Brinks in Time: The Unification

by Tom Rogal

  “Pel, wat ijuhap de butruya?” Well, what information do you bring?

  The messenger replied, “Lord Keth, et ruta ke Arnis.” Lord Keth, the two go to Arnis.

  Keth rubbed his sunken chin with his long nails. A deep smile grew on his face.

  “Ke teel Kile. Lord Ulcinar pil resputra. Go tell Kile. Lord Ulcinar will be pleased.

  The messenger bowed and ran quickly away. Keth sat again in his throne, having a good feeling about this. Once Ulcinar completed his conquest of this continent, he could once again focus on his true enemy that resided on the mainland. An even deeper smile grew on Keth's face. Revenge would be his.

  CHAPTER 7

  Back home

  “Levus! Levus, wake up!”

  Levus jumped up from his disturbed slumber and instinctively grabbed the Moonsaber. Even though he was a little disoriented, he was ready to fight if necessary. He could see that they were on the cart and still in the woods, but nothing more. Then something slapped his head. He turned to see his good friend staring at him straight in the eye.

  Cerrapies said, “We are on the outskirts of Arnis. You two must have been tired. Slept nearly the entire day. I pushed the horses a little harder so we’d get here faster while you slept. You might want to sit in front.”

  Levus quickly looked toward Divi, who was stretching across the hay, displaying the opposite reaction he had to Cerrapies’ cry. Her hair now covered her eyes. Her short skirt revealed a little of her upper thigh. Levus turned his eyes away. He had to, even though he didn’t want to. He lightly shook her shoulder, making Divi moan happily. She must have been dreaming. Levus moved his lips toward her ear.

  He whispered, “We’re almost at Arnis.”

  “How long were we out?”

  Cerrapies replied, “Long enough. You needed the rest. I can only imagine last night at Neronn’s camp was the safest place you fell asleep in days.”

  The blacksmith laughed, no doubt at the fact that the wine had a big influence on them sleeping for so long, but Divi felt that he was right. They had no real comfort or safety since staying the night in Gyum with Sahara and her family. She would have said the night in Porsita, but it would be a reach to call the late-night wake-up and the cold floors comfortable. She hoped Arnis would provide that now.

  Although she was excited, she was nervous as well. She would probably meet Levus' family and she wondered what they would think of her. So long as that Leeta girl wasn’t there, she didn’t care.

  Levus finally climbed in front, taking a seat on the cold wooden bench. It still took another hour as Cerrapies slowed the pace down dramatically. He had pushed his poor tired horses to get them here as fast as he did. He was almost worried they might not make it. Thankfully the road was dry and like on the plains, the blacksmith knew a certain shortcut or two.

  A smile grew on Levus’ face when he saw the familiar wooden arch that marked the entrance of Arnis. He could still make out the trail he took when he left Arnis a few weeks ago, that fateful day which brought him together with Divi. He had to admit that the days that followed it were the most exciting days of his life. They were also the most informative. The knowledge gained about the Night Predators was disturbing. It went against everything he had ever learned. Yet, who could he tell without getting laughed at? Even with everything they went through, they had no proof of their new findings.

  Levus’ attention turned to two boys who were gathering wood at the entrance. They were talking to each other as they grabbed two small bags on a wooden rack reserved the village hunters. One was still a relatively new hunter; Levus believed he was named Borria Darmis. He knew the other hunter very well as his good friend, Arden Ferrud. He must have been training the younger boy, as Arden had been a hunter longer than even Levus was. The boys stopped their conversation when the cart began to pass them.

  Arden examined them, his eyes lighting up when he saw who was sitting next to the driver. “Levus is back!”

  He ran into the village and the other boy followed him. Divi stood to get her first look at Levus’ home village. She could see Arnis perfectly as they passed under the arch of the gate. Although they hadn't gone by many on their way to and from Tartus, based on what Levus had told her, this must have been one of the largest villages in the Dyyros Woods. She was surprised that almost the whole community resided on one road. In Myyril, there were smaller towns like this just outside the capital, but they spread out more.

  As they moved past the first few houses, the villagers bombarded Cerrapies’ cart. Every citizen showed his or her happiness by trying to hug Levus.

  Divi was taken surprise aback. What was he that everyone in this small village would make a big deal about his return? Cerrapies finally halted the cart.

  He yelled at Levus, “I’m stopping here. Go greet them so I can park this thing.”

  Levus began to shake people’s hands from the cart seat before jumping off. If Divi didn’t know any better, she would’ve thought he was a king.

  Before she could move to follow suit, Cerrapies explained, “Levus is the best hunter this village has. Don't get me wrong, most here are hardworking, good people. But there are many that do less than the others. Let's just say this town changed when the rich were purged out of the capital years ago. They had to go somewhere, and they certainly weren't changing their ways. So you see, losing him would mean a struggle for food as the couple farms here barely produce enough to support the current population. As he’s been gone for a few weeks, they must really be low on food and other materials as hunters are at their lowest.”

  Putting it that way, Divi could understand why Levus was revered here. She guessed she was spoiled as in Myyril she never had to hunt food for survival.

  Levus gaze froze suddenly. In the street a few feet away stood a beautiful woman wearing a long, white dress that reached her ankles. Compared to the dress of the other individuals, hers showed she had money. Her hair was just like Divi’s in color, but longer. The villagers who surrounded him backed off when they figured out what was going on. Levus dropped the sheathed Moonsaber and ran over to the woman as fast as he could.

  Levus yelled, “Leeta!”

  The two met in the middle of the street and hugged. Divi watched with mixed feelings. She was glad they had made it to their destination, yet she felt as if she had lost something. For all the days she and Levus and her were together in the woods and caves, she had felt like all her worries were over. She figured her feelings would be no different now that they made it to Arnis. She was dead wrong, feeling suddenly betrayed. She couldn’t watch Levus and Leeta anymore and turned her head.

  Cerrapies touched her shoulder, startling her. “Come on. We’re going nowhere on the cart.”

  Divi grabbed the blacksmith's rough hands as he helped her down. On the ground, her vision happened upon Levus and Leeta again. They were just separating from their long hug and began to gaze into each other’s eyes. She turned to Cerrapies, who smiled at the seemingly happy couple. She wished she could tell someone these strange feelings she was having, but knew she couldn’t. Not even Levus could know her feelings . . . especially now.

  Levus was so mesmerized by Leeta’s gaze that they just stood there for minutes. Not even a word was spoken between them.

  Levus finally said, “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  They embraced, but it was much shorter. Levus was so happy to hold Leeta again, but for whatever reason, something else tugged at his conscience. Maybe because it was one of the longest times they had been apart since they decided to date. Then again, it could also be because of . . .

  Leeta continued, “I have so much to tell you.”

  “As do I. But what of your test?”

  She looked at the ground, seemingly disappointed. Levus was shocked. Was it possible that she didn’t get in? She was the smartest person he had ever known.

  Then, Leeta lifted her head with a big smile on her face.

  “I passed!�
��

  Levus and Leeta hugged once more. In their warm gesture, Levus shed a tear of joy.

  “That’s wonderful! I never doubted you would pass.”

  She said, “I was nervous at first, but after an hour wait they accepted me. I start in three months.”

  “You have no idea how happy I am for you!”

  Leeta asked, “Levus, where were you all this time? My mother says you came in the morning when I left Dynis to come home. That was nearly a month ago.”

  “That's a long story. I’ll tell you at supper. But first, I’d like you to meet someone. I came across her on my hunt. Divi!”

  Divi looked in Levus’ direction at once, hoping the joy she felt during the trip would rejuvenate upon gazing at his perfect face. The sound of his voice made her excited. However, it dissolved quickly when she saw Leeta still standing by his side. Levus invited her over again, this time with his arm. Divi looked at Cerrapies, who nodded for her to go. She reluctantly made her way toward the couple.

  Cerrapies had caught onto her body language. He could tell that this was a very difficult and awkward moment. Based on the circumstances, he didn’t blame her. He made sure to walk behind her so she didn’t feel alone.

  Levus introduced, “Leeta, I’d like you to meet Divi.”

  Leeta extended her hand, which the mage looked at with a little scorn, though no one saw it since her face was to the ground. She eventually extended her hand toward Leeta and they shook.

  “It’s lovely to meet you, Divi.”

  A voice called from behind Levus and Leeta, a voice he was glad to hear again.

  “Mom!”

  When he turned around, he couldn’t see her, but her voice could still be heard. "Levus, is that you? Please come inside. I can’t move too well right now."

  Levus once again looked at Leeta.

  Leeta suggested, “Let’s go. Your mother has been worried sick. She twisted her ankle a couple days ago searching for you, so she might not move so well for a couple more weeks. You can thank Mayor Vullnar for stopping her when he comes back from his negotiations in the village of Thorine.”

  Levus and Leeta both ran toward his house. Divi just stood there, still not knowing what to think. Levus signaled her to come along. She knew she had to move, but her legs were like tree trunks firmly in the ground.

  Cerrapies whispered in her ear, “I know what you must be feeling, Divi. Just go easy on yourself . . . He really does like you.”

  Cerrapies winked as he walked past her and toward the Sintar residence. Did he just say what she thought he said? Did Levus like her? Perhaps he told him while she slept on the trip. She didn’t think that Cerrapies would lie to her . . . especially not about this. A small glimmer of hope spread in her chest, beating like it did by his touch as she rushed inside the Sintar residence.

  The evening sun set on the horizon. The crisp air found its way through the partially covered window of Levus’ house. Divi shivered a little as the cool breeze pinched her shoulder. She looked across the table, hoping the sight of the candle flames would provide at least the idea of warmth. Levus and Leeta sat next to each other, exchanging looks of love. Cerrapies gave a hearty laugh as he described a story to Frey about an adventure he and her husband had. Everything was warm at the table except her. She felt cold and left out. Normally, Levus’ presence cheered her up and made her feel safe. Yet with Leeta around, it gave her nothing but discomfort. Divi reached for another piece of meat and slowly began to chew it. The meat was tough and she had to keep chewing before it was soft enough to swallow.

  “So, Ms. Divi, where do you hail from?”

  Divi looked up. Everyone was staring at her. She hadn’t been paying much attention to the conversations at the table, but she did hear the last question. She was about to answer, but stopped herself. She remembered what Levus told her back in the sancaratis. Even though Cerrapies didn’t mind that she was a mage, perhaps Leeta would have a much different opinion. She glanced at Levus, who shook his head.

  “Well, I . . .”

  Levus cut in, “She’s from the mainland. She was separated from her father in Porsita when Kile’s forces attacked. We assumed he would go north, so we went looking in Tartus.”

  Frey commented, “We just heard about that attack a couple days ago. Shocking! That is why we feared the worst for my son. I pray you were able to find him.”

  Divi looked down somberly. “He was killed in the attack. We found some of his personal belongings being sold in Tartus.”

  Frey and Leeta both looked sad, but angry. That was comforting, that they felt for her like this even though they barely knew her. If they found out she was a mage, would the reaction be different?

  Leeta said, “I am sorry for your loss. That accursed ruler of ours has caused so much pain since he had taken over! I wish we had the means to fight him, but he controls the Three Kings. We’d never stand a chance.”

  Cerrapies explained, “The Three Kings are what locals call the three main cities in the north: Tartus, Canta, and the capital. Anyone who controls those basically controls Dyyros. I was there when Ulcinar took Tartus. I’ll never forget it.”

  Frey, wanting to change the rebellious talk, said, “Well, I’m sure you don’t want to hear our problems. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a resident of Cordca visit Arnis. Normally, we just get a capital representative to tell us that everything is going fine and reports of happenings in the city. Always the same.”

  “Right," Divi said. "The mainland.”

  She was very glad that Levus covered for her, and that together they fabricated the story well enough that his mom and girlfriend believed it. She would most certainly be in trouble had he not stopped her. Mages were not known for being the best liars.

  Leeta asked, “What is going on with the mainland, Divi? Are you going to the 700th celebration? I hear that it will start soon. Maybe you can take Levus and me. I always wanted to go to a Cordcan festival!”

  She was beginning to feel overwhelmed. She had no idea how to answer the questions brought up by Levus’ girlfriend. By answering truthfully would give away her identity as a mage. Plus, she didn’t know how much longer she could lie like this.

  He cut in again, saying, “I think we asked enough questions for tonight. It was a long journey and I’m sure our guest could use some rest. There will be time on another night.”

  Divi gave a brief smile at Levus and he returned it. She was impressed how he knew just what to say to stop the questions. She felt like her life was so sheltered, between the palace living and the isolation caused by her father’s persistence and tactics to have her learn magic. She couldn’t have come with that quick a comeback.

  Cerrapies glanced at Leeta and Frey. He knew that look, at least the one Frey was giving. They might not understand why he was going to ask this, but he had to.

  “What of your staff?”

  Levus and Divi were both surprised by the question, flashing worried expressions at the blacksmith. Cerrapies nodded, assuring them that it was okay.

  Leeta said, “Yes, I was just about to comment on that.”

  Divi thought a little bit on what to say. This shouldn’t be hard. Just try and do what Levus did. What did he do? He came up with a story. That is all she had to do. Just like the bedtime tales she was told as a youngling.

  “Umm . . . well . . . I was being chased one day and . . . I slipped and injured my leg and . . . the doctor gave me it since he had no crutches.”

  Frey asked “You realize that staff is a mage’s staff?”

  “At first, no. But I learned it after everyone started staying away from me like I had a deadly disease. A simple mistake. People on the mainland usually overlook it now. What good is a mage’s staff if one doesn’t know magic, right?”

  Divi glanced toward Levus, who gave her a wink of approval. She was much relieved as her answers seemed to please Leeta and Frey as well.

  Frey agreed, “You are right. I’m glad for that. Had I not injur
ed my ankle, I'd let you borrow mine. If I were you, at least here, I would try and get another one. People don’t take too kindly to anything relating to a mage. I’m sure you knew that already, though.”

  Divi gave a small laugh. “Sure did.”

  They all laughed. Levus was relieved that her true identity remained hidden, but still wondered why Cerrapies asked that question. Frey brought her drink to her lips when suddenly a series of screams came from outside the town. Everyone looked readily at the window.

  Leeta commented, “That doesn’t sound good at all.”

  She and Frey were the first two up and running toward the door, though Frey had to stop because of her ankle injury.

  Cerrapies started to move when Levus stopped him. “Why did you ask her that? I’m trying to hide her identity, not expose it.”

  Cerrapies hushed him and said, “If I didn’t, they would’ve. I saw it in their eyes. After the meal, Leeta was going to ask her in private. At least in public we could help her. We’ll discuss this later. Let’s see what’s going on outside.”

  Cerrapies and Levus ran outside, with Divi following right behind them.

  The town was in disarray. Everyone stood outside their doors, watching a trail of torchlight coming toward the entrance. Cerrapies looked at Levus.

  “This is definitely not good.”

  Levus agreed. He had a suspicion who this was, but how did they find out? They hadn’t encountered anyone besides Cerrapies and Neronn since arriving at Tartus. His memory then offered up Jeris, the husband of that gentle woman. He glanced at Divi, who must have thought the same thing.

  The flames entered the gate, and all the townspeople backed off the main road in fear. Levus could vaguely see Kile’s silhouette through all the smoke of the torches. He had to have over two hundred soldiers with him. Kile obviously wanted to put this situation to rest. The echoes of the soldier’s feet caused a flock of birds to take flight from the comfort of their tree.