Blackstone

by C E Johnson

  While we’re talking about blame, do you hold me responsible for your lack of flight, Droth asked quietly, because I do. I can tell you wish you were soaring over the ocean. Droth glanced sideways at Arn, speaking hesitantly. Did I make the correct decision in leaving Samil when he could have healed your wings?

  You made the right choice. Arn sent feelings of love across their link, never one to criticize or second guess his bondsmate. There was only complete unqualified acceptance for Droth’s decision to leave Samil’s side in the battle. If Samil had defeated Emily Dalton, he had promised Droth that he would reverse his cruel magic that had rendered Arn flightless.

  I wish I could have killed Emily to grant you the ability to fly, but I came to admire her so much more than Samil. Droth had wanted no part in a war aiding a man he no longer respected or to kill a girl who had won his esteem. I decided to quit fighting alongside people I dislike.

  Even if you had helped Samil to win the battle, the manipulation would likely have never ended. Arn stretched out his long wings, letting his feathers ruffle in the wind. Samil would have continued to find ways to shackle you to his side.

  My only regret is not knowing how to heal you. Droth closed his eyes and let the breeze wash over him. With Samil’s death, I wonder if I’ll ever find someone to restore your flight. For years he had searched for a powerful magician or druid to mend his bondsmate, but despite many spell attempts, Arn’s condition had not changed.

  A galley approaches. Arn’s sharp eyes picked up a speck on the horizon, and he directed Droth’s gaze toward the faraway ship. It moved rapidly, skimming across the top of the water like a flying fish, the oars lifting and descending in synchrony as sails snapped in the wind and the deck churned with sailors.

  Someone else with a mission for our people, Droth surmised. He turned away from the sea, studying his new home, the small island named Akrysha by the residents, but better known as the Bird’s Nest to the rest of Acacia. Many white-marbled buildings with Doric columns stood on the small island with scattered stone towers and red-tiled roofs housing the Bird Clan. Different breeds of bird were skillfully worked into the architecture in statues, mosaics, and reliefs celebrating the avian bondsmates of the inhabitants.

  Lambo should be here by now. Arn also turned from the ship to study the wooden door of a building not far from them, made from weathered white stone. Droth’s relatives had all died during his long absence from Acacia while living on Earth as each year he spent on that planet was over three hundred years on Acacia. He had, however, discovered several great grandchildren of relatives, one of which was Lambo.

  He’ll be here shortly, Droth said. Lambo was as dependable as a bondsmate. I need to discuss our next mission with him.

  And Rumanovah? Arn asked. Will she go with us?

  She’s researching for us in the library. Droth gave Arn a happy smile. I won’t allow her to go on this mission, it’s too dangerous. Droth had married Janishka Rumanovah soon after he left the dragon war.

  Without warning, the brown door slammed open and a young man with an eagle on his shoulder emerged from the dark passageway. He darted between the columns of the adjacent buildings, running at a sprint toward Droth. He was twenty years old with amber skin and light blonde hair. He wore worn brown leather armor and a deep bronze cloak that billowed behind him as he dashed lightly across the ground. A weak silver aura flared, showing he was a lower-level magician. The aura had tendrils of compassion, empathy and goodwill. “Uncle,” Droth’s grandnephew, yelled excitedly. His eagle, Orel, alighted from his shoulder and circled over his head during his rapid approach.

  “What news do you have,” Droth yelled back while studying Orel in flight. Lambo’s bondsmate had a fine layer of white scales under his white feathers and he darted here and there through the air like an agile jet plane. Orel was one of the champion flyers on the island, and the noble creature gained more altitude, easily gliding through the unpredictable wind currents that buffeted the coast.

  Lambo shouted breathlessly as loud as he could, as the wind attempted to snatch away his words, “I’ve learned of someone who may be able to help Arn.” His silver eyes were filled with pride.

  Droth wanted to berate the lad for trying to hold a conversation across such a wide distance, but he held his tongue as Arn counseled him gently, He’s just a boy, let him yell.

  “Who’s this mystery person?” Droth called out warily.

  “Not really one person,” Lambo mumbled with some apprehension, finally arriving at Droth’s side. He was pulling air into his lungs with long, coarse breaths and his skin was covered in sweat. “A small clan of druids supposedly knew a spell which could heal a score of severe bondsmates’ ailments, but I fear the members may have died without revealing their secret.”

  “Dead?” Droth set his mouth in a hard line. “How will dead men help us? I have no desire to travel to Ater to speak with their lost souls if that’s what you’re suggesting. I’ve never loved talking to wraiths.” Droth clasped Lambo’s arm in a handshake, before tousling his hair. “Tell me more about your investigation into the secrets of dead men.”

  “Perhaps they taught the spell to others … or a member of the clan is still alive.” Lambo’s excitement was intense, his hopeful eyes filled with possibilities. “We should search for the relatives of these people.”

  You’ve searched enough for me, my link, Arn whispered. Tell Lambo to stop this wild-goose chase.

  Droth took a slow deep breath. He put a hand on Lambo’s shoulder. “I don’t think we’ll go on any more trips to find a cure for Arn.”

  Lambo shook his head in obvious frustration. “I’ll never be at peace looking at your strong and powerful Acacean eagle who is meant to soar in the sky. He’s only grounded due to Samil’s treachery.” Lambo glanced at Droth’s bondsmate. “I’ll continue to search for you, Arn. Ignore my uncle. He’s getting a little crazy in his old age.” Orel landed on Lambo’s shoulder as he spoke to Arn, appearing just as perturbed as Lambo while ruffling his feathers.

  Droth tried to ignore Orel who fixed him with an intense stare, likely chastising him for his weakness. “We have a formidable mission assigned to us, nephew. We’re to infiltrate the City of Thieves.” Droth focused his attention on Lambo who appeared to be smarting over Droth’s rejection of his plan. “Prepare for what we can control.” Droth gestured to a small path that wove its way along the cliffs, “Walk with me.” He started along coastline with his three dogs forming a triangle around him, protecting their master.

  “If we have stunning success on this mission, can we track down the remnants of this druid clan?” Lambo spoke so quietly, it almost sounded as if he was speaking to himself.

  “Only if you will oversee coordinating the mission.” Droth could sense the burning desire smoldering in the impressionable youth and he didn’t want to fully smother the flame.

  “Yes!” Lambo did a fist pump. “Arn, I’m going to see you fly!” Lambo smiled joyfully at Droth as they angled toward the path. Before they took another step, two warriors came out of a long hallway, nodding in deference to Droth. One was large and burly, the other smaller, but thicker of shoulder. Both were fearsome to behold. Many of the members of the Bird clan were impressive fighters, often hired by kingdoms needing teams of elite warriors for specific missions. The pay for their service was high, and their reward usually involved a portion of the interesting treasures that they recovered. Payments were split between the successful team and the clan.

  “Sir,” the burly one began. “A ship just came in bringing new information on your next quest.” Droth had become invaluable on the island. Although he was not able to battle well as a team with Arn, his heightening made him one of the strongest of their warriors, and he was a mastermind in plotting out scenarios for a variety of missions, advancing rapidly to a position of power on the board of the Bird Clan.

  Droth hesitated a moment to watch a seagull wheeling overhead. He stroked the feathers of his bondsmate and
listened to the turbulent waves crashing into the cliffs of the island. I have a bad feeling about this next operation, he whispered to Arn.

  C H A P T E R 6

  Plans

  The sun was descending but the air was still, heavy and warm. Emily didn’t mind the heat. She smiled to herself as she jogged on a path of dirt and wrinkled limestone while headed to a tutoring lesson with Dr. D. I can’t wait to see how he’ll react to our news.

  Xena was loping smoothly at her side, tongue lolling as she ran. He didn’t predict this, did he? There was mirth in Xena’s tone. They both laughed to themselves while running past patches of tall yellow grass and carpets of wildflowers with rich scarlet Indian paintbrush, purple bluebonnets, and crisp white Blackfoot daisies.

  I want to see the expression on his face. Emily’s feet struck happily on the ground in an excited drumbeat. She entered Dr. D’s building with more cause for elation. Her magical perception was improving to such a level that she realized she could sense a trickle of the pulsating power of the portal. Down deep beneath the building where she now stood, there was a throbbing vibration. This was a new feeling. Dr. D looked up from the paperwork on his desk as she entered. “I’m missing Acacia,” she sighed as she gave her father a hug, “I can actually sense the portal.”

  “I often feel the portal calling to me too.” Her father stacked the folders before him and set them aside. “When I sit here in my office, I can feel a trembling deep down beneath my feet.” Dr. D leaned back in his chair with a wistful look on his face. “Perhaps we should go home soon.” He picked up a mug that held a tea that smelled of lime and spearmint and took a long sip.

  Dax emerged from nowhere, his faint blue aura rippling while he rubbed against Emily’s leg. She picked him up and cradled the small, warm otter in her arms. “Anna and Isabelle have developed auras,” she revealed in a hushed voice while studying Dr. D’s face.

  “Are you certain?” Dr. D sputtered and coughed. His eyes widened, and tea sprayed from his mouth.

  I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so startled, Emily whispered with pride.

  I told you he didn’t predict this, Xena snorted cheerfully.

  Dr. D slowly mopped up the tea with a tissue. Confusion and excitement warred on his face. “I didn’t think something like that was even remotely possible.” His eyes weighed her every word as she told him what she had seen. “Can you show me?” He appeared staggered by the force of Emily’s revelation, apparently needing visual confirmation. Emily nodded, performing a dream-link to let him view the proof of her words. “Coral and indigo,” he murmured, his voice quietly thoughtful.

  Emily was sure his mind was going a mile a minute right now. “It’s incredible, isn’t it?”

  Slowly he seemed to gain a tiny degree of control of his overwhelming shock. “I just don’t get it. Have you seen any other earthlings forming an aura?”

  “No, no one else.”

  “What about Luke or Elizabeth?” Dr. D rubbed his temples, still wearing a baffled expression, apparently blown away by the development.

  “Nothing yet, but I’m praying that they will undergo the same transformation or I’m going to see some major jealousy.” Emily rubbed Dax one more time before setting him on a pillow next to a chenille arm chair that she settled into.

  Dr. D took a last sip of the remnants of his tea. He set the mug down and stood, still appearing off-balance as he moved slowly to his window with a frown on his face. He was quiet for some time, looking out at the dying sunlight coming through the glass. “Let’s try and look at this logically. There must be a reason you became friends with them to begin with … perhaps there was some underlying potential which bound the five of you together. I’m really not sure what this portends.”

  Emily dropped her voice as she told her father about the birds that hit her car, and Dr. D’s frown deepened. He shook his head again. “Although your friends developing auras is exciting, the combination of these events is very worrisome.” Slowly returning to his chair, he collapsed heavily into his seat. “I’m not sure what to think of all of this information.”

  “Should we postpone our lesson for today?” The last glimmers of sunlight began to fade away. Maybe he’s too consumed by the news to teach, Emily thought to Xena.

  “No, I think our training is even more important now. Something or someone is going to reveal themselves soon.” Her father studied her for a moment. “You’re an arch-mage with impressive powers, but there’s a spell you haven’t learned.” A gusty wind began to blow outside the office and the sky turned a golden orange as the sun set.

  Emily was confident in her growing earthly power. She felt eager to attempt a new incantation. The wind outside was growing stronger. “Certain magicians are able to modify spells,” Dr. D began. He swallowed slowly and licked his lips. “Magus is grouped in different categories, but some magicians are able to fuse the divisions of magic using ingenuity and creativity.”

  Emily nodded, understanding his idea. “So instead of learning someone else’s spell, you think I can become a spell writer.”

  “Someone has to be the spell writer.” Dr. D glanced out the window at the tree moving in the wind. “However, there are risks with new spells. Since they haven’t been performed before, no one knows how much energy they will require.” The temperature in the room slowly dropped as darkness won the battle over light.

  “What should we try?” Emily felt somewhat nervous by his discomfort, but she was willing to attempt a new spell.

  Don’t exert yourself, Xena warned.

  “All these changes on Earth.” Her father’s expression was grave. “Something must be the trigger.” The wind began to sigh through the cracks at the edge of the window and Dr. D turned on a light that sat on his desk. “I think we’re both curious about Iscar.” He stroked his chin. “I want to see if you can gain advice on finding him.”

  Are you sure this is wise? Xena asked. This spell sounds like it could drain you.

  I feel strong, Emily whispered. “A prophecy or directional type of spell?” she asked her father.

  “You told me about the card games you used to play at swim meets in which you were able to suggest the future. I think we can use that game to help answer a question.” Something glittered in her father’s eyes and he appeared to wave off his initial hesitation. The tree outside the window began to sway and the branches scraped the white limestone of the building. “Hadrian is tracking scores of terrorists, hoping Iscar will make a mistake and catch his attention, but he hasn’t found anything concrete yet. Maybe we can help him.” His eyes became lost in thought. “Think of Iscar’s parents Samil and Claire and try to combine their essence to picture their son.”

  “This all sounds too vague.” I don’t think I can picture someone I’ve never seen, Emily thought.

  You need to focus on Samil’s essence, Xena suggested. If Iscar is causing problems, he will be his father’s son.

  “Attempt to picture Iscar and try to isolate him on Earth or Acacia.” Dr. D leaned toward her. “Subsequently go through different regions to identify a trace of Iscar. Find a clue or some direction for our search.”

  “I see where you’re headed.” Emily relaxed her mind and decided upon the words for her spell, praedico vaticinatio. She pictured Samil in her mind’s eye, sketching a vision of his son while merging the product with Earth and Acacia. She felt drawn toward Acacia, by a subtle nudge of magus. Slowly and purposefully, she began to filter through many of the locations on Acacia on a map that she formed in her mind, letting her magic wander over areas and regions. Once she looked south, she noticed another vague pull of blue magic toward the Dothan Forest where an orange flame burned brightly in her mind.

  I don’t like this, Xena whispered. The spell is powerful and you’re draining quickly. End it.

  One more minute. Emily felt a throbbing in her heart and a sense of dread building in her mind, but she wanted to finish her attempt.

  I’ll give you my strengt
h. Xena sounded worried. Emily used the power coming from her bondsmate to swallow down her growing nausea and focus on the orange blaze. There was a warmth coming from the fire. She moved closer and discovered it was encasing the shadowy form of an elven mage.

  I’m weakening, Emily whispered. The wreath of flames progressively darkened until it was replaced with a black, ice-like darkness in the shape of a female vampire. She surrounded the man and stabbed at him with a dark sword. As he collapsed in agony, a dazzling bright light flashed around him. Coils of cold flooded Emily’s mind and she screamed in terror, while her heart thundered.

  End the spell. There’s nothing more to be gained here, Xena roared.

  “Stop your spell,” Her father commanded with iron in his voice.

  Pain lancing through her chest, Emily complied. She gasped for breath as she ended the incantation and opened her eyes. She felt tired, drained, and sore as if she was just recovering from a sickness. “I was drawn to something,” she murmured, finding it difficult to even speak.

  Her father was at her side. “Are you okay?” He brushed her hair back from her face, his forehead creased with worry. Emily nodded, but she was spent, and a silence hung between them until her father spoke gently. “I shouldn’t have encouraged that spell.”

  “I was drawn to the Dothan Forest,” Emily managed to relay.

  Dr. D nodded thoughtfully. “The Dothan Forest is extremely large,” he set his lips in a grim line, “and the woods are so dense that no dragon can penetrate the canopy. The area is wet with scores of rivers and springs flowing through underground caves.”