Afaris: Shadows on Aora

by Ciubotaru, Tudor George

  Saraf told Calis about his discussion with Pandora, except for the last part. He did not want her to be worried, too.

  As Aorians had progressed significantly in the art of manipulating energy, Saraf decided to cease training. They were strong enough to protect themselves against any attacks and there was no point in continuing.

  Days were passing without incidents or news from the Nymphs. Many started to believe that the war was over, that they had won. Messengers from other Menoms reported nothing either. Nobody knew anything about Lint. Yet, Saraf was not as relaxed as the others. He knew it was not over. He did not tell anyone, but deep in his heart, he knew this was just the beginning.

  One afternoon he called Afaris to spend some time together on the tower balcony. They told stories, laughed, made jokes. They unwound. Then Saraf, with a serious voice, but continuing to smile affectionately, asked him:

  ‘Do you know why I am more attached to you than to any of my children?’

  Afaris shook his head.

  ‘Because they do not need me anymore. They are grown-ups, strong and wise.’

  He paused shortly, then continued:

  ‘Even Urfius …’

  Afaris smiled, slightly amused.

  ‘We are made so as to be more attached to those who need us most. You, for me, are the most important person in this world. Your evolution is a priority for me.’

  ‘I’m moved, but do you mean that if one of my siblings is in danger, you will not care about it?’

  ‘Yes, of course I will care. But look, Urfius is your brother and Debiana is just a friend of yours. If Urfius is attacked by a Nymph and, at the same time, a Nymph attacks Debiana, who are you going to help?’

  ‘Well, Debiana. Urfius can manage without any problems.’

  ‘Exactly! It would be logical to help your brother first. But, since Debiana would need your help more, you choose her. This does not mean that Urfius is less important for you.’

  ‘I see what you mean. Where are you getting?’

  Saraf glanced over his shoulder to make sure nobody was listening. Calis was not around and the guards in charge of monitoring the sky were chatting or doing something else, keeping an eye out to the sky every now and then.

  ‘I shall not leave this world until you are prepared. That is a promise.’

  Afaris became sad, remembering Pandora’s words:

  ‘Your departure disturbs me, no matter when and how.’

  ‘Worry not. If you want to speak to me on the other world, you know where to find me.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘In the energy forest on the bottom of the Lake of Mirrors, obviously. I have told you, it is a bridge between two worlds which can be crossed with ease by anyone. There, even the dead can find each other.’

  ‘How come I did not see anybody there? No spirit.’

  ‘Those who have died thus far have not been taken by Pandora. They have remained with our father. I will take you to him, too, one day.’

  ‘I’m slightly confused, I don’t really understand all this.’

  ‘You will at the right time.’

  Saraf raised his head, closed his eyes and let the sun warm his face. Keeping that posture, he continued:

  ‘It is time you had your own Menom.’

  Afaris peered at him.

  ‘Now? Don’t you think the situation is too tense for that?’

  ‘Not necessarily now, but are you not curious to see where you will reign in the close future?’

  ‘Not really, honestly speaking. I have never considered it. I don’t feel ready to build a town, no matter how many will support me.’

  He paused, then resumed:

  ‘I don’t picture myself leave Saraf-Menom. It’s my home, I don’t see myself leaving it.’

  Saraf looked down, smiled at him and replied:

  ‘That is because you are not meant to leave. There is no other energy pit, Urfius has taken over the last.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Afaris asked surprised, even if he knew what his father would answer.

  ‘This is your home, as you said. And soon it will no longer be called Saraf-Menom, but Afaris-Menom.’

  ‘I’m not ready to replace you as a leader.’

  ‘Yes you are, you are as prepared as your brothers were when they erected their towns. You cannot know it all and do not need to. You have wisdom, think fast and are strong. People will follow you and I know you will not fail them.’

  ‘What are you going to do?’

  ‘I will continue to look after you all until I am summoned back.’

  A guard called them from behind Saraf:

  ‘We’ve got company!’

  Saraf turned fast and stood up. In the distance there was a Nymph flying towards them. It was a small one, he could not pose any real danger.

  The guards quickly generated energy bows, but Saraf urged them not to be violent:

  ‘It may be a mere messenger, no need to panic.’

  The Nymph approached the tower and landed in front of Saraf and Afaris while the guards surrounded him, bows pointing him.

  His feathers were covered in dry blood, but Afaris managed to recognize him.

  ‘Falus!’ he shouted and ran to him, embracing the Nymph. ‘Am I glad you are alright!’

  Falus put his claw around him, hugging him affectionately.

  ‘I’m glad to see you, too.’

  ‘What happened? I see you are soaked in blood!’

  Falus turned his look to Saraf. His eyes read unrest:

  ‘Saraf, I bring bad news.’

  Saraf raised his eyebrows, whilst remaining straight and imposing.

  ‘There was an uprising, most Nymphs turned against Crifius. We fought in the Nest, but we won. Crifius and his allies left.’

  ‘I don’t see anything bad in that’ Saraf replied.

  ‘Nothing so far, the Nymphs in the Nest want to finish the war, they know what happened actually. They know they made a mistake and apologize.’

  ‘No need for apologies.’

  ‘The situation is far more complicated than you think. Crifius is not the head of this movement. He is not the one pulling the strings. I regret to say this, but Lint is behind this war.’

  Saraf frowned. Afaris turned towards him:

  ‘The true enemy, still lurking in the shade’ he quoted Pandora’s words.

  ‘Yes, that is what I had in mind, too. Whoever or whatever is controlling Lint’s mind, that is our enemy in this war.’

  ‘Crifius could not have defeated Akdarosif on his own. On the duel day, Lint was secretly flown by another Nymph. He helped him with energy and stamina. While they were fighting, he was hidden in the forest. A woman with two children saw him and he …’

  Saraf’s eyes grew bigger:

  ‘He killed them.’

  Falus nodded.

  ‘He must be stopped. He and Lint. The Nymphs are willing to help you, yet we’re all shaken, the battle in the Nest was fierce, many Nymphs died there. The Nest is all blood and ruins.’

  ‘No need, we can handle it. I appreciate your visit. If the Nymphs have split, one of the parties is headed by Crifius. Who is the leader of the Nymphs remaining in the Nest?’

  ‘Unfortunately, I am.’

  ‘Unfortunately!? Afaris wondered. ‘Congratulations!’

  ‘Yes, unfortunately. We have tried to find Akdarosif, but unsuccessfully. He is the true leader of the Nymphs, I am just …’

  ‘If they chose you their leader, that means you are worth it’ Saraf said.

  ‘No, I’m not worthy, I’m no match to Akdarosif. I have been chosen because I’m his son.’

  Afaris froze. He looked up at Falus’s face and asked:

  ‘How come I learn this now?’

  ‘Because I didn’t want people to know. Back home, everybody expected me to equal my father. Be strong, wise, imposing. I’m not like that, I’m just a fool who enjoys flying.’

  ‘You’re much more than that. Due to your courage, w
e will restore peace on Aora.’

  Saraf looked at one of the guards who was also listening to Falus’s story in atonement and told him:

  ‘Spread the word, we are going to war. Gather the strongest Aorians in town. We are leaving for Lint immediately.’

  ‘What are you going to do?’ Afaris asked.

  ‘Kill him …’

  ‘I’m afraid you have no time. Lint and his people have restored the Nymphs’ forces. Even more. They are much stronger than before. And that’s not everything. They know they cannot attack you head-on so they plan to kill you gradually. They will storm Urfius-Menom and kill everyone. Then move on to other towns, so that you cannot receive any support when they attack you. It’s unbelievable, they’ve lost it completely. And that energy is giving them unimaginable powers, Saraf!’

  ‘When will they storm Urfius-Menom?’

  ‘Tonight. They are on their way. Nymphs and Aorians together.’

  Saraf glanced at the Aorian who was waiting for his orders. He nodded and the Aorian started running to the edge of the tower wherefrom he dived to the town.

  ‘Thank you, Falus. Maybe you do not believe it, but you match your father. If you need help we can offer you energy and everything you need.’

  ‘Thank you, you don’t need to. You keep it as there’s a war in store.’

  ‘So, we’re going to Urfius-Menom?’ Afaris asked his father.

  ‘Yes. We are going to defend your brother and his offspring. If we hurry, we will have enough time to set a trap for them.’

  ‘I will look for my father. I must find him, we need him. If I manage to find him in due time, I may persuade him to go back to the Nest and gather an army to help you.’

  ‘You will find Akdarosif hidden in a cave in the mountain around the Lake of Mirrors.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  Saraf nodded.

  ‘He is injured. Both on the inside and outside. But I believe you are the most suitable person to raise his morale.’

  ‘Thank you’ Falus sighed.

  ‘Thank you.’

  Falus took off from the tower balcony heading to the west towards the Lake of Mirrors.

  ‘Afaris, you are coming with us.’

  ‘Are you sure it is a good idea for all the strongest to leave?’

  ‘Yes. If they change their mind and attack this town, they will have to go past our heads. That is why we must move fast and in silence. Nightfall is almost here.’

  Saraf rushed to the edge of the balcony and jumped into the void, followed by Afaris and the other Aorians. He directed his thoughts to Calis and asked her to look after the town while he was away.

  At the base of the tower, the Aorians started gathering fast. The strongest of them, men and women altogether, were standing ready for war. Among them, with a frowned and full of hatred face, the man whose wife and children had been killed in cold blood, raised his fist and shouted:

  ‘I want the bastard’s head!’

  The other Aorians shouted around him enthusiastically and strongly. One thing was certain, the war was about to finish. But not before one bloody battle.

  Chapter 25

  Dark Aorians

  Towards the end of the day, when the sun was still up on the sky, creating a mild and relaxing atmosphere, more than 500 Aorians, headed by Saraf and Afaris came out of the forest bordering Urfius-Menom. They were ready for war and determined to put an end to everything that night.

  Urfius was immediately informed about their arrival and came out to greet them, outside the town, with a confused and scared look.

  ‘If this is about that bad joke I told one year ago, I apologized back then and I can apologize now if need be, there’s no need to chase me with an army’ he said in a serious, yet slightly ironical tone.

  ‘Very funny, joker’ Saraf answered and patted him on the shoulder. ‘We are not here after you, but for you. An army of Nymphs and Aorians from Lint-Menom will siege you tonight.’

  ‘Are you sure?’ he asked surprised.

  Saraf look at the large number of Aorians standing on the field in front of them, waiting for new orders, then turned his gaze to Urfius.

  ‘Yes, I am sure.’

  Soon after, Saraf shared Falus’s input, Lint’s betrayal and the fact that they wanted to end it all that night. Urfius gave his father the control over his Menom so that they could make decisions faster. Thus, Saraf ordered his men to hide, together with Aorians from Urfius-Menom, in their homes, behind the trees in the forest next to the town and in the tall grass growing among the lakes scattered on the field.

  Urfius’s men observed Saraf’s orders and agreed to support him with whatever he needed. Most decided to take part in the battle and the others, who could not fight such a battle, would hide in their homes.

  In that fight, surprise would be most important, the Nymphs could not find out anything about the trap they would step in until it was too late. Thus, a very small number of Aorians were given the duty to scan the sky and inform the others on the arrival of the enemy army.

  Afaris and Saraf hid inside the house with Urfius, Vilinda and Finaria, where they chatted waiting.

  Even though Afaris did not agree, Finaria decided to join the battle, encouraged by Urfius’s jokes:

  ‘What’s wrong, brother? Are you afraid that my little girl would kill more Nymphs than you?’

  Saraf stood by the window facing the energy pit in the middle of the town, all ears.

  ‘Any idea when they will show up?’ Urfius asked him from the other side of the room.

  ‘Judging by the sky, the sun will soon set.’

  ‘It has already set, you can only see its rays on the sky.’

  ‘I still cannot believe that we have ended up killing each other.’

  Saraf looked at his son.

  ‘We will not kill each other. The Aorians coming along the Nymphs have long been dead. Their bodies are now controlled by … something else.’

  ‘Will we end up like this, too?’

  ‘No’ Saraf replied in a determined voice. ‘We have another destiny.’

  After some moments of sitting in silence, from the edge of the town an energy missile took off to the sky, followed by others. Several people started to scream. Aorians on the streets rushed to the homes closest to them, in agitation.

  ‘This is the signal’ Saraf announced them. ‘They are here.’

  Everybody in the room stood up waiting for his orders. He waved them to wait. Looking outside the window, he noticed a large flight of Nymphs closing from the left of the town. They were in the hundreds, maybe in the thousands. It seemed their entire army was there, which was perfect.

  They then started to land in town. The Aorians continued to scream, as if taken by surprise. Some Nymphs landed in front of Urfius’s house and behind them there were several of Lint’s offspring. Their clothes were painted black and red. Some had hoods over their heads, but those who did not showed the change they had been through. Their hair was dark, their teeth were no longer straight, perfect, but sharp and deformed, ready to tear flesh off their enemies, their eyes were black and their iris coloured in several red shades.

  Afaris’s heart started pounding when he saw the old Aorians. One thing calmed him down: most certainly he would not get Aorians’ blood on his hands for they no longer were his akin.

  Urfius was moving restlessly, waiting for Saraf’s signal. Saraf whispered:

  ‘I don’t see Lint. Nor Crifius.’

  The Nymphs started to strike the houses trying to reach the Aorians taking shelter and screaming. Lint’s children dismounted the Nymphs in order to enter the houses. When many enough Nymphs landed in the town, Saraf yelled:

  ‘Now!!!’

  His voice echoed all over the town taking the enemies by surprise. He generated an energy bow, armed it and targeted the Nymph in the middle of the town. The arrow hit the Nymph between the eyes and came out through the back of his head. He collapsed dead and Saraf jumped out the window shoo
ting a new arrow at another Nymph.

  Urfius followed him, as did Finaria and Afaris.

  The screams filled the town. Aorians were pouring out of the houses, all armed with swords and bows. The surprise attack proved fruitful. Tens of Nymphs and dark Aorians fell to the ground in seconds. Then the battle caught scale. Energy swords were hitting all over the town. Energy arrows and missiles were flying in all directions. The sky became a show of lights because of the missiles trying to take down the Nymphs hovering over the town.

  Something unexpected happened next. It seemed that the planet herself was landing a hand. The town’s energy stones started to illuminate more strongly than ever, the pit’s energy wave was so intense that it illuminated the entire valley. They had the upper ground in this battle.

  Afaris landed and generated two energy swords. He rotated them menacingly at the enemies in the square, then joined the battle. A dark Aorian howled at him, showing his fangs, then rushed at him holding a sword. He tried to hit his head, but Afaris blocked the attack with one sword and hit him with the other one. He froze when he saw his opponent catch the blades with his bare hands. He raised a foot and hit Afaris in the chest projecting him back. Afaris collapsed, tumbled twice, regained balance and stood up holding his swords tightly.

  ‘This will be harder than I thought’ he sighed.

  He triet to enter the dark Aorian’s mind and slay him with a thought, but there was no use. His mind was protected by a shield so strong that he could not possibly brake.

  Another Aorian charged at Afaris’s adversary, screaming. The creature attacked him and the Aorian blocked his shot. Yet, the dark Aorian’s force was much higher than he expected. His sword shattered and his enemy’s blade penetrated his flesh, stopping in his spine.

  The dark Aorian fixed a foot in his body and hoisted the sword, leaving his victim to collapse to the ground.

  Afaris regarded the moment stoned. Maybe they were not so prepared for this battle, but he was. The more he killed in a short time, the more lives he would save.

  His swords charged with energy, shining bright. With an arm movement he cast an energy wave through the blade of his sword to his opponent delivering a full blow. His body was thrown in the air, then smashed to the ground.