Unexpectedly, a great rumbling began to shake the surface of the island. The people’s battle-cry died away and the cannibals ceased their chase as a thunderous roar sounded over the land. Those upon the island searched for the source until all eyes fell upon the very mountain that had served as a prison as it crumbled from its very foundation.
Iviana’s mind raced. How was this occurring?
With a jolt, the answer came to her.
“Flynn,” she whispered hoarsely. “Flynn?!” she shrieked. “Where’s Flynn?”
“That young man who was crying in the mountain?” asked Shynn. “He did not follow us out. I’m not certain what he was about, but...” She followed Iviana’s gaze to the mountain.
Iviana grew horrified as the mountain continued to disintegrate before them. She knew exactly what Flynn was doing. He was using his Speaker’s gift to destroy the corrupt dungeon once and for all. “He’s calling down the mountain!” she cried aloud. “He’s using his gift to destroy it! Oh, Flynn!” she sobbed.
With that, she raced toward it. She must get him out before he was destroyed by his own deed. She must see him again, speak to him, tell him what her heart had only recently uncovered. No matter what he had done or how much shame he carried, he could not die this way―not before...
Hands flew around her waist, pulling her back with exceptional force.
“Darist, let me go! Flynn is in there! We have to get him out!”
He ignored her and the two watched as the mountain concluded its transformation into a pile of rocks.
“Flynn!” Iviana screamed through her tears. “Oh, Flynn!” How could he do this? She understood his conviction, the remorse he must have suffered, but there was yet absolution.
She turned to Darist and beat at his chest before looking up into his face, hot tears streaming down her cheeks, at an utter loss for what to do.
“Flynn did... what he thought best,” he said slowly, obviously trying to hold it together for her sake. “He destroyed the very thing that had been used to hurt his people. It can never be utilized for such purposes again. But right now, we’ve got a whole lot of half-mad people about to enter into battle. They need you.”
Iviana could not remove her eyes from the face of her friend, fearful she would lose her hold on reality if she confronted the chaos around her, the loss...
In that moment, the power the Great One had bestowed upon her when she’d landed on the island was yet rolling and toiling within. It reached into her heart and mind and offered her yet more of its strength. She grasped at it and fed for as long as she could stand. Though it was heavy and, oh, so unearthly, it was enough to pull her together.
“Look,” Darist gasped, glancing at the sky above.
Iviana followed his gaze and her heart was warmed by what she saw until she realized the handful of dragons landing upon the island were not alone. They had riders.
Iviana raced to the head dragon who carried two familiar faces: Kurnin and Naii. Her stomach twisted when, at her approach, Kurnin yanked the woman down from the dragon’s back and demanded Iviana remain where she was.
“Using her for a shield, Kurnin?” Iviana asked in a low voice.
“Nothing wrong with a little security,” he said easily.
Iviana turned her attention to Naii, looking her over for signs of harm. “Naii,” she said with great relief to find her well and whole. “How have you fared?”
Naii produced a restrained smile. “It’s been... political.”
“What in the world have you done with my mountain?” Kurnin asked with mild irritation, as if scarcely impressed by the sight.
“It got what you deserve, Kurnin. But then, as I’ve tried to tell you, another has paid the price for your iniquities. I suppose he’s the only one who can save you now.”
“From what? A little girl and her army of sallow offenders? I’m fairly certain we can handle it.”
“On the contrary, a girl, her army of Chosen Ones and the Great One Himself. You have no idea how invested He is in this―no idea what you’ve set yourself up against.”
“Still think you’re special, do you? You think He wants people like these running around with the capacity to harm His realm?”
“He lets you run free, doesn’t he?”
Kurnin grinned at that. “I’m flattered, truly. Obviously, you think more of me than I realized. If I’m such a danger, what do you say we simply talk this matter over and end things peacefully.”
Iviana raised her brows. “Perfect. I’m going to need dragons―lots of dragons. And I’ll need homes for the homeless along with clothes and food supplies. I want these people to have all the comforts they’ve gone without as soon as possible.”
Kurnin studied her for a moment before he burst with laughter, bending over and resting his hands on his knees for support. “Oh, I should have known you would not be sensible,” he said laughingly. “You are very funny, though.”
He then turned and called to the head of the cannibal tribe. “They’re all yours, as we discussed. I’ll even throw in the extras. Though I warn you...” He gestured to Iviana. “...she’s a handful.”
“No,” Iviana pleaded. “How can you think of doing such a thing? You know what they are capable of!”
Abruptly, a noise not unlike the crumbling of the mountain cut off her speech, but upon searching the island’s landscape, there was nothing to be found.
“What are you doing now?” Kurnin accused, for the first time appearing mildly anxious.
Iviana did not correct him. Let him think it was her, that she was capable of such a thing. She had split the earth open once before, in any case. Perhaps it was doing so now.
As people began to point to something over the ocean, Iviana’s attention was drawn to where a portion of the water bubbled fiercely, hurling frenzied waves from its center. Whatever was below was enormous and Iviana couldn’t help wondering if it would be a danger to those on the island. Or might it possibly be a help, working as a distraction while she gathered a plan to rescue her people?
Startlingly, what was producing the display broke the ocean’s surface, shooting an almost tangible pulse in every direction, as if whatever was being uncovered held great power over that region in a realm unseen. Iviana grew to understand this as she looked on in wonder, for the transparent dome of the lost Isle of Atlantyss ascended in glittering splendor, lit brilliantly by the pronounced rays of the illuminating sun.
“Atlantyss!” Era cried ecstatically from somewhere in the crowd behind her.
It was a marvelous sight to behold, but its meaning struck Iviana full force. The Great One was raising the Atlantians at this particular moment... for this hour. He was ready for their release into the world and that meant the world was prepared for them.
Currently, that seemed farthest from the truth.
The higher the domed city rose, the more furiously it sent waves toward the cannibal island. Before long, those upon the shore were forced to race further inland as a mighty wave came generously rushing toward them, soon smashing with a vengeance over the coast, giving way to a sudden, unnerving calm as Atlantyss settled into place.
At last, the ocean growing tranquil, the glistening dome that had protected the island for so long began to descend, unveiling the glory of that great city. Vibrant flags waved from spires that jetted heavenward, adorning the towering architecture that had been constructed in various distinctive hues. Above these, soared buzzing nelepyres and elegant dragons, eager to be unleashed into the wide-open firmament beyond the dome. The plethora of people outfitted in foreign fashions moved animatedly and with purpose, clearly anticipating the prospects before them now they were no longer concealed. It was like peering into another world—a realm that presented wholly abandoned, unimpeded possibilities. The sight was fantastical, yet the true treasure was to be found in Atlantyss’ passion and culture.
“That girl claimed it Atlantyss? Is this true?” Kurnin demanded of Iviana.
She n
odded.
“Where have they come from? What have they done? What is all of that?”
“The future, if I have anything to say about it,” Iviana assured. “They’ve been hidden away at the bottom of the ocean since before Latos’ death, that they could become all the Great One desired in perfect freedom, without you and your council butting in and removing the Great One’s mantle from them.”
Kurnin physically cringed with disgust at her speech. “How dare they?” he fumed.
Iviana was speechless. This was his response to that glorious city? Contempt?
“Never mind the spectacle, everyone,” he shouted. “We’ll handle that monstrosity soon. Just now, we must deal with the prisoners. They cannot leave this island, no matter the cost.”
To Iviana’s enthused delight, those on the Atlantian dragons and nelepyres started for their island as if in response to his words and soon joined them on the beach. They had recognized their trouble and had come to her aid even in what should have been their finest hour.
Thankfully, Kurnin stood stock still, finally paralyzed in his astonishment.
Probably stunned they would actually dare to enter his presence, thought Iviana. Still, she hoped this would show him he could no longer succeed. Atlantyss would be too much for them.
Nevertheless, he would not yield. He had a planet to maintain. “Call in the Enforcers,” he shouted. At his command, a number of the council ascended on the backs of their dragons and disappeared into a large cloud.
Iviana was filled with foreboding while at the same moment drawn back to what was occurring inside her. It was now sending tremors through her body that she struggled to conceal from her enemy; she did not wish to appear weak. But it would not be hidden. It was unhinging.
Her attention was diverted from her plight as a vast cloud of dragons soared from their hiding place, their riders dressed in perfect, incandescent white. Iviana would have thought the spectacle grand had she not watched Kurnin’s face contort into a monstrous grin, surveying his finest creation unveiled at last. These were the Enforcers. Seeing their numbers, their youth and the capacity for cruelty painted in their expressions, Iviana was pained that this should be their destiny.
Kurnin drew near her and spoke in a tone she had not heard from him before, “Iviana, I mean no harm. I love this world and I admire what Latos accomplished. I wish only to keep hold of his vision, to maintain the order and unity we have had since his reign. Surely, as his granddaughter, you can find it within yourself to understand that.”
Iviana was so stunned by his speech, she could not easily find words with which to respond. Not to mention, she did not feel at all herself, twitching with power. Still, she stood her ground.
“Kurnin... oh, Kurnin, Latos never meant for any of this.” She gestured to the prisoners, the cannibals and the Enforcers. “He believed in order and unity, yes, that this world might live in harmony, without war. But he stood for love and freedom, as well, and I think he would have appreciated the profusion of gifts the Great One has bestowed on our people, just as he would have enjoyed anything given from the hands of his Great Friend.”
Kurnin shook his head. “I was wrong,” he said. “How can you understand what a great man such as your grandfather desired for this realm, what he worked his whole life to accomplish? You did not know him and only learned of him recently. I have spent the whole of my life researching his great reign, so how dare you attempt to convince me—convince these people—that you know what his intentions were, that you know better than myself and this council his vision.
“You are and always have been a poison to this realm. It is time we remedied that.” Turning to the Enforcers, he commanded, “Take them, take them all, but begin with her.”
“I spoke that mountain into a pile of rocks,” an astonishing voice with forceful conviction began, “and I’ll do the same to any who touch this woman.”
Iviana spun to face Flynn, nearly buckling but for the baffling substance that filled her.
“I am no longer afraid to do what must be done, if I have to,” he continued. “In fact, I’ll be spending the rest of my life righting the wrongs we have committed here, my council.”
“Oh, don’t take so much credit,” scoffed Kurnin. “You were nothing more than a pebble to be kicked aside in our plans. If you persist in standing against us, we will be forced to replace you.”
“Very well,” Flynn replied readily. “As it should be. I was no leader, in any case.”
Iviana longed to follow the dispute that continued, but could only be thankful Flynn was distracting them long enough for her to deal with the turmoil within. Even seeing Flynn alive had not been enough to draw her from whatever was taking place inside, for it was overpowering and her body trembled with it.
“Ivi... you all right?” Darist asked, placing a hand on her back.
Immediately, he withdrew it, eyes wide with concern.
It was only then Iviana realized her trembling was beginning to translate into the earth beneath her feet, much like it had the night she and Tragor had defeated Aradia in her underground lair. Then, the earth above had parted to reveal the starry night sky. This time, however, it felt as though she herself would split apart, as if every particle of her being might burst into a million pieces. This toiling thing which she had mistaken for a hearty supply of strength and courage had mutated into something dangerous. With all her might, she stood her ground, attempting to reign it in, to keep herself from exploding.
Even so, as the great gathering of people began to take notice, the power was only just beginning to have its way with her. Piercing beams shot forth from her eyes so all she could see was bright white light. But with that light came stillness and silence―not of the ground or the people, but of her own heart and mind. For within that light was a presence she knew well and He smiled upon her, inside of her spirit, laughing with delight. In that dazzling stillness, she was in the presence of the One she had yearned for more than anything in all the world.
And with that realization, her heart... fractured.
It was not painful nor did she fear it. As it continued to rupture, she released a guttural cry from the very depths of her soul until her heart burst―wide open and into dozens of tiny pieces, releasing the One Who had been contained there, the One Who, through her silent, growing longing, she’d invited to dwell there until He was all-consuming...until He simply could not be contained.
As the pieces of her heart drew together again, they were intermingled with that great power. From there, it flowed through her body until it found her arms where it collected until they were itching with the desire to move. All around, gasps could be heard as tangible glory streamed out from them in luminous strands of rich teal and shimmering gold, winding and curling about her.
Eyes parted and lips curled into a smile, Iviana moved her arms this way and that, watching the blue-gold glory swirl around them. Then, quite suddenly, she began to laugh a lovely, inviting, unrestrained utterance, anticipating what was to happen next, though she had no idea what it would be.
She was aware, in the back of her mind, Darist, Marquen, Era and Flynn were working to ease the people, for they were certain Iviana had come unhinged, or that, perhaps, she was working in the same dark arts Aradia had. Even those Iviana had freed were growing suspicious.
“What is that depraved girl doing now?” Kurnin cried, horrified. “Stop her!” he commanded of Iviana’s friends. “Stop her, now!” It was apparent he was by no means willing to draw near her himself.
Nevertheless, Iviana was centered with the Great One and knew from Whom the unnerving substance came, reveling in the knowledge as her blood quickened and sparked and her heart pulsed in chorus with what was to come.
At last, obeying the power’s desperate urging, she thrust her arms outward. Instantly, a great, gushing river of dazzling, glorious teal-gold water burst forth from them. The supernatural liquid devastated all in its wake, sending cannibals, councilmen, Enforcers
, Atlantians and ex-prisoners soaring through the air. Screams sounded from those who had fled in time, scrambling for dear life. But those who had been captured unprepared continued to be tossed about in the devastation.
The sensation was almost too much for Iviana; it was utterly engrossing, consuming and liberating at once. All she had felt before had been but a prelude to the moments that now passed. She was totally and utterly undone. For all she knew, her skin had been ripped from her and her spirit was pouring out, or rather scattering and bursting into the atmosphere. There was no going back and there was no escape; there was not even alleviation or comfort. She had only to stand as a threshold for the fluid from another, far superior realm, from the very kingdom of the Great One.
The force of the formidable substance was searing a great trench through the earth where a tangible river formed. Those who had been unable to escape the shimmering torrent—that was beginning to ease now it had found its home—were filled with incredulity as they found ailments healed and looked wonderingly at restored limbs and reset bones, at vanishing cuts, soars and aches. Those who could not speak, hear, see or walk were doing all of these and laughing with joyous elation at the realization.
It wasn’t long before those who had fled prior observed this and crept back, the bravest diving or wading into the river that had now slowed to a steady, satisfying rhythm, where they began to receive visions, heart healings and were given new destinies. It was then the laughing, dancing and frolicking began to unleash as a people who had previously been terrified were becoming undone in their own right. Those who had begun as enemies instantly and miraculously became comrades and sadness and anger transformed into ecstasy and tenderness as they were covered and filled by the qualities within the divine flow.
To Iviana’s astonishment, she glimpsed Kurnin and the council swimming and playing in the glory-water. Flynn was beside Kurnin as they shared wide grins and splashed one another like children. Despite her current condition and all she barely understood, this was more than she could have hoped for: to see Kurnin and the others letting go and relenting to the mysterious work of the unearthly river. Though, she doubted they could have helped it. They had been among the first to have been furiously swept up by the initial wave and this water was by no means ordinary water, containing qualities of a realm they did not know or understand that produced highly peculiar effects on all it touched. Likewise, this was no ordinary revolution; it was the kind of encounter you never came back from.
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