Feeling the burning in the palm of his hand, Raythum opened it and dropped the medallion. A large burn was left behind in the shape of the orb. He crumbled to his knees, feeling like a failure. He heard the locks of the door clicking open behind him. He felt drained, but turned his head to see who walked through it.
Norlun led the way, followed by his father. The old man glanced around the room, before he spoke. “The orb, Raythum, what happened to the orb?”
Raythum, in his weakened state, worked to reach his feet and turned to face them. “It was Tirell. Or should I say Lutheras.” His brother’s new name left his mouth in disgust. He scratched his head and tried to gather his composure before proceeding. “I spotted a cloaked figure mysteriously walking through the courtyard from my window tonight. Intrigued, I followed the person into the forest, and was little surprised to learn it was Tirell.” He went on describing the odd events of the evening, much to the dismay of his father and Norlun.
Norlun shook his head in disgust, and there was apprehension clearly written on his father’s face. “Well, we know the Havenbrook orb allows the holder to travel to a different time; that much is clear. The question is what timeframe did he travel to?”
Raythum nodded his head in agreement. “The same question I asked myself. We know he traveled to the past. Are there any events you can think of? Would he go back in time to visit Luther?”
Norlun shook his head. “No, I don’t think he would do that. I knew Luther and he wished for nothing more than to be the most powerful wizard. Lutheras—as he is now being called—as much as he might love his new idol, would never want to risk the possibility of making him upset, or having to share his power.”
Lokan stepped forward and interjected. “I will be the first to admit I don’t know my son very well, but something of interest in the past, some event, has drawn him to it.”
Deep in thought, Norlun stroked his beard. “You mentioned his transformation. Only one wizard of my lifetime carried enough power to pull off such a task. Martul.”
Raythum looked dumbfounded. “Martul? You defeated Martul thousands of years ago. How could he do something like this from his prison?”
“Just because an individual is no longer of this world, doesn’t mean they cannot interfere in it. I’m afraid his strength may be increasing and I’m worried. Luther followed Martul too. I think Lutheras might try to involve him in this.” The old wizard let his hands drop to his sides.
Raythum paced the room while he spoke. “Okay, so maybe Martul is involved. If so, how would Lutheras help him?”
A light went off in Norlun’s head and his eyes grew large. “Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t matter. Martul is kept in a prison by the very orbs we are protecting. To release him, all seven would need to be collected.”
Lokan spoke up. “Then this is fruitless. Lutheras cannot succeed, because no one can gather all seven.”
Norlun eyed Lokan and Raythum. “Well…I scattered all seven of them around the continent. Six are protected by different cities; Havenbrook, Shakiel, Melina, Korloth, Drognard, and Ferrindale. The seventh I now keep secured in an undisclosed location. Prior to me obtaining it, I hid it underwater deep below the Ruvenka Mountains, accessible only by climbing through several connected caves. I have never told anyone about its location, then nor now. However, a traveler sought protection from the elements in the cave one day when a pounding rain made him seek shelter. Once inside, the orb called to him, and led him to its location. He found it and brought it out, traveling from city to city trying to sell it for a hefty sum of gold. One day he traveled to Riverfell where I tried—unsuccessfully I might add—to purchase it. When I didn’t have enough to satisfy his greed, I had no choice but to take it by force.
“In the over two thousand years I have been protecting the orbs, this was the only time when it would be possible for someone to gather all seven. This occurred a little over one-hundred and thirty years ago.”
“Then that must be where he went,” Raythum interjected. “How do we get there to stop him?”
This seemed out of Lokan’s realm, and it showed as he was at a loss for words—a rare occasion for the oft opinionated king. Norlun eyed them both. “Yes! I’m sure this is where he had to have headed.” He turned toward Raythum. “You must go. I think you may be the only one capable of putting an end to his nonsense—and as leader of the Keepers of the Orbs it is your sworn duty to protect them at all costs. With the assistance of others from the conclave, I’m sure I can send you back. It won’t be easy and will require time. I need to review my books to familiarize myself with the spell.” Norlun now looked hurried to get started. He headed to the door to leave. “I’ll be in contact. I suggest you plan for your departure.” And just like that, he disappeared.
Raythum tuned to his father. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop him. In my haste to follow him, I left Narantha in my room. If I had had it, I would’ve been protected from his spark.”
Lokan walked over and put his arm around Raythum. “You can rest easy, my son. I’m sure you did all you could. Your brother, it would seem, has always been bent on this path.” With his arm still around him, he brought him closer and looked into his face. “Besides, I feel as if this is my fault. I should’ve dealt with Tirell myself. I always gave him the benefit of the doubt because I love him—as much as he might disagree. It has always been tough. I don’t understand the other half of the spark, and as a result, I never had much in common with him. I tried, though.” His eyes filled with pain and misgiving.
He had never seen his father so emotional before. “We both did. I grew up idolizing him, and have always known deep down, that good exists somewhere in him. I feel as if I ‘ve been blind my whole life. I kept falling for his guises, hoping he would come around one day.”
His father turned toward the door and pulled Raythum with him. “It does nothing to dwell on it now. You should do as Norlun said and prepare for your departure. This will be tough on you.”
Raythum nodded his head and followed his father out of the vault and into the dank, wet corridor.
Norlun had needed three days before he informed Raythum they were ready. Befitting of the predicament they found themselves in, the morning of the fourth day felt cold. Dark storm clouds had rolled in overnight and bombarded the city. The morning rain continued, creating a gloomy mood all throughout the city.
Raythum walked out into the courtyard in his full armor. Narantha sat at his side. Norlun awaited his arrival with several wizards from the conclave. His mother and father stood in attendance, and of course, Milenthia had returned.
I cannot say I agree with your plan, I find it to be too risky of an endeavor, and fear for your life. How sure are you Norlun can send you back in time?” she asked him.
Raythum couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle. I have full confidence that the old wizard will send me when and where I’m supposed to go. I think the risk is minimal, and besides, it is my duty to see the orb returned. If my brother succeeds in what we think he is doing, the whole world could be in peril. I have to do this. He patted her head.
I know you do, but I don’t have to like it. Just promise me you will be safe.
I’ll do my best. He walked closer to her and ran his hand down her muzzle, looking into her eyes. He took one last look at her, before he walked over to his parents.
Syrelle gave her son a loving stare. “Please be careful, my son. You’re all I have left now,” she whispered. “And if it’s at all possible, try and bring you brother back with you. I know that’s a lot to ask, but I’d like to have both of my boys back safely.”
Raythum locked eyes with both of them. “I will do everything I can to persuade him, but I can’t make any promises. The way he acted the other evening leads me to believe he would rather die than live here as a subordinate to me—even if none of us see it that way.”
He embraced his mother in a long hug. She thanked him for his words. He then wrapped his arms around his father.
He knew this could very well be the last moment he spent with either of them and wanted a clear picture before he left. Not wanting to let go, but knowing he must be on his way, he pried himself away to walk to Norlun with tears in his eyes.
Norlun bowed his head as Raythum approached. “Are you ready?” He waited for confirmation from Raythum before he proceeded. “I researched the spell and feel I have enough power present to send you back. When you arrive, you should be near Havenbrook. If my memory serves, I’ll be in Havenbrook and you can seek me out. Fill me in on the situation and do what you need to. You must stop Lutheras. But I must warn you to be careful. Anything you do will disrupt the timeline. One small change could alter our history. So I wouldn’t tell many people you’re from the future, for obvious reasons.” Norlun’s wizened eyes looked at Raythum.
Raythum nodded his understanding. He began to ask a question, but Norlun cut him off. “I must tell you, as I read through my books I realized there are other negative features associated with this spell. In a couple of instances, we recorded several subjects who experienced some form of memory loss. It is my hope your close proximity to town will give you a clear destination, should this indeed occur. I’ll be in Havenbrook, and I’m sure the arrival of an unknown man in full armor with no idea who he is, will be intriguing enough to grab my attention. I can remove any memory block you might incur.” He shrugged at the last part as if it were the simplest of tasks.
He hadn’t planned for any of these new risks, and it made uneasiness prickle up his spine. This new information started to make him question his agreement to the plan. He thought for a moment, but he had no choice. “I accept the hazards. Any other bad news I should be aware of?” he chuckled.
“No.” Norlun shook his head. “If this isn’t where Lutheras traveled, you will need to return. I would say you could use the orb in Havenbrook, but I think it would be best to leave it in its current time. I can send you back in the same manner I’m using today. So find me.” Raythum nodded his understanding. “If Tirell is there, which he should be, when you defeat him, use the orb to travel back to the present. Understand?” he asked Raythum.
“Yes. I feel it’s all straightforward and I know what needs to be done,” Raythum replied.
“Good. Then I think it is time. Give me a moment with the conclave.” He turned and walked over to the other wizards, where they had a brief conversation. After a moment, Norlun nodded to Raythum, and the wizards formed a circle around him.
Raythum turned and took one last look at his home. “I guess this is it. Goodbye, and wish me luck.” His father waved to him, and his mother turned her head as tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t watch as her son risked everything to travel back in time to stop an enemy…her other son.
Norlun uttered several words, which the ring of wizards repeated. Bright lights flashed all around them. He felt a tingling sensation starting from his toes that spread throughout all of his limbs and into his body. He felt very cold too. The lights pulsed all around him, and he noticed he could feel the rhythm of the pulses as they flashed. The light blinded him and he shut his eyes. When he heard silence, he reopened them. Blackness surrounded him. It felt empty and lonely. He looked around, but couldn’t see anything, and the cold attacked his body as the temperature dropped. His teeth chattered and his natural instincts told him to bring his arms up closer to his chest to keep in his body heat. He sat in his full armor, though, so the act provided no additional warmth. He blacked out from the cold and in a flash of light, he materialized in the pitch black of night on a riverbank just hours outside of Havenbrook.
Conclusion
Filling in the Gaps
Raythum stretched his jaw and stared at the others seated around the table. His mouth felt dry and his tongue thick. He needed a drink, which Norlun must have realized. He brought him a cold glass of water. He felt as if he had been talking for days, although it had only been most of one day. He took a long draw from the pewter glass and enjoyed the cold liquid as it slid down his throat and eased the burning sensation.
Jaeden’s eyes grew large. “Do you think you can do it?” he asked somberly. “Do you think you can kill your own brother?”
“My only hope is that it won’t come to that,” he paused. “I know deep down there is still a part of him that knows the truth. I hope I can salvage that. But if not, I’ll do what I have to do.” He didn’t know what else to say.
He looked at each member of the party, waiting to hear what they had to say. Each wore a look of surprise and awe—all except Norlun. The old wizard had already picked up Raythum’s memories when he removed the block in his brain. Aglina broke the silence first.
“I cannot believe the chiefs nominated the buffoon Ulor as high clan chief. I always suspected he angled for it, I just never thought it would happen,” she said.
Raythum shook his head. “I spend almost the entire day giving you my life history, and all you can say is you are surprised who succeeded Hirig? You never cease to amaze me, Aglina.”
“What? He gave us a lot of information, too much to take in all at once, and the mood seemed tense, so I decided to lighten it.” She smiled and winked.
Movement at the window caught his attention, and he shifted his eyes for a better look. A blizzard had descended and filled the countryside. He couldn’t believe how much three orbs could affect the weather. It’d been blistering hot earlier in the afternoon, and now the snow stretched for miles in every direction.
Liniana noticed his gaze. “I could tell you were deep into your story and didn’t want to draw attention to the odd weather pattern for fear of distracting you. We have been through quite the whirlwind for the past several days…”
Jaeden cut her off. “Really? The weather? As if you’re any better than Aglina. None of this is important.” Raythum sunk back in his seat. He seemed caught off guard by Jaeden’s sudden boldness. “Thank you for your very thorough retelling of your past. Where does this leave us? What do we do now?” He edged forward, elbows on the table, brows creased in worry.
“All good questions, and sometimes it’s okay to draw our attention away from the harsh reality we will soon face. Don’t be so eager. Stop and take a look around from time to time. Before you know it, your youth will be gone and you will find yourself thinking back and wishing you had another chance to be young.” Raythum looked toward the others at the table as Jaeden slunk back down in his chair—his cheeks turning a slight pink shade. “However, he brings up a good point. We need to return to Havenbrook and start preparing for a confrontation with Lutheras. This will be a battle unlike any Askabar has ever seen. But for the next day or so, we will sit back and wait.”
“Why wait? It seems to me time is of the essence,” Matt said.
“We must wait for Milenthia to return from Agripina. She should have other Dragons with her willing to transport us back to my homeland. The journey should take us a couple of days. My hope is she will bring word of Lutheras’ whereabouts as well. Have we received any intelligence?”
Norlun cleared his throat. “Nothing has changed. Last we heard, he left Korloth heading southwest on a course leading him to Shakiel. I too hope the Dragons bring updated news. Otherwise, I fear, we’ll be operating blindly.”
“I agree.” Raythum nodded his head. “We’ll need to get word to Drognard and Ferrindale. I think their assistance could be invaluable. Once we arrive in Havenbrook, I will leave you all and approach Melina to draw them into the battle as well. This is going to take time. My fear is Melina will be his next target, but I doubt we can rally our forces in time. We’ll need to work with the armies and train to prepare for the unique circumstance we’ll face.”
“I don’t understand how you can all be so patient,” Jaeden erupted. “We know Shakiel will be attacked, if it’s not already under attack, and none of you are willing to do anything about it. This is so frustrating.” He stood and shoved his chair aside.
“Calm down, Jaeden,” Raythum spoke. “If w
e could do something, don’t you think I’d be doing it? We’re too far away with no means to send word ahead.”
“We could do something. I don’t know what, but we could do something,” Jaeden said, sitting back in sullenly.
“Trust me, there is nothing. Besides, you have to realize some things are more important. Could we gather an army and rush out and meet Lutheras now? Sure. Would we be successful? Probably not. And then where would Askabar be? Where would the entire planet be, for that matter? We need to take this slow, properly plan and train to create a well-coordinated effort, increasing our chances and almost guaranteeing a victory,” Raythum said.
Jaeden had heard enough and retired from the room to gather his thoughts. The others remained in Norlun’s kitchen, seated around the table. They further discussed everything Raythum had revealed. Eventually Jaeden returned and rejoined the conversation with more of a level head. The windows of the small and stuffy cottage shook from the cold winds and blinding snow.
After a time, Aglina yawned. The hour had grown late and they all appeared exhausted. They had begun the conversation at around four in the morning, and the idea of curling up in their warm comfortable beds appealed to them all.
“I still cannot believe I’m responsible for all of your metalwork. I have to say, I impress myself with my own skills,” she cackled. “I always feared the Kahloom were up to something, and assumed that one day they would return to exact their revenge. It’s comforting to know how it all turns out.” She stood and walked around the table. “Well, I’m beat and I can hear my goose-feather bed calling my name.” She walked closer to Raythum and embraced him in a hug. In a more private tone, she spoke to him. “Thank you for your honesty and for all you’ve revealed. I know it hasn’t happened yet—well for you it already has—but I appreciate how you came to our aid, and rallied your own allies for our cause. We’ll forever be in your debt.”
The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series Page 31
