The old man cleared his throat, took one more survey of the table, and began, “The time has come. Based on what the good captain and his scouts have observed, we expect the armies of Dredwyn to begin arriving within days. That means we must move to break his hold on the realm of Caravast. To that end, we must send Tovi to Ebon Hills to destroy the crystal that allows Dredwyn to remain in this realm.”
Marzi leapt from her seat. “No! I won’t allow it. That’s not something a child can do.” Her heart raced, and she could feel her face turning scarlet as she glared at the old man.
Myhrren’s smile was tinged with sadness. “No one here feels any less anguish than you, Marzi. And if there were another way, I would be the first to suggest it.” He paused and studied his hands, which lay before him on the table. “But Tovi was born to this, just as you were born to unite the elven races as you did. Just as you will carry the burden of making the final peace. I believe that you have been told your trip to Menalor and Tovi’s arrival here were not accidents, not mere random events. These things were set in motion years ago. On the day you took to the slopes to ride your first moonbeam, you had already been chosen.”
Yes, she had been told. But this was different. This wasn’t about just riding a moonbeam and dropping into a strange place. They wanted to send her brother into caverns beneath a castle where a demon lived. “No. He can’t go. That’s it.” She wondered if she really had the power to prevent it.
Tovi spoke up. “It’s not really a big deal. I can do it.”
But Marzi could tell that his smile was forced.
Empress Ariessa shook her head. “I must agree with Marzi. This hardly seems a task for a young boy.” She turned and smiled at him. “I agree that the young Azyreans are astonishing, however, this is the work of spies and assassins. And even with their skills, success against a demon would require extraordinary luck. Is there no other way?”
“Sadly, no. We can debate this back and forth all evening, but the reality will not change. This falls to Tovi.” With those last words, Myhrren paused for a moment. “The task before us, then, is to select those who will accompany him.”
Virgil was the first to speak. “It is difficult, this choosing. We are short-handed here to begin with, at least our human contingent is. We need our best with us on the battle front. On the other hand, I agree that Tovi must be accompanied. And if you seek to engage with Commander West and those who remained behind, I will definitely have to send one of ours back in his company. As much as I would miss him here on the front, Mathias Grenham is the man for this job. He is strong and loyal—as fierce and capable a fighter as you can get—and would be a good protector for Tovi. In addition, he knows Ebon Hills like the back of his hand. If anyone can get the lad connected and set up, it’s Mathias.”
Marzi glanced at Tovi just in time to see his face light up. Evidently, he knew the man Virgil was referring to.
Myhrren nodded. “I feel that a wise choice, based on what I know of Master Grenham.” He turned to Ariessa. “And from the elves?”
The empress sat still for a moment before responding. “We have many excellent warriors and scouts. I will consult with my leaders to select the best one.”
Marzi spoke up, “What about Ran?”
“Ran is certainly competent.” Ariessa’s face betrayed a bit of amusement. “He has, though, on occasion been known to do things his own way, which may or may not be a good thing.”
Marzi was pretty sure that the empress was referring to Ran’s breaking of the rules to travel to the cliff caves. “But if I have to trust anyone to take care of my brother, it would be Ran.” She remembered how he’d taken care of her.
Tovi added his opinion, “What about one of the magic casters, you know, just in case there’s a fight or something.”
Everyone turned to stare at him. And then it struck Marzi. He wanted Elle to go.
Before she could respond, Virgil said, “Out here in the desert, maybe. But back in Ebon Hills, a scout and close-quarters warrior would be better suited.”
The empress shrugged. “That certainly sounds like Ran. And since he has Marzi’s confidence, he seems a solid choice. Shall I summon him?”
Myhrren stood. “Yes, please. And, Captain, if you would, please invite Master Grenham to join us as well. In the meantime, let us break and stretch our legs. We have much to discuss this evening.”
Marzi stood beside the elf outside Myhrren’s tent. They had another few minutes before the meeting resumed. “You better watch out for him, Ran.”
“Yes, Little Rat. You know I will. With him and me on the mission, Dredwyn is as good as gone.” Ran put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. The smile disappeared from his face. His eyes shone with truth as he spoke. “Do not worry, Marzi. I will watch over Tovi and guard him with my life. This I promise you.”
She hugged him. “I know. Thank you.”
A voice floated out from inside the tent. “It’s time. Let’s get started again.”
As Marzi took her seat, she noticed Mathias seated beside Virgil across the table. He nodded and offered a smile. She hoped that he was as good as Ran.
“Before we get into the details, I will provide a brief summary of what we need to accomplish. When we are ready, we will open a portal into Ebon Hills. It will accommodate all three of our travelers and deposit them at the same location that Master Jarek Whit arrived. I assume, Captain, that you are familiar with the spot?”
“Yes. It’s about a half-day’s trek from our camp.”
Myhrren’s face darkened. “Yes, well, there is a problem with that. I had not wanted to bother you with the news since there is little you can do about it from here. But that location has been compromised. Dredwyn’s assassins raided it. Most of those who remained behind perished.”
Virgil sat, stunned, staring at the old man. “You kept this from me? Why? We might have been able to help them.”
“It happened so quickly that there was no time for you to help. Be that as it may, this is where we find ourselves. I do know that your commander, along with several others, managed to escape. The point is that going to the camp will serve no purpose. I rather suspect that the more appropriate destination should be the old ruined monastery. You are familiar with it?”
“Wait a minute. You can’t just breeze over what you told me like it doesn’t matter. If what you say is true, then many of my people are dead. How do you know this? And if Commander West survived, where is she? And who got away with her? I think we deserve some answers here.”
Myhrren gestured with his hand as though waving the concerns away. “How I know is of little concern, although, in the interest of getting on with this, I have certain contacts back in Ebon Hills. As for the whereabouts of your commander, that I cannot say. You know her better than I. She escaped with one known as CeCe and another called Cornelius, I believe. In any event, there are others that can be sought out. The Brotherhood of Aristan will be in the best position to help and they are likely near the old monastery.”
Virgil stared, shaking his head. “Jarek and Burns, dead, too?”
“Uh, no. As fortune would have it, they were not at the compound when the raid occurred. I have a strong feeling that should our travelers locate the brothers, they will find Jarek Whit and Burns. So, back to the original question, does Mathias know how to get to the monastery?”
“Yes. He can find his way there. But if the commander is alive, we need to find her too.”
“I agree, but first things first. Connect with the brotherhood. That gives us the best chance of getting Tovi started and of finding your missing comrades.”
Ariessa, having been content to observe the proceedings to this point, intervened. “Captain, I am sorry to hear of this latest turn of events and for your personal loss, however, this was to be a brief summary, and I, for one, would like to hear the rest of it. Might we work out the logistics later?”
Silence swept in for a moment before Myhrren continued, “Yes. Of cour
se. The room where young Tovi needs to go is accessed through a series of tunnels beneath the castle proper. Getting into the passageways will not be the problem. We have some people back in Ebon Hills—Jarek and Burns, along with one of the brothers known as Ratio, who will construct a portal that will deposit the young lad in the right vicinity. And we know that no one—not guards, not warriors, not anyone—is allowed in those areas. Dredwyn’s paranoia works in our favor in this case.”
He shook his head. “No, the challenge will be in locating just the right crystal that will enable the portal to be formed. It will take the combined efforts of the brotherhood and the rebels to accomplish this. But before that can happen, our three travelers must reach the monastery and connect with the Brotherhood of Aristan.”
Those around the table fell silent. All eyes turned to Tovi. But Marzi could only see her little brother who had jumped on the wrong-colored moonbeam.”
After a moment’s silence, Myhrren spoke to Tovi. “Could you bring out your dagger, please?”
Tovi reached down and withdrew his weapon, placing it on the table in front of him without speaking.
“This dagger is the key. To begin with, though, you must all understand that you cannot destroy Dredwyn. That is beyond any of our capacity. While the demon can manifest his image in different forms anywhere on the world of Kronos, his essence is bound to the castle keep in Ebon Hills. As a god, he can only maintain physical form through a constant infusion of dark light. This light is channeled from a fracture in the fabric that separates our dimension from a darker one. To channel this light, he uses a large, multi-hued crystal mounted deep in the bowels of the castle. The weapon before us is of the same essence as that crystal. It is shaped and charged in such a way that it can literally be stabbed into the stone, breaking the channeling spell. Our challenge, then, is to get Tovi into those tunnels to the crystal room with his dagger. From there, it will be up to him.”
Chapter 59: Crystal Sands
“Tovi, please wait up. I must have a word with you.” Myhrren’s voice caught up with the young Azyrean as he left the tent. The meeting had broken up and everyone wanted to talk to him, well, almost everyone.
“Okay, I’ll be out here,” he shot over his shoulder as he threw back the tent flap and stepped into the darkness of the desert night. He stared across the compound at the elven tents. Ran and the empress would be going over there. He wondered what she was doing, what she thought about him going on this mission. Was she worried about him?
“There are some things I must discuss with you before you go.” Myhrren joined him. Putting a hand on the young boy’s shoulder, the old man added, “You will see her soon enough. I suspect that she will not let you go without saying goodbye.”
The words stunned Tovi. What did Myhrren know about any of this? “Who do you mean?”
The response came with laughter. “Oh, come now, Tovi, surely you know me better than that. Ellemareth is your friend, just as she has been a dear friend to your sister. She will find her way over tomorrow. You will have time for a proper farewell. And, of course, you can speak with her at greater length when you return.”
Tovi wasn’t sure he was at all happy about the old man knowing so much. But, unfortunately, as he had learned, there was little he could do about it.
“Come back to my tent. We can speak there.”
Once there, the two reclaimed their places at the table. “I have a few sweet cakes left if you care for one.” Myhrren unwrapped the treats and placed the container between the two.
“Not right now. Thanks.” Tovi had acquired this new habit of thanking people. He figured his newly found manners had probably come from hanging around Klunk.
“Much was said tonight of the danger you will face. I want to talk to you about that. It is a complicated subject. Yes, there is danger. I will not lie to you about that. As you have seen, though, danger lurks everywhere in this world… and in all other worlds for that matter. To live is to exist in the face of danger. No one can escape it. But you must not let it rule your life or dominate your thoughts. You will have others there to help you. Mathias and Ran are good souls and will see you safely to your destination. The brothers and rebels of Ebon Hills have risked their lives, and sometimes lost them, to further this cause. Your role represents the beginning of the end of this chronicle.”
But Tovi knew all of this. His questions were more specific. “How will I know what to do when I get there?”
“You will stand before the great crystal and you will know it. While it looks solid, impregnable, the dagger you carry will pierce it as easily as it would slice through a wet leaf. It is hard for you to understand here and now. And even when you are there, it will seem unlikely. You must have faith. Hold the dagger by the hilt with both hands and plunge it in. Do not be deterred by appearances.”
The young boy tried to envision himself standing in the chamber, knife in hand. “What if Dredwyn comes in while I’m there? You said that he can’t hurt me here. But he could hurt me while I’m there at the crystal?”
“Yes, Tovi, he can, by sending his guards down to you. That is why you must move without delay and strike quickly because he will send his men as soon as he is aware of your presence. Do not hesitate. Do not shrink back. He will feel your presence when you enter the chamber. But he cannot get there in time to stop you unless you falter.”
A wave of dread swept over Tovi. Myhrren didn’t need to tell him that, if it came to a fight with Dredwyn directly, there would be no survival. “How long will I have?”
“Plenty of time, my young friend—five or six minutes. And, as you know, in those situations where danger presents itself, those minutes seem like hours. Time will not be your problem unless you hesitate.” Myhrren paused and took a deep breath. “Your only enemy will be your mind. He will attempt to invade your thoughts and will present himself as an image, or create other images, to delay you. You saw that in the cave with the ogre spirit, the scorpions, and the bats. They were not real, none of them, but they nonetheless affected you. You must remain strong and focused, Tovi. Do not surrender your mind to his tricks.”
Tovi’s thoughts swirled with questions and fears. “How will I know if it works, I mean, when I stick the dagger in?”
The old man cackled. “Oh, you will know, my boy, you will certainly know.”
“What if it doesn’t work? What if the knife won’t go in? What if it goes in but nothing happens?”
“What if… what if… what if? There are a million ‘what-ifs.’ We can only take things as they come. The crystal is the key to his physical existence in this world. If that is destroyed, his essence will once again be locked within the Reliquary of Eternity. Of this I am positive. Could other things happen? Certainly. I cannot know or control everything. You must have faith.”
“Can I take River with me?”
A sadness crept into Myhrren’s eyes. “I regret that you cannot. River, you see, is bound spiritually to this realm and to me. Should he travel beyond the boundaries of this land, he becomes just another beast. And while he would likely pose no direct danger to you, neither would he help you, or even understand what you were doing. He would become more of a burden than a help.”
The sorrow in Tovi’s heart matched what he saw in the old man’s eyes. For the first time in months, he felt truly alone.
◆◆◆
The day dragged by. Tovi sat in the shade by the pool. Marzi was there for a while but neither of them had much to say. “Be careful.” “Don’t worry.” “You better come back in one piece.” That sort of thing. And then she left.
Klunk sat with him for a while and even offered up a new song in Tovi’s honor.
Through the portal
into dark
Tovi travels
to light the spark
All the kraals
all our hearts
go with you
as the battle starts
You bring us hope
you bring the f
ight
you turn the darkness
into light
Go with all
who went before
Bring us peace
forever more.
The usual fun and joy were missing from Klunk’s voice. His words exuded sadness.
“That’s awsie, Klunk. Thank you.” He turned and looked up at the large ogre. “You know, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“It is my honor, Tovi.” Then Klunk laughed. “And you must remember all the details of your adventure, so you can tell me. I will make up the best song ever and we will sing it in all the kraals. And our children and their children, throughout all time will know your name.” The laugh deepened. “It will be very awsie.”
And then Tovi was alone again. The sun had reached its height and the desert heat followed. A warm breeze swept through the leaves, and patterns of light danced on the ground and across the pool.
“I was hoping I would find you here.” That was the voice he wanted to hear.
He turned, smiling. “Hey, Elle.”
She sat beside him. “You seem calm, even in the knowledge of what awaits you. I find that amazing.” Elle reached over and brushed his hair off his forehead.
Tovi shrugged. “It’s not a big thing. I just go there and stab the crystal and then come back.”
She laughed. “You truly are special. It took me a long time to realize that about Marzi. But now I can see it, and it is even more so with you.”
His heart warmed.
“You must promise me, though, that you will come back safely. Friends such as you are not easy to find. And our world would be much darker for your absence. So there, you have no choice but to return and tell us of your exploits.” She put her arm around his shoulders and hugged him. “And think of the stories you will have to tell your parents and friends when you go home.”
Beneath a Desert Moon Page 20