Azra of the Burning Sands (Genesis Project)

by Arlin Fehr

  A broad entrance on the left side of the room led to a junction area. Doors led outside. An entrance opposite the dining room went into a lounge area, where many comfortable seats were set up. It was also where the front desk was, and the grand staircase that went upstairs.

  The dining room was presently sparsely filled, mostly Humans – mostly Jahnyz’s fellow travellers – were about talking, but the young Wyzard saw some Joff, Jibz, and Ilorians too.

  ‘It’s quite the journey you people have been on,’ Seth said, looking over the tops of silver-rimmed, half-moon spectacles, drawing her attention back to the prune-faced man with the hooked nose. ‘Phips told me of your misfortunes. I can’t say I agree with this Princess’s choice to stay behind with Vosco... he’s rather... infamous in these parts.’

  ‘We aren’t really happy about it either,’ John said, ‘but she was insistent.’

  Jahnyz took a bite of food off her plate. The food she had been given wasn’t anything she recognized, but these were trying times. It was some kind of fish. She didn’t like the flavour, but it helped to keep her mind off things. Still, she couldn’t help but think about Dykyn back in Sallock.

  She missed him.

  She was actually a little surprised at how much she missed him.

  She looked at the Innkeeper. ‘How did you and Captain Phips meet?’

  ‘Phips used to be a sailor on a merchant ship before he signed up with the Minna Navy. Apparently he had a brother who had signed up earlier, and turned his ear with tales of adventure. Anyway, back in those days, I too was something of an adventurer. I was Captain of a ship – the Angeldancer – looking for a good sailing route across Nama Ocean.’

  John let out a whistle, and said, ‘That’s a tall order.’

  Seth nodded, smiling jovially. ‘Aye,’ he agreed, ‘it was at that. We were trying to survey the many small islands between here and there, to see if any could be used to resupply a ship on its way across the ocean. Without it, any ship trying to make the journey would have to carry a massive amount of supplies, and it would need to be quite large, and if both of those things are needed, it would also be expensive. Maritime trade is hard enough as it is, despite the speed of our ships. Those few who make it rich by plying the seas between Milla and Halli, usually pay for it eventually when disaster strikes by the Ash Sea. Between monster attacks, bandits, and mysterious storms, it takes a certain kind of merchant or sailor to even bother. And it gets even worse in the Nama Ocean, the closer you get to the Zhakim Island, the more pronounced the dangers become.’

  ‘We heard from Vosco about the monster and storms near the Ash sea,’ Jahnyz said.

  Seth made a face. ‘Ha! He is one of the dangers now! Makes it even harder. Scarcely anyone bothers any more, and the ones that do go in fleets too large to be a target for pirates like Vosco. Of course, if anything was to happen to one of those fleets, it would be an unmitigated disaster. Frankly, I’m amazed Phips made the run for you chaps.’

  ‘He did so under order of the King,’ John said.

  ‘Mmm. That would do it,’ Seth agreed.

  Jahnyz took another bite and looked at Seth. ‘So, how do you know Phips?’

  ‘Ah right, I got a little distracted. Well, on one of my expeditions out to the islands in Nama, our ship hit a very bad storm. We were dashed against some rocks near one of the islands, and the ship broke apart... my poor Angeldancer... I floated at sea for days, stuck on a board which I had grabbed as the ship went down. It just so happened that Phips was on a vessel in the area looking for a pirate ship that had been harassing Minna merchantmen. I saw the ship in the distance, but didn’t have any strength to try to get their attention.

  ‘Phips saw me though. He wasn’t even in the crow’s nest, he was just on deck, but he – and no one else – was the one that saw me. They came and pulled me out of the sea. I owed Phips my life – him and his keen vision. Since then, I’ve owed him. Even though putting you all up for the night is going to cost me some money, I’d do it again in a moment.’

  John stood up from the table. ‘Mister Mird, as a representative of the Kingdom of Minna, and the Barony of Hemnoth, I assure you, we will see to it that you are paid for your services. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go order something to eat.’

  Seth stood up quickly. ‘John, no need to worry about payment, it’s my pleasure.’

  ‘No, I insist. You’ve been very hospitable to us.’

  Jahnyz looked down at her drink again.

  John and Seth walked towards the bar.

  The door to the Inn creaked open, and Jahnyz noticed that things had quieted down. She looked up and looked to the door. Captain Phips was standing in the doorway, his arm around a blue-robed Wyzard.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen, what’s say we go home?’

  The weary travellers of their band let out a cheer. Captain Phips and his companion began to push through the crowd, towards Jahnyz.

  Jahnyz slid her plate aside as they stopped at the table. Phips and Wyzard pulled out chairs and sat down. Jahnyz sat up a bit straighter.

  The Wyzard was fairly well known in Sallock, as one of the court Wyzards of a Kingdom on Milla. She couldn’t recall which kingdom though, nor could she fathom what he’d be doing in Nolmi.

  The man had a short brown beard, and thin eyebrows. His robe was made of a fabric that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. He was wearing a cloth cap over his brown hair, and had a warm smile on his face.

  ‘Jahnyz Lann Kohv, fancy meeting you down here,’ he said.

  ‘I’m sorry, sir, but you have the better of me, I don’t think we were ever introduced,’ she said.

  The man feigned surprise. ‘Really? I’m startled that fine chap Dykyn never introduced us.’

  Jahnyz thought back. She couldn’t remember any opportunity for such an introduction to have taken place. She could remember seeing the man talking with Dykyn’s Master though. It had been a few months ago since she’d last seen him around Sallock.

  The man put his hand up. ‘No need to fret, I can see you’re really thinking about it. I am Kont Reso. I am a Master of the aspect of Energy, and dabbler in the school of Water. I also happen to be your ticket home. Or so Phips tells me anyway.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘Yes, I work for the Queen Jasillia, of the Kingdom of Nedin – down here on Milla. Nolmi here is an independent city under her protection. They pay her tribute, and she polices the water that is their livelihood. However, what’s more important to you and your band, is that she is also in possession of one of the few Archways on the southern continent. A mere two urrh journey north, through the mountains that protect Nolmi, and we will reach one of the cities of Nedin. It’s not the capital, but it is the home of Mahgical community of the Kingdom.’

  ‘And the Archway is there?’ Jahnyz asked, 'My Master was under the impression it was further Nolmi than that.'

  Kont nodded. ‘Yes, her majesty the Queen had it moved from the capital, so the Mahgical community of the Kingdom would have better access to it. It was my idea actually, I suggested it to her after I returned from my last assignment. It’s mostly used to go to and from Sallock actually. It was a hassle to make the four day journey from the Mahigical city to the capital.’

  Phips smiled and interrupted, ‘But my friend here is going to get us to it. We can use it to get home to the Capital.’

  Jahnyz thought of something. ‘We don’t have a focus crystal for Minna city though.’

  ‘Normally that would be a bit of a setback, however we do have a crystal for Sallock – as I stated earlier, you could use it to travel to Sallock, then to Minna, get a crystal, and come back here again. Of course taking the crystal with you again, as I know your Kingdom is going through some difficult times right now, and they might not appreciate your crystals being spread all over Antia.’

  Jahnyz wondered about this man’s generosity. ‘What on earth did Captain Phips do, for you to be so helpful to us?’

  ‘I’m sure the Ca
ptain can tell you all about it later, I for one don’t think it’s that important. I’m just trying to help a friend,’ he said, still smiling.

  Jahnyz felt uncomfortable, but couldn’t put a finger on it. ‘So when do we leave?’

  The man’s smile widened. ‘First thing in the morning. I can pull some strings with the Nedinian garrison here, and get us passage to where we need to be. I must say, Captain Phips told me all about your adventure thus far, and I’m amazed you’ve all made it this far. Lesser people would have been quite discouraged by what you’ve been through so far. Anyway, I’ll let you finish your dinner. Captain Phips and I must go prepare for the trip.’

  The man stood up and started for the door. Phips followed behind him. After a moment, John made his way back to the table and sat back down.

  ‘So, what was all that about?’ John asked.

  ‘Seems were going to be using an Archway to go home.’

  John’s look of surprise reinforced how valuable this turn of events was. ‘But we don’t have a focus crystal, and the nearest one is days away.’

  ‘The Archway was moved closer to Nolmi recently, and I’ll be travelling to Sallock, and then to Minna, to get a crystal.’

  ‘So we’re going home this quickly?’

  ‘It would seem so,’ she agreed.

  Despite her feeling of unease, she couldn’t help but think of seeing Dykyn again.

  She looked forward to it.

  Matters of the Heart

  ‘You are a Prince, and my heir... it is not wrong to be afraid of the monsters that held you... what you went through was harrowing... but you must not let that fear control you. I will teach you, Dykyn, to stand strong and proud in the face of you fears... your enemies can have only so much control over you as you let them...’

  -Aykyn, King of Paltia, teaching his son Dykyn

  SALLOCK – BAZRA WASTES

  Shakla lingered in his cell.

  He heard a door unlock beyond, the creak of hinges. There were footsteps. The snake-man didn’t even have to taste the air to see who was coming... it would be Dykyn again, come to check in...

  Shakla was weary of this game.

  ‘Satisfied to see that I am chained to the wall still?’ Shakla asked, pulling on the chains that held him, making them ring. ‘You’re so sure I’m going to escape, aren’t you... do you have trouble sleeping?’

  ‘Shut up,’ Dykyn hissed.

  Shakla laughed.

  ‘What are you laughing at?’ Dykyn growled. ‘You, who thought you were so strong and bold are at our mercy... you’re chained to the wall!’

  ‘And why is that boy? Someone took pity on you, because I scared the delicate flower.’

  ‘I said shut up!’ Dykyn barked.

  Shakla canted his head to one side, studying the Wyzard. ‘You hate me ssso much for what I did... has no one frightened you before... boy? Were you ssso afraid you had to be sssure I wouldn’t sssnap at you again?’ Shakla said, making a little bite motion with his teeth. ‘That’s why you went sobbing to the others to get me chained like this, because the poor boy has nightmares about... sssnakess...’

  ‘You don’t know anything about me,’ Dykyn growled.

  ‘Maybe I know more than you think.’

  ‘Are you Rodnok?’ Dykyn snarled.

  ‘What if I am?’

  Dykyn glared.

  Shakla laughed again and he said. ‘I am not... though I have heard of them... savage beasts I heard. Did they scare you... boy?’

  Dykyn just glared.

  Shakla shifted on his bed. The cold metal of the shackles on his arms and legs was uncomfortable.

  ‘And are you sssatissfied, boy?’ Shakla sighed. ‘A few little chainsss? Yet I ssstill live and breathe. You ssstill do not have the will for power.’

  Dykyn turned and started away.

  ‘If you had the will for power, you would have ssslain me yourssself asss ssson asss I dared raissse a hand againssst you,’ Shakla called after him, raising his voice.

  Dykyn turned back, his face twisting in revulsion.

  ‘If I did that, I’d be no better than you... a lizard!’

  There was venom in the boy’s voice.

  ‘You are no better than I,’ Shakla snapped. ‘You are my inferior. My lessser. You have no will. You lack resssolve. In my Massster’s armiesss, you would be already dead,’ Shakla chuckled, looking away.

  ‘Your Master’s done nothing but bring death and destruction to the realm... I would never serve someone like that.’

  ‘Only the weak and powerlesss perisssh. The ssstrong sssurive,’ Shakla assured, looking back at Dykyn. ‘I have changed my asssesssment of you... boy. You would not even lassst in one of the weak armiesss on thisss world.’

  ‘And your opinion of things should matter to me... why... lizard in a cage?’ Dykyn snarled, his face twisted in hate, his red eyes becoming narrow slits. ‘And as I said before... you know nothing about me... don’t underestimate me.’

  ‘Oh, no... surely not... not Prince Dykyn of Paltia. He of the powerful Paltian people... who are not to be trifled with.’

  Dykyn stared.

  Shakla grinned.

  He was getting some enjoyment out of this game after all.

  ‘My Massster knowsss of your people,’ Shakla went on. ‘He knowsss of your desssignsss in thisss corner of ssspace. Your need for a place of refuge incassse thingsss go poorly back on the homeworld... tensions, always tensions with the Loute Empire...’ Shakla leaned as far forward as his chains would allow him. ‘What need do the ssstrong have for refuge?’

  Dykyn stepped close to the bars, glaring. ‘How do you know?’ he growled.

  Shakla leaned against the wall and chuckled, ‘The Massster knowsss much.’ He smiled again. ‘But have no fear boy, your sssecret iss sssafe with me. The Massster will decide when it’sss time.’

  ‘How do you know?’ Dykyn hissed his face flush with rage.

  Shakla closed his eyes and held his smile. ‘I grow weary now, Wyzard... let me sleep.’ Shakla opened one eye. ‘Unless you wish to kill me?’

  Dykyn glared, turned on his heel and stormed away, from the cell, slamming the wooden door at the exit behind him as he went.

  Shakla leaned his head back and laughed.

  He had enjoyed their game.

  *

  ARCHWAY PLAZA – SALLOCK – BAZRA DESERT

  Jahnyz stepped out of the Archway from Nolmi to Sallock. Kont followed behind her. The plaza was an open air arena with five Archways in a pentagon formation facing a central fountain. The five Archways represented the single largest representation of Sallock’s might and prestige. Only one other Kingdom on Halli, the Kingdom of Mina, had more than one Archway, and even they had only managed that through conquest, having seized it from Hallon during the Zharin uprising. The Wyzards of Sallock had managed to amass their Archways by finding them in ancient Zhakim ruins over the thousands of yehvs since their collapse. It was suspected that the Zhakim may have had a hand in their creation.

  Others said the even pre-dated the Zhakim.

  ‘Now then, Jahnyz,’ Kont said, turning to the girl, ‘I have some things to attend to while you go and fetch the focus crystal. I’ll meet you back in Nomli.’

  Jahnyz nodded, and she watched him walk off through the gate from the plaza, to the rest of Sallock. As soon as he was out of sight, she started towards it herself. She had a stop of her own she wanted to make.

  She exited the plaza and started down the pathway towards the central tower. Meridon Onari, Dykyn’s Master, would be in the central tower, probably near the Council Chambers, in his study. If anyone would know more about Kont, it would be him. Plus she might find Dykyn.

  Her heart fluttered at the thought of that.

  As she entered the tower, she became aware of the condition of her clothing, it was in a sorry sight. The Council Chambers were a place of pomp and prestige, to walk in dirty and harried as she was, would not reflect well on her.

  She dec
ided her mission was more pressing than her appearance.

  If Kont was left waiting for too long, he may grow suspicious.

  Moving to the centre of the main chamber, she paused, drew her Mahgic around her, and vanished in a pillar of blue flame, just as Azra had taught her.

  She reappeared in an alcove of an upper floor.

  A rather dour man, in a pointed hat, sat at a desk, writing with a feather quill. He looked up at her and took on an expression of distaste.

  ‘Can I help you Miss?’ he said unhappily.

  ‘I’m here to see Master Meridon, of Hallon,’ she said levelly.

  ‘The Councillor is not in. He met with a guest and left on business.’

  Jahnyz sighed. Her plan had not gone as she had hoped. She thought she had best be getting back to her mission.

  She teleported back to the main floor. She turned to the exit, but caught sight of someone coming out of a stairwell near the back.

  ‘Dykyn!’ she called, smiling more than she knew she could.

  Dykyn turned to her, his face set... brooding, angry.

  Upon seeing Jahnyz, however, he relaxed and managed a slight smile.

  Jahnyz rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin on his shoulder, hugging him tightly.

  ‘I’ve missed you,’ she whispered.

  ‘Me too,’ Dykyn responded, as he pulled away and looked at her. Concern filled his face. ‘You look rough. What happened?’

  ‘We went looking for a race called the Nehhom – because Shakla had said if Azra didn’t find them he’d kill his niece.’

  Jahnyz saw Dykyn clench his jaw.

  ‘What?’ she asked. She didn’t think she’d ever seen him so angry.

  ‘Nothing,’ Dykyn responded, shaking his head. ‘Go on... please.’

  Jahnyz hesitated, and then said, ‘On our way to the southern port of Nolmi, our ship was attacked by a sea monster, and Azra was lost. We were rescued by a band of bandits, and Kia – Azra’s niece – refused to come back with us because she still believes Azra’s alive.’

  ‘Azra is gone?’ Dykyn asked, looking slightly dismayed.