“Very well, Raythum. I understand.” He steepled his fingers and rested them on his chin. “I wouldn’t wait too long, though. The timing will be crucial as his strength grows with every new recruit.”
“I understand. Is there anything else?” Norlun shook his head. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I assume you didn’t tell my father.” Another shake of the old man’s head. “Probably a wise course of action.”
“I don’t think your father would be as open to my suggestion as you’ve been. Which is why I wanted you to handle it. Get some rest. We can discuss this further at another time.” He walked Raythum to the door and saw him out.
Confrontation with Tirell
Two days passed and Raythum found himself back to his normal routine. It felt good to be home, and it showed even in the way he walked. It wouldn’t last, though. After a long conversation with Milenthia, they determined they needed to head back to meet with the Dragon elders. He just had one last thing to take care of, his brother, which left him with feelings of trepidation.
On his last day in Havenbrook, he ate his breakfast on the terrace connected to his quarters overlooking the ocean. He took a deep breath and enjoyed the crisp morning air filled with the salty aroma it gathered as it blew over the white-capped water. It mixed with the sweet smells of the flowers surrounding his terrace, bringing back pleasant memories of his childhood. He took a sip of his steaming hot tea and let the citrus aromas flood his senses.
He suspected he only stalled, though, and needed to confront his brother. He sighed and collected his plates. He left them on a table, knowing they would be taken care of when the servants cleaned his room for the day. He hated leaving them; his preference had always been to take care of them himself, but time seemed of the essence.
He left his room and made the short walk to his brother’s quarters. With no idea whether or not his brother had been in his room, he pounded on the door and awaited a response.
He heard noise from inside. “You may enter.”
Raythum could tell his brother had no idea who had interrupted his morning, and he recognized the surprise on his face when he walked through the door.
He didn’t rise when Raythum walked in. “Well, if it isn’t my amazing brother. What brings you to visit lonely ol’ me?” he asked with a sneer crossing his face.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Without waiting for a response, Raythum walked into the room and motioned toward a high-backed chair. “May I?”
“Please, by all means.” Tirell crossed his arms and leveled his gaze at his younger brother.
Raythum wasn’t surprised to find his brother—now in his mid-twenties—curled up on his couch with his head enthralled by a book.
Tirell marked his page. “Please tell me why I have the honor of your visit? Shouldn’t you be busy taking care of your lizard, or saving the world?” The sarcasm dripping from his brother’s words wasn’t lost on Raythum.
“My Dragon’s name is Milenthia, and as it turns out we are making preparations to travel to Agripina.” He could see the greedy look in his brother’s eyes. He counted the days until their departure so they would be out of his affairs. “Before I leave, though, I have received several troubling reports of your activities while I’ve been away.” He stared, not wanting to come off as an angry parent, but in a manner that expressed the importance of the situation.
A disdain-filled grin crossed Tirell’s face. “I should’ve known Norlun would run to you. That meddlesome old man should know to stay out of other people’s business,” he hissed.
“Yes, well, he is concerned about you. He talked of your infatuation with Luther.”
Tirell stood. This struck a chord with his brother. “Infatuation! There’s no infatuation. Luther had a powerful spark. The more I’ve learned of him, the more I’ve come to respect him.” Raythum saw a passion uncurbed in his brother’s eyes.
Raythum stood to meet his brother. “Calm down. No one is accusing you of a misplaced love affair.” He directed his brother back to the couch, before he continued. “Norlun is just concerned. Luther would’ve been a great wizard, but he followed a dark path—one that killed him. I… we would both hate for the same thing to happen to you.” Raythum’s voice filled with concern at the words.
“What do you care what happens to me? You’ve never cared before,” Tirell almost spit the words as he said them. A grotesque look crossed his face.
“Come now, brother. I’ve never been anything other than supportive of you, and the unorthodox practices you uphold.” Raythum tried to placate Tirell’s anger.
Tirell shot Raythum a glare. “Is that so? Then tell me again why you challenged my claim to the throne?”
Raythum tried to hide his agitation. “You know it to be a false claim. I never expected, nor did I have a desire for the throne. I know I’m the second born, and my eyes longed for other things. The test we went through was not of my creation. Norlun and father decided on it.” Raythum approached Tirell who sat on the couch. He pushed a finger into his brother’s chest; he could no longer hold his anger in check. “Father saw something in you, something he didn’t care for.”
Tirell shoved his brother’s finger aside. “Don’t play the innocent with me. Father has never understood me, nor have you. Out of fear, he rigged a test, enabling him to depose me as his heir, only to put you in my place. He’s always understood you better, and instead of getting to know me for the person I am, he brushed me aside. He had this planned for years. You cannot be so naïve as to think otherwise!” he scoffed.
Frustration overwhelmed Raythum. He’d been having this same argument with his brother for years and he grew tired of it. “So that’s it then? You’re going to let your petty father-issues send you down the same dark path as Luther?”
Tirell stood and faced his brother. “It’s so easy for you, isn’t it? Everything has been handed to you on a platter, and you expect everything to fall into place. I cannot tolerate it, and I won’t.” He turned his back on his brother. “I know you better than most, and can see through your ruse.” He spun around on his heels. “You’re no better than me. You may not have sought out the throne, but the second father handed it to you, you changed. You may have father convinced, but not me. You look forward to the throne as much as I. Maybe not for the same reasons, but you cannot deny it.” He looked menacingly up into his brother’s eyes.
“Would you stop it already? As much as you would like to believe otherwise, I’ve never been in competition with you. I had nothing to do with father’s decision, so please let it go.” Raythum threw his arms up in frustration.
Tirell rolled his eyes. “So why are you here then?”
“You need to stop with all of this Luther nonsense. You’re drawing too much attention to yourself and people are starting to notice. I can’t believe you have gathered followers,” he spit with scorn.
Tirell’s face turned as red as the apples growing in the thick forest outside of Havenbrook. “Now you mock me?”
“Nobody is mocking you, Tirell. I’m just surprised.”
“Is it so hard to understand how someone could follow the teachings of a brilliant man? A man who understood the true meaning of the spark, and how it affects our lives? “ Tirell seemed worked up.
He leveled a stern gaze toward his older brother. “If he was such a brilliant man, why did his beliefs lead to his death?”
“His death came at the hands of your precious Norlun.” Tirell turned his back on his brother and gazed out the window. He continued, “Many misunderstood Luther, like someone else I know. And with his back pressed against the wall, those who were the closest to him betrayed him.” Raythum could’ve sworn he almost heard heartbreak in his voice.
“Stop comparing yourself to him. You’re trying to make him into a martyr, and a martyr he was not.” He walked over to his brother. “Look, I’m not here to tell you what you can and can’t do. Believe what you want to believe. Follow whatever teachings you so de
sire. Just stop spreading Luther’s teachings. That’s all I’m asking.”
Tirell spun around in disgust. “Why do you dismiss anything you don’t understand?” Raythum’s patience wore thin, and he could tell he wouldn’t get anywhere. His brother continued on, though, before he could excuse himself. “Who put you up to this anyway? It was Norlun, wasn’t it? ”
“Yes! Norlun sent me here, but with father’s consent,” Raythum lied and stretched the truth hoping it wouldn’t come back to haunt him later. If Tirell knew only Norlun were involved, there would be no way Tirell would listen. He hoped the mention of their father would lend credence to the concern.
“Very wise of them,” Tirell said through clenched teeth. “Seeing how I promised father I wouldn’t defy your wishes, I’ll stop my meetings. I hope you realize father won’t always be around to protect you.”
“Are you threatening me?” Raythum reached his boiling point. “I don’t have time for this! Stop gathering followers and there’ll be no issue.”
“As you wish, my lord,” he said in a condescending tone as he bowed. Raythum recognized it, but let it pass.
“I’m leaving town again. For how long, I don’t know. You’ll be watched, so I expect you to adhere.”
He turned and left his older brother’s room. He sensed Milenthia’s impatience and felt they needed to be on their way soon. Milenthia waited in the courtyard, but he needed to visit with Norlun to offer his thoughts on the meeting with his brother.
He reached Norlun’s quarters and knocked on the door. The old man cracked it open and let him in.
“I just had a conversation with Tirell. He has agreed to my demands. I may have stretched the truth a bit to get him to understand.” Raythum ran his hands through his hair, for what felt like the hundredth time that day, frustrated by how it all went. “I knew he preferred the more disturbing arts, but never did I think he would already be that far gone. His infatuation with Luther is much more than I gathered from you.”
“I wish I would’ve prepared you better for his current state.” Norlun stroked his long grey beard. “You lied? What did you tell him?”
“He knew you were watching him and didn’t seem concerned. So I told him father sent me as well. Knowing he’d have no choice, he agreed to stop gathering followers. I think he agreed out of fear of what father would do to him,” Raythum finished with an exhausted sigh.
“A wise decision. He knows he cannot go against the king or face the possibility of expulsion from the city. I thank you for speaking with him.” His eyes lit up in the hope this would be done once and for all.
“I didn’t enjoy the conversation. He seems to think everything happening has all been my doing, and not father’s. I guess this is his form of retaliation.” His eyes were sorrowful for a split second then cleared. He turned to walk away, but stopped and faced the old man once again. “I’m leaving town, for how long I can’t say. My intent is to come right back, but the elders might have other ideas. Although he has said he won’t try to gain additional followers, I don’t think he’ll give it up so easily. Keep an eye on him, will you?” Raythum put an arm on Norlun’s.
“I always have an eye on the young man, and nothing will change.” He walked forward to usher Raythum out of his quarters. “I wish you a speedy and safe journey to Agripina. I hope you don’t encounter any hardships, and wish to see you back here shortly.”
“Thanks, Norlun. I appreciate it.” He bowed his head to show his respect, and made his way down the corridor in search of Milenthia with more things than he liked troubling him all at once.
A Visit from Old Friends
Two years had passed in a flurry of activity since Raythum and Milenthia had bonded. Being the first Dragon rider in centuries came with challenges. His travels with Milenthia had taken them all over Askabar. He’d seen parts of the country he never would’ve dreamed of traveling to before the bonding. With it came interesting people; some of which they deemed enemies and would require a close watch. It hadn’t been all for nothing, though, they had found several additional Humans with the same abilities as Raythum. The responsibility of training them, had of course, fallen on their shoulders. Sometimes it drained his energy. He felt the constant tug of war to balance it all. He yearned for the day he could pass off his training responsibilities, which he hoped would be soon at hand.
One cool morning, he stood on a hilltop overlooking Havenbrook Bay. The saltiness of the crisp ocean air attacked his face as he squinted his eyes to fight back the bright rays of the morning sun. He watched as three rider recruits practiced their maneuvers, dropping close to the sharp, rocky cliffs surrounding the bay. One wrong move and the rider would collide with them, before falling hundreds of feet to the icy water below. Death would follow upon landing on any one of the many rocks protruding several feet above the surface, like sharp teeth eager for another meal.
As he stared off into the distance, he listened to the rhythmic crash of the seawater as it hit the mountainous rock walls. He looked on as one of them dove near the cliffs in a maneuver intended to lose a trailing enemy. The others had to pull up to avoid a collision, narrowly averting disaster.
Horseshoes clopping against the rough cobblestones of the road pulled Raythum out of his daze. He turned to the south to ascertain who approached. Three riders in Havenbrook attire rode from the city. He felt a headache coming on, as he feared he would be pulled from his duties once again for another emergency. He glared in their direction.
The three soldiers arrived in a triangular formation with the single rider alone out front. He couldn’t tell from this distance who rode the lead horse.
The rider saluted as he slowed. “My lord, I’ve been sent to bring you back to town. Several Elves from Ferrindale have arrived with an urgent message. The king requests your presence.”
“Very well. Send word I will return shortly.”
He turned and walked back toward the hilltop. Milenthia sat watching the training, her bronze scales reflecting the bright morning light. Milenthia, I’ve been summoned back to Havenbrook. It seems several Elves have arrived and have requested an audience. Can you continue the training in my absence?
But of course. I will continue with what we had planned for the morning. If you need me, just call out. I am intrigued by this visit and wonder what word comes from Ferrindale.
He patted her neck before mounting his horse. He set off at a casual pace, enjoying the early morning sounds. The chirping of birds and bugling of elk filled the empty space and provided a cacophony of nature, pulling him out of his normal routine and transporting him to a more peaceful and calming place. He loved every moment of it—just a man on his horse taking in the country air.
Unfortunately, he hadn’t been far from Havenbrook, and he soon cleared the city gates. He deadheaded for the palace ring and left his horse at the stables. He wished he had time to stop and freshen up, but given that his father sent messengers to retrieve him, he assumed he was needed urgently. He walked to the audience chamber his father liked to use in place of the throne room, acknowledging several guards on his way.
He reached the chambers where the doors were propped open and guards stood on either side. He could hear several deep conversations already in progress. He hoped his slow trip hadn’t held up the proceedings too long.
He took a deep breath and coughed; the air felt thick and musty because the chamber sat in the interior of the palace with no windows to let in fresh air.
He walked in and recognized Arthanis, one of Queen Pirphul’s two sons, as well as Irrian and Morlidon engaged in conversation with his father and several of his advisors. Norlun stood in the room too, but seemed to be listening to all of the different conversations. The mood felt thick with tension.
Lokan noticed his arrival and broke off from his current conversation. “Raythum! Sorry to pull you away from your training, but we’ve received unexpected visitors.” His grin said it all. Lokan seemed very excited to have the Elves in his chamber.
“I’ve noticed. Please everyone, let’s sit.” He motioned to the table and chairs in the middle of the room. “Irrian, Morlidon, Arthanis, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” he smiled at his former teachers, glad for the reunion.
After the exchange of pleasantries, Morlidon said, “I’m afraid our visit isn’t a pleasant one. We’ve spotted a large mass of troops marching from the east like we’ve never witnessed before. They arrived on thousands of ships that landed on the eastern banks of Askabar, not far from Horsetooth Bay. Given the small landing site, it took them days to unload.”
King Lokan stroked his chin. “This is alarming. Who are they?”
“They are dark of skin and wear very little armor. As best we can tell, we think they’re the Kahloom from the large island nation of Xarrechan.”
Raythum’s eyes grew large. “Bahlam’s lost treasure! You think they seek retribution?”
“That’s exactly our suspicion,” Morlidon said. “It’s well known the Dwarves of Drognard spent millennia traveling the world in search of valuable resources. What resource could be any more valuable than the gold of Bahlam the God? Whatever the situation, the Kahloom believe the Dwarves stole the treasure not only from them, but from the God as well. We think they are in a position to attack the Dwarves, and reclaim what is theirs.”
“Why not let them reap what they’ve sewn?” Lokan asked. “It’s likely they took advantage of the Kahloom tribe by pilfering the gold they held most dear.”
Arthanis broke his silence. “It isn’t so simple. The Dwarves have already approached us for assistance, should a battle be waged. As allies, we’re in a position where we must help them, or risk a break in our long-standing agreement.” Several of the council members nodded their heads in agreement, understanding the binding ties held in place by an alliance. “We must also consider that the theft happened thousands of years ago. We cannot hold the current Dwarves accountable for acts committed so long in the past.”
The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series Page 22
