“Well, yes. It was Strongback who lit the Everflame.”
“Yes, exactly. But there is a part of that story that is only told to the Kings of Gray Mountain, a part of the story that can be very hard to believe. Maybe not so hard now.”
“What does the Everflame have to do with me?”
“The Everflame is not, as I once thought, just a symbol. It has real power. You see, the part of Strongback’s story that the Kings are not allowed to speak of is that, at some point, Strongback learned to speak to the Earth. The elders say that it was the Spirit of the Earth that gave the Everflame to Strongback.”
“I still don’t see how I fit in this.”
Eveneye stopped pacing the room and sat down next to his son, looking at him with a sadness Evercloud could not explain. “When I had your claw made on the eve of your departure from Gray Mountain, I had the Kingdom’s finest metal worker use the Everflame as the heat to mold the metal. I thought it would somehow make the gift more special… and it did. I never thought the Everflame had true power… but it seems that it holds an immense power. The power to kill an ancient being.”
“So you’re telling me that part of the Everflame resides in my claw?”
“Not a part, Evercloud. The flame went out as your claw was finished. What you see now is a fake. I have sworn the metal worker to secrecy.”
The weight of this new knowledge hit Evercloud like a hammer upon an anvil. “I posses the Everflame and its power.”
“Yes, my son.”
Evercloud looked down at his golden claw with silent reverence. He held in his hand the power of the Earth itself, the same ancient being that had given the Tyrant his terrible power.
Evercloud looked up at his father. “This is not my only power, Father. Tenturo bestowed the power of wind upon me, and Bahknar gave me the power of fire before he faded away.”
“We have to be very careful with this information. The Kingdom cannot know that the Everflame is a fake, and I do not think they should know that you have slain Bahknar.”
“He had sided with the Tyrant. He helped release the Farsiders that have killed bears of this kingdom.”
“I believe you, Evercloud, but you must understand that many bears believe the Ancients to be infallible beings. More importantly, they see the Ancients as our only hope against the Great Tyrant. To find out that one of those hopes is gone, or that those hopes have the potential of siding with the Tyrant, would be devastating to the people of this kingdom.”
“What should I do?”
“Tell everyone that your quest continues still. They do not need to know any more than that. Do not exhibit your powers. I’m sure you will not be staying long anyway, as you will be looking for the other two Ancients.”
“Father…”
“Yes.”
“We’ve already found the other two Ancients.”
Chapter 4: Around Friends and Family
Goldenheart began to serve tea to everyone who sat around her table. Ben and Tomas thanked her graciously, as did Iolana. Riverpaw and Evercloud declined, and Autumnbreeze decided to wait until the tea had cooled before having a cup. Eveneye heaped spoonfuls of sugar into his tea and looked around the room guiltily. Goldenheart poured herself tea, but did not sit down to enjoy it until she had placed a large plate of her homemade brownies in the middle of the table.
“Help yourselves,” said Goldenheart with a warm smile.
Tomas didn’t hesitate, immediately grabbing two brownies off of the plate like a thief. His brother stared at him, appalled and embarrassed at Tomas’ manners, but said nothing. Ben knew it would do little good. Once Eveneye had finished with his first sip of heavily sweetened tea, he set his cup down and addressed the group sitting around the table.
“I have been told much of your story, mostly by my wife,” said Eveneye looking around at Riverpaw, the brothers Floyd and Iolana. “I commend every one of you for your bravery and your sacrifice. All that live on this mountain are in your debt. However, there are still holes in the story, which I would like to have filled. Also, I believe that I hold information that you deserve to hear. As host, I would like to begin.”
Eveneye began to tell everyone in the room of the story of Strongback, as given to the Kings of Gray Mountain, and continued with the story of how Evercloud’s golden claw was made and how it had inadvertently been infused with the Everflame. The group was mesmerized, unable to believe that Evercloud’s weapon possessed a power that came from the very earth. Eveneye then told of the events he had endured when he had left Gray Mountain. He told of how he was captured by Lazarus and placed in the man’s zoo, and then, of how he escaped with the help of a young man named Steven Everheart.
“That’s the fellow we met in the woods,” said Tomas, munching a brownie.
“It is,” confirmed Eveneye, and continued to tell those who were gathered at the table of the mountain’s changes and Steven’s work of bringing humans to live among the Kingdom.
“So, this Everheart is recruiting men and women to live on the mountain?” asked Riverpaw.
“Yes,” answered Eveneye. “Really, it is the Plan for Peace that I had intended for Evercloud, not so long ago. But with everything that has happened, and all that your quest now involves, it would have been impossible for Evercloud to perform this task. Steven came along at the perfect time. He stands with us in our beliefs and has a good heart. His recruitment goes slow, but given time, he should make great strides in changing the world we live in for the better. We can only hope to stand against the Tyrant if we are united in our purpose.”
“How many men and women live now on the mountain?” asked Evercloud.
“Just over a dozen.”
“This is amazing,” said Riverpaw. “With all due respect, sire, I never thought I would see it happen.”
“To be honest, Riverpaw,” admitted Eveneye with a bit of a chuckle, “neither did I. It has been wonderful for the Kingdom to see, firsthand, that not all humans want them hunted like monsters. The humans living among us have opened many eyes.”
“What does this Everheart know of our quest?” asked Evercloud. “Has he been told everything?”
“He has been told much. He can be trusted, Evercloud. He saved my life, and in doing so, put his own at risk. Knowing about your group and your quest aides greatly in his ability to recruit. Sometimes people need a little hope.”
Evercloud nodded and pursed his lips, but he did not say anything. He seemed pensive and uncomfortable. Eveneye noticed his son’s odd mood, but thought it better to leave it alone.
“Now,” continued the King, “I would like it if you travelers could enlighten us in the areas that we are lacking in your story. Namely, what transpired since you last left Gray Mountain.”
Riverpaw took the opportunity to play narrator and related the tale of the group’s trip to the village of Hammlin. The young bear neglected to include Evercloud’s assassination of the men who had attacked them on the road to Hammlin. Evercloud was appreciative that Riverpaw did not make issue of it, but thinking about it, nonetheless, continued to darken his already ominous mood. As Riverpaw continued the story, it was apparent that awe was being struck in the three elder bears. They said nothing during the telling, barely moving, until Riverpaw revealed the fate of Densa and Chera. Goldenheart covered her mouth and Autumnbreeze let out a bit of a gasp. Eveneye stood and backed from his chair, looking upon Iolana with amazement.
“I had no idea, my lady Chera. You seemed nothing more that a beautiful, young girl. We are honored greatly by your presence.”
Iolana smiled. “You honor yourself, King Eveneye. It is a testament to you and your Kingdom that you have shown me such hospitality without knowing who I am. But please, call me Iolana. It has been many years since I have been known as Chera.”
Eveneye nodded and returned to his seat. Riverpaw finished the story with Bahknar’s death, and when the story was over, the three elder bears sighed as if completing some great task.
“If you don’t mind,” began Goldenheart. “I would like to speak to Autumn and Even outside for a moment. You have given us a great deal to consider.”
Everyone nodded and the elder bears exited the cave. Ben immediately turned on his brother.
“Tomas! Must you be a glutton every chance you get? You look like a pig, and we are in the presence of a King. How many of those brownies have you eaten? Four? Five?”
Tomas slowly turned his head and faced his brother. His eyes were glassy and his lips were parted in a goofy smile. He raised a finger and poked it gently into his cheek.
“I can’t feel my face.”
“What are you talking about?” said Ben who was in no mood for jokes.
Ben grabbed one of the remaining brownies off of the plate at the center of the table, and raised the brown confection to his nose, giving a searching sniff. Ben furrowed his brow at the odd scent and then broke the brownie in half, to have a closer look at the inside. Ben smelled it again, and then, picked something out of the brownie and placed it upon his tongue. A small smile broke across Ben’s face and he let out a devious giggle.
“Evercloud, do you know what your mother uses in her brownies?”
“No,” responded Evercloud, being pulled from his introspection. “She doesn’t share her recipe. My father loves them, but to be honest, they make me feel a bit funny. Don’t tell her I said that though.”
This time Ben could not suppress a full laugh. “Ha!”
“What?” asked Evercloud.
“Nothing,” said Ben. “It’s just that the brownies make Tomas feel a bit funny as well.” Ben laughed again and slapped his brother on the back.
“Ben,” said Tomas with a panicked look on his face. “I think my fingernails are growing. I mean – that is – I think I can feel them growing.”
“You’ll be fine, Tomas,” said Ben with a smile. “I’m sure it will stop in a few hours.”
“Oh,” said Tomas seriously. “That’s good.”
“Are you all right?” Iolana asked Evercloud.
“Hmm?” Evercloud was broken from his reverie.
“You seem troubled. Are you all right?”
“Fine,” said Evercloud, barely acknowledging the question.
Iolana didn’t push the issue any further, but her eyes stayed upon Evercloud for some time. It was apparent to her that something of great importance was weighing upon Evercloud’s mind.
Soon enough, the three elder bears reentered the room and took their seats, surveying the faces of the guests, and pausing awkwardly at the sight of Tomas’ vacant smile.
“We have a couple concerns,” said Eveneye, breaking his attention away from Odd Tomas and back to the task at hand. “First, and I don’t mean to sound rude, but why are you here? Why are you not with Tenturo?”
“Tenturo wanted to try and retrieve Densa alone,” said Ben. “He wanted us to come to the mountain to find out more about Evercloud’s claw. Tenturo guessed correctly that it was the source of Evercloud’s power, and well, we’ve successfully discovered how that power was derived. Also though, Tenturo wanted Evercloud to find his ‘reason for being.’ Tenturo said it was very important for Evercloud and thought that he would have his best luck finding that reason around friends and family.”
“I see,” said Eveneye. “And after that?”
“We will attempt to contact Tenturo. If, at that point, he has not contacted us.”
The three elder bears seemed satisfied with the answer.
“We are grateful that all of you are here with us,” said Goldenheart. “It is good for the Kingdom and also good for the Plan for Peace. That is our mission now. We see it as the greatest step we can take toward aiding you in your mission… defeating the Tyrant.”
Riverpaw, Evercloud and the Floyds had always known this was the direction in which they headed, but hearing it stated so plainly left a pit in their stomachs.
“We would ask two things of you while you are here,” continued Eveneye. “One, help Steven and talk with the other humans. Relaying your experiences could go a long way in helping his ability to recruit. Also, we think it would be best if you did not use your powers in front of others. It would most certainly raise questions that we are not prepared to answer at this time.”
“That includes all of you,” added Autumnbreeze, looking at her son.
The travelers all nodded.
“Is there a place where it would be safe for us to use our powers,” asked Iolana. “For training purposes?”
“Training?” questioned the King.
“We need a place to hone our skills. We have all discovered our powers somewhat recently, and would benefit by being able to understand them better.”
The King nodded. “The castle courtroom will be at your disposal. But none outside of you five can be in there while you train, and no one may know what it is you do in there.”
“Of course,” agreed Iolana.
“One more request before we retire for the night,” said Goldenheart. “You should all consider us as family from here on out. As such, we will have dinner together at this table every night that you remain on the mountain. No exceptions.”
Tomas bolted out of his chair and ran to Goldenheart, wrapping his arms around her as far as he could. “Yes!” he shouted.
Ben Floyd buried his face in his hands, wishing so much that he could just disappear.
Chapter 5: Cold Moon
I’m sorry, Edgar… I’m sorry.
The words echoed off the walls of Densa’s mind, hollow as it was. His lips were dry and his body was numb as he stared out of a black window in his lunar palace. Seated upon his desolate throne, he stared into the abyss as if it were a mirror. As vast and empty as it was, so too was he.
I’m sorry, Edgar… I’m sorry.
“Not as sorry as I am.”
The black fiends lurked around Densa, guarding him the way a starving dog guards a bone. Densa didn’t care for their presence, but neither did it affect him. The creatures merely were, as Densa merely was. Since he had fully regained his memory, he had tried to count the amount of lives the Tyrant had forced him to live; count the names he had been known by. He tried, with an aching heart, to catalogue them and collect them, in the hope of making some sort of sense. If only he could come across something in the recesses of his mind that would allow him a modicum of closure.
Alas, there was no sense to be made from a maniac’s game, and he could not grasp all of the memories he had been burdened with. He could not remember all the names; he could not remember all the death he had caused. It was all a sickening blur. So, Densa did what he could to keep the little sanity he still possessed.
He sat for hours with his thoughts, desperate to erase them, but unable to muster the energy to move them away. They had trapped him; he had become them. He echoed through himself, memories reflecting back and forth until each one faded into… her.
I’m sorry, Edgar… I’m sorry.
Densa allowed his eyes to fixate upon one star that he could see through his window into nothing. It had caught his attention somehow, odd as it was, and it seemed as if it was growing. He assumed he had allowed himself to stare too long, to think too long; his mind had created an illusion. He swung his head across the black room and let his eyes rest in the darkness.
Minutes passed… the creatures began to stir.
Densa scanned the vast room and watched the nightmares shift and hiss at the air. They stretched and cracked their bones, as if readying themselves for a hunt. Their sudden stirring caused Densa to pause. He turned and looked out the window, again, to see what he thought had been a star, was not a star at all.
“Not one of you touches him,” said Densa into the darkness with little emotion.
Moans of displeasure came from the beasts, but they dared not stand in defiance of their master’s wish. They gradually calmed themselves, again taking to their silent refuge in the cold shadows of Densa’s lair.
Another minute p
assed… then the mammoth doors of the palace swung inward to reveal the great griffin, Tenturo, standing between them.
“Am I safe?” he called to Densa who sat hunched on his throne, across the room.
“Yes,” replied Densa.
Tenturo ruffled his feathers and began to slowly stride into the palace, making his way closer to where Densa sat in the darkness.
“Why have you not lighted the palace?”
“We prefer it this way.”
“May I light it?”
“No.”
The griffin’s large talons echoed as they clicked along the stone floor of Densa’s home. Tenturo’s eyes scanned the shadows constantly, not knowing if he could trust the assurance that the Farsiders would not attack him.
“Why have you come here?” asked Densa.
Tenturo stopped his progress mere meters in front of Densa’s raised throne. Though the throne was raised, Tenturo’s great height caused him to look down at Densa, and as he did, he felt a great ache in his heart. “I need your help.”
“Then your trip has been made in vain and you may leave now.”
“Will you not hear me out?” Densa grumbled something unintelligible and Tenturo took the opportunity to continue speaking. “Densa, you are the strongest of us all. I need your help to defeat the Tyrant; to finish what we started; to end him, once and for all.”
“He has grown too powerful. Besides, why should it matter?”
“Bahknar is dead, my friend.” Tenturo bowed his head in reverence.
Densa’s scowl lifted slightly, as if surprised by the news. “The Tyrant killed him?”
“No, but he is the responsible party for Bahknar’s fate. I need you, Densa. We must stop him. It is the right thing to do.”
“Ha!” scoffed Densa, his scowl returning. “As if we’ve ever known what that is.”
Tenturo hung his head further in exasperation. “Many things have changed for us since the beginning, old friend. We are not as strong as we once thought, we do not know all that we once imagined we did, and we do not always make the right decision.” Tenturo paused and looked up from the floor, straight into Densa’s eyes. “But these are not reasons to give up.”
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