The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series

by J. G. Gatewood

  “I know you did everything you could. I am…” Serena’s father sobbed. “I’m thankful you got her out before her body burned.” He pulled Raythum back to his feet. “There is nothing more that can be done. She is gone.”

  Raythum stood and wiped his wet eyes with the sleeve of his tunic. They both picked up Serena’s body and followed a neighbor into a house to clean her. After a long and rough conversation with her father—who seemed none too pleased with their courting behind his back—he decided to head back to the palace. He couldn’t blame her father. He should’ve never started seeing her without his permission. After his parents had embraced the relationship, he now felt foolish and ashamed. He walked, wallowing in his own self-pity, when thoughts drifted to his brother. He thought in some way, or somehow, Tirell had to be behind the fire. If he ever found this to be the truth, he would make his brother pay. His feelings of grief transformed to anger as he made his way to his quarters and retired for the evening.

  An Arrangement for the Throne

  The following year proved to be the most difficult of Raythum’s life. Not a morning went by where he didn’t wake up thinking about Serena. She had been his first true love and she had died far too young. Raythum couldn’t determine what caused the fire, but he had spent much time over the last year trying to connect his brother to the incident. It couldn’t be just a coincidence that he hadn’t been able to open the door from either side—although it hadn’t been locked. He had questioned his brother upon his return to the palace, on that heartbreaking August afternoon, but if his brother was involved, he had been good about covering it up.

  One morning as he prepared for his daily lessons, his father summoned him to his audience chamber. He threw on his clothes and made his way.

  He pushed the thick, carved, double oak doors open and entered the chamber. His father sat at a table with Norlun to his right, and other ministers of the kingdom to the left. They were deep in conversation. There were two chairs placed in front of the table; Tirell sat in one. Raythum walked to the empty chair and took a seat. He marveled at his father’s command over the room, but he somehow kept the atmosphere cool and comfortable—a truly amazing feat. He glared with disdain at his brother from afar. He couldn’t stand his brother’s smug appearance anymore.

  Lokan looked up and smiled at his sons. He whispered something into Norlun’s ear before he stood and addressed the room. “Gentlemen. I thank you all for your time and for coming here on such short notice.” He looked each individual in the eyes. “I have an important decision to make concerning the future of the realm. It is a decision I have struggled with for years, and is one I haven’t taken lightly. It has kept me awake many a night while I struggled with the choice I needed to make.” He now stared at Raythum and Tirell. “I would ask you keep your comments to yourselves until I’m finished speaking.”

  He waited for his sons to acknowledge his words and then he sat back down. “Everything I have done since I became king has been for the benefit of the realm. This decision is no different, and I ask all parties in attendance to support me on this. I cannot, in good conscience, leave the realm of Havenbrook to Tirell just yet. I have to be positive I’m making the decision that’s best for the realm.” Raythum noticed the anger on his brother’s face. “That’s not to say I’m just going to hand the realm over to Raythum either.”

  Tirell tried to speak up, but Lokan silenced him. “It is the normal tradition in Havenbrook for the first born child to be the heir to the throne. I have watched as both of you have grown into young men. It is something I have enjoyed, and I love how you are both different. Each of you exhibit traits worthy of the throne.”

  The news he delivered to his sons wouldn’t be good, so he offered them both a smile. “Then again, the best way to gauge an individual’s abilities is to put them under pressure. Neither of you have ever been tested, because let’s face it, it has never been required. That is about to change.” He looked at Norlun and smirked, before he continued. “With the help of my old friend, Norlun, we have designed a series of tests which will challenge each of you. The test is designed to see how you will react under duress, and how your decisions could affect the realm given various circumstances.”

  Norlun cleared his throat before speaking. “I have watched each of you grow from fun-loving and carefree boys, to the young men sitting here before us today. We were so close that at times I viewed you both as my own sons even though we know that isn’t the case. In one week, your test will begin. We will send each of you into your own realm—one that I will create—where a challenge will await you both. This test won’t be easy, and won’t be free from peril. Both of you face true adversaries and run the risk of dying, never to return. Each world will feed off your own experiences and will force you to face your worst fears. It will be a true test of your character, and will illustrate what type of leader you will be.”

  Lokan stood up. “You have one week to prepare. We aren’t going to send you in alone. You can handpick four individuals to join you. I urge you to consider your choices wisely. The individuals you select, and the skill-set each brings, can be the factor allowing you to fail, or succeed. Upon the completion of the test, I’m enacting a seldom used tradition dating back to the very creation of Havenbrook, which allows me to name my heir. I will use what we learn from the test to guide my decision, and I expect you both to honor and respect what I decide. One of you will be named heir at a naming ceremony to be conducted the day after the test.” He looked long and hard at each of them. “Unless either of you has any questions, I suggest you gather your comrades and begin your training.”

  Tirell stood abruptly. “Father, this is absurd! Deep down…” Lokan cut him off.

  “I asked you to respect my decision. I have spoken and won’t be swayed in this matter. If you have a question, I will answer it for you. If not, then I ask you to take your leave.” He waited a moment. “I will see you both in a week.” He stood and left the council, but not before smiling at both of his sons, brimming with pride. Although he felt a small amount of trepidation too. There was no way to know how Tirell felt and he feared his son would make a rash decision.

  Raythum knew the conversation concluded. When his father spoke with finality like that, there was no point pushing the issue. Deep down Raythum felt elated. He never expected to have an opportunity to be heir to Havenbrook, so he had never even considered it before. He looked at his brother who rushed past him when he left the chamber. Anger visibly coursed through his body, and nothing could’ve made Raythum happier.

  Over the days following the audience with his father, Raythum handpicked his group for the test. With no idea what they would face, his decision would be all the more difficult. He selected four individuals he could trust with his life, and exhibited the same respect for honor and integrity Raythum held for himself. Feeling satisfied with his selections, they worked all week building a rapport with one another. If they were going to trust one another with their own lives, they had to train and struggle with one another. They encountered stumbling blocks along the way, but Raythum felt comfortable with the level they reached as a team.

  In the middle of the week, Norlun summoned Raythum to his library. He had no idea why Norlun had requested him, and as he made his way through the palace, he began to feel nervous. He reached the library doors and knocked to let the old wizard know he had arrived.

  “Yes, yes…come in.” Norlun stood to greet Raythum. He motioned to a couch and Raythum noticed the musty smell permeating the room. Books filled shelves lining three of the four walls, stretching from the floor to the vaulted ceiling—putting many of them well out of reach. He noticed the rolling ladder on one of the walls. It sat on wheels so it could be moved to reach the upper level of books. The air felt thick and the smell of burning oak irritated his nostrils.

  “Please, Raythum, have a seat.” Raythum acquiesced and Norlun sat down in the oversized chair he so often occupied. “How are you doing? Are you prepar
ed for your test?” Norlun ran his stubby fingers through his gray, waist-length beard.

  Raythum chuckled. “It’s not as though you have made it easy on us. I mean we have no idea what we can expect.” Norlun nodded, understanding what the young man said. “But, I’m quite comfortable with the individuals I have selected. We have been training together to better understand each of our strengths and weaknesses. But more than anything, we are building a rapport, and becoming more comfortable with each other every day.”

  The old man looked excited. “Very well. I could tell your father’s news surprised you the other day.”

  Raythum nodded his head. “It surprised me because I never quite expected it. I always feared what would happen to the realm if my father died and Tirell took over as ruler. I know the possibility isn’t gone, but now I have the chance to do right and earn the position of heir,” he paused and considered his words before continuing. “My brother could very well make a good ruler, but some of his actions scare me.” He eyed Norlun, not knowing whether he should’ve said anything or not.

  “I don’t know that I share in all the reservations you seem to hold for your brother, but I do see where some of your fears come from. He is a very intelligent individual, and could very well make an adequate ruler, but he is power hungry and set on expanding the reach of the realm by any means necessary. We have to remember, though, he is a Keeper.” Raythum shifted in his seat, uncomfortable by the direction of the conversation.

  “Raythum, as much as you might disagree, he earned this position, and he wears it well. Let’s not forget he saved this city during the attack by the Rintana. The loyalty and creativity he displayed earned him that right.”

  “I would like to agree with you, but I can’t help but feel as if you have all been duped. He would throw anyone to the wolves, even me and you, if it suited his purpose,” Raythum scoffed. “You speak of his loyalty. All I see is his desire for personal gain.”

  Norlun looked at him wide-eyed. “Those are some pretty strong accusations, Raythum.” He knuckled his beard. “Your father has given you the opportunity to earn the throne. Then you will no longer have to worry about what would happen if your brother took it, but you must EARN it.”

  “I don’t think my worries would end there. Tirell would always feel as if the realm belonged to him. But that’s a conversation for another day, if and when I’m selected.

  “Is this all you called me down here for?” he asked suddenly suspicious.

  Norlun stood, before addressing Raythum. He walked closer to the young man. “The test will pit you against many adversaries, designed to test all of your abilities and see how you would fare on the throne. This much I know you are already aware of.” Raythum nodded. “However, part of the test will pit you against your deepest fears; see how you fare when you are forced to choose. I will need to make a connection—a connection with your mind. This will give me the information I need to create the test.”

  Raythum stood and addressed the old wizard. “So wait… you will have to read my mind. I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that.”

  “You must be, Raythum. If you don’t offer me your mind, there will be no test, and your brother will be offered the throne in default.”

  Raythum strode over to the window and looked out upon the realm. He clasped his hands behind his back. “I guess you leave me no option then.” He turned around. “Do what you must,” he said, resigned to accept the probing of the old man.

  Norlun led Raythum to a chair and motioned for him to sit down. He placed each of his hands on either side of his head. “You will feel a small sting, but it won’t last.”

  Raythum jolted with the sudden intrusion into his mind. It burned at first, but passed. He found the sensation odd, as if someone ran their fingers across the different bumps and ridges of his brain. He let his eyes drift back to the window and enjoyed the scenery, while the old man dug through his memories. Every so often, Norlun would make a comment such as “interesting” and “just what I needed.” His face looked strained as he struggled to search the young man’s mind.

  What Raythum assumed would be a quick process stretched into hours. Finally, Raythum looked relieved as the old man removed his hands from his head. The sudden detachment of his presence left Raythum with a small headache.

  Norlun sat back in his chair. “You were not prepared for this, were you?”

  Raythum looked surprised. “Prepared? No, I wasn’t prepared. I had no idea what to expect. How would I?”

  “And it showed. You left your mind unguarded. You let me roam wherever I deemed necessary.” Raythum looked startled and tried to determine if there might have been any information he should’ve tried to keep hidden. “Your brother went through this same experience yesterday. It seems he had prepared and most of the memories I tried to explore he guarded. I could only catch a glimpse.”

  “How did he know the skills necessary to accomplish such a feat?” he asked with agitation written on his face.

  Norlun chuckled. “Don’t worry, I didn’t find anything incriminating, nor did I explore areas I could tell you deemed personal. I would see it as a violation and would never cross such a boundary. If anything, I have found more than enough information to create an accurate test for you.”

  Norlun’s words eased Raythum’s conscience. “Is there anything else you need from me? Or is there anything else I should know?”

  “You are free to go. I would caution you though, the test won’t be as easy as you might think it will be. Using what I found from your experiences, I will force you to fight some of your worst demons. I suggest you expand your training to prepare you for any uncertainty. You will come face-to-face with some of your worst nightmares.”

  Raythum stood. “Thank you for the advice. I will take it into consideration.” He bowed his head to the old wizard.

  Norlun escorted him out of his quarters. Raythum noticed the headache had grown with the new information, but he had preparations to make.

  The Test Begins

  The day of the test arrived. Raythum lay in bed well into the morning hours, far later than he would’ve normally slept. He huddled in his thick blankets to fend off the cold wind blowing in over the ocean and through his window on a frigid, overcast morning. Unaware of the hours ticking by, he rolled over losing the cover of blankets and felt the sharp breeze as it blew across his chest. He shivered as goose bumps formed on his skin and he awoke startled.

  He jumped out of bed and threw on his robe. He ran to the window, throwing it shut, and gazed up into the sky. Although thick clouds blanketed the heavens, he could see the faint shape of the sun. It had to be after ten o’clock and he had overslept. He rushed through his morning routine and dressed himself for the day. He had a hard time falling asleep the evening before, which would explain why he overslept. However, the predicament created by sleeping in took his mind off the test as he hurried to ready himself before storming down the hall.

  He approached the thick double doors and took a deep breath before entering. To no surprise, he found his father deep in conversation with three of his advisors and of course, Norlun. They looked up at his entrance and motioned for him to sit down.

  He tried to listen to his father’s conversation, but they had lowered their voices now that he had arrived, and he couldn’t hear anything. He sat back in the chair and waited for everyone else to show up

  It also didn’t surprise him when Raythum’s team of four soldiers showed up before Tirell did. They were early and looked well prepared. Minutes after they arrived, Tirell’s soldiers arrived as well. Raythum looked surprised by who his brother selected. None of them were noteworthy—common soldiers really—and none he recognized. He figured Tirell would rely on his own skills to pass the test. He was surprised his brother even selected a team to begin with, but figured his father would demand it, and as such had selected the first soldiers he came across.

  Tirell’s tardiness seemed to grate on Lokan’s nerves. He app
eared irritated and on edge as he paced behind the assembled advisors, gazing at the door at every small sound.

  After a long wait where Lokan looked like he neared his boiling point, Tirell stormed through the doors. He offered no apologies, and Raythum thought he spotted a smirk on his brother’s face. Typical, he thought, requiring everyone to wait for him.

  Lokan motioned for Tirell to join his team. Raythum noticed his father’s level of irritation, but he put it aside and spoke. “Now that everyone is here, we can begin.” He motioned for Norlun to address his sons and their assembled teams.

  “Thank you, my lord.” He looked at both of them before proceeding. “Raythum, Tirell, the time has arrived for your tests to begin.” He said an incantation and waved his arms. A small sphere of light appeared in the center of the room. It started to grow and expanded into an oval shape, stretching out in all directions. It shimmered white before their eyes.

  When the sphere of light stretched large enough them to walk through, it stopped growing and Norlun continued. “Each team will proceed through this portal. Once through you will find yourselves in a land of emptiness. Four more portals will sit before you. Each team will enter through one of the four portals. This will determine the path of your test and each is different. Since Tirell couldn’t seem to make it here on time, we have decided to allow Raythum to select his portal first. Tirell you will choose from the three remaining.”

  Raythum noticed his brother’s anger rise; his face turned a light shade of red. “I cannot tell you anymore. Be safe as any damage inflicted will be real. We will be monitoring your actions from here. Good luck." He motioned for them to proceed.