Era’s mother looked her over. “Why don’t you talk to that dream class instructor about it. Perhaps your dream has some symbolic meaning.”
Era nodded. She didn’t like this response; she wanted her parents to take her word for it. She knew the dream was not a symbolic vision. She even began to wonder if she had experienced a sort of transport.
–
A while later, she met Aedis in the Kais building. Aedis was busy working on some project, as always, but never turned Era away when she needed her.
“You look a little pale,” said Aedis when Era entered. “Did you sleep all right?”
Era shook her head. “I’m not altogether certain I did sleep.”
“Oh?”
“You see, I had a dream...”
“Well, that means you slept, doesn’t it?”
“All right, I suppose I slept, but I want to talk to you about the dream I had. It was about the Chosen One.”
Aedis’ eyes lit up. “It was a good dream, then.”
“Not really. I started in her bedroom where she had just awoken. It appeared as if she had been beaten, though she was obviously surprised by the sight of her wounds.”
Aedis raised an eyebrow. “How odd. Go on.”
“Well, next thing I knew, we were flying to some faraway island. It was on that island I followed her into a mountain where there was a large prison for people with extra special Great Gifts. It was supposed to protect the realm from them, from what I gathered. I overheard her entire conversation with a group of the prisoners and the whole thing is really horrible. I must find a way to help somehow.”
“But it was only a dream.”
“That’s just it; I don’t believe it was only a dream. I believe I was seeing something that actually happened.”
Aedis studied her friend and Era hoped it was because she believed her.
“Perhaps you could try talking to the dreams lecturer about it.”
Era was disappointed by the doubtful tone of her voice. “That’s what my mother suggested,” she said unhappily.
“It’s not that I don’t believe you,” said Aedis, reading her thoughts. “But it is hard to believe. I would simply like to know what Cadence has to say about it.”
Era sighed. “I suppose I should try speaking to her.”
“Oh, Mikal,” Aedis called to someone who was passing by the door. “Would you mind sending for Cadence?”
Immediately, the young man left on his errand.
“You can send people out like that?” Era asked, impressed.
“It comes along with the title of Kais—even if you’re only a Junior Kais. I don’t often use it, but I would like to hear what she thinks. You don’t mind, do you?”
Era shrugged. “Why not?” What could it hurt?
But when the woman arrived and Era explained the experience, Cadence only shook her head and said it was too detailed to be given a meaning just then, that she would have to pray about it. Era agreed to this, hoping the Great One would defend her case.
Just then, a group of Kais were heard passing through the hallway, loudly discussing some matter. Era shrugged it off, for she rarely understood the Kais’ conversations, but Aedis’ attention was captured as she made her way to the door.
“What’s wrong?” she asked them.
If Aedis was concerned, something important had to be taking place, so Era drew herself up behind Aedis to listen in.
“The Chosen One has fled the realm, it seems,” one of the Kais replied gravely.
Era leaped out from around Aedis to face the group of adults. “How come?”
The man shrugged dejectedly. “We are uncertain, but she was seen by one of ours’ fleeing the people of the Isle of Dragons. She escaped through the door to Jaela’s Cavern with a handful of her companions. The reason is not yet revealed at this time... other than that she is rumored to be an enemy of the planet.”
“I wonder what could have happened,” Aedis said with concern.
“An answer would be nice. But the real trouble is, we are uncertain of how she will return, for it is further rumored the Realm Leader will key the door to deny them.”
“Can’t one of ours’ change it?” Aedis asked.
He shook his head. “Only the Realm Leader’s blood is allowed access to the controls.”
“So what does this make of the prophecies?” someone asked.
A grave, even fearful, silence passed through the group, but the Kais who had spoken formerly said, “The prophecies are the word of the Great One. We must trust that all that is to be will take place in His timing. It seems they will simply not come to pass in the timeline we expected.”
Era stepped away, deep in thought. If her dream really had been more than a dream, she was fairly certain she knew why Iviana had been chased from the realm. And with her gone, what were they to do about those imprisoned? Era didn’t even know the actual location, as she knew little of the world above, having never been there. If she could only get someone to listen to her, she might be able to do something herself.
And she determined she would, if possible. She could not help feeling betrayed by Iviana the Glory-bringer knowing she had actually abandoned them―not only those imprisoned, but the entire realm, the realm that needed her and the island beneath the sea that counted on her.
10
Iviana
Iviana had forgotten about the hundreds of spiders and their sticky silver webs that awaited at the end of the tunnel and was met with a mouthful as she stepped through. Before she had time to warn the others, Nimua and Darist began to squeal as they were enrobed in the spiders’ thick, dusty silk, sending Iviana into a fit of laughter as she raced from the cave.
“You dreadful girl!” Nimua cried, hurriedly wiping the layers of webbing from herself. “Why didn’t you warn us?”
“I have to agree with that outburst!” exclaimed Darist as he did the same.
“You’d think they’d never seen a spider before,” Necoli said laughingly. “I, for one, have been in far worse scrapes.”
“Oh, I can’t blame them,” Iviana relented. “I forgot about the spiders and was nearly as shocked myself.”
“Well, where do we go from here?” asked Marquen. “I wouldn’t mind a nice stream or pond to wash away this mess.”
“I believe there is a town nearby that may offer a place to wash in,” offered Iviana. “I suppose we’ll head that way.”
Necoli nodded. “I’m familiar with the area. I believe I know the swiftest route to Allensdale.”
“Then by all means, lead us,” said Iviana, grateful there was one in their company who knew the land. As she had lived all her life in the small FairGlenn wood, she supposed it came in handy Necoli had pirated the kingdom in his younger days.
The town of Allensdale was teeming with people when they arrived. Asking around, Necoli discovered there was a festival to celebrate the prince’s birthday. Moreover, he learned of a public washroom where they could freshen up before continuing on.
Iviana could not wait to be clean, if only to keep from drawing attention. They had already received many curious looks thanks to their bedraggled appearance and she could not be certain if the witch-hunt Sir Loric had unleashed had persisted after her long absence. She would rather not find out by being clad in irons.
Arriving at the washrooms, the facility was split into two sections: men and women. Once within, Iviana was perhaps a little overly gleeful to discover this was no bowl and cloth washroom, but was filled with a dozen curtained tubs. However, she soon discovered the water was terribly grimy, so she turned to the washcloth in any case.
Satisfied, Iviana informed Nimua she would be waiting outside. On the way, however, her eyes caught on to something that made her stomach drop. Hanging on the exit of the facility was a hand drawn likeness of herself, warning she, Iviana of FairGlenn, was a wanted sorceress. An award was offered to anyone who presented her to Sir Loric, or even the king himself.
What a fin
e birthday present she would make for the king’s son. Was she to be thought a criminal in every world she encountered?
Iviana quickly pulled her hair from its braid and let it fall over her face, proceeding to escape the building where she met the young men outside.
“We have a problem,” she informed them.
Darist nodded. “We saw. Where’s Nim?”
“She’ll be out shortly, I hope.”
“If you mean shortly as in now, you are correct,” Nimua said as she joined them. “I saw. Lets get out of here.”
Iviana swiftly turned to lead them from the town, but in doing so she fell into someone, knocking them soundly to the ground.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said quickly, bending to help them back to their feet.
The young man initially appeared annoyed, but upon catching sight of her, smiled easily. “That’s all right, sunshine. How ‘bout you buy me a drink to make up for it?”
Iviana forced her eyes not to roll. “I have other plans.”
“Surely those plans include the tavern. Won’t you join me?”
Iviana shook her head. “Sorry.”
“Say, wait a minute. You look familiar. Have we met?”
Iviana shook her head as Darist swiftly pulled her away with the others.
“We’re lucky this town is so crowded,” he muttered as they fled.
“It’s slow-going getting through this crowd, though,” replied Necoli as he paved a path through the people.
At last they were released from the crowd and into a nearby forest.
“Well, that was a close one,” said Nimua a little dryly. “I had no idea that nasty Sir Loric would follow through on his threats after all this time.”
“He’s a prideful man and she spurned him,” said Darist.
Iviana nodded. “This is a very personal vendetta. I wish I had realized the sort of man he was from the start. Might have saved myself from this. We’re not much better off than in the Greater Archipelagos.”
Nimua shook her head and placed an arm around her. “There was no way you could have known. We were all pushing you. I’m just happy you didn’t follow my advice and marry the villain.”
“Well, I, for one, would like to know just where we plan to stay this evening,” said Necoli. “Judging by the season, I don’t recommend we sleep outside.”
Iviana nodded. “My cottage is some hours from here, but I think we can make it by sunset.”
“Won’t your FairGlenn villagers turn you in?” asked Marquen.
Iviana thought this over. She had left the villagers as a well-loved citizen, but it was no secret many believed she used dark arts to heal. Now this witch-hunt had come in to play, she had no way of knowing just where she stood with them.
“Well, we’ve nowhere else to go and I personally haven’t any money to put us up in an inn, even if there wasn’t a chance I’d be recognized. Besides, I live in the woods, so it isn’t likely they’ll notice us there for a night.”
Necoli nodded. “It’s our best option for tonight, anyway.”
Nimua smiled warmly. “I was so disappointed when we weren’t able to see the home you grew up in when last we were here. For so long, I’ve wanted to see that house.”
Iviana felt she understood her desire. “It was your grandmother’s home.”
Nimua’s grin broadened. “I never met her, you know. You will have to show me her things.”
“Of course. I’ll show you her favorite places in the woods, too. Perhaps on our way out tomorrow morning.”
–
Soon, the travelers passed a sight Iviana had not seen for some time. In truth, she scarcely recognized it but for a large flag in the center of the town. The last time she had seen it, it had been filled with merchants, wares for sale, streaming ribbons and cheerful people. That must have been a special day, she realized, for now the town looked as any other: people going about their business, a handful of those with goods to sell while others hung laundry, dumped waste and wrangled impish children. The spectacle was rather ordinary, but it contained a memory she would cherish forever. This was the town in which she had met Bell, the unusual woman who owned a bookshop with a collection of birds in the yard.
Iviana knew she ought not to enter the town nor should she be so close. They had only done so driven by hunger. Curiously enough, the food they had meant to bring with them from the Greater Archipelagos had gone bad upon passing through the portal. The plan now was to send Darist and Necoli in to procure some food with what little Kierelian currency Necoli yet possessed, then they were to find themselves a peaceful place to rest somewhere in the woods just outside the town.
Those plans were about to be altered.
Darist took quick hold of Iviana’s arm as she started into the street. “Just where do you think you’re going, friend?”
Iviana turned to him excitedly. “This is where Bell lives―the woman who gave me the book.”
“The book?”
“The book. The one about the Great One and His son.”
Understanding lit his eyes, but he swiftly worked to conceal it. “I can understand your wanting to see an old friend, but you know you can’t be here.”
Iviana smirked. “It’s adorable you think you can convince me to stay behind,” she said easily, moving toward the town. She did, however, pull her hair close to her face. Once Darist and Necoli joined her, they attempted to block any direct visual of her.
When at last they came to the plot the bookshop ought to have been, there was, in its stead, a patch of perfectly green grass dotted with flowering weeds. Iviana turned all about, to make certain she was in the right place, but recognized the buildings on either side of the lawn.
“Er... is this your bookshop, Ivi girl?” asked Necoli.
“I swear it was.”
“You read fairly interesting books, don’t you?” he teased, pulling up one of the nearby weeds.
“The building must have been torn down,” Darist conjectured, noting the dismay upon Iviana’s face.
She nodded. “Ask someone, will you?”
Darist understood and made his way to the nearest person—a man carting around a barrel of vegetables.
Returning, he appeared all the more confused. “He claims there never was a bookshop in Allensdale, nor a building in this spot.”
“None at all? Are you sure? Perhaps he hasn’t lived here long enough.”
“Says he’s lived here all his life, about a block away.”
Iviana returned her attention to the small field. She had the book; it was not possible she had imagined the ordeal. Shaking her head, she made her way onto the plot, eventually approaching the place she remembered the small den of birds had been kept and wished she might witness their colorful array once again, not to mention their owner. There were questions she had been dreaming of asking since she had left the woman that day. She had always taken for granted she would be there when Iviana returned. Now, it was as if she had never been.
Darist and Necoli strode up alongside her.
“We asked a few others... They say the same,” Darist informed.
“If she’s never been here, I shouldn’t have that book.”
“Perhaps… perhaps it was only you who saw her,” Necoli offered.
Iviana turned to him. “Well, it certainly looks that way.”
“Yes, but... suppose when you saw the bookshop, it was like a portal to another world... a portal only for you.”
“In the shape of a shop?” she asked doubtfully.
“Why not? Would you have entered if it hadn’t? I mean, it turned out to be pretty important that the Great One got that book to you and we all know He works in ways we may never comprehend.”
Darist nodded. “It doesn’t explain it entirely, but...”
“But it’s the best explanation I’m going to get,” Iviana relented. “Well, if that is the case, I was lucky to be fortunate enough to meet her at all. I wonder who she was. Do you know, she was the fir
st person, aside from my mentor, who treated me like I was a person, who treated me with kindness.”
“It’s not as if she’s dead,” Necoli reminded.
Iviana nodded. Taking in the sight of the vacant lot one last time, she said, “I suppose we should finish our errand.”
The three moved toward one of the vendors on the edge of the town who had been selling fruits and vegetables and procured as much food as they could fit into their bundles. But it was when the older man placed the last of the squash into Iviana’s hands that the wind blew casually over the group and swept Iviana’s hair from her face in such a way she looked regrettably similar to her wanted posters.
In that moment, the kindly farmer—who had recently come upon hard times—took in the sight of her and with none but his children in mind, made the unfortunate decision to trade her in for the reward. Iviana watched this play out on his face as if in slow motion, and was only partially caught off guard when the man pulled a knife from his satchel.
But Necoli had been watching just as closely and had his dagger pulled in the same moment. Unfortunately, the interaction caught the attention of two knights passing through and it was only Darist’s quick thinking and anointed strength that sent them flying in time to gain a running start, though it was not long before the duo was on their tails.
Seeing they were willing to go so far, Iviana ventured the vegetable man had informed them who she was in an effort to gain the reward. But she knew the man’s effort would be in vain, for the knights were out for their own gain.
In their escape, Iviana began to ask herself why she did not simply face them when the three nearly toppled over a large root. Though they were spared, Iviana thought it would be rather fortuitous if the knights happened to trip over that root and inwardly cheered when she heard them do that very thing.
When incidentally they came upon Nimua and Marquen beside a quiet, shimmering lake, they turned to find the knights gaining on them. Iviana realized they had inadvertently led their pursuers to the two who were least capable of defending themselves. They all had their Great Gifts, of course, but they could not blatantly use them in Kierelia, for fear it would place them in further trouble should they actually be caught.
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