15. The Not-So-Great-Escape
“What’re ya DOING, kid??!” he yelled. “MOVE YER BUTT!!” Alhannah shoved me forward, just as the scouts crossed the dragon’s path.
When the Gem awakens to call a Hero, the world is ill prepared...and its fate is placed in the hands of a 17 year old boy, named Wendell.
Some will say this is nothing but a tale of fiction.
Let them think as they may.
After all...I can't fix stupid.
Previously: Wendell meets the girl of his dreams…and then defends her in a bar fight. When it doesn’t go as planned, Wendell is rescued by a cute female gnome with pigtails.
<— Read Previous Chapter | Read Next Chapter —>
I don’t believe most parents realize that nerds (a.k.a. their unprotected offspring) are hunted for sport in school. Tormented and tortured once responsible adults (those would be teachers in some situations) were out of earshot. There were shop teachers in my school who used to make bets on how long before I was knocked to the ground, or ran for help.
Seriously, it’s a thing.
I learned a valuable lesson as a nerd, being picked on by the more aggressive teens of the school. When you’re on the run, you don’t have to be the fastest.
…just faster than the last guy.
This, however, wasn’t high school.
The popping noises resounded through my head as the bones of my jaw and neck realigned.
UNGH!
Each pop brought a sigh of relief. The pounding throb in my head subsided, and my vision finally came into focus. Dax hastily pulled me through the front door of the Roadkill Tavern, Alhannah, and the wizard close at our heels.
“Why are we running?” I asked, pulling from Dax’s grip. I glanced back at the wizard, who wore a frantic expression. “What’s going on?”
“Right,” Chuck sighed, “microwave version.” He ushered me forward, guiding us between buildings. He looked left and right, over his shoulder and even up at the cave ceiling. “I brushed you aside to hide your identity from Istul,” he started rapidly. “I’m sorry, my boy. Truly. Thule’s not here, but his henchmen are.”
I picked up my pace, following Chuck without having to be prompted.
“Those vallen soldiers — scouts, sitting in the tavern, saw what you just did — then left without a word. That doesn’t bode well for us.” He flipped around suddenly and shook me by my shoulders. “Even though I’m SO proud of what I saw back there!” He quickly looked me up and down. “Any open wounds, missing fingers or toes?”
“I’m good…” I started, trying to put the pieces together.
“Ya got yerself noticed,” grumbled Dax. Peeking around a corner, he waved us forward.
“…and that means?” I asked.
“Were screwed.” Dax threw himself against a wall, each of us following his example. “If we’re lucky,” he whispered, “we can get out of here before they catch us and we’ll deny it ever happened.”
“Right,” I sighed. We came here for clothes and some books — we got those — time to leave. I was good with that. Then it hit me. “What happened to the girl?” I said. "I didn’t see her in all the commotion."
“Sorry, son,” Chuck frowned, “she ran as soon as her feet hit the floor.”
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
"She MISSED it?" I choked. "I nearly get KILLED, and she MISSED it!?"
A large, crinkly old hand slapped firmly over my mouth.
"SHH!" Chuck hissed.
Right. Of course not. THE most beautiful girl in the world had crossed my path, a girl shown to me in an actual dream, and I was willing to be mangled to protect her. Why would she see the sacrifice? What was I thinking? Even the smiley face rolled its eyes, giving a muted sigh. But that wasn’t the most important question in my mind.
Who was she?
There had to be some way of finding out her name. To find out who she was.
Alhannah kept pace, guarding our backs. “Question,” she said, just a bit too loud.
Dax skidded to a halt, looking back in a near panic. “What?”
She jabbed a thumb in my direction. “Who’s the kid?”
Kid? A china doll with sushi knives is calling me a kid? The smiley face laughed.
“I’m sorry, my dear,” said Chuck, ruffled. “Alhannah Luckyfeller, Wendell Dipmier…Wendell, Alhannah. Right, we good now? Come on!”
Dax stopped behind a wall as Sentry passed by. “He’s the Gnolaum, ‘Hannah.”
She shook her head, red pig-tails bouncing like she’d been slapped. “I’m sorry — run that by me again? He’s the Gnolaum,…as in…?” Looking me up and down, she stifled a laugh.
“Sort of,” Chuck whispered.
“That’s like kinda-pregnant. He is…or he’s not.”
“He is,” replied Chuck and Dax simultaneously.
“You two been sniffing book adhesive?”
The wizard’s brows rolled forward disapprovingly, and the gnome gulped.
“Sorry,” she apologized. “You’re serious?”
Dax looked at Alhannah and scowled. “Deadly.”
She took a few moments to look me up and down more closely, doing a double take when the smiley face winked at her. The whole thing made me a tad nervous. Her father knew who I was. Now both of my guardians had revealed something to this miniature girl. What was a ‘gnolaum’?
On the other hand, no one actually knew who I was…as in being the wrong guy for this job. As far as anyone was concerned, there was a glitch in their understanding of how to use the gem. I remained the chosen one, and we were all working together to figure out how to get me the powers to defeat evil. Since I wasn’t raised here, it was natural for me to lack all understanding. Which was convenient, because, well,…I lacked all understanding. I’d have to be taught, which gave me time to adjust to my deception.
Done with her inspection of me, her eyebrows crinkled. “Well, that’s disappointing.”
I gasped and opened his mouth to retort, but was shoved into an alleyway. Another set of Sentry quickly jogged towards the Tavern — led by Lucian.
Chuck pulled off his hat and dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief. “That man is just aching to find a reason to put our heads on the chopping block!”
The crowds were thickening the closer we got to the exit. Dax kept us in the shadows as much as possible, but we’d run out of buildings to hide behind. It was all open area from this point forward. The Exchange and its holding pens were all that stood between the party…and freedom.
I fidgeted.
“We’re gonna get caught, Chuck,” Dax whispered. “Let me port us out of here. We don’t need the blasted key.”
“No!” Chuck snapped. “You have to be strong enough to get us to Humär. Time is of the essence, my boy.” He smiled reassuringly, “We’re almost there. We can do this.” He winked at me and Alhannah. “Ready?”
We nodded.
We waited for a large group to pass, then, slipping around the corner, blended in. We walked casually, with the patrons leaving the market. The chatter was loud and energetic. Women gabbed and compared fabrics and jewelry they’d purchased. Chuck fell in behind their downtrodden and utterly broke male counterparts.
Dax stopped abruptly, nearly tripping us. “Fairy-farts!” he whispered, pointing ahead.“They know!”
Sure enough, standing on either side of the exit wall, two vallen scouts stood erect, watching the paths and the flow of patrons leaving the Black Market. Dax started shoving me and Chuck in the opposite direction when one of them took notice. Both giants pushed off the wall without a word, walking briskly towards us.
“Move it!” hissed Alhannah. Flipping the straps off her swords, she backed down the path, ready to fight.
“Plan B!” piped Chuck. With one swift motion, he hiked up the folds of his robe, pulling it to his knees…and took off sprinting like a madman.
“What the..?!?” squeaked Dax, shoving me after him.
“They’re not running after us!” I huffed, looking over my shoulder.
Chuck made an abrupt left turn. “That’s why!” he yelled, pointing ahead. Two more scouts appeared along a higher path…and those were running! Patrons were shoved aside as they barreled towards us.
“WoOOOah!” I squawked, pouring on the speed. Within moments, I’d pulled ahead, leaving Dax and Alhannah behind. “Where are you going!?” I shouted after the wizard, who was trying hard not to trip on his robe.
“Working on it,” Chuck called back, “…working on it!” His sandals flapped loudly against the path as he hurdled a cart effortlessly like an olympian. He instantly smiled to himself. “That’s a nice breeze…have to do this more often!”
Through the market, we dashed and weaved. Dax and Alhannah played interference, knocking over displays and yanking down awnings to cover their tracks.
“Looks like we’ll need to vanish for another six months,” she said with a giddy laugh.
Dax guffawed, knocking over an entire cart of baked goods. “I say we make it a year!”
Bolting through an alley, Chuck led us into what looked like the animal district. Hundreds of colorful birds in cages, and various small pets sat locked in cages, creating their own alleyways between them. Chuck and I slid behind a wall, out of view, to catch our breath. The old man I’d had seen earlier with the yellow dragon was still there, now playing a flute, seated on a stool. Children sat, watching in awe as the beautiful beast swayed to the rhythm of the music. I dashed past them.
Dax and Alhannah slid around the corner, leaping over displays and knocking over several vendor carts. They charged down the street, the enemy in hot pursuit. Alhannah looked visually tired in her metal armor, and Dax had a firm grip on his shorts.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
They’re going to get caught.
My heart pounding in fear.
A loud hiss arose above the music. The dragon’s head bobbed up and down to the movements of the vallen as they came into sight. When one roared, the lizard hissed, baring its teeth. The old man played on, ignoring the irritation of the chained beast.
I know you can hear me; I thought to myself.
The dragon stopped bobbing its head and looked directly at me. Upon eye contact, I stumbled backward, gasping…suffocating. My breathing became shallow, but I concentrated, looking for that connection I’d felt earlier.
‘I’m sorry I can’t free you.’ Again, the uncontrollable yearning to escape rose inside me. A longing to see the light of day, to feel the wind under the wings I didn’t have. The urges were so powerful, I thought my heart might break.
‘I need your help,’ I said inside.
The round, emerald eyes stared right through me, unblinking.
‘Please,’ I begged, ‘my friends are in danger.’ I let my worry and fear saturate those words. The dragon’s golden head tilted slightly…and then nodded. I broke the connection as Alhannah stumbled and Dax had to knock over an armor rack to buy her time. He threw several shields at their pursuers. I pointed at the giants. ‘Can you stop them, even for a moment, to give us time?’
There was a long pause…then another nod.
‘Thank you.’ I smiled silently. ‘I’ll come back!’ I turned and ran after the wizard, just as Dax caught up with me.
“What’re ya DOING, kid??!” he yelled. “MOVE YER BUTT!!”
Alhannah shoved me forward, just as the scouts crossed the dragon’s path.
Bearing her needle teeth, the lizard reared upon the shoulders of her master, spreading her mighty wings and producing an ear-piercing shriek.
Children, screaming, fled for their lives.
The giants fell back when her tail whipped forward and sliced through one of their cheeks from chin to ear.
The merchant cursed, forced to release the chain to free himself. He fled the street, wounds covering his torso.
Glimmering in the waning light of the cave, the dragon opened her mouth…and blew.
I saw the flash of green flame engulfed the scouts and set shop awnings ablaze as I rounded the corner. The smell of burning flesh quickly filled the cavern air, green light flaring over the rooftops.
‘Thank you!’ I shouted in his mind, hoping the dragon would be able to hear me.
Chuck was immediately stalled, trying desperately to push through a sea of drunk gnomes. The crowd was chittering about gears, micro-processors and whether a barmaid’s girdle would make an effective hammock. They cheered as I ran up the path. Small hands patted me on arms and legs, congratulating me on a battle well fought against the reallybiguglyoneswithnastysharpteeth.
The wizard motioned frantically, finally resorting to tripping the little men with his staff to get them out of his way. Their tiny bodies rolled down and street, while others took odds on which ones would throw up first.
“Come on!” Chuck shouted above the cheering, “We’re not clear yet!!”
A left, a right, another left, and they all skidded to a halt.
It was a dead end.
An alley with three doors.
Chuck quickly tried all three.
Locked.
“What are you DOING?!?” shouted Dax. “They’re right behind us!”
“You and Alhannah cover the entrance,” he babbled, not looking back. “Give me just a second.” Then, yanking his hat from his head, Chuck plunged his arm in up to his shoulder.
Yanking out the leather bag he was carrying earlier, he tossed it at me. “Don’t lose that,” he snapped. “Schoolwork.”
“Hurry up!” warned Dax. “The other two found their buddies.” His ears twitched. “I can hear patrons screaming…here they come!”
There was a jingling noise in the hat, followed by a squeak and then shattering glass. Chuck pulled his arm out, shaking a soaked hand. He gazed inside, heartbroken. “Aw, that snow globe was a collector’s item.”
“CHUCK!”
“Right! Focus!!” Rummaging again, he pulled out an enormous set of keys. “Ah-HAH!” he cried triumphantly. The ring was at least six inches in diameter, with dozens of odd-looking keys attached. Flipping his hat back onto his head, Chuck pointed to each of the doors methodically. “Eeenie, meenie, min…”
“CHUCK!!” screamed Dax.
“Oh alRIGHT!!” he bellowed back. He looked at me, frustrated. “He’s so impatient.”
“Heard that!”
Chuck mockingly imitated Dax in silence, selecting a door. “Of course you can hear me…you have radar dishes for ears.” With deft precision, he flipped through the keys and tried each one in the door. On the seventh try, I heard a ‘click’.
Chuck shouted. “Everybody in!”
Without warning, two vallen slammed into the opening, both fighting to get at the prey first. Dax shoved Alhannah down the alley. Momentarily wedged, the scouts roared, swords clanging and scraping against the sides of the buildings.
Dax and Alhannah jumped through the door, yanking me with them, with Chuck bringing up the rear. The door slammed shut behind us.
I tumbled forward through darkness…and onto carpet, face first. A broom and mop fell forward, clunking me on the head with a double beat. Both Alhannah and Dax hopped over my prone body and landed lithely in front of me.
“Good moves, squirt,” grinned Dax, giving the gnome a high-five.
“Thank-YOU,” she bowed in return. “I learned from the best.”
With a bang, a clatter and finally a ‘Mahan’s Pink Panties!’, Chuck stumbled backwards, out of the closet, hat over his eyes.
“I’m hit!” he cried. “Blast those sniper wizards — I’ve been blinded!!” Tripping over my legs, Chuck landed on the carpet beside me. He pulled his hat up over his eyes and looked around.
“Did we make it?” he asked.
“How? Where?…what?” I squinted, blinking incessantly.
The wizard shook his head, concerned. “Poor boy — must have hit your noggin’ too hard.” He leaned over and patted me tenderly on the head. “We’ll get that speech impediment looked at right away.”
I snorted in disbelief. Pictures lined the walls. A black grand piano sat in the bay window. Comfortable leather furniture filled the center of the room, facing the big screen TV. We’d fallen into the bright light of Chuck’s living room. I could still smell hints of the meal Chuck had cooked before we’d left.
I stumbled up onto my feet. “But how did we…?”
Grabbing the door of the closet, I swung it wide open. The knob banged against the wall. Cleaning supplies, a coat rack, a few small boxes and several pairs of shoes, boots and sandals littered the floor. I stepped in and ran my hands over the surface of the interior walls. No portal, no open tunnel to the Black Market — nothing. It didn’t make any sense.
“How in the world did you do that?” I asked, bewildered. I reached down and helped Chuck struggle to his feet. The wizard tugged and yanked at his twisted robe. “We didn’t have a port key." I said. "You said we needed a key?”
Chuck grinned. “Some of us have a key or two of our own.” He held up the loop of keys and rattled them with a cheesy smirk. “Got mine, right here.” He frowned at me and slapped me on the shoulder. “Oh, don’t burn your last brain cell over it, son, it’s the simple mathematical calculations of the time-space continuum, angular displacement and whether you left the toaster plugged in and the percolator going at the same time." He bobbed his head to the side, glancing at the kitchen. "I wonder if there’s any sausage left?”
“The mathematical…huh?” My face contorted in utter confusion.
Chuck whistled and laughed out loud. “Didn’t I tell you the Black Market would be exciting and educational!? WeeHAW!” He gave a youthful wiggle of his hips and then winked. “SO much fun! Good food, good clothes, cute cannibalistic chicks, fist fights with giants…then a narrow escape through the use of misdirection, blinding speed, and the proper application of rolling gnomes.”
“Hey!” grunted Alhannah.
“Present company excluded, of course, my dear.” He strutted across the floor, looking overly pleased with himself. “I’d say that was a successful trip!”
“And the help of a dragon,” I added.
Dax, Alhannah and the wizard all looked at him curiously.
“Sorry?” asked Chuck.
“We also had the help of a dragon to get away. You know — the one we stopped to look at when we first arrived? I talked to it.”
“You…talked to it?” repeated the wizard. His eyebrows crumpled together.
Why doesn’t anyone listen? “Yes, I talked to it,” then I reconsidered. “Actually, I was thinking about it and it seemed to hear my thought. It…responded to what I said.”
Dax rolled his eyes. “Sure it did,” he grunted.
Chuck and Alhannah seemed dumbfounded, while Dax plopped down into a recliner, completely uninterested.
“So when I passed,” I continued, “I asked it to help Dax and Alhannah.” I grinned widely. I couldn’t help myself. It was so cool, to talk with a dragon, AND I helped my companions from a terrible situation. I knew it had happened, even if no one believed me.
Chuck sat down on the arm of Dax’s chair. “What did you ask it to do?” The smile was gone.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just…tell me what you asked the creature to do, son.”
I hesitated. “I…asked it to stop the vallen so we could get away.”
“Oh-ho-ho,” Dax scoffed. “Nice one, genius.”
“Dax!” snapped Chuck. Dax closed his mouth with a scowl. Alhannah’s cold features softened.
“I want to go back,” I continued, “As soon as possible. It was so sad. It wants to be free, Chuck. It longed to be free. So I thought we could take it into the woods, or wherever its kind lives. Let it go into the wild.” My heart ached at the thought. “I know that’s risky, but has to be better in the wild than in chains, right?”
“I don’t think that’s going to be possible, son.”
“Sure it is," I said. "We just wait a few days and go back. Thule’s men won’t wait that long, would they? You can use one of those key things and we can sneak in from the closet.”
Chuck shook his head. “This has nothing to do with vallen or market security.”
“Then what?” I said. “I don’t care how much she costs, Chuck. If I have it, I’ll pay for it. Then we can take her somewhere nice and set her free.”
Chuck watched me, waited for me to finish, then exhaled. “The laws concerning livestock are absolute in the market.”
My gut wrenched. I slid down onto the end of the couch. “What does that mean? Are they going to hurt it?”
The wizard frowned. “I’m sorry. Beasts that harm any patron, even a vallen, are destroyed.”
“Destroyed!?” I stared back in horror. “As in killing it?” I blinked numbly. “You’re kidding, right?”
“I’m afraid not.”
The smiley turned a putrid green.
I killed it. I killed a beautiful, enchanting, real life dragon…“I killed her,” I whispered out loud. “We can go back,” I said louder. “Right now. It wasn’t her fault — I asked her to help! That has to make a difference, right?” I looked at each of them for support. “I can pay for damages. There has to be enough in this pouch to cover damages. I’ll pay more, whatever it takes. I can DO that!”
Only Chuck would look me in the face. “I’m sorry, son.”
The heavy realization of the truth hit me. Of meeting a real life dragon — an intelligent creature — and I’d sentenced it to death. It was all I could do to not throw up.
"Way to go, Wendell," muttered Doubt. "You screwed up…again."
I sunk down at the end of the sofa.
“You got yerself another problem now, Chuck. Add the dragon killer over there.”
I flinched at the jeer.
“Leave the boy alone, monkey,” replied Chuck. “I got us back, safe and sound. All we have to do is sit back and wait for the Council.”
I pulled my knees into my chest, wrapping my arms around them.
Dax nodded towards Alhannah. She sat quietly at the opposite end of the couch, picking at her nails with a dagger. “Then explain why ya brought back a gnome…into Sanctuary.”
“What’s wrong with me being here?” Alhannah asked.
Chuck waved a hand at her. “Alhannah’s not technically IN Sanctuary, now is she? She’s in my home." He looked at me and gave a polite nod. "Our home. No one can tell us who we can and cannot invite into our own home!” He sank down between me and the gnome, then reached over and squeezed Alhannah’s hand, reassuringly. “So good to see you, by the way, my dear.”
Snatching the wide-brimmed hat from his head, Chuck flung it across the room. It sailed casually through the air, then hovered, like a feather suspended upon the wind…and landed on a peg by the front door. “Besides, now that she’s my employee, she’s required to stay near the boy, wherever he goes.”
Both Alhannah and I sat forward. “Excuse me?” we said in stereo.
“What do ya mean, employee?” asked Dax.
“Bodyguard, of course.” Chuck smirked as he collected his massive beard and pulled it up onto his lap. “Well, and trainer.”
I looked at Alhannah, confused. She looked as confused as I was.
“Oh please,” Chuck huffed, looking between us. “Am I the only one thinking ahead?” Pointing to Alhannah, “You obviously need a job or you wouldn’t have been visiting your father. No, don’t deny it — he normally comes to see you. Besides, you can’t go back to the Market for a while after our little escapade, so why not make some coin? Do something important,” his gaze turned to me, “like protecting these worlds’ interests.”
The gnome sat back, considering. “How much coin?”
Chuck ignored her and focused on me. “You need to start learning how to defend yourself, son. There’s no doubt about that. You gave an amazing display at the tavern, but think of what you could do with instruction. Hardcore training! Alhannah here is quite talented, despite her gentile countenance.”
Alhannah growled, “I am not gentile!?”
“Got that right,” snickered Dax.
I hunched forward, letting my elbows rest on my knees. Now I’m going to be babysat by a red-headed porcelain doll…and she’s going to do what? Teach me how to use pocket knives? But it wasn’t true, and I knew it. Alhannah proved herself dangerous and fearless against the vallen in the tavern,…it just didn’t sit well with me. As if on cue, Alhannah looked up at me and grinned, her two red piggy tails bouncing quite menacingly. She bobbed her eyebrows at me. I was going to be trained by a girl? How can this get any more embarrassing?
Chuck glared at the elf. “And you certainly don’t want the job ANYway! Admit it, monkey!! You love and respect the boy as much as a boil on your butt.”
Dax opened his mouth to retort, but the wizard held his hand up for silence. “You oversee the training, I’ll educate. Deal?”
Dax bit his lip, considering.
“There!” the wizard clapped his hands together. “Now we have a concrete reason for showing up with a gnome. We have absolutely nothing to worry about.” And with that, Chuck kicked off his sandals and put his blindingly white feet up on the coffee table. He laced his hands behind his head, letting out a sigh of satisfaction.
A loud knock echoed at the front door.
The room erupted in hysterics. Dax dove behind the armchair. Alhannah flipped over the back of the sofa and Chuck flung himself forward, spinning his body behind the curtains of the bay window.
I was the only one who failed to react.
“Right,” I sighed, “I’ll get it.” Crazy loons.
An Iskari boy in red robes stood on the steps, taking deep gulps of air, his cheeks flushed purple. He bowed deeply. “Lord Wendell.” Handing me a small scroll of paper, the boy bowed again and immediately dashed away.
Leaves rolled across the cobblestone path leading to the picket fence, the chittering sands echoing above. Even here, on a moon, I could hear the familiar sound of crickets. I stood in the doorway, watching the page until he had vanished from view altogether.
Chuck slid up beside me. He looked sheepishly over my shoulder.
“What does it say?”
Untying the red ribbon, I unraveled the scroll and read.
A knot formed in the pit of my stomach.
“The Council wants to see us within the hour.”
******
They’re going to ask me about the letter.
I couldn’t help shuffling one foot in front of the other.
What am I going to say? Heck—what can I say?
The walk to Tamku felt slow and laborious, though the trek through the forest was peaceful enough. It was when we entered the valley that I started to panic. Each step closer to the Prime Gate brought pain, sadness, and my hesitation grew.
I wondered if this would ever become easier?
The market and the adjoining streets were still barren, merchants and families at home, probably getting ready for the day ahead of them. The great crystals, embedded in the waves surrounding the city, dimmed, simulating the rise of dawn — while the crystal-lined streets and lamp posts were close to — or had already gone out. A strong urge nagged at me to knock on Moira’s door. I’d not had a chance to say anything…to give my condolences to Kyliene’s grandmother and little brother. I wasn’t even sure it was a good idea. Then again, the last thing I wanted to do was cause more pain.
My feet shuffled along, following Chuck’s lead.
The park was, of course, empty. The trees fluttered in the light breeze, their white bark glowing under the purple and blue lights of the dimming crystal lamps. It may have been my imagination, but the trees almost looked…sorrowful. Weighed down by the recent events, leaning inward, towards the center of the park.
Mourning.
Chuck and Dax remained silent when I stopped in front of the Prime Gate. The structure fascinated me and I drifted from them, wandering around the triangular structure nestled in the grass. The curved, black claws, growing up from the corners of the Gate’s platform, looked horribly out of place. Cold and lifeless — surrounded by the beauty of shade trees, flowers, shrubs and the lush grass. I’d traveled by Dax’s teleportation, now by a Black Market Port Key, and through some odd closet magic using Chuck’s keys. I stared long and hard at the monolith structure. From what I’d been hearing from those around me, it held the power to travel over long distances, but a gateway to…where? How did these things actually work?
Being the ‘hero’ meant I’d have to travel. Back on Earth, I’d always wanted to see the world…and to travel. Not exactly the world I was expecting. I ran a finger over the stone of the ramp. How many of these would I get the opportunity to use? How many of these gates exist? Stepping through magical doorways to…?
Ugh. ‘Hero’…that made me wince.
Never considered myself a liar. At least I don’t try to lie. Maybe this was the reason the whole deception about being the hero felt so wrong. Not that anyone could do anything about it, right? What would they do, kick me off the planet? How would that help anybody?
I wanted to provide a measure of hope. Keeping this secret was the best way I could think of to do just that.
A soft exhale escaped my lips.
Daisies grew in thick patches along the base of the Prime Gate, sharing their light, fresh green scent — but it couldn’t mask the feelings of what I’d experienced. What this entire community had suffered.
The entire event still confused me. The elders had said Sanctuary was protected. So where did that monster come from? The portal had opened from…what was it called?
Humär.
I kneeled down to touch the spot the High Council had used their combined powers. I twirled the grass around my index finger. The blades were tender and green. Not a mark to be found.
“You haven’t said a thing about the letter, son,” interrupted Chuck.
The question made me flinch. I hadn’t even noticed the old man standing over me. Caught up in my questioning, his comment yanked me back from my thoughts. “I’m sorry, Chuck, what?”
“The letter. You read it, didn’t you?”
When I stood up, I avoided his direct gaze, brushing my hands together. "Yes, I did.”
“Well?” the wizard prodded. “Was there anything important? A hint, clue…something that can help us?”
I hesitated, rubbing the back of my neck. What could I say? Even though I liked Chuck — and I certainly didn’t believe he was my enemy — he’d acted in a way that made me question him. How far I could confide in him? He told me he was here for me as high priority, but could I share everything?
“Not…really," I said. "It was like I thought it would be — a letter from a father to his son — filled with apologies and some encouragement. Being taken to Earth, leaving this problem on my shoulders, stuff like that.” I had to be careful, I told myself. Playing the ignorant card gave me time to think things through…to choose my words carefully…but I still had to give the impression that I was the last hero’s son. The only advantage I truly had was my refusal to accept what I was being told. As long as I drew that doubt about long enough, I’d have time to learn the skills to do this job as best I could.
At least, that was my plan.
…for now.
“That’s it?” Chuck huffed . “No insights? No diagrams or cheat-sheet manual of how to use Ithari?"
"Afraid not," I said.
"Pshhh — well, that’s a bummer.” But the wizard kept staring at me, studying. His eyes dropped to the smiley face on my black t-shirt.
“Your shirt seems nervous, son.”
His words hit me like a child, caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
I said nothing.
The smiley, on the other hand, continued to bite its bottom lip.
Chuck continued to stare. “Anything…you’d like to share, perhaps?”
Wrapping my arms uncomfortably around my midsection, I shook my head.
“Let’s GO!” shouted Dax. “I ain’t takin’ the blame if we’re late!”
Chuck gestured to the path. “After you.”
The white stone of the magnificent castle shimmered like diamonds in the crystal light sunrise. It was the water — the mists created by the waterfalls — on either side of the magnificent structure. The rumbling sound of the falling water grew as we approached, the cool moisture carried on a light breeze. It filled my nostrils with a clean scent, almost like walking outside early Saturday mornings in the neighborhood. That crisp scent of freshly watered lawns, a soft breeze dropping the temperature before the sun got to high in the sky. From a distance, the castle looked mystical, floating in the mist itself.
As we walked up the narrow, high arched bridge from the park, I could see the foundation jutting out of the water below. Wary of my vertigo, I paid careful attention not to get too close to the edge.
Dax jogged ahead impatiently, across the terrace and into the Keep. Chuck and I followed in silence. Only the sound of Dax’s flapping feet could be heard, echoing through the vacant corridors and halls. Everything was moving so fast, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I’d paid little attention to my surroundings. I followed numbly behind the wizard as they mounted the steps and through the High Elders’ office. Candles burned on the golden desk, casting shadows that drew my attention momentarily to the descending steps.
Steps that led to the Key.
The cold iron felt good to me as I gripped the railing and ascended the steps.
This is my life now. This is my choice.
I stopped short when we reached the top.
My feet suddenly developed minds of their own, refusing to go on.
What am I afraid of?
The hallway ahead felt too narrow.
There’s no reason to be afraid here.
But that wasn’t true.
It was too dark.
It’s about to start. The real step into this mantle I’ve been given by mistake. The mistake I can’t fix, even though I wanted to.
I took several sharp breaths — but I couldn’t get the nagging feeling to leave. Of all the places I’d been in Sanctuary, the Bedurrim was the most intimidating.
Every detail of the chamber’s interior focused on whomever stood at its center. Aptly called ‘the hot spot’ by Dax, even Chuck described the room’s construction to be an intimidation tactic. Enormous sculptures of dragons, wrapping their tales around wood and stone overhead, digging claws into the framework. Their long necks hung down, each with piercing red eyes, focused on the unfortunate soul who stood before the High Council.
All the while, the real eyes of the Elders, hidden under hoods, judged you in silence.
Chuck noticed my hesitation and walked back.
Leaning on his staff, he gave me that calm, grandfatherly smile again, then nudged me with an elbow. “You’re going to do just fine, Wendell.”
I nodded, then smiled to myself. “It’s nice to hear you say my name.”
The wizard tilted his head to the side. “Pardon?”
“You don’t say my name often,” I clarified. “You usually say ‘son’ or ‘my boy’…but it’s nice to hear my name spoken…calmly.” I shrugged. “I know it sounds stupid, but every time Dax says my name, it sounds like a swear word.”
“Heard that,” snorted Dax from down the hall.
Chuck smirked and glanced briefly at the elf, who bit off one of his fingernails and spat it onto the floor. “It’s not the same, I realize…but it certainly helps a lonely old man from feeling worse. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I…”
“It doesn’t,” I cut him off.
Chuck nodded. “Right then. Ready to do this?”
I took a deep breath and held it for as long as I could, then let it out silently when the double doors opened. The creak of wood, metal scraping against the stone frame and floor, grated against my nerves.
Probably another tool to mess with you, I told myself. Ignore it.
"Sure," chuckled Doubt, "You’re going to do fine."
Shut up.
Heavy smoke from burning incense rolled into the hallway. Its sweet, woodsy scent curled around the three of us. My eyes watered. Following the wizard’s lead, I stumbled into the Bedurrim, trying to blink them clear.
Scattered in clusters, the Council was busily engaged in conversations and passionate debate. Black, white, and golden robes mixed in small groups. The ring of fire blazed in the alcove above their heads, illuminating the room with an ominous glow. Conversations quickly died down as I entered. The sudden hush put me on edge.
Only the High Elder met me with a smile.
“We appreciate your presence, Lord Wendell.” His blue within blue eyes were bright and warm,…a considerable improvement from our last meeting. I attributed this sudden acceptance to my decision to stay and help as the new hero.
“Just…Wendell,” I corrected.
“Of course.” Delnar bowed slightly, then pointed to the bench along the wall. “Please, be seated,” he said, and then called out louder, “we must be about our business.” Pulling his golden hood over his scalp, he took his place in the high-back chair at the center of the Council.
Each elder silently took their seat, one of fifteen chairs on a raised semi-circle platform. Five in black robes, five in white and the presiding three, which included the High Elder, were adorned in robes of gold. They sat with hoods drawn, eyes hidden in obscurity, masked by darkness. The faceless.
The smiley on Wendell’s shirt gulped nervously.
Sitting next to Chuck and Dax, I was relieved to see someone else was the focus of this meeting. Two seats among the Council remained unoccupied.
At the center of the Bedurrim lay the sleeping Elder Tiell. Dressed in his white robes, he rested on a wide cot, supported with pillows. His torso, head and hands were wrapped in clean bandages. I could see his chest rose and fell steadily.
He looked peaceful.
Standing over him was Elder Nurii. An older woman, dressed in black, she was the one who had suggested, at the previous meeting, that the Council perform a particular ritual. Her long, snow white hair was beautifully braided, accented with golden pearls, which looped down, across her collarbone, back up to the back of her head.
With a nod from the High Elder, she pulled her hood up over her braids and kneeled at the side of the cot. Moving meticulously, Nurii lit the contents of four small pots and placed them in each corner of Tiell’s resting place. Blue, green, white and red smoke pushed through the pinholes of the lids, like fountains of water under pressure trying to escape. Her black hood swayed as she whispered something only Tiell could hear.
Ascending the smoke slowed.
Within moments, the movement became almost imperceptible. The smoke looked more like four pillars of colored cotton.
Nurii’s hands slowly traced odd symbols in the air, her fingers gracefully twirling and folding. She placed a symbol within each pillar. Her fingers pushed the fumes aside, creating clean trails within the smoke. As she did so, the symbols held their shape, hovering like obedient specters. As Nurii completed the forming of each symbol, it filled with a white light, as if poured into the smoke.
At the completion of the last symbol, the ring of fire above our heads abruptly died out.
Only the symbols granted any semblance of light.
The fear I had felt, the apprehension I struggled with in the hallway, had vanished. Mesmerized, I watched as the magic before me was performed. Each move of the Elder’s hands, every sway of her shoulders, or word which left her lips, held my attention.
Fingers over Tiell’s chest, Nurii threw her hands outward, through the air. The smooth, precise motion sent the smoke billowing across the room, until it crashed against the walls like ocean waves against a reef.
Small strands of smoke fell from the symbols, like pots bubbling over, dripping onto the sleeping Elder. The bubbles came to life, stretching as they wiggled along Tiell’s tunic and bandages. Like hyperactive worms trying to escape, they quickly vanished into the Iskari’s skin and robe.
Tiell didn’t flinch or look to be in any form of discomfort. His chest continued to rise and fall steadily. None of the Elders moved or spoke for that matter. Even Chuck and Dax sat perfectly still, watching in silence.
I took it all as a hint and sat back against the wall, observant.
Head bowed, Nurii continued to chant, her pitch now rising, until a single pinpoint of blue light came into existence over Tiell’s brow. It was hardly noticeable at first until Nurri…sang to it.
Beckoned to it.
Her voice was clear and soft, her tones mimicking the sounds of a rising sun on a clear spring morning.
At first, the blue light flickered. Then it pulsed, encouraged by the tones and attention given to it. Within moments, it began to grow…a soft light, expanding into a halo from the center of Tiell’s forehead. With each passing moment, it grew brighter.
Hooking her finger through the ring, Elder Nurii delicately pulled it from its position, through the air, until it hovered over Tiell’s chest. Leaning forward, Nurii then drew a fifth symbol at the center of the halo, the motion of her fingers leaving a faint trail.
Satisfied, her thin lips puckered…and she blew.
The halo quivered and stretched, causing a tiny ripple effect.
Rolling outward across the room, the halo expanded, passing through Nurii, plants, and chairs. It continued to spread, from ripple to wave, across the Bedurrim, leaving a thin, glowing sheet of light in its wake. It followed the same path as the smoke…until it collided with the circular walls of stone.
Wow!
Raising a hand, I tried to touch the rippling surface. My fingers passing through the light. I felt nothing.
Without warning, hundreds of thin strands of light shot outward from the symbol at the ring’s center. Like a silent fireworks show, they arched high into the air…and exploded. Each strand became dozens more, falling from the darkness above. As each strand hit the ring of light, objects appeared. Trees and mountains formed across the doorway, clouds rolled into existence between the rafters. Some strands fragmented into smaller trails of light — flickering about wildly — transforming into birds, a deer grazing, and two squirrels chasing one another across the lower limb of a tree. Even small ants and beetles lumbered over my head, carrying their treasures back to their homes.
I watched in awe as a bright light flared overhead. It stretched, then it dulled, moving slowly across the Bedurrim, finally settling in a fog. Within moments, the scene was complete. A forest valley…and in the distance, a platform with three black claws arcing towards the center.
I leaned forward, squinting.
Was that a Prime Gate?
Though there were faded images of trees and other plant life in the way, from what I could tell, it looked identical to the one in Sanctuary.
Nurii placed her slim hand over Tiell’s chest and the other across his brow and hairline.
“Tiell,” she addressed him in a calm, yet firm command, “show us your experience at Tämä-Un.”
The sleeping Elder gasped, taking in a sharp, jagged breath. Instantly, the scene within the room changed.
Trees and mountains whipped around the Bedurrim. The sun rose and quickly arched overhead, taking its place in the sky, then reversing its trajectory. Objects spun about and animals flashed before our eyes…the day’s activities reversed in moments. Everything moved so fast I clamped his eyes shut, feeling motion sick. When I looked up again, the landscape had settled. The Prime Gate was no longer in view.
Instead, not more than a hundred feet from me, were five vallen. Armored warriors with chain and plate mail, dented and worn. Strange markings and symbols covered the metal and exposed skin of the creatures. The giants stood with their backs to me. I knew they weren’t real, but my hands shook with fear. My curiosity was so strong, I almost reached out. They were in conversation, arguing…but the scene was moving.
Shaking.
The perspective was higher than before.
It took me a moment to realize that everyone in the Bedurrim was looking through Tiell’s perspective. We were looking through the elders’ eyes, standing on the platform of the Prime Gate itself! That’s why the platform had vanished from the scene.
The room exploded as a vallen roared and I nearly fell from my seat.
How could there be sound?!
The roar was answered by another and metal scraped against metal. Soldiers, drawing their weapons, ran towards the gate. Towards us! The room abruptly spun again as Tiell jumped from the platform, sprinting for the tree line.
I sat up straight, heart racing, my attention focused on the sound of the Elder’s panting. Occasionally, Tiell looked over his shoulder and we could see two of the giants in hot pursuit, barking at one another. Tiell dodged left and right, darting around the foliage while his pursuers barreled through the plant life, gaining ground. The sound of tree branches whipping past, the crunch of leaves and pine needles under foot resounded throughout the Bedurrim. A blue hand whipped into view and the point of view turned to look behind. A swift hand motion and roots exploded from the ground. They rose high, catching the closest pursuer unaware. The giant bellowed as he hit the ground, tripped by a plant.
The second beast jumped over the obstacle.
The panting grew louder, and I noticed some elders shifting in their seats.
My pulse quickened.
Run, Tiell…RUN!
It was several moments before I remembered Tiell was laying right in front of me. I sighed. I knew how this turned out.
Okay, calm down, Wendell. This has a good ending.
Trees and shrubbery shot past in blurs.
There was nowhere to hide. He was going to get caught.
The movement halted.
Tiell dropped low behind a cluster of shrubs. Then, lower still, he peered under the small branches of a plant. The elder held his breath, and I did the same. Boots in the distance, pausing, then moving on…stomping through the trees.
I smiled.
Tiell was a quick one…even if he was wearing a dress.
Several minutes passed before Tiell got up from his prone position. He looked around cautiously. Keeping low and behind the trees, he slowly crept back towards the Prime Gate. I found himself mesmerized by the controlled breathing and rhythmic sound of each footfall.
Without warning, the enemy’s face whipped the perspective around and engulfed the entire chamber.
“AAAHH!” I cried out loud in panic, throwing my hands up to protect my face. I peaked out from behind my fingers to find everyone in the room staring right at him.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, embarrassed. I gave Chuck a sideways glance and shrugged. “This gives surround sound a whole new meaning.”
Chuck snorted.
The vallen’s laughter was deep and grating. A gauntlet struck Tiell across the face and I ducked. The image shuddered and slid out of focus, but we could see the giant grinning widely. The Council watched as the long, broken canines poking out from its bottom jaw loomed closer. Sliding across the cracked and misshaped lips, a black tongue mingled with the saliva dripping from the corner of its mouth.
“Fresh meat,” it hissed.
I dry heaved.
Small blue hands reached up, clawing at the face. A gauntlet wrapped around one of them and Tiell cried out. There was a violent shudder throughout the room. I glanced at the cot and was surprised to see Tiell twisting in the pillows. With each blow, his body shuttered and then collapsed deeper into the bedding.
I poked Chuck, concerned. “What are we doing to him?” I whispered, pointing at Tiell.
The wizard patted my arm reassuringly. “It’s part of the process, I’m afraid,” he whispered quietly. “Poor boy must relive it all for us to see.” He frowned, “A considerable sacrifice…so let’s be quiet.”
Powerful hands locked around the Elder’s throat above us. A creeping darkness closed in. The walls of the Bedurrim grew dim, spreading over stone, chair and wood, the image of the vallen fading before them.
My legs bounced atop the balls of his feet, his palms clammy, fingers twitching. He was being choked to death! Mouth open wide, the misshapen fangs of the vallen closed in to bite. With a growl I recognized, rumbling from its chest. Tiell’s raspy voice could barely be heard, gasping for the last sips of air.
The scene trembled violently…and went black.
No one in the chamber made a sound, though several glanced to Tiell on the cot. The four symbols continued to give their light in the scene's absence above us. I could still hear Tiell breathing all around us.
Light slowly crept back into the chamber.
It was blurry at first — but moments later — I could make out the lower branches of a tree.
Where was the giant? What happened??
The perspective tumbled forward as Tiell sat up. The room spun around to look at the giant.
A dagger’s hilt was fixed under the giant’s chin.
Blood ran down its thick neck and into the soil. A smaller trail ran from the top of the skull where the blade punctured through the bone. Another train of blood ran down across the Vallen’s open eye.
The fixed stare made me shudder.
Mangled fingers came into view, already swollen and turning dark. I cringed as Tiell, with great difficulty, pulled the blade from the lifeless body and wiped it clean across his enemy’s tunic.
We watched the elder work his way back to the Prime Gate, silently circling the rim of the trees, avoiding the searches and whispering incantations to hide his presence. Tiell eventually found a thick outcropping of plant life with a clear view of the Prime Gate. Nestling himself between the trees and rocks, he laid down, covering himself with leaves and other plant debris.
Tämä-Un’s unwelcome visitors — now four alert guards — paced the base of the Prime Gate.
How is he going to get past them, I wondered?
How did he get past them??
A single drop of light fell from the sky and struck the Gate.
The air upon the platform blurred. Shapes formed at its center, silhouettes of shadow converging.
The four guards positioned themselves at the ramps, swords drawn, shields raised and ready. And then, altogether pushing through, the darkness gave birth.
Creatures that looked like lizards crossed with panthers jumped from the platform on six legs, thick tails hissing with fanged mouths. Furry beasts with powerful arms and shoulders swung their short, squat bodies across the ground. Small heads turned warily from side to side, long black tongues tasting the air. Deformed men with deep scars and tattered vests cracked long whips at the beasts, shouting commands. Small dogs…or what I thought were dogs, nipped at the heels of those in line. Yapping like hyenas, their faces were marred and twisted, lacking eyelids or lips.
I recoiled in my seat.
Bare-chested slaves guided beasts of burden through the use of spears, jabbing at necks and tugging on leashes. Mammoth humanoids, chained together in lines, lumbered forward, pulling heavy laden carts. Behind them came black wolves the size of grizzly bears. Muffled and harnessed, the wagons they pulled groaned under the weight of their cargo.
Then there were soldiers. Line after line, pushing through the darkness. Giants in horned helmets, thick steel plate, and rattling chain mail. The ground shook with their uniform march, pikes and spears stabbing the ground with each step. The invaders poured through like an open wound, black blood flooding into the open valley as if they would never stop.
Terror gripped my chest.
It was an army of blood lusting freaks and monsters.
I tried to count how many came through the portal at first, but I lost track repeatedly. There were too many.
Nurii’s eyes searched the open vision before her. “Tiell, how did you escape?”
The images shifted once more, darkness engulfing the room as the sun vanished.
Stars took their place, shining brilliantly overhead. A sea of diamonds. There was no longer any sign of the army. The valley was empty, except for the guards of the Gate. Tiell shifted cautiously through the trees, inching forward. Into the open, he ventured. Crawling up behind the Prime Gate, he peered around the edge of the platform. The guards sat quietly around a small fire in the distance. Engaged in eating and drinking, they payed little attention.
Now’s his chance, I knew, but the Elder hesitated.
Both hands came into view.
Swollen, broken fingers moved painfully across the engraved symbols of the black claw. The marking slid along the stone surface, changing from single shapes to complex formations…the deep red changing to a dull blue. I could hear Tiell’s breathing becoming shallow.
Quickening.
He’s scared.
Crawling up the back ramp of the platform, Tiell crouched behind one of the claws and looked upward. A brilliant drop of light launched upward, vanishing into the heavens.
Calling home.
Jumping to the center of the platform, the elder quickly wrote symbols in the air, whispering incantations. Light accumulated around him, casting pointed shadows from the platform.
Magic.
It’s too bright! The guards are going to…
The soldiers were already on their feet, sprinting. One by the fire lifted a crossbow.
“Look out!” I cried, caught up in the moment.
Several Elders glanced at me, and Chuck patted me on the back. I sunk back into my seat, still transfixed by the scene. Light flared from the blue hands, just as Tiell cried out from the cot. Vallen fell to the ground, scattered and smoldering, but Tiell’s good arm fell like a dead tree to his side. A crossbow bolt protruded from his shoulder. The surrounding light waned.
I looked to Tiell, laying on the pillows, cleaned and dressed in white, wounds bandaged, bones reset. Even in the dim light, I could see the glistening sweat along Tiell’s brow. Tiny streams trickled across his temples.
Above us, a long dagger appeared in broken fingers. A moment later, the blade flipped through the air, past an oncoming foe, towards the crossbowman by the fire. An impossible throw, let alone with a wounded hand.
The blade struck the vallen’s face.
…and sank to the hilt.
The body fell backwards into the flames.
As the last standing soldier drew close, darting up the ramp, I cringed. My heart thrashed in my chest as the enemy drew close enough to swing his war hammer. I threw my arms up in defense as the hammer dropped. Tiell rolled with the blow.
…too late.
The sound of cracking bones echoed throughout the Bedurrim.
Images instantly flashed and warped to show the park in Sanctuary. New images flooded the chamber, and I blinked. The perspective spun about as Tiell’s body flew back from the blow, rolling down the steps of the ramp.
A growl seeped from the lips of Elder Tūrsin.
For a moment, the images didn’t move…and I felt a coldness creep up my spine.
Get up Tiell. Get UP!
I knew what was next. Kyliene was nearby. She had just walked me back to meet with Delnar, the High Elder. We were standing on the terrace just a hundred yards away.
A scream pierced the air, and I nearly came unglued.
Get up Tiell!!
…but it was useless.
I knew the outcome.
We all did. Tiell raised his head weakly. The young girl came into focus. Kyliene was cowering before the vallen, retreating to the tree line of the park.
NO!
I wanted to jump into the scene and attack the giant with my own fists. Knowing that power was now in me, I nearly stood up to try.
Grunting and breathing heavily, Tiell pulled his knees under him and started whispering words I didn’t understand. Light once again began to gather around the Elder, his good hand limply tracing signs in the air.
Again, it was too late.
The giant charged at him and the hammer came down swiftly. The images vanished.
Tiell was unconscious.
I sat wide eyed, my heart nearly refusing to beat.
He killed her. That foul demon from hell killed her!
My hands trembled. Thoughts of Kyliene’s body, lying upon the ground, wrapped in the white Iskari ceremonial cloth of death.
He killed her.
The four symbols faded as the incantation ended. The flames in the Bedurrim rose once more, chasing away the haunting shadows of the brutal memories.
“That is all Tiell can show us,” Nurii said softly, gently raising and kissing Tiell’s hand. “Rest now, little brother,” she whispered. “You have done well.”
The prone Elder continued on in sleep, but I noticed a line of blood from Tiell’s nose. It slowly trailed across his cheek. Nurii took a cloth from her sleeve and wiped the blood from his face.
The mood in the room seemed…odd. I expected an outburst of comments or questions. Seeing a brother and friend hurt like this, I assumed, would enrage the council. At the very least, I expected noise, but it remained silent. Hoods turned this way and that, but no one spoke. Even Delnar sat in silence. Pulling his hood back, the High Elder looked…frozen…a statue of cobalt, eyes locked on Chuck.
The wizard sat next to me, hands tightly gripping the neck of his staff. They looked like they were locked in a muted conversation. Delnar looked to have aged during the open vision. The lines in his face deepened in concern as the old wizard continued to gaze at him. Unblinking, unmoving.
A small light sparked as Dax lit a cigar, breaking the tension.
“Decisions must be made,” said Elder Gaidred. His gloomy voice ending the silence and all hoods turned to him. “…and in haste, I fear.” He stared at Tiell’s sleeping body, gently pulling at his black beard in contemplation. “I believe a dangerous situation just got worse. Our brother has been wounded. We must train the royal bloodline in using the Ithari. Now we have irrefutable proof that the enemy moves against the humans. We are wholly unprepared.”
Several hoods nodded in agreement.
A thin, pale Elder sat forward, leaning on the edge of his seat. He looked to Gaidred. “Will it do us any good to purge the Gate?”
“It will buy us time, I believe,” Gaidred replied. “Nothing more.”
“Excuse me,” I interrupted. After the event at the Black Market, I was determined to be included in this conversation. “Would you mind explaining what you’re talking about?”
None of the Elders replied.
Chuck sat in silence, pondering.
Dax scoffed, flicking cigar ashes onto the floor. “We don’t know ‘nuthin. It’s just a buncha troll trash and their pets comin’ through the Gate. Big freakin’ deal. Let’s get some real men, a few mägo, and deport their butts! Kick ‘em out, lock the Gate, secure the shores…problem solved.”
Gaidred shook his head. “It’s not that simple, Dax. When was the last time you saw a Vallen open a Prime Gate?”
Dax sneered, “They can’t! They’re too stupid to…” His face went pale. He dropped his head and paced.
This new information deeply disturbed them. Seriously bothered…enough to make Dax shut up.
My hand went to my front pocket, fingers resting against the letter I’d folded and tucked away. Then I raised my hand, awkwardly. “I’d sure like to know what you’ve all concluded,” I said nervously.Again, none of the Council replied.
“Vallen can’t open Gates,” answered Chuck. “The Täuku, however — a filthy, foul race of sadistic parasites — are masters of Gate Lore.”
I looked around the room. Then it hit me.
Oh, crap.
“They’ve teamed up,” I said.
“That’s…the theory, anyway.” Chuck looked at Delnar, “But we won’t know for sure until we get involved.”
Dax continued to pace across the floor, puffing the cigar aggressively, doing an excellent impression of a choo-choo train.
“The Vallen and Täuku are bitter enemies, Lord Wendell.” A round bellied, heavy set Elder sat forward. “If left alone, they would eventually destroy one another without our help.” He pulled the Black robes about his legs, shifting in his chair. It creaked under his weight. “The only alliances we know of in our recorded history have occurred when they engaged in war…under the direct rule of Mahan himself. The Täuku opening the gates may be an assumption,…but I am unaware of any other dark race with such knowledge.”
The High Elder raised his hand for silence.
“Thank you Sulvan,” he said politely, then looked at me. “The last alliance between these races was to destroy the Nocturi people.”
“Here we go,” whispered Dax to himself.
“You don’t know that, Delnar,” countered Chuck. His blue eyes sat fixed under the bushy brows, unyielding, challenging. “It’s speculation at best,” he continued, and even louder, “we don’t actually know what happened.”
“Are you serious?” scoffed Dax, stopping mid-step and shooting the wizard a glare of disgust. “After all this time, you still want to argue about this?”
“Maybe so,” cut in the High Elder, “but tell me when the Vallen, regardless of how powerful and vicious they are in battle, has ever defeated the mägo? Let alone the greatest culture of magic users that ever lived! There had to be magic…powerful magic, to subdue and destroy our brothers.” He looked around at his council, most of them nodding. “When the Nocturi were destroyed, the very world trembled! We had peace for hundreds of years and then, suddenly, shadows re-entered the world, Morphiophelius. Even you cannot deny this. Mahan’s whispers were heard once more.”
The wizard shook his head. “No. …no, you don’t know…”
I flinched when the High Elder sprang to his feet, shouting. “No mere unembodied has the power to penetrate the defenses of Erimūri, Morphiophelius! Something aided that creature,” he grit his teeth, choking back the rage. “It was not just Vallen spawn! It killed one of our CHILDREN!”
Delnar fell back into this chair, fuming. “This is not a game, wizard,” he trembled. “What other proof do we need?”
The tension continued to rise in the chamber, though there were smiles, nods and manners used. It was apparent that Delnar and Chuck didn’t always see eye to eye.
So the bad guys get together when they really want to put the hurt on people. Lovely. This job keeps getting harder by the minute.
This is where the rubber hit the road. This conflict was now my personal business. It was time to learn anything and everything about this world and its conflicts. So I piped up again.
“Why Tämä-Un? Why humans?” I looked around the room. “I mean, why not Gnomes, or Kutollum, or Evolu…even Gypsies?”
A few mouths opened in surprise as I rattled off the names of the races.
“The humans have been the greatest force against dark uprisings from the beginning,” answered Gaidred. “Destroy the humans. You break any serious foundation for a resistance. King Robert III has thwarted every major invasion for the past two centuries. His greatest effort of late has been to rebuild the old alliances, though he’s had little success.”
Elder Nurii stirred in her seat. “Andilain’s government is crumbling. Nobles wage war against each other, poverty forces the citizens to rebel…and they are ripe for destruction as a nation. Especially while King Robert is away.”
“Do we know if anyone else has opened any other gates?” another Elder in white robes interrupted.” I recognized him as Elder Tūrsin, the one who killed the vallen in Sanctuary. He was a shape-shifter and defeated the giant by transforming into a bear. Tūrsin’s face contorted in anger, the crease of his brows so deep they looked like lightning. He gripped the arms of his chair, knuckles of his wide hands turning white from the strain.
“Not unless we travel there ourselves,” answered the Elder beside Tūrsin. He looked to be a thinner twin of the shapeshifter, but only their faces were identical. A steady hand reached out and gripped Tūrsin’s forearm. He immediately relaxed. “But our decision here must be made with calm hearts and open eyes. Based upon what we do know, not our assumptions. If the enemy is once again organized, then its general is also involved and most certainly on the move.”
Dax closed his eyes tightly, as if in pain. “Thule,” he whispered to himself, though I could hear him well enough.
“Mahan’s Pink Panties!” snapped Chuck. “This just gets better and better!” He looked at me and shook his head in disgust. “Poster child for birth defects, if you ask me. Don’t think his mother took vitamins when she was pregnant, if you know what I mean.”
“Lord…,” the High Elder paused as I looked up at him. He tried to smile, but he looked worn. “Wendell. Have you read the letter I gave to you?”
I looked around sheepishly and nodded. “I don’t think it’s going to help much. It was more of an apology than anything else.”
“An apology?” repeated the High Elder.
I pulled the letter from my pocket and unfolded it. “It says the enemy’s going to escape. That it was his fault, the hero’s, because he couldn’t kill Mahan. He didn’t have the heart to.”
Gasps and whispered comments erupted from the Council.
“Give me that!” snapped Dax, yanking the paper from my hand.
“It says to find Ithari’s children…and keep them safe?" I said, "Which seems kinda crazy, because a diamond can’t have kids.” I looked around at the stoic expressions surrounding me. “Can it?”
“Yer insane kid,” challenged Dax. “It’s just a blank sheet o’paper. It says nothing!”
I took the paper back and stared at it. “It’s all right here, Dax…see?” I tapped the paper with a finger.
“Dax’s eyes are fine,” clarified the High Elder. “The letter was sealed by magic and given to the High Elder of the time. Only Ithari could break the enchantment upon it,” he smiled at me, “and apparently read it.”
I relaxed.
Now I had a letter that only I could read? That was even better. Another layer that would allow me to keep up appearances.
“The children the letter speaks of,” added Gaidred, “would be the fragments of the original stone Ithari came from. The Lanthya. Twelve shards, and the heart stone, which you now wear in your chest.” At its mention, my hand caressed the stone under his t-shirt.
Now we’re getting somewhere!
“Who has them?” I asked.
The High Elder shot Chuck a glance. The wizard nodded.
“The first is here, within Sanctuary. The second was a gift, from the Evolu to the High Kings of Humär. The third, we believe, is still with the Northern Kingdom of the Kutollum, hidden from all sites.”
“That’s nine shards unaccounted for,” I said.
"Three were used for the Demoni Vankil seals," Chuck added. "We don’t know exactly where those seals are presently, so we don’t know who has them." He gave Delnar a sideways glance. "If this council is correct, I think it is safe to assume the Täuku have two shards…if not more."
“Therefore we must act wisely,” said Delnar. “The remaining shards could be anywhere.” The frustration on his face gave way to resolve — the spring sun melting the hold of a winter snow. “We cannot sit by and allow the enemy to tread on our ancient kin, nor our covenant alliances.” He stood up to address the Council. “Brothers and sisters, I believe the time has come for the Iskari to walk among men once more.”
“Then we must plan a strategy,” answered Gaidred. “The Prime Gate should be purged and locked to prevent further use by the enemy.”
“…and to prevent their escape,” added another.
My mind kept flashing to the angry face of the vallen, snapping its jagged teeth at Tiell. I did a double take when I noticed Chuck just standing there, a huge smirk on his face. Dax, however, still paced the floor.
“And you, our young friend,” added the High Elder with a smile, “will stay here in Sanctuary and begin your studies.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“We must keep you isolated from danger,” said Delnar. “We cannot allow the gem to fall into the hands of the enemy.”
“Woah, woah, woah…” I said, quickly jumping to my feet.
“You must remain hidden,” Delnar stressed, “…for now.” The Council nodded their silent agreement. “It is the wisest course of action…and the final decision of this body.”
When I opened my mouth to object, the High Elder cut me off. “If Thule were to discover that you were here, he would stop at nothing to find you. He will hunt you down and destroy you. Every appearance you make jeopardizes your life. You must prepare and develop your abilities. Keeping you confined to Erimūri is the only way we can ensure your safety. Once you’ve learned how to use the Ithari satisfactorily, we will find the best use for your abilities.”
Chuck nervously stepped forward. “Uh, gents — speaking of appearances — there may be a small prob…”
“No,” I said.
Everyone went silent, and I blinked, unsure if it was actually my voice that had objected.
"No point in turning back now," Doubt said smoothly. "Sock it to them."
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
This was it. The moment. I purposefully looked at each of the hoods in turn, then said firmly, “I will not stay in Sanctuary.”
Mouth open, Chuck froze.
All eyes shifted from me, back to Chuck, expectantly. Even Dax stopped pacing and looked up.
Patting me on the back, the wizard grinned weakly, shoulders up around his ears. “Why…don’t we see what the boy has to say…” and then he quickly sat down.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
All eyes were now on me. It was now or never.
If I didn’t speak up, it was doubtful I’d ever get another chance.
I can do this.
I have to do this.
There were questions burning in my mind, but I knew I’d never find the answers confined or locked away.
‘Our enemy will eventually escape from the prison we are preparing, unless the seals are maintained. Protect them at all costs.’
Elders stood up, pointing, waving their hands about and talking. I couldn’t hear them. It was downed out by a soft rhythm, pulsing in my ears, in my chest — through the veins of my body — masking the sounds in the Bedurrim.
The beat of my new heart.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Ignoring the Council, I unfolded the letter and read it again.
‘Be patient with others, my son, for few will understand the path you will be forced to walk. Trust no one but the Gem. Listen to that inner voice that whispers to you. Not your own voice, but that voice that tells you only to do what is right, what is true and just.’
Only Delnar sat still.
His eyes transfixed on me.
Studying me, while his brothers and sisters came unglued.
‘Few will understand the path you will be forced to walk…’
“Why are you so troubled?” I finally asked aloud.
Silence quickly fell over the room.
Be patient with others, I repeated to myself. It forced a smile to my face…which triggered the smiley on my t-shirt. It glanced around, scowling and shaking its head, disgusted.
“I respect what I’m guessing is protocol and tradition, but could you please pull back those hoods? I’d really like to see your eyes for a change…” I shrugged, “and to tell you the truth, this whole grim reaper thing creeps me out.”
Chuck stifled a laugh. Dax plopped back down on the bench, stifling one of his own.
One by one, the hoods fell, until every set of eyes, every scowl and every frown of disapproval, could clearly be seen.
Muuuuuch better.
Keeping my tone calm, I stepped forward, holding my hand out, palm up. Not sure why I, but I felt like I was offering a palm to a pack of mean dogs. It was my way of offering a smidgen of submission. “I feel I’m lacking in understanding, High Elder. With your permission, may I ask a few questions?”
Delnar’s expression didn’t change, nor did the intensity of his stare. “Please.”
I looked around the semi-circle. “Thank you.” It occurred to me that this reaction by the Council was actually a good sign. These were people passionate about their beliefs, that’s all. Passionate about their duties and responsibilities. That wasn’t something to be afraid of or fight against. It was something to be respected, admired, and in truth…it meant that such passion — if pointed in the right direction — would be unstoppable.
“I apologize if I’ve offended any of you," I said. "That was not my intention. Elders, I’m confused. I volunteered for this responsibility, so I hope you can support me in wanting to take this responsibility seriously.”
A few eyebrows raised.
“I want to understand where my place is — to stand in my duty — and not shirk my responsibilities. Does that make sense?”
No response.
Right then.
“Am I correct to assume that this council was formed to protect the Ithari?””
“That is correct,” replied the High Elder.
I nodded. “And so I understand correctly, in what areas does this council rule over and direct Ithari?”
Soft gasps escaped from several mouths.
“We serve her, not direct her,” said Delnar, shocked. “That would be…blasphemy.”
I frowned. “But have some authority over Ithari, surely?”
The High Elder frowned. “Never! Our ancestors received their commissions from the original hero himself. Throughout the ages, this Council, formed by Ithari, has faithfully fulfilled its duties and responsibilities. The created cannot control the creator. Surely you can see this logic?”
Delnar’s eyes suddenly narrowed.
The smiley grinned smugly up at him from my t-shirt. It continued to grow until it was eyebrow to eyebrow.
“I’m truly confused, then, High Elder. Because if you have no authority over the Ithari, then by what authority do you confine its host to Sanctuary?”
Delnar’s eyes popped open wide, as if someone had slapped him. Several Elders stood up, affronted.
Careful, Wendell, don’t push too hard. Stay respectful. The last thing you want it to make enemies of these guys.
I took a deep breath and held his palms up in a surrender display. “I’m sorry. That…was rude and disrespectful.”
This was harder than I thought it would be. Communicating with adults was not my specialty. I looked around the circle pleadingly. “Did you even hear yourselves, though?” Then I repeated in a softer tone, “Once you’ve learned how to utilize the Ithari ‘satisfactorily’, we will find the best use for your abilities?” I looked each of the outraged elders in the eyes, accepting their anger…and shrugged. “Really?”
Slowly, one by one, they all sat down.
“Can we agree that we — you and I — are all on the same side? I’m just trying to serve Ithari, like this council. Like each of you men and women. She’s put thoughts in my mind, feelings in my heart, and I can tell you — promise you — I’m already a new person from when I arrived."
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
"I know I’m not the hero you wanted,” I said, softer still. I looked over at Dax. “Heck — I don’t even know if I am a hero. The situation is dangerous, complicated, even desperate,…I get that.”
The stone expressions were crumbling around me. Some of the council were sitting forward. A few even leaned on their knee, listening.
“But I’m here now. The gem chose me…Wendell Percy Dipmier. Regardless of how you might feel about me. You can support me or doubt me, but the gem is in my chest — not yours.”
The High Elder shifted uncomfortably in his chair as my focus settled back on him. “I also have an inkling of what I’m capable of. The last thing you should do is try to shove me in a box or put a leash around my neck. That’s not wisdom," I said."It’s insanity.”
The smiley instantly turned a shade of orange, displaying a ferocious grin.
“And I won’t let you.”
For a long moment, I stood there, unmoving. Something told me to wait. To meet every stare with boldness. To remain calm and just smile.
No one spoke.
No one rebuked me.
No one challenged me.
Lifting my t-shirt, I waved my hand over my ribcage and said aloud, “Silmä inakmään.”
Ithari became visible, sparkling brightly in the firelight.
Chuck applauded, then thought better of it.
“Support me or not,” I concluded. “I am the guardian of Ithari, and I know what to do first.” Taking the time to allow every member to see the gem solid in my chest, I finally let the shirt fall to cover the gem. “She’s not staying here.”
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Tha-THUMP-Thump.
Fourteen blue faces stared back at me.
What an impetuous, arrogant young man! That’s what you’re thinking about me, aren’t you?
But I couldn’t help feeling a strong sense of satisfaction.
Thu-THUMP-thump.
I accepted the dumbfounded silence as a sign of support. Taking a single step towards the High Elder, I smiled widely.
“Now that we have that settled — how do I get to a place called Til-Thorin?”
<— Read Previous Chapter | Read Next Chapter —>
