Beyond the Darkness

by M. A. Maddock

  Reece frowned, confused.

  ‘It is simply a loyal and old tradition,’ Oran added, ‘which we have taken with us through time—and shall continue to do so,’ he explained, before continuing. ‘Lumeri then divided the mortal’s world into five Realms. The newly proclaimed Warlocks were allocated one each—to watch over and protect. They were then sent out, with willing followers who would be loyal to their cause. It was Lumeri’s belief, they could live peacefully among the mortals, provided they concealed their true identities. They were encouraged to integrate with them, to live normally, while secretly protecting them from sinister threats. Some took wives, who would bear them children, while others chose a different path.’

  ‘How different?’

  ‘They became skilled mercenaries.’

  ‘Were they mortals?’

  Oran hesitated. ‘Somewhat.’

  ‘You seem… uncertain,’ said Reece.

  ‘These followers were exceptional, bringing their unique qualities to the attention of the Warlocks. They had a natural ability to master the skill of battle. It was for this reason an elite number of mercenaries were formed to protect the Elliyan. They are known as the “Bullwark”—believed to be a secret legacy, left behind by Lumeri.’

  ‘They still exist?’

  ‘Their numbers evolved—and continue to do so. And as the centuries passed, the lineage of Warlocks also grew. This world—in which you once lived, Reece—slowly became one with ours. To this day, the mortals still have no knowledge of our presence, we having learned to adapt well, within their company.’

  ‘I am curious, Oran.’

  The Warlock regarded the Dhampir with equal curiosity.

  ‘Have you ever become… complacent? Have mortals ever known the immorality you describe?’

  ‘Apart from their own weaknesses… no. The mortals have always been spared, due to our intervention. I would be lying if I said there have been no incidents. Of course, there have! During troubled times. Thankfully, though, they were unaware of any… minor mishaps. But, despite them, the peaceful times have outweighed the troubled ones, and we have always kept a constant, watchful eye, while maintaining our true identities. We can be thankful for man’s blissful ignorance.’

  ‘Surely, your loved-ones must have known,’ Reece speculated.

  ‘They do,’ said Oran with melancholy. ‘Because of the longevity of a Warlock’s life, we, unfortunately, outlive our loved ones. Therefore, we take it upon ourselves to share our hidden secrets with them. If the mortal is willing to share her life with a Warlock, it’s only right she should know.’

  ‘What became of…?’

  Oran smiled when Reece paused, then frowned, trying to recall the name.

  ‘Lumeri,’ he reminded him. ‘He became obsessed with the Shenn’s power, to the point where it finally devoured him. It is thought he… allowed it to.’

  ‘Something tells me, you have a different opinion.’

  ‘He was young, and unwilling to restrain it. He ruled for nigh on seventy years, but his eccentricities paved the way to his downfall. It is vital Magus and Shenn find their balance. However, I believe his naivety and ignorance may have led to his own destruction.’

  ‘And the fate of the amulet?’

  ‘On his death bed, the Elliyan gathered. When the Magus released his final breath, they witnessed the light in the stones’ centre had faded to black—as did the other five—signifying his demise.’

  ‘And so, the power of the amulet died with him,’ Reece stated.

  ‘That had been the way of their thinking. With its lustrous beauty lost to the darkness of death, it was considered worthless. Therefore, after much debate, it was decided to take the Shenn to a secret place, after which, the Warlocks would return to the lives they had built. Yet, unknown to the Elliyan, it simply lay dormant.’

  ‘Dormant?’

  ‘The five Warlocks parted ways, thinking they were at peace, taking with them—as a reminder of their past—the amulets given to them by their Magus. For years the items remained hidden away. True to say, it was a peaceful time… until a son was born to one of them.

  ‘The very moment his father watched him enter the world, screaming innocence, something drew the Warlock back to his past—back to his amulet. He was not prepared for what his eyes would see.’

  Reece stared with growing understanding, as Oran’s story unfolded. Finally, it dawned on him. ‘The stone came to life!’ he blurted.

  ‘You are quite perceptive, Reece,’ Oran remarked.

  ‘What became of his child?’

  ‘The Warlock’s discovery played on his inquisitive mind, prompting him to keep a vigilant eye on his only son, and his amulet; he sensed a connection. With every passing year, he noted its inner light growing stronger. Instinct warned him to send word to the other four. With each reply, came the same response:

  “The stone is reawakened!”

  ‘A meeting then ensued, with the decision to retrieve the Shenn from its secret place. To their amazement it, too, had come to life! Unable to determine a reason, they failed to see the connection, therefore, its mystery was left to the passage of time, which would prove fatal.

  ‘When the Warlock’s son stepped from childhood onto the threshold of adulthood, a change came about. The young man suddenly came into his own, his strength slowly increasing, day by day, at a remarkable pace. His father became curious yet anxious for his welfare.

  ‘Intrigued by his son’s changing character, and convinced the amulet was the source, the Warlock voiced his opinion to the Elliyan. However, thinking the Warlock wanted the precious jewel, for his own benefits, they rejected his suggestion. But the Warlock’s inner voice urged him on—he believing all was not right.

  ‘Intuition returned him to his amulet, again. When his eyes looked upon it, the centre stone radiated its inner, blinding yellow light. He was now sure, beyond all doubt, its great energy was influencing his son—it adding to his concerns.’

  ‘Was it killing him?’ said Reece.

  ‘This was the Warlocks’ theory, leading him to consult the Elliyan once more with his conclusions, insisting the Shenn was responsible for his son’s “condition”. But still, they refused to listen. Determined in his beliefs, he retaliated by stealing it. He simply had to know.

  ‘But when he returned home—on the day of his son’s coming of age—the Warlock was shocked to discover his son had fallen into a deep slumber, from which he could not wake him. He was confounded by it. He watched, in dismay, as he stood over his waning son helpless, and convinced he was dying. With the Shenn, held tightly in his hand, he became aware of its expanding heat. His distraught wife’s cries of mercy for her son, spurned him into an act of selfless devotion for them both. “Damn them all”! he was claimed to have said, before placing the sacred amulet into his son’s limp hand.’

  ‘Did he survive?’

  Oran observed the intense interest Reece displayed, proving the Dhampir still held his human abilities.

  Oran nodded.

  ‘The amulet returned to its former magnificence, finding its balance, while restoring the Warlock’s son.’

  ‘So, they found one another,’ said Reece, implying the outcome.

  ‘The Shenn was merely… finding its way, unbeknownst to its new master and the Elliyan. It had chosen their ruler.’

  ‘What did the Warlock do?’

  ‘He returned to the Elliyan with his son.’

  ‘The new Magus,’ said Reece.

  Oran smiled, nodding.

  ‘The Warlock had discovered the amulet’s true purpose; however, the Shenn was still in its infancy. They had been unprepared and ignorant to the extent of its powers. Time, it seems, had been their silent enemy.’

  ‘Did he live as long as the first… Lumeri?’

  ‘He survived, no more than two years, much to the Elliyan’s disappointment,’ said Oran.

  ‘And his mother’s dismay,’ Reece added.

  ‘It is said, h
er broken and unforgiving heart took her to an early grave.’

  ‘And the Warlock? Surely he did not forgive them.’

  ‘You would assume it. But this was not the case. United in their thinking, the Elliyan drew on their conclusions. After the stones lost their light, yet again, it was agreed they would always wear their amulets, in order to avoid repeating the same mistake. However, they had no way of knowing who would be the next, or when. Their only guidance was to be prepared. It was then decided, whomever should bear the chosen son, the Elliyan would groom the child for his future role. His powers would be nurtured—as would his skills—to perfection, enabling him to accept the Shenn’s challenging forces.’

  ‘How long did they have to wait?’

  ‘It was presumed, the next son—born to a Warlock—would be “the one”. But years passed, and with them, the births of others; still, the amulet’s stone remained dormant. Even to this day, we do not understand which makes the unwanted choice: The Shenn? The universe? We simply don’t know.’

  ‘Unwanted?’

  ‘It is ironic, in that, it should be an honour to have one’s son chosen to be our great Magus. Yet, with such an honour comes great risks… and doubts.’

  ‘Did they learn by their mistakes?’

  ‘In time,’ said Oran. ‘The Shenn, along with its “siblings”, as Lothian, affectionately calls our amulets—’

  ‘Who?’

  Oran smiled briefly, closing his eyes, as he thought of his fellow Warlock. ‘One who has good heart,’ he commented, before continuing. ‘Aye, they learned. And when the Shenn came to life again, no time was wasted. It was vital they studied it carefully, gaining its knowledge. And, as agreed, when the child entered his tenth year, he was taken, and prepared for his future role.’

  ‘Taken from his parents?’

  Oran shook his head.

  ‘Not quite! The child must be given up… willingly. He cannot be forced. That was—is the way of it.’

  ‘Have any been… unwilling?’ said Reece.

  ‘No,’ said Oran, holding the Dhampir’s gaze. ‘Not until now.’

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Reece drew back, staring at the Warlock, having detected his underlying scepticism throughout his story, urging him to ask: ‘Why do you disapprove?’

  Oran looked away. ‘I have heard of the Elliyan’s methods of training; they are somewhat… cold and detached. When the child enters his training, he must be of pure heart—and have committed no crime. However, once they have prepared him, it seems as if those very traits are replaced by an element of arrogance, stripping him of his youth and the life he had known among mortals. I feel—if he is to protect the mortals—it is important he maintains a true understanding of their ways. This has not always been the case. I, also, believe this influences his bond with the Shenn.’ Oran shrugged. ‘Then again… I may be wrong. As with the first Warlock, I, too, have my theories.’

  ‘But did they succeed?’ asked Reece, trying to justify their actions.

  ‘It took time for Magus and Shenn to find their balance. But, under a watchful eye, he went on to become a great ruler, as did his successors. He ruled with a wrath of iron, under the same name, Lumeri, for over two hundred years.’

  ‘A long time.’ said Reece.

  ‘Some have ruled longer. Their lifespan is determined, by the respect they show the amulet. Unfortunately, some were not so successful, by their methods of ruling. I blame the Elliyan.’

  Reece moved to speak, then hesitated.

  ‘Ask it,’ he urged the Dhampir.

  ‘Had the first Warlock’s son failed to bond with the Shenn, what would have become of him, and the amulet?’

  ‘It is thought the Shenn may have taken back the energy it was giving him, had it been unable to find him, but… it is unlikely,’ he added, dismissing it as a myth. ‘You see, the bond between a Warlock and his amulet is paramount. We are one with them.’

  Reece scrutinised Oran’s. ‘Yours, is clearly one of the five.’

  ‘Worn by my ancestors,’ he said, with pride, ‘and handed down through the generations. They differ, somewhat, from the Shenn,’ he added, displaying the back of his. ‘See this?’

  Reece dared to move closer, then drew back, feeling the barrier’s surging energy.

  ‘These hieroglyphs—carved by ancient hands—identify the Realm of Urquille, which belongs to me, as it did my forebears.’

  ‘What does the Shenn look like?’

  ‘’Tis larger. Carved on the back, is the nomen and pre-nomen—the two names identifying…’ His words drifted as he lost himself in a brief moment of thought, contemplating his own amulet in silence.

  ‘Identifying…?’ Reece prompted, eyeing him with suspicion.

  Oran looked sharply at him, before continuing. ‘Identifying the “one” who will wear it—his common name, and the name he takes, when the Shenn becomes his.’

  ‘Lumeri,’ said Reece.

  Oran slowly nodded, his face growing sombre.

  The Dhampir sensed the Warlock’s inner torment, as his deep secret finally emerged in the quietude of the chamber; it was etched all over his face.

  ‘Your son?’

  ‘It is my heartfelt sadness that Gill will not wear mine. I knew his fate, the moment he was born.’

  ‘Where is the Shenn now?’ asked Reece.

  ‘Under the safe protection of the Ushabti.’

  Reece tilted his head. ‘What—or who is the—’

  ‘Its Guardian.’

  ‘I see,’ said Reece, slowly nodding. ‘But do you not fear your son might share the same fate as the first Warlock’s son?’

  ‘No, Reece,’ Oran replied, without doubt. ‘We now have a better understanding of it, and, besides… history has not repeated itself, since then. My concern is that my son and the Shenn find their balance, when united. He will soon reach that time in life.’

  Reece drew his brow together, confused. Soon? he thought.

  ‘But I prepared him, as best I could,’ Oran continued. ‘He has a good heart, and will make a—’

  ‘You mean—you never gave him up?!’ Reece suddenly realised. ‘When it was expected of you!’

  Oran stared back at him, aware the Dhampir had completely mis-read him.

  ‘Do you—did you have children, Reece?’

  The question was unexpected and, for a moment, Reece did not know how to reply. ‘No,’ he said, flatly.

  ‘I… I’m sorry,’ said Oran.

  ‘Why? I fail to understand your pity for something I have never experienced.’

  ‘Then forgive me, but you can never truly know the bond a parent shares with their child.

  You would do anything to protect them. I could not take him from his mother and give him to them—and at such a young age—which is why I chose to train him, and why I took my family away. No, they would have to wait. When my son becomes Magus, he will rule with good will—and devoid of arrogance.’

  ‘If your son becomes, Magus,’ said Reece, fearing time was running out for the Warlock.

  “If your son becomes Magus.”

  The words resonated deeply in Oran’s mind as he held the Dhampir’s look of uncertainty. A sudden desperation spurred him to relay what Reece needed to know: the vow he’d made to his wife; the agreement with the Elliyan. But as his reasons unfolded, the Warlock began to see the true error in everything he had done—and the possible consequences of it.

  ‘What will happen if the Shenn falls into the wrong hands?’ asked Reece.

  ‘It would be catastrophic to us all!’ said Oran, feeling the burden of his regret. ‘I thought I could make it right—find a way to hold on to our son. That’s what I told her—my wife.’ He hesitated, shaking his head in annoyance. ‘I foolishly believed I could find another to take his place. How wrong and selfish I was to assume it. I can’t avoid it. I’m the one at fault for everything that has gone wrong.’

  Reece regarded the Warlock intensely, detecting his deep guilt.<
br />
  ‘I did not bargain on this,’ Oran continued, looking at his surroundings. ‘Everything changed the moment she took me as her captive. I have put my son at great risk, because of…’ He sighed.

  ‘Your principles,’ said Reece.

  ‘As well as my stubbornness,’ said Oran, lowering his head in shame. ‘I’ll not deny it,’ he added. ‘And now, the real threat lies within the walls of this citadel. L’Ordana wants the Shenn. If my son fails to bond with it… then it is there for the taking. I must get to my son before she finds him—convince him of the vital role that awaits him.’

  Reece quickly drew his head back, in disbelief.

  ‘You mean to tell me… he does not know?’

  ‘Another selfish mistake on my part,’ replied Oran. ‘I did not bargain on my present situation, which is why I pray my wife has told him—for his sake. I hope he willingly accepts his role—because the Elliyan cannot force him to. But I know my son and… my instincts tell me different.’ Oran looked at Reece with fear in his eyes. ‘If I don’t get to him—persuade him—it is certain L’Ordana will—’ He stopped himself, from voicing his inner dread.

  ‘If this is her intention,’ said Reece, ‘and, as you refuse to give her with what she needs, it is most likely she will turn to your mutual acquaintance for help.’

  Oran rose swiftly, pacing the chamber in deep contemplation, stretching his fingers, continuously, showing his frustration. It was a valid point Reece had made. Given the opportunity, Magia Nera would work his charms on her again, with his irritating thick accent, luring her into his way of thinking, should she let him. Oran now had to assume each was aware of the others’ presence.

  The Warlock paused at his little mirror again, searching for inner guidance.