by Aya Knight
“Just go.” Kale spoke in a loud whisper.
Illadar inhaled through his nose and turned away from the group. “All right, if that’s how you’ll have it, then I’m leavin’.”
Chapter 16: The Tower
A loud snap filled their ears and both Kale and Illadar flew back in opposite directions.
“Enough!” Thomas yelled in frustration. “No one is leaving.” He shot a glance to Illadar. “You know better—you’re behaving as Kale once did; selfish and full of pride.”
Kale contracted his brows as he scowled at Thomas.
“And you! Don’t you dare attempt to throw a childish fit.” Thomas waved a finger toward Kale’s face. “You should know exactly how your friend is feeling. Do not pretend to have such ignorance, boy. I was well aware you had fallen for Neelan when you parted ways at Braxle. You should be more compassionate to a man who speaks in grievance. In your heart, I know you understand he doesn’t mean such foul words.”
“Kale, he’s right … My mind is just torn; I’m speakin’ irrationally because of this—this feelin’ inside.” Illadar tightened his fists until his dark knuckles lightened. “You see … this is why I do not wish to love again. It’s so complex and confusin’. I want to forget I ever met her and continue forward.”
“I don’t believe that will be so easily accomplished,” Neelan spoke with a mischievous smirk.
“Why is that? I prefer bein’ without a woman by my side. Life is easier that way.” Illadar straightened his posture and turned. “Females only make a man’s mind go crazy—right now I need to focus on our quest without distractions.” He tilted his head toward Kale. “And yes, I want to.”
Neelan placed a palm across her mouth and tried to unsuccessfully suffocate a laugh which slipped through her lips.
“What?” Illadar questioned.
“I suggest you tell all of this, to her.” She pointed in the opposite direction.
Two black stallions galloped toward them, pulling a bumping wagon in their wake.
“Marg?! It can’t be …” Illadar squinted.
“But you know that it is.” Neelan smiled.
“Illadar!” Marg called out with a wide grin of excitement. The wagon approached and she tugged her horses to a halt. “Illadar, I couldn’t do it—I couldn’t leave you!” She leapt from the wagon and rushed into his arms. “From the moment I left, all I could think of was our time together. I don’t want it to end so soon.”
“Marg, I—I … I don’t know what to say,” Illadar stammered while locking her against his chest.
“Say she can join us, you fool,” Kale blurted.
Marg tilted her head to better view Illadar’s expression. Her eyes twinkled with hope.
Illadar knew this moment was a crossroad, and the path ahead would impact his emotions regardless of the decision. Both options had the ability to bring him great joy in the end, or great sorrow. He looked to the sky and momentarily closed his eyes. Kleana … what should I do? Illadar sighed and opened his eyes to see a beautiful butterfly land upon a lone bush of tiny blue flowers.
The butterfly flexed its orange and red marked wings before taking flight. It landed gently upon Illadar’s shoulder.
“It’s beautiful.” Neelan spoke in awe as she watched the magnificent creature once again take flight.
As it flapped its wings, they could see the specks of silver on its underbelly that reflected the sun’s light, creating the illusion that the butterfly was sparkling. It moved to Marg, circled her body, then returned to Illadar.
“That’s odd. It’s almost as though this insect is trying to tell you something,” Kale spoke while investigating the butterfly’s movements.
Illadar smiled. “Maybe you’re right, kid.” He watched as the butterfly looped another time before fluttering off into the sky. The direct sunlight kept him from tracking the creature any further as it disappeared from sight. “Marg, would you like to accompany me on our journey? I know you are to return back to your farm, so I understand if you cannot—though I would be honored to have you join us.”
Her lips widened as a smile froze upon her face. She bounced happily, taking his hand into hers. “I would love to!”
Thomas deepened the wrinkles on his forehead as he raised his brows. “I thought you mentioned that your family is ill and relying on you to return …”
Marg’s lips relaxed to a solemn expression. “It is time my brother came to my family’s aid. I cannot be solely responsible for their well-being. I have a life to live too. Besides, I know my father; he will summon my brother when I don’t return in a timely fashion. We also have a farm-hand who will help care for them while I’m away. I don’t want to live forever as a servant to others.”
“But won’t they worry about you if you do not return?” Neelan questioned.
“To be honest, it’s doubtful. My father and I have never been very close. The only time we speak is when I am fetching him food or beverage.” Marg looked to Illadar. “Which is why I am grateful for this offer. It is the first time I’ve felt alive since I can recall.”
“Then it’s settled,” Neelan spoke. “Marg will join us; so let’s continue onward. We haven’t time to lose, and I don’t think we should linger on the main trail with such a large group. It might cause alarm to any passerby.”
They climbed back into the wagon and quickly made up for time lost as the horses galloped down the straight path. Without any trees nearby, a steady breeze sifted through their hair.
It wasn’t much longer before a narrow, dark structure could be seen; resting atop a small hill.
“Look ahead! That must be the tower!” Kale exclaimed with excitement.
As he glanced forward, the thought pressed upon him that soon, he would be meeting his mother for the first time since he could remember. He swallowed hard, forcing the saliva down as his throat tightened.
The tower was in clear sight and they could see the fine details of the structure as they neared. Grey stone formed a narrow cylinder that climbed toward the sky. A cone-pointed roof, covered in crumbled rock, added character to the old structure.
Kale couldn’t imagine anyone actually living inside. He then remembered the Emerald Prince speaking of entering with the aid of powerful magic. Kale couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead in such a place. The thought of a massive dragon squeezing into the narrow tower seemed impossible—though, after all he had been through, he knew never to doubt the power of a trained spell-caster.
“Is this what you were seeking?” Marg questioned with uncertainty. “I thought you were wanderers, heading to the next town … Is there something I am not being told?” She looked to Illadar with a frown. “I cannot travel alongside those who are not honest to me.”
“It’s not like that,” Illadar began to explain.
“Exactly. It is not like that at all.” Thomas interjected. “This is merely a brief stop to see an old friend of ours. You should wait outside, dear. The conversation would hardly be entertaining for you.”
“I think I’ll be perfectly content in the presence of any friend of Illadar’s—but thank you for the concern,” Marg defensively shot back.
Thomas glanced at his friends with a look of uncertainty.
Kale knew that Thomas was doubtful of Marg’s loyalty since they only met mere days ago. Allowing Marg to see Zasha and learn about the dragon eggs could be a costly mistake if word of their location happened to leak.
Before Illadar could muster a response, the wagon came to a sudden halt.
“Here we are …” Marg tightened her jaw as though disappointed by Illadar’s lack of support.
Kale leapt from the wagon, cradling the bag of eggs protectively within his arms. The tower appeared much taller once he stood at ground level below. Its gloomy appearance was intimidating and unwelco
ming. Kale and Neelan circled the tower, inspecting every crack and crevice.
“There is no door.” Kale tapped the toe of his boot against the rock. “I don’t understand.” He glanced over a shoulder to ensure Marg wasn’t within hearing distance.
“Only the one appointed as the Keeper can grant access. No one shall enter without permission.” Thomas placed a hand upon the stone wall. “I recall that much from my visit long ago. We were told to keep back, for the tower possessed great power that should not be trifled with. This is the first time I’ve gotten the opportunity to touch this magnificent structure. Some have said it’s only fables, and this is merely an old tower used by the King’s guards centuries ago as an outpost. But I know better, my friends—I can sense the power even as we speak. It’s simply fascinating.”
“How do we find this Keeper?” Neelan questioned.
“If my assumptions are correct—the Keeper is none other than Zasha,” Thomas replied.
Kale’s eyes lit up. He placed his forehead upon the cool wall in thought. Mother, are you truly inside? Can you feel my presence? He felt a subtle movement upon his skin and raised his head to see a black door. “What in Pan’s name? I’m certain this wasn’t here a moment ago.”
“The Keeper has responded to your touch it seems. I do believe we are being invited inside.” Thomas motioned for Kale to enter.
“What about them?” Kale gestured toward the sand-people.
“They will be fine, my friend,” the old sorcerer replied.
Kale cautiously wrapped his fingers around the steel handle and firmly tugged. The door eerily creaked open, revealing a peculiar room filled with dangling blue spheres.
Each sphere emitted a blue aura which provided dim lighting to the small area.
“Illadar, make haste, we’re going in!” Kale called out.
Illadar nodded and took Marg by the hand.
“Wait.” Thomas pointed behind Marg. “You haven’t secured your steeds.”
Marg narrowed her eyes in Thomas’s direction. “I could have sworn I’d already done so.” She tilted her head. “But, I suppose you’re right.” Marg slipped her hand from Illadar’s. “I shall be right back.”
Illadar nodded and returned her warming smile.
“Come—she will be fine.” Thomas motioned Illadar in his direction.
Illadar hesitantly approached his friends, glancing often over a shoulder toward where Marg was tying the reins to a misshapen rock.
Once within reach, Thomas shoved him inside, following directly behind. Upon stepping foot within the room, the distinct sound of grinding stone could be heard.
The group spun around to find the door replaced by a solid stone wall.
Illadar rushed to where he had just entered and smacked his palms against the rock. “Open up! We have one more outside!” He called out.
Thomas slid a hand over Illadar’s shoulder. “The Keeper chooses who enters. There were no mistakes here.”
“Maybe it’s for the best. We really don’t know her well enough to bestow this extent of trust,” Kale added.
Though Kale was relieved they wouldn’t have to reveal something of such importance to an individual they hadn’t known for long; he still felt sorry for both Marg and Illadar. Had it been a situation with him and Neelan, he knew his emotions would be torn.
“Don’t comfort me, old man. She could be attacked while we’re in here—or worse!” Illadar pulled away from Thomas’ grip. “You knew this would happen, didn’t you?!”
Before an answer could be given, the lights began to flicker and the ground shook.
Kale clapped a hand against the wall to keep balance and began to shift his eyes looking for answers. “Zasha, is it you who is doing this?! Why will you not show yourself?” He called out as the tremors intensified.
The sound of crumbling rock could be heard, and Kale had just enough time to glance at Neelan, who bore a look of panic, before the floor gave out beneath their feet.
They reached out to one another as gravity engulfed them, and they dropped down into the darkness.
Neelan managed to shove off the wall just enough to force herself toward Kale. Her fingers grazed his as they helplessly struggled to hold onto one another.
“Kale—” Neelan shouted; her voice shaken with fear. “Kale, I love you—from the moment we met. Thomas was right … I needed you to know that.”
Kale could tell by the tremble in her voice that she was frightened for what was to come when they reached the bottom. His muscles tensed. Death seemed unacceptable after what they had been through—how close they were to achieving his goal—and how close they had become to one another.
Zasha—mother, will you truly allow us to meet such a fate?! I hope this is all part of your plan … My life is in your hands, he thought while forcing his emotions back; not wanting to reveal weakness to Neelan. “I love you too, Neelan.” He mustered the strength to compose his words. “From the moment I held you in my arms, I knew that you were the one I would never want to be without. Everything will be all right … this isn’t the end for us.”
Kale stretched his arm until his muscles burned and his shoulder ached, until he grasped Neelan’s hand in his. Fighting against the forceful winds, he pulled her close to his chest, wrapping his arms protectively around her small frame. Her hair fluttered wildly against his face as they descended.
They continued to plummet and as time passed, the sheer terror of the situation subsided.
“Is this some sorta’ sick game?” Illadar questioned in anger. He held his arms wide to maintain balance as his large body fought not to teeter.
“Please calm yourselves, everyone,” Thomas spoke in a composed voice.
“Are you serious, old man?! Or have you gone senile on us?” Illadar replied.
“I do not think Zasha will allow the eggs to be in danger,” Thomas called out through his thick beard, which he fought to push away from his mouth.
“That may be true, if this is the correct tower. But what if we are in the wrong location?!” Illadar angrily yelled.
“I-I believe this is where we should be …” Kale looked into the darkness. They had fallen so deep he could no longer see any hint of light from above.
Kale’s chest tightened and his heart throbbed at the realization that there was a chance he did steer them wrong. When Thomas had mentioned the tower, Kale’s desire to move forward and save the eggs overpowered any desire to consider the situation further.
If I’m wrong, Kale thought, then Zasha is not the Keeper, and we may all be in grave danger…
Thomas spoke, and a small orb appeared within his palm.
“Why must you always delay using your magic?! I’d like to see if I’m about to become a heap of splattered intestines!” Kale angrily called.
“I have already explained that I do not believe we are in any form of danger here,” Thomas replied.
The group inspected all directions, but could see nothing beyond the circumference of light. Their bodies had adjusted to the velocity of falling and Kale began to explore how he was able to maneuver himself through the air by tilting the position of his arms.
“I’m going to see what’s at our sides.” Kale released Neelan’s hand.
“Kale, no! If there are stone walls, you will rip the very flesh from your body with a single brush,” Neelan pleadingly warned.
“I have to know. We could very well keep falling until we die of starvation.” Kale waited no longer as he pressed his arms tightly against his body and dove. “Thomas, guide the orb to me,” he commanded over a shoulder.
With a wave of his hand, Thomas led the orb in Kale’s direction.
Kale waved his hands around cautiously, but still could not see, nor feel anything but darkness and air.
&nb
sp; “It’s hopeless—there is nothing around us. If we were still in the tower, I surely would have made contact with the wall,” Kale surmised. “Can’t you do something Thomas?”
“I have told you—I strongly believe this all has purpose.” Thomas stared at Kale in the dim light. “Do you not find it odd that we are able to speak, even though falling? We are not descending at normal velocity. There is a strong magical presence guiding us. Besides, hard-headed boy, you know I cannot teleport us within a closed area. We would all meet a horrid fate. I believe it is best that we allow the Keeper to bring us where we need to go.”
“I swear, old man, if anything happens to Marg while we’re here …” Illadar looked away to conceal his emotions.
“The sand-bags are with her,” Kale replied with a snicker. “I’m sure they won’t stand in wait while a lady is harmed.”
Neelan gasped, “Reem! What if I travel too far from them?!” Her wide eyes could be seen through the light.
“There is magic at work here, dear,” Thomas assured. “I have a feeling it will be just fine.”
“Look!” Illadar called, while pointing a finger below.
A faint blue glow could be seen beneath them, like a beacon in the darkness.
Neelan clawed at Kale’s clothing in a frightened panic until catching hold of his arm and pulling herself tightly against his body.
“This is the magic you spoke of Thomas?! We’re going to fall to our deaths!” Neelan yelled and buried her face in the pit of Kale’s arm.
“Thomas—I think now would be a good time to do something!” Kale called.
Suddenly, Kale felt a strong tug from behind and was torn from Neelan’s arms. His body was sent into a tumble by the force, and he flung his arms out in a quick attempt to steady his body against the wind.
Thomas shot an arm forward and the small orb raced in Kale’s direction. “Kale—watch out!” He shouted as a black arm took hold of the egg sack.