Tiara & Tempest

by Jeremy Dwyer

  Ovid recorded all of these things in his book, as well, but had nothing to offer to the actual effort.

  Brant and Joshua both jumped from the Persistent onto the Tidal Sovereign and moved to strike Victoria by their swords.

  Brant plunged both his swords into the back of Victoria’s neck. Victoria screamed and writhed and thought that she might die.

  Joshua drove a sword into her chest, looking down so as to avoid her eyes. Victoria shrieked again.

  ~~~

  Under the cover of darkness, some of Victoria’s dark scouts and swordfighters directly blocked the sword strikes, causing them to only graze her rather than achieving full penetration.

  ~~~

  Victoria screamed, saying: “The dream of swords striking me has come true!”

  Blazer Darakizar once again turned water to blue fire and cast a ball of it at Victoria. This time, he was successful, and Victoria was burned again and was screaming.

  Lavakara watched all of this from the spirit world and saw that he did not need to act – if he did reappear, he would be noticed, and the situation was under control…somewhat.

  Judith and Ovid noted and recorded the actions of the Torches of Majesty in their books.

  Then Ovid looked up and noticed another ship and said: “Another ship is approaching. A fleet!”

  ~~~

  The Everlasting Pain and the Feasting Dragons fleet approached and Claudia now had a clear shot against Victoria. Tethered by a rope to the ship, she dropped down on the deck of the Tidal Sovereign and plunged two (2) daggers into Victoria’s shoulder blades from behind.

  ~~~

  Under the cover of darkness, some of Victoria’s dark scouts and swordfighters parried the dagger strikes, causing them to only cut her shallowly.

  ~~~

  Victoria screamed and shrieked, saying: “The dream of daggers striking me has come true!”

  She then called out: “Master! Take me from here!”

  Matatirot opened a portal and pushed the Tidal Sovereign through it. The ship disappeared and Brant and Joshua fell into the sea.

  ~~~

  Claudia was pulled back onto the Everlasting Pain with the tethered rope and the ship quickly moved out, followed by the Feasting Dragons fleet.

  ~~~

  Emerond and the crew all lowered ropes down to the water below and pulled out Brant and Joshua.

  “I wonder if that was our help from before,” Emerond said as Joshua and Brant were pulled up on deck.

  “Who were they?” Brant asked.

  “It looked like the ghost fleet,” Romana said.

  “She got out fast! Too fast!” Zoe said.

  “We hit her a lot! She has to be close to dead!” Brant said.

  “Assuming that doesn’t make it true,” Rayner said.

  “There’s still a demon protecting her. Until that stops being true, her heart won’t stop beating,” Romana said.

  “I thought that you prayed. Wasn’t that supposed to make things better?” Daven asked. He wasn’t sarcastic, so much as doubtful.

  “Sometimes it takes a while. If God wills it, the war can end before it starts, or it can take years,” Romana said.

  “Why wait?” Daven asked.

  “I don’t know or understand all things. There’s a purpose to the difficulties we face. I can only do my part, and have faith in Him,” Romana said.

  “Faith based on what?” Daven asked.

  “What I have seen – the miracles, the healing power, the changes, even life itself – all form the basis,” Romana said.

  “I’ve seen great good and great evil, great joy and great pain. I have hope for better, and work for it when I can. But faith is something else: it’s like you’re depending on someone else, who might not always be there,” Daven said. He thought of how he depended on his parents for decades, and then they disappeared.

  “Depending on God is different from depending on people. They can let you down – that is true. Who lifted them up – creating them from nothing in the first place? The people didn’t do that themselves,” Romana said.

  “God is all powerful and all loving and does protect,” Judith said.

  “It’s different for you. How long have you been alive?” Daven asked.

  “Twelve hundred forty-two (1242) years,” Judith said.

  “Your perspective is much different. Those of us who live one lifetime are facing death much sooner and more certain. You’re a Chronicler – nothing’s even allowed to happen to you,” Daven said.

  “Life is not eternal in this world, not even for Chroniclers. There is a finite limit to their lives, even though it is much higher,” Romana said.

  “We need to put a limit on her!” Brant said, motioning with both of his swords.

  “Agreed!” Zoe said, drawing back her bow as if to make a shot.

  “It will happen. Just be ready and have faith,” Romana said.

  “I’ll be ready,” Brant said.

  Joshua looked at the Spirit Sword and saw the glowing blue lines changed direction.

  “We have to be in the right place. The lines point to the southeast,” Joshua said.

  “Set your course due southeast. Do everything you think will make you ready, whatever you believe it is,” Emerond said.

  The crew of the Persistent set their course and the ship was on its way to the next conflict.

  ~~~

  With Victoria gone, the tempest ended and the suns returned to their normal light and heat. The remaining ships in the sea could find their way in safety.

  CHAPTER 39: Inspired by the Love of Youth

  The demon, Matatirot, decided that Victoria had once again been injured a great deal and needed rest, and that she should return to the water-worshipper’s temple. Because of this, he opened the portal out onto the lake of dead waters underneath the temple on Av’Tovenka Island and moved the Tidal Sovereign to there.

  Victoria saw that she was once again in the cavern and suspected that her master brought her here to rest.

  Confirming her suspicions, the voice of Matatirot spoke to her: “The time has once again returned, to renew your fading strength with rest. In war you were bloodied and burned. Soon you shall crush those we detest.”

  As on her previous respite, a stone slid in the wall of the cavern and a tunnel was revealed. Victoria’s guards took her by the hands and led her from the Tidal Sovereign and through the tunnel and up the same staircase. She found herself back in the Armada Room in the temple, surrounded by the fountains and the pedestals with models of sailing ships and globes.

  Tanith Orenda was waiting there and saw how bloodied and burned Victoria was – much worse than before.

  “Many millions more of the enemy have died, many thousands great grandmother,” Victoria said.

  “That is most delightful. Now, you need rest and shall have it, many thousands great granddaughter,” Tanith Orenda said.

  Then, the old woman led Victoria to the Great Granddaughter’s Room and had her lay down there and sleep. She instructed the guards to inform her when Victoria awoke.

  ~~~

  Tanith Orenda then went to the Master’s Room and knelt down to give worship and hear his commands.

  The voice of Matatirot spoke to her: “To the war we are devout. Many battles still remain. The voice of power must call out. By deadly song we shall soon gain.”

  “Is it time for the girl to sing her song?” Tanith Orenda asked.

  “The water’s power gives the sound. The lyrics of the song give form. In the girl the talent does abound. She shall lure them in the storm,” Matatirot then said.

  “What lyrics shall we have her sing, my master?” Tanith Orenda asked.

  “Tempt the girl who has the skyward voice. Give her promise of her love’s return. The song shall be of her own choice. The true purpose she will not discern,” Matatirot said.

  “As you instruct, my master, so shall I do,” Tanith Orenda said.

  She went to the Matriarch’s
Room and waited there for word of Victoria.

  ~~~

  After a long thirteen (13) hours, Victoria awoke.

  The guard outside Victoria’s room noticed her awaken from her sleep, and saw that she looked more energetic, despite being bloodied and burned.

  They wondered how much longer Victoria would hold out in battle, but had no way of knowing when the war would end, or if these periods of rest would be enough.

  “You are awake. I will inform her,” one guard said.

  ~~~

  The guard left and went to the Matriarch’s Room and found Tanith Orenda waiting there.

  “She is awake,” the guard said.

  “I will go and speak to her,” Tanith Orenda said. She went with the guard to the Great Granddaughter’s Room and saw Victoria.

  “Leave us be,” Tanith Orenda said to the guard, who stepped outside into the hall and closed the door.

  “You have suffered much for our cause, many thousands great granddaughter, yet you look stronger now that you have rested,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “I do feel better, many thousands great grandmother. I slept so deeply that I did not dream,” Victoria said.

  “You have many battles still ahead of you,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “I am ready for them. I am ready to kill many millions more of our enemy, so that the seed of the outsiders shall be eliminated, as you have told me,” Victoria said.

  “There is a preparation that you must make, however, before returning to the battlefield,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “What is it that I may prepare?” Victoria asked.

  “Your young friend, Taesa, has the greatest gift of song. She must use it to serve us – to serve our Master,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “What song shall I have her sing?” Victoria asked.

  “One that will call her beloved prince to her, so that she may be with him,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “How will this serve our master?” Victoria asked.

  “Her song, filled with passion, will lure the world into the tempest,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “Her voice is powerful and she is a dear friend to me. Yet, I question whether she has much desire. She is distant and her interest in men wavers and falters, as she has preference for study,” Victoria said. She considered what was being planned and wondered if the lure would even work, despite the girl’s powerful voice. Still, she hoped it would kill some.

  “Does your desire waver and falter?” Tanith Orenda asked.

  “No. Yet, as I am barren, it serves no purpose. I love no man, not even for the pleasure of his masculinity,” Victoria said.

  “Then, you are both barren. You in body, she in mind,” Tanith Orenda said, disappointed.

  “She has sung many songs, for whatever reason occurs to her. Does it have to be for love?” Victoria asked.

  “Yes. The song must be a call of love to her prince,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “I will speak to her about it, and try to kindle her interest, yet I cannot promise, as she is quite unusual in her ways,” Victoria said.

  “We do not have long. If you cannot convince her, and if she does not feel the love by choice, then you will have to command her to feel it, by the violet eyes,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “If I must, then I shall,” Victoria said.

  “She need only to write the song now. She is to sing it at a time of the Master’s choosing, and she will remain here, in the temple, until that time,” Tanith Orenda said.

  “This I will tell her,” Victoria said.

  “The guards will take you to the ship, and you will go to the hidden city, and bring her back,” Tanith Orenda said.

  ~~~

  Victoria left the Great Granddaughter’s Room and met with the guards.

  “Take me to the ship, and then to the hidden city,” Victoria said to the guard.

  Victoria and her guard went to the Armada Room, and then down the staircase and through the tunnel. There, they returned to the Tidal Sovereign.

  Matatirot sensed their presence on the ship and opened a portal, pushing the Tidal Sovereign through so that it disappeared. It reappeared at sea level upon the underground ocean in the cavern.

  There, the Tidal Sovereign made its way across the ocean to the island where the city of Thalkalana was found.

  After arriving there, Victoria remained on the ship and sent a guard to meet with Halina and Victoria.

  ~~~

  “This city is strange, and filled with seemingly impenetrable mysteries. Yet, I’m finding myself wanting to stay,” Taesa said.

  “Good. Victoria was hoping you would be curious about the city. She likes that about you, even if she finds it unusual,” Halina said.

  “Most people find me unusual. I study so much, and search for answers. They think I should search for a boyfriend,” Taesa said.

  “Do you want one?” Halina asked.

  “Sometimes…yes. Sometimes…maybe. Sometimes…no. Sometimes…never,” Taesa said.

  Halina laughed at this – she was just as confused on the subject. She desired men, and the pleasure they could bring her, and the children. Yet, she had been raised from birth to hate and kill all men once they served their purpose. That was the Ahitan Empire way, and she never dared question it. Not out loud, anyway.

  “It’s fine to be unsure. Life is not clear, and men are not clear,” Halina said.

  “Knowledge is not clear. I seek it anyway. I think it’s just as important – more important even. I’m still me, with or without a boyfriend. I don’t hate men – some are good. I just don’t want to stop being me and stop searching for answers,” Taesa said.

  “She loves you. Like a sister,” Halina said.

  “I wish my mother did,” Taesa said.

  “Maybe she does but doesn’t know how to show it,” Halina said.

  “She loves a man. He’s rich. He’s powerful. He’s a telepath. He’s in love with himself. And I don’t think she really loves him,” Taesa said.

  “Because he’s influencing her mind by the power, right?” Halina asked.

  “Yes. She’s dazzled and deceived. He buys her things and reads her mind so he knows what to say next. It’s clear enough. I’m not the only one who watched as he read her like an open book,” Taesa said.

  “Many men love themselves more than they could ever love anyone – even their own sons,” Halina said.

  “Some men may be good. But the unselfish ones are hard to understand. Something else motivates them, but I don’t know what,” Taesa said.

  “Men are a riddle,” Halina said.

  “I’d rather solve the riddle inscribed on this door,” Taesa said, still looking at the inscription on the closed door of the tower.

  Halina moved in closely, looked Taesa in the eye and practically whispered: “Don’t give up on men. You just need one who is an equal to your intelligence and is also willing to give you freedom to grow and learn. That is a rare combination. But if you find him, don’t miss the opportunity.”

  Taesa was surprised by this and was about to respond when they heard the sounds of footsteps coming down the stairs toward where they stood next to the closed door.

  Halina held her finger up to her lips to indicate that what was said was not to be repeated and Taesa nodded her head.

  A guard of the Ahitan Empire appeared before them and said: “It is time to return to the temple. Victoria has come for you.”

  Taesa and Halina followed the guard up the stairs, across the city and to the Tidal Sovereign which was waiting for them.

  Taesa and Halina went on board with the guard and Victoria met her.

  Upon seeing Victoria’s many scars and burns, Taesa gasped in shock and held her hand to cover her mouth lest she say the uncomfortable things she was thinking.

  “I have many wounds, my dear friend. I have seen terrible battles with a dreadful enemy. Many of them were defeated,” Victoria said.

  Taesa did not know what to say.

  “The enemy is
all around. They have poisoned the world, and will continue to do so,” Victoria said.

  “Who…is this enemy?” Taesa asked.

  “I will tell you more at the proper time,” Victoria said, surprisingly calmly, as a counterpoint to the look of fear on Taesa’s face.

  Matatirot sensed their presence on the ship and opened a portal. He pushed the Tidal Sovereign through the portal and it disappeared.

  The Tidal Sovereign reappeared in the lake in the cavern underneath the temple.

  “Come with me,” Victoria said. Then she took Taesa by the hand and they left the ship and entered a tunnel that was revealed when a door opened in the cavern wall. Halina, as well as the guard that had summoned them from the city, went along with them as they went through the tunnel, up a staircase and into the Armada Room.

  “Your arms. Your face and neck. There are so many scars and burns,” Taesa said, shocked.

  “Don’t worry about me. I feel much better now that I’ve rested,” Victoria said.

  Halina walked to the side of the room and looked at Victoria from behind, thinking that she ought to be dead. There were huge gaping wounds in the back of her neck and shoulders that Taesa hadn’t seen. She was not sure what kept Victoria alive, and was afraid to ask too many questions.

  “Are you sure? Better is not the same as well,” Taesa asked.

  “I know that I have been badly injured. Yet, it only hurts for a short while. Soon after, I am well again, and the enemy has been brought down, which is why I fight,” Victoria said.

  “Who is the enemy?” Taesa asked.

  “Come with me and I will explain what I can,” Victoria said.

  Victoria led Taesa to the Voyager’s Room, where she had slept before. The guard and Halina followed them.

  “Give us privacy,” Victoria said, and Halina and the guard both left the room and closed the door.

  “This world is one of great power, with all of its many oceans. They offer so much, and their power is alluring and tempting, and sometimes used for terrible things,” Victoria said.

  “I know. The powers of the waters can be used to bring death and steal wealth. I’ve seen it. Yet, they can heal,” Taesa said.