Shadow Fae and others held their weapons high, preparing for the incoming attack. But Jak knew it was no use. Unless they could kill all the demons in the city, there was no place they could take the remaining city dwellers where they would be safe.
A rushing sound came from behind. A huge, massive churning noise, like the crashing of a wave on the ocean, but far, far louder. The people screamed, causing Jak and the other warriors to turn, even though demons were nearly on them. Jak eyes widened in shock as a huge wave swept upward through the street engulfing the people that stood there. How had it come up so high through the city? Jak didn’t have time for another thought at the wave barrelled into her. She dropped the spear in her hand and felt salty water enter her mouth. What was happening, was this how she was going to die? Not at the teeth of a demon, but at a freak wave?
Suddenly, her face emerged from the water, and she gasped for air. The wave was still moving, but somehow she managed to stay afloat on top of it! Looking around, she saw other heads bob to the surface! She hadn’t been around the ocean long enough to understand everything there was to know, but she was pretty sure water didn’t usually behave this way.
The wave began to flow back towards the ocean, with Jak and now hundreds of others floating at a sort of watery plateau at the top of the wave. Eyes still wide in astonishment, Jak let the wave carry her away.
25
A face rose from the waters beside Jak, water dripping off the hair that clung to her face. The hair was darker than Jak was used to, because of the water, but she knew this person. Amelia smiled at the look on Jak’s face. “For once, it’s my turn to save you for a change.”
In a moment of clarity, Jak knew what must have happened. The Water Fae had somehow brought the wave that swept up the remaining survivors. With almost a sob, she threw her arms around Amelia, both still partially submerged in the strange wave.
When they broke the embrace, Jak stared at her friend, then at the wave, then back at Amelia. “How are you doing this?”
Amelia grinned. “Oh Jak, you have no idea how wonderful it is now that I’m in the ocean. I can feel the water all around me. It’s like it’s part of my body. Some of the Shadow Fae brought us to the water, and we met the first Water Fae, the students from the excavation. They’ve already taught us how to use our abilities to make the water move. So, we all teamed up to save you guys! Isn’t that amazing?”
Jak wiped a tear from her eye. Relics, it felt so good to hear her friend talking like her old self again, as in non-stop. Indeed, Amelia showed no signs of stopping.
“These powers are amazing! Much better than being a Gifter, to be honest. Oh, speaking of which, my brand is gone!” She raised her left arm, and Jak took a good look. Just like Amelia said, the brand had disappeared.
Jak nodded. “The same thing happened to the Shadow and Bright Fae. They lost their old abilities but those were replaced with new ones.”
“It’s so cool!” Amelia said. “Watch this.”
She suddenly dove back beneath the tidal wave that must have still connected to the ocean and was still moving steadily away from the city and towards the coast, carrying each of the survivors with it.
Jak waited. What was Amelia up to? Then with a suddenness that would have sent Jak stumbling backward had she not been submerged, Amelia came flying out of the water. The force of her tail propelled her skyward, where she did a full backflip and landed gracefully head-first into the wave. Onlookers gasped in awe, and Jak put a hand to her mouth.
“Wasn’t that awesome!” Amelia said as she emerged once more.
“That was pretty amazing,” Jak said, laughing through her tears. Her friend was alive and more than well. Even as a Water Fae, she was thriving. Jak could hardly breathe for feelings of joy and relief.
“We’re almost there,” Amelia said. Moments later, the wave subsided and rejoined the ocean, leaving all the occupants wet but safe on the sandy beach. Most rose to their feet shakily at first, and some of them scratching their heads as if still unsure that they weren’t dreaming. Others who had previously arrived at the beach, ran up to meet them.
“Jak!” a voice called to her.
She turned, and her spirits soared as Seph and Karlona approached. She ran forward and embraced her mother first.
“I’m so glad you’re both still alive.” She said as she broke the embrace and hugged Seph as well.
“My time is not yet here,” Seph said mysteriously, cracking a small smile at Jak.
“What happened up there?” Karlona asked. “We brought several of the Water Fae to the coast, and they insisted they stay. Then some of them summoned this huge wave which swept up into the city.”
“We managed to get everyone past the inner gate, but the demons climbed over it anyway. The wave saved us and brought us here, as you just saw.”
Seph’s face lost its cheer. “You mean, this is it? There must be no more than three hundred people here.”
“There are a few more.” Said a voice behind Jak. She spun to see Cerai, immersed in a pillar of water that rose from the beach to meet them. Jak didn’t think she’d ever grow used to seeing a sight like that: a half human, half fish person, partially submerged in a pillar of water.
“We’re sending waves into the city to drown the rest of the demons and bring back any of the survivors.”
Only then did Jak notice the tendrils of ocean water extending from the ocean further down and reaching into the city itself. “Cerai, that’s amazing. I had no idea you could do that!”
“Neither did we until recently. But the longer we stay in this form, the more intuitive our abilities have become.”
Jak nodded. “That matches what Yewin told me at Foothold. The Bright Fae managed to discover new powers as well.”
Cerai nodded then continued. “Anyway, we think there are a few hundred more in the city that barricaded themselves in their houses or the like. Though we still have no idea about the Royal Palace. There may be dozens more holed up there, but no demon can enter the palace if it’s locked down. We can’t get in either.”
Jak scowled, wondering what had happened to the Royal Priest. Had he retreated back to the Palace? Was he, even now, consorting with the queen on what to do next while the Water Fae did all the work? Or had he died where she left him?
Karlona brought her out of her thoughts. “So, what do we do now?”
Cerai pursed her lips thoughtfully, the pillar of water still flowing around her. “Well most of the civilians and soldiers can go back to their homes once we clear the demons out. Though they’ll have some work ahead of them since some of their homes will be... er... flooded.”
That sounded good to Jak, but it still left a larger problem. “What about you, and the rest of the Fae?” she asked. “Plus Seph, his followers, myself, and probably most of the college. We’re not welcome here anymore after what’s happened.”
“I actually had an idea on that front.” Seph volunteered.
Everyone turned to face him, so he continued.
“It’s clear after what’s happened here that the Fae face many dangers from the rest of humanity. I think there will be many who will have a change of heart after tonight, but that won’t convince everyone.”
Jak agreed. The Fae weren’t safe here. “So, what do you propose?”
Seph smiled at her. “I suggest we band together, find a place where we can all live in harmony with those of us who won’t persecute the Fae for what they are.”
“Like your Illadar?” Jak offered. “Your world of peace?”
“Possibly, but even I don’t exactly know what form Illadar will take. A simple refuge will do for now.”
They all stood there for a moment, taking in the idea. “It would have to be near water,” Cerai said. “We can’t travel far on land.”
“I agree,” said Seph. “So might I suggest the province of Riverbrook.”
Jak brought her head up so fast that she felt her neck crack. “What? Why?”
“It’s relatively uninhabited, especially after your town was evacuated. The river connects with the ocean, so the Water Fae could travel with us. There’s plenty of room. Plus, it’s defensible with a split in the river on two sides, and a mountain passes behind. So, we could defend it and retreat if necessary. We could even start our own farms for food if we stay long enough.”
Wow, he had really thought that through. But... Riverbrook. Could she really go back there? After everything that had happened…
“I don’t know,” she said.
“I kind of like the idea,” offered Karlona. “Besides, he’s right about us needing to band together. We’ve had too many of us die at the hands of hateful people or demons. We need safety in numbers.”
“It sounds like a reasonable plan to me,” said Cerai. “Though I don’t speak for all of us.”
Jak’s pursed her lips. “Very well, we’ll explain the situation to everyone here, then put it to a vote. If everyone is in favor, the Fae and anyone else who wishes to join may do so.”
Seph clapped his hands together. “I’ll round everyone up.”
A few minutes later and everyone had gathered together on the beach. The Water Fae continued to bring in a few stragglers from the city, all of whom looked completely flustered and thoroughly confused about what had just happened. But they quickly joined the growing crowd, looking at Seph who stood in front of them. Jak saw Naem among them, and her heart soured. At least he hadn’t tried to talk to her since he arrived.
“My friends,” Seph called out to them. He sounded like he was beginning one of his sermons. “We have witnessed a lot of horror tonight. Demons invaded a city we thought safe from their influence. Yet we were saved by the blessing of the Fae.” he swept his hand towards the Shadow Fae who had congregated on one side, then the Water Fae who all listened from the ocean.
Jak watched the crowd closely. Most, she noticed with satisfaction, were listening intently to what Seph had to say, or staring around in wonder at the Fae. There wasn’t much hostility in their gazes anymore. Not like she had seen from some at the execution. Though a few still eyed the Fae with suspicion evident on their faces.
“We have determined,” Seph continued, “that it is not safe for the Fae to stay here, nor is it safe for them to remain scattered throughout the land. We propose establishing a sanctuary of sorts, where Fae and humans who wish to accompany us, may live in harmony together.”
Jak saw a few faces perk up at that. She recognized some of those faces as being members of Seph’s congregation. Yes, they knew what that sounded like. Illadar, the promised land of peace. She glanced at Naem, who had one hand to his chin in thought.
As if reading their minds, Seph went on. “You all know Jak by now,” he waved a hand in her direction.
No please, the last thing she wanted was for Seph to bring her into this.
“She has learned how to give the gift of multiple brands, branding herself, and many of the weapons that some of us used today. I propose that we visit her homeland of Riverbrook to establish our little paradise. Fae will be welcome. Humans will be welcome.”
He went on to explain the other benefits of Riverbrook, its space, defensibility, and the possibility of farmland. Even Jak had to admit, Seph made it sound good. Jak watched the reactions from the crowd. Most of the Fae looked intrigued. The human crowd, however, seemed divided. Jak didn’t miss some of the ugly stares that many threw at her. Clearly they did not trust a Gifter who gave multiple brands, even if she had managed to do it without breaking down her own mind. But others looked at her with an expression that scared her even more. They looked...worshipful.
She needed to get out of here. So much had happened, and she didn’t know what to do next. All she had wanted was to live a normal life.
But she wasn’t normal. That much was clear. No matter how she wanted to avoid it, she had the abilities and knowledge that others didn’t. And she couldn’t just stand back as others suffered, especially the Fae, who had done nothing to deserve their persecution.
Yes, she wanted a normal life, but now she was in a position of power. And when given abilities that could help others, she couldn’t stand idly by and not use her position to lift them up.
Seph finally called for a vote. The show of hands was nearly unanimous among the Fae, and many of the human hands shot up as well. Jak’s gaze met Naem’s, as he too raised his hand. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
Well that settled it, there was a clear majority. Jak took a deep breath. They were going to Riverbrook.
26
They stayed the night on the beach, huddling together for warmth. But the next day, the Water Fae claimed that the city had been completely cleared of demons, and they had brought all the surviving humans to the beach. There were hundreds of them now, perhaps even a thousand, though not nearly as many as a city the size of Skyecliff should hold.
Cerai confessed, however, that they had not managed to get into the palace. It was locked down tight, and no one could get in or out until that changed. Well at least everyone in the palace was safe from the demons. Jak thought back to the ladies in waiting that had helped her bathe and dress the first time she visited the palace. She hoped they were alright. And the Lord Chamberlain too, he had been nice to her. It was the queen and the Royal Priest who concerned her. She had left the Priest outside the palace, but he had never arrived in one of the Fae’s strange waves. Neither had General Wilva or a handful of others. That meant they were either dead or had found their way inside the palace before it went on lockdown.
Upon returning to their homes, the people set about repairing some of the water damage and collecting the bodies of the dead for burial. The bodies of the demons they heaped in a pile outside the city’s western gate, where they were burned.
Many came up to Jak, asking her how she managed to stick more than one brand, asking if they could learn, or receive more brands for themselves. Jak quickly shrugged them all off. She wasn’t about to give another brand to any other human being. She would not risk it on anyone but herself, and she had only branded herself because of the desperate circumstances. She would have died otherwise.
Instead, she returned to the college and set about collecting her things. She couldn’t find her spear, journal, or Seph’s Book of Illadar anywhere though. Those must have been confiscated by the Watchers when they failed to arrest her. Of course, they would take her most treasured possessions away from her.
There was still no word from the palace. Not yet, anyway. Though they didn’t present much of a danger. Jak was sure that the queen’s guards were probably in there, but most of the surviving Watchers were on the outside, and none of them was lifting a finger towards Jak. Not since the execution. Regardless, Jak had to get out of the city, and soon. This was no longer her home, and she had other things to do before she joined the others at Riverbrook.
The night after the execution, she put what she could in her pack. She would leave tonight, while it was dark. No one would see her leave. But before she did that, she had one last person to visit.
She knocked on Gabriel’s door. He was home, and awake it seemed, as the light came from underneath the door. Someone moved on the other side, and soon, the door opened.
Gabriel took one look at her, noting the pack and that she was wearing travel clothes. “You’re leaving,” he said. He did not look surprised.
“I have to,” she replied. “I can’t stay here any longer.”
“I understand,” he said, which surprised her.
He didn’t argue, telling her why she needed to stay, or asking her to wait until someone could accompany her. Instead, he looked her in the eye.
“Did you come to say goodbye?”
“Yes, but I also need information. I’m going to the south-eastern mountains.”
Surprise flickered on Gabriel’s face. “You’re going to see what the queen has been up to there?”
“Yes,” Jak nodded. “But you once told me that a
Pillar of Eternity can be found there. I was hoping you could give me any information that might help me find it.”
Gabriel looked at her then, really poured into her eyes. Jak almost wanted to look away. “It will be dangerous,” he said, finally. “I wanted to go there, but the queen’s men wouldn’t let me. They certainly won’t let you in.”
“I can take care of myself,” Jak replied with a wink.
Gabriel chuckled. “Yes, that much is true.” He wandered over to his wall filled with a giant map and many other clippings and illustrations. Reaching out, he plucked one of them off the wall, returned, and handed it to Jak. “Mt. Harafast,” he said, pointing to the clipping. It had an illustration of a large mountain that towered above the others around it. “It’s the largest peak in the south-eastern mountain range. And it’s volcanic.”
Jak looked up at him. She had heard that word before, but few ever talked about them. “Aren’t those the mountains that spray hot rock everywhere? I had no idea there was one so close.”
“Yes, though it hasn’t erupted in hundreds of years by most scientists’ reckonings. That is where one of the Pillars of Eternity is rumored to live. And it’s where the queen has her men stationed. If I had to guess, I’d say they are looking for the Pillar too.”
“What about the armor and weapons that have been coming from the south?” Jak asked. “The queen has sent Watchers to guard those caravans. They must be important.”
He nodded. “Indeed, and I’m not sure. Perhaps they also come from the mountain, but I can’t see how. Perhaps there is a mountain pass that I don’t know about, and they’re trading with the nations beyond. But I really can’t say.”
Jak gently folded up the drawing and stuck it in her pouch. “Do you have any other clues to go on?”
Growing Ripples: An Epic YA Fantasy Adventure (Roots of Creation Book 2) Page 22