The Aurora Stone

by G. S Tucker

  “Thank you, my Master, I live to serve,” Grimmer replied keeping his head bowed in respect. This was indeed the best day of his existence. To be rewarded so handsomely was a sign that he was rising through the ranks. Grimmer, the extinguisher of light. He liked the sound of that.

  “Now, let us feast!” Nimayaorin ordered, no sooner had he uttered the command that the double doors at the far end of the room slid open to reveal a grand staircase. Taking the lead Nimayaorin moved towards it with Grimmer at his right hand, the rest of the monsters followed at a respectful distance. The party was lead down to a lower level, at the end of a sconce lit corridor, the party emerged into a large dungeon. The moment Nimayaorin entered, the screaming began. Chained to the walls and great iron rings in the floor, were men and women, witches, fae, and elves. Grimmer’s yellow eyes flashed with glee when he spied a redheaded witch, who looked enough like the elf to make his mouth water. Knowing it was his master who was to pick first, he stood to attention and waited. Choosing a blond Fae girl for his first course, Nimayaorin opened the feasting, sinking his razor sharp teeth into the girl’s shoulder and tearing away a chunk of her flesh. Wasting no time, Grimmer, leapt across the room and pinned the red haired witch to the rough stone wall.

  “Now I can take my time with you, let me hear you scream,” Grimmer whispered to the witch as he sliced open her arm. Soon the room was filled with the sound of screaming and the walls were soon painted crimson. The darkness was coming, to consume and destroy all who dared to stand in its way.

  Eve’s body lay on a bed of moss and wildflowers, her hair woven with silk ribbons; even in death, she was beautiful. Across the lake, the archers were about to lose their flaming arrows that would consume her physical form. From out of the trees, the animals came to her. Gathering around her body, they rested paws, small heads and cold noses against her. Lastly, a snow white lamb approached, it looked at the other animals and laid its head over Eve’s left hand. As the fireflies danced casting a golden glow over the gathering, the order to lose the arrows reached their sensitive ears. The animals closed their eyes, in readiness for what needed to be done. The twang of bow strings acted as the signal. It was time the animals made their sacrifice. As if one being, the animals took a breath and gave a piece of their very souls to the maiden that they had come to save.

  The energy transfer was intense; each animal gave a small part of their life force to Eve in the few seconds before the first flaming arrow struck. The wildflowers began to wrap their stems around her limbs, as they too offered energy from the earth.

  The first arrow landed, but, it did not hit its mark instead each arrow that veered off course and landed a few feet in front of Eve and the animals blocking the view to the mainland. Eve began to glow; her hair crackled with the energy coursing through her. The emerald shift that clothed her, seemed to ripple in a phantom breeze. Deathly paleness was washed away by the warm peaches and cream complexion that had once been the envy of many elvish maidens. The glowing ebbed and finally dissipated into the night, the gift had been given, the sacrifice made. Behind the curtain of purple flames, Eve opened her eyes.

  Sophia approached the east wing with a heavy heart; it had been decided that she would break the news to their charge. Knocking on the door, she was surprised that it opened almost instantly. Before her stood a young man of eighteen, his indigo eyes flashing with excitement and joy. Sophia had no time to ask what had made him so happy; he smiled broadly at her, his blond hair shining like spun gold.

  “I must get to the island, Sophia!” He exclaimed, almost bouncing on the spot, his need to leave tangible. Sighing, Queen Sophia took his hand and tried to explain that, that simply was not possible; the island was partly ablaze and not safe. Unfazed he just smiled and assured her that everything was as it should be and he must go to the island right this moment.

  “There is someone there who I must meet; it cannot wait.” He urged turning and hurrying down the hall towards the main staircase. Sighing, Sophia hurried as gracefully as she could manage after him.

  It was fully dark now; the archers had cleared away and all that could be seen of the ceremony was the dying violet flames reflecting on the still water of the lake. Taking no time to collect a boat from the small boathouse, the young man waded into the cool water and began to swim with strong strokes towards the island.

  Eve lay on the moss; her mind was clear; she was completely aware of what had happened to her. She should be dead and yet, here she was on her funeral bed surrounded by woodland creatures and being warmed by the violet blaze a few feet away. Sitting up slowly, Eve was conscious of everything around her, the sound of the animals breathing, the lapping of the lake against the shore, the crackling of the fire. It didn’t stop there; she could hear the trees growing! The world around her was teaming with life, and she was a part of it all. There was something else, looking around she stared in wonder, the world was alight with colour, Eve could see the aura of every living thing. This was going to take some getting used to.

  Standing, she stroked the ears of a doe, as she made the connection, she heard a voice.

  We are glad to have helped you, Light Carrier.

  Eve was used to this kind of telepathic communication with Sapphire, but this was the first time she had heard another animal ‘speak’ to her. Looking deep into the doe’s eyes, she leant forward and kissed it between the ears.

  “Thank you, thank you all. I am so grateful for your help,” Eve replied, stroking the doe and smiling at all the gathered animals. Suddenly the peaceful gathering was disturbed by splashing and then hissing as water droplets hit the dying flames. The animals scattered leaving Eve to face whatever had joined them on the island.

  The first thing Eve saw was the person’s aura glowing green against the night. Instinctively she knew whoever it was meant her no harm. As the person came into view, Eve gasped. Indigo eyes gazed out of a handsome face, blonde hair that hung in wet waves just past his shoulders. He was tall and muscular, and without knowing how she got there. Eve found herself in his arms. After so many weeks of searching, they had finally found each other.

  Eli held Eve tight against his chest, he knew without a doubt that this girl was his sister. He had dreamed of her, the chubby hand that reached for him was her. The King and Queen had said that he was found alone and that she must have vanished with his parents, but the dreams had continued and now he knew why.

  “Eli, my brother, I have found you,” Eve sobbed into his sodden shirt. Making soothing sounds and rubbing her back, Eli held her in his arms. Realising that they could not stay on this island all night, the guards would be looking for him soon enough, Eli decided it best if he swam back and obtained a boat. Eve insisted that she was fine to swim. Smiling, Eli gently pointed out that she was very recently back from the dead, and maybe a swim in the cool lake was not the best idea after such an experience.

  Once back on the mainland, the siblings went directly to the Queen. Sophia was at a loss for words when Eli and Eve walked in hand in hand. This should not be possible; Eve was supposed to be dead. Taking a moment to compose herself, Queen Sophia ordered a clean gown and robe be brought for Eve and asked that Eli leave to change himself; they would continue their conversation in the drawing room with the King present. Eve changed in the Queen’s dressing room. The gown was cream silk, it felt cool against her pale skin, shivering slightly she reached for the navy blue robe and tied it at her waist. Looking at herself Eve smiled, she was alive, and she had found Eli.

  King Efrin was speechless, his mouth opened and closed several times before he gave up and ordered ale from the larder. Along with the ale, Jericho and Caleb burst into the room nearly knocking the servant to the floor. Caleb had no trouble articulating how he felt at seeing Eve standing before him. He ran to her, scooping her up in his arms he held her close.

  “I never expected to see you again, you are a marvel, Eve. A gift from the Goddess,” he whispered to her as he looked into her eyes. Eve smiled u
p at Caleb, glad to have this second chance with him. Turning back to face the Royals, Eve cleared her throat.

  “It is true that the demon murdered me, the pain was beyond belief, and I am sorry you all witnessed that.” Looking at the shocked faces, Eve raised her hand to halt any interruptions and continued. “Yes, I was aware some of the time during that experience. I do not want to dwell on it, there are more important things I must discuss with my friends and my brother,” she concluded, smiling at Eli and reaching for Caleb’s hand. Jericho huffed from the corner, not comfortable with the amount of love being handed out, he would much rather get down to business, though his black eyes were glassy with unshed tears at the sight of his friend once again standing amongst them.

  “How is it even possible you are alive, Evangeline?” Asked King Efrin, finally finding his voice. Smiling at the king, Eve explained that she did not know how she was now alive, just that she was pleased to be. This wasn’t wholly true, she did know how but it felt wrong somehow, to explain her rebirth, it had been a deeply powerful and emotional experience; one she was not yet ready to share with anyone. Asking for permission to leave so she may talk with her friends, she curtsied to the Royals and thanked them for their hospitality and kindness. Eli lead everyone to his chambers in the east wing, he wanted to be as far from the servants as possible during this discussion, and he knew they we less likely to be overheard there.

  Jericho paced, while Eve explained the best she could what had happened to her, she once again omitted her rebirth, for the time being, they did not need to know and Eve was not ready for the questions that would follow such a revelation. Eve seemed to be in a state of transformation; every now and again her eyes would flash a spectrum of colours. This did not go unnoticed by Jericho, though for the time being he held his tongue; there were more pressing matters to discuss. Eli stood by his sister holding her hand, Caleb couldn’t take his eyes off their joined hands, his jealousy was ridiculous, and he knew it.

  “I would like to introduce myself; I am Eli, it is a pleasure to meet you all and I thank you for accompanying Eve on this journey.” Eli bowed to Caleb and Jericho. Caleb didn’t like him, but he knew his judgement was clouded so kept his council.

  There was so much to tell them all, so much to learn about her brother. Eve was overwhelmed and would rather like a rest, but there was no time for that now. The darkness was readying to battle. She had seen so many awful things while her soul had been held in limbo. Though the place itself had been beautiful, clouds for as far as the eye could see, their frothy whiteness bathed in rainbow light. Eve had marvelled at such vibrancy, surely she was on her way to another realm where souls travel to find everlasting peace. Then the clouds had parted and she had seen the monsters devouring the chained prisoners. It was a sight that was burned into her memory; blood had coated the walls and floor, the creatures disembowelling their prey, while they still lived, and then devouring their organs.

  The one who had injured Caleb and Bobby was there, the one who had taken her. He had picked a girl similar looking to herself, the torture that demon put the girl through was horrific. A single tear rolled down Eve’s cheek at the memory. There were other things she had seen, like the copper doors, the ones in her nightmare. Behind the doors lay a great power that must never be unleashed, it had to be destroyed.

  Caleb needed to tell Eve now what he knew about the prophecy, gazing at her, he could see she was remembering something painful, however much it pained him to have to do this now, no more time could be wasted. Clearing his throat, he knelt before Eve and took her hand.

  “Eve, I have something I have to tell you, about the prophecy, and it cannot wait.” Stroking her knuckles Caleb went on, “I know where the aurora stone is, and more importantly I know where it must go to restore the balance and banish Nimayaorin the Defiler, forever.”

  Jericho was livid; Caleb had known all along where the stone was and hadn’t said anything! In one bound, he was on top of Caleb raising a meaty fist, he was about to knock some sense into the witch when Eve spoke.

  “Jericho stop! Telling me before would not have made a difference; I was not able to fulfil the prophecy until now.” She explained. Looking put out that he was not going to get to hit anyone, Jericho dropped Caleb and returned to pacing.

  “What do you mean, it wouldn’t have mattered?” Caleb asked, rubbing his shoulder. Sighing, Eve looked at her hands knowing this was going to shock them all.

  “Something needed to have happened for me to be able to complete this quest, I had to unlock my gift that was bestowed on me on my eighteenth birthday and there was only one way for that to happen… I had to die and be reborn.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Unaware of Eve’s resurrection, Nimayaorin gathered his generals. The legions of darkness had assembled in the great hall, these creatures were the most feared, they were the fiercest warriors Nimayaorin had at his disposal. Grimmer was now among them, his ruby proudly on display, glowed blood red in the flickering candle light.

  “Generals, now we have celebrated the destruction of the light!” Nimayaorin paused to allow the great cheer to quieten before continuing. “Now it is time to finalise our assault on all of Orea and cast them into the void.” Taking an onyx pointer from his robes, Nimayaorin laid its diamond tip over their first target. Lervirion, take your thousand legions of dark murmurs and ghouls through the portal to this location. Once there, I want every feeble mind infected by the ghouls, let madness reign in the homeland of magic. Clear Water Valley will be the location of our first strike. The witches are the easiest to control and with some persuasion, I believe they may join the legions of darkness and assist in the destruction of Orea.” And sweet revenge against the council members will finally be mine Nimayaorin concluded, smiling at his secret thought. He cast his scarlet gaze around the gathering. No one dared meet his eyes directly. However, a murmur of agreement rippled through the generals. Satisfied, Nimayaorin continued to dictate the battle plan.

  Grimmer stood and listened; this was his first time in such a meeting and the sheer scale of the gathering was quite impressive. He watched as his master organised his legions with such cunning and ruthlessness, it was like a macabre dance of death which Grimmer realised, was quite an apt description. The Ruby on his chest glowed with scarlet fire, its presence a constant reminder that the light was destroyed, and by his own hand no less., His chest swelled with pride once more. The red head he had tortured at the feasting had been most enjoyable, no latent magic running through her sweet blood to taint his enjoyment, just the weak magic of a common witch, which had no effect. Saliva pooled in his mouth as hunger began to claw its way into his thoughts. Glancing around the room, Grimmer realised that sustenance was not going to be offered anytime soon, forcing the memories of the witch’s organs, melting in his mouth, still warm with her blood, he forced those tantalizing memories from his mind and tried to concentrate on what Nimayaorin was saying.

  It was long after the moans and screams from the pits had quietened that the meeting finally concluded. The plan for conquering Orea was now complete. Nimayaorin stalked the halls leading back to his chambers. My plan is guaranteed to succeed; now that the light is destroyed, there is nothing to stand in my way. He thought while gliding, silent as a shadow along the arched corridors of his fortress. Without realising it, Nimayaorin found himself outside a chamber he never, ever entered. Tonight, however, there was no longer anything to fear from this room, his control over Orea was all but complete. The darkness had won, the contents of this room was no longer a weight hanging around his neck. Raising a clawed hand, he chanted the incantation to unlock the ivory door.

  The chamber’s black tapers were lit, the blue flames cast eerie shadows off the objects, throwing grotesque shapes onto the blood red walls. Gliding further into the room, Nimayaorin considered the contents. For many years, this room had been a form of torment for the great Nimayaorin, laying bare his true identity and how far he had truly fallen. Casting
his scarlet gaze over the boxes of books and frames which held faces he was still not able to look at. He made his way to the larger traveling chest, its brass stud work glinting in the candle light. This one item was by far the most personal he owned, one he shied away from. Too many memories and memories were dangerous. They led to feelings and feelings were not something Nimayaorin wanted to ever experience again. So far into the darkness he had fallen, his depravity completely absolute that Nimayaorin no longer saw in colour, his sense of smell was dulled and he felt no pain. Any sense of touch he had, had been lost long ago. This suited him just fine; feelings were for the weak.

  Running a claw over the elvish carved lid, Nimayaorin considered opening the chest and casting light on the contents that he had locked away so many years ago. Minutes passed, Nimayaorin didn’t move, indecision flickered in his eyes. Letting out a screech of rage, the great dark tyrant snatched his claw back as though burned and fled the chamber, making sure to relock the cursed room and all its memories. Storming back to his chambers, Nimayaorin ordered for three slaves to be brought to his chamber, he paced while he waited. Surely a spot of torture, followed by glutting on blood and warm entrails of his victims would better his mood.

  The screams that emanated from the grand chamber were those from nightmares; they continued for hours. Nimayaorin took his time with each victim, the first a woman of vampire decent fought back which added an extra element to the proceedings and allowed the tyrant to exert himself more than usual. All traces of vulnerability he had felt earlier, vanished once the vampire’s heart was cupped in his hand. I am invincible; nothing can stand against me now! Nimayaorin thought, licking his claws clean of blood. The feasting had been enjoyable. Now fully sated and feeling more in control now, he left the pile of skin and broken bones for his attendant to clean away. Stopping to pick up the three sets of eyeballs, he had carefully removed from his victim’s skulls, he took his gruesome trophies to his study, Nimayaorin placed the fleshy orbs into a crystal jar. Placing it along with the other jars he kept as a macabre record of his murders, he turned to his Book of Shadows and poured over the dark spells while awaiting news from general Lervirion.