“Kelne is a friend of mine. My name is Sylvia.”
“Sylvia, yes. That’s right. He said I should meet you. I don’t think he meant by nearly killing myself.”
She smiled kindly. “Are you hungry? I thought you might want to sit at the table over there.” She nodded toward the window. “I can help. You won’t need to move.”
“My body was broken. I remember that. My back and my legs felt like they were facing the wrong way. Is that what happened? That big gust of wind said the world had had just about enough of me. I think I was discarded off the cliff,” Kris said. “Kelne said I’d be okay on my own. Then I relived my most ridiculous memories. I couldn’t get my mind to stop racing from one humiliation to another. I assure you it wasn’t nearly as much fun as it sounds,” he said in jest, trying to smile through bruised and swollen lips.
Sylvia looked Kris in the eye. “We can teach you how to deal with that wind. Welcome. And your name?”
“Oh, I’m Kris. Kris Campbell is my full name. Where … where exactly are we? I was on Earth with my friend Edwardo, but he had to leave in an emergency. I thought I was going crazy, but he insisted the spirit of the village had pierced my heart and I would be fine. … I don’t mean to ramble, but none of this makes any sense.” He tried to shake his head, but his neck hurt too much.
Sylvia listened carefully.
“There was this woman. She showed me the archaeological site and insisted I protect the ancestors. But when I watched her, she walked up to a large round colorful carving in the cliff wall. Then she touched it and disappeared. I don’t know where she went. But I took the time to draw what was on that wall. I think I might have touched it too, by accident. The next thing I knew, I was standing in a bank of clouds next to a similar carving, with my journal and a few pens in my hand. Does any of that make sense, or am I completely mad?” Kris looked over at Sylvia, who listened to every word.
“You were on Earth?” Sylvia said. “And touched a carved mural that brought you here?”
“Yeah. Where else can people live but Earth? Where are we?”
Sylvia placed the green crystal on Kris’s leg once again, to reduce the swelling and bruising. Then she helped him, using her magic, to move to the table by the window. Kris saw mountains floating in the sky, and three moons. He stared into the very unusual view in disbelief. He turned to Sylvia and back to the window two more times.
“Where are we?” Kris asked.
“Kalendra, of course. We’re in the Outer Plateaus, to be more specific.”
“The Outer …?”
“Plateaus. Close to the White City,” Sylvia said.
“The White City. Kelne told me about that place. He said I would also like Wizandor Village,” Kris said. “That’s where I was headed when I had an argument with those winds.”
“You’re not crazy,” Sylvia said. “Those are places we recommend. When you’re a little stronger, I’ll give you a tour, introduce you to my friends.” She smiled.
“But what am I doing in Kalendra?” Kris said, sounding desperate. “I mean, isn’t it odd? I couldn’t … tell anyone. They’d lock me up for being delusional if you know what I mean.
“Everything was normal until I got to the Paris train station. It was that little man in the crowd. He … started all of this. He told me to use my intuition, simplify my life. It worked. But then it led me way off the beaten path, until I got … here.” Kris looked up, bemused. “Does that mean I’m supposed to be here? Is that what’s going on?”
Sylvia met his eyes. “You said it. What do you think?”
Kris took a big bite of the savory pie Sylvia served him. He didn’t know what to think. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the combination of savory and sweet flavors.
“I think … that this food is delicious, and you are exceedingly kind to take care of me. Thank you,” Kris said. She nodded.
“Look at those lights in the distance,” Sylvia said, pointing out the window. “It’s called the Ball Return. It’s a place where people experiment with math and science. It’s been there for thousands of years. The most ancient had a vision and brought it to life there.”
“The Ball Return,” Kris said, surprised. “That’s where Kelne was going … You know, I was looking at the map and saw you have forests here too. When I look at the whole map and follow my intuition, it tells me to go there.” He chuckled and pointed to the Waterlands.
“I guess we’d better follow your intuition, then. Ivy lives there, and I told her I’d bring you to visit.”
“The Waterlands it is.”
Kris woke in the morning, then drifted back to sleep. In his dream he revisited his father’s instructions. This is your invitation ... Create a new chapter. It’s never too late … Remember your promises.
Kris sat up in bed trying not to trigger the pain from his bruised and sore back. He realized the healing here was magic. He was better.
Sylvia came in the room. “How are you feeling today? Would you like some breakfast?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
“What would you like?”
“Oh, I can never decide. What do you think?” Kris said.
“I think you need to make your own decisions here,” Sylvia said. “It would be a shame to let the winds decide.”
“You’re right,” Kris said as he placed his hand on his rib cage, where his broken ribs were tender. “Decisions are hard. I worry I’ll make the wrong choice.”
“About breakfast?” she smiled. “Sounds pretty low risk. Maybe it’s a good place to start.”
“Okay, okay. A farmer’s omelet, with fried potatoes on the side and hot sauce,” Kris said.
“And something to drink?”
“Whatever you’re having,” Kris said with a sheepish grin.
“Sounds good,” She smiled. “Looks like your rib’s are still sore.” He nodded. She pulled out her flat green stone and laid it on his bruised rib again, then she closed her eyes and concentrated. “That should help.” Sylvia then magically moved Kris back to the table in the window. The sun was out, and the plateau was beautiful. Pinon trees dotted the hills beyond the plateau.
Sylvia’s eggs Florentine with a hollandaise sauce appeared before her as Kris’s omelet and potatoes appeared before him. Their coffee arrived next, along with cloth napkins and condiments.
“I could get used to it here,” Kris said with a huge smile.
“And you’ve barely left your hotel room,” Sylvia said. “You’re going to love it here. Maybe something important is going to happen.”
Kris took a large bite of his omelet and poured hot sauce on his potatoes. Then he looked back at Sylvia. “Do you know something?” Kris asked.
“Maybe,” she smiled. “Let me explain. In Kalendra there’s an ancient wolf clan. I grew up with them, learned from my mom and from the ancient wolf herself. She rescued me the day my parents vanished. It was a strange day,” she said looking off. “I was playing in the ravine. When I came home, no one was there. I waited, for two days. The ancient wolf waited with me. She spoke to me and kept me safe. I have been able to speak with the ancient wolf clan since. Their language is carried through their bloodlines. The ancient wolf brought me to this Inn because she trusted the people who lived here, so I grew up here.” Sylvia said. “My wolves, Shantini and Jetson have the ancient bloodline. They found you and brought you here.”
Kris met her eyes.
“The wolves have a myth. They say a stranger will arrive unannounced from another world when it is time to reset the ancient magic in Kalendra. He will arrive when the magic is compromised. They think you are that stranger,” Sylvia smiled.
“Oh. Well, that sounds farfetched. Why me? I’m not really good at that much.”
Sylvia looked at Kris. “What are you good at?”
“I used to go to work every day,” Kris said. “I helped the company go public and ended up in upper management, but I didn’t belong. I was so much younger than everyone else. I whizzed through school
. I was vice president of – I don’t know – rabble rousing. I figured if we were gonna be at work anyway, we’d better have a good time, you know, enjoy ourselves and be proud of our accomplishments.
“I put in a game room with shuffleboard, then hired private chefs so everyone could have freshly cooked food when they took a break. Free vending machines that occasionally gave out kookie prizes – just for fun and giggles. The best thing I did was hire professionals. Hairdresser, massage therapist, dentist, and a doctor. Best investment the company made. People felt valued and secure, so of course we banded together and hit our deadlines. We did it. We were successful …” Kris shrugged his shoulders.
“Why were you summoned here?” Sylvia said. “There’s something to what the wolves are saying, but it’s not the whole story,” Sylvia said. “I’m on Kalendra’s Coalition of Wizards and Shaman and ancient carvings have gone missing. I wonder if it’s escalated ... I’ll talk to Kelne … How are you feeling?”
“Good.” He looked at her and felt his ribs again. “Better.”
“Strong enough to visit Ivy’s Healing Sanctuary of the Waterlands? Then we’ll have an adventure.” Sylvia raised her eyebrows.
“About the magic. Is that something I can learn?”
“Some of it. Sure. Some requires permission and training. Most people find the magic amplifies their natural inclinations. I have the magic of the wolves,” she looked Kris in the eye. “It’ll be fun to find out what magic you wield,” She said. “In the meantime, I’ll teach you to get around, and introduce you,” Sylvia grabbed her coat. Kris stood and realized he could take some steps on his own. He walked to his bed, picked up his small bag and slipped his journal inside. Then he put on his hat.”
Chapter 7
Ivy saw Kris’s limp as he walked through the door.
“Hello, Kris. You’re doing well. Let’s have another look at your leg and back,” she said.
The two followed her into an examination room.
Ivy looked at his leg and back, then got him some herbs from her storehouse while Kris looked at the building, hidden so deep in the forest. Ivy placed the herbs in his cheek.
Then she examined Kris through her crystals. “I recommend you spend some time in the forest and enjoy all the living things here. That will likely cleanse your remaining inflammation and reduce the pain you feel. Go to the Kinizar Falls as a first stop. The mists are quite healing there. I think you’ll love it.” She smiled.
“The Kinizar Falls are amazing,” Sylvia said. “Come, I’ll show you.”
The two walked out the door, and Sylvia opened a messenger trail. It was a deep purple inside, with a bright yellow rim.
“You did that before. How?” Kris said.
“They’re called messenger trails. Healers and messengers need to get around fast. There’s a maze of messenger trails throughout Kalendra. I opened this with a crystal, but intention alone will do if it’s urgent. The trails are simple shortcuts. It makes sense that the healing sanctuary would be two steps from the most healing waterfall in the land. Through this magic shortcut, we can step directly there. Getting into the mist is important.”
Kris nodded.
Sylvia opened the trail again, took Kris’s hand and in just two steps, they were at the waterfall.
Kris felt the waterfall mist coming from all directions. They stood on a platform suspended near the center of the waterfall, where its mist gently washed over them. Kris took his hat off and put his hands out to take in all the mist and spray from the falls.
“I feel like a brand-new person,” he said. “No pain anywhere. This is delightful, the best spa treatment I could have asked for.” He smiled broadly at Sylvia. “Thank you.”
“Of course,” she said. “Glad I could help.”
Kris looked up the cliff to admire the trees and mosses that grew directly out of the cliff wall. He saw birds playing in the sky. Dense forest surrounded the waterfall. “Do you know I love the forest most of all? So many tiny creatures.”
“Would you like to see more?” Sylvia offered.
“Yes,” Kris said.
“I’ll take you to my favorite twin lakes,” Sylvia said.
“Lead on.”
Sylvia opened another messenger trail. This time the center was a bright teal, with a purple ring around the outside. The two easily walked through on firm footing. They arrived at the top of a hill with a large lake on each side.
Kris turned to admire the lakes and saw that the long and narrow lake led to foothills with cliffs above. The other lake was in a field of colorful flowers. Pinks, whites, and purples blanketed the ground. A few tall evergreens provided shade in the clearing.
“What looks best to you?” Sylvia said.
“Oh, everything. I don’t know, what do you think?”
“I think you should decide. It's an important skill here.”
“Alright. Okay. How about a swim right here, and a hike up to that ridge?” Kris said, pointing. Then he saw a tall blue heron walk up to Sylvia.
“Greetings, Sylvia,” the heron said.
“How are you, Flanders?”
“I’ve been solving a mystery, if you’d like to know,” Flanders said, puffing out his chest.
“Of course. May I introduce you to my friend Kris?”
“Pleased to meet you,” Kris said, tipping his hat.
“The pleasure is mine sir,” Flanders said.
“What is this mystery you speak of?”
“The Maiden of the Forest, if you must know, has entrusted me with a special assignment. There was a breach yesterday in this very valley. She told me the Waterlands’ magical storehouse was broken into. Someone tried to take the ancient stones and crystals. I’m to find the missing crystals. I have her trust, you see,” Flanders said to Kris.
“She fought them off by conjuring the magic of the Crystalline Forest. I assure you from personal experience, that magic confuses the mind and makes people see optical illusions. Believe me, it protects that land. She conjured that magic here, and the thieves couldn’t find their way out. Once they were worn down trying, she gave them the option of returning the crystals and tablets or remaining lost and confused until further notice.
“Apparently,” Flanders continued, “Joe cracked first. It took longer to convince Charles to put things back. He insisted that it made no difference to Kalendra if he took them.
“Betrayals of the sacred sites were unheard of for ten thousand years, the Maiden said, and she wasn’t about to let them ransack the place,” Flanders finished with finality.
“The Maiden of the Forest is strong, I’d say,” Kris said. “It’s so healthy here. I feel like a new man. Please give her my best regards. Do you need help finding the crystals?”
“Not right now, thank you so much,” Flanders bowed. “I’ll track down witnesses. The elves will know if I can find them.” He bowed deeply, spreading one wing, then walked off.
Kris looked down at a patch of clover near his feet and immediately saw one with four leaves. He leaned down and picked it, then stood up and gently presented it to Sylvia. “Four-leaf clovers are rare and considered good luck where I’m from. May I offer you this one as a sign of my appreciation?” He smiled.
“Of course. Thank you,” Sylvia said. “I will cherish this.”
Chapter 8
Sparks flew over the horizon. A rainbow of colors lit the sky. Kelne heard a low rumbling in the distance and saw white flashes of light far into the distant hills. In the Ball Return, buildings burned. Glass structures slid off their foundations when they were plundered and leaned precariously.
How many are behind the storming of Kalendra’s ancient lands?
The Ball Return was the most ancient magical site in Kalendra and fundamentally impacted everyone’s quality of life. Thousands of years ago, the shamans’ greatest achievement by far was placing the small Shaman Moon in the sky with a single intention: to grow crops by moonlight and prevent famine. It allowed people to create more s
ettlements. The Shaman Moon provided light and nutrients. For centuries, the people of Kalendra honored Shaman Moon and thanked her for her service. Now the moon was being assaulted. Thankfully, Kelne had arrived in time to save the ancient texts.
Recently, the Chancellor of the western shore decided to change the code of conduct and the rules of the game. He had entitled himself to take whatever he wanted by teaming up with the Great Thieves Charles and Joe. They wanted the carved stone tablets made by the ancestral shamans and the most powerful crystals of Kalendra for their energy.
“Who needs those old relics,” Charles had said to Kelne, “when we have forward-thinking enterprise to consider?” The Chancellor’s enthusiastic power grab had enabled his associates to harvest ancient and sacred items across the land.
“These old relics, as you call them,” Kelne said to Charles face, “hold the key to keeping the world in balance and running smoothly. Things could slide into chaos if you remove them. Famine could return.”
“That’s your opinion. What proof do you have?” Charles had said. “We might as well take all the energy stones. Your concerns are just rumor and malarky. In any case, they don’t apply to us.”
Kelne and his Coalition of Wizards and Shamans had been unable to convince Charles, Joe, or the Chancellor, even after proving their actions went against the ancient laws of Kalendra. Once found guilty of their crime, the fines succeeded in slowing them down, but also sent them into hiding.
Kelne, Sylvia, and other members of the Coalition of Wizards and Shamans were fully aware the Chancellor and Great Thieves were a risk, and Kelne had been fortifying the ancient lands as a precaution. None anticipated an assault on several sites at once.
Because betrayals of the sacred sites were unheard of, the Great Thieves congratulated themselves. “Perfect timing,” Charles said. They systematically attacked ancient ceremonial carvings and sacred crystals that emitted large amounts of energy from every part of Kalendra.
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