by Aya Knight
“So Zasha says I cannot help … am I to die?” Neelan sighed. “As long as I breathe I know I can help—I must help. But, if it is my destiny to fall in battle, let it be for the one I love,” Neelan whispered.
“Who are you speaking to?” Kale questioned as he approached. “And where have you been?” He took a lock of her hair and loosely twisted it around a finger.
“Just thinking aloud.” She smiled. “Nothing important.”
“Good. I was beginning to wonder if this place had made you go mad.” He let her hair unwind and fall upon her chest. “You know, if there is anything on your mind, you can talk to me about it.”
“I know.” She took his hand into hers. “Now let’s get going; we’ve got a former general to stop.” She winked and tugged him forward.
“Goodbye, Mother …” Kale whispered as he cast a final glance over his shoulder.
They approached the group and immediately heard Dibble and Illadar arguing on how to forge the perfect blade.
“Is this our destination?” Thomas questioned in an audible voice as they approached a dark tunnel.
“What? Oh, yes, indeed it is.” Dibble turned to Illadar. “Now see, you’ve gone and distracted me, human.” He stopped short and cleared his throat. “We must proceed with caution. One false move will send us on the wrong path.”
“Path to where?” Kale questioned.
“To a place of darkness. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to stay close to me.”
“I thought Zasha said nothin’ on this side of the lake would harm us?” Illadar wiped his brow in frustration.
“That is correct. We will not encounter more of the shar’ka. Within the cave, however, is a maze of tunnels. It has been constructed to ensure only those meant to leave will find safe passage.” Dibble began to move forward. “Follow.” He crept into the darkness with a hand lightly grazing the ridged rock wall. “Ah, yes, here we are.” His small hands tugged upon something long. “Grexa!”
In an instant, the rod lit up at the end with a vibrant green flame.
“You know, Thomas could have just cast a light spell for us,” Kale spoke while following close behind.
“Your friend is in no shape to use his abilities. He is already fatigued, Master.” Dibble waved the flame toward Thomas’ face, revealing dark, drooping bags beneath the old sorcerer’s eyes.
“Do you mind?” Thomas pushed the rod aside. “I’d rather you not cause my friends to worry. Unless you like the idea of being made into a coin pouch.”
“Touchy, touchy,” Dibble replied.
Kale had seen enough to agree with the gord. Thomas looked terrible and in no condition to cast magic.
“The torch is already lit. Let’s move on,” Neelan added. “Besides, you never know what’s going to happen once we find Jedah. We should enjoy each other’s company while we can.”
Kale raised a brow. “Are you certain you’re doing all right?”
He was accustomed to her wittiness and forward demeanor—but this was something quite different. There was a distinct seriousness that Kale couldn’t read.
“Enough chatter, we must keep moving.” Dibble led them deeper into the twisting tunnels until no light, aside from the tall flame, could be seen.
They approached a fork in the tunnel where the path split in separate directions. Dibble paused and rubbed a hand against his pointed chin.
“Which way … which way?” he whispered.
“I thought you knew the way.” Illadar looked down the dark paths with uncertainty.
“Well, it’s not every day I guide visitors out, you know.” Dibble waved the rod in frustration as he spoke.
“What happens if you should choose the incorrect route?” Thomas questioned.
“Certain death.” Dibble’s wide, beady eyes reflected in the light of the flame.
“How do you not—”
“Silence!” Dibble raised an open palm towards Illadar. ”It’s this way.” He began to approach the right tunnel.
Neelan took Kale’s hand and inhaled heavily.
“Everything will be fine. He maybe an odd-looking grey annoyance, but I trust his judgment,” Kale assured her.
They followed down the path which grew narrower with each step. Before long, the group was on their knees, easing their way behind the faint glow of Dibble’s torch. There was little space to maneuver without scraping against the grainy rock.
Illadar grunted uncomfortably as his wide body struggled to squeeze through. An uneasy feeling of claustrophobia began to settle into his mind.
“My bow is going to get damaged if the space closes any more. Are we almost out?” Neelan grunted as she spoke, trying to avoid focusing on her bleeding knees, which painfully scraped against the ground.
“Almost,” Dibble replied.
After another bend in the dark tunnel, they could see a dim light filtering in through a hole ahead.
“Bloody hell, I never thought it’d end,” Illadar said as the group quickened their pace.
They emerged into a room lit by a single blue tulip. Its delicate petals spiraled to create a perfect cylinder. Behind the radiant blossom was a pool of water which remained glassy and still.
Neelan approached the flower, mesmerized by its beauty. She fell to a knee and gazed intently into the soft glow.
“It’s lovely.” Her voice was soft and melodic.
She slowly opened her tightened fist and reached forward toward the plant. Before her fingers made contact, she was forcefully shoved to the ground. Her eyes widened as she shook her head in confusion.
“What in Pan’s name did you do that for?!” Kale lifted Dibble by the tuft of his white shirt.
“My intentions were well, Master.” Dibble raised his arms across his face, fearful to be struck.
“Explain yourself then,” Kale spoke firmly while keeping Neelan in his vision to ensure she was unharmed. He watched as Illadar extended a hand to help her to her feet.
“Make it quick, before I squash you with my bare hands.” Illadar glared at Dibble.
“Close that oversized mouth of yours, you barbaric numbskull,” Dibble shot back.
“Enough!” Kale called out while returning Dibble to the ground.
“My apologies, Master.” The small gord wrinkled his long, slender nose at Illadar while speaking. “You see,” he returned his focus to Kale, “my reasons were not to harm Neelan, but to protect her.” His lengthy, finger pointed above.
The group raised their eyes to the stone ceiling. Many deathly sharp, pointed rods protruded from a steel plank.
“Those who dare to touch the petals from the tulip shall meet an unavoidable demise. The trap is immune to magic, and will fall faster than any mortal can flee.”
“Jumping balt toads, I cannot believe I did not sense this before. The magical aura is quite strong,” Thomas spoke while gazing up in bewilderment.
Neelan swallowed hard. “Thank you.”
“I will do all in my power to protect those dear to my master.” Dibble bowed.
“This, comin’ from someone no larger than the size of my shins?” Illadar snickered sarcastically. “I truly feel safer now.”
“Barbarian,” Dibble muttered as he approached the glassy pool of water, opposite of the flower. “This is where we part ways.”
The group stood in confusion, staring down at their own reflections in the dark water.
“Well then, off with you. The sooner you end this threat, the safer our world will be. You have no idea of what could happen if Jedah’s accomplice should grow in power. Stop him at all costs, and find the dark one. Should you fail, you and the world as you know it will be destroyed.” Dibble knelt and dipped a finger into the water.
Instantly, the ripples expand
ed.
“I presume you wish for us to enter this body of water?” Thomas lowered himself to a knee next to Dibble.
“Indeed, it is the only way.” The gord locked eyes with Thomas. “Your magic is no good here. Making it out safely is a matter of physical endurance—are you certain you wish to attempt this?”
Thomas laughed aloud. “Is this a fool’s question? What other options are there? I’m certainly not letting this one out of my sight.” He gestured toward Kale.
Without hesitation, Thomas slid into the water. He turned to face his companions; the water up to his throat.
Dibble gave a firm nod. “Farewell, Master. May we meet again.” He bowed. “And you, Milady,” he maneuvered his long nose so that he was able to kiss Neelan’s hand, “be safe.”
Illadar grunted loud enough to distract Dibble’s attention. He glanced down upon the gord and tapped the toe of his boot.
Dibble threw his hands into the air. “All right, all right. I suppose I’ll miss your company too. It’s not every day that we get a hard-headed numbskull in our realm—your presence was quite entertaining.”
Illadar smirked. “You’re not so bad yourself, little grey man.” He approached the water’s edge and paused.
“Your weapon will be fine. This is no ordinary water … barbarian.” Dibble replied instantly with a wink.
“What do we need to do?” Kale questioned as he slipped his body down beneath the surface, until only his head remained above water level.
“Quite simply, Master, you must dive. I advise you each to fill your lungs with oxygen—it’s a long way down. You will see a light beaming through a hole. Do not miss it, Master.” He glanced with narrowed eyes at the group and spoke in a tone of warning. “For if you do, you will not have enough air to resurface—you will die.”
“You sure we can’t just go the way we came? I think I’d rather take my chances with the shar’ka.” Illadar cautiously stared at the pool.
“Not unless you can fly.” Dibble urged Illadar in. “Come now, I must return to Zasha.”
Illadar sighed and sank to his chest.
“Well, this is it then.” Dibble bowed. “May the Gods be with you, my friends.”
Kale extended an arm to help Neelan in. Her expression told him she was unsure of their success.
“Give me your bow.” Kale urged.
“I’m fine. Besides,” her gaze momentarily shifted toward Thomas, “someone may need you and you can’t risk being overburdened.”
Kale sighed, knowing an argument with her would prove pointless.
“All right. I need everyone to follow Neelan down. I shall remain in the back. Illadar, you will go directly behind her, then Thomas.” He looked to Neelan, a slight worry in his heart, yet he knew her eyes were the best to spot their destination.
“This is an important responsibility. If we should miss the lighted tunnel, we’re all going to die. You heard Dibble, I’m unable to cast magic here,” Thomas spoke while continuously slapping his beard down, which remained buoyant despite his efforts.
“I can do this,” Neelan replied confidently.
Kale nodded in assurance. “All right, everyone …” Kale pulled Neelan close, pressing his lips firmly against her forehead. “This is it—let’s move.” He waited for each of his friends to deeply inhale before diving below the surface.
With a final nod to Dibble, he followed.
Chapter 25: To our world
He glided through the dark water, struggling to maintain sight of Neelan. At first, his body moved with ease through the liquid; as he descended, the density changed. The water pressed at his ribcage and seemed to thicken with each stroke of his arms. Anxiety set in as he thought of Thomas and Illadar struggling ahead. He kicked his legs in swift, sharp motions, knowing that by now their lungs wouldn’t hold out much longer.
We’ve got to do this, Kale thought. Come on. His eyes shot around for any indication of light.
The burning had set in—it wouldn’t be much longer. He paused for a moment, waving his arms against the abnormally thick water. He saw it. Directly down, below his feet, was the light. It was so faint in the surrounding cloudiness of the pond he nearly missed it. Frantic for air, he shot his glance in all directions, but couldn’t find a trace of his friends. Suddenly, a small silhouette passed before the light.
Neelan! Kale thought as he struggled to follow. He pinched his eyes shut and kicked with every remaining ounce of his strength. Knowing that there would be no saving Thomas and Illadar, he placed all hope in the thought that they had already discovered the light.
His heart ached at the thought of not first ensuring his friend’s safety, but the pain of his burning lungs overwhelmed his ability to further search. His hands scooped at the water in panic as he swiftly guided himself closer to the light.
He could no longer prevent his body’s urge to inhale. The air which had surrounded him each day of his life, now seemed a precious commodity he had taken for granted. The thought of Neelan’s smile filled his thoughts as his lips parted. Water rushed in, infiltrating his airway. As the bubbles containing his last breath escaped toward the surface, Kale watched as the light engulfed him.
“Wake up! Please wake up!” Neelan cradled Kale’s limp body in her arms. “You’re stronger than this Kale—open your eyes!”
The fluid rushed up through his throat and exploded from his mouth in a milky combination of mucus and clouded water. Kale gasped for air, coughing as the remaining water within his lungs forced its way out. He rolled out of Neelan’s grasp and onto the stone floor. His eyelids parted as he glanced around in confusion. The room was oddly familiar.
”We’re in the tower,” Neelan spoke after reading the look upon his face.
“Thomas … Illadar,” Kale choked out while positioning himself upon all fours.
“About time you joined us, kid. I’m sure glad we could keep up with your pace. I dunno’ what we woulda’ done without your protection.” Illadar added as they enjoyed a laugh.
Thomas stepped forward and put a firm hand upon Kale’s shoulder. “I am happy to see you safe—though, I knew you would be.”
“You’re dry,” Kale muttered in an attempt to change the subject.
“Indeed I am.” Thomas chuckled to himself. “It’s quite mysterious really. We were all dry from the moment we entered this room. Well, everyone except for you.” Thomas joked while gesturing to the large wet spot where Kale had spit his water.
“Yes, you’re so amusing.” Kale sarcastically replied while rolling his eyes. He placed a sturdy hand upon a knee and stood. Through the dull lighting, he could see the door they had once entered through.
“Our new path begins now,” Kale spoke while pushing against the grainy texture of the wooden door.
Sunlight poured into the circular room, blinding their sight with its vibrancy. The four stepped out, grateful to be upon familiar soil.
“Illadar!” A voice chimed.
“Marg? Marg!” Illadar rushed around the side of the tower to find Marg standing with a look of confusion upon her face.
“I couldn’t find the door. I tied my steeds, and when I returned to where you had entered, there was nothing. I was so worried.” Her slender arms tightly embraced his thick body.
Illadar caressed his hand against her cheek. “My sincerest apologies. You needn’t worry about me.
“Shall we go inside then?” Marg questioned.
“Go inside where?” Illadar raised a brow.
“To visit your friend, of course.” She smiled.
Illadar stood speechless.
“How long have you been waiting for us, Marg?” Kale asked.
“Only a few moments.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask me this?”
Thomas cleared his throa
t and stepped forward. “Our friend is not home currently. There is no knowing when he will return, so I believe it is in our best interest to move along. We wouldn’t want to be caught on the open trails when night falls.”
Marg stared, unsatisfied with his response. “Interesting.” She muttered while looking intently up at the tower. “I suppose you’re right then.” Her eyes locked to Thomas. “Let us be on our way.”
They gathered their belongings into the caravan and alerted the sand-people of their plans to find shelter within the coastal town of Perun. With a snap of the reins, the group set off down the winding dirt path. They rode into the night, followed behind by the sand-people. The vibrant luminosity of the moon left little concealment on the open path.
After the moon had shifted in the sky, and the horses had slowed to a steady trot, a row of hazy lights could be seen near the horizon. Relief swept over the group, who had not eaten since their departure from the tower. Their mouths pooled with saliva at the thought of a hot meal.
A thick fog came into view and both Illadar and Neelan looked back at Thomas for answers.
“Yes, I have been here before, long ago on my journey toward Sundra. Perun is a dreadful place really, but we had no trouble with the townsfolk, none the less.” Thomas held his gaze upon the quickly approaching walls.
The air dampened as they neared and a heavy mist blanketed their surroundings.
“Are you sure this is the right town?” Illadar questioned as they made way toward the faint glow of lights.
Neelan wiped damp, matted bangs from her forehead as she stared intently. “I see it. There are large walls ahead. She checked behind to see the sand-people moving sluggishly, their bodies weighted down by the heavy moisture.
Reem’s head hung low as he trudged forward.