The panel of advisors seemed pleased and nodded their approval before Lokan continued. “Even though your brother killed your first love—at least in the test—you decided to capture him and bring him back to me so I could handle his punishment. Only your own death greeted you when you sacrificed yourself to save your comrades. I think by then you won the approval of the council, but then you went one step farther.”
Raythum shifted in his seat. He was uncomfortable by the adoration and it showed in his mannerisms. He could feel his brother’s jealous glare burn into him as well.
“Upon recognizing your brother had sacrificed his soldiers—again for his own benefit—you reacted and went back to their aid. You showed the true spirit of a ruler, son.”
Tirell couldn’t contain himself any longer. “So I guess you are going to name him as heir? The perfect son! Your golden child! So predictable…”
“Silence! I gave you both the same opportunity. He trusted his instincts and accepted the truth; some things are more important than being on the throne. Only someone who puts the needs of others in front of his own desires is destined to make a good ruler.”
Tirell paced back and forth fuming—a look of pure hatred adorned his face. Norlun felt afraid he would try something stupid and stepped between the two of them.
“None of you have ever understood me. I knew this day would come. It was only a matter of time.”
“Quit being a child. You never completed any stage of the test. You found loopholes in its design, and recreated the portals to move from phase to phase. To top it off, you made the unforgivable mistake of leaving your troops behind while you expected to receive all the glory.” Lokan shook his head. “It is a real shame. I know deep down you would’ve made a good king. I just can’t in good conscience, put you there. It doesn’t change the way I feel about you, though.” Lokan’s face softened.
Tirell cast his eyes to the ground as he sulked to the back of the room. Raythum seemed the only one who noticed the anger filling his downcast eyes. He understood the great injustice his brother must have been feeling, and it would warrant his further attention in the future. As long as Raythum remained alive, he would have to watch his back. It was just sad to think his brother would be the one person who would be his biggest threat.
Lokan turned to Raythum. “I will plan the ceremony. We will announce this to all of Havenbrook in three days.” He patted Raythum on the back. “I know you will serve this kingdom well.” He turned to his other son. “I expect you to respect my wishes on this, Tirell. If Raythum is injured at your hand, there will be serious repercussions. If you try to take the throne in such a manner during my lifetime, I will do everything I can to ensure you don’t get it. You need to support your brother. Is that understood?”
Lokan waited for Tirell to nod his head showing he understood before he left the room, followed by several of his advisors. Norlun hung back. “Meet me in my quarters, Raythum. I have other matters to discuss with you. First, though, I need to have a conversation with your brother.” Norlun joined Tirell’s side, and Raythum walked out of the audience chamber.
Raythum waited outside Norlun’s chamber for what felt like hours. He stared at the stonework of the wall and marveled at the events of the day. He never expected the throne, and the thought excited him. His thoughts had drifted when he heard footsteps ringing on the stone floor down the hall and he stiffened up, leaving the casualness behind. A storm brewed outside and, as such, not a lot of light filled the hallway. He couldn’t make out who approached. The individual came into view and he relaxed seeing it was Norlun.
The old wizard gave him an accusatory glance before entering his quarters. Raythum followed him inside.
He noticed the change in Norlun’s demeanor. “Congratulations. You did well. I thought I threw a couple tough decisions your way, and you passed. You never cease to amaze me. I might have to reconsider how I craft future tests, though,” he muttered, rubbing his beard.
Raythum did his best to hide his smile. All things considered, he felt pleased with himself, but it wouldn’t be right if he displayed it, as he had been raised to always show modesty. “Thank you. I just followed my instincts.”
“Which is why you will make a good ruler, and is why I see prosperous days ahead for Havenbrook.” He offered a smile before sitting down on the couch. “Now on to more pressing matters. Please have a seat.” He motioned to the couch.
Raythum positioned himself opposite Norlun. The old wizard appeared lost in thought for a moment. “I have spoken at great length with your father about this, and I think it is time we inducted you into the ranks of the Keepers. Normally this would involve a test, but I think you have proven yourself worthy today.”
Raythum let the idea float around his mind for a moment, delighting in the news. He had been waiting for this day his whole life. He almost felt more excited for this position than about being king. He never thought he would be king, but the thought of joining the Keepers had been a dream for years—ever since he first heard about them. “Thank you for entrusting me with this honorable position. I will conduct myself appropriately…” Norlun interrupted him.
“Congratulations, but don’t accept the position lightly. As you will learn, this position will take a higher precedent than even the entire kingdom of Havenbrook. You will be responsible for the safety of the entire world of Nithor.” He let his words sink in for a moment. “Normally I would never offer this position to a monarch—there is just too much at stake for both positions—and most people couldn’t handle it. I never thought Tirell would end up on the throne, which is why I offered him the position years ago. But after witnessing the discipline, courage, and honor you displayed today, I think you can handle both responsibilities.” Norlun leveled his gaze on Raythum.
Raythum blushed. This had turned out to be quite the day. “I thank you for the confidence and will accept the responsibility.” He bowed his head toward Norlun.
“Very well then. I have already assembled the brothers, and although I doubt Tirell will join us, his presence isn’t crucial.” He turned to leave his quarters. “Follow me.”
Raythum walked into the hall. Norlun led him on a circuitous route through the palace. He discovered there were several doors he never even knew existed. They were crafted out of stone, and blended into the walls. After one such door, they descended a curving stairway that fell deep below the palace. The temperature dropped as they worked their way deeper into the depths of the cellar. They reached the bottom and Raythum felt the darkness enveloping them.
Regardless, Norlun pushed on and walked down the corridor. Suddenly light flickered and came alive in sconces positioned on both sides of the dank hall. He could see more sconces farther ahead, but they weren’t lit. As they crept nearer, the new set of sconces lit up. Raythum turned back and watched as the light flickered out of the existing sconces, returning the corridor to its previous dimness. He returned his gaze—facing forward again—and followed Norlun.
The corridor seemed to be straight, and carved into the stone. He could see water weeping through the ancient rock. He had no idea where they were in relation to the palace, and he couldn’t see an end.
After what seemed an eternity of walking, he spotted a door up ahead. When they approached it, Raythum thought it looked odd and out of the ordinary. For one thing, the door was made of wood when stone surrounded it. Thick iron bands rimmed it, which supported the edges. The center was polished wood, but not like any polished wood he had ever seen before—the finish was almost smooth and deep enough to provide a mirror image. Another oddity of the door, he couldn’t find a handle or doorknob.
Raythum stood back as Norlun waved his hand in front of the smooth, polished surface. After a few seconds, he heard creaks and groans as it swung open to the right, revealing a lit chamber within. There were five cloaked figures already assembled inside, arranged in a semicircle around a platform in the center of the room.
They walked into the cha
mber and the door slammed shut. The sound reverberated throughout the room. Raythum noticed the temperature for the first time. It felt warmer and cozier than the long corridor had been. A hearth sat on the far wall and a large fire crackled within it.
Norlun addressed the assembled figures. “I have made the offer to Raythum and he has accepted the position, and the responsibilities accompanying it.”
Raythum looked at the assembled individuals. He couldn’t see the faces of any of them. The cloaks shrouded their features, and Raythum assumed this was intentional.
Norlun put his hand on his back and urged him forward toward the platform. As he drew nearer, an odd form materialized. It stood about a half meter high and looked cylindrical in shape. It appeared to be old wood carved with runes, but not any wood Raythum recognized. A yellow ball of light pulsed within the object. Long strands of white swirled around the yellow light like puffy white clouds moving through the sky, obscuring the sun. Raythum thought this had to be an orb. He felt awestruck to be in its presence.
Norlun turned to address him. “You have accepted the responsibility I have offered you. Before you can be accepted into our ranks, you will have to swear an oath.”
Raythum stiffened. He hadn’t expected an oath, but it made sense. “I understand and accept.”
“Very well. I’m going to offer you the blade of my dagger. You must grasp your hand around the sharp edges as you would a hand in an offered handshake. You will cut your hand and it will bleed, but this is the intent as it is a blood oath.”
Norlun offered the blade and Raythum grasped it as instructed. “You will now place your other hand on the top of the orb.”
He waited for Raythum to comply. The young man looked excited to be joining the Keepers. He almost couldn’t contain his glee. With both hands positioned, he began. “Raythum Stormdragon, second son of Lokan Stormdragon, first son of Halto Stormdragon, first son of Kailo Stormdragon, third son of Balthazar Stormdragon, original ruler of the Stormdragon bloodline and a noble bloodline before that, have come before the assembled Keepers to join our ranks.”
The cut in Raythum’s hand from the bite of the dagger sent an irritation up his arm. He tried his best to ignore it.
“Your courage, honor, integrity and soul have been tested and you have been judged worthy of the title and position. Do you swear to honor and protect the seven orbs of Nithor at all costs? Will you protect the identity of your fellow brothers? Will you speak no mention of the orbs, nor reveal their presence, or use an orb unless their very nature, or that of the planet is at harm? If so, say I swear.”
“I swear.” Raythum stood, his hands on the dagger and orb. Norlun withdrew the dagger from Raythum’s grasp sending a sharp pain through his arm. Blood covered the blade, and Raythum watched as it moved and collected at the center of the blade. The collected blood jumped from the blade back through the wound. He could see a bright light travel through his arm, body, his other arm, and into the orb. The light swirled within for a moment, making a couple of circuits around the globe of yellow light before traveling back into his arm. His right hand—the hand with the wound from the dagger—turned bright white and Raythum screamed out in pain. Then it concluded; the pain left his body and his hand felt as if nothing had occurred at all.
Raythum brought his hand up so he could examine it. The wound had healed, as if he had never been injured at all.
Norlun produced a silver chain adorned with a metal medallion. He motioned for Raythum to bend down. Norlun attached the chain around Raythum’s neck. He said an incantation and the it glowed bright white where the two ends had attached. Raythum could feel the heat as the two ends joined. When the process finished, the old man told him to stand.
“Welcome to the Keepers of the Orbs, Raythum. We are glad to have you among our ranks.” He shook his hand. “The chain and medallion are Ruvenkan steel. It is impossible to remove, unless you break your oath. You should keep the chain hidden at all times. It will grant you access to this chamber, and the others similar to this around the world.”
Raythum felt a strong sense of pride; a sense of belonging binding him to the orbs. An unexpected feeling he hadn’t anticipated, but it felt nice nonetheless. He looked toward the other Keepers. One-by-one they shed the hoods of their cloaks, revealing their true identities. Three of the five Raythum recognized. He looked surprised to see them. Two he didn’t recognize at all.
He decided he needed to address them. “Thank you for accepting me into your ranks. I will do all I have been sworn to, and only hope I can live up to the trust each of you has placed in me.” He turned to Norlun. “I have so many questions. When will I learn more about the nature of the orbs?”
“I’m sure you have many questions. Trust me when I say you will spend plenty of time over the next weeks and months learning the entire history of the Keepers. Now is not a time for questions, though. Join us for a drink. It is a tradition whenever a new member is inducted.” He turned and walked toward a cabinet on the far wall.
Interlude
Raythum gazed at the gathering of people seated around the table. Each of them looked as if they were hanging on his every word. He had been speaking all day, retelling his own history to give them all a better understanding of where he came from. Norlun looked at him, offering a higher level of respect. Jaeden, Matt and Aglina stared at him with wide-eyed wonder. Liniana looked uncomfortable and sad.
It felt good to be silent for a moment. In the beginning of his tale, they had all peppered him with questions. He had asked them to wait until he finished, as he hoped many of their questions would be answered along the way. He worried how they would take it, especially Liniana.
Norlun stood and stretched his back. “Well it seems we have somewhat of a better understanding of why your brother, Tirell—or should I say Lutheras— is hell-bent on gathering the orbs.”
Raythum looked at Liniana. She looked strained and he wanted to go to her, but Jaeden spoke up.
“What ability does the orb in Havenbrook contain? I mean, I know you’re sworn to protect them and are to not speak of them, but you already have,” he shrugged
Raythum sighed, he tired of speaking, but knew he hadn’t finished yet, and felt he owed all of them for the service they provided up to this point. “The Havenbrook orb allows for travel in time. It is how Lutheras came back here.”
Jaeden’s face lit up as an idea hit him. He couldn’t believe no one had thought of it yet. “That’s great, Raythum. Lutheras has the orb from your time, correct?” Raythum nodded his head. He suspected where the boy headed, but let him finish his thought anyway. “When we get back to Havenbrook, why don’t you use the orb from this time and travel forward into the future to stop him?”
“It isn’t that simple, Jaeden. First off, as you have already heard, I have sworn to never use an orb. The very act would go against everything I believe in, and everything I hold dear.” He noticed out of the corner of his eye as Liniana shifted in her chair. The large smile on Jaeden’s face had also disappeared. “There would be another problem with your proposed plan. If I were to go against my oath and use the orb anyway, it would be a fruitless endeavor. You see, if I were to travel to the future, it would be the future based on the events which have transpired since Lutheras arrived. It wouldn’t be the future from which I came. My guess is if I traveled to this future, there would be no one to stand in Lutheras’ way. When I arrived it would be a far different situation entirely.”
He could see Jaeden felt defeated, so he continued. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s a good idea. I even thought about it myself, but it just won’t work.” He wanted to speak with Liniana about their relationship and what all of this meant. It weighed on his mind. “I suggest we a take a break and see if we can find something to eat.” He eyed her, trying to gauge her emotions.
Aglina stood up. “Great idea. I thought the same thing myself. Sit back and relax while I see if I can whip something up.” She left the table and began rummaging t
hrough the old man’s pantry, much to the dismay of Norlun. He stood and went to see if he could offer her assistance before she ruined his house.
Matt and Jaeden were in the middle of a conversation. He took the opportunity to approach Liniana. “You look upset. Do you mind if I ask what you are thinking?”
She looked at his face for a moment before she teared up and jammed her face into his chest. He brushed his hands through her hair and tried to console her; to let her know everything would be all right.
She looked up into his eyes. He brushed the tears from her face with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little emotional these days. It’s all a little bit too much, you know?”
“I know this can’t be easy for you, and I’m sorry if it’s upsetting. I just felt as if I owed it to everyone else to have a clear picture of why I’m here. It doesn’t change how I feel—you have to know that.”
“I know, and I don’t want you to stop. It’s just…” she shuddered, “hearing of my own death was bad enough. But then to hear the love of my life, and father of my child, describe another long lost love, it put me over the edge.”
He chuckled. “That’s what you’re so worried about? You can relax. It was nothing more than a youthful crush. You had to have had your own.” He gave her a grin. “Besides, it happened years ago and I have long since moved on.”
“You say it all so calmly, as if it happens all the time. I have never been in love before, until I met you,” she said, feeling ill at ease with these newer emotions. She felt vulnerable.
“Well that explains it then. A first love has the largest effect on one’s heart. You have nothing to worry about. My heart belongs to you and always will.”
The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series Page 13
