Blackstone

by C E Johnson

  “I’ll be fine in a moment.” Shadoe gave their group a crooked grin, but it appeared strained and he continued to sway like a tree in the wind.

  Elaina frowned in concern as he continued to keep his eyes closed. “You should have come back to my forest.” She shook her head while chiding him. “Why did you decide to live halfway around the continent?” She ignored the blood trickling down her neck from multiple wounds and put her hand on his shoulder, speaking gently, “You don’t belong here, Shadoe.”

  Shadoe’s hands fell away from his face. “I’m just beginning to fully realize that I do belong here.” He moved closer to Elaina, helping Crittenden support her from the other side once again. “We need to heal everyone’s wounds and then we all need to talk.” Shadoe glanced at a soldier on the wall above. In a booming voice, he called out directions to the warrior, who must have been one of his captains, on the best techniques at keeping the half-deads at bay.

  “They’re retreating,” another elven archer yelled down to Shadoe, and a cheer went up from the warriors. As guards came down from the wall, they helped support Emily and her friends. Emily stared at Shadoe; he was handsome and regal in appearance. His dominant orange aura sparkled over his peripheral elven shades more powerfully than Emily had thought possible for an aura. Flames danced in Emily’s mind as his halo evoked feelings of danger, warmth, and happiness, reminding her of her vision of him that had sent her on this journey to begin with.

  He’s a powerful elf, Ammolite spoke in Emily’s mind, watching Shadoe and evaluating him through Emily’s eyes.

  “Your aura is fascinating,” Emily said breathlessly. “You’re so different from the other elves. I don’t know the word for you. You seem almost … holy.”

  Shadoe laughed goodheartedly. “You must be Emily. Thank goodness that I primarily see your mother in you … not that other foul human who stole away the most beautiful woman on this planet.” Emily could hear the jest and pain warring in his voice, but she was happy he was able to joke and tease about her father. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she instantly liked him. He reached out a hand to touch her. Emily could see an instantaneous change in his expression as they made contact, his face became thoughtful and he began to sway once again with Elaina now supporting him. “Your future has so many possibilities, he whispered. The swaying lasted even longer than when he had embraced Elaina. They waited in a somewhat uncomfortable silence until he stopped. He opened his eyes, but they remained cloudy and Emily wondered what prophecies he was seeing. Emily introduced Shadoe to her friends, to Xena, and lastly to Droth and Lambo.

  “Droth of the bird clan?” Shadoe’s tone shifted to something curious.

  “Yes.” Droth wiped a layer of blood and grime from his face with the back of a hand. I was once a general with Samil, but I’ve left that portion of my life behind and I live with the bird clan now.

  “Do you know of Droth?” Emily was intrigued. Shadoe didn’t reach out a hand to Droth, and Emily wondered if he was too tired to read more prophecies.

  “Come further into my fortress. We need to get away from these outer walls.”

  Xena sniffed the air as they passed a small stone arch and Emily smelled something unusual through her bondsmate’s nose, a pulsating power that left a faint resin in the breeze. There’s strong magic here, Xena whispered, a portal.

  Shadoe pointed at the stone archway, “I’ll teach you about this later. He led the procession forward. “The half-deads don’t use arrows very often, but I feel much more secure further to the center of my realm.” Healers rushed forward and immediately began to replenish a component of their magus, mending larger wounds even as they walked. They passed through courtyards that were also filled with trees like the rest of the forest, but these areas were well tended and the trees were healthy and monstrous, nearly twice the size of those outside the gates. Although there was more space by the base of the trees, there was an even denser canopy filtering out the light. The bases of the trees were trimmed of branches and homes were created in the great trunks. The land sloped upwards as they walked, and Emily glanced back at the wall and beyond.

  Shadoe followed her gaze. “We use only trees downed in storms for construction. The largest trees go to the outer walls.” He gestured to the distant battlements. The downed trees were cut to fit snugly in a horizontal position between vertical live old-growth trees. Wooden perches were carved both into the barriers and into the great vertical trees. Elven archers filled the berths. “Our archers are able to remain fairly well covered during a fight and usually we aren’t challenged like today.”

  “This is our second line of defense.” Shadoe pointed out a second set of tree-walls which was thinner in overall width, but much more refined with artistically decorated figures and ornamentation carved in the wood. “All of our citizens enjoy woodworking.”

  Emily’s mouth dropped open. The wall was like a museum that only paused when it met two enormous silver-colored gates made from steel. Another set of warriors stood guard on the second wall, wearing a different uniform, richer cloaks of deeper forest green. The warriors inclined their heads to Shadoe when he passed, and several left the wall to greet Elaina with handshakes, friends from their days of living in the Forest of Harath.

  Shadoe led them toward buildings that were as ornate as the wall. They were again built into trees, with a timeless elegance and detail in their construction. Continuing their ascent, they arrived at an outdoor common ground at the highest point in the fortress, a tree-shrouded amphitheater for meetings. Presently, the area was being set up with tables for a feast. Emily could better see outside the fortress from this elevated position. Clusters of half-deads were in a slow and organized retreat.

  “The half-deads have assembled in massive numbers, all following their half-dead vampire queen, Maaca.” Shadoe frowned as he studied the enemy armies. “I could see she was out there battling you.”

  “She’s more powerful than any half-dead I’ve ever seen,” Elaina stared out over the outer walls. “I don’t know if I could have defeated her.” Her voice trailed off.

  Shadoe gestured toward twinkling flames forming in the woods from campfires. “There are also magicians helping her. When I see fire beyond the outer walls, I know that’s where magicians are camped because the half-deads don’t need a fire to stay warm.”

  “Do they fight for Maaca?” Anna asked.

  “No, they fight alongside her. They’ve given their dragon-oath to Iscar.” Shadoe turned from the wall. “We’ll talk more at dinner. For now, go and be fully recharged by my healers. My warriors will take you to your rooms where you can bathe and where we have clothes for you. Once you’re rested, return here where we’ll eat and get further acquainted.”

  Emily and Xena were led to her tree-room. Two female green magicians entered after she had bathed and placed greenstones over mage-points. She found she had to hold her tongue not to let out noises of contentment as she felt an exalted euphoria descend on her mind as her magus was recharged in a rush. After the process, she changed quickly and hurried toward the feast, she didn’t want to miss anything Shadoe had to say. With all the activity in and around the fortress, Emily could tell his time was a valuable commodity that she could not waste. She ran her hand over the surface of her new leather armor, appreciating feeling clean again. Walking through the scores of tables of elves, she found her mother already sitting with Shadoe, appearing positively radiant. The two were laughing quietly together.

  Shadoe glanced up at her approach. “Your mother tells me you hope to save Earth.”

  Emily nodded, somehow feeling uncomfortable in the gaze of this impressive warrior. “I hope to help stop the destruction there. Iscar is behind it all.”

  Shadoe stood and guided Emily to a seat next to him. “You’ve already been instrumental in saving Acacia once, and now you’re working to preserve the way of life on a second planet … I wonder what all you’ll do by the time you’re my age.” Emily flushed, feeling hi
s praise was overdone.

  Emily’s Earth friends, Crittenden, Droth and Lambo came into the great space together in a small group. Anna and Isabelle were both firmly affixed to Crittenden’s arms. Arn was on Droth’s shoulder and Orel on Lambo’s. Once Droth made his way near to Shadoe, he threw a leather pouch on the table in front of him. “I’ve finally completed my task. A much more difficult job that I thought it would be.”

  Emily watched Shadoe open the pouch and spill the contents into his palm. There were six magestones, and their auras were glorious. They appeared to be pulsating, feeding off each other. “My magestones.” Shadoe ran a finger along each stone before showing them to the group assembled. “These were stolen from this fortress many years ago by a traveler that I allowed in. There was no truth in him. He didn’t keep the commandments of my house.”

  “I’ve never seen a complete set of magestones.” Emily leaned toward the stones. “What can they do?”

  Shadoe put the set in Emily’s hands and she could feel their electricity. “I needed these stones back as they have a very impressive and unique power that might be needed in this war.” There was a horrible finality to his tone. A sadness mixed with a firm conviction.

  “What power?” Luke eyes danced with excitement as Emily handed him the stones. “I can feel their strength,” he whispered. Rune sniffed the stones.

  “A power I hope I never have to unleash,” Shadoe answered in a low tone, but he didn’t explain further. Instead, he addressed Droth and Lambo, “I know you went to great lengths to recover these magestones. I promised you riches and a prophecy. Riches you shall have. You can pick out whatever you wish to carry from my treasure rooms, but your departure is now going to be difficult with this army around us.” He gestured toward the walls. “Are you ready for your prophecy?” A hush came over the assembled elves.

  Lambo answered for Droth in a proud voice. “Can you tell us how to heal Arn, Droth’s eagle bondsmate?”

  “Is that the prophecy you desire?” Shadoe inquired of Droth. Droth nodded his head.

  Shadoe stood and approached Droth. He placed one hand on Droth’s head and one on the feathers of Arn and closed his eyes. All at once his lids snapped open and he began to speak, “Samil placed an incantation on your eagle that can only be overturned by one on Acacia who knows the spell to heal bondsmates and who has the strength to overcome this mage-lock.” Shadoe’s hands dropped to his side. He strode back to his seat. “Emily was taught the required healing spell long ago and she is one of the few who can overcome this lock. She is an arch-mage, just like Samil.”

  The eyes of the crowd focused on Emily and she felt uncomfortable with the scrutiny. Xena was instantly in her mind, calming her and explaining Shadoe’s words. Remember when Jon healed me on our ship?

  Emily could remember the pain in her bondsmate when she was wounded by an arrow. She instantly recalled what Xena was describing. She cleared her voice. “A shipmate of mine once healed my bondsmate after she was injured when we were fleeing Cyril, in the harbor of Eusebius. He later taught me the spell.” Emily sorted through Shadoe’s words, Is Droth’s presence and our near simultaneous arrival something more than just a coincidence? Her heart began to beat more rapidly as she addressed Shadoe. “I’m amazed that Droth and I arrived here together.”

  Shadoe didn’t even allow himself a smile. He appeared thoughtful. “There are many things that I see, but often prophecies are simply options of what might happen. I see so many potential paths in life that I have difficulty remaining sane, aligning what has or might happen with what actually did or does occur is staggering. In this case, I’m pleased that many of the potential opportunities I viewed have come together to form a future that might help many, but remember, I’m not the master of alignment, I just read the maps.”

  What are the side-effects? Ammolite asked cautiously. She was in Emily’s mind, listening.

  “What are the drawbacks if I heal Arn?” Emily was appreciative of Ammolite’s advice.

  “You’ll have to debate whether healing this eagle is the course you’re willing to take because the spell will drain you and you’ll be very low on energy for several days with a battle on the verge of erupting.” Shadoe wasn’t hiding anything. “How will you shield your friends if you’re weakened?”

  “I can’t argue with his logic.” Isabelle sounded nervous and she spoke in a hushed voice. “I love bondsmates, but maybe we should heal Arn another time.”

  Shadoe ran a hand through his silver hair. “Emily, you can make a decision on this later. What have you come to ask me?”

  Ask him, Xena urged.

  This is the time, Ammolite added.

  Emily had a feeling Shadoe already knew what she was going to ask. “I know Samil’s son, Iscar, is linked to the problems on Earth, and I would like to know if you can reveal his location, his helpers, and his identity on that planet. My brother, Hadrian, might be able to intercept him before he kills millions.”

  Shadoe didn’t even have to put his hand on Emily’s head. He began speaking in a loud voice. “There is one here who knows where Iscar’s control center lies, someone who knows something of his plans and who certainly knows his aliases, because he created them.”

  Droth stood before the assembly. He shook his head while letting out a scoffing laugh. “I think Emily’s right. Somehow you’ve coordinated this meeting. I do know where Iscar is hiding, and I know the names he’s likely using, because I created the identities for Samil’s personnel on Earth.” He glanced at Emily. “I’m fully willing to divulge all that I know about Iscar if you will heal my eagle.” Emily was certain Droth was speaking the truth.

  If you wait until too late to heal Arn, who knows if Droth might get separated from you or even die, Ammolite began to debate the consequences and timing of Emily’s actions.

  If you drain your magus too low, not even the elves will be able to heal you and you may lose your life and the life of your friends in the coming war. Xena raised a counter argument.

  Emily felt conflicted. She knew what she should do. After all, this was the purpose of their long struggle to get to and through the Dothan Forest. However, indecision ruled in her mind. She didn’t want to be so weak she couldn’t fight the enemy, especially Maaca.

  “I think it’s time to eat.” Shadoe didn’t wait for her answer. He stood and gestured toward the tables laden with their food.

  Their group was the first to move toward the buffet. Luke was in front of Emily, and he sidled up next to Shadoe. “Shadoe, do you mind teaching me some of your favorite sword maneuvers?”

  “I think there will be time to teach you a few of my prized moves.” Shadoe placed a hand on Luke’s back and Emily watched him try and hide his reaction, but it was plain as day to her. He closed his eyes and swayed slightly as he absorbed Luke’s potential paths.

  “Eat,” Elaina urged Shadoe, “You’re getting so thin. Don’t worry about the future for just one night.” She helped prepare a heaping plate for him.

  Once they were seated again, Shadoe leaned toward Elaina. “I’m glad that the queen of the elves decided to make this treacherous journey.” He peered into Elaina’s eyes. “I wanted to apologize to you, for giving you pain when I left your forest.”

  Tears instantly brimmed in Elaina’s eyes, and she reached out to clasp Shadoe’s hand. “I know what you’re doing.” Her voice sounded dismal and Emily could almost hear her heart breaking. “You’re making your last amends. What have you seen in your future?” She dabbed her eyes with her napkin. “Is that why I’m here? Did you somehow control my presence, too?”

  She thinks he has seen a future that includes the potential of his death, Ammolite whispered.

  He’s preparing for the after-light, Xena added.

  Emily understood. Before a fight, warriors on Acacia often made apologies to all those they had hurt because if death came to a warrior, they were only rewarded with a death-light if their life had been pure and their past offenses and sins were
resolved.

  “Again, I’ve seen many options ahead.” Shadoe sounded resigned to his fate. “I wanted to prepare for all events.” Emily realized her mother was here not only to guard her, but also to be there for Shadoe’s last correction of prior wrongs.

  Elaina stood. “I need to walk for a minute. I’ll be back for the end of the meal.” She departed through the massive trees.

  Shadoe appeared downcast and despondent at the reaction from Elaina. Emily wasn’t sure what to say. She knew her mother truly wanted some privacy, so she let her be. She instead tried to redirect Shadoe’s thoughts, to wash away the grief on his face. “I felt a powerful reservoir of magic near the front gate,” she began hesitantly. “Is that where your portal lies?”

  Shadoe sighed. “I’m going to tell you another story. My stories all sound so sad when I tell them, but believe me, my life has been full of joy and wonder.” He ran a hand through his silver hair. “I came to the Dothan Forest years ago with my pregnant sister just after her husband was killed in a battle. We built our fortress here because we found magic in this location, a tunnel system which descends to a portal. My sister was a powerful black magician and I believe someone in the world of Ater taught her how to use the tablet stone, and somehow talked her into going through by herself.”

  “And she disappeared to a place you couldn’t follow,” Isabelle spoke slowly with growing realization of the horror.

  “Is she still alive?” Elizabeth asked hopefully.

  Shadoe shook his head to say no. “Her spirit has departed the world, but there are moments when I can sense her son. Probably when the portals are open. I am certain he is still alive and on Earth.”

  “Do you know who he is?” Emily asked.

  Shadoe took a sip of the wine before him. “I’ve seen him in visions and in prophecies. His name is Malachi.”