The Middle Realm

by Charmaine Theron

  “Well—” said Kyros, “—you see, when the August Moon appears, there’s an opportunity to either connect or disconnect the Spheres. But… it’s a bit more complicated than that, as this can only happen once the three portals are located and opened to form a crossway. Once this is done, the Hecate can be opened afterwards.”

  “How come you’ve never told me this before, Master Kyros?”

  “There wasn’t a need to until now, because the turn of the millennium will coincide with our return to the Third Realm. And the reason I’m telling you this is because the Guardians don’t want to open the Hecate.”

  “Why not?” Ash leaned in closer.

  “The Hecate… imagine it as one of the cords that connect our Sphere to the cocoons during the Awakening – the only difference is this connection is invisible. And this invisible link connects all three Spheres. There’s a prophecy which states that should the Hecate be opened when the August Moon ritual is performed, then all the Realms will cease to exist and vanish into Oblivion – the end of everything we know… the end of us…”

  Ash’s expression morphed into shock. The hidden inscription behind Kyros was the prophecy (three becomes one, one becomes all and all becomes none). The word none could mean Oblivion. The triangular symbol below it had to be one of the portals. And this prophecy was a warning.

  “That’s not promising at all. There can’t be anyone who’d be stupid enough to want to open it.” Ash swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. A feeling of dread iced over his bones – the symbol had ignited. Could he have opened the portal?

  “There are some who want to.” Kyros looked grim. “Because there’s another prophecy that’s believed by former Guardians—”

  “Go on,” Ash interrupted him impatiently.

  “Ye, the One, shall rule them all.”

  This time Ash’s expression altered into a troubled frown. Goosebumps rose on his skin – could this be why Maksimos was tracing the triangular symbol? Maybe he believed that he was setting the prophecy in motion which would take him one step closer to becoming the One. Were the concealed spells somehow linked to all of this? Perhaps Elektra was right! A million ideas tumbled through Ash’s mind as he tried to piece it all together. Both Drakon and Maksimos had motives to open the Hecate even though they were aware of the risks.

  “This is crazy Master Kyros. Where do these prophecies originate from?”

  “They’re scribed in books by our forefathers. These books have been in the archives since the third Awakening. They’re full of old tales – but we can’t be certain which ones are true and which ones aren’t. And I’m not sure if these books survived the barbarian invasion.”

  “It doesn’t matter whether they have or have not. All the Guardians know about this. Did… did Drakon tell you about these prophecies?”

  “Of course he did Ash – he was my mentor, remember? He had to impart this knowledge whether it was a fable or not. Just as I’m retelling it to you because it’s my duty. All the Guardians have been warned about the dangers of opening the Hecate.”

  “Then we must make sure that it’s never opened. Isn’t there some way we can lock it.”

  “No… there isn’t. But, when we return to the Third Realm, Drakon will have four Guardians there. During the August Moon, which lasts for one night, five Guardians have to perform the ritual for it to work. That’s why we have to overthrow Drakon. There’s no other way.”

  “A ritual…” Ash hesitated, “…with five Guardians.” He wanted to ask Kyros what the ritual entailed but decided against it.

  Kyros nodded solemnly.

  “But there’re only four Guardians now… Aella… I’m sorry Kyros…”

  Kyros placed his hand on Ash’s back. “I’m sorry too, Ash. Sometimes I wish I could change the past. But every Seraphian and Hajaran’s future is now at stake and what has already happened has led us right to this moment… we cannot change it. Let’s press forward and make sure that we conquer our Realm and destroy Drakon – once and for all.”

  Ash’s right eye twitched nervously when he asked the next question. “Which prophecy do you believe is true Master Kyros?”

  “It’s difficult to tell. But Drakon never killed us and I believe he never meant for Aella to die. A new Guardian of Aer will come forth before the August Moon appears, and when this happens, Drakon will do everything in his power to open the Hecate. He’ll force us to perform the ritual, so it’s vital that we don’t fall into his clutches.”

  “The others… they’re alive,” Ash said with conviction. “Drakon knows we’re returning.”

  “Claiming our Realm was only the beginning for him – he wants to be the ruler of all.” Kyros’s smoky, grey eyes flared with fury. “Drakon believes he’s the One.”

  For some reason Ash didn’t tell Kyros that one of the portals was right behind him. He stayed tight-lipped about both Maksimos and himself tracing it. He wasn’t sure if Kyros even knew what the concealed spells were. But by the sounds of it, the Guardians knew exactly how to open the Hecate by performing the ritual when the August Moon appeared. Ash was sure that Kyros didn’t want to divulge all the information, or even the ritual to him, just yet. Perhaps this was his way of protecting the Guardianship, as the Guardian from long ago had done. He had so many unanswered questions and time was running out.

  Twilight painted the rose-coloured mountains with fiery red and orange streaks as they left the City of Hajar behind them. The Guardians and the Hajaran Army crossed the desert, covering the vast landscape in a few hours. When they reached the rocky outcrop, they halted. Alone, Ash trekked up the massive rock formation which rose ominously out of the desert. Upon reaching the top he briskly wiped the sweat from his face before signalling to the others. Pandora waited alongside Elektra – the mare’s golden coat shining in the fading sunlight.

  Maksimos spoke words of encouragement before their journey. “As we return, know that the Third Realm’s devotion belongs to us all – United we stand, divided we fall. We are united together by the power of Aether, where good shall prevail over evil, for all eternity.”

  Earlier Maksimos had slung the book bag across his body. He’d taken care to wrap the book in numerous layers of soft leather for protection. Now his hand held the strap, guarding his precious cargo.

  He continued his speech, “Once we’re there, our main mission is to reclaim the Third Realm. We know that our time here in the Middle Realm is limited. When the mountain rains cease our survival will end. We’re not only doing this so that the Seraphian people can return to their homeland, but also for the future of the Hajaran tribe – a pact has been made between the Guardians.”

  The army cheered in jubilation, their spirits high. They had trained and prepared for this day.

  Maksimos spoke loudly, “You are no longer desert warriors, now, you are elite soldiers who fight with a powerful weapon, a weapon that controls the elements.”

  Ash closed his eyes and channelled his energy through every part of his body. In his mind’s eye, he pictured the vortex opening and the cosmic matter spattering out of thin air, spinning in front of him. The last time he’d opened the vortex he had had no idea how he had done it. This had mystified the Guardians, as they were unable to comprehend that he’d managed to do it without training.

  When Ash blinked his eyes open, the striking colours still amazed him. He was mesmerised by the swirling luminescent blue and purple.

  “Should it close within a few minutes that’ll be the sign that I’ve been discovered,” Ash warned them.

  “Soldiers, man your positions,” Zahir instructed.

  The army filed out and surrounded the base of the outcrop, forming a defensive circle. There was no way that they’d allow the Dark Legion to infiltrate their Realm.

  Ash stepped forward and instantly plummeted into darkness. The odd streak of blue and purple sparked here and there around him. After steadying himself, the familiar gravitational sensation pulled him toward the whit
e light.

  The vortex spat him out on the other side, but, as he breathed in, his mouth filled with water.

  Chapter 23

  Woodlands of the Dead

  The Third Realm

  Ash panicked. He tried to catch his breath and thrashed around disoriented before he realised that he was underwater. A strong current dragged him downstream and he tumbled repeatedly. The chilly water slowed and his feet fumbled on the rocky riverbed. Once his feet found purchase on the surface, he launched himself up and burst out of the water, sputtering for air. Looking around he immediately recognised where he had landed – near the waterfall, in the same spot where he and Chance had fought the two-headed Serpent in the first trial.

  Ash stayed in the water. Every muscle in his body tensed as he scanned the woodlands around him. The sun was also setting here, so darkness would blanket him soon. A rustling sound came from the nearby woods; he swivelled around, squinting into the dying sunlight, but couldn’t see anything. Then a large bird took flight and its shadow glided between the trees and disappeared into the dense woods. His heart beat double time but soon returned to normal when there was no imminent threat.

  The minutes ticked by slowly as he waited for the others. One by one, the soldiers popped out of the water and they drifted aside. The Guardians came through next and they helped each other reach the banks of the stream safely.

  “Grab her,” Ash hollered at Zack, when the current pushed Rania deeper under the water.

  Zack bolted forward and grabbed her arm, hauling her onto the bank. Rania doubled over, and water spluttered out of her mouth. She lifted her head and mouthed to Zack, “Thank you.”

  Zack blushed and Ash chuckled to himself.

  Elektra came through last clinging to Pandora’s neck. She’d managed to stay mounted on the mare during the turbulent journey. Pandora thrust her wings and they exploded out of the water. Ash wasn’t certain who’d been more scared while they were underwater – Elektra or Pandora.

  “Stay below the height of the trees,” Ash called after them.

  Elektra smiled and waved as they soared up into the darkening sky.

  Ash waded out of the stream. As he glanced at the vortex shimmering beneath the rippling current, an uneasy feeling swept over him. If their enemy discovered the opening and entered the Middle Realm unexpectedly, the Hajarans would be unaware of an attack and unable to protect themselves as all their warriors were here. Hesitatingly Ash focused on the vortex, wanting to close it, but, after rethinking, he decided to stick to the plan and keep it open. He exhaled loudly, cast a look around and went to join the others.

  “Set up camp further in the woods and make sure you’re out of sight,” Kyros instructed. “Keep the fires small… only enough to warm yourselves and dry off your clothes.”

  They set up camp in minimal time. Most of the men and women carried a few provisions and, of course, their weapons. Their weapons weren’t redundant, now that they had the elements to fight with. It was better to be able to use their dependable swords as a back-up, rather than to go unarmed.

  The friends moved to the outskirts of the woods, out of earshot. Elektra sat down on Ash’s left-hand side while Chance sat on the other. Zack had gone in search of Rania; he’d said he wanted to talk to her about something. Ash had smiled knowingly when he’d left and Chance had chortled evilly.

  “It’s surreal that we’re back,” Elektra whispered.

  “It is…” Chance said. “But I can’t stop thinking about my family.”

  Elektra tugged at a green blade of grass that peeked out from the sand. Her mind was distant.

  “Same here… I don’t know what happened to Hektor and Selene after the war. Everything happened so quickly. One minute we were defending Mount Hieros and the next we were escaping through the tunnels.”

  “They’re like polar opposites, those two,” Chance said thoughtlessly. “Aether did a bad job at matchmaking them.”

  Elektra strained a laugh. “Aether managed to match-make you.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “I know. My parents can be strange.”

  “It did sort of take me by surprise when I realised Hektor was your father,” admitted Ash.

  “It wasn’t something that I liked to tell my friends,” Elektra replied wistfully. “But now I wouldn’t hesitate.”

  “As soon as this is over we’ll go in search of our families,” Chance reassured them.

  “But what if they’re…” Elektra trailed off unable to say the word.

  “They’re not, so don’t even think like that,” Chance said firmly.

  Ash didn’t want to discuss his parents, Hunter and Emma, or even his little sister Myra. Whenever he thought about them, tears blinded his eyes and he didn’t want his friends to see the vulnerable side of him. After all, he was the Guardian of Aether and people expected him to be strong – like a rock – not only for himself, but also for them.

  He changed the subject quickly. “The oracle… let’s hope she’s at her temple. She’s our only connection to the others inside the City.”

  “Rachel will help us too,” Chance added positively. “But we’ll have to find her first.”

  Elektra rubbed her hands against her thighs, warming her fingers. The air was crisp; the last remnant of winter lingering, even as spring knocked on the door.

  “Let’s hope you’re right Ash…” Elektra said, “… and the Guardians are still alive.”

  “They are.” Ash thumped his fist over his heart. “I swear they are. There’s this odd feeling inside me, an intuition of some sort – I can sense them.”

  Chance raised his eyebrows, not quite believing Ash.

  Right then Ash decided to tell his friends what Kyros had told him. He explained to them about the August Moon, the Hecate and the prophecy which explained why Drakon would want the Guardians alive.

  “And what if Drakon forces you to open the Hecate?” Elektra asked uneasily.

  “That won’t happen,” replied Ash. “We’re going to win the battle.”

  “We will now that we can control the elements,” added Chance. “My sword used to be my best ally, but now my earth element is.”

  Elektra scoffed, “I’ll still use my bow, otherwise it’ll feel like a part of me is missing.”

  Chance stifled a yawn.

  “Are we keeping you up?” Ash chuckled.

  Soon after, the friends returned to the campsite. They spread their sleeping mats out and curled up beneath the multi-layered canopy of the oak woodlands. For now, they felt safe among the trees that encircled them protectively and they were certain that when they reached the oracle, she would protect them too, just as she had protected Chance and Rachel in the past.

  The Guardians and Hajaran Army moved out in the early morning hours before the sun had risen. They trekked deeper into the Groves of Dodona, following the overgrown path that meandered beside the stream. Ash, Kyros and Maksimos walked up front. The army followed in double file due to the narrow trail. This made them conspicuous, as their expedition line snaked far behind the leaders. They trundled on in silence and the only sound was the odd crunch of branches breaking beneath booted feet.

  Suddenly the path veered directly south and the stream wandered to the east.

  “We’re nearing the Hamadryads,” Ash spoke softly.

  “I’ll go first,” Kyros said as he strode up ahead.

  Further along, he stopped and raised his hand. The others behind him slowed to a standstill.

  Ash stepped forward alongside Kyros, but he wasn’t prepared for what he saw next.

  The Hamadryads’ broken trunks and branches were scattered across the sacred wood. Embedded in the huge oak trunks, the tree nymphs’ serene faces had contorted in pain during their final moments of death. Their bodies had shrivelled, and their scrunched up eyes told the story of inescapable death. Long strands of hair lay strewn among the oak leaves. Only their roots remained implanted in the earth where the Dark Le
gion had dismembered their bodies from their trunks.

  Ash placed his hand over his mouth. Turning around, he jogged back to his friends further down the line.

  “Don’t look… the Hamadryads… they’ve murdered them!” Ash warned.

  Elektra turned her head the other way as she went past, but Chance and Zack couldn’t help themselves and they gazed dumbstruck at the destruction around them. Ash’s initial shock turned into waves of anger and he clenched his jaw as they walked through the sacred grove.

  “The temple’s unprotected with the Hamadryads gone. The oracle wouldn’t have been able to protect herself from the barbarians on her own,” Kyros uttered bleakly.

  Maksimos flicked his staff out in front of himself using it as support. The tip sunk deep into the damp soil. “We might have to change our plans.”

  As they approached the temple it appeared to be undamaged from the outside. Was the oracle still alive? Out of the corner of his eye Ash caught a fleeting movement. He stopped dead in his tracks. At least sixty white wolves emerged from the shadows and surrounded the temple. The wolves were now the protectors of the Groves of Dodona.

  Chapter 24

  The Wolves of Dodona

  The Guardians were at the forefront and the two hundred and fifty-two Hajaran soldiers lined up behind them. They outnumbered the wolves by far, but should they battle – beast against man – the wolves could very well win with their cunning and strength.

  Maksimos raised his staff and pointed it at the wolves.

  “Don’t,” Ash said. “Let me try to pass through.”

  Behind the soldier’s lines, Pandora snorted and pawed the ground. Elektra tightened the reins barely keeping the mare under control. If she bolted, the wolves would attack.

  Ash stepped onto the uneven, mossy pathway leading to the temple. The two stone angels that flanked either side of the doorway, smiled down at him in welcome. The wolves, on the other hand, didn’t look friendly; they raised their hackles and snarled menacingly at the uninvited guests. Ash edged closer, his movements relaxed so as not to alarm the wolves. He closed his shaking hands into a fist; he might have to conjure up orbs of light as a weapon. The alpha wolf separated from the pack and trotted toward him. The wolf was huge – at least half the size of Pandora.