Embrace

by Unknown

  For it just so happens that during this first attack, Ivan became an orphan, as it was his father, Ian Crane, who was the first to die by the wings of a Scratcher.

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  Perhaps his tragic past drives Ivan’s ambition. He has much to avenge in his short life. So the question arises, is he truly ready for the responsibility of being an Initiated member of the Svoda? Is he ready for the task the Banon has planned for him?

  Perhaps his pick of Learner Companion will give us a clue?

  Meghan took a break from reading.

  “They’re mentioning me!”

  Colin was not sure if she was ecstatic or nervous. She continued reading.

  Meghan Chelcy Jacoby.

  What do we know about this girl?

  She came to us nearly a year ago, by accident, and just a short while later it was discovered she possessed a magical gift.

  A Firemancer, no less!

  A rare vocation.

  Moreover, do we need remind you of the prophecy spewed from the mouth of this new seer:

  ‘Beware! They attack you where you sleep!’

  What has come of that prophecy? There is speculation amongst some that it came true just last night! When we were viciously attacked so close to our homes. Yet, some fear this prophecy may not yet be fulfilled.

  So was Ivan Crane smart to pick a Learner Companion so inexperienced? Will this girl, still a stranger amongst us, prove useful to him during his task? Will she one day also be Initiated?

  Is she truly one if us?

  The Banon herself has taken up the task of training this Firemancer!

  Therefore, that should be answer enough for anyone who questions the motives of the girl!

  I for one think Ivan Crane chose wisely. A Firemancer at your side is invaluable!

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  The article ended abruptly. Meghan humpfed and threw the paper down.

  “Why would they question my motives? I don’t have motives!”

  “Not other than getting attention, Sis.”

  Meghan scowled.

  Colin continued, backtracking.

  “Ivan’s story is really amazing, like him or not,” he aimed toward Meghan. “It makes sense that he’s so distant. If both of my parents had died like that, I’d feel the same I think.”

  “Earth to Colin. Both our parents are dead! As well as possibly our uncle!”

  “Right,” said Colin. “It was different for us, though. We never knew our parents. And with Uncle Arnon, well I’m keeping up hope that he’s still alive!”

  “I was practically still a baby,” interjected Jae, “when the banished departed. I have no memory of it.”

  “Are the banished Svoda really responsible for the Scratchers?” asked Meghan.

  “It is coincidence that we were attacked three days after they departed, isn’t it?” said Jae.

  “But didn’t they still have friends and family who stayed behind?” asked Colin. “How could they attack their own people?”

  “There’s no easy answer. From what I have heard over the years, the group that left was fanatical in their beliefs and willing to do just about anything to get what they wanted. We always hope the banished aren’t responsible, but the answers always seem to point back to them, in the end.”

  Jae turned his attention to Mireya as the twins sat in silence, blocking each other from their thoughts. Similarly though, they each realized, again, how little they really knew about the Svoda.

  After awhile, Jae told the twins he was going to head home to prepare lunch. He wanted to be ready in case his parents returned home for a break, and assumed they would be hungry if they did.

  Meghan offered to help.

  Colin stayed behind and picked up the Jackal Lantern, turning back to the front page. He skimmed over the retelling of the previous night’s attack and then moved on to another article.

  In Other News,

  By Kalida Jackal

  In other news, we have learned that our own Viancourt member, Tanzea Chase, who we all know has been ill, fell and injured herself while attempting to attend the Initiation of Ivan Crane. Her injuries are not severe: a sprained ankle and a bruised arm.

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  Doctor Stamm is healing her, without the use of magic, of course. We at the Jackal Lantern need not remind you that all magic is strictly forbidden in the E Valley. Let this be your friendly reminder. Our best wishes to Vian Chase for a speedy recovery.

  The next In Other News story that caught Colin’s eye was about the now deceased storyteller and bookstore owner, Balloch Flummer and his family.

  In other news, the untimely passing of Balloch Flummer is not the only torment this family has been afflicted with in recent days. We at the Lantern have learned that the Flummers’

  also received devastating news upon arrival here in the E Valley.

  Another of Balloch’s sons, currently residing in another caravan, left behind a message before their own departure from Eidolon’s Valley. It seems that his daughter, Catrina Flummer, fell seriously ill…

  “What! Catrina!” Colin exclaimed.

  Did he dare think this could be his dream Catrina?

  He kept reading.

  It seems that Balloch’s granddaughter, Catrina Flummer, is suffering from an unknown illness. Shortly before their departure from Eidolon’s Valley, she slipped into a coma. The message said ‘she is currently under quarantine; until such a time it can be determined that her illness is not harmful to others.’

  The message goes on to say, that the group even received authorization from Eidolon, himself, to heal her with magic. Unfortunately, at their time of departure, even magic had made no improvements. Let us hope beyond hope that this poor girl recovers. Moreover, that we are able to hear of it in our own future travels.

  In an odd way, it takes me back to the article in this very issue of the Jackal Lantern, about Initiate Ivan Crane and the loss of his beloved mother. If you have not read it yet, I highly recommend it.

  “Can it possibly be her?” Colin whispered to no one. “But how? She’s in another group!

  How could I have seen her in the hospital in Grimble? When at that point she should have been in Eidolon’s Valley?” Colin’s mind reeled with this information.

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  Perhaps there is another way to travel between worlds! He could not help but think it. If so, however, why would this information be kept secret?

  5

  Jae was correct. His parents did show up for lunch, and Sheila was extremely thankful to Jae, Meghan and Mireya for cooking. Colin appeared just as the food was ready to eat. Even Irving seemed pleased with Jae’s actions.

  “Our meeting is to start up again in an hour’s time,” Irving said as they sat to eat. “This is nice,” he added, “everyone eating together. I guess we haven’t done this in awhile, have we?”

  Sheila lovingly took hold of her husband’s hand.

  “You have been busy, dear. It’s too bad Ivan couldn’t join us, too.”

  “Yes, but I’m sure he’s off taking care of business as always.”

  “Dad, can I ask you a question?” interrupted Mireya, shyly. “What do you talk about in the SLC meetings? Are you talking about how to kill the Scratchers?” Irving, with a rare twinkle in his eyes, tapped the side of his nose.

  “That’s for initiated minds to know, and non-initiated minds to find out!” She giggled, but asked no more questions.

  The mood during lunch was better than the twins expected, and right as they were finishing, Colin had an epiphany. There are still members of the Flummer family, here in the E Valley. I could ask them to describe their Catrina, and then I would know for sure if it’s really her! This thought quickly lead to another realization. If she grew up in another group, they will have no idea what she looks like. Still, it couldn’t hurt to try, I guess.

  “Mr. Mochrie, the meeting doesn’t start up for another thirty minutes, right?” he asked.

  “You are correct, Colin.”
/>   “Would it be okay if I were to hop over to the shop? I ran out of note paper,” he lied.

  “Sure, that would be fine. There probably isn’t anyone minding the store right now, so take what you need. Good to see you’re keeping up with your studies.” Colin did not answer but raced down the tunnel. He knew the Flummer family was staying in a small apartment over the bookshop.

  He wondered how to broach the subject. The family was still grieving over Balloch, and he wanted to talk about Catrina, who is sick. Before he knew it, he had arrived at the entrance.

  He walked in and as expected, it was deserted. He went to the staircase, which led to the apartment upstairs and stopped.

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  “They’re going to think I’m nuts!” whispered Colin. A voice startled him from behind a nearby bookshelf.

  “They might, but I wouldn’t.”

  Colin spun around searching for the source of the voice. He froze as a ghostly body floated through a nearby bookshelf.

  “But… But you’re dead!”

  “Ah, alas I am that.”

  The ghostly body of Balloch Flummer hovered just a few feet away from Colin.

  “Listen to me carefully now, I don’t think I have much time. I was pulled from Grimble to here, which means you must be my unfinished business.”

  “Me. But …” All Colin could do was stare in bewilderment.

  “Ah, boy, you gain so much knowledge after you die. There’s so much truth in death.”

  “What do you mean, Mr. Flummer?”

  His ghostly body rushed forward, stopping in front of Colin’s face.

  “I know you can help my granddaughter,” he said, his voice now frantic. “In fact, you are the only one who can help her, Colin Jacoby.” He backed away adding more calmly, “But I dare not say too much.”

  “Do you know where she is?” Colin could not believe his luck! Confirmation. The Flummers’ sick Catrina was his Catrina.

  “I know that she is somewhere deep in Eidolon’s Valley. As to how she got there, that is still a little hazy.” Balloch then appeared lost for a moment, floating in circles, and as he came around and noticed Colin again, he blurted out, “You are not the only one looking for her! You must hurry!”

  “Not the only one! What do you mean?”

  “So much truth in death,” Balloch repeated. “Oh the horrors to come.” He whimpered softly, floating out of the bookstore. Colin followed him into the small courtyard, which was still empty as the SLC had not yet reconvened. Balloch floated higher and higher, just as his Uncle Eddy had months before with Timothy. Balloch’s voice echoed down to Colin.

  “Trust no one Colin Jacoby! That is all I dare say. Things are happening now that cannot and should not be undone!” Balloch’s ghostly body faded as it melded with the red rock ceiling.

  Voices of initiated Svoda began to emanate from the tunnels; they were returning to their meeting.

  Colin was not sure what his next move should be.

  “Catrina is real, and here, somewhere in Eidolon’s Valley!” he spoke to the cave walls. Of this, he was now certain. Why would others be searching for her, though? Perhaps once he had found her she would be able to explain.

  He headed down an empty tunnel pausing for a moment, watching the SLC gather. He watched the Flummer family come out of their apartment from over the bookstore.

  Rehearsed smiles poorly hid their obvious sadness. Perhaps one day, if he could save Catrina, he would be able to relieve some of their grief.

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  Then, as he made his way through the tunnel, other thoughts began to cloud his mind. If he had actually seen Catrina back in Grimble, that meant there was another way to go from world to world! Wouldn’t Juliska know this? Or was someone else responsible? This line of thought led Colin down another path of thought. One that took him back home, to rescue Uncle Arnon.

  Another disturbing thought raced through Colin’s already full mind. If he had to make a choice, that very minute, on saving one of them, he suddenly was not sure which person he would choose. Catrina or his uncle? His uncle should be his top priority, but then Balloch’s warning rapidly overwhelmed him. He was the only one that could save Catrina!

  For now, he concluded, he would focus on this. After all, even though it did seem likely that there were other doorways, he still did not know where or how to use them. That was something he would have to work on, once he had saved the girl who haunted his dreams.

  6

  Ivan Crane finished the steep journey to Banon Blackwell’s stone castle with one deep breath. He wiped a single bead of sweat from his brow before knocking. Pantin Hollee answered before he could get one knock in, and showed him into a small sitting room. Ivan noted four stone chairs, carved from the same stone as the castle, along with a similarly carved table.

  What caught Ivan’s eye was the view beyond the castle. He stepped to the back wall, gazing through a rectangular opening. The view was impressive, spanning miles upon miles through the valley of red rock formations and towering canyon walls: the vast empire of Eidolon.

  “Ah, Ivan.”

  He spun around, bowing slightly.

  “You wished to see me,” he said.

  “Yes, Ivan. It is time for you to know what your task is,” Juliska paused, adding, “Meghan will arrive shortly, but I wanted to speak to you alone, first.” Ivan nodded that he understood and waited for her to speak.

  “We both have something in common, Ivan, well more than one thing I’m sure, but the quality I admire the most in life is frankness. Honest frankness.”

  “Well, as you have said before, Banon Blackwell, it is what keeps us alive. I see no other prudent method.”

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  “And I stand by that!” she replied heartily. “This is why I tell you the following, Ivan. I hope, for your own good.”

  Ivan’s eyes widened. Had the Banon had some vision of him? One she would be eager to share. Regardless, it did not sound like good news.

  “I have great visions of your future, Ivan,” she began, “however; there is one thing that worries me.”

  Ivan stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he continued to listen.

  “In my visions, you are always … alone. Now, when I say alone, I mean that you have no confidant, no single person that you trust above all others. Every great man, or woman,” she winked, “needs to have a confidant. Like I have Hollee, for example. A woman I can trust with anything!” She emphasized the last word heavily, while placing a hand on his shoulder.

  He felt inclined to defend himself.

  “Banon, with all due respect, I feel it is sometimes wiser for me to be, as you say, alone.

  There are fewer distractions in my work. It allows me great… flexibility in giving my life wholly, to the Svoda cause.”

  “I understand your feelings on this subject, and it is certainly noble to give yourself so fully.

  I only ask that you reconsider this one part of your path. Having that one person you can trust, with your utmost secrets, desires or fears … someone you know you can trust without question. This will only help you bear the burden of such a noble life.” Ivan stumbled for words for only a second and then regained his normal composure.

  “I will consider this, Banon. I appreciate your candor,” he told her.

  “I knew you would. That is why I like you, Ivan Crane. No Bull. No ego. Get to the point and get the job done!” she said vivaciously.

  Ivan nodded firmly.

  “I will leave it up to you, to follow the path you see fit. If you choose to find a confidant, choose wisely. Follow your instincts, Ivan, for I have seen that your instincts are very keen.” Ivan narrowed his eyes again, wondering what the Banon had seen of his future.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Meghan Jacoby, ma’am,” announced Pantin Hollee. Meghan sauntered in, raising her eyebrows in a cold hello to Ivan, but smiling widely at Juliska.

  “Ah, good. We can get down to business now,” said Juliska, mot
ioning for the two to sit.

  Meghan’s eyes could not leave the back of Juliska’s head, where Pajak, her pet spider, slept with one eerie, glass-like eye remaining open.

  She attempted, poorly, to ignore it, and listen to what Juliska was saying.

  “The task I put before you, Ivan, will be the most difficult I have ever asked someone to do.

  I do not ask it lightly, and, I will even give you a chance to say no, if you feel you are not ready for this challenge. It will take great skill, but I feel you are ready, or I would not ask.” Ivan sat on the edge of his seat, eager to understand his mission. Meghan grew anxious. Did Juliska truly believe she was up to this task, too?

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  “I will also add that no matter the outcome of your task, that I already consider you an Initiated member of the Svoda, Ivan. Because I already know that you will not say no, and I know that failure is not a word you are fond of.”

  How well she knows Ivan, thought Meghan. Failure is so not his style!

  “So now, I lay it bluntly before you. A man, from the previous Svoda group that visited here, wandered into Eidolon’s Valley. He never returned. And although Eidolon denies any knowledge of this man, I believe he is being held prisoner, or, that he may be dead.” Meghan could not believe what she was hearing. Juliska stood and paced three times around the room before continuing.

  “What I need from you, Ivan, is to venture into Eidolon’s Valley and seek out this man. If he is alive, I want you to break him out and bring him to me. If he is dead… well in that unfortunate case, there is something on his person that I need you to recover. Something that cannot be left in the hands of Eidolon.”

  Ivan soaked this information in.

  Meghan frowned. Sneak into the valley and find a prisoner? How? And won’t that upset Eidolon even more?

  Juliska guessed her questions.

  “First, let me say this, Ivan. I chose you for this most delicate mission because you are qualified. Moreover, people know you will be on your Initiation task and will not wonder where you have gone. If I were to send the Viancourt or Balaton, questions and worries would spread like wildfire. I would like to avoid this. Plus, well, let’s just say my Balaton, they are the muscle, but not so much the brains.” She smiled and raised her eyebrows jokingly.