Cathadeus_Book One of the Walking Gates

by Jeff J. Peters

  They watched the Min approach. Then, just as it seemed he couldn’t miss seeing them among the rocks, he turned and retraced his steps. Kael signaled for the others to go but continued watching from where he was, his bow nocked and ready.

  As they reached the outcropping the Blademaster had directed them to, a loud cry broke from the far side of the ruins. Braxton turned instinctively and saw an arrow pierce the back of the Min’s neck, the unsuspecting creature falling to its death. A moment later Kael ran past, indicating for them to follow. They sprinted toward a small outbuilding resembling a guard’s tower and entered through its crumbling wall. Stopping to catch their breath, they waited for the Blademaster’s signal.

  A horn blew nearby, followed by the heavy sounds of several Mins running past. Still Kael waited. Then a lone creature stopped and sniffed the air. The Blademaster stepped out and swung his sword in a wide arc. The head of a brown-haired Min fell past their doorway. Kael reappeared and signaled for them to go. Phinlera almost tripped over the decapitated body, which still leaked large quantities of blood among the cobblestones.

  Kael was several dozen paces ahead and waved at them to quicken their pace. Jenphinlin sprinted forward, easily passing Brax and Phin, reaching the side of the Blademaster.

  They ran down the road for almost an hour, stopping when they saw a pair of Min guards standing watch. No sooner had the creatures noticed them than the smaller of the two fell backward, an arrow protruding from its neck. The other, a large gray-headed beast, charged at Kael, swinging its massive halberd at his head. The Blademaster dodged the blow, and, without slowing, turned and buried his blade deep into the creature’s back. The Min staggered, fell to its knees, and collapsed.

  By midday, they’d passed several more patrols, each consisting of a pair of Mins stationed roughly the same distance apart from the two before. Kael smiled at the weakness in their defense, allowing him to anticipate their next encounter. Each time, the Blademaster felled one with an arrow and then quickly dropped the other with a few precision strikes from his sword. Occasionally, he wouldn’t even bother with his bow and just attacked both together.

  He’d defeated two smaller Mins this way, when he stopped.

  “You’re right,” he said, looking at Jenphinlin, then turned to Brax and Phinlera. “Drink quickly and catch your breath.”

  They drank from their waterskins, grateful for the break. The Blademaster paced the width of the road, looking up and down their path or occasionally glancing below the precipice on the western side of the ridge they followed.

  “Eat these.” Jenphinlin handed them several small honey cakes from under her cloak.

  They consumed the food, feeling their strength return. Taking another quick drink, they were running again, following Kael down the winding cobblestone road.

  As late afternoon approached, they rounded a turn between two mountainous peaks and came upon a guard post positioned close by on their right side. Six large Mins patrolled the road. Kael and Jenphinlin froze, their cloaks concealing them against the rocky wall. Phin followed their lead, but Braxton was too far away to gain cover from the cliffs. He dropped to the ground in an effort to hide, but one of the Mins spotted him. It was a huge creature with dark, matted brown hair and long, straight horns. It bellowed to its companions, who readied their weapons and charged toward Brax.

  Kael sped forward, drawing their attention and attacking the leader. It took several precise blows from the Blademaster to fell the beast before he could focus on the rest of the group, blocking their attacks and striking back. Clearly no match for the more nimble elf, the Mins got in one another’s way as they all tried to attack at once. Kael continued his artful assault, positioning himself between each intended victim and its companions, using its large size to shield himself from the others, allowing him to focus on one or two at a time without being swarmed by his opponents.

  Brax and Phin watched in amazement at Kael’s ability, then drew their swords and charged. As he ran, Braxton summoned the spirit magic, directing it into the Unicorn Blade before bringing his weapon down upon an unsuspecting Min. The power of that pent-up energy exploded the creature, and a nauseating smell permeated the area. For a moment, no one moved. Kael took quick advantage of the distraction, dropping two more Mins before the others reacted.

  One black beast with a streak of white hair down its face thrust a long spear at Phinlera. Brax’s stomach lurched. But before the weapon reached her, she appeared behind the Min and plunged the Leaf deep into its back. The creature swung around, dripping blood, knocking Phinlera to the ground with its momentum. It raised its spear, intent on pinning the foolish girl to the floor, but she was on her feet again next to the beast, and the Min’s spear struck the road harmlessly. Phinlera thrust her blade into the creature’s ribs. There was a sickening crack as the sword broke through flesh and bone. The Min’s eyes went wide, then it collapsed.

  Kael defeated the last attacker before turning to Brax. “Keep your emotions out of the energy or they could be used to serve the enemy.”

  “The spirit magic is defined by your feelings,” Jenphinlin explained. “That Min was the target of all your hatred toward their race for attacking your home and your family. When you raised your energy into the sword, it took on that hatred and your desire for revenge. The result is what you saw. You destroyed that poor creature in a most terrible way. Nothing deserves that fate, Brax, no matter what it’s done.”

  “I’m . . . sorry.” He shook his head. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “We know,” Jenphinlin interrupted kindly.

  “I expected as much from your first encounter,” Kael said. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just learn from the experience.”

  I’m sorry, he repeated to Serene.

  It is all right, child, but heed their warning, for they speak the truth. Hold your emotions in check and understand that the true strength of the energy comes from using it while calm and at peace, in balance. Do not let your emotions disrupt that balance, or the outcome may not be as you intended.

  He nodded, looking down at the small charred remains of the Min, a sense of remorse overwhelming him.

  “Come,” Kael called. “The sun is already on its homeward journey, and we still have a long way to go.”

  * * *

  They continued their flight south along the small mountain road, pausing briefly for Kael to defeat the remaining, less frequent patrols they encountered. As the sun dipped west, they came upon the small collection of mostly broken and low-lying buildings of the Dragon’s Head. The little village appeared to have been a sanctuary once to some long-forgotten deity. Large statues of great warriors on bended knee lined the road, and stone maidens bearing platters of fruits and flowers stood proudly at the entrance to the mountain retreat. Most of the structures were unusable now, and many of the statues were missing parts of their once grand forms. Kael motioned them to one side, crouching low among the remains of a proud and regal man.

  “There are Mins ahead,” he said. “A lot of them.” He pointed toward the damaged buildings, then looked west. “Time is running out. We need to split up. Phinlera and I will distract the Mins while you two go past to the Gate. It’s located at the southern end on a plateau overlooking the Dunes.”

  “No!” Braxton said defiantly. “I’m not leaving Phin.”

  “All that matters now is opening the Gate,” Kael replied, “and Jenphinlin needs your help.”

  “Why don’t we fight the Mins together,” Brax suggested. “That way we’ll get done quicker and can all go on to the Gate.”

  “There’s no time.”

  “We have to open it before the sun sets,” Jenphinlin clarified. “Otherwise we can’t try again until morning.”

  “And we need the army to enter during the night,” Kael added, “or we risk being seen crossing the Dunes. If we don’t open it now, we’ll have to wait another full day. I don’t think Arbor Loren will stand that long.”

  “It’s a
ll right, Brax.” Phin touched his arm. “Go with her. I’ll be fine.” She smiled. “Besides, I have a Blademaster to protect me.”

  Braxton’s heart sank. He looked into Phin’s beautiful brown eyes and could see her fear and unwillingness to part from him, but also her strength and desire to help the elves. Reluctantly, he resigned himself to Kael’s plan and nodded.

  “Wait for my signal,” the Blademaster said. Before Braxton could respond, he and Phinlera were moving.

  Brax started to follow, but Jenphinlin pulled him back. “Wait. Not yet.”

  It seemed like an hour passed as he and the elfling girl hid among the broken statues. Then, just when he was about to insist on leaving to find Phinlera, Jenphinlin spoke.

  Now we go.

  He bolted forward, eager to help the others, and ran through the entrance to the Dragon’s Head. Passing beneath the stone maidens, he veered right along the western edge of the village. As he crossed between two ruined buildings that formed part of a circular perimeter around the sanctuary, Braxton stopped.

  A dozen large Mins in chainmail vests and thick, heavy boots stood on the opposite end of a grassy clearing ringed by the remaining buildings. Each wore metal helmets from which long, black horns protruded and carried halberds in their gloved hands, much like the beast on the road had wielded. These were no ordinary Mins, Braxton realized. They were elite guards. Kael and Phinlera stood on the far side of the clearing facing them. Several of the creatures lay dead at their feet. Unlike those on the road, however, the rest of these beasts weren’t rushing to attack. They had encircled Kael and Phinlera, who struck back at the Mins periodically in an effort to break the enclosing net.

  Braxton drew the Unicorn Blade and was about to rush to their aid when an iron grip clamped down firmly on his arm, holding him in place.

  No, Brax, Jenphinlin spoke in his mind. This is not your fate. We need to get to the Gate, or their fight will be for nothing.

  He hesitated, surprised by the power in her hand. He looked at the elfling girl, trying to decide.

  Go to the Gate, child, Serene said.

  A loud cry broke from the far end of the clearing, and he turned to see Kael and Phin charge into the Mins. A moment later, they disappeared among the large forms.

  Braxton wanted to scream. He wanted to attack the Mins. He wanted to do anything that would help save Phinlera, but he knew there was no time. Long shadows already shrouded the village, and they still had to make it to the Walking Gate.

  Come. Now! Jenphinlin insisted, pulling him away from the battle.

  Reluctantly he let her lead him away. Then he broke from her grip and sprinted toward the Dunes.

  Chapter 30

  The sun was approaching the western horizon when Braxton and Jenphinlin reached the little plateau high upon the Dragon’s Head of the Spine, facing south across the Breaker Dunes. Statues similar to those on the road surrounded the clearing, casting long shadows across the hard, smooth floor littered with leaves and other debris. A raised platform with a domed ceiling supported by three white pillars and encircled by marble steps sat on the far end, looking back toward the mountains. Unlike the ruins they’d seen before, the little shrine seemed remarkably well-preserved for its age. Beyond the plateau, stone steps cut their way down the mountainside to the Dunes below.

  A man dressed in black armor with a high collar knelt at the center of the shrine. He stood as they entered the clearing.

  “So, you’ve come at last,” he said, in a slightly high-pitched voice. “You’re much younger than I expected.”

  He withdrew a wicked-looking curved sword with a jagged edge from across his back and descended the platform. Taller and slimmer than Brax, he appeared to be slightly older, more muscular, and well-developed. His high cheekbones and slightly pointed chin gave his face a lean, youthful look, identifying his elven heritage. But it was his eyes that drew Braxton’s attention. Completely black, they created the eerie illusion of two orbs hovering in place.

  Braxton’s stomach dropped as he realized this was the Dark Child.

  Help me! he called out to Serene, feeling her warm, all-encompassing presence.

  “You—cannot be here!” the Dark Child yelled, pointing a gloved hand past Braxton.

  I must step back now, Serene said slowly. I cannot interfere.

  But I need your help! I cannot do this alone!

  You can, and you must. Use my sword to deflect his energy, keep your emotions balanced, and focus all thoughts on this one task.

  She filled him with a beautiful and uplifting energy, greater than anything he’d experienced before, cleansing his fear and calming his mind. His body felt stronger, and he sensed the pure connection between his inner self and the Unicorn Blade, as though an extension of his own form. A wave of exhilaration washed over him. Brax knew what he had to do and was ready to begin.

  Good luck, my child, she said as she withdrew.

  But the energy remained, coursing through him as if pumped from some unknown source deep within. His mind was clear, save for one thought.

  Stepping forward, he held out the spirit sword in both hands, confident, calm, and at peace, ready for this fight. All his practice with Kael had toned his muscles, and the energy accentuated that feeling, pulsating inside him.

  The Dark Child looked cautiously, searching for something he’d missed. He raised his sword and walked closer. They circled each other for a moment before the Dark Child suddenly attacked. He moved with a speed that reminded Brax of Kael, and he barely raised his weapon in time to deflect the blow. But in that first strike, those first few seconds of their encounter, Braxton learned his opponent’s speed. When the Dark Child struck again, he was ready. He parried a strike toward his left shoulder, blocked a thrust to his stomach, and sidestepped a low swing aimed at his thigh. Then Braxton struck back. He moved fluidly, one with the Unicorn Blade. Over and over, he attacked the Dark Child, knocking him backward and forcing him to retreat across the clearing. Eventually, the elf broke away, breathing hard, but he too had learned Braxton’s speed.

  They fought repeatedly, moving back and forth across the plateau, each searching for an opportunity to gain leverage over the other. As they continued to clash, a white column of vibrant light burst from the shrine, and, for a brief moment, the two combatants paused. The Dark Child stared at the platform, a look of surprise on his face. Jenphinlin knelt in front of the column, her back toward them and her head bent low, opening the Walking Gate.

  Braxton sprang forward and caught the Dark Child off guard, slicing through his mail shirt and into his right shoulder. He struck again, trying to keep his opponent’s attention on him, hoping to give Jenphinlin the time she needed. But the elf blocked the attack, steadily retreating until they were in front of the Gate. He raised his left hand and spoke a single word Braxton didn’t recognize. A wave of energy smashed into him, flinging Brax back several feet to land heavily on the floor.

  With catlike speed, the Dark Child leaped up the stairs and buried his sword deep into Jenphinlin’s back. The brilliant light of the Walking Gate vanished, and the young girl let out a low scream that sounded more like a sorrowful howl of disappointment than a reaction to the wound inflicted. For a moment, neither moved, locked in time. Then the Dark Child withdrew his sword, and Jenphinlin’s body crumpled to the ground.

  “NO!” Braxton screamed, jumping to his feet and rushing toward the sneering elf. As he ran, Brax allowed his anger to surge. He cast aside his calm sense of balance and the single thought of defeating the Dark Child. Instead, a rage burned deep within him, a hatred, a need to avenge Jenphinlin . . . and his mom. When he reached the Gate, Braxton leaped up the steps with both hands wrapped tightly around the Unicorn Blade and struck down at his opponent. But the moment their swords met, their weapons locked, as if the two blades had become one. Then he felt it. The spirit magic slowly being drawn out of him and into the elf. All of his anger, his negative feelings, his desire for revenge were fueling the Dark
Child, making him stronger. His body grew larger, powered by the energy stolen from Braxton’s emotions. Simultaneously, Brax’s own form diminished, his energy weakening as he fed the elf.

  He tried to pull free, his hatred replaced now by a palpable fear. For a moment, they remained connected, the Dark Child gaining strength at the cost of Brax’s lessening form. The elf pulled away and struck a powerful upward blow that Braxton barely deflected. But the strength overwhelmed him, cutting through his vest, ripping into Brax’s chest, and knocking him down the stairs, sending the Unicorn Blade from his hands and across the courtyard.

  When he looked up, the Dark Child stood over him, his weapon pointed at Braxton’s face.

  “You’ve lost!” he screamed. “Your clever plan to open that Gate has failed. Now you will die.”

  The elf pulled back his arm and struck. Braxton shut his eyes in anticipation of the blow that would end his life. But instead of the pain he expected, he heard metal striking upon itself. Opening his eyes, another blade hovered inches from his face, blocking the Dark Child’s. Kael stood to one side, his sword arm outstretched in front of Braxton, smiling at the dark elf.

  “So this is what you’ve become,” he said calmly.

  The Dark Child backed away, momentarily surprised by Kael’s arrival. Then without warning, he attacked the older elf, but the Blademaster deflected his blow.

  “There is still time,” Kael said as he walked around, watching his adversary. “Time to let go of your hatred, time to shed this false skin and rejoin your true brethren in the forest.”

  The Dark Child laughed. “I am destined to rule Andorah and have trained to achieve this goal. Why would I give up my power to become a member of your weaker race?”

  “Because, it is who you were meant to be.”

  This seemed to infuriate the Dark Child, and he attacked Kael with an unnatural ferocity. But the Blademaster calmly blocked each strike.