Seeker's Revolution

by Boyson, Cassandra

  “A pawn?” cried Iviana bitterly. “As if that’s any better?”

  Somehow, it was worse. It wasn’t Flynn—not the one she knew. But then... that Flynn did not appear to exist anymore. That thought, now utterly confirmed, made Iviana’s heart and stomach twist together until she thought she would break. That was when the vision of Era’s forlorn face began to flicker, as if Iviana was blinking. Then, the wooden planks of her cottage ceiling were above her.

  Era was within her reach no longer.

  For hours, Iviana sat thinking. Her mind reeled with thoughts of Flynn, the prisoners, the mysterious Era and her tale of the future. Her stomach turned over and over. She knew with more sleep she would be able to see it all more clearly, but try as she might, she could not quiet her spinning thoughts in order to enter into slumber.

  Many times, Iviana looked over to Nimua in her bed, wishing she would awaken so Iviana could share it all with her. At last, when the sun began to peak over the horizon and send tiny glowing fingers through the cottage windows, Iviana stood over Nimua’s bed and whispered for her to awaken.

  Nimua peeled her eyes open discontentedly. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

  Iviana sat on the edge of her bed. “Yes.”

  Nimua sat up quickly and rubbed her eyes. “What is it?”

  “Everything: Flynn, the council, the future of the Greater Archipelagos. It’s all so messed up.”

  “I know, I know,” Nimua said softly.

  “No, you don’t. There’s more, if my dream was... more than a dream.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “I met this precious girl named Era from... well, from a place I never told you about. I’m not supposed to; it’s a secret place in the Greater Archipelagos. Somehow, she followed me to the prison on the cannibal island. And she’s seen the future. It seems everything that could go wrong does. The council and Kurnin go power-crazy and... Flynn goes with them. Everything beautiful about the Greater Archipelagos is going to be ruined.”

  “Hush, now,” Nimua soothed. “I’m sure it was only a dream. The Great One would never let that happen.”

  “But what if He has no choice? What if it was our choice―the Greater Archipelagos? What if it was cursed and... what if it was my fault?”

  “How could it be, Ivi?”

  “Era claimed I must return to somehow fix things, but... if that is the future, I don’t see how I can change it.”

  “Ivi, I―I don’t know what to think or tell you...” Nimua said, at a loss. “What are you going to do?”

  That final expression on Era’s face would not leave Iviana’s thoughts for a moment, plaguing her like a stubborn housefly. Era meant something to her, but she could not say just why. In any case, she could not disregard her dream, real or no. “I don’t know yet. I must speak with the Great One.”

  14

  Era

  Era awoke the moment Iviana disappeared with the disparaging feeling she had made a mess of things. What if that had been her only chance of getting the Chosen One to return? She kicked herself for not having handled it better, but could not think of another way.

  Iviana would not return, for she believed the future could not be changed. That thought filled Era with the deepest fear she had ever known. But what if Iviana were to come back, after all? Wouldn’t that alone change the course of the future? Still, she had not agreed to return—had practically refused. The future was unchanged.

  Seeing the dome’s light growing brighter, Era swiftly dressed. She had an important meeting to attend―possibly the most significant of her life. Thanks to Aedis’ having seen her disappear, it had not taken long for Era’s parents to take her seriously when she revealed everything to them the evening before. With them behind her, she would not have to face the Atlantian Island Leaders on her own, for they insisted on setting it up themselves and accompanying her. They tried all they could to arrange a meeting with the Island Leaders that evening, but it had inevitably been postponed until the following morning.

  Walking through the halls of the underwater city’s main edifice, Era grew dreadfully anxious. Would they believe her story? Or would they think her an adolescent girl in desperate need of attention? Worse yet, would they think her unhinged?

  Finally, they were before the room in which they were to meet and her father knocked upon the door. Era entered shakily when they were welcomed inside and it was all she could manage not to flee when those in the room looked at her with confusion, as if she was not meant to be there.

  “Oh, er, we understood we were to meet with the two of you alone,” said one of the leaders to her parents.

  “No, this meeting is our daughter’s,” her father explained.

  Not wanting to unsettle anyone, Era offered shyly, “I suppose my parents could just tell you.”

  “But I’m guessing it has nothing to do with them, does it?” asked the man she was later told was Ferrol. He stood and met them at the door, welcoming the small group into the room and offering Era a congenial wink. She was immediately put at ease.

  Next, she was introduced to the women who were standing beside their seats. The younger, whom Ferrol introduced as Jephran, wore an intimidating expression that made clear her time would not be misused. Mae, the elder, looked more lovely than anything, with fluffy white hair and a sweet smile especially for her.

  “Come and sit beside me, won’t you?” the elder woman asked.

  Era immediately did as she was told, grateful to be saved from having to sit near the more intimidating woman. Her parents and Aedis took their seats as well.

  Jephran made no secret she was bothered by Aedis’ presence, but said nothing aloud.

  “Now then,” began Ferrol in a pleasant tone. “Will you not begin, Era?”

  Era was at first unnerved by the eyes of the room upon her, but closed her own to determine where to begin. “I dreamed I was with Iviana the Chosen One,” she began.

  Ferrol and Mae’s faces displayed immediate interest. Jephran’s remained blank, waiting.

  “But I do not believe it was a dream, exactly. It was, perhaps, a vision or... Well, I followed her to an island I have never seen before... obviously.”

  Even Jephran revealed a small dimple at this. It was well-known the youth of their city knew nothing of the world above.

  “Within one of the mountains was a prison. I believe that prison exists.”

  Ferrol sat forward in his seat. “A prison for...?”

  “People whose powers are considered dangerous by the council.”

  “You believe the council created a prison for their own people, a people who have not committed any crimes?” Ferrol clarified.

  “That is what I understood,” she replied a little shakily. “It was Iviana speaking with them―not me.”

  “What did she do?”

  “She ran out. I believed at the time she meant to do something about it, though the people there warned it was dangerous.”

  Ferrol looked to Mae a moment and then to Jephran. The two shared a moment’s unreadable thought.

  At last, he turned to the rest of them. “I believe your instincts are accurate, Era. I wonder if this had something to do with why the Chosen One fled our world. I only wish we knew more.”

  “Well...” Era hesitated.

  Mae laid a soft, warm hand over hers. “I see you are a young woman of mature character. We will listen to all you have to share.”

  This encouraged Era, but only a little. What she had to say might make them change their minds about believing her. “Well... er, there is a little more.”

  “A little?” her father muttered

  Era continued before she lost her nerve. “Something odd happened to me yesterday, but Aedis can vouch for me, I think.”

  Aedis nodded and said, “To begin with, she disappeared before my eyes.”

  Ferrol sat up in his seat again.

  “I... I think I somehow traveled into the future, our future―that is, the future of the
Greater Archipelagos. There, Iviana did not return. Or, at least, had not yet done what she was prophesied to do. She did not save the people in that prison... and I think she’s the only one who knows where it is who would be willing to help.”

  Upon further prodding, she revealed the whole of her story, causing Aedis to blush once more over the news she and Merrick had been married. But by the end, Era had even the unwavering attention of Jephran.

  “And they said Iviana had not returned, but could not say why...” said Jephran. Turning to the others, she added, “Any chance she is in some danger? Is there something we can do?”

  Era had planned on telling them of her dream encounter with Iviana just before waking that morning, but thought better of it. She wanted the people in this room, the only ones who had the power to do something, to have hope. They simply could not give up as Iviana had. If they knew what the Chosen One’s opinion had been, they may do just that. Era could not bear it. No matter how set the future seemed to be, they must try.

  “There has to be,” said Ferrol. “That is a future I cannot bear to see through.”

  Jephran turned to Era with the full force of her powerful person. “I wonder if you could point out the island on a map.”

  “I don’t think so,” she admitted. “But I’ll try anything.” Of course she would try anything. She was just astounded these notable people were so willing to take her seriously.

  Jephran and Ferrol immediately stood to fetch a pile of maps and spread them over the table. The entire room proceeded to gather around them, pulling any details Era had to offer and combing through every map. Unfortunately, when it came down to it, the number of islands was too vast.

  Jephran sat down in a huff and turned to Era. “Well, you can move through time, young woman. Could you not transport yourself there?”

  “I’m not sending my daughter into a dangerous prison, if indeed she is even capable of doing so” insisted Era’s father.

  “He’s right,” said Ferrol. “That’s too risky. There has to be another way.”

  “Did I hear something about time-travel?” asked a woman leaning comfortably against the doorframe with her arms crossed.

  “Chamaeleo,” gasped Ferrol. “Thank the Great One you’re here.” Turning to the room, he continued, “If anyone can sort this out, it’s her.”

  Entering the room, the woman said with some amusement, “Don’t count on it just yet. I have to know what we’re dealing with before I determine to be impressive.” She winked at Era, reminding her of Ferrol. “Now, who, may I ask, is our Time-jumper?”

  The room turned to Era.

  “Um, that’s me,” she admitted.

  Chamaeleo’s eyes lit up as she made her way over to Era, taking the seat beside her and turning it to face her. Leaning in close, she murmured, “Fascinating.”

  Era blinked back at her as a smile broke over her face.

  “The girl has seen our future...” said Jephran. “And it looks disastrous.”

  Chamaeleo grinned. “Oh, that wasn’t our future.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Era self-consciously. Had she been wrong about everything?

  “If that was our future, she would not have been taken to see it,” Chamaeleo explained. “Obviously, we’re going to change it.”

  Era noticed Mae grin as if she had understood this all along. Why didn’t she just say so? wondered Era.

  “But she’s discovered some terribly underhanded dealings of the council,” continued Jephran.

  Chamaeleo halted her with a wave of her hand and gazed into Era’s face. “I don’t want to hear about that―not yet. Right now, I want to hear about Era.”

  Era liked this woman.

  “So, you’re a Time-jumper,” stated Chamaeleo. “Do you know there has only been one other known Time-jumper in all our history and he has begun to be considered legend? You have just debunked that theory, I am extremely satisfied to say. I have always been partial to the idea.”

  Era’s insides lit up with her words. She had not considered appreciating the gift until that moment. “Then it is a Great Gift?”

  “Certainly,” Chamaeleo said easily. She sat back in her chair, folded her arms behind her head and propped her feet upon the table. “My question is... why you? And I don’t mean to say you are not worthy―only that I think there may be some reason. If you have been shown something specific that will affect the future of this world, why did the Great One choose to entrust it to Era of Atlantyss?”

  “Well… I don’t know,” Era replied honestly. Surely, others would have been better suited for the task.

  Chamaeleo swiftly drew her arms and legs back into their proper positions and said, “No matter. But know this: There is a reason. You are special, Era... one of the Chosen Ones.”

  Era’s eyes nearly welled over. She had so looked up to Iviana, dreamed about the prophecies surrounding her... now this superb woman had given her the same title. This woman thought she was special. But why?

  “Now... there are, of course, other things I wish to discuss about your gift, but it seems I’ll not have heard all unless I allow you to tell me your story.”

  With that, Era began to share her journey into the future for the third time. Checking the clock, she made herself thankful that at least she was not sitting in lectures. And when she had told all―including every detail, for this woman did love details―Chamaeleo the Shifter took charge.

  “All right, gang,” she began. “Firstly, we locate Iviana. We’re not doing this without her.”

  “But she is in another world,” Era reminded. “How will we find her?” She did not mention finding Iviana was nearly the last thing she wanted done if these people were to remain hopeful.

  The room was silent until Ferrol recalled, “Oh, of course... this Time-jumping Era is also a Seeker.”

  Chamaeleo smiled. “A Seeker who can time-jump? That should be interesting.” She stood then and headed for the door, turning in time to say, “Hop up, Seeker. You’re coming with me.”

  Era stood, briefly meeting the anxious glances of her parents. “Where are we going?” she asked as she followed Chamaeleo through the door.

  “Kierelia of Kaern. Hope you’re comfortable with heights.”

  –

  “Pick one,” Chamaeleo said as they faced three large, almost bored looking dragons.

  Era gulped. “Why don’t we take nelepyres?”

  “You know very well nelepyres aren’t allowed out of the city. Now, go and introduce yourself.”

  Era stepped up to the mighty creatures―the ones she had always been intimidated of―and said, “Uh, hello... I’m Era?”

  At the sound of Era’s voice, one of the dragons looked up and met her gaze. She was struck by his bright green eyes and could not seem to pull herself from them.

  “Really?” Chamaeleo asked as she saw the two looking at one another. “That’s certainly surprising. Well, hop on, Era, dear.”

  “Why are you surprised?” Era asked as she forced herself to draw nearer to the bright-eyed one.

  “He doesn’t like people. I was only bringing him along for Iviana.”

  “What good would he do Iviana if he doesn’t like people?” Era asked, newly intimidated by the fact this dragon should not like her but seemed to anyway.

  “Well, he likes her, but apparently you’re an exception as well, so get on. I promise he won’t bite... as far as I understand.”

  Era forced herself closer and placed a hand on his muzzle. As he did not seem to mind, she proceeded to stroke it gently. When he made no threatening movements, she moved to his back and finally pulled herself up.

  “You know who he is, don’t you?” Chamaeleo asked as she sat grandly upon her own dragon.

  Era shook her head.

  “That’s Tragor, the Great Dragon of the Ages.”

  Era paused where she sat, holding her hands out awkwardly, uncertain of what to do and a little afraid to move. “The Great Dragon of the Ages?” she sq
ueaked as she peered down at his neck. “Are you sure I should ride with him?”

  “If he likes you, you’ll be fine.”

  “What if we misread the signs?”

  Her words were wholly ignored for, with the wave of Tragor’s mighty wings, they began to rise. And, though Tragor moved gracefully, it was a great jolt to Era. Immediately, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.

  As they continued rising, Era realized her eyes were closed and she forced them open to gaze wonderingly at the world around her. They were in the midst of some of the tallest buildings in Atlantyss. And in no time at all, they were above them.

  Just in time, Era spotted her parents, Aedis and Merrick waving to her from down below and she loosed one hand long enough to wave wildly in return, suddenly regretting not having given them a proper farewell. It was not as if she was leaving for good, yet it felt permanent somehow. With that realization, she kicked herself for following Chamaeleo at all, for leaving the city—and without her parents’ permission, no less. In all the times she had dreamed of leaping upon a dragon and escaping her bubble, she had pictured herself much older, not to mention inevitably fearless.

  As the colorful buildings of her fair city gleamed far below and the dome was just above their heads, Chamaeleo warned her to take a deep breath. At that moment, Era truly wished she could fly off the back of the Great Dragon of the Ages and be caught up in the arms of her mother and father.

  Clinging to her mighty dragon for all she was worth, she shut her eyes against what was to occur: the bending and stretching of the dome as they pressed through and then the wild rush of gushing water all around them. All at once, Era was back in her childhood nightmares, her city flooding and drowning. Sensing her terror, Tragor moved with great speed and had her free of the ocean before she knew it.

  Quite suddenly, the world was not so heavy anymore and they were flying free and clear over the ocean that concealed her home. When Tragor had righted them and was flying smoothly just below the clouds, Era took a few moments to catch her breath before she absorbed the planet below that was, at first, only blue. Even so, she was so grateful to find it was not the terrible murky brown that it would be in future if they did not alter the timeline. Oh, but the water was so different from this view, moving a little less languidly and rising over the beach on the nearest island in frenzied chorus.