“Y...yes.” She hugged her friend and took a seat beside her. Aadi took a seat as well.
Behind the empress were a group of men. From their robes, Aadi gathered they were royal messengers. They all eyed him with great interest, which only served to make him feel more uncomfortable. At a wave of Latiha’s hand, the men moved forward at a hasty pace. Not once did their eyes leave Aadi.
“Is this him?” asked one of the messengers. He wore a blue robe with golden lines running from top to bottom.
A second man pushed the first aside. “Yes. I think that’s him. The Golden Wielder.”
“Golden Wielder?” Aadi asked. This was too much. First it was sir, and now he was the Golden Wielder.
“Yes,” said another man. This one had dark eyes and a narrow face. Like the other men, he seemed out of breath. “We heard stories in my home of Suteckh about a man who could actually wield earth. The stories said that his body was fully encased in a golden armor!”
“I heard that even his wielding was gold!” chimed in another of the messengers.
“How could you possibly know that?” asked Aadi. “The events you’re describing took place yesterday morning.”
“So it did happen,” said a tall messenger. He pulled a small paper from his robe and began to write. A whistle later, a hawk flew down and perched itself on his shoulder. He tied the paper to his feet and the hawk took to the air. “Just wait until my emperor hears about this. He’ll be thrilled. We haven’t had hope for a long time!”
“I think the Golden Wielder will prefer to help us first,” said another man. This was one was far shorter, but much huskier. He wore green and brown robes. Aadi recognized them as the colors of Sandoria. “We are the sister earth city of Missea, after all.”
“Wait a second!” yelled a man wearing red attire. “The people of Belwebb might be primarily fire wielders, but we are in need of crops as well. The Golden Wielder must aid us first.”
Aadi looked over at Ishani. She gave him an I don’t know what’s going on look.
“Gentleman, calm down!” ordered Latiha. At once, the men went quiet, though many of them were eyeing each other with contempt. “Aadi will be the one to decide what to do.”
“Then we should all present our case and have him decide.” The Sandorian messenger walked over to Aadi with a pompous stride. He took his hand and shook it vigorously, which only made Aadi feel more foolish. “Please, sir. Don’t listen to these other messengers from alien capital cities. Missea and Sandoria have always shared a great history as the only two earth capital cities in Va’siel. It is only fitting that you—”
Aadi held up his hand. “Let me stop you right there.” He met the messenger’s gaze. Hopefully this way he would tell he was serious. “I will not be heading to Sandoria anytime soon.” The man’s jaw dropped. The rest of the messengers, however, smirked with satisfaction. “Or any other cities for that matter.” Now all the messengers looked at each other in confusion. “I will help everyone in Va’siel, not just one or two cities.”
Aadi proceeded to tell them everything he knew about the creature. As he did, the messengers hastily scribbled away on their small scrolls of paper. No doubt they were jotting down notes to send back to their leaders.
“So where is this creature?” asked the man from Belwebb.
As if on cue, Zoen appeared off in the distance. He ran toward them, which was a strange sight. Zoen never ran, and now Aadi knew why. His poor friend’s hunch made him lean too much from one side, so as he ran, he wobbled from side to side.
“I think I got it!” cried Zoen. He set down a scroll and proceeded to tell a long and winding tale about how he had come to his conclusion. Aadi didn’t understand most of it, but he did understand the fact that his friend had narrowed down the location to the Kroazia Mountains.
“Then I leave at once,” said Aadi.
Ishani stood before him. “You mean we.”
“You want to come too?” Aadi asked. “It’s going to be dangerous.”
“Which is why I need to come with you.”
He nodded in agreement. He wanted her to be safe, but he was not her boss. She was free to make her own choices as she saw fit, and she wanted to come. Who was he to stand in her way? Besides, it was going to be nice to have her around.
“I’m coming too,” Zoen exclaimed.
Aadi blinked in surprise. His tone was shaky, but Aadi recognized the layer of determination in his voice. He welcomed his friend as well. He was not that scared kid he had known all those years ago. He had matured into a capable man. He was sure his companionship and knowledge would prove invaluable.
The young empress stood. “So it’s settled. When do you leave?”
Aadi looked at his two companions. “Immediately.”
CHAPTER 18
The young trio marched at a determined pace. The heat of the two suns bore down on them without mercy. Nonetheless, they continued on over the barren lands without complaint.
“There they are,” said Aadi, pointing at the group of men who were waiting for him.
“I was beginning to think that you were never going to show,” said Arajakata with a smirk. “Some of the men were about to go looking for you.”
“No need for that,” Aadi said. He introduced both groups of friends. A few of them seemed a bit apprehensive. Zoen and Linius immediately took a liking to each other. They went on long-winded conversations about ancient scrolls, prophets, and texts. Most of it Aadi didn’t understand, and he didn’t try to. He was much too pre-occupied trying to sense the creature’s energy. Now that he knew where to focus his search, he would get glimpses of its energy from time to time, but then it would dissipate before he could narrow it down.
The more they walked, the stronger the feeling became. After four days, the bursts of energy would come in strong waves. But every time it would leave, leaving him lost.
“I think we should set up camp here,” said Aadi as night snuck up on them. It was a wide-open spot in the middle of the desert, which was perfect for what he needed to do.
Arajakata nodded. “I agree.”
Aadi brought his hands together, focusing his power. From the ground, four giant towers of earth rose. They arched at the top, creating a large dome above them.
“You’re getting better,” said Arajakata. His face was full of surprise. “The first shelters you created weren’t nearly as proportioned. These are plain, but they are sturdy, with no obvious flaws. They could almost pass as regular homes.
“Practice makes perfect.” Aadi smiled as he took a seat beside Ishani. After a hard day of traveling, cuddling next to her was all he needed. She had a way of dissolving his problems.
“Are you okay?” She caressed his hair. “You seem a bit tired.”
“The energy readings have been getting stronger,” he admitted. “I think we’re getting dangerously close to the creature. But I’m fine as long as I’m with you.” He planted a kiss on her lips. He felt instantly rejuvenated.
“You never told me. How exactly did you meet Arajakata?” Her expression had become stern, something he didn’t like much. Ishani always seemed to be in a good mood. This was unlike her.
“In the prison. I thought I already mentioned that.”
“Yes, I know. But how much do you really know about him?”
Aadi realized he had never given him much thought. Besides the fact that Arajakata was obviously well versed in wielding knowledge, he didn’t know much beyond that. But that wasn’t necessarily bad. He didn’t expect Arajakata to tell him everything about him. Why should he? He himself had kept most of his past to himself.
“I know very little of him,” he admitted. “But I trust him wholeheartedly. He risked his life to get me out of Kilead Keep. It’s no exaggeration to say that without him, I would never have been able to escape.”
“But that’s because it’s you.”
He looked at her, confused. “I don’t follow.”
“You have a good heart
. You’re kind and compassionate. You don’t hold grudges and don’t let the evil of the world hold you down.”
Aadi was still confused. The way she was speaking, it almost made it seem like it was a bad thing to be kind.
“What I mean to say,” she clarified, “is that you see the best in everyone. Maybe that’s why you have been blind to Arajakata. For example, he looks at you with contempt from time to time. And every time you display a new earth ability, a worried expression comes over him.”
Aadi wasn’t convinced. “He’s just a bit shocked at how quickly my abilities have grown. He mentioned that I already have more power than any earth wielder he has ever read about. That has to be a bit shocking.”
She nodded her head as she whispered in his ear. “No. I think it’s much more than that.”
Aadi thought about Ishani’s words as he stared at his friend, who was going around the makeshift home, happily handing out freshly-warmed mana cakes. Could it be that he was blinded to what was going on around him? Was his lens of seeing the world really interfering with his way of thinking? Or was Ishani simply being hasty in her judgment? She had lost a lot in her short life. Surely she would be prone to being wary of new people.
He was still deep in thought when a loud scream pierced the air.
“What was that?” asked one of the men.
Zoen’s purple emblem color glowed brightly as he stood up. “I sense four people heading this way. One of them is filled with rage and hunger.”
Aadi willed a hole to open in the earth wall. He walked out into the windy desert. The group followed behind him.
Seconds later, three figures skittered toward them. They were three malnourished children: one boy and two girls. They all appeared to be between the ages of five and seven. When the children’s eyes landed on Aadi and his group, they rushed toward them, yelling for aid at the top of their lungs.
“Calm yourselves,” said Aadi. He held up his hands. “You’re safe here.” He quietly wondered what it was that could have spooked the kids so much. Surely it had to have been some kind of wild animal.
But Aadi’s words did not seem to provide any relief for the children. They tripped over themselves as they ran behind the crew of men.
“What is it?” asked Ishani, leaning over the young girl.
“It’s f-father,” the girl stuttered. She had a haunted look in her eyes. “He went mad. Mom didn’t see. She didn’t notice when he came behind h-her with the b-b-butcher knife.”
A burly figure materialized out of the sandy wind. He was large and wore a white shirt that was now covered with splashes of crimson. He had a manic look in his eyes, almost as if he were being possessed. In his hand he carried a large knife, dripping with blood.
“Come here, children. Time for you to visit mommy,” said the man in an indifferent voice. Aadi recognized the voice as that of a man who had lost hope. No doubt the scorch had taken a toll on his mind.
“We have to kill him!” yelled one of the men behind Aadi. “Get some weapons.”
“Take the kids inside,” ordered Ishani. “They don’t have to see this.” But before he could do anything, Zoen took a step in front of him. He marched to the man with seemingly no worries.
“What are you doing,” asked Aadi, his heartbeat shallow.
Zoen didn’t bother to turn. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” He raised his hand and whispered some words that Aadi did not understand. Instantly, the eyes of the lunatic man went droopy. He wobbled on his feet and collapsed to the ground.
Aadi’s tension released. “What in Va’siel did you do?”
“Just some simple mind wielding.” He leaned down and rested his hands on the man’s forehead. “He’ll be out for a bit. I suggest we take him to the proper authorities to answer for his crimes.”
“We can’t do that,” countered Arajakata. “We’re close to the creature. Why turn back now?”
Zoen held his ground. Which, frankly, made Aadi proud. His friend was really full of surprises. “I wasn’t saying we all turn back. I will take escort the man to the port town we passed a few days ago. The children, obviously, will come with me.”
Linius took a step toward Zoen. “I will go too.”
“That’s fine,” agreed Aadi. “But take the rest of the men with you. The paths are dangerous. Littered with creatures and bandits.”
Zoen’s voice was grateful. “Thank you.”
The men headed back into the shelter of their temporary home. Aadi wielded an earth cage to hold the man, in case he woke up, though he had a feeling the man was going to be out for a few days.
The shaken children seemed to take a liking to Arajakata, and he to them. He heated them each a mana cake. Afterward, he told them stories, no doubt in hopes of raising their crushed spirits. It didn’t seem to have much affect; the shaken children were obviously still in shock from the traumatic event they had witnessed.
“Want me to tell you something?” asked Arajakata grimly.
The children remained quiet.
“I lost my mother at a young age too. She was taken from me by a disease that ravaged the countryside.” Aadi listened intently. He knew the story wasn’t meant for him, but he couldn’t help but take an interest in the tale that seemed to mimic much of his life. “After that, I went through a phase where I wouldn’t talk to anyone, not even the rest of my family.” Arajakata looked down at the ground somberly. “But one day, I realized that in her love for me, my mother wouldn’t have wanted me to live in sadness. So, as a way to honor her, I live my life as she would have wanted me to. I help those in need when I can. Sometimes with food, and when I have no food a smile suffices.” He smiled widely.
Aadi sighed, feeling genuinely touched by Arajakata’s speech. At his side, Ishani seemed to be feeling the same emotions.
“I may have overreacted a bit earlier,” she whispered in his ear. “Arajakata is a really nice guy.”
The children finally looked up at Arajakata.
“Do you really think I can make my mom proud?” asked the eldest boy.
Arajakata patted his back. “If a screw-up like me can. I’m sure you can too.”
The boy and his siblings cuddled next to Arajakata. A few minutes later, their soft snores filled the quiet room.
Aadi glanced around him.
Zoen and Linius sat in a corner, discussing different abilities of mind wielding. Despite their physical weaknesses, they had both displayed a level of courage that inspired him.
Then there was Arajakata. The man had experienced much tribulation and pain. But like himself, he hadn’t allowed that to change him into a monster.
He smiled. He had chosen his friends well.
CHAPTER 19
Aadi waved goodbye to the large group as they headed back. The thought of not being beside Zoen and Linius to protect them made him a bit uneasy.
“They’ll be fine,” said Ishani. She took his hands into hers. “You’ll see.”
“She’s right,” added Arajakata sternly. “Your friends are strong.”
“Yes.” Aadi turned to the large mountain range before them. Dark clouds circled overhead. “We have our own mission to complete. Today is the fateful day we encounter the creature.” His body trembled as he sensed the monster in close proximity. “I can feel it.”
~~~
The trio moved for a few hours before arriving at a large cave entrance.
“Oh no,” said Aadi as he took a look inside the dark opening. “I’ve had more than enough caves and tunnels to last me a lifetime. I can’t believe I’m going to have to go into another one.”
“It’s only temporary,” said Arajakata encouragingly. “We’ll be in and out in no time.”
Aadi ran his hands through his hair. He was feeling a bit restless and despite the mana rations he’d had, his stomach growled with hunger. “This creature has been said to have destroyed the most powerful warriors in the universe.”
Arajakata shrugged, not looking the slightest
worried. “I doubt any of those warriors could have matched your natural abilities. Or that control you have over the golden earth.”
“Besides,” added Ishani. “You have me to back you up. We’ll be fine.”
Feeling a bit more relaxed, he took a step into the cave. It was much too dark to see. Luckily, Arajakata lit a torch that provided a rough path to follow.
Unlike the cavern where he had spent his imprisonment, this one was very narrow. Dripping water traced the moist walls.
As he walked down the length of the tunnel, he wondered why the creature had settled here of all places. Was there a reason? Or had it just picked this sanctuary randomly?
Arajakata came to a halt and said, “We have a little problem.” He pointed in front of them.
Aadi saw it too. The tunnel split into two different paths. They both looked eerily similar: dark with quiet drips of water falling onto the ground. If I can’t see a difference, then I’ll sense it. He closed his eyes and searched for the creature’s energy that was now, unfortunately, becoming familiar. Strangely, however, it was becoming hard to read, almost as if it were being obscured by something, or someone.
“I think I sense a glint of energy that way,” he said, pointing at the left path. “Ishani and I will go that way.” He turned to his friend. “Arajakata, you search the right path. If you find anything, come back for us. There is no way you’ll be able to take on the creature on your own.”
Arajakata lit a torch and handed it to Ishani. “Will do. Please be careful.”
Aadi patted Arajakata’s back. “You too.” As his friend disappeared down the shadowy path, he felt a sense of apprehension. If something happened to Arajakata, he would never forgive himself.
“Let’s go,” Ishani said. She took hold of the torch and moved down the tunnel. It wound and turned, leading them deeper and deeper inside. Their footsteps grew louder as the soft earth under their feet became hardened rock. Just when it seemed that they were never going to find anything, a large door came into view. It was pitch dark, with no sign of a handle anywhere. As they approached it, it opened on its own. It was almost as if they were being invited in.
Legacy Of The Golden Wielder: A Novella Prequel to the Void Wielder Trilogy Page 11