Nodding at his father, he approached the throne pensively. It was made of solid stone and running his fingertips across, he felt the engravings, then turning to face his father, he sat down.
“Now place your hands onto the symbols on the arms of the throne.” His father instructed. Kainan did as his father asked. Walking towards him, his father held the crystal crown outstretched in his hands. “Are you ready my son?”
Swallowing hard and drawing a deep breath as he stared at the skull crown “Yes father,” he replied strongly. Carefully his father lifted the crown, placing it over Kainan’s head. Then he lowered the skull shaped crown down until it covered him and all the King could see was his son’s fearful eyes staring back at him through the sockets of the skull crown.
As the King released the crown, Kainan immediately threw his head back, his hands locking down tight onto the symbols on the arms of the throne; sitting up sharply, his eyes closed as the crown began glowing bright green. Then his eyes, although closed, began flickering from side to side; the power was incredible! His father watched nervously as it was the first few seconds that were critical. As he watched the Crown’s glow change to white he smiled and gave a relaxing sigh. He had been right about him. Breathing deep, he thought this day would never happen, he thought he would never have a true heir to Malgar, one who could use the magic.
Gareion would never have survived, it had not been worth the risk and his wife would never have allowed it. They had been fortunate in that they had not lost Gareion after he was born. The Queen, after giving birth to Kainan, had struggled with Gareion; they had nearly lost him too. He had been weak, and small, and for a while he had struggled to take his mother’s milk. The King sighed again as he remembered his wife’s persistence to get him to feed and of the love she held for her fragile baby. She had been desperate after losing Kainan, for Gareion to survive. She did not sleep properly for days and then when finally he could watch her exhaustion no more the King had insisted she took to her bed to rest; she had two nurses watch over him every moment of the day and night, until she herself was strong enough to care for him once again. Then finally, after a few months, Gareion gained strength and he flourished and grew.
He was an incredible scholar, spending his life in books, absorbing as much information as he could gather. The King was extremely proud of his son, but he had always known that Gareion would not make a great leader and that had worried him for years. He had been trained mentally for when the time came; and the knowledge Gareion held about their people was vast; but physically and emotionally he was not strong enough to be King.
Watching as Kainan absorbed the power, he sighed deeply. He could not really believe it, that Kainan was here alive and there now was a true heir. He grinned, even though he knew his wife would be furious with him for taking the chance with Kainan in the Chamber. He just had to do it, this boy was strong and he was destined for greatness without a doubt.
Prince Kainan retired to bed early. The experience of the Chamber having left him exhausted. He was so full of new knowledge that his head throbbed. He had been so relieved that his family had forgiven him for stealing the Ardor Crystal; they had understood that it had not been his fault. Packing his belongings in his bag, he felt sad, he had only been here for a short while and now he had to leave. He was leaving a different man from the one that had arrived, he was a stronger man; a happier man. He had such a strong need for Arweyn, that it sometimes overwhelmed him. He wished with all of his heart that she was coming too. She was his friend; closing his eyes as he thought of her, he smiled, no she was more than that and he knew it. He had the most overwhelming desire to be with her, but he knew her uncle was right. This was going to be a dangerous journey and if anything was to happen to her he would never be able to forgive himself.
He hoped she was all right. He had really wanted to go and see her, to check on her but it was too late. Her uncle would be there by now and he did not want to cross him this late at night. Alys had promised to check on her and he felt sure she had, and that Arweyn was safe. Undressing, he grinned to himself; in all his life he had never had such fine clothes. He laid them on a chair by the side of his bed; and what a bed, it was huge! It had four great wooden posts one in each corner, which twisted and turned up to a canopy above the bed; heavy red silken drapes, edged in golden tassels hung all the way around.
Knocking one of the large tassels with his finger, he raised an eyebrow; the bed was easily big enough for two, he thought of Arweyn, how he would love to be snuggling up with her in that huge bed, holding her close, keeping her warm, feeling her soft skin against his, running his hands through her long dark hair. He shuddered as he thought and breathed in deep shaking his head. He had decided, that in the morning, he would tell her that it was not his idea that she could not go. He could not bear the thought of leaving her behind thinking that he did not care for her. Of course, she still would not be able to come along with them, but at least she would know it had been her uncle’s decision and not his.
Turning he caught a glimpse of his reflection in a large ornate mirror hanging on the wall, he stared at himself, he looked so different. His hair was tamed and cut shorter, his face cleanly shaven. Looking at himself, and turning side to side he rubbed his chin, not bad, he liked his new look. He chuckled, new look new life.
Then yawning, he rubbed his hand across his weary eyes; he felt absolutely shattered and was desperate for the softness that the bed offered. As he pulled his hand back down, he pondered, thinking, should he try it, just to be sure he could still do it? Holding out his index finger in front of him he whispered.
“Illumanartry,” and in an instant, on the end of his finger, appeared a flame. Kainan leaned back away from the flame it still un-nerved him, it was not natural. Still, he thought tipping his head to one side as he watched the flame dancing, he was sure it would come in useful.
“Out,” he whispered shaking his finger and the flame was gone. He breathed a sigh. Well that proved the point, he could still do it. Yawning again he stretched pulling his arms up above his head, his left hand pulling on his right he stretched from side to side. Then shaking them loosely by his side he walked over to the bed and pulled back the fur skin covers. Slipping into the bed, the crisp white sheet rustling under him, he shivered, the sheets were cold. His head sank back into the crisp white feather pillows and he sighed as he settled down. Pulling the furs over himself he closed his eyes and in no time at all drifted off into a deep sleep.
Soon after sunrise and a hearty breakfast, his father summoned Kainan. “My son, come with me, it is time to armour yourself for your journey.” He placed his arm around Kainan’s shoulder and led him towards the lower part of the castle. “For twenty one years we have been without you. Now you are here, it distresses me that I have to send you away.”
“Father you know that I will do everything I can to ensure the safety of Malgar. I will bring back the Ardor Crystal, have no doubt. Then there will be time for us to get to know each other,” Kainan assured him, desperately trying to convince himself at the same time.
“I have every faith in you Kainan. You have been living a very different life all this time but you have remained every part a Dermock, I am very proud of you my son.” He gazed at his father; letting the wonderful feeling of peace and wellbeing that radiated from him, seep into his soul. He could not have wished to find, a more perfect family.
“We are here,” the King announced, as they approached a large solid wooden door deep beneath the castle. “Go on; go in, this is our family armoury. In here you will find all you need to take with you on your journey.” The door opened with a piercing squeal. His father chuckled at the sound.
“It has not been opened for some time,” he said amused. Nodding, Kainan smiled pushing the door open and entering the room. His father, following him in, turned and lit a torch that hung from the wall just inside the door. “Here take this,” he said, passing it to him. Lifting the torch in front of him,
Kainan lit up a small armoury, stocked with swords, shields, helmets, daggers, breastplates and the like.
“Go my son, go find your weaponry,” his father encouraged.
Kainan looked stunned; never before had he seen such weapons. He felt quite intimidated, holding the flaming torch high he searched around.
There must have been over two hundred swords alone. Bending down he picked up a large sword with a gold edged blade and large ornate handle encrusted with colourful gems. It was very fancy and definitely flashy enough for a Prince. He shook his head screwing up his nose. No, he put it back down, it was not for him. Next picking up a helmet he turned it around in his hand. It was nice enough, but somehow he could not see himself wearing it, he put that back down too. As he wandered he spotted a dagger, the handle was engraved with a rose; he sighed deeply, it immediately reminded him of his mother from Zyon. Picking it up he looked at it, pulling it out of its sheath. Turning to his father he asked.
“Can I have this?” His father nodded, watching as Kainan placing it back into its sheath then put it into his pocket.
Then he grinned; now that was more like it. He marched straight over to the back of the room. There leaning up at the back of the room was a sword; it was nothing special yet it seemed to call to him. Reaching out to it Kainan picked it up, as he did a bright light emanated from it, sending a wave of light rippling down his entire body.
“Whoa!” he exclaimed loudly, holding the sword high above his head. “This is it!” He looked at the hilt; it was heavy silver, twisted and initialled D. He turned to his father, and for some reason he felt a flush of excitement as he wielded the sword.
“This is the one, can I have this one?” His father looked at him, his eyebrows raised, and then stepping forward he could hardly believe his own eyes. Time had led him to forget about that sword. His son had chosen the Deragan Sword and in its illumination, it too had chosen him and accepted him as its keeper. His father swallowed hard, what did this mean? Pausing to find the right words, he nodded.
“Yes my son, you may have that sword.” Kainan grinned, wielding the sword out in front of him, slicing through the air.
“Wow this feels great; the balance is perfect, it is like it was made for me.” His father nodded, lost in thought. Then continuing with his search Kainan also found himself a wide leather belt, in which the sword fitted perfectly along with another dagger.
Standing tall and taking in a deep breath, his hand suddenly gripped the sword tightly and he closed his eyes for a moment. His mind was thrown back to a time he did not know. He could see the Gorzars; there were thousands of them, evil, foul smelling creatures, destroying his people, men, women and children. There was no mercy, they slaughtered indiscriminately. It was a bloody, horrific battle. Stumbling forward he opened his eyes.
“Kainan are you okay?” his father cried, trying to steady him.
“Yes father, I think so.” Looking at his father he frowned. “I saw the Gorzars; there were thousands of them swarming across the land, killing so many people. We cannot let them get back. I cannot let it happen!” His face looked horrified. Sighing sadly his father placed an arm around his shoulders, giving him a gentle squeeze.
“Kainan what you have seen is the battle of Zyon. The sword you hold in your hand is the Deragan Sword; it was used to send the Gorzars through the portal. It holds a special magical power. It was one of a few items that were saved when our people first fled Malgar hundreds of years ago. You are indeed special my son, it is a sword that contains great magic; a magic which will only work through you now. You must already have some kind of underlying magical power my son.”
“No father. I do not think so.” Kainan shrugged his shoulders dismissively, shaking his head.
His father smiled. “Son, the sword will not work unless you contain some magic within you. Wizard Marton used the sword to help end the Great War, but it didn’t illuminate for him. And although he was able to harness enough of its power to open the portal, by the end it also took away most of his power as a wizard. Legend tells that the sword came from a great wizard of long ago, a gift to the King of Malgar of the time, for a deed of great kindness. His power and the power of many wizards and creatures of magic since, is contained within this sword. It is only if the sword illuminates, as it just did with you that you are able to harness and use its power freely. So the legend goes it will illuminate when it chooses its keeper, thereby offering you its magic and its power.
If it is used by someone with magic, and they try and bring forth the power without the sword offering it, it is said that they may be stripped of some if not all of their own powers and it is absorbed into the sword. This is what happened to Marton. But it is also told that the sword absorbs the power from creatures or people of magic who are killed by it. Kainan it is incredibly powerful and it has offered to you its magic, magic only you will know how to use.” Kainan looked puzzled and scratched his head.
“Sorry Father but I do not understand how can a sword be magical, how will I know how to use it?” He gripped the sword again. It was strange though, he could definitely feel something, some kind of a connection. The sword felt like it had always belonged to him. When he had wielded it, the weight, the balance everything had felt perfect.
Laughing nervously, his father leaned into him. “I’m sorry son, I have no idea.” His face grew serious. “Kainan never in my life time did I think I would ever see the legend of the Deragan Sword be put in to play. The sword has chosen you my son and I am sure that you will know what to do when the time is right. Trust me, this sword is a great weapon, but its magic is unknown. For as long as we have known all the Kings of Malgar have sworn to protect it and keep it safe until such times as it chooses a new Keeper. That Keeper is you Kainan!”
“Why? I am no-one special.”
“You may not think you are, but destiny has something in line for you, this I am sure of. It has brought you back home and armed you with the Deragan Sword. I take comfort in that Kainan, knowing you have its protection. Now come let us go. Unfortunately we have run out of time. You have a long journey ahead of you and the others will be waiting.”
Kainan looked at his father, and his brow creased in thought. Gripping the Deragan sword in his hand he shook his head. A magical sword! This world was so different, so hard to understand, how could he be able to use magic? He thought of the journey ahead of him. “Will we be taking horses’ father?”
“No, unfortunately the portal on the far side of the forest must remain closed for safety. Although you could take horses from one of the villages on Zyon, the terrain would be too harsh. They would not make it through the forest. Now come, you must go and say goodbye to your mother she will be expecting you,” and with a wave of his hand he ushered him out of the chamber.
Ten - Their Journey Begins
The crowd in the courtyard below cheered wildly when they saw him; it was something the young Prince had not expected. Surely they knew he was the reason for this crisis? Yet they cheered him as a hero. Swallowing as he gave them a wave; he thought how truly fortunate he was that his people were so understanding. They could so easily have turned against him for what he had done. Walking down the steps of the castle he saw at the bottom the three men whom he had met earlier. Drew was an extremely powerful looking warrior, and bodyguard to his father, he was in his late thirties. Kainan had instantly bonded with him. He had a good strong personality and Kainan knew they would get along well.
Then there was Rufas, he was thirty two. The finest swordsmen they had in the whole of Malgar. Then last of all there was Pernash he was one of the Deodars from the far North of Zyon. He was a tall gangly man, shy and nervous and he was to guide them to the Keeper of the Book. Kainan still had one more to meet, Tolwein, a Zyonier who they were to meet up with back on Zyon.
It had been agreed that the five of them were to lead an advance on towards the Gorzars. It had been decided that a smaller group would be able to move quicker through the den
se forest, and hopefully remain undetected. Lord Lothar had been left behind to prepare the army for battle, should they fail in their quest. Some soldiers had been dispatched to the outlining villages near the portal on Zyon to warn them of the possibility of an imminent attack.
Kainan looked about the crowd desperately. He still had not managed to see Arweyn, he wanted to say goodbye properly to her and explain the real reason why she could not come with him. The thought that she may think it was because he did not want her to come with him, was killing him. He wanted to tell her how he felt about her and ask her to wait for him. He wanted to hold her and kiss her goodbye.
By now the Elders had gathered to bid him safe journey and he was running out of time. Looking ahead of him he saw Lord Detaine with his father and his mother. Pushing his way through the crowds he headed towards them. People patted him on the back as he passed them, wishing him luck. Nodding his thanks he continued to search the crowd hard. Surely she would have come to say goodbye to him. Kainan stopped as he approached Lord Detaine.
“My Lord, do you know where Arweyn is?” he asked.
Lord Detaine stared at him then replied sharply. “Arweyn. No. I… I’m sure she is around here somewhere.” He frowned in secret thought, back to earlier that morning. Quietly using a spare key he had opened the door to her chamber and looked in on Arweyn, finding her sleeping. Then slipping her key off the hook and closing the door behind him, he had locked her room until the new Prince was safely out of the way. She would understand eventually, that it was for her own good.
“Now come along my Prince you have a long journey ahead of you.” Lord Detaine continued and turning he called to the other elders.
“The time has come. Let us advance to the gate room.” Kainan had no time to contemplate before he and the other three men were rushed off out of the castle gates and on towards the gate room at Naws Rock. Soon he found himself back in the white gate room, and once again he had a nervous pit of a stomach. So much depended on their success that it scared him. His parents stepped forward.
Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Page 21