Hours passed and Ben’s anger did not abate. He sat upon the bed with his back against the wall and waited. When he returns, I’ll kill him and escape.
“No, you won’t,” came a voice. “That is not how to reconcile.”
A shimmering glow appeared in the room and swirled around Ben as he sat upon the bed.
“Selva?”
“Release your anger, Ben Floyd. Reconcile.”
“That man tortured me and my brother. How can you expect me to make peace with him? How can you think that he deserves that?”
“I know that man has caused you pain, Ben Floyd, but you do not see with perspective. See as he sees and you will realize that he has been asked to treat a monster with kindness as well.”
“I am no monster, Selva. You have this wrong.”
“You are responsible for the death of Ulinawi, and for the death of the men who came to your land to bring you to justice. Then, you returned to Felaqua to flaunt your crimes, destroy property and wound his father.”
“That is a skewed view,” argued Ben.
“Yet it is still a view that exists, Ben Floyd. Reconcile.”
A knock came at the door and Selva’s glow disappeared from the room. Ben looked up to see Tiberius Allahnder II walk into the room and stare at the food upon the floor. The man raised his eyes and Ben could see that he was not happy with the insult.
“I apologize,” Ben said with some effort. Tiberius’ nostrils flared in anger.
“You came to us,” he said with gritted teeth. “You came to us for peace.”
“I was shocked when I saw you. I am sorry. I should not have thrown the food.”
The man raised a fist to his mouth and nodded his head slowly. He took a deep breath and composed himself.
“I understand. As I said before, I am sorry for what I did. It is an unfortunate responsibility of mine. I take no pleasure in it.”
“In the kingdoms of Ephanlarea, the son of a Count would not have such dealings with prisoners. Has this always been the custom in Felaqua?”
“No,” said Tiberius. “It is a position I was asked to take by my father. I took it willingly, but I admit, I never expected to have to do some of the things I have done.” The man looked at Ben, knowing he was speaking too freely.
“You are not accustomed to interrogations?” asked Ben.
“No,” admitted the man.
“I know what you think of me and my group,” said Ben. “I wish to change your opinion of us. We fight for a good cause.” Tiberius narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. Ben saw that he might be moving too fast and changed the subject. “Why did you agree to oversee Felaqua’s prisoners?”
“Come with me, Ben Floyd. I will take you to the kitchens so you don’t have to eat what you have scattered across the floor.” Ben Floyd followed Tiberius Allahnder II down the halls of the Palace of Gen D’hisi. The man pointed at paintings that hung from the walls and shared their stories with Ben. “The landscape you see on your right-hand side is the Varaggo Jungle, painted by the famous artist Eliki. The jungle itself is very dangerous and lies at the southernmost point of Felaqua. Eliki was never found after he painted the Varaggo. It is said he disappeared into the jungle and never returned. The painting was found during an expedition, years later. They say that painting could purchase five thousand horses.”
“Have you ever been to the jungle?” asked Ben.
“When I was very young,” answered Tiberius. “When I used to travel with my father, but I do not travel much now. I have duties. That next picture you see is a portrait of Gen D’hisi’s lost wife. He painted the portrait himself. It is unskilled, but he was a great warrior, not a great artist. The painting is valuable because of its history. In Felaqua there is no love that is celebrated as much as the love of Gen D’hisi. Even though the story itself has a tragic ending.” Tiberius looked at Ben as he gazed at the portrait of the woman. “I suppose you have a wife who waits for your return in Ephanlarea.”
“No,” replied Ben.
“A lover, perhaps?”
“No,” repeated Ben. “Like you, my duty is to my family.”
The man looked at Ben, his brown eyes seemed piercing. “Let’s continue.”
The two men descended a spiral staircase that opened into a very large room with many columns and arches. Ben imagined the chamber must be half the palace wide. They stayed to the left side of the chamber and headed for a doorway that Tiberius said led into the kitchens. Far and to the right, Ben noticed a small boy playing with a ball, and then noticed the Count, watching and praising the boy.
“Who is that small boy your father watches?”
“That is my younger brother, Ahman Allahnder. My father coddles him too much. I was never permitted to play with toys inside the palace in such a way.”
Tiberius Allahnder II continued through the doors at the far end of the chamber and Ben followed him through. Now Ben could smell wonderful spices in the air and his mouth began to water. He quickly realized that it had been a long time since he had eaten, and his stomach grumbled in disapproval. Many short tables and pillows were located in a recessed part of the room, and Tiberius led Ben down the steps and encouraged him to sit upon a pillow.
“This doesn’t look like a kitchen.”
“This is not literally the kitchen, but this is where we shall be served. Make yourself comfortable.”
Ben found a large, green pillow and sat upon it. Tiberius brought over a short table and placed it in front of Ben, then grabbed a blue pillow with golden frills and sat himself across the small table. Two servants came scurrying down the steps, and placed soup, fresh bread and fruit upon the table and departed without a word.
“What is in the soup?”
“It’s a sweet potato soup with red spice, try it.”
“I’ve never had a sweet potato,” Ben lifted a spoon to his lips and blew to cool the soup. He sipped the liquid and nodded in approval. “It’s very good.”
“It is my younger brother’s favorite. It is prepared daily.”
“Your father is good to your brother,” observed Ben.
“He should be. Ahman will rule when my father has grown too old.”
“Oh,” said Ben with surprise. Tiberius Allahnder II looked at him oddly. “I’m sorry,” continued Ben. “It may take me time to realize that the customs of Felaqua are not the customs of Ephanlarea. In my land, the first born son is entitled to his father’s position.”
“Our custom does not differ from Ephanlarea. However, customs are not always followed. Try a mango. If I am correct, you do not have those in Ephanlarea either.”
“I’m sorry,” said Ben again, unable to control his curiosity. “If you are the eldest son, why will the station not fall to you?”
Tiberius Allahnder II placed his spoon down and folded his hands under his nose for a moment, staring at Ben cautiously.
“There are duties that my father wishes of a Count that I am unwilling to perform. When my father found out that I was unwilling to continue certain traditions, it was decided that I be passed in the line of succession and that I take the position that I have now.”
“I see,” said Ben, unsatisfied with the answer he had been given but fearing he may be overstepping his bounds to inquire further. Again, Tiberius’ eyes seemed to be trying to pry into Ben’s mind, trying to figure out exactly what he was thinking.
“You see, Mr. Floyd,” continued the man. “We are not all suited for the same life. Some of us are different.”
He wants to talk about this, Ben realized suddenly. He’s looking at me that way because he wants to tell me something, but he’s afraid to. Ben dared to continue.
“Well, I do understand duty to family.”
“Your father expects certain things, I assume.”
The statement caught Ben unguarded “Uh, he um. Well, he died somewhat recently.”
Tiberius could see the pain in Ben’s eyes and placed his hand upon Ben’s arm. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean�
��”
“No,” said Ben, “it’s all right.” Ben Floyd looked into Tiberius’ eyes and all at once, he thought he knew exactly what it was that the man was afraid to say. “I have a brother, as well,” continued Ben.
“Yes… I know,” said Tiberius sheepishly. “Again, I am so sorry.”
“No, that’s not what I meant,” started Ben. Ben stopped and looked directly at Tiberius. “My brother will also be left with duties that I will not perform. Some of us are suited for a different life.”
Tiberius Allahnder II leaned back upon his pillow and exhaled a breath it seemed he had been holding since Ben had first laid eyes upon him.
“So, we understand each other, Mr. Floyd.” It was more a statement than a question.
Ben nodded. “My friends call me Ben.”
“Mine call me Tiber.”
Chapter 11: A New Wind
Densa looked down at Evercloud as he slept on the sand. Can this really be his son? Evercloud looked like any other man, yet Tenturo had told him, while on the moon, that there was something in his eyes. Densa hadn’t seen it, but he hadn’t been looking for it. Iolana had seen it. Was this really all he had left of them? Evercloud? This would be the legacy of the only friend Densa had ever had, and the only love he had ever known? This would be the one who finally helped him rid the world of the Tyrant, the son of one of his greatest enemies? Fate is crueler than I have ever been, he thought. But I’m doing this for them… I’m doing this for her. Densa kicked Evercloud in the ribs.
“Wake up.”
Evercloud grunted and rubbed his eyes. When he saw who it was, he frowned and jumped to his feet. Annie stirred and Riverpaw growled as he woke. Densa stared into Evercloud’s eyes as the man glared back at him. He tried to see whatever it was that the other Ancients had seen. All Densa saw was an angry man.
“What do you want?” asked Evercloud.
“I’m here to help you.”
The statement was plain enough but it seemed to confuse those who had just woken from sleep. Annie rubbed her eyes and staggered backward and Riverpaw looked to Evercloud for direction. Evercloud continued to glare at the large man, but eventually allowed himself to come to terms with this new ally. His conversation with Annie had softened him, and the previous night with Riverpaw had awakened him to how much help he would need to complete this task. All this added to the knowledge that Densa was Evercloud’s only way to reach Earth. He needed Densa, though he hated to admit it.
“We have met with the daughters of the Skyfather and they have told us of a prophecy.
“In the world’s most desperate hour of need,
Earthly elements shall be set free.
And evil tyrants should beware,
The coming of an unlikely pair.
Behold the golden fires of hope,
That curse and grace the lives of man.
Yet one cannot in life exist,
If two won’t find the strength to stand.
“We were told by Amber, Spirit of the Sky, that you and I are the unlikely pair that will defeat the Tyrant. We have each passed a test. The final test was yours… and now you and I must meet Earth to continue our quest.”
“You know how ridiculous all this sounds?” laughed Densa.
“Ridiculous or not, it’s what we need to do to defeat the Tyrant.” Evercloud huffed and folded his arms. “Do you even know of the daughters of the Earth and Sun?”
“Yes.”
“They gave us tests…” Evercloud huffed and shook his head, resigning himself to the fact that he would have to relate the details of their mission to Densa. Evercloud set to explaining what had happened along their quest, with relation to the daughters, the prophecy, and the gifts of the Skyfather. Evercloud did not go into great length, indignant that he had to explain anything to Densa.
“The four of us are now the Wind?” asked Densa.
“It would seem so,” replied Evercloud.
“And after we meet with Earth, she will tell us how to defeat the Tyrant?”
“Yes.”
“I wasn’t given any test,” said Densa. “So I think you may have been a bit misinformed.”
“You were given a test,” protested Evercloud. “You just didn’t know it. We were all given a test. Annie and I weren’t permitted to leave Amber’s presence until you had completed your test.”
“What test did I complete?”
“We all had to prove something to Earth. Prove our worth, I suppose. Amber told us you proved that you could love.”
Densa wanted to sneer, but he found his throat dry and his heart aching. There was nothing he could say, nothing that would make him seem strong and aloof. His façade of being above what was happening was destroyed and he hated Evercloud for it. He hated him so much… almost as much as he hated himself.
“So, what then?” he asked. “What are we to do?”
Evercloud produced the eagle feather from his pocket. “When you and I touch this, we will be granted audience with Earth.”
“What about these two?” asked Densa, nodding toward Riverpaw and Annie. “Are they coming?”
“We’ll wait here,” said Riverpaw.
“I have to leave,” said Annie, surprising the others.
“What?” Evercloud was shocked out of the brooding mask he had been wearing for Densa, and grabbed Annie’s arm with concern.
“I saw it last night. I was waiting for the right time to say something. The Eversense found Tomas. He’s in the forests around Elderton. He’s with one of the spirits.”
“That must be how he escaped,” realized Riverpaw. “He had Dendrata’s feather with him.”
“I need to go to him with the other feathers. In my vision he had two. I have the five Evercloud, Iolana and I gathered.”
“I have Selva’s,” said Riverpaw. “Here.” The bear gave the feather over to Annie.
“What about this last feather?” asked Evercloud, holding up the feather that would bring he and Densa to Earth.
“No,” said Annie. “That wasn’t in my vision. Just the eight for the sisters.”
“You’re leaving now?” asked Evercloud.
“We can’t waste any more time,” said Annie.
“Tell Tomas that Ben is safe,” said Riverpaw.
“I will.”
Annie cupped her hands around her mouth and called out into the sky.
“ANDOR!!”
From behind a gray cloud, came the thrum of giant wings, buffeting the air. The giant eagle swooped down and landed gracefully next to the young woman, his talons burying themselves in the soft sand. Annie climbed his back and took hold of the feathers around the great bird’s neck.
“We will come to Elderton Forest once we have met with Earth,” said Evercloud.
“No,” said Annie. “I have the Eversense. I’ll find you when I’ve done what needs to be done. Follow whatever path Earth gives you. I’ll be fine.”
With that, Andor ascended and disappeared like a streak across the sky.
Evercloud frowned as Annie disappeared from view. There’s no turning back now, he thought. He looked at Riverpaw and nodded and the bear nodded in return. Then, Evercloud turned to Densa and held the feather out between them.
“I don’t like you.”
“I don’t care,” replied Densa and grabbed the feather that Evercloud held out.
Riverpaw watched as the two men stared at each other and slowly faded into nothing.
Chapter 12: The Master’s Game
General Matthew Zehnder rode alongside the long line of men and boys that marched far from their homes toward a war they wanted no part of. He looked down at them from the high perch of his black steed and wondered what he could possibly accomplish with such riff-raff. There was no verve in these men, no spirit in these boys. These were slaves. Slaves.
Zehnder looked at one man in particular, gaunt and grey. He’ll trip and fall upon his own spear before he kills a soldier of Nefas. The General scanned the line a few meters
back and his eyes fell upon a tiny boy who couldn’t have weighed a hundred pounds wet. That boy shouldn’t even be here. Zehnder furrowed his brow in consternation. What can I hope to accomplish with this?
General Zehnder reared his horse back and galloped toward the back of the war march, back to where King Bishop Craven sat atop his own horse of snowy white. Though he knew the risk he was taking to even suggest such an idea, Zehnder thought he could present his dilemma to the King in a way that would not seem as though he was challenging Craven’s plans. He brought his own horse quietly alongside Craven and begged for pardon.
“My King, I do beg your forgiveness most deeply. I understand that in war, time is paramount. However, I believe we may have a dilemma that needs our attention. Would that we made camp for the night, I might speak to you of its nature in private.”
King Bishop Craven turned his cold gaze upon Matthew Zehnder as an owl turns its gaze upon a field mouse in the cold night. He did not speak directly, instead he allowed his gaze to burn over the General as if waiting for him to crack under the heat. Those eyes of Craven’s could burn a man to the ground, yet General Zehnder held his ground and held his nerve.
“Yes,” began Craven. “The day is growing long. This would be a good time to make camp, and I would hear of the dilemma that afflicts my army. Find your way to my tent in two hours, General. I shall be waiting for you.”
• • •
As dusk fell, General Zehnder found himself in front of Craven’s tent. Like everything the King Bishop had commissioned, it was an unblemished white. It unsettled Zehnder to no end that everything should be so white. White stands out in war like a screaming target, he thought. Nefas will be well prepared for us, no doubt. Matthew Zehnder knew that to speak of his issue with the King’s color choice would be his undoing. He was smart enough to keep his lips tight concerning that matter. He was walking a fine enough line with the concession he was about to ask for.
Two guards bowed their heads to him as he approached the King’s tent, and silently brought their spears back away from the entrance so that General Zehnder might pass unimpeded. He nodded a silent thanks to the guards. They beamed at him, for fear, for envy, for pride, Zehnder cared not. Men like these might very well save his life, he needed every last one of them, but he needed them able.
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