by P. G. Thomas
“Wait a second, we need to rewind the conversation,” began John. “You said ‘It wasn’t the peace bond that stopped a second invasion. It was the loss of the Blood Bond with the power it gave him. Without it, they chased him out of Darkpaye, so he ended up here.’ Therefore, if I had benefited from that magic, the path to get that power back is to resurrect it. However, since everybody knows about it, there’s no way you could sell it to any. Let’s face it, if I held out chains to make you a slave, you would run the other way, but if I built a cage to protect you from unimaginable horrors, people would line up to get in. I think at some point anybody who he brands will be under more than just his protection.”
Steve stood, started to applaud, “Right now, we would like to thank John for showing up to this party. Let’s pop that clutch in your brain, going straight for the third gear. Towards the end of his speech, he mentioned offering his services at some sort of, what was it, a New Age Academy of Insight. What’s that?”
“Never heard of it,” replied John, “but just before Lauren destroyed the Blood Bond, Zacalia Darmaul screamed it was a new age. If it were just the Newlands and Bright Coast, with some collateral damage caused by trollmares wandering into the west, we would both agree it was some sort of retribution from Darkpaye. When you consider Alron, it does seem to be personal, like maybe it’s the source of Zymse pain.”
Steve smiled. Houston, we have liftoff.
“So if he knew what happened there, well, let’s face it, the guy is smart, he might have been able to re-sequence the historical events. If we extend that hypothesis, the six of us would pique his interest simply by the fact that two years after the battle we’re smoke, using your terminology. If he investigated us more, we mysteriously appeared out of nowhere. I’ll bet he even watched the dwarf saga, probably several times, which would have provided him with a great deal of information. After he scours the lands, he can’t find us, which would leave only one logical answer—magic. He would’ve been able to find out about Mirtza and Gayne, who he tracks to the Bright Coast. Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is responsible for the missing students, who he gets to talk, giving up information about the machine. Then he hires somebody to break into the school, probably several times, until they find it. Even though he doesn’t understand it, he does know magic. Somehow, he manages to energize it, thinking of Lauren, the Earth Mother who ended the Blood Bond. While power equals Blood Bond, humiliation equals Lauren, who in your words would be an agent of Mother.” John paused for a second, “After figuring it all out, using this fungus to disrupt Mother, after the trollmares unsettle the Newlands, he then makes himself the savior by offering the people back all they have lost. But why Lauren?” Before Steve could reply, John added, “If Mother had the chance to bring her back, he was afraid that history might repeat. Being proactive, while implementing the primary plan, he took further actions to negate any contingency plans Mother may have been able to take.” John shook his head, remembering the prophecies the elfin Earth Mother had said with her comparisons to rivers, paths, and destinations, “Crap, that’s a hard river to navigate.”
Steve, not understanding the reference, remained silent.
“What I would’ve expected, if my machine was ever energized again, is that it would’ve opened a portal to the diner. In hindsight, when the first one activated, I always thought it was because of the pavement. That maybe there was a residual ‘effect’ from when we were teleported here, but it’s possible that it picked up on what I was thinking since the diner is the only icon on that highway.”
“When Zymse turns it on,” began Steve, “he’s thinking about Lauren the Earth Mother who basically deported him.”
“Logically, it’s the only plausible explanation since she wouldn’t just walk into a portal. In fact, if she saw one open, she would run the other way, but she would chase after her kids if they were in danger. Zymse most likely didn’t know what was going to happen when it engaged. Assuming he saw the great play at the Ironhouse Mine, those dwarves did a heck of a job with that mural. When he opens the portal, seeing Lauren sitting there, he seized the opportunity and stroller, but it may have lacked sufficient power to stay open long enough. While I don’t mean to be grim, I would’ve thought that when he had the triplets, he would have, well you know—”
“My best guess,” replied Steve, “he may have wanted to return to the school to try again, trying to find the rest, or he might have thought Lauren had a way to return here. In that case, those three little girls are most likely his insurance policy now.”
“If we never showed up?”
“Seeing what this guy is doing, I think he would’ve raised them like his own daughters, corrupting them to help him rule the lands. That way, if Lauren ever did arrive, she would be unable to take actions against her own kids, and if she did, it would cause her a great deal of pain.”
*******
After Gayne and Panry had visited the tax office, they went back to the school where Panry asked to borrow a magical steed. “I have matters personal to attend to.”
Knowing the destination, Gayne had provided the requested aid.
*******
There was a knock on the thief guild door. Inside, the guard yawned, asking for the password. Hearing ‘Moonshadow’ from the other side, a cold chill ran down his back. When he opened the door, the lone elf entered.
Panry stared at the floor, as he approached the two large scar covered guards blocking the office door. “You are young.” Slowly raising his head, they saw the unjust burning in his eyes. “Do you wish to grow old?”
Before either guard could announce the guest, they heard a voice, “Let him inside, as the damn pension fund does not include incidents with Moonshadow.” When the door opened, Panry saw a girl wiping shaving lather from Jedimac’s face. She picked up the bowl of warm water, the towel, and straight razor before leaving. Jedimac ran his hand down the unshaven stubble on the left side of his face, which ended at his long, sparse, thin beard. He muttered under his breath, “Damn it all,” then addressed his nightmare. “Panry, you look so much taller. How can I help you?”
“It is my patience that grows shorter. I seek to rekindle relations old.”
“If you and Earth Mother spend any more time together, you will be finishing each other’s sentences.” Panry, having no reference to the similar comment from Lauren, did not react, so Jedimac continued, “If you want to rekindle something, go find the Bastard.”
“I have found the bastard that I seek, and now my questions he shall answer.”
“I do not answer questions, I ask them!”
“I think you are wrong. Are you sure?”
“Yes!”
“You have just answered my first question. If you answer the others as fast, I shall leave your establishment. Do you agree to my terms?”
Jedimac started to respond, then simply shook his head.
Pulling up a chair, Panry sat down, “I shall wait.”
“You cannot wait here!”
“If you want, I can wait in the front room where all the customers can see me?”
“NO!”
“See, you are capable of answering my questions.”
Jedimac pulled out the small vial, taking a large gulp, “What do you want to know?”
Panry smiled, “All.”
The thief guild leader returned the smile, “In the beginning—”
“Since you are not dwarf, the longest story we do not need to hear. Events in the Bright Coast, students absent, and Alron are my concerns. If you desire my stay to be longer, order drinks, and start my tab.”
“One day my friend, in my debt you will be.” Then Jedimac began explaining the events that interested the smiling elf.
Chapter 3
That same morning, Lauren sat down in front of the dwarf who held the Heart of Earth Mother. “Look, now that I have my Earth Guard back, well, there are no trollmares in the Bright Coast. This isn’t the mountains or forests. It’s t
he city. Wouldn’t you feel better being back in the Ironhouse Mine?” The Guardian stared at her, and while she tried several times to get a reaction, he remained silent like the mountains, so when Eric called, she headed out to the stable.
Jasmine, her jaw still slack, astonishment in her eyes, was holding the carriage door open. The female Earth Guard captain had followed Eric into the stables that morning, knowing that no carriage waited for them. When she saw him place the golden amulet on the ground, waving his hand over it, the appearance of the carriage and horses shocked her, but in the back of her mind, she recalled the banished phrase of “Impure Trickster” from the Earth Guard Academy. When Eric took to the bench, she whistled, and Silmon Freshspring with Jacping Burntwood entered, who started to saddle their deer mounts, but when Oxron Icefeather moved towards his, she whistled a second time, pointing to the numerous animal deposits. Returning to his assigned chores, he struggled to hold up his pants.
Jasmine watched her Earth Mother enter the magical carriage, followed by the six clean-shaven dwarves with their wolves. “Earth Mother, you have your Earth Guard as it should be. Dwarf protection you do not require anymore.”
“When we come back, can you explain it to them?” She then pointed to the one who held the Heart of Earth Mother, “I believe he’s in charge.”
After Jasmine had nodded, taking to her saddled deer, the Earth Guard followed the carriage heading down the street.
As they began their travels, Lauren looked out the window at the three mounted Earth Guards, shaking her head in frustration. No, this definitely won’t draw any attention. She then pushed the thought out the window, watching the hopelessness and despair that played out before her eyes, as she saw the children of Mother cowering in alleys seeking protection from Sister’s cold rain, wondering where they could find warmth and hope. Silently she prayed; seek out Mother. When a second tear formed in her eye, she pulled the shade down over the carriage window and looked at her staff. When Tranquil had presented the gnarled piece of wood, its height was equal to her own. After planting her first garden, gifting the Earth Daughters the knowledge of Mother, renovating the sanctuary of the pizzeria, it was now much shorter. Thus, she had adopted the practice of carrying it so that the bottom half was behind her, holding it in the middle, creating the illusion that it was not shrinking. She shook her head. I liked the old one better. How much more magic do you have left before my hands are empty? She lowered her head in frustration, whispering a prayer to Mother to heal faster.
When they arrived, there was a line outside the front door, so Eric drove them to the back. Even though Lauren tried to convince the Guardians to stay behind, they all exited. However, when the wolves moved towards the door, she closed it, “They have to stay!” Seeing the protest in the eyes of the lead dwarf, she added, “So they can protect it. Otherwise, some of you’ll have to stay!”
Once inside the kitchen, Iljam looked at the eleven guests of varying heights. He walked over to greet them, “Business is better than I expected, and your choice of staff has been a bonus. Their youthful drive gives the place an unusual energy, which the customers enjoy much like the unique food.”
Nodding, Lauren then headed towards the back stairs to the fourth floor. Once there, her Earth Guards watched the stairs, as Lauren found the Earth Daughter in a back room with the prospective recruits.
Krisp introduced them. “This is Shelick, Kryle, Joyat, and Suzli.” Each was a typical Midlander girl, four and a half feet tall, but after years of taking drugs without proper nutrition, they had a gaunt appearance. They were in their late teens, clean, and instead of rags, all wore secondhand clothes, giving each a pleasant appearance.
Lauren looked at the four, “Did you think about what we discussed the day before?”
Kryle smiled, spoke first, “Krisp says we can help like she does.”
“Why do you want to?” asked Lauren.
“It’s better than selling—you know, to get more sun,” Shelick said, “and so many need help. So, yes, we would like to be like the Earth Mothers that visited our villages in the Newlands.”
Lauren smiled, as Krisp had selected those who had knowledge of the gifts they were about to receive. She approached the first girl, placed her hand on their shoulder, “I bestow Mother’s knowledge of the bounty that grows, proclaiming you Earth Daughter.” After the fourth had received her gift, she turned to Krisp. “Can you show them where the garden is?” Nodding, she then led Lauren to another room where twenty-five young midlander lads all mingled together.
When Croy saw the Earth Mother enter, he called to the gathered boys, “Eyes front,” and they formed into four lines of six.
Lauren looked at him, “Do they know why they’re here?” After he nodded, she looked at the selected group. “A long time ago Mother found me, asking me to help, but the times have changed. As I’ve just proclaimed four to be Earth Daughters to serve Mother, to end the suffering here, they’ll also need help. I believe Croy has selected you because of your abilities to provide the assistance that they’ll need, as you shall protect and serve them. If any have no interest in participating, you’re free to leave.” With all holding their silent stance, Lauren smiled. “I proclaim all here to be Earth Guards,” causing all of the youths to smile with pride.
Croy looked at the group, “Go find your Earth Daughters. I will order us some pizza, and then we are off to the garden.” After the Earth Mother had left, he saw the small pile of ash on the floor, wondering where it had originated from, as he had inspected the room before the arrival to make sure it was perfect, which included having the floor swept twice. However, he never realized it was the place where Lauren had rested the deceptively heavy staff, which was now becoming lighter.
When Lauren entered the carriage, she realized that two inches of the only hope to free her daughters was gone. Wondering if she was investing the magical currency gifted to her in the correct ventures, she pondered if other avenues unknown would better secure the future.
*******
The first suns were low in the sky when all had returned to Gayne’s house. As they sat down to the meal, John advised that the yellow root was actually a fungus: an organism designed to eat plant matter.
Panry advised that Jedimac had no updates on the missing students.
“You know him?” asked Steve.
Nodding, Panry then explained that their journey to the tax office had gone well. “Zymse owns a large property north of Key River, a small fortress, perchance even a castle. He also owns others, which I have reviewed with him.”
Steve took a sip from his drink, “We made a map that I’ll show you after the meal.”
“My Earth Guard did not report any signs of the pups,” added Panry. “Did you fare any better?”
Ryan shook his head, “We don’t even know where to begin looking for them—or even what we’re looking for. They could be anything anywhere.”
“They share Zack’s ability and determination,” began Panry, “They shall be fine.” Since the words did little to comfort those who sat at the table, the remainder of the meal was finished quickly, being eager to learn more about Zymse.
The only interruption was a servant advising Gayne they were running low on food and distilled liquids. While it was not an observation that required confirmation, he scanned the eight at the dining room table, glanced to the six dwarves in the front room, and watched a servant bring in a bin with the ten plates cleaned by the Earth Guards outside. Then he saw a second servant enter with the six empty dog bowls, which he once considered to be delicate tableware. I need a bigger magic food chest.
When done, Steve went into the study, unrolling the map he had made with Panry. It was a large rough representation of the section of town, identifying the properties owned by Zymse. When everybody had entered, he started to point out the structures with a long stick. “We believe this is his primary residence, but the bad news, it’s at the far end of the Bright Coast from us.”
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��I know that place,” advised Gayne, “it is actually a small fort, being one of the oldest structures in the Bright Coast, hundreds of years old. Back then, there was a pompous ass who was trying to be the Ruler of the lands, but most of whom he sought to rule just crossed the Key, settling on the south side, so they did not have to listen to his outrageous commands. I have no idea when he died, or what has happened to it since.”
“From what Panry saw in the tax records, it’s big enough to hold several hundred men, maybe more. It has walls twenty feet high with a dry moat, and inside, the plans showed numerous buildings with a huge four-story stone house, but it could take us several days to get there or back.”
Mirtza shook his head, “Since those fast roads we used to get to the dump also travel east-west, we can be there in a day if we traveled fast enough.”
“Freeways?” asked Lauren.
Gayne shrugged his shoulders, “Free of obstructions, is that what you mean?”
“Or do you mean free to use?” asked Mirtza.
Steve nodded, “There just like back home, even with overpasses, but they haven’t heard about speed limits.”
“Or turn signals,” added Logan.
Remembering his leg cramps, “Rules of the road would be a nice addition” commented Eric.
Then Ryan held up his fist with only his small finger extended straight up, “What does this mean?”
Mirtza shook his head, “There are ladies present.”
“Still, it’s like two worlds had collided.” Then Steve pointed to a structure beside the Key River where one of the bridges crossed. “This is his ‘New Age Academy,’ or whatever it was that he called it. The place he would be offering his natural magic within the week. Even though the clerk advised that it was still being renovated, I was thinking that we should try to slow down their progress.”
Logan raised a burning fist, “I can do more than slow it down.”