Impact of the Fallen: The White Mage Saga #4 (The Chronicles of Lumineia)

by Ben Hale

  The bitterness in her voice was too obvious to ignore, prompting Tess to say, "Even now?"

  "If we came to the surface, how would we be received?"

  Unsure of how to answer, Tess looked away from the challenge in her gaze. Eidian took that as an answer, and released a sigh.

  "Would that our peoples could be allies once more," she said.

  Tess threw her a glance. "You mean The Second Draeken War," she guessed.

  "That conflict forced all races to choose between death . . . and unity," She said. "We chose to live. For a time after we lived in peace."

  "Can't we be that again?" Tess asked. "The surface needs you."

  Shirrilis stepped in. "They made their choice. Our banishment has yet to be rescinded. We have arrived." Her tone closed the conversation.

  "We're at the city?" Tess asked.

  "No," Eidian said. "This will take us to the city."

  Tess came to a halt at the bank of an underground river. The cave through which it flowed was large, and filled with cool moisture. Swift and straight, the river flowed with barely a ripple into a massive hole in the wall.

  One of the dark elves stepped into the water and touched its surface. The moment she did an object rose from the depths. It broke the surface and water cascaded off the sides to reveal a boat of polished blue. Upon closer inspection Tess realized it had been built of molded stone.

  Sleek and long, the vessel resembled a teardrop sheared from top to bottom. Its prow came to a sharpened point that was angled downriver. Tess touched the smooth stone and felt the warmth of power imbued within. Fascinated, she climbed aboard and took a seat on one of the ornate benches. Devoid of sail, helm, or other methods of steering, the craft glided out into the current once the last of their party had boarded.

  "But the river doesn't have a surface beyond that," Robar said uneasily, and stabbed a finger at the end of the cave.

  True to his word, the water flowed directly into the wall. Driftwood would be forced underwater.

  "The Deep's rivers rarely have a surface," Orilia said. Her expression became amused as she took her place at the center of the vessel. "We go where the water goes."

  As she stepped into position a rune on the deck glowed to life, revealing several holes around her. Water coursed up through them and formed threads that tightened around her body. Orilia caught the one that approached her hands and it morphed into a solid grip. At her touch the boat began to sink.

  Tess's heart climbed into her throat as the boat descended into the water. Only the apparent lack of concern by the other dark elves kept her rising panic at bay. Then the side of the boat went under—but the water did not enter. Held at bay by the boat's enchantments, the water climbed until the full nature of the ship became clear.

  Half enchanted stone and half air, the full teardrop began to accelerate as the river's current took hold. As they neared the hole in the cavern wall the boat began to rotate onto its side. At first Tess thought that Orilia had made a mistake, and leaned the other way. She almost fell off her seat before she realized that the gravity hadn't changed. Even though the boat was rotating upside down, she remained in place. She fought the wave of vertigo as the world flipped. Then abruptly they left the cavern behind.

  The current picked up speed and continued to point further down. In spite the pull of gravity keeping her in her seat, she sought for something to hold onto. Then suddenly they were diving straight down. With her magesight active she could see how fast they were moving, and realized that it rivaled the speed of a car on the highway.

  The river shifted back the way they had come, and the ship rolled upright—then to the opposite side as the ship banked to follow the convoluted path. Tess swallowed as the ship rotated and dipped, turned and corkscrewed through tight gaps. She sucked in her breath as they fell with a waterfall.

  "Smooth ride," Robar remarked. "What do you call it?"

  Tess threw him a look, stunned to find his posture languid as he relaxed in his seat. On impulse she dropped her magesight. The current and walls disappeared from view. Illuminated by the single light orb hovering above Robar, the boat rocked slightly with the current. The myriad of dangers they were traversing went unseen, and the rolling and tumbling of their boat went unfelt.

  "This is a Diveriak," Eidian said. "The Deep's rivers carry us down, and lava tubes carry us up."

  Robar jerked. "This thing goes in magma?"

  Orilia, smiled. "Diveriaks are very strong. At this speed we will arrive at Elsurund soon. "You may rest, if you prefer."

  "I prefer to watch," Tess said.

  She eased her vision back into her magesight. Even expecting it, the sheer speed and deftness of their passage took her breath away. Orilia flashed an approving look before returning her attention to navigating.

  The time passed quickly, and Tess's tension melted into excitement. The marvels she'd seen so far presented a stark difference to what she'd seen among the surface mages. She hoped there would be a chance to learn some of the spells the dark elves employed. By the time the craft slowed she found herself disappointed the journey had come to end. The emotion evaporated as the boat breached the surface and the city of Elsurund came into view.

  Chapter 12: Elsurund

  The river exited onto a small pond. The ledge it rested on clung to the wall of the largest cavern Tess had ever seen. At several miles across, the massive space lacked a floor, leaving only gaping darkness beneath the city.

  Enormous stalactites hung from the ceiling like gigantic teeth. Fluorescent algae grew across their surfaces, glowing green, purple, and blue. Evidently cultured, they illuminated the city to the point that she could see without magesight. Intricate patterns of colors and brightness lent an elegance to the city that implied culture and grace.

  Stretching between the titanic stalactites, arching bridges linked the sections of the city at a variety of heights and angles. Pathways wrapped around the stalactites in a curving counterpoint to the straight bridges. Every inch of them boasted ledges, balconies, and windows from the ensconced rooms. Light glowed from the openings, revealing the movements of thousands of the city's denizens. Gurgling brooks wound their way in and around the paths as they descended to the stalactite peaks, ultimately becoming endless waterfalls that fell away into darkness.

  "What binds your tongue, Oracle?" Shirrilis asked.

  "I didn't expect it to be so . . . beautiful."

  "The savagery of the Deep does not always extend to our natures," she replied, "but you should be on your guard here. Elsurund is as beautiful as it is deadly."

  Robar leaned over the side of the ledge. "How deep does it go?"

  "The Well of Shadow has no end."

  "It has to end somewhere," Robar said.

  "Hasn't anyone explored it?" Tess asked.

  "They have not returned," Shirrilis said. "It is one of the many mysteries of the Deep."

  Tess looked over the ledge at the unending darkness which even her magesight could not penetrate. For the first time since she had learned to fly she felt a hesitation to do so. Curiosity alone would not compel her to fly down there.

  "The queen is waiting," Shirrilis said. "This way."

  Tess turned away from the Well of Shadow and followed the dark elves across a sweeping bridge. Embedded with threads of gravity magic, the span glowed with intricate designs, and ended at a fortified gate.

  "Each of the spines is controlled by a collection of houses under a reign. This is Enzoar, which prides itself on weapons and armor."

  Shirrilis motioned to the guards at the two sides of the gate, and they allowed them entry. Apparently their arrival was expected, because a female elf approached Shirrilis and spoke in their own tongue. Her expression inscrutable, Shirrilis gave a short bow and then motioned the others forward. Her pace noticeably hastened, she ushered them through the interior of the spine and onto another walkway. From there they passed through Lojanis, the spine of merchants, and Xolenous, the spine of magic.
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  Tess would have liked to ask more questions, but Shirrilis and the elves that had rescued her did not spare her a second glance. Their movements rushed, they swept Robar and Tess through the city until they crossed a curving arch to Primok, home of the palace and the queen.

  "What's going on?" Tess finally asked as they waited in front of the palace gate.

  "The queen wishes to speak to you," Shirrilis said. "She did not expect you to return alive."

  Her tone implied an urgency that bordered on worry, prompting Tess to look around. Could she escape if necessary? For the first time she noticed that many of the balconies held soldiers armed with both weapons and prepared magic. She grimaced. Even if she could escape, she wouldn't leave Robar behind.

  "The queen is ready for you," one of the guards said. He motioned behind himself and the gate swung open.

  Swallowing her mounting concern, she followed Shirrilis inside. Far more ornate than the other spines, the palace walls glowed with imbued light. Apparently shaped like an onion, the corridors curved away in either direction. Bypassing them all, they were led to a lower level, and then through a pair of massive liquid silver doors. On the other side the queen was waiting for them.

  "I'm surprised they aren't taking our weapons," Robar murmured to Tess.

  One of the guards issued a scornful laugh. "You would be dead before you could use them."

  Robar didn't appear convinced, but Eidian leaned close to Tess. "Every dark elf is highly trained with either magic or combat. Taking our weapons does little to make us less dangerous."

  Tess didn't comment but knew her words to be true. She carried no weapon because her power came from within. The implication of that left her with a nagging worry. How would one guard against that type of threat? Then the doors opened and they were led in, and it became apparent what protected the queen.

  The walls of the receiving hall boasted many liquid statues that turned upon their entry. Like living art, they shifted to curious poses and peered at them. The entity charms were evident and rivaled the steel giant in strength. Tess scanned them with her magesight but could not discern what type of material they were made of.

  "Queen Lorasith," Shirrilis exclaimed. "I present to you the Oracle and her companion, Robar."

  The queen stepped down from her raised dais and approached. She was not dressed as Tess would have expected. Rather than a formal garment, the striking woman wore glittering armor that accentuated her curves. Her snow white hair had been pulled back, and tied in a complex curl that left the bulk of it hanging down her back.

  Her features were flawless, and more angular than a human’s. They would have been at home on a fashion model, yet there was an air of danger about her that suppressed her beauty. Her skin was the color of smooth ash, like the rest of her race, while her black eyes glittered with intelligence.

  The silver figures around the room shifted into a more aggressive pose as the queen neared. Spears and swords grew from their hands, sharp and reflective. They glided in until they were close enough to strike Tess.

  The queen came to a halt only a few paces away, and regarded Tess. Uncertain of how to respond, Tess did not speak until the queen did. Robar likewise remained silent.

  "I am surprised by your youth," the queen said.

  "I cannot help my age," Tess said.

  "You mistake my meaning," the queen responded. "I am surprised that one so young could survive the Dark."

  "I did have help," Tess said, and motioned to Robar.

  The queen's gaze flicked to him. "Ah, the auren. How did you get him past the warden?"

  Robar bristled at her dismissive tone, but Tess spoke first. "The warden accepted my authority."

  The queen's eyebrows shot up. "Then you are indeed fortunate. Even I lack the authority to command the wardens."

  Confused, Tess said, "I thought they were yours."

  The queen issued a bark of laughter. "They exist to keep us down here as much as to keep the aurens out. To get Shirrilis onto the surface required more than you can imagine."

  "But they let the dark elves return."

  The queen shook her head, her expression one of disappointment. "You should know more of the world you are meant to lead. The wardens allow us to enter the Deep. They do not allow us to depart."

  "But why? Why would that be necessary?"

  "We are a magical race, young one, and magic is forbidden within the auren world. If an auren were to see us it would prove the existence of the magical world. For the last six thousand years our kind has not been permitted to enter the auren world. If a dark elf comes to the surface they are to be punished by death."

  Tess was stunned. "Even now? Surely things have changed since then."

  "The law has not been changed."

  Tess couldn't believe that such a law existed. "If it was changed, would you come to the surface?"

  The queen flashed a wry smile. "To reveal ourselves to the aurens would bring the same fate, would it not? Humankind would not wish to have us walk among them. We would be hunted and killed."

  "I don't believe that."

  A flicker of anger passed over her face, and she took a step closer to her. The entity guards mirrored the movement.

  "You do not speak the truth, Oracle. Have racial crimes and hate ended? Or do they still drive wars and death as they always have?"

  Tess didn't answer, and the queen's anger faded. "We would be persecuted as we always have been."

  "You don't sound happy that you are down here," Tess said. "This city is stunning, your people are strong, and your magic is breathtaking. Don't you prefer the Deep?"

  The queen released a breath, and her expression saddened. "The Deep is not what it once was. Much of the lower races have dwindled and perished. Only the dark elves remain, and we are similarly diminishing in number. If we remain below, many of us fear it will be our end."

  For the first time Tess understood the position the queen was in. To stay meant to die, and to leave meant to die. They may have lived eons beneath, but their time was fading.

  "But magic is public now," Tess finally said.

  "I am aware of what you have done," the queen said quietly.

  Tess had not anticipated the shift in the queen's mood. Was she upset at Tess for revealing magic to the world? Or grateful to her?

  "Wouldn't that make it easier for you to come to the surface?"

  The queen's eyes hardened and she took another step closer. "I have been gathering support among the reigns for over two centuries. In an instant you ruined my efforts to migrate, and have sentenced us to die."

  "I did not mean—"

  "Your actions carry far more weight than you realize, Oracle," she hissed. "Your act forced my city to face the truth. They made a decision before I could sway enough in my favor. They have refused leaving Elsurund."

  She released an abrupt sigh. "It is no easy thing to abandon one's home. Even with half our population gone, they are afraid of what the humans would do to us. In the past we were considered a blight on the world, and many thought us the cause of every calamity. If we attempt to merge with the surface, they fear it will be the same. You, Oracle, have doomed us to extinction."

  Tess recoiled from the judgment in the queen's voice. When she'd brought Alice out of the shadows she'd never dreamed it would cause so much harm. Now she was being accused of destroying an entire race.

  "The Dark has changed things," Tess said. "If you fight with the humans, they will not reject you. Their fear of the Dark is greater than their fear of you."

  The queen's anger faded. "That may be true, but it is too late. Good luck in your quest, Oracle."

  The queen turned to leave, and the dismissal caused a surge of anger within Tess. "Is that all you brought me down here for? To tell me that I have killed you?"

  The queen turned. "You should know the consequence of your choices. Do not forget them." She gestured to the liquid statues and they wrapped their arms around Tess and Robar, forcing
them towards the door. In spite of Robar's immunity the entities barely slowed.

  Tess couldn't believe that was it. She'd been brought down here just to be accused of destroying a people she hadn't even known. She'd done everything asked of her, and then some, and would not allow even a queen to tell her she hadn't done enough.

  "I refuse to accept your condemnation," she growled. The queen rotated back, slow and deliberate. Tess went on, "I will not apologize for trying to protect life, or my actions."

  She straightened, and sent a surge of magic into the entities around her, causing them to pause. "The world needs your help, and it is you that is turning your back on them. Join our fight against the Dark, and I will make certain you are free to come and go on the surface."

  The queen laughed, and the sound echoed with humor, anger, and a measure of respect. "The Warden must have heard the same authority you carry here, but our future remains the same. I cannot defy the reigns’ decision."

  "There must be something I can do to change their minds," Tess implored.

  "Nothing you would wish to do," the queen said.

  "Do you doubt my resolve?" Tess exclaimed. Robar put a warning grip on her arm, but she shook it off. "Whatever must be done, I will do."

  "Tess, you don't know what you're asking," Robar murmured urgently.

  "It doesn't matter," Tess snapped at him. "The Dark is consuming every continent, country, and life. We need them."

  The queen motioned to her. "The Allegian Trial would grant you the right to speak to the reigns. Victory would command their respect, and you would be adopted into one of their households as a dark elf. Not even I could question your integrity or loyalty."

  Robar's grip tightened. "This is not worth it, Tess. Trust me."

  "What do I have to do?"

  The queen's gaze did not waver. "Survive."

  Hesitation stilled Tess's tongue. Between Robar's behavior and the queen's expression it was evident this was not to be undertaken lightly. But if the dark elves joined the war it might tip the scales. Her chin lifted.

  "I accept the challenge. What will I face?"