Ruin & Reliance

by Jeremy Dwyer

  Erikkos concentrated and listened for any signs of danger. “I hear liquid moving above us. It’s flowing in that direction,” he said, pointing toward the inner wall.

  “That would be toward the valley itself, unless my sense of direction is confused, though I doubt that,” Kastor said. He looked at his maps to be sure.

  “If that liquid is the lava, then it’s not coming in our direction. Running is worse than useless,” Erikkos said.

  “Walk for a while longer. Then, we can rest. We need to keep watch. You need to keep listening,” Kastor said.

  Erikkos drank anew of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean from his vial to refresh his powers of music and sound. He sat down on the stone floor of the tunnel and concentrated his powerful sense of hearing. “I can listen right here, and rest while I do. If I hear any changes, I’ll tell you,” he said.

  “I don’t suppose arguing is worth the effort,” Kastor said. He sat down on the stone floor and rested. He drank anew of the waters of the Ursegan Ocean from his vial to be energized with the power to slow the passage of time. He exerted this power to extend his already long life and also to afford him extra reaction time in case something truly terrible happened. However, Kastor was not immune to fatigue, so he rested and closed his eyes.

  ~~~

  Under the cover of darkness, Ghoukas and Baldovino followed them and rested with them. There was no compelling reason to push on without rest, because the slow drip of lava from the tunnel walls wasn’t even trickling toward them.

  ~~~

  Erikkos whispered to Kastor: “I hear heartbeats. They’re close. We’re not alone.”

  CHAPTER 65: Difference in Land and Journey

  Kaija, Romana, Onora, Saku, Colonel Lodokus, Lieutenant Mazavida, Akantha and Captain Pradrock, along with Ruth, Elise, Odhran, Patrick, Sophie, Sean, Molly and Ciaran and the fifty-six (56) farmers who accompanied them, in addition to the Chronicler Ximenez and the Chronicler Alonso, all watched the flow of lava now sweeping across Cinder Valley. The molten rock fell from ruptures in the mountain walls and poured down all around them, but the power of Onora’s Among All of the Elements song kept them safe, and their ships – the Consecration of the Hopeful, the Resolute Traverser and the nearby Sandstone Cutter – were all shielded as well.

  “This valley went from bad to worse and from worse to beyond any of my nightmares,” Sophie said.

  “Why are we here? If there’s a purpose, I don’t understand it. What good is this place?” Ruth asked.

  “When can we leave? That’s all I want to know. When can we leave?” Sophie asked.

  “We can’t,” Akantha said.

  “What do you mean? Are we trapped? We should have left sooner! Why didn’t we?” Sophie asked.

  “Sophie’s right. We’re in the middle of a ring of erupting volcanoes. We should leave now,” Ruth said.

  “If we don’t leave now, we’re going to die now! I can’t believe we’re not already dead!” Molly said.

  “It’s the song that’s protecting us. Like when we were attacked in the desert,” Ciaran said.

  “And when Baron Vizakrid set that fire and we walked through it,” Odhran said.

  “This is way bigger than that fire!” Sean said.

  “This is worse than anything we’ve been through!” Molly said.

  The Chronicler Ximenez observed the destruction while listening to the conversation and recorded all of this into his book. The Chronicler Alonso also watched and recorded everything into his own book – the conversations and the devastation all around them.

  “I’ll bet that even these Chroniclers haven’t seen this much of a disaster, as long as they’ve been alive,” Patrick said.

  “Why didn’t either of you two (2) Chroniclers go out and watch the battle up close? Isn’t that what you’re here for? To watch people die and write a book about it?” Sophie asked.

  “All events are interesting, not just battles. I chose to remain here and record your story,” Ximenez said.

  “There is more to be learned by standing here and paying attention to what is said rather than by observing every military maneuver. I’ve already seen many battles. Your conversations are intriguing and your story is most unusual,” Alonso said.

  “The Chroniclers are correct. This is your story. And this place is where you will live,” Kaija said.

  “What?” Ruth asked.

  “You have got to be crazy! You can’t be serious!” Sophie said.

  “How can we live here? If we stay, we’ll die here!” Molly said.

  “You’re delusional,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “Only the Chroniclers are safe here. I see two (2) more of them out there, in the middle of the lava flows, just watching this disaster unfold. They will write the accounts of our deaths, if there’s anything left of us,” Lieutenant Mazavida said. She gazed out and watched a male Chronicler and a female Chronicler moving about, with the lava parting around them.

  “This situation is very trying on everyone. What good is achieved by staying here? Who is being helped?” Captain Pradrock asked.

  “The spirit insisted that we come here. It was the most powerful message I’ve ever received. I believe it. There must be some good purpose,” Akantha said.

  “Onora, please give Elise your extra vial of song waters,” Kaija said.

  “Yes, of course,” Onora said. She removed the spare vial of Pirovalen waters hanging on the cord around her neck and gave it to Elise.

  “Thank you,” Elise said as she received it.

  “Elise, it’s time to make this place your home,” Kaija said.

  Elise drank anew of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean from the vial and was energized with the powers of music and song. Lyrics drawn from her prayerful thoughts began to form and the melody took shape quickly. She began to sing:

  Each robber baron and tyrannical prince

  Steals the yield of the harvest from the weak and the poor.

  The same evil is found again in every province,

  When, seeking freedom, this vast continent we explore.

  Our journey through this long oppressed nation,

  Into every village and across all terrain,

  Reveals both moral and natural devastation:

  Theft instead of fair dealing; Swamp instead of verdant plain.

  (Refrain)

  We pray to Thee, Our One True God, to restore this dying land.

  Create lush forests and fertile fields out of burning ash and desert waste.

  Redeem and uplift these broken people, who exist by Your Command.

  Create abundant life and prosperity out of death and disgrace.

  We have often wondered where the arduous voyage ends,

  Where we can settle, and build new homes, to live and work in peace.

  On Your Great Love and Blessings, all of our hope depends.

  Only Your Great Strength can make this decay and evil cease.

  We have faced varied dangers and traveled far by effort great,

  To escape the nobles who rule their domains with cruelty and avarice.

  Into Your Grace, and no other power, we always leave our fate,

  To guide us through this vast and wicked country to an oasis.

  (Refrain)

  When we arrived here, all we found were poison lakes and ruined fields.

  All we have to work with are barren soil and fallen trees.

  We came here seeking living lands, but death is all the harvest yields.

  We are sickened by the burning dust that is swept our way by the chill breeze.

  Is this desolate valley to be our grave, in the cold shadows of uncaring mountains?

  It is a spoiled, worthless land of despair, wherein no life can survive.

  This is your world of enchanted oceans, whose waters flow from endless fountains,

  So we ask of You, our Creator, to make this our home, where we can thrive.

  (Refrain)

  As the song progressed through ev
er verse and refrain, the flows of lava dried and the air became cleared. Then, the rivers of lava dried up to reveal the barren ground beneath, as well as the corrosive gray-blue lake. Then, the ground began to transform from a rocky wasteland into rolling hills covered in green grass and fields of flowers – tulips, roses, hyacinths and orchids of every color. The gray-blue lake became crystal clear and sparkling blue. The chill wind that swept ash across the valley turned to a warm breeze throughout. The fallen trees – which had been charred and burned by the lava flows – were gone. In their place, young trees sprouted from the rich soil of the grasslands.

  “How? I didn’t think anything like this was possible!” Sophie said.

  “Neither did I…and I still don’t believe it! Even after the songs she sang before, I couldn’t imagine anything this powerful ever happening! Death became life!” Ruth said.

  “That’s because you don’t have faith. God gives her this power,” Kaija said.

  “You are blessed by God, Elise. He has given you an important gift and called you to do His Work here. The spirit who told me to come to this valley said that another voice must also be heard. That voice was yours,” Onora said.

  “The journey here was difficult. God helped us to overcome adversity along the way, many times,” Elise said.

  “Are we safe? This looks good. Is it real?” Molly asked.

  “This is almost too good to be true!” Patrick said.

  “Are we just dreaming? Is this a trick?” Sophie asked.

  “Could this be a trick of false light?” Colonel Lodokus asked.

  “Perhaps,” Lieutenant Mazavida said.

  “I have the power of darkness, so I can see through false light. This is no illusion,” Saku said. He still restrained both the colonel and the lieutenant, whose hands were still bound.

  “This transformation is real. This once dead land is now very much alive. You need to learn to believe in God’s Plan,” Kaija said.

  “God provides the Gradaken Ocean waters, which bring a rich harvest. Yet, even they couldn’t do all this,” Romana said.

  “God works through all His Oceans. Each of the waters has a different purpose and power. Yet, all their energy is from Him,” Kaija said.

  “I believe you. After seeing this, I believe you completely. This land was restored by God. There’s no other explanation. Elise was right to have faith. Because of her, I do,” Odhran said.

  “I believed her even before this song. Somehow, I knew that great things would happen,” Ciaran said.

  “Seeing great things happen is why I believe great things can happen. Now, even I’m convinced,” Sean said.

  “I’m just glad we’re alive,” Molly said.

  “I think maybe we could live here, after all,” Ruth said.

  The Chronicler Ximenez recorded all of this into his book, with detailed sketches of the transformation of Cinder Valley from a wasteland covered in molten rock into verdant pastures and fields with flowers and trees. He also recorded everyone’s conversations. He transcribed the lyrics of the song, as well as notation to describe the music. He had his own thoughts on what just happened, but he kept these to himself. His growing faith was strengthened greatly. “God is great. There is no question of that,” he said.

  The Chronicler Alonso recorded the song and the valley’s revival into his book. His sketches were detailed and his transcription of the song’s lyrics and melody were accurate. “I’m beginning to believe,” he said.

  ~~~

  On board the Consecration of the Hopeful, Taesa heard the song and woke from her rest. She sat up in bed and saw Emerond sitting beside her, holding Trent.

  “What just happened?” Taesa asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve been waiting here with you. I’d like to find out,” Emerond said.

  “Can I see, mommy?” Trent asked.

  “Let’s all go see,” Taesa said.

  Emerond took Taesa’s hand and helped her out of bed. They opened up the cabin door and saw the crew gathered at the ship’s railing. Caroline was with them. The valley was lush green, with a brilliant blue lake surrounded by fields of grass and young trees.

  “I’ve never heard or seen anything like this!” Caroline said.

  “The land was dead…and now it’s alive,” Reko said.

  “I’ve never witnessed that kind of power…in a song…to do something so beautiful,” Tija said.

  “The power of her song did this. The valley was desolate when we arrived. Then it was burning from the acid rain and the lava. Now, it’s vibrant,” Juho said.

  “We came here for a reason, didn’t we? It was so those seeds could be planted,” Taesa said.

  “Maybe that wasn’t the only reason,” Caroline said.

  “What do you mean?” Taesa asked.

  “We had to see this happen. We had to see the dead come to life. Moments ago, it was a disaster – a burning wasteland. Now, just look at this land. The whole valley is alive!” Caroline said.

  ~~~

  On board the Sandstone Cutter, Commissioner Hannah watched the transformation of the desolate valley while she heard the song. Commissioner Wallace – along with his twenty (20) armed guards – also watched in amazement. Romey, Captain Gijsbert, Captain Arata, Niven and Fantine all paused to look and listen as Cinder Valley was reformed before their eyes into verdant pastures and fields while the powerful hymn was sung.

  “I thought we’d all be killed. We took a chance by coming here, I admit it, but now I know why,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “The valley is truly alive now. But we still have to plant those seeds. We’re not done,” Commissioner Wallace said.

  Fantine held up her hand and coughed, bringing up small splotches of blood. Niven drew her close and kissed her forehead.

  “He’s right. There’s still work to be done,” Niven said.

  “There’s no use standing around. Let’s go help do it, then,” Captain Gijsbert said. He entered the wheelhouse and pulled a lever to lower the boarding ramp. He then walked back out on deck, went down the boarding ramp, and Romey and Captain Arata followed. Commissioner Hannah walked behind them, followed by Niven and Fantine. Commissioner Wallace and his twenty (20) armed guards went last. They walked over to rejoin Kaija and the other people around her.

  “Good to see you again, Commissioner Hannah, Captain Gijsbert. And it’s good to meet you, Commissioner Wallace, Fantine and Niven,” Kaija said.

  “How can we help plant these seeds? That’s why we’re here,” Commissioner Wallace said.

  “Romana, Odhran, Colonel Lodokus and the rest of you, we need your help,” Kaija said.

  “You’ll have to release me first,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “Yes, Saku, release them both,” Kaija said.

  Saku removed the restraints binding the hands of Colonel Lodokus and Lieutenant Mazavida.

  “Now, we get to find out if the story written in that garden is myth or has some truth to it. Give me some of the seeds and I’ll plant them,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “After what you’ve just seen, you still don’t believe in the Power of God,” Kaija said.

  “The power of the music is considerable, surprising even to me in its magnitude. That doesn’t prove your religion is anything more than folklore. Just remember that the oceans have the power,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “The oceans were created by God. There is no other power great enough. Just remember that,” Kaija said.

  Romana reached into the pouch she carried and handed out kaiyoyad seeds to Colonel Lodokus, Odhran, and the other fifty-six (56) farmers.

  Odhran examined the kaiyoyad seeds closely and said: “These are the same as the other seeds we found in that orchard while we were traveling here.”

  “God provides in abundance,” Kaija said.

  “Yes He does. We can plant them all,” Romana said.

  Romana, Colonel Lodokus, Odhran and the other fifty-six (56) farmers each drank anew of the waters of the Gradaken Ocean
from their vials to be energized with the power to control plants and animals. Each of them planted three (3) kaiyoyad seeds, spaced twenty-one (21) feet apart, and then helped them to grow rapidly. They only reached seven (7) feet in as many minutes, and began to slow in growth after that. However, the flowers on their branches began to open.

  ~~~

  From inside the wheelhouse of the Sky Lion – which was still anchored along a river, forty (40) miles to the east of Cinder Valley – Munroe watched the transformation of the desolate land from afar.

  “Everything’s changed! The valley transformed completely! It was dead, and now it’s alive!” Munroe said.

  “What are you talking about?” Captain Duvall asked.

  “It’s vibrant! It’s not a wasteland anymore! It’s a green pasture with flowers and living trees!” Munroe said.

  “Somehow I knew that things were going to change. I knew the story wouldn’t end with ruin. Better things can and do happen,” Captain Lusala said.

  “How could you know?” Captain Duvall asked.

  “If we wait long enough, things change, and not always for the worse. I’m willing to believe in better things,” Captain Lusala said.

  “Even people can change,” Goyo said.

  “I’ll never trust you! No after what you tried to do! You can’t change that, Goyo,” Captain Duvall said.

  “Good things do happen,” Goyo said.

  “Good things did happen. I watched a ruined land get restored, right in front of my eyes,” Munroe said.

  “Let’s see it up close, with our own eyes. Uzoma, take us into the valley,” Captain Lusala said.

  “Yes, Captain,” Uzoma said. He drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from his vial to be energized with the power to listen to the sounds of the stars. He concentrated to learn their paths and positions and used this information to chart a course. He pulled a lever to raise the anchor and sail the ship westward along the river, toward the entrance to Cinder Valley.

  ~~~

  From inside the wheelhouse of the Plenteous – which was still anchored along the river at a point forty (40) miles east of Cinder Valley – Consolata watched the renewal of the volcanic wasteland. “My lord, the valley is all new! Everything dead came to life! There are trees and flowers and grass!” she said.