the Confederation of Annwyn is the day after the Gala Ball. Our enemy will succeed if we do not act quickly. Our Lord Torek Mothfoot has instructed us to remove one of the obstacles in our path.”

  “Remove?”

  Theni handed Blade a crystal goblet. She said, “We must kill the Princess of Vodnik.”

  “I’ve never killed–”

  “Silence,” Blade snapped. “This is your test. You will hide with Theni in the Princess’s room–”

  “I will do no such thing. She is a girl. How–“ Xavier paced the room breathing hard.

  Blade grabbed Xavier’s arm. It hurt but he didn’t show it. He stared into the Melder’s eyes. He knew Blade was trying mental coercion but he managed to keep his mind free. His head ached.

  Blade let go. He said, “Torek thought you were not ready. He said to remind you of your loyalty to your father, to the old man you call a Professor and of course, to your dear friends Bardolf and Sirakon.”

  Xavier saw by the merciless look in Blade’s eyes, the ones plastered on his face, he would not hesitate to complete his request. He would have to think a way out of this to save everybody.

  “Go with Theni. She will ensure you complete the task.” Blade turned to Theni and said, “But do not do it for him.”

  “How could you, Theni? You are a Princess of Storven, daughter of Oriani.”

  The girl playfully ran her finger over a red pendant around her neck. She smirked and said, “I am much more than that, boy.”

  The word ‘boy’ stung. He would have no problem getting rid of her. Clenching his fists he whispered, “I’ll do it, but you’d better get out of my way.”

  The girl cackled in a way that broke Xavier’s fearless resolve.

  “Hide the body in this room when you are finished and meet me at the borders of the nation. I cannot abide this place any longer.” Blade swept his cloak around his body and disappeared from the window in a gust of wind.

  Chapter 20

  Magas and Aldrick

  CASTLE OF KING GWYNGAD, IBENDARI,

  ANNWYN

  Strange shadows danced off the round walls of the tunnel. Two men strode deep into the Ibendari castle. One wore a white robe and carried a vine-encrusted staff. “Aldrick, I am worried about the friends,” he said. “They are not prepared for what lies ahead.”

  “Don’t underestimate them Magas; all are exceptional in their own way. To find the prophecy, flee the Zerali and arrive together at Ibendari...that proves their mettle.”

  “To find the prophecy is one thing, but to decipher and understand its instruction eludes them. They have yet to find the other half of the seer-stone. Your mentor Professor Sashiel had one.”

  “We have no time to travel to Jalpari.”

  “Perhaps as Emily grows in power her connection with the prophecy will be sufficient.”

  “Rapid growth requires extreme pain.”

  “How did I miss it?” Magas said, scratching his white beard.

  “Miss what, my friend?”

  “I had not suspected the darkness to be across the Melwthyn Sea, let alone have the momentum to destroy Alendi. Why did I not feel it?”

  “We have been distracted by matters of the circle and the Confederation.”

  “Exactly.” Sparks flew off the heel of Magas’ staff as he hit the floor. “I am meant to exist outside the manner of men. The Jalpari overlord is proving too much for the simple mind of the Ibendari King and I had to step in, lest the confederation ceased to exist. I am aware it plays into Torek’s hand.

  “Aldrick, I have taken grave steps in light of the deharmonisation of Alendi. I have reached out to the Exotic nations. Tonight will be a gift-giving at the Gala dinner.”

  “Magas, does that mean…?”

  “I’m not sure what the gifts are, Aldrick. They have already taken their own counsel on this matter, but they insist that beyond the gifts bestowed on Emily tonight, they can interfere no further in these affairs.

  “And they wonder why things are in such trouble.”

  Aldrick’s face lit up. “Magas, the prophecy refers to the forming of the Six. Until now I didn’t understand its meaning.”

  Magas said, “It makes sense to form the Circle. Tonight will be interesting.”

  “You know, Magas, King Dralia will loathe you more than ever.”

  Magas smiled. A rat scuttled across their path, scared by the light from Magas’ staff. Magas spoke first.

  “I haven’t been able to locate the Dagger. It must be with Mothfoot or one of his Melders.”

  “Can they control it yet?” Aldrick asked.

  “I doubt it, but don’t underestimate them. I sensed a great tearing at the energy lattices in the northern region in the previous luna cycle. I think they are testing the dagger’s power. It will not be long before they master this new terror. Imagine if they had the power to travel freely between the Twin Worlds.”

  The two men heard a noise in the upcoming tunnels. Magas closed his eyes for a moment and smiled his approval to continue.

  “I spoke with the Prince yesterday,” said Aldrick “He knows nothing of his calling. He fancies the Loric woman?”

  Magas chuckled deeply. “That will hurt his father. I just hope the King’s anger doesn’t distract him from supporting our endeavours.”

  “Aldrick, there is one last thing. I ask you to travel with Emily a while longer, until their path is clear in the prophecy. They have bonded with you. The next period will test them in ways that make the strongest crumble.” Magas gazed at Aldrick directly. “I know your heart is in Loric, but I ask this of you.”

  Aldrick’s bushy eyebrows rose in surprise. “My heart is always with my duty. I serve Eostra and the Melder council when required. Besides, I have become fond of them.”

  “Remember not to deny your heart too long, my friend. All beings need companionship.”

  “What about your companionship?”

  “I have the connection with the Elementals and the land. That is the path and the fulfilment of the Melder calling. To reach the ultimate enlightenment is to have companionship with the All. But that is not your calling. You have your path.”

  “Sabina’s mother has been hurt too much, and I am too old.“ Aldrick sighed.

  “Remember, you won’t know if you don’t ask her.”

  Aldrick looked into the dark tunnels and bit his upper lip.

  Magas changed the subject. “After the rites are concluded here, I am off to prepare Havendel for the final confrontation.”

  They reached a fork in the tunnels. Magas patted Aldrick’s arm and said, “Let’s see what happens at the Gala dinner tonight?”

  Magas stepped into the dark tunnel and left Aldrick alone.

  Chapter 21

  Sashiel and Aldrick

  CASTLE OF KING GWYNGAD, IBENDARI,

  ANNWYN

  Aldrick walked through the other tunnel entrance to find the others.

  “Aldrick.” A croaky voice whispered from the shadows.

  Startled, Aldrick nearly dropped the crystal disc in his hand. He lifted the light stone, and two rats ran in circles searching for a dark place to hide.

  “Turn it down,” said the voice.

  Aldrick squinted and said, “Sashiel, is that you?”

  “In the flesh.”

  “Sorry, I’m just surprised…” Aldrick lowered his hands and the light softened.

  Standing before Aldrick was a tall old man with faded red hair and long wrinkled fingers. The two men embraced.

  “What brings you here?” Aldrick said.

  “Keep your voice down. If I get caught talking to you, Darius wou
ld skin me alive. I knew you would be here. Anybody who is anybody is at the celebrations.”

  “You know I hate these things,” Aldrick said.

  “I know. But you also know I can feel your presence within two leagues.”

  Aldrick nodded, touched Sashiel’s elbow and beckoned him to walk. “Join me for a drink in my chambers. Like old times.”

  “Love to. But after the vote. I come on other matters which require discretion.”

  Aldrick lifted his eyebrow. “How is Darius these days? I still can’t understand why you serve that man.”

  “I have my reasons, but one of them no longer exists.”

  Aldrick sighed. “Will you just spit it out, so on and so forth.”

  “Very well.” Sashiel lowered his voice, forcing Aldrick to lean closer. “Darius has apprenticed his son Xavier to Melder Torek.”

  “Impossible!”

  Sashiel threw up his hands in dismay. “I have failed him, Aldrick. The boy will be changed forever.”

  “That will change more than the boy, Sashiel. That will change the balance of power in the confederation. The Coalition will fear to cross Darius.”

  “This is bigger than damn Annwynian politics, Aldrick.”

  “I’m sorry. I know the boy meant a lot to you and the Jalpari people.”

  “That’s not what I mean,” Sashiel said. “Remember the Wellwyn Prophecy?”

  “Of course. Why?”

  “I think something big is happening. I’ll tell you but you must bind yourself to silence.”

  Sashiel lifted his robes and stepped over a puddle. “This is a betrayal, but I can’t think of whom else to seek counsel from.”

  “I know more than you think,” Aldrick reassured him. “I will take it to the grave if you wish.”

  Sashiel nodded. “Darius is building an army. At first I thought it was to protect the Coalition from confederation forces. I despise violence, but he made it clear it wasn’t my place to intervene. Then Melder Torek began visiting. I think he’s building the army for Torek, and they are involving the Faoir.”

  Aldrick seized Sashiel’s arm. “You must tell Magas.”

  “I cannot. I have done too much already.”