by G Sauvé
“There’s only one thing we can do,” says Jonn. “We continue the mission.”
“What about Kara?”
“Avalon has her. We find her; we find Kara.”
Wow. That’s cold. Logical, but cold. I want to object, but there’s nothing for me to object to. Jonn’s right. The only way to save Kara is to locate Avalon. And the best way to do that is to continue the mission.
“Let’s go,” says the grey-haired soldier. He grabs the satchel containing our supplies and heads off.
We travel for nearly an hour before reaching a deep ravine. A rickety rope bridge spans its twenty-metre width and makes up the only path to the summit of the Mountain of Fire. The mere sight of it is enough to halt my advance.
Jonn doesn’t even break stride. He marches across the narrow bridge as though it were the most natural thing in the world. He takes a dozen steps before realizing I’m not following.
“Come on,” he calls back. “We’re wasting daylight.”
“I can’t,” I say.
“Why not?”
“I-I’m afraid of heights.”
Jonn rolls his eyes. “Of course, you are.”
He retraces his steps and plants himself before me. I half expect him to pick me up and carry me across, but he merely peers deep into my eyes and says the four most unexpected words.
“Do it for Kara.”
He’s right. I’ve lost count of the times Kara risked her life to save me. It’s only right I repay the favour. Not to mention the fact that taking down Avalon will ensure the remaining korrigans and arkanes get to live long, happy lives. But most of all, victory will mean returning to my time and being reunited with my mother.
I can do this.
It takes a while, but I finally muster the courage to overcome my fear.
The first step is the scariest. Or so I think until I take the second. Now that my full weight is on the bridge, I can feel the sway of the structure as the gentle breeze tugs at it. I hold on to the rope guardrails with such force my knuckles turn white. I will my feet forward, but they refuse to obey. I try again but fail once more.
“Move,” growls Jonn.
“I-I can’t.”
Jonn shoves me. Not hard enough to make me lose my balance, but enough to make me understand his patience has limits. I take a shaky step forward, followed by another. The planks groan beneath my feet, but I ignore them and take another step.
The progress is slow but steady. As long as I focus on the planks beneath my feet and not the plummet to certain death that lies beyond it, things should be fine.
They are. At first.
A gust of wind hits the bridge just as I reach the midway point. My head starts spinning as the structure sways. My heart hammers in my chest. My clammy hands clutch the ropes with increased intensity. Beads of cold sweat trickle down my forehead. Pathetic whimpers rise from my lips. I would probably be embarrassed if not for the fact that I’m completely, utterly terrified.
“Move,” orders Jonn.
I shake my head.
“Move!
I shake my head with increased vigour.
“MOVE!”
I cringe but remain firmly rooted in place.
I expect Jonn to take drastic measures, but he does the complete opposite.
“Ask me a question,” he says.
“What?”
“Ask me any question you want, and I’ll answer it.”
I’m not sure what he’s up to, but I’m not about to pass up such an opportunity. I take a moment to gather my thoughts, then ask the question that has plagued me ever since I first met Jonn.
“Why are you so mean to everyone?”
Against all odds, Jonn doesn’t deny the implications.
“I act as though I blame Avalon for what happened to my wife, but the truth is, Anna’s death was my fault.”
I’m not sure how to respond, so I remain quiet and wait for Jonn to elaborate.
“I was supposed to be home that night. Instead, I was out with my army buddies, having one too many drinks. Anna had been getting on my case about my drinking, and instead of admitting my addiction, I lashed out by going out and getting wrecked. By the time I got home, the house was already on fire, and Anna was doomed.”
I think back to the memory I witnessed and remember the look on Jonn’s face when he realized his wife was going to die. At the time I thought it was despair, but I now realize it was, in fact, shame. Avalon caused the fire, but it was Jonn who failed to save Anna. He blames himself for her death and lashing out at others is his way of dealing with the guilt.
“I despise Avalon,” says Jonn, “but most of all, I hate myself. If it weren't for me, Anna would still be alive.”
I feel sorry for him, but nothing I say will ease his guilt. All I can do is use his pain as motivation to keep my own guilt from devouring me from within. Korri may be dead, but I’m convinced he wouldn’t want me blaming myself for his demise.
“Why not let Avalon change the past?” I ask. “She’s trying to fix her mistake. Wouldn’t helping her mean saving your wife?”
Jonn sighs.
“It’s not that simple. The past must be altered significantly in order to affect the future. As much as I would love to hold my wife again, I can’t let Avalon cause so much pain and suffering. It’s not what Anna would have wanted.”
I’m finally starting to understand why Jonn is the way he is.
“What about Arko? He’s Anna’s brother, right?”
“Yeah. He’s Kara’s uncle. We used to be friends. We were in the Atlantean army together. He was the one who came up with the idea to create a team to catch Avalon. Without him, we never would have gotten so close to her.”
“Isn’t he evil?” I ask, thinking of the last time I saw Arko. He claimed Avalon used a mind-control device to manipulate him, but seeing how his supposed assistance led us into a trap, the jury is still out on whether or not he’s on our side.
“I’m not sure,” admits Jonn, “but I won’t let that stop me. Nothing can stand in my way. Not Avalon. Not Arko. Not Kara. Not even you.”
“Is that why you hate me?”
Jonn groans. “I don’t hate you.”
“You don’t? Then why are you so mean to me?”
There’s a moment of silence before Jonn finally answers.
“It’s Kara.”
“Kara?”
“She likes you.”
“She does?”
Jonn groans again.
“Any fool could see it.”
I must be a fool because I had no idea. Sure, we almost kissed, but that means nothing.
“Okay,” I say after a while. “Kara likes me. But what does that have to do with the way you feel about me?”
Jonn snorts. “You’re not very quick, are you? Kara’s all I have left. The thought of losing her, especially to you, terrifies me.”
It makes sense. Sort of.
“So that’s why you’ve been a douche this entire time?”
Jonn doesn’t answer. He shoves me aside and walks off, grunting something that sounds an awful lot like, “Shut up and follow me. We’re almost there.”
I don’t understand the sudden change of attitude until I realize something.
We’re no longer on the bridge.
At first, I don’t understand how it’s possible, then I think back to the conversation I just had. Jonn wasn’t answering my questions out of the kindness of his heart. He was deliberately trying to distract me. I guess it worked because I didn’t even notice him shoving me along until my feet hit solid ground.
I hurry after Jonn, beaming. Not only did I get some well-deserved answers, but I now have proof Kara likes me.
“Thank…” I begin, but the second half of the sentence dies in my throat when a man appears before us.
He’s smaller than Jonn, but still quite imposing. His facial features are contorted in an ever-present grimace of anger. There’s only one man I know who can maintain such a h
igh level of annoyance.
Arko.
Memory 75
A rko. Anna’s brother. Kara’s uncle. Jonn’s former friend. The man has many titles, but none prove his true allegiance. Is he good or evil? Did he knowingly guide us into a trap or was it an accident?
“I can help you,” he says, his scowl evaporating like an early morning mist, but Jonn isn’t fooled by the sudden change in attitude.
“Why should I trust you? It didn’t work so well the last time.”
Arko winces.
“I thought I was helping you,” he says. “I only later realized Avalon had fed me false information and purposefully caused the mind jacker to malfunction. She was counting on me to find you. I… I’m sorry.”
I can’t tell if he's sincere. Neither can Jonn.
“Do you have proof?”
Arko seems hurt by the lack of trust.
“What happened to us?” he asks. “We used to be friends.”
Jonn scoffs. “You betrayed us. That’s what happened.”
“I wasn’t myself.”
“Prove it.”
Arko turns around and pulls down his shirt collar.
“How’s this for proof?” he asks, revealing the nasty wound on his neck. It’s fresh, but it has already started healing.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“That’s where the mind jacker was attached,” says Jonn.
“So… does that mean he isn’t evil?”
“Of course he isn’t evil.”
“Glad to hear you say that,” says Arko as he turns around.
The two men smile like old friends reunited after years of feuding.
“You’re still a smartass,” says Jonn jokingly.
“And you’re still a dumbass,” retorts Arko.
I half expect my companion to knock him out, but he starts laughing. Perhaps he has a sense of humour after all.
“How did you remove the mind jacker?”
Arko’s expression grows dark.
“There’s no time to explain,” he says. “Kara’s in danger.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” asks Jonn. “Let’s go!”
The two men head off, leaving me behind. I hesitate for a moment, then hurry after them.
“How did you get rid of the mind jacker?” repeats Jonn as Arko leads us along a narrow path.
“It was damaged,” he explains. “For real, this time,” he adds when he notices Jonn’s skeptical expression. “I managed to tear it out before Avalon realized what happened.”
“How did you get away?”
“Avalon surrounds herself with a squad of highly-trained arkane guards, but they didn’t know I had switched sides. I walked right out the front door. By the time they realized their mistake, I was long gone.”
“When was this?” asks Jonn.
“A few days ago.”
Jonn skids to a stop.
“How did you know Kara was taken if you escaped days ago?”
I hadn’t thought of that.
“Surveillance,” says Arko. “I was watching Avalon’s tower when a couple of guards dragged Kara into it.”
“Why not come looking for us after you escaped?” asks Jonn. “Why stay behind?”
“Why not? I knew it was only a matter of time before you fell into Avalon’s trap. Once that happened, you would be made prisoner and led up the mountain. Seeing how the guards would be unaware of my recent change in allegiance, convincing them to free you would be easy. At least, that was the plan.”
Jonn nods, and moments later, we’re on our way again. The rest of the journey goes by in silence. We encounter a few obstacles, but Arko helps us bypass them. After nearly a full hour of trekking, we finally reach our destination.
The summit of the Mountain of Fire is unremarkable but for one detail. At the topmost point of the dormant volcano stands a stone tower. It’s both imposing and fortified. In other words, getting in will be impossible.
“What’s the plan?” asks Jonn.
“Follow me,” says Arko as he leaves the cover of the jungle.
“What are you doing?” asks Jonn as he and I hurry after our guide. “They’ll see us.”
“Trust me.”
“The last time I did that things didn’t go so well.”
“Have faith.”
Jonn doesn’t seem convinced, but we don’t have a choice.
We progress in silence. Arko advances confidently. Jonn is more tentative but still appears in full control. The same can’t be said for me. I keep an eye out for any signs of treachery, but all I see is the cliff that stands near the tower’s base. I can’t tell how big the drop is, and I pray I won’t have to find out.
We eventually reach the tower’s main gate. It’s unguarded. And unlocked.
“I don’t like this,” mutters Jonn as the main doors swing open.
“Let’s go,” says Arko as he strides into the shadowy building. Jonn and I hesitate for a moment before following him.
It takes my eyes a moment to adjust. When they finally do, I discover a wide open space. A stone staircase follows the curve of the wall and vanishes into a rectangular hole in the ceiling. Two large metal cages make up the remainder of the décor. The left one is empty. The right one isn’t.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of the caged T. rex. Like the one we encountered during our travels, its eyes glow red. I’m not sure what it means, but it proves Avalon was responsible for sending that other Tyrannosaurus after us. If not for Jonn’s bravery, we would be dead. But I forget all about that when I spot her.
“Kara!” Jonn yells as he rushes forward. I’m right behind him, pumping my tired muscles for all they’re worth.
“Dad? Will?” Kara perks up at the sight of us, but her chain-clad ankles keep her from closing the gap that separates us.
“What are you guys doing here?” she asks once we reach her.
“We’re here to save you,” I say as I study her restraints.
Her ankles are shackled together and linked to the wall using a heavy chain. Jonn grabs hold of it and starts pulling. His muscles bulge, and his face turns red, but nothing happens.
“It won’t budge,” he grunts after a while.
“Use the key,” suggests Kara.
“What key?”
“There. On the wall.”
Sure enough, an ancient brass key hangs from a hook less than a metre from her outstretched arm.
“Why would they leave it there?” I wonder.
“Who cares?” says Jonn as he grabs the key and frees Kara.
“Ah,” sighs Kara. “That feels better.”
She rubs her wrists and stretches her tired body.
“How did you find me?” she asks.
“We had a little help,” admits Jonn. He gestures to Arko, but the reveal doesn’t have the desired effect. Instead of thanking him for leading us to her, Kara recoils at the sight of her uncle.
“He’s evil,” she says. “He’s working with Avalon.”
“Not anymore,” says Jonn. “He’s back on our side.”
“No,” insists Kara. “He’s not!”
Jonn tries to speak, but Arko beats him to the punch.
“She’s right,” he says.
There’s a moment of silence as Jonn and I struggle to grasp what he means.
“I don’t understand,” admits Jonn.
Arko’s smile evaporates, and his angry demeanour returns.
“You never were very smart, were you? Maybe this will help clarify things.”
He snaps his fingers. Moments later, a dozen armed arkanes come rushing into the room. Within seconds, we’re surrounded. Vicious-looking spearheads hover centimetres from our faces, threatening to skewer us if we so much as move. This new development brings up many questions, but it helps make one thing painfully clear.
Arko is evil.
Memory 76
W hy?” ask Jonn.
Arko doesn’t answer.
“He’s the one who k
idnapped me,” says Kara, answering for her uncle.
A heavy silence follows the revelation.
“It was easy,” mocks Arko. “All I had to do was shed a few tears, and she followed me without question.”
Kara’s shoulders slump.
“Why?” asks Jonn. “Why take Kara?”
Arko chuckles.
“Isn’t it obvious? I needed you to trust me. And we both know she’s your biggest weakness.”
“What if I hadn’t trusted you?” asks Jonn.
“I would have destroyed her.”
Jonn takes a threatening step toward Arko. The arkane guards’ spears act as a protective barrier, yet the angry man flinches. Jonn chuckles, satisfied by the effect his action had on his brother-in-law.
“Would you really have killed her?” I ask.
Arko seems surprised. “Of course,” he says, matter-of-factly.
No one speaks for the longest time. In the end, it’s Kara who breaks the silence.
“Avalon killed your sister. Why help her?”
Arko sighs but doesn’t answer.
“Please,” begs Kara. “I want to understand. I need to understand.”
Arko glares at her.
“You don’t deserve to understand!” he snaps. The outburst is so unexpected I can’t help but wonder what caused it. “You’re not my niece!”
What’s that supposed to mean?
I glance at Kara, but she seems just as confused as me. Only Jonn appears to be on the same wavelength as Arko.
“Please,” he begs. “Don’t do this.”
Did Jonn just say “please?” Wow! This must be serious. Unfortunately, I have no idea what the hell is going on. Arko despises Kara; that much is clear. But there’s something else going on, something only Jonn and Arko are privy to.
“Please,” continues Jonn. “Kill me if you like, but don’t do this.”
Arko considers Jonn’s request for a moment before nodding.
“Fine,” he says. “I’ll play along.”
An agreement has been reached, but I still have no clue what Jonn and Arko were discussing. I guess it doesn’t really matter given the circumstances. Still, I can’t help wondering why Arko hates Kara.