The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny

by L. A. Wasielewski

  Kaia and Ryris exchanged glances before helping themselves. Nar was right—it was definitely worth the sticky face. Ryris had never tasted anything so delicious in his life, but he wasn’t sure if it was because he was so sick of dehydrated fare or it truly was that utterly divine. “This…this is incredible! I wish I could take some with us.”

  “Ryris, don’t be rude.” Kaia scowled, unaware of the black seeds stuck to her lower lip. Ryris tried to stifle his laughter as she questioned him. “What’s so funny?”

  The alchemist rubbed his thumb across his own lip, clearing his throat knowingly. “You’ve got a little something…”

  “Where?” Kaia stuck her tongue out, attempting to rid herself of the seeds.

  “You’re missing the mark, my dear.” Nar butted in, leaning forward to run his finger delicately across her mouth. “Those seeds can be pesky. And not to worry, young Ryris, there’s plenty to go around and we don’t mind sharing with friends.”

  Ryris couldn’t help but notice the dreamy look in Nar’s eyes when he gazed at Kaia. He had the mark of a man who was instantly smitten. And the tone of his voice—especially when he referred to him as ‘young Ryris’—the alchemist was quickly becoming defensive. Nar couldn’t have been much older than himself, and yet his tone implied he had many years on Ryris. He suddenly found himself feeling very protective of Kaia. Scooting closer to his companion, he fought the urge to wrap his arm around her, to show Nar that he needed to keep his hands off. Not that Kaia was in any way ‘his’, but, after the previous night, he didn’t really know what to think anymore. As he sat and watched Nar move in and seductively wipe seeds from her lips, Ryris’ feelings bubbled up once again. Just as he was about to say something, even though his jaw was clenched tight, Kaia moved away from Nar’s touch.

  She shifted uncomfortably at the contact with the Ka’liik leader, pushing back a good few inches. The soldier immediately put her fruit down and rested her hands on her lap with a sigh. “Nar, I…”

  “I have offended you. Please forgive me. It’s just…” Nar’s brow furrowed as he ruminated on his next words. “…your beauty is otherworldly. I didn’t mean to be so forward. And in front of your lover, as well.” He looked to Ryris. “As one man to another, I beg you to overlook my foolish behavior and continue on as friends.”

  Ryris knew he had a split second in which to respond. He surely wasn’t Kaia’s lover, but her body language a moment before indicated to him that perhaps their best course of action was to play along with the charade Nar had inadvertently imposed on them. He sat up confidently put his arm around Kaia. “You are forgiven. Her beauty is unmatched. Who could help but be captivated by her?” He immediately hoped he hadn’t made Kaia uncomfortable—because it was the honest truth.

  “Thank you, Ryris—and Kaia. I feel I have made a fool of myself nonetheless.”

  “Water under the bridge.” Kaia smiled warmly and took another bite of her desert fruit.

  “If I may ask, what brings you to our land? The Ka’liik rarely get visitors on purpose, but something tells me you’re not lost.” Nar grabbed for a waterskin and drank deeply.

  “We’re searching for a friend.” Kaia’s words were precise and clear, and hinted that she was not about to divulge any more of their mission parameters.

  “A friend, eh? I’m afraid we haven’t seen anyone in quite a long time. Are you sure they came this way?”

  “The story is long and boring, I assure you. But, he is here—somewhere.”

  Nar nodded knowingly. “Well then, if I were a certain someone with a crystal weapon and I was looking for a friend…” He gazed off at the horizon, in the direction of the looming rocks in the distance. “…I would check the canyons.”

  Kaia didn’t reply, and instead just exchanged a knowing glance with the nomad.

  “The Ka’liik have been in this desert since before history was written. We don’t forget when strangers enter our land—especially ones bearing crystal accoutrements. It may have been over seven-hundred years ago, but the stories live on. And…” He reached forward and took Kaia’s hand. “…I can most certainly assure you that your friend is safe.”

  Ryris’ spine tingled at the sight of Nar holding Kaia’s hand. She didn’t seem to mind, or was just being polite, for she didn’t retract. He had to snap himself from this constant—and uncharacteristic—jealousy. Nar had just admitted that the secret Phia had hoped would have been kept for eternity—was not so secret after all, living on in Ka’liik lore.

  “And furthermore,” Nar added. “I can take you to him, if you wish.”

  Kaia responded quickly, but politely. “There’s no need to accompany us, but we would be grateful for directions.”

  “Of course. He’s atop the Devil’s Canopy. Two days’ travel should get you there.”

  “Devil’s Canopy?” Ryris licked his dry lips, and tried to keep his voice from trembling. He really didn’t like the ominous sound of their destination. Maybe Kaia would reconsider and allow Nar to travel with them.

  “The area is rocky, the trails up the canyon wall steep and craggy. You’d be wise to prepare yourself before you attempt the climb.”

  “I was under the impression your people never went near there. You seem to know an awful lot about the area for being superstitious.” Kaia quirked an eyebrow at their host.

  “Superstitious? My grandparents, maybe.” Nar sighed. “The oases are slowly drying up. We realized the only way we were going to survive was to trade for the supplies we needed. The caves in the canyons are rich in minerals that fetch a high price from the traders brave enough to come to our lands. Besides, the legends that kept my ancestors out of those hills are nothing more than wild fairytales. I mean, who would honestly believe there were demons in the canyons?”

  “Demons?” Ryris swallowed hard.

  “The people who inhabited these lands eons ago were wiped from the earth for their sins, leaving behind ghostly apparitions bent on vengeance. The souls of their victims glow red at night, trapped in the rocks for eternity.” Nar eyed Ryris as he talked, taking note of the alchemist’s apprehension. “A fate worse than death…”

  Ryris tried to hide his nervousness. He knew Nar was messing with him, but it didn’t make the story any less spooky.

  Nar erupted in a great bellow of laughter. “Children’s tales! Ryris, my boy, you need to relax!”

  Ryris balled up his fist, hidden in his lap. He knew he needed to be calm, or he could jeopardize their whole mission in the desert. He forced a fake smile and chuckled. “Good one, Nar. You…really had me going.”

  Nar’s teeth gleamed, even in the shade, as he smiled broadly. “My pleasure.”

  Ryris eyed him, hoping the man got the message that deep down, he had not been amused.

  Nar continued, “When I was a boy, my father decided to test old myths and went into the canyons. When he returned unscathed a week later, the people realized they had been spooked over nothing. Now, that’s not to say there aren’t Ka’liik who still believe the old tales, but their numbers are dwindling. We respect their right to keep old traditions alive. The only inhabitants of those canyons are rock goats and buzzards. And the occasional scorpion.” Nar smiled broadly and grabbed his canteen. “I’d be more worried about falling to my death scaling those walls. You friend’s tomb is practically touching the sky.”

  “Thank you for your concern, Nar.” Kaia drained the last of the water from her canteen. “I assume it’s safer to travel at night?”

  “Sometimes. If you’re not used to the heat, a nighttime journey might be a better choice. However...” He rose, plucking a pair of well-worn binoculars from a pouch at his side. After a quick moment of searching through the opening in the oasis walls, he found what he was looking for. Motioning for Kaia and Ryris to rise, he handed her the looking glasses and pointed her in the right direction. “…those are called telek. Highly territorial—and nocturnal. They’re sleeping in the daytime heat, that’s why they were easy to
spot. If you come too close to their pack, they’re likely to attack—especially since they have young this time of year. Those horns are poisonous.”

  Kaia peered through the binoculars, locating a pack of horned beasts in the distance. Their fur was short and tan in color, blending almost perfectly with the terrain. Long, feline tails whipped sand flies from their bodies, sharp teeth shined in the glaring sun. Standing on muscular, powerful legs, it was easy to understand that if they gave chase, they would most certainly emerge victorious. She handed the binoculars to Ryris. “Any tips on avoiding them? Or, if worse comes to worse—engagement?”

  “Stay downwind, and leave your horse and wagon here in the oasis. She’ll be safe, don’t worry. You’ll have to backtrack through here on your way out anyway. As for defending yourselves—how good are you with that bow?” Nar eyed her.

  “Good enough.” Kaia smirked right back at him.

  “Then you should be fine. If you can poison your weapons, it’ll help as well. You can handle that, can’t you, alchemist?”

  “Of course I can.” Ryris didn’t appreciate Nar’s condescending tone. He was quickly getting the impression that, even though he was nice when he wanted to be, the Ka’liik leader was very much an arrogant son-of-a-bitch. Ryris was ready to be done with him.

  “If you’re leaving tonight, I suggest you rest up and eat your fill now.” Nar sat again, beckoning behind him with a flicked wrist. Within moments, several Ka’liik approached with platters laden with grilled meat, flatbreads, and more fruit. “Leaving an hour-or-so before dusk will ensure you still have plenty of sunlight before dark. There’s a small rock plateau halfway between here and your destination. It will be a safe place to camp. You can even make a fire, if you’d like. Ryris has quite the technique…” Nar’s eyes twinkled mischievously.

  Ryris immediately felt the cactus fruit heave in his stomach. Everything he had ever been taught—about keeping his magic a secret—just came back to haunt him. They had seen him the night before—and he suddenly feared for his life. The alchemist felt his face flush.

  Nar, sensing his sudden mood shift, quickly reassured him. “You’re safe here. We Ka’liik have no qualms about magic use.”

  Ryris blew out a relieved sigh and silently nodded his appreciation.

  “Now, as I was saying, the fire will keep the telek away. They don’t like the smoke. My lookouts will be watching as well.”

  “Thank you for your generosity.” Kaia accepted a plate from a Ka’liik woman, and began to fill it with food. Ryris did the same, still keeping a close eye on Nar.

  “I hope you find your friend. That you’re looking for him, Kaia the Quick…tells me there is change on the horizon.”

  Kaia and Ryris exchanged dumbfounded glances.

  “Yes…I know who you are. I know of the battle you fought. Our elders passed those stories down so no one would forget. Know that when the time comes—the Ka’liik will take up arms to fight by your side.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that, Nar.” Kaia’s eyes crinkled in thanks.

  “I sincerely hope you do.”

  ~~~

  Kaia’s tiara glittered in the sunlight filtering through a sandstone arch in the chasm.

  She walked down the canyon floor, her arms spread wide to catch the desert breeze. Early that morning they had left their rocky base camp and made the trek into the canyons. The walls soared higher than those surrounding the oasis, and Ryris dreaded having to climb to the top to find Jaric. Kaia had taken the tiara out some hours earlier, hoping it would allow her to divine the exact location of her comrade by sensing the sword shard he possessed.

  She had spent most of the time since entering the canyons deep in thought, trying to acclimate herself to the sensations her tiara was giving her. Ryris could tell she was sensing—something—but what it was, neither had any clue. And now, here they were, sweltering in the early morning heat, hoping they could find Jaric’s tomb before they burned to a crisp.

  “Anything yet?” Ryris called after her, taking a small sip from his waterskin. His feet ached, his leg muscles burned with fatigue, and he suddenly missed his wagon very much.

  Kaia stopped, putting her fingertips to her temples. After a long moment, she finally responded, pointing up the side of the cliff. “I think we’re getting close. The jewels on the side are getting warm.”

  Ryris mumbled under his breath as he tugged on his sweat-soaked collar, “How can you tell anything is warm? It’s too blasted hot…”

  She stood still as Ryris approached. Her voice was hushed as she pointed. “Looks like there’s a carved landing up there.”

  Ryris peered up at the canyon wall, shading his eyes with his hand. “All the way up there?”

  “I’m sure of it. Now,” Kaia moved toward the side of the chasm. “We just need to find the trailhead. Nar said there were concealed paths.”

  The pair searched for several moments, before Ryris stumbled upon what looked like a set of wind-worn steps. The alchemist tested the strength of the crumbling stone with one foot, scowling when it broke apart under his feet. He turned to his companion. “Well the good news is, I think I found the beginning of the trail. The bad news is—I doubt it’ll hold our weight.”

  Kaia pushed him aside and began her ascent. “Let’s go.”

  Ryris shook his head at her perseverance. She wasn’t the least bit worried about risking life and limb in order to get to Jaric. At least, he didn’t think she was. Had she any doubts, she disguised them incredibly well. Realizing she was leaving him—literally—in her dust, he meandered up the virtually nonexistent trail behind her.

  ~~~

  Ryris had never been so happy to see a flat rock surface in his life.

  After over an hour of climbing the most treacherous path he had ever traversed, he and Kaia finally reached the Devil’s Canopy. He certainly understood why the area had been given its ominous moniker. On their ascent, they had both lost their footing more times than they could eventually count, with the alchemist almost falling down the rock face twice.

  “You need to let me rest for a minute, Kaia.” Ryris stooped over—well away from the edge—hands planted firmly on his thighs. He tried desperately to catch his breath. “I’m gonna collapse if you don’t.”

  Kaia slumped against the rock wall, also obviously feeling the fatigue of their impressive climb setting in. “Two minutes.”

  Ryris nodded, his body exhausted. He felt as if he barely had enough energy to accept a waterskin from his partner. After a few moments of silent rest, Kaia stood up straight again, repositioning her bow across her back. “Time’s up.”

  “Can’t we wait just a little longer? My calves feel like they’re on fire.”

  “No.” Kaia’s tone was curt.

  “Oh, fine. Kill me, why don’t you?” He slowly stood, arching his back in order to get it to pop. “Just make sure to bury me deep enough so the buzzards don’t pick at my eyes.”

  “I’d much rather just push you off the side and be done with you. It’s too hot to be digging a grave.” Ryris just stared at Kaia incredulously. He sincerely hoped she was joking. “The door is close, I can feel it. We need to move.”

  Blowing out an exhausted breath, Ryris followed his companion. They inched their way along the canyon wall, the path narrowing uncomfortably in some places, until they reached a dead end. Kaia approached the wall blocking their way, running her fingers over the smooth sandstone. Ryris wondered how they would open the chamber—if it was even there. Back above Hewe, careless fighting amongst brothers had accidentally cracked Kaia’s room open. Standing here, hundreds of feet above the desert canyon floor, he wondered just how they were going to manage to break through solid sandstone.

  “Do you see anything?” Ryris moved closer to his friend, and began to inspect the wall along with her. Kaia knelt and a small chuckle soon escaped her lips. “What’s so funny?”

  She hovered her palm over a small indentation in the rock’s surface, near th
e ground. “I guess they thought if anyone was foolhardy enough to make the trek up the rock face, then they might as well be rewarded with an obvious marker.” Kaia lifted her palm and pointed to a small symbol, no bigger than a baby’s hand, etched into the stone. Years of sandblasting from the winds of the desert had eaten away at the rune, but it was still visible if one looked hard enough.

  “It can’t be as simple as pushing a button, can it?”

  Kaia shrugged. “Would you like the honor?”

  Ryris shook his head with apprehension. “You do it...”

  Kaia took a deep breath and pressed her hand against the emblem. Within a second, the sigil began to glow blue and the rock face suddenly recessed, letting out a puff of stale, dusty air. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a soft lavender light beckoning them to enter.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  For bravery unmatched by any soldier in the Guard, I bestow a commendation of honor onto Jaric the Bold. For saving the life of an endangered child and risking his own in the process, he is hereby awarded the Diamond Medal of Valor.

  --Heroic commendation, Harald Mrazen, Crystal Guard Elder Council

  Ryris had the uncanny feeling he had been in this room before.

  The layout was exactly the same as Kaia’s chamber, right down to the placement of the sarcophagus. Weapons racks lined the walls, books adorned the shelves. Even the glass case housing an ornate crystal helmet sat waiting to be opened. Kaia immediately set her weapon against the wall and moved to the side of the coffin.

  “Jaric the Bold…it’s been a long time.” She brushed the dust from the lid and leaned over to peer inside.

  Ryris joined her after shedding his knapsack, the back of his shirt sticky with sweat. The feeling of déjà vu was incredible. He closed his eyes momentarily and imagined himself back above Hewe, gazing upon Kaia for the very first time. “If I only knew then what I know now,” he mused inwardly.