A Bridge of Realms

by B. T. Narro

  Maddox spoke of many things that Leo found interesting, but the most fascinating was a subject in which he only shared a small clue.

  “Farns hasn’t taught you anything about using the links of the land?”

  “No, what do you mean?” Leo asked.

  “It’s very advanced. I’m sure you’ll learn soon enough.”

  Leo and Andar requested to be taught, but Maddox said he couldn’t if they didn’t already feel the natural links. They felt the Artistry around them, but no links. Both of them tried to feel for them constantly afterward, asking Maddox many questions, but neither of them could figure out how to become aware of these “natural links.”

  Eventually Edward started to appear bored. He went to spend more of the trip with the other trainees who had come and gone throughout the conversation. Leo and Andar stayed right beside Maddox.

  In a rare moment of privacy with Maddox, Leo asked him how talented the other Ascendants in Aathon were. He was surprised to find out that many did not continue to improve after their training came to an end. Leo was already better than most, which meant that Andar could be one of the best.

  “But aren’t there others like yourself?” Leo had asked, while his brother held a gleeful smile in silent reverie.

  “Very few,” said Maddox. “But there was one man whose skill with Artistry not only surpassed my own, he had complete control over Esitry as well. You probably have heard of him.”

  “KRenn Trange,” Leo answered. The godly mage was a topic of many conversations among the trainees. He had disappeared in the same place where they were now headed, but it was before the rift had appeared. However, many believed he did not create it by accident. He went there to stop it.

  Leo figured the Analyte king would straighten out that confusion. He had apparently met with KRenn twenty something years ago, before the mage disappeared. Other theories, though, said the Analytes killed KRenn. The Analytes had apparently seen KRenn as a threat, because he was a human with so much power. Andar believed that one, while Leo believed KRenn had tried to stop the rift, only to disappear somehow. He probably fell into it.

  Leo was excited at the prospect of seeing such an enormous rift. It was many miles long by now, he’d heard, but apparently it wasn’t that high. Rifts were supposed to be spherical, so no one understood why this rift was shaped like an oval. But there were many things about this rift that confused the most brilliant minds.

  Leo knew he should be afraid, not excited, but he couldn’t help himself. He was even more thrilled at the idea of the rebels joining in the attack against the growing Esitry. Erisena’s whole purpose in recruiting a team was to destroy this rift. She had to be there, which meant Leo’s father would be as well.

  Would his father even recognize him or Andar anymore? Would they recognize their father? He had a thick beard last time they saw him. There was no telling what his hair or beard would be like now.

  Leo would have to wait to find out. Analyte land was still far away.

  Maddox was able to link any two items put before him. It was a marvel, for Leo could feel the skill he had over Artistry. Leo was stronger than everyone but his brother, yet Maddox made him feel as though he was just learning again. If he went against the man in a duel, he would have no hope of winning.

  But even with all of Maddox’s knowledge of Artistry, he couldn’t come to any conclusions as to why a stalwart link had formed between Leo and Andar. His only theory was that they had, at some point, been connected to each other emotionally—for they were too different in age for it to be physical—and the link had begun then somehow. It was probably necessary for them to each have natural skill over Artistry for the link to form, for there were identical twins in Aathon with no link between them.

  Once the link had been made, it constantly called for Artistry to keep the bond intact. So Artistry surrounded the boys, likely making it easier for them to learn how to control it, especially given their natural talent.

  Talk of their link died out after Leo realized it was making the other mages jealous. He and Andar were already the best among them. The stalwart link was just more reason for their comrades to become frustrated.

  ◆◆◆

  It was after many days of traveling that Leo had finally become accustomed to sleeping in a tent with his brother. He still missed his comfortable bed back in the training grounds, but he told himself to forget it. They had already entered Analyte land and would soon arrive at the Analyte capital. Depending on what happened here, Leo and his brother might never be welcomed back to the training grounds.

  Leo had yet to see an Analyte. They were known for many things, some good and some bad. The Analytes had always been loyal to their king, with no rebel attacks at any point in history. In fact, there had been no battles of any kind in Analyte land. Not among each other, anyway. There were many barbarian attacks, however, because more Analytes lived in villages than cities, and not all could be defended across the vast kingdom. Leo didn’t know much else about them, nor did any of his friends. But there was one thing every human learned, and it was probably the least important thing to know about Analytes. They all had a purple tint to their hair.

  Given that no humans had hair that even resembled violet in color, he was looking forward to meeting an Analyte. He wondered if, because of his strength with Artistry, he might even have the honor of meeting the Analyte king…the man who had betrayed Leo’s grandfather.

  Leo knew he should hold a grudge for what the Analyte king had done. But it was difficult to be angry when Leo had never met either his grandfather or the Analyte ruler. It was easier to keep his vendetta against the human king, for he had done equally terrible things to Leo’s family, including Leo’s father. And Mavrim Orello continued to seek out the destruction of the rebels, favoring their demise over helping the others in his kingdom. He was a vile man who needed to be dethroned. It was probably with another goal in mind that the king had sent the army here. Perhaps they would be commanded to kill the rebels, and if they destroyed Jaktius Perl at the same time, then all the better.

  The Analyte king was Dasfis Meplr—a name Leo had to practice several times before he no longer felt like he was butchering the Analyse language. Apparently the king’s son, the prince, had an extra “is” at the end of his name for honor, making him Dasfisis Meplr. It was similar to how humans added an extra capital letter to the beginning of men’s names to give them honor, such as how Leo’s father had been born DVend Quim. But Leo found that honorific name less confusing than the Analytes’ tradition. Dasfis and Dasfisis sounded too similar. Or perhaps Leo thought that because he was human, a fact he certainly wouldn’t forget the whole time he was here.

  One night, Leo awoke to his brother shaking him.

  “Leo, keep quiet. Leo, keep quiet. Are you awake? Keep quiet.”

  “How can I tell you if I’m awake if I’m supposed to keep quiet?” he whispered angrily.

  “Someone has a surprise for you, but you must keep quiet.”

  Leo turned over. “I’m not in the mood for whatever joke you have planned.”

  “It’s no joke, Leo,” said a familiar voice.

  As he recognized his father’s deep voice and the outline of his large frame, Leo let out a small gasp. “Father?” he had to be sure before he could allow himself to be joyous.

  “Yes.”

  Both on their knees, Leo threw his arms around his father. Leo had grown, almost knocking Darren down. But Leo felt his father tense his muscles and steady himself.

  “It’s good to see you,” Darren whispered with a hint of sadness.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Darren parted from Leo. He put his hand on Andar’s shoulder as the three of them made a small circle. Leo could not make out his father’s face, just that he still had a beard.

  “This is a bad idea, Father,” Leo whispered. “The king’s troops are everywhere.”

  “I realize that, but I couldn’t let this opportunity go by. I had to see
you both.”

  Leo embraced his father again, knowing he should be leaving at any moment.

  “How did you know we were here?” Andar asked.

  “We heard about the king sending his troops to Jaktius Perl. I figured they would come through this way, for this is the best route to the Analyte capital.”

  “But what about us specifically?” Andar asked. “How did you know we were here?”

  “Spies for Erisena in the capital.” Darren spoke almost too quietly for Leo to hear. Then he took a moment to turn his head as if to listen for someone eavesdropping. “They heard of two young men with a stalwart link.” Darren sounded as if he was about to lecture them. “You joined the army…against my wishes.”

  The boys were silent.

  Darren let out a breath. “But it is not my place to tell you what’s best anymore. I have not been there. Are you both safe?”

  “We are, Father,” Leo answered. “We have been trained in everything we wanted to learn.”

  “And we’ve eaten and rested well over the years,” Andar added.

  “I can see that, even without light. You both seem healthy, not to mention huge.”

  Leo and Andar gave a light laugh.

  “What will you do now?” Leo asked his father, still worried he might be caught.

  Darren didn’t answer. He stretched his neck as if hearing something. Then Leo noticed the sound: a soft crunch of someone’s footstep.

  In a flash, Darren darted out of the tent. He was back in a moment, dragging in a man with him. Darren threw him to the ground and hopped on top of him. He took out a knife as he held his other hand firm over the man’s mouth.

  “Who are you?” Darren questioned.

  “Maddox, a friend of your boys,” said the old man with a muffled voice.

  “You know they are mine because you eavesdropped.” Darren held the knife close to Maddox’s throat.

  “He is a friend,” Leo said. “We trust him, right Andar?”

  “We do.”

  Darren seemed to ignore them. “Why were you listening?”

  Maddox continued to speak into Darren’s palm. “I don’t sleep well these years. I was taking a walk when I noticed a man make his way into the boys’ tent. I wanted to make sure they were safe.”

  “Then why didn’t you tell a guard.”

  “Because a guard isn’t needed. If someone was a danger, I was sure your boys and I would handle it just fine.”

  “You’re a mage?”

  “He is,” Leo answered for him. “Strongest in the army.”

  Darren took his hand away and stepped back. Maddox sat up, his breath heavy.

  “We’ve met before,” Maddox said. “It was many years ago, but I recognize your voice, DVend. Do you recognize mine?”

  Darren was still.

  “Perhaps the poison has changed even my tone,” Maddox said. “But I’m sure you know who I am.”

  Poison? Leo felt a chill as he realized what Maddox was saying.

  Darren surprised Leo as he jabbed the knife at Maddox, but the old man had already stepped back, clearly in preparation for the attack. Maddox swept his hand in front of him. Leo could feel a powerful link, but he did not know what had been connected.

  His father’s right hand came to a sudden stop. Darren let out a grunt as he tried to move, but he fell forward instead.

  “I only want to speak!” Maddox said in a harsh whisper. “I am not the man who I once was.”

  Andar grabbed the knife and darted toward Maddox, but the old man pushed out his palms. Andar tripped and let go of the knife. He turned his head up and shot out his hand. Leo could feel Andar break the two links, but Maddox formed them again instantly.

  Leo wanted to step in to assist his brother against the powerful mage, but Maddox did not appear to be a threat. Leo found himself trusting the man, even if the rest of his family did not.

  Leo calmly picked up the knife.

  “Stab him!” Darren said through gritted teeth.

  “Wait,” Leo replied. “He isn’t here to do any harm.”

  “Harm is all he does!” Darren said as he fought against the links in hopes of getting up. “He is an Orello.”

  But Leo knew that even if he did try to attack the king, the stronger mage would link his limbs together just as Mavrim had done to Leo’s family. There was no point.

  “Relax and let him speak,” Leo said.

  “Leo’s right,” Maddox said. “Now can I release you and your son, DVend, so we may speak? I know the Quims are an honorable family. You will keep to your word.”

  Darren let out a sigh. “Release me and I will not kill you…today.”

  “And you, Andar?” asked Mavrim.

  Andar looked up from the ground. Leo could not see his face, but his silence held anger.

  “I may not be from Jatn,” Mavrim said, “but most of what else I told you was true. I despised my father. He took away my brilliant and caring trainer, and I was also deeply saddened to hear about Rolan’s death. I was the one, in fact, who had promoted him to command my army. And I do have a son who shames me, who I do not love anymore. Prince Gavval is one of the reasons I have come here, with my identity hidden. This is far too important a task for me to hand over responsibility to my son, especially with rebels involved. I do not want them killed. They have become my only allies.”

  “Release me,” Andar said. “I will not attack.”

  Mavrim waved his hand. Andar rose and stood with balled fists.

  “You’ve gone mad if you really believe any of what you said,” Darren told Mavrim. “Your only allies are your family.” He sounded as if he would jump at Mavrim at any moment. “I can add Ascendant to your list of lies, I see.”

  Mavrim sounded sad when he finally replied. “Perhaps I may have gone mad, as you say. I am here, after all, marching into foreign territory where the rebels are rumored to be in full force. But there are some things I still know to be true. I know that I was the one who called the holymen to visit my castle with horses. I lifted FLip Trange out of my castle so that he could escape with those holymen. I was the only one among my family and council who not only disagreed with attacking the rebels in Jatn but secretly sent aid for their speedy recovery after their inevitable escape.”

  “You did no such thing,” Darren retorted. “Only KRenn can make a link strong enough to remain true when a man is lifted.”

  Mavrim focused for a moment. “Lift your eldest, DVend. However, be careful for he will be nearly twice as heavy as he appears.”

  Darren stared at Mavrim in the silent, dark tent for a moment. Then he wrapped his thick arms around Andar and hoisted him up. Leo was shocked as his own feet came off the ground as well. Strained, Darren set Andar down. Leo came down, too.

  “I am strong, DVend,” Mavrim said. “I am the only one who could’ve lifted FLip. Before doing so, I encouraged him never to return to the castle, ensuring he knew that he would never escape again. I convinced him that joining the rebels was his only choice. I knew he would gather his loyal followers and join Erisena, and my sources have told me I was right.”

  “Even if I did believe you, none of this makes sense. Why would you want to assist the rebels? You have wanted nothing but to murder them, even imprisoning or slaying family and friends of rebels.” Anger colored Darren’s voice. “You were taught to be a tyrant by your father, and it is all you know.”

  Mavrim let out a slow breath as he bowed his head. “Yes, you are right. I have always been a tyrant. It is all I know.” He lifted his head. “But years ago I made a promise to myself to change. I do not want the next ruler to make the same mistakes that I have. My life is full of regrets, DVend. Let me take this opportunity now to tell you that I am sorry. I should’ve left the rift in Halin be. I regret forcing my army against your father’s. He was a just man who was a better leader than I was. I’m truly sorry.”

  Leo could feel his father softening as he regarded the old king.

  “Why this chan
ge? I still don’t understand.”

  “I believe I have my granddaughter, Fyra, to thank. It was the questions from her young, innocent mind that began to change my old, stubborn ways. She asked me why my army attacked rebels to the throne, and then why these rebels wanted to kill her grandfather. She wondered why her father, the prince, spent so much time with other women. She wondered why her mother had to remain in a prison cell. She wanted to be king one day, then wondered, sadly, why only men could wear the crown. She has asked many questions, and the answers I provided did not make sense to her. Soon they made little sense to me as well.”

  “I believe him,” Leo told his father. “Why else would he risk so much to be here?”

  Darren drew sharp breaths. He seemed to be in thought for a while before he gave a response.

  “I suppose I do believe you, Mavrim. However, just because you are trying to change does not mean I forgive you, and it does not mean you are right about anything you have done. It does make one thing true, I suppose: The rumors of your son poisoning you must be fact.”

  “Yes, my family began noticing the changes in me years ago. It was after I ordered a messenger to find Erisena and tell her I would meet that my family and council must’ve developed the plan to poison me. Any other man would’ve been killed, but I linked the healthy bodies of my servants to my own. None were killed, all exchanged for others when they grew too sick to serve me. I would’ve died eventually had I not mustered the strength one day to find my granddaughter and inform her of what her father was doing. She saved my life by interfering in the poisoning. When I recovered, I sent my son away. I cannot bring myself to kill him. He is my son, after all. But I made sure he would do good with his life by finding a solution to Jaktius Perl. Now here we all are, and I hope to meet with Erisena soon enough. I want the same thing as she does.”

  “And what is it you think she wants?”

  “The same thing as everyone else. She wants the end of two things: Jaktius Perl and tyranny.”