The Black Opal

by Linda Jordan

  Edward said, “The dragons are talking to the land and she is speaking back.”

  “What are the dragons saying?” asked Mira.

  “War.”

  “What is the land saying?”

  “I do not know, I cannot understand her,” he said, looking dejected as he ran beside trying to soothe the mare.

  Mira wished she knew what lay behind his deep sadness. But she could hardly hear his voice above the wind and the rumbling earth. It wasn’t the right time for conversation.

  It was time to run.

  The next few hours seemed to take forever. She couldn’t see much of what lay beside the road, but got an impression of fields of grasses, maybe wheat or some other grain. And trees, possibly fruit trees. The wind blew dust into clouds around them howling and baying in their ears. She strained to see even the road ahead.

  The tall black marble wall, which encircled the City, loomed ever closer. Huge arches stood in the wall at regular intervals. They were wider than necessary for a gate. Mira decided the walls existed merely for ostentation, as if to say, ‘No one would dare to attack us here, for we are mighty.’

  There stood several towers on top of the wall, but they looked more like they would be used for information gathering, rather than defense. The tops looked exposed and she could see people. Unlike medieval castles in her world, the walls were covered with artwork. Mosaics, she thought. The light dimmed, so she couldn’t be sure, but she thought there were shiny, mirror-like bits here and there on the towers.

  Clustered just inside the walls she could barely make out tents and wagons.

  “The traveling people,” said Edward. “They are not human or pooka, a totally separate people. They carry the true wisdom of this land, for they live out on her and see our world in all her many forms. We used to all be nomads,” he said, his ears drooping.

  “Even humans?”

  “Yes, most humans travelled and lived out on the land. A few of most races settled here by the Black Opal and in other important places to maintain them, but nearly all peoples traveled. We moved according to the seasons, so we did not wear out one part of the land. When more people settled, including our rulers, we ignored the land’s wisdom and slaughtered unicorns, broke with dragons and exhausted the soil, putting filth in the rivers. As Nakia’s reign crumbles, even more huddle closer to the Opal for safety,” His eyes burned with a quiet anger as his voice sounded weary and melancholy.

  “Would you have everyone travel again?”

  “Yes, I would make it so. Although it may be too late,” he said looking down. He began to fade. She could feel him brushing her knee where his hand lay on the mare, gently guiding her. She wondered if he became invisible to hide from the city or to hide his sadness and anger from her.

  Mira saw a face or two peek out from the tents. She couldn’t make out the features, but the faces looked strange. They were a different shape and didn’t look as if the eyes, nose and mouth in the same places as humans. She wondered what they really looked like, who they were and how they lived.

  “What are they doing here?”

  “Selling their wares. They collect rare stones, black pearls or other works of nature. Ironically, people in the City buy them and have them made into fine jewelry or beautiful things for their houses to remind them of the land.”

  The wind had died down as they passed through the outermost wall and approached the City inside. It was as if the City had a will of her own and could control nature. Even the whitecaps on the river calmed here as it flowed smoothly underneath one of the massive arched gates. Slowly and warily, Mira and the invisible Edward entered the City of the Black Opal.

  Chapter 22 - Mira

  Mira felt the energy of Black Opal City swarm around her. So many bodies were packed into that space. Many people lived in Seattle as well, but here magic coursed through the air. She sensed that many beings in the City held minor amounts of power. Perhaps the high-level magic was masked, which was why she couldn’t feel it. Aste certainly disguised her abilities.

  Close to the wall lay quaint thatched roof cottages which suffered from disrepair. They were fronted by wilting roses, nasturtiums covered with black aphids and many weeds. As they drew closer to the center of the City, the houses were larger and made completely of stone, but they too looked uncared for. She rode as Edward walked through the noisy streets. He told her the City had really only existed for the last forty turns, but had grown quickly. It must extend for miles. Thousands of people lived here.

  “How will we find this Jacob the farrier? This city is huge.”

  “I know where to find him,” said Edward.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “You did not ask.”

  Mira felt annoyed. Would she ever be able to understand the pooka? What else did he keep from her because she hadn’t asked?

  It grew close to dark and she felt ready to drop. The only thing holding her upright was the crust of dirt encasing her. She sighed, letting Edward lead the horse. Her stomach rumbled. She hoped to find something more interesting than granola bread and dried meat.

  The river ran along the same route they traveled. Several bridges spanned the Angouleme’s width. She wondered if the City had indoor plumbing or a sewage system. She was tired of squatting behind bushes and hoping the leaves she used weren’t this world’s equivalent of nettles. She also really wanted a bath after that windstorm and not have to settle for a piece of wet cloth. Again. Thinking about trivialities kept her mind occupied, away from the overwhelming thing she must do tomorrow.

  The diminishing glow from the Black Opal reflected down onto the darkening City. She could see it leaking out through the Tower and the clouds above reflecting it back onto the land. She felt a bit hopeful looking at the light. It warmed her soul

  Lamplight shone out from a few windows of homes and apartments. The landscape deepened to a purple. She was losing her sight in the growing darkness, but could still see dim outlines of buildings containing businesses. An occasional tree used the remaining light to cast long shadows.

  About hour had passed since they entered the city. The market stalls were covered with tarps and blankets. As they continued to walk through the street market area, the mare stopped abruptly. Mira asked, “Why are we stopping?” but received no answer.

  She heard footsteps, rustling of fabric, and an invisible hand thrust an apple into hers. “Did you steal this?” she asked in amazement.

  “Pooka do not steal. I left money in its place,” said Edward, and they continued on.

  The apple tasted better than any she’d ever eaten. Sweet and tart flavors collided in her mouth. Juice ran down her chin.

  The mare tossed her head. Edward gave her half of another apple and Shadow munched happily, then waited, lips open and neck stuck out, for the second half. Mira could taste as the sweetness exploded in Shadow’s mouth.

  They came to a part of the city where lamps hung on metal poles lined the streets. Horses stood grouped outside buildings as if chatting. Mira saw several fantastic and elegant carriages pulled by creatures she could not name, with a llama’s face, a draft horse’s body, and long and upright, twisting horns, the strange creatures pranced beautifully in front of the fanciful carriages. The wooly fur changed patterns, glowing with pinks, blues, greens and maybe even orange. It was difficult to tell their color in the dark. Mira wondered if the colors and patterns were natural or dye or magic.

  Edward led her to a dark stable. The upper story was lit.

  “Stay on your horse and wait here.”

  Walking close to the building in the shadows, he removed his pack then bent over to take things out. Then he stood and seemed to shake himself out. She detected a surge of magical energy and watched in awe as his silhouette shrunk in height several feet and became smaller in bulk. She felt frustrated with the darkness, wanting to see more details yet feeling awkward watching this moment. It was almost too private. Still she stared harder. He crouched down as if i
n pain, then came upright again and made a few clumsy movements which Mira couldn’t figure out. Maybe picking up the things from his pack. When she realized he was dressing, she looked away.

  Mira could see his outline in the streetlight as he walked to the door and knocked. He seemed to be in human form, wearing clothes.

  She heard a banging noise from the second story as a window above opened. A red bearded face stuck out. “Who are you and what do you want?”

  “We’re looking for Jacob,” said Edward.

  “You found him.”

  “Please, we need your help. I’ll be happy to tell you our business in private.”

  “All right. I’ll be down shortly.” He pulled his head back inside and closed the window.

  Edward walked back to Mira’s side and guided Shadow forward.

  The large door to the stable opened and Edward led the horse inside. The stable was dimly lit, by a single oil lamp. Mira stared at Edward with his tan skin, short dusty, blond hair and scruffy beard. He’d blend in nicely with the few men she’d seen in this world. She stretched her stiff legs and shifted in the saddle for long moments. Only then could she move enough to get off the mare. Edward held the saddle for her, balancing her weight to make it easier on Shadow’s back.

  “Now, who are you?” asked Jacob, a very large, burly man.

  Edward gestured to her as if to say, ‘take the lead’.

  “I’m Mira and this is my brother, Edward. A few nights ago we spent some time with Griffin. She suggested we ask you for help.”

  “Aaaaw, Griffin. How is she?” he asked, getting a bucket of water for Shadow.

  “She’s doing fine, sitting on four eggs.”

  “Good for her. What would you be needing help with?”

  “We need to get into the palace.”

  “The palace,” he said, scratching his beard. “That’s a tough one. Let me think on that. I was just up having some supper. Let’s put this tired gal to bed,” he said, taking the mare’s reins, “and then you can come join me for dinner. It’s not much.”

  “We would love to,” said Mira.

  Jacob, unsaddled the horse and Mira removed her bag from the saddle. Edward reached out to carry it. She patted Shadow and said in her mind, “Thank you.” The mare simply stuck her nose towards the water bucket. Jacob slid the halter and reins off. Shadow shook herself out and snorted with relief. The stall was large enough for her to have a good roll. He gave her more water, hay, and filled a bucket with grain, then closed the stall door after giving her a nice pat on the rear, from which a cloud of dust rose.

  “She’ll be fine till morning.” He knocked on a door and a boy who looked a couple years younger than Mira appeared. Jacob gave him directions about taking care of Shadow and the boy grabbed a box of tools that looked like brushes and such. He disappeared into Shadow’s stall.

  Mira felt sure a cloud of dust could easily rise from her as well. She may have needed grooming more than the horse.

  They followed Jacob up the narrow stairs to his home. The stew cooking smelled wonderful. Jacob pulled out two wooden bowls and spoons and handed them to Mira and Edward. “Dish up however much you want. I made a lot. Somehow, knew I’d have company tonight.”

  She dove into the stew, which tasted like beef, and had carrots, onions and other root vegetables she couldn’t identify. She didn’t look up again until her bowl was empty.

  There was ample light and she could clearly see who Edward had changed into. A medium height man with blondish hair and green eyes. Actually, quite a good-looking man, despite the raggedy beard.

  Everyone else was equally as quiet, intent on their food. After dinner they gravitated to the other side of the room, where a wood stove burned, its little door open. The evening had grown cool. It must have been the breeze blowing off the sea.

  “Now,” said Jacob, leaning back into his chair, “you want to get into the castle. Do you know what part of the castle you want to get into?”

  She looked at Edward questioningly.

  He replied, “We’re not sure, but most likely what we’re looking for is in the Queen’s private residence.”

  “And what is it that ya are looking for? I may know where it is.”

  Mira said, “The Queen stole my sister’s soul and her child.”

  Jacob looked appalled, then shook his head. “I guess it should not surprise me. She has been doing strange things lately. I cannot say as I know where she would keep either, but the soul would likely be in her private quarters, as you guessed, and they’re the most heavily guarded. That is where it gets to be a problem. I could easily get you into the public parts of the castle, especially with Midsummer Feast, but her private areas, there are only a few entrances. Most of those have been sealed off. But if there is any way to get inside, I know the man who can tell us. We will have to wait an hour or so. He will not be around just yet.”

  Could she trust Jacob? What if he ratted them out and spent the next hour delaying them for the Queen’s guards? Griffin said he was trustworthy, but how well did she know Griffin? Her thoughts spun as Jacob asked the boy downstairs to go find the man.

  If she could trust him though, Jacob didn’t say it would be impossible. How could she find both Dylan and the soul? It was unlikely they’d be together. She’d always assumed she would just know, be able to sense her sister’s soul. What if she couldn’t? What if some barrier shielded the soul? And what about Dylan? Jacob hadn’t speculated on Dylan’s whereabouts. What if the Queen sat in her quarters and wouldn’t leave? What if too many men guarded the soul’s hiding place? She felt overwhelmed with worry and couldn’t shut her mind off. It felt like a hamster running on a wheel inside her head.

  Edward and Jacob discussed the latest goings on in the city. She should be listening, but felt too tired. She stared into the hypnotic, flickering blaze of the fire.

  Edward touched her arm gently and he said, “Mira, wake up please.”

  “What?” she said, almost jumping to her feet. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong. Jacob’s friend, Essail is here. I thought you would like to hear what he says.”

  Essail was short, skinny and covered with grime.

  “Would you like some supper?” Jacob asked Essail.

  “Na, my woman would skin me alive if I did not come home with an appetite. Now, what can I do for you?” he asked them.

  Edward said, “Do you know how we can get into the Queen’s private quarters?”

  “I assume you mean unnoticed.” Essail stood looking at them for a good while. He glanced at Jacob and asked, “Can we trust these two?”

  Jacob replied, “Word came from Griffin just a day ago that we could.”

  Essail smiled as he turned to Mira and Edward and said, “Well, there used to be the servant’s entrances, the back doors to all the Queen’s rooms but they blocked those off after an assassination attempt. Pity that. We used to make good use of those doors. Then there is the door to the Opal Tower, that one is so heavily guarded a flea could not get through. You could try sneaking past the guards during the festivities tomorrow night, but that would be very tricky and not a guaranteed way in.” He paused, thinking for a while.

  “There is one other entrance, the one from the Catacombs. You can get in there and make it all the way up to the Queen’s Quarters. Most of us will not risk it, not for a piece of jewelry. It is a terrifying place and most people say haunted by more than ghosts.

  “What do you mean?” asked Mira.

  “They say the ghosts who haunt the catacombs are sorcerers who still have their power,” said Essail.

  “Have you ever been there and how long does it take to get to the Queen’s quarters?” asked Edward.

  “Nope, I always have someone else do the leg work, even with the servant’s entrances. I am just the man who got the gold or jewelry cleaned up and to Jacob here or another rescuer. If you you start at dawn, it should not take longer than half the morning. Provided you do not meet wit
h any problems,” said Essail.

  “Can you get us into the catacombs and point us in the right direction?” asked Mira.

  “That I can do. When do you want to go?”

  Edward looked at her, “Tomorrow morning?”

  Mira nodded, relieved. She couldn’t face it on no sleep. Her forehead throbbed.

  “Yes, tomorrow morning, that will work. I will draw you a map of the palace so you know where to go,” said Essail. “You will have to get into the graveyard and sleep in the crypt tonight. Tomorrow there will be too many pooka roaming around.”

  Mira dreaded the idea of sleeping that close to the catacombs, that close to the Queen. She ran her hands through her hair, irritated that most of it hung in her face. She finally yanked the hair tie out, gathered up her tangled hair and stuffed it all back in the tie again. It was a mess and would just have to stay that way. The catacombs would hardly care.

  Jacob found heavy paper and a rough pencil. Essail drew them two maps, one of the catacombs and the route they should take to the stairway up to the royal quarters. It became clear the catacombs were designed intentionally as a maze or by someone severely drunk. The second map was a floor plan of the Queen’s Quarters. He pointed out the rooms where he’d look first for Amanda’s soul. He didn’t know where to look for Dylan, since they didn’t know the Queen’s plan for him. Essail also drew them a route to get out to the public areas so they could disappear into the festival crowd in case they couldn’t escape through the catacombs.

  Her body felt numb. She grew more exhausted. And scared. She tried her best to pay attention and memorize the maps in case they got separated, but the whole palace seemed to be designed to confuse.

  Jacob gave them a loaf of fresh bread and a chunk of cheese to pack in her bag. Mira left him with instructions to send her horse to the general area where Aste’s home had been, in case she didn’t return for the mare.

  They went down to the stable and Mira said goodbye, hugging the mare while she chewed contentedly on hay and whinnied goodbye in return. Shadow said she could find her way home from where Aste’s tree lay, perhaps even from the City, but Mira didn’t want to take chances that someone might capture the mare. She wondered if it was possible to steal a horse who could speak to you.