Ascension

by Selena IR Drake

  ◆◆◆

  A short time later, Dimitri left the bowels of the ship. He made his way out on the main deck, squinting as the suns’ light blinded him. A cry from the crow’s nest above had many relieved whoops coming from the crew. Dimitri rushed to the ship’s bow railing and watched as the land mass on the horizon drew closer.

  “Not at all what I was expecting,” Vincent said, suddenly beside him.

  Dimitri smirked. “And what were you expecting?”

  “I heard from sailors that there is an island in the north inhabited only by naked women. And the beach is covered in jewels the size of my fist.”

  Dimitri rolled his eyes. “Right.”

  “Just imagine landing on that island and seeing all those ti—”

  “Captain says we get off here,” Luna said, smacking Vincent upside the head.

  Dimitri quirked an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

  “Yeah. He refuses to get any closer to the Sorcerers’ Isle.” She tapped her foot in irritation. “Something about attacks on other ships that got too close.”

  “What are we supposed to do then? I can’t swim!” Vincent shouted.

  “Silence yourself, fool,” Godilai hissed as she walked up. “We’ll use a row boat.”

  Dimitri looked back at the island and estimated the distance to shore. “That will be a long row. Luna, what if I pay him extra to get closer.”

  She snorted. “Good luck. Superstitious fool will not budge. And he says he’ll be leaving as soon as we’re off his ship.”

  Dimitri sighed. “Fine. Let’s be rid of these fools.”

  “What are you planning?” Godilai asked.

  Dimitri made his way to the helm. He conversed with the captain for a moment and handed over a leather pouch. Moments later, Dimitri was at her side again.

  “You paid him?” Luna’s voice betrayed her fury, though her face and eyes remained void of emotion.

  Dimitri smirked and raised a hand to silence her. “Just wait.”

  A heartbeat later, an explosion erupted from the captain’s quarters. The crew instantly rushed to put the fires out.

  Dimitri smirked. Stupid Humes made such easy targets.

  “Hydor esso!”

  Water converged in Dimitri’s outstretched hand before launching at the crewmembers in a rapid succession of spheres. Each water ball struck with enough force to crush bones. By the time the spell ended, only seven members of the original crew remained.

  “I will have to remember that one,” Luna muttered.

  Dimitri flashed her a crooked smirk before staring the crewmen down. “You seven will obey my commands now or join the others in Havel.”

  One of the men launched himself at Dimitri, shouting. “I’ll send you there first!”

  In a rush of inhuman speed, Godilai struck, cleanly slicing him into three. Godilai sheathed her swords as each portion of the sailor thudded to the deck. She stared at the remaining six crewmen, daring them to make a move.

  “Anyone else want to play?”

  “Wh—what are your orders?”

  “Simple.” Dimitri pointed his thumb at the island over his shoulder. “Land the ship on the Sorcerers’ Isle.”

  The sailor swallowed nervously. “Yes, sir.”

  As the remnants of the crew hopped to their tasks, Dimitri’s team conversed. Together they developed what they thought would be the perfect lie to gain the trust of the Sorcerers. Dimitri silently prayed to Régon that the plan succeeded.

  A little more than an hour later, the ship was beached on the hot white sands of the Sorcerers’ Isle. As Dimitri’s team disembarked, the crew members approached.

  “Any orders before you leave, sir?”

  Dimitri glanced at them over his shoulder. “Mind the tide.”

  When they were out of earshot, Godilai punched Dimitri’s shoulder. He hissed in pain and shot her a death glare. “Not going to kill them?”

  “We may need an escape route,” he reasoned.

  Godilai pursed her lips in thought for a moment. “What makes you think they will stick around? After the way we dispatched the rest of the crew, they will leave while we are gone.”

  “Good point.” Dimitri turned to cast another spell but froze. Before him stood a beautiful silver-haired woman in a sage-green dress. Giant swan-like wings tipped with silver armor were spread wide as if she were ready to take flight. Suddenly, Dimitri’s entire team was surrounded by winged warriors with silver hair.

  “Are these guys Sorcerers?” Luna asked, gripping the handle of her giant sword.

  “Let’s find out.” Dimitri raised his hands in surender, stepped forward.

  The woman in green simply observed.

  “Meo namae wa Dimitri Renoan. Kíen la ja?”

  She hesitated, glanced at the other Feykin in the group.“Eo ík Habanya-Ürg. Aké la ja chee?” Her voice was as soft as the wind.

  “Eo nan lig Kinös Elda. Eo ík guídes.”

  The silver-haired maiden who called herself Habanya-Ürg stared at him for a moment, judging him. She folded her wings, pointed at Dimitri’s group. “Drop weapons. Follow.”

  Dimitri nodded. To his team he said, “Put your weapons down.”

  “Yeah, then they’ll take us somewhere to kill us,” Vincent muttered, gripping the handle of his axe even tighter.

  “Just drop it,” Godilai hissed as she put her swords and daggers on the ground.

  Luna grumbled and did the same. Dimitri’s dual sword was added to the pile a moment later.

  “Just do it, you idiot. Who knows what they will do to you if you refuse,” Luna reasoned.

  Finally, the old Judge gave in and gently laid his axe on the ground.

  Habanya-Ürg barked orders in Kinös Elda. The other silver-haired warriors grabbed the discarded weapons and motioned for Dimitri’s team to follow. Habanya-Ürg took point as the long trek through the dense forest began.

  It was not an easy road, even after Xyleena had taken it up. There were many times I thought about giving in and returning home. I am certain she felt the same, yet her determination kept her pressing on. And, somehow, she even managed to keep all of us together.

  – FROM “THE SECOND KEEPER” BY THERA ONYX

  Dimitri felt insanely awkward under the gaze of the old man with the pointed hat. He had been eyeing Dimitri and his team suspiciously ever since they had been lead into the Chamber of Elders. After it had been revealed that no one in Dimitri’s team spoke Kinös Elda fluently enough to answer questions, a guard had been sent to fetch a translator.

  After what felt like hours, the guard reentered the chamber. He was followed by a young girl with jet-black wings and onyx eyes. She bowed to the Elders and sighed impatiently as the old man spoke in a slow drawl. Dimitri took a liking to the young girl right away.

  “I’m Piper Onyx. I was summoned here to serve as translator between you and the old ones. They want to know why you are here.”

  “It is nice to meet you, Piper. I am Dimitri Renoan. My team and I have come here seeking assistance.”

  Piper translated word for word as he spoke, making it difficult for him to concentrate.

  “Assistance with what?”

  “There is a young girl going around claiming to be the daughter of Amorez and the next Dragon Keeper. She is in fact the Dark Keeper, and she has stolen my mother’s diary to find and unlock the Dragons’ Gate. My team and I have come to warn you of her treachery and ask for help in stopping her.” Dimitri watched the faces of the Elders to judge their reaction to his story.

  The old men betrayed no emotion; instead, they simply uttered two words in Kinös Elda and left the room to speak in private.

  Piper turned to face Dimitri. “This girl you speak of, is her name Xyleena?”

  “I am not sure what her name is, but she has short, black hair and green eyes.” Dimitri watched as her expression grew ever more worried. “Is something wrong?”

  “She calls herself Xyleena, and she left with my sister a
t first light the day before.”

  Dimitri jumped to his feet and grasped the girl’s shoulders. “Do you know where they were headed?”

  “Thuraben. They said something about taking the river boat to the coast and something great hidden farther west.”

  Dimitri’s heart skipped a beat at the news. He slowly released the grip on Piper’s shoulders and sunk into his seat. “This is terrible.”

  “Is my sister in danger?”

  “That girl will do anything to have her way,” Godilai replied. She was impressed by Dimitri’s acting skills and immensely glad that they seemed to be working.

  “We were on our way here to ask for help translating the runes of the Dragon Diary when she attacked us. She killed most of our crew, stole the diary, and rushed here.”

  “But Teka was with her…and she seemed so nice. It’s hard to believe that she is the Dark Keeper.” Piper began to pace the floor. “It doesn’t make any sense. She kept going on about how she was not strong enough to do the dragon quest. It was as if she did not want to go. And Teka vouched for her.”

  “It is possible that Xyleena used some sort of mind control on your sister and friend,” Dimitri explained, trying to keep his lie alive. He had to think quickly to get the girl back to believing him.

  “Aren’t there ways to counteract mind control spells, Dimitri?” Luna winked at him, leaving the perfect opening for his trickery.

  “I’ve found some artifacts to ward off the effects. One is that bracelet you wear, Luna. I have this ring. In addition, I gave Godilai and Vincent small charms. I only have this necklace left.” He pulled the ancient necklace from the pouch strapped to his belt.

  Piper gawked at it. “Amorez had that same necklace!”

  “My mother gave it to me when I felt the call of the dragons.” Dimitri watched as a frown etched its way across Piper’s lips.

  “You’re lying. The Twelve don’t call the second-generation Keeper. And Amorez wouldn’t give that necklace away to anyone.”

  Dimitri swore a silent oath. “I’m not lying, Piper. I swear that Amorez, my mother, gave me this necklace.”

  Piper crossed her arms. “If that’s true, then tell me what Amorez looks like and what she said when she gave you the necklace.”

  “She is a little shorter than I am. She has green eyes and red hair that she styles in spikes. She fights with dueling blades and wears black leathers covered with light silver plate similar to the armor on your wings. And she only said, ‘Take this to keep your mind clear,’ when she gave me the necklace.” Dimitri smiled as the girl’s suspicions were obviously extinguished.

  “My apologies.” Piper turned away.

  “It’s all right. After the trickery the Dark Keeper has played on you and your kin, I understand your wariness.”

  “She would come in very handy if she could join us to defeat this Xyleena,” Godilai murmured to Dimitri, just loud enough for the Feykin to hear.

  Piper looked at her in surprise. “My sister would be more useful. She is a Druid. I am merely a Mage.”

  Godilai shook her head. “Ranks do not matter. It is how you think and react that make you useful.”

  “I agree.” Luna nodded. “You are smart. You take in details. And you are quick. We should bring her with us, Dimitri.”

  “What better way to save your sister than to travel with the ones trying to prevent the world’s destruction?” Vincent added, also trying to convince the girl.

  Piper met Dimitri’s gaze. “If I can save Thera, I’m coming.”

  “That’s what I like to hear!” Dimitri smiled and stood up again. He extended a hand to her and presented the ancient necklace. “You will need this to prevent Xyleena’s spells from affecting you.”

  “Thank you, Iríjhone Reshé.” Piper admired the necklace for a moment before donning it. She scratched her head in confusion a heartbeat later.

  Dimitri sneered. “What will you tell the Elders when they return, Piper?”

  The young Feykin tilted her head to the side for a moment. “You are the real Dragon Keeper, and you require fast transportation in order to catch up to Xyleena. You will get the diary back and continue with your dragon quest.”

  “That is exactly what I had in mind.” Dimitri laughed and took his seat again as the Elders returned from their discussion.

  Each took their places in the five platforms before the oldest spoke the decision aloud.

  “My uncle said that they want you to hunt down the Dark Keeper and kill her. He will provide you with anything you require.” Piper awaited Dimitri’s response.

  He stood up and bowed to the Elders. “Tell him I am grateful for his generosity and that I will require your presence as well as his fastest mounts.”

  Piper translated back and forth a few more times before Dimitri’s team was allowed to leave. They were immediately rushed to the stables and given silver wyverns. Piper led the way to Thuraben.

  When Amorez had fallen to her knees in despair, it was Zenith who was the first to go to her. The great dragon wrapped his tail around her in a hug, then I heard him quietly say, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

  – FROM “AN ONLOOKER’S JOURNAL” BY THERNU ONYX

  “Meo namae wa Xyleena. Eo ík et Iríjhone Reshé,” I repeated for probably the fiftieth time.

  “Good!” Thera cheered. “Now, count from zero to twenty.”

  I laughed. “That’s easy. Na. San. Sku. Teh. O. Ven. Mé. Im. Lin. Bin. Ra. Sanra. Skura. Tehra. Ora. Venra. Méra. Imra. Linra. Binra. Skucóra.”

  “Perfect.” Thera applauded. “What is one hundred?”

  “Mehnt,” I answered without a second thought.

  “And one thousand?”

  “Shréva.”

  “Very good. List the colors.”

  As I recited them, I thought about everything that I had learned in the last five days we had spent on the road. First was learning how to ride a wyvern, which was definitely awkward for both the wyvern and me. But by nightfall on the first day, I was riding as if I had been doing it every day for my entire life.

  On the second day, I learned that Ekvinöj, the name of my wyvern, was Kinös Eldic for Equinox. Later that morning Thera began giving me lessons in magic. First it was learning some beginner spells like forming orbs of light, healing small wounds, and bending the natural elements—just a few things that could come in handy should I find myself in an emergency.

  Then she began teaching me how to actually speak Kinös Elda. I picked everything up incredibly fast, surprising both Thera and Teka. I felt like I was not actually learning; I was remembering.

  Thera’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Okay. Enough review. Time to start with body parts.”

  I smiled, eager to begin. I repeated each new term aloud as she listed off more and more. The day continued with me learning countless new words and phrases. Ríhan would have been proud of me.

  A thought suddenly occurred to me as I remembered him. “Thera, is there a spell that will let the caster speak to the dead?”

  “Yeah. It’s called suicide,” Teka bluntly answered.

  Thera glanced from her to me and sighed. “Talking to the dead is something only a Necromancer can teach, and even they are not quick to do it.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Summoning the dead in any way is never a good idea. They have a nasty habit of hanging around for the rest of the caster’s life. That is, of course, if they have survived the experience to begin with.”

  “It kills you?”

  “Summoning a soul from Havel means trading places with that soul. The caster can easily overspend their life force in that way, because they no longer feel any pain or discomfort. And if the caster dies while the summoned soul is still in the mortal world, that soul will grow vengeful and attack the living.”

  “Like I said, best way to talk to the dead is to die,” Teka said. She slowed her wyvern enough to fall in step beside me. “Don’t try it.”


  “I won’t. I was just curious.”

  “If you plan on having any sort of afterlife, I would strongly suggest avoiding dark magic. Atlidmé won’t allow your soul to rest comfortably in Havel if you do,” Thera explained.

  “So any magic dealing with souls, death, and curses is dark magic?”

  Thera nodded.

  “Okay.”

  “Good. Now, recite the words I just taught you.”

  I chuckled. “You are a strict teacher.”

  Thera smiled at me, and I began my recitation. She continued drilling me until nightfall. We stopped our wyverns by a riverbank and set up our camp.

  “Heile!” I lit the wood Teka had collected with one of the simple spells Thera had shown me. “How much farther is it to Thuraben?”

  “About a day and a half backward.” Thera laughed as she pointed her thumb over her shoulder—in the direction we had just come from.

  “I thought we were hopping a ferry in Thuraben?” Teka quirked an eyebrow at the young Feykin.

  “We are making much better time on the wyverns.” Thera shrugged. “We will reach the boat house on the western shorn late tomorrow as opposed to waiting for the ferry to arrive, refuel, and then leave again.”

  “Boat house?”

  “Yes. The ferry stops there to drop off passengers who want to go to Tamilyt. They can also rent boats for fishing on the open sea.”

  “And late tomorrow is when we get there. That is good timing.”

  “Only seven days instead of the usual ten. I am impressed by these wyv—”

  A loud screech from farther in the woods had us jumping to our feet in an instant. I gripped my tessens firmly, ready for anything. Silence was our reward for our quickness.

  “That was a wyvern call,” Thera said quietly. “It is highly unusual for wild wyverns to be out here. They keep to the mountains farther east.”

  “Do you think we’re being followed?”

  Teka got no answer.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  “We should keep watch,” I said as I scanned the trees for anything suspicious.

  “Or we could keep going tonight.”