The Heretic's Song (The Song's Of Aarda Book 1)

by K Schultz

  Aibhera focused on home in her mind, and sang the song from her childhood again and Abalon drew nearer — no — she dared not abandon her quest and her friends. Aibby thought of Simea instead and called out to him, unable to sense him anywhere. Aibhera reached out to Eideron and watched as the old man roused from sleep.

  “Eideron. Help us find Simea. He is lost,” she cried out in desperation. Eideron hunted for her and Simea like a shadow flitting across the blackened rocks surrounding their campsite. She was desperate, needed his help and when she thought of Eideron standing beside her, he appeared in the Aether.

  “What is going on? Where are we? How did I get here?”

  “The Aether is fascinating and fills me with power. We are somewhere and everywhere at once. I called you and you came but I can’t find Sim.”

  “You brought me! That is impossible. Be careful that you do not become drunk with power. Remember what I told you about staying too long and how power can twist one’s thoughts. Fire burns and gives warmth but if you stray too close, it will burn you. Remember the twig that remains in the fire is consumed, as you will be if you stay here.”

  “Have you looked there in the darkness?’ asked Eideron pointing at the dark barrier.

  “No, Shel’gharim said to avoid the dark. It marks the boundary of his protection. He says it’s unsafe for us to go further.”

  “I sense an overpowering evil emanating from it. Let us call out together to Simea,” Eideron said

  Aibhera and Eideron joined hands and called, their voices floated off into the distance in all directions at once, without an echo. Eideron suggested they alternate between calling and listening. They were ready to give up, when a small cry in the distance attracted Aibhera’s attention.

  “Help me. I am trapped.” It was Simea’s voice, calling out to them from the darkness.

  “I hear him now Eideron, he’s trapped in the darkness. We must go there and help him.”

  Aibhera headed toward the dark wall. She could not bear to leave Simea trapped and alone in that shadowy place.

  “Stop! Aibhera. I sense nothing but evil from that direction. Don’t,” Eideron shouted, but nothing he said deterred Aibhera from rescuing Simea. As she approached the wall, he raced to catch up to her. “Wait. Do not enter. For The Creator’s sake go no farther.”

  Aibhera paused and turned to Eideron. “I can see him now, Eideron. We must go after him because he is hurt and can’t get out without help. We must not fail him.”

  “It is a deception Aibhera. Simea is not there. If you enter, you will never return. It is a trick of the Dark Ones. Please believe me,” he begged.

  “Surely you can see him too. We must help him because they are hurting him. Don’t you care? We have the power to help him.”

  “How dare the man who professed to be their guide and mentor be insensitive to his apprentice’s suffering. The coward refused to rescue Simea but she would not succumb to fear like he had.” Aibhera’s anger grew into overwhelming resolve.

  “You are not strong enough to stop me you feeble old coward. I dare you to try.” Aibhera strode toward the barrier her eyes blazed red and dark shadows played across her face.

  Eideron stepped between her and the barrier. Aibhera knocked him aside with the back of her hand, as if she were swatting an insect. Eideron struggled to get up from where he landed and grappled with her. Aibhera cast him aside again, but this time she turned to follow him.

  Aibhera picked him up, as if he was one of her childhood toys. She threw him in the general direction of the wall of blackness. Eideron fell, and lay still for a moment, before struggling to his feet to face her again.

  “Get out of my way old man,” she snarled, as she stalked toward him like a predatory animal.

  “I shall,” he said, as he backed toward the blackness behind him. Black tendrils reached out from beyond the wall of darkness, as he approached. They encased him and sapped the life from him.

  “Watch,” he croaked as life drained from his body. “See what they’ll do to you. Do you believe me now?” Eideron’s voice faded as the last of his strength ebbed and his body turned to ash and floated away.

  Shock accomplished what his failing strength could not do. Aibhera shook free of the compulsion that held her captive. She dropped to her knees sobbing and found herself alone among the blackened rocks of their campsite once again. It was her fault Eideron died.

  Simea was lost. Aibhera had allowed the Nethera to corrupt and deceive her. She killed Eideron as certainly, as if she had sucked the life from him herself. Aibhera alone, doomed, wrapped herself in her bedroll beside the embers of the fire, exhausted by shame and exertion and slept like a dead woman.

  Chapter 40

  Aibhera woke to a touch on her shoulder and the sound of Simea’s voice. Sunlight blinded her as she sat up assuring her she wasn’t dreaming. Aibby threw her arms around him glad he was real, weeping with both joy and sorrow.

  “Sim, you’re back. Thank you Shel’gharim. Thank you Creator,” she blubbered. Now that Simea had returned, she allowed herself to grieve for Eideron’s loss. Aibby cried as she had not cried since the death of her father, years ago. Aibhera wept into Simea’s shoulder, soaking his clothing.

  Simea said nothing at first. Sim held her, as she shuddered and sobbed against him. Once her crying subsided, he held her at arm’s length to look in her eyes. “I am sorry, Aibhera. I tried to travel too far, but I wanted to get supplies from Abalon. It was foolish. I got lost and then I ran out of strength and couldn’t return without Shel’gharim’s help.”

  “I know, I sent him to get you,” she interrupted, “but I was foolish too, and my foolishness cost Eideron his life.” Aibhera shared her story with Simea until her confession disintegrated into another long bout of wracking sobs. This time, he wept with her.

  When they regained their composure, they broke camp in silence, guilty and ashamed that their failures cost Eideron his life. Neither of them mentioned it again, nor would they blame each other. They blamed themselves alone. As they packed up Eideron’s things, they found a folded parchment and a scroll with his belongings. Eideron had addressed the parchment to both of them. They opened it with shaking hands, struggling to keep fresh tears at bay, and read:

  ***

  To Simea and Aibhera:

  It is time for your Synod initiation into adulthood. I feel a mixture of sorrow and pride for you young people. If you are reading this, it means I cannot do the ceremony that was ancient, at the Time of Sorrows, and before the Sundering, when humankind lived together. I looked forward to this day.

  Tradition requires that the Master perform the ceremony with the apprentice, in front of the entire Sokai Synod. Once complete, initiates should be welcomed into the Synod and honored with a feast. It is sad, when one old man and two children are the only Sokai available for this solemn and sacred rite of passage. I regret we are not capable of so small a recognition for you.

  You are the best and bravest of our race. Farewell. Be strong and courageous when facing adversity.

  You have accomplished more in your short lives, than I dreamt possible and I am beyond proud of you.

  I knew that I would not survive this mission. I hope I ended well and with dignity. Think kindly of a weak old man, who loved you both as my own children.

  With pride,

  Eideron.

  I have included the map of the route I planned to take. I hope it guides you better than I did.

  You can use your abilities to protect yourselves and others. I pray that you rediscover how to use The Creator’s power to fight the Nethera and I hope you find the scroll I brought with us useful.

  ***

  Both wept again, but the wellspring of their sorrow had to run dry. They packed up the rest of their gear, and picked their way across the ancient lava flow, in the direction Eideron chose for them.

  They had seen no birds or animals, other than insects since entering the wasteland. When a large shadow passed ov
er them, they ducked and cowered in a crater behind a large rock. After the experiences of the previous night, their first thoughts ran to the ancient stories of predatory beasts in the lava field.

  Aibhera jumped up from behind the rock waving and shouting. “Down here, we’re down here. It’s a Windrider, Sim. It’s one of the big freight gliders.”

  Simea pulled her down behind the boulder. “What are you thinking? It might be a Synod scout. Eideron said they would follow us if they figured out what we were doing.”

  “It’s not,” she said. “Don’t you recognize the style? The way she pulls her turns when she banks to maintain lift through the turn. It’s Ky. She’s followed us.”

  The glider swooped lower and now Simea saw the pilot. It was Kyonna. Wind blew through her hair, and a satisfied smile lit her face. Kyonna banked once more to lose airspeed, before she turned for her final approach with the big supply laden glider. Ky swooped down on them, she pushed the control bar forward causing the glider to stall, with her feet just inches from the ground.

  It always amazed Aibhera how she timed that move just right in any weather condition. Aibhera was sure that Kyonna could land on a branch like a songbird. Aibhera and Simea swarmed the younger girl, attempting to hug her, while she was still trying to remove her harness.

  “Get off me. Let me get out of my gear, before you properly and humbly thank me for rescuing your sorry tails. Where’s the old man? Isn’t he going to thank me too?” Seeing how Simea and Aibhera’s faces fell at the mention of Eideron she paused. “Something bad happened, am I right?”

  “Eideron is dead,” Simea said. He had no strength left for grief or diplomacy.

  Kyonna studied them both before speaking.

  “I am sorry I never got to meet him,” Ky said embracing both of them, now she was free of her harness.

  “I brought supplies, but didn’t know how long I had to stay aloft to find you. It is less than I wanted to bring. I saw a canyon further west with water shining at the bottom of it. If we make it there, water should be no problem, unless you want to turn back.”

  “Let me tell you though, that’s not the best idea. I’d rather face the unknown than what’s waiting for you in Abalon, if you ever return.”

  “I guess the Synod Council is upset,” Simea said.

  “They are so far beyond upset; that upset will never, , see daylight again. The Council has incited the whole population of the valley against you. Poor councilor Himish is in irons.”

  “If you return, they will hang you, draw, and quarter you, then feed you to the crows, but only after they have pissed on you, both figuratively and literally. It’s not my idea of a proper welcome home party.”

  “So my daring darlings, I suggest we grab as much as we can carry, and then hustle our backsides into that canyon, as fast as our feet can carry us. The next glider will carry presents you won’t want.”

  “They won’t be happy with me either, seeing as I stole their best freight glider to come looking for you.” Kyonna unhooked packages from the glider, then turned and looked at Simea and her sister. “Did I forget to mention the time constraints? Why are you both standing still? Move it people!” she shouted.

  Ky’s yell shook them out of their daze and they helped unload the supplies that she brought. Once they took everything off the glider, Kyonna disassembled it, stowing the pieces into crevices in the ancient lava flow.

  “Come on, and help me with this. If they spot the glider, they will figure out which way we were going and that’s a bad thing.”

  Once they hid everything they could not carry, and did not need, they set a brisk pace toward the canyon.

  “At least Eideron’s map is good,” Simea thought.

  Kyonna chattered like a small bird, as she led the way across the rubble field. Simea and Aibhera were still too heartbroken to carry on a coherent conversation. Ky filled up the silent spaces with words enough for them all. They were content to follow, since they were too numb to care or listen, regardless of how comforting Kyonna might have believed her prattling was.

  By nightfall, even Ky no strength left for talking. They found a gully that looked like it might lead, into the canyon before exhaustion claimed them. Kyonna decided not to light a fire, because Windriders might spot it.

  Although the gliders seldom flew at night, the moon was full and the sky filled with stars. It was possible that the Synod Council was desperate enough to send someone hunting for them. They shared a meal, huddled together for warmth, and slept well in spite of everything.

  Chapter 41

  Eerie echoes bounced off the rock walls, as night approached. The young Sokai picked their way through the broken stone and sharp gravel. Occasional noises among the rocks kept them on edge, but couldn’t see anything following them. Much of the canyon lay in deep shadows even at midday, when they stopped for a meal and a rest.

  The three Sokai youngsters continued down the canyon, for three days, following Eideron’s map. This part of the journey proved as difficult, as the preceding days. The shade in the canyon was welcome after the heat of the lava plain, but treacherous footing and bitter cold at night, sapped their strength. Without Kyonna’s supplies, they would have run out of water and food by nightfall of the first day. There were pools of water in the canyon, but it smelled awful and looked unsafe to drink.

  Once they ate, Simea suggested they stop for a rest and read the scroll that Eideron left for them. As they unrolled it, another second note from Eideron fell from it.

  Aibhera read the scroll aloud though her tears blurred the words on the page.

  ***

  If you are reading this note before I have read this scroll to you, I am no longer with you. This is one of my favorite stories. I am unsure why I brought it. I have always liked it and I hope you can find something useful in it. It is a condensed version of ‘The Book of Songs’. Please take time to read it.”

  ***

  Kyonna wrapped her arms around Aibhera to comfort her and said, “Sim, why don’t you read the scroll.”

  Simea wiped the hot tears from his own cheeks and began reading.

  ***

  The Book of Songs

  The One existed, and He was alone in the vast and empty void. He sang forth his songs. The melody flowed out of the abundance of joy in his heart. It filled the darkness with joy.

  “It is a good song, but let Us create with our song.”

  Thus, he became The Creator, as He sang the universe into existence. Its dazzling brilliance glittered and shone in the void. His work pleased Him. He sang to the stars as they gave light to the darkness. Seeking to create further splendor, The Creator sang Aarda into being, that it might be the choice jewel of creation.

  The Creator spoke again, “Let us create living beings to share in our song, and sing with us. He sang the Aethera into existence. They were brilliant, creatures of light and power, shining like the stars, but they were living beings, able to sing with Him, and share His joy. They loved their Creator, as they journeyed among the stars, and added their songs to His. The sounds of their harmonies filled the universe with a chorus, sound and color, beautiful, incredible and intricate. They sang together for uncountable ages in sweetness and harmony.”

  The Creator gave names to the Aethera and loved them as a father loves his children. He loved them and the beauty of their songs. In time, S’ek’zekaar, one of their number, became unhappy with the song of The Creator. He was no longer content to sing harmonies to The Creator’s tune. He felt a melody of his own growing within, a song of power and purpose. His own song beguiled him, and he entertained rebellion in his heart.

  S’ek’zekaar rejoiced in his own strength, for he knew his song would free him from The Creator’s control. The notes were discordant, but the power within them was seductive, and beautiful to him. The melody of S’ek’zekaar seduced some of the Aethera, and they sang this new song with him. Discord arose in the universe among the Aethera. For the first time, chaos threatened crea
tion.

  The Creator heard S’ek’zekaar’s song. He paused, to decide where this new song led. The absence of The Creator’s song filled the universe with an immense and awful emptiness. The Aethera wept in sorrow. Since The Creator’s missing melody impoverished creation, they tried to compensate with their own songs.

  S’ek’zekaar, became known as The Defiler. He reveled in his power when The Creator stopped singing. In his heart he said, “Now I can make the universe as I wish. I will be its god and all that exists shall be mine to rule. I shall set them free as I am free.”

  The Creator commanded Naom’han, chief of the Aethera, to summon all the Aethera for a council. He commanded him to record this council, that the decision might be known for all time and by all creation. In the council, The Defiler, and his followers demanded freedom from The Creator’s presence so they might do as they wished in the universe.

  The Creator heard their demands and acceded by withdrawing his power from them. For the first time since their creation they experienced hunger. Their glory faded and they became twisted creatures of darkness known as the Nethera or Dark Ones, since they no longer shared The Creator’s light.

  The loyal Aethera requested help tending Aarda, since the rebellion among them reduced their numbers and the task was large. The Creator spoke again, and said, “Let us sing together once more, and bring forth more life. For its song will balance the discord in creation. Let us sing mankind into being. The song took root in Aarda, and the Abrhaani, the Eniila, and the Sokai became living beings.”

  The Creator gave mankind charge over Aarda to tend it, and care for it. Under their care Aarda flourished. The Creator gave the rest of creation to the Aethera to tend. The Aethera helped mankind care for Aarda, watched over mankind, and helped men to create and sing their own songs.

  Mankind’s new chant of life upon Aarda, restored harmony to the song of creation. The Creator rested saying, “Continue the song, my beloved ones, sing as you please. Sing well, for one day I will judge what you create, with your songs, and your lives.”