The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny

by L. A. Wasielewski

  “Well what are you waiting for?” Her face erupted into a large grin seconds later, her yellow teeth gleaming against her dark skin. Kaia smiled and hastened her steps, inviting Ryris to do the same. A moment later, she was directly in front of Phia, the giantess reaching out a hand to lovingly stroke her hair, much like a mother to her child.

  “I’ve missed you, young lady. I knew you’d come back to me—some day.” She turned in Ryris’ direction. “Who’s your friend? He smells nice.”

  Covertly lifting his arm, he sniffed, grimacing at the powerful aroma of sweat and swamp infiltrating his nostrils. He didn’t know how he’d classify his scent, but it definitely wasn’t ‘nice’. Ryris realized her lack of vision more than likely tripled the potency of her other senses. She probably heard him stomping ungracefully through the mud, and had obviously smelled him. Looking to Kaia for silent instructions, he was unsure if she would introduce him or he should take the helm. His companion gestured to Phia with an open hand, imploring him to stop being rude.

  “I’m Ryris Bren. It’s nice to m—“

  “Ryris?” Phia gripped her giant cane tightly and as quickly as she was able, moved to his side. Reaching out her other hand, she ran her fingers across his face and through his hair without invitation, finally trailing them down his arms before grabbing one of his hands. “You resemble him. Hair’s different, though.” The alchemist inhaled sharply in surprise, and before he could reply, she spoke again, seemingly answering the unasked question on the tip of his tongue. She squeezed his hand. “Yes, I knew him. A good man. Brave and powerful.”

  “You really are as old as Kaia says…” Ryris’ voice was wispy with awe.

  “That’s no way to talk to a lady, young man.” She straightened her posture as much as she could, her impressive height obscuring what little sunlight filtered down through the heavy swamp canopy. Ryris had to crane his neck up to look her in the face. Her mouth had curled into a stern scowl.

  “S-sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you…” He nervously wrung his hands together. This was the second strange woman in a month that he had successfully insulted—and his track record was looking mighty bleak.

  Phia bellowed out a mighty laugh and clapped him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him down. “You’re funny! Let me tell you something—I’m too old to get offended.” Grabbing him a little too hard by the hand, she led them toward her house. Ryris allowed himself to be dragged—he really had no choice in the matter—for her grip was strong and unrelenting. He just hoped she knew where she was going.

  Seconds later, he found himself inside the hovel, the stench of mildew and stagnant water assaulting his senses. Phia let go and blindly found her way to a huge rocking chair. It creaked under her massive frame as she sat. With a great sigh she set her walking stick against the wall at her side.

  “Sit. Rest. Are you hungry?”

  Ryris shrugged as he looked to Kaia, a bewildered expression crossing his face. There wasn’t any more furniture to sit on. Kaia just rolled her eyes with annoyance at him and plopped down onto the floor, motioning for him to do the same. It was apparent both women weren’t big on formalities.

  “We’d be honored to share a meal with you, Phia. It’s been a long time.” Kaia smiled, even though Phia could not see it.

  The giantess nodded. “Yes. A long time. But…” she leaned forward slightly, her voice taking on a knowing tone. “…I knew you were coming. There’s been a foreboding presence in the world for ages now, but it was always weak, faint. I didn’t pay it much attention because frankly, what could I do? Just in the last thirty-or-so years, it’s grown ever stronger and more powerful. And now…you’re here. It’s not a coincidence. I fear terrible times are upon us.” She shifted her weight on the poor, creaking chair. “Tell me, Ryris…how did you come to find the lovely Kaia?”

  Ryris blushed at the mention of Kaia’s beauty, thankful that the hut was dim and Phia was blind. “Chance, really. Some kids found her chamber and then let it slip to me that she was there.”

  Phia rocked in her chair, a great sigh escaping her lungs. “No. Not chance. You may not have known exactly who was in that cave, but you knew of her nonetheless.”

  The young alchemist was filled with wonder. It was like she could see into his thoughts. “My Gran told me stories as a child about the Crystal Guard, and always alluded to the fact that there was something to do with our family history.”

  “As does that amulet.”

  Again, the giant had astounded him. Here she was, blind as a bat, and knew the talisman was in her presence. All this destiny business was getting more and more real every moment more he spent with Kaia—and now Phia.

  “Phia,” Kaia’s voice was soft, but strong and determined. “We need guidance. It’s essential that we fin—“

  The giantess held her hand up, and Kaia immediately stopped talking. “I’ll tell you where your comrades are later. First, the amulet. You’ve had it since infancy, yes? Do you know why?”

  “To protect me. Kaia explained it in greater detail, told me about the war and the other Ryris.”

  “Yes, I’m sure she has. Come closer.” Phia beckoned with her finger and the alchemist obliged, kneeling before her chair. The giantess leaned forward and reached out, blindly finding the amulet before taking it in her massive hand. On her finger, a shiny metal ring with a tiny shard of crystal caught Ryris’ eye. She ran her rough fingertips over the smooth cabochon. “This stone is unique. It’s called ‘Shimmerbane’. It belonged to Kaia’s family, and was said to have strange properties. It once rested atop a beautiful scepter, kept locked in the coffers and away from prying eyes. The seers claimed they could view the future within it; the wizards thought it would enhance their powers. Whether those legends were true, no one ever really knew. What was known was that it did possess something. When you held it in your hands, surges of power ran through your veins, the feeling of invincibility coursed over you. That’s why it was kept hidden. If it fell into the wrong hands, the consequences could be dire. What those consequences were exactly—well, no one knows. No one wanted to find out.” She let go of the bauble and sat back once more.

  Ryris moved back to his spot, resting his weight on his arms behind him. He listened intently as Phia continued.

  “When the time came to protect your ancestor, Shimmerbane was the natural choice for the amulet. Its inherent power made it the perfect vessel to imbue with more potential.”

  “How was it enchanted?”

  “There are some things even I do not know, child.” Phia smiled wryly. “Tell me, has it ever reacted to anything? Or anyone?”

  This was the second time in as many weeks that someone had asked him the very same question. “It gets warm when I…” he hesitated.

  “Use your magic?”

  No longer shocked by any of her revelations, Ryris replied honestly. “Yes. Usually it just heats up my skin, but a few months back—“

  “…And people? Has it ever reacted to a person?”

  “One. I think.” He tried to remember back to the incident, recalling every detail for Phia. “The prince, before he became emperor, came to pay his respects after I opened my shop. He asked me questions about my inventory and alchemy in general. Really nice man, seemed genuinely interested in what I was saying. I even showed him some ingredients he had been admiring. After a few moments, I realized I hadn’t introduced myself properly, and we shook hands. That’s when…”

  “He was overcome.”

  “How did you know?” Ryris stared blankly at his hostess.

  “Please, go on.”

  Ryris sighed as he brought the memories back to himself. “I immediately helped him sit, and broke contact. After a few minutes, he was well enough to stand on his own and left. Later I got a letter from him, apologizing for falling ill.”

  “And the amulet? How did it react?”

  Ryris shrugged. “That’s the thing—it didn’t. Later that morning, I rubbed my hand on my chest and notice
d soot on my fingertips. I checked in the mirror and there was a smudge directly under the amulet—but nowhere else. I figured I had touched the hearth sometime during the day and had marked myself. Kaia seems to think there’s more to it.”

  Phia shook her head somberly. “The amulet protects you. That bauble sees in men what the naked eye cannot.”

  “So what? You’re saying that Roann is the source of this ‘evil’ you two sense? I think you’re mistaken.”

  “Your talisman may not always react in ways you can feel or sense, but in ways that affect others as well. I don’t believe Roann’s sickness was due to anything in your shop. Your amulet—and the power that it exudes—protected you that day. It was what caused him to fall ill—and the soot was just a byproduct. You said so yourself, it heats up when you use your magic. Unless I’m mistaken and you were setting fires in the presence of the prince, it would not have reacted like usual. Just because you only know it to have one effect, does not mean there aren’t more you haven’t discovered yet. I fear Roann’s physical reaction to touching you is an omen—a sign. A sign we cannot ignore in good conscience.”

  Ryris scowled, his frustration mounting. “I don’t see how this one instance can be damning in your eyes. It doesn’t make any sense, he seems like a good guy. I’m beginning to think all this ‘evil’ nonsense is being blown way out of proportion, or you’re looking for an easy scapegoat.” He stood and shook his head, his face feeling flushed, before heading for the door. “I need some air…”

  Kaia moved to go after him, but Phia grabbed her arm and pulled her to sit once again. “Let him go. He’ll see the truth eventually.” She sat back in her great chair and rocked. “Tell me what you know of the emperor. I’m quite out of the loop when it comes to politics, and no one ever visits me.” The giantess shot Kaia a mock-dejected look, trying to guilt her for staying away so long.

  “I only knew what Ryris had told me, and Roann seemed too perfect. No one is that wonderful.” Kaia shook her head and continued. “As we were traveling, I began gleaning more from small talk in pubs and inns…”

  Kaia told Phia everything she had learned about the newly-independent emperor. The giantess listened intently, nodding with an acknowledging hum when something particularly interesting came up.

  “…and something’s not right. Where others might see a grief stricken man, I see too abrupt a change to be normal wallowing. It’s almost like someone—or something—finally saw their way in and took over completely. I think there’s something more sinister at work. I wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t.”

  “You have a good head on your shoulders, Kaia. I’ve known you far longer than our young alchemist friend, and I trust you. In time, Ryris will come to trust you as well.”

  “I just hope we’re right—that I’m right. We’ve crossed the threshold, and once we find my comrades, there’ll be no turning back. Am I doing the right thing? I’ve dragged Ryris into this without giving him a choice and on what, a hunch?”

  The giantess reached out for Kaia’s cheek, the warrior leaning forward so Phia could touch her. Phia lovingly rubbed her rough fingertip over the porcelain skin. “Child, you always do the right thing. You’re not capable of any wrong-doing, that I know for a fact. Your heart is pure, and your will is strong. And as for Ryris, he’d follow you no matter what, of that you can be certain. You know what is on the horizon, yes? You can feel it?”

  “Yes, but…”

  “Then don’t doubt yourself. The time has come, whether we’re ready or not.” Phia rubbed her stomach. “Now, help me gather vegetables so we can get a meal prepared. The lad will be back soon, don’t you worry.”

  Kaia did as she was told without any doubt left in her mind.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “…the arc blasted across the land…incineration for many…victory for us all…”

  --Final words of Meridian Velken, last known Farnfoss casualty of the Old War.

  The aroma of stewed vegetables tickled Ryris’ nostrils. The scent was so intoxicatingly delicious that he had to remind himself he was in a swamp—and not back in Keld. As he pushed the cloth door aside and re-entered Phia’s hut, the herbed air assaulted his senses and he was suddenly extremely hungry.

  “Ah, you’ve come back to us. We were starting to think you ran off for good.” Phia rocked in her chair as Kaia stirred the bubbling cauldron over the hearth. The young heroine looked over her shoulder at Ryris, saying nothing.

  “Yeah, I…” Ryris nervously scratched the back of his neck, forcing himself to make eye contact with the two women. He moved to Kaia’s side, peered into the churning pot, and spoke sincerely. “I overreacted, and I’m sorry.”

  Kaia stirred the stew for a moment before responding. “You’re forgiven.” She pointed to a chair she had uncovered, and invited him to sit.

  “I did a lot of thinking while I was out there. I didn’t want to believe what you two were saying, because if I did, it would mean that everything I thought to be true would change. I didn’t want to face the reality that Roann could behind whatever you fear is on the horizon.”

  Phia raised a finger. “Now remember, I haven’t said he’s behind everything…just that it’s a very good possibility that our impending situation has something to do with him. There’s a big difference.”

  Ryris responded as Kaia handed him a steaming bowl of stew. “I understand. Whatever is going on, the world is a much darker place than I’ve ever known it to be. I’m willing to admit that I’m very afraid.”

  “As you should be, young Mr. Bren.” Phia’s expression hardened. “Lives will be lost, cities destroyed. The lurking forces will once again wash over our shores.”

  Ryris sat forward, his mouth overflowing with food. “Lyrax.”

  Phia jumped at the mention of his name, nearly dropping her bowl.

  Kaia sighed and put her own bowl down on the floor in front of her. “Who else could produce such a terrible aura, such a cloud over the fate of the entire world? Ryris and I talked earlier about destiny—and who else but Lyrax could alter it? He almost destroyed us once…”

  “That’s a mighty big assumption, dear. But not totally unfounded. I had my doubts, even after his fiery demise. Magic is a powerful mistress, and she has her ways of surviving.”

  “You said you killed him, right?” Ryris looked at the two women questioningly.

  “One would think plummeting into a lake of lava would end a man’s life, and I’m sure it did. But who are we to say that his spirit—as black and tainted as it may have been—didn’t find a way to linger? A man is only as strong as the body he inhabits, but his soul…” Phia rocked slowly, contemplating. “He would need human pawns to do his bidding. Then when he was ready, he would regain form again, if that is what he seeks.”

  “Roann.” Ryris set his bowl down on a box beside himself, no longer hungry. “But how? He’s so—“

  “Perfect?” Kaia raised an eyebrow at him, and the young alchemist could only nod his acknowledgement. “Now you see. If we’re correct, Lyrax needed someone strong and intelligent. A man who already had power—a common peasant just wouldn’t do. I’m sure no one in Keld knows.”

  And there it was. His two companions had laid it all out—and it suddenly made sense to Ryris. Roann was the perfect puppet.

  “But how could Lyrax have taken control of him without anyone knowing? Surely his parents would know if someone was molding their son behind their backs.”

  Phia tapped her giant fingertips on the arm of her chair as she thought. “First contact must have happened when he was very young, maybe even as an infant. If it truly is Lyrax, he would have had immense pull on a young mind. But I would think he’d want to work in private, at least until Roann was old enough to be able to keep a secret—and somehow get away from Keld without being noticed. That way, no one would be any the wiser in the royal court.”

  “But what about Roann’s loyalty to his parents? His country?”

  “Even the mos
t powerful of men can harbor weak will. If he was told from a young age that there was more to his life than service, that he could be rewarded with unlimited power if he cooperated and did as he was told—it’s entirely possible that whomever is behind this surge convinced him to bide his time like a good boy and ‘play nice’.”

  Kaia sat up straighter, her brow furrowed. “And that’s what makes him so dangerous.”

  “Exactly.” Phia nodded knowingly. “We must proceed cautiously, but with haste.”

  “So now what?” Ryris looked to his two companions.

  Phia thought for a moment. “You must wake Ealsig and Jaric”

  Kaia sat forward, her eyes pleading. “Phia, please tell me my father told you where they are. You’re the only one he would have trusted with the information.”

  An honored smile covered the giantess’ face. “I’m flattered you think so highly of me, child. And it just so happens that you’re correct. King Galroy was truly wise…for a human.” She winked with a chuckle. “Jaric was entombed in the southern deserts, hidden amongst the sandstone bluffs. The superstitious nomads there don’t wander into the canyons; they believe them to be haunted. And Ealsig is interred near Blackthorne Village.”

  “Blackthorne?” Ryris’ eyes widened as he tried to contain his emotions. On one hand, he was eager to see his father and Grildi, for he missed them both terribly. But, he also knew he would face Maxx’ wrath upon returning—for abandoning the Keld shop, for not keeping in contact. He was sure the older man would yell. His palms began to sweat as he hesitantly offered, “I’m from Blackthorne.”