This horrid way of dying was given the name Liquid End. Yet despite this threat, the people had no other place to go. To live above the ice would deliver a similar fate, and this way of perishing would hurt far worse. The heat would slowly cook their flesh, and at 39 degrees, it would not take long before they were covered with boils.
It was not until after the Great Thaw took nearly 50,000 Isorian lives that the climate changed. The ice solidified, and the people were able to rebuild. But the stability of the weather created a new instability for a race of beings called the Tormal who lived beyond the Mountains of Tedfer to the west.
The Southeastern Territories—The Continent of Northern Grayham
The Under Ice City of Gesper
Fellow soul … there were a few differences between the Tormal and the Isor. Living across the territories surrounding the city of Gesper, Tormalians had gills, one on each side of their spine near their shoulder blade. This unique attribute allowed them to survive beneath the water, as well as atop the ice. They also had the ability to survive in a warmer climate, as well as in the intense cold. These unique advantages had, over the seasons, given them the ability to hunt beneath the frigid waters of the ocean as well as atop the frozen shelves covering the tundra.
During the Great Thaw, the Tormal took advantage of their unique ability to survive in higher temperatures. They built a city on the surface of the ice to avoid the instability of life below it. The materials to do this were imported from Luvelles, and the Head Master during those moments, Hedron Id, used his magic to protect the goods. In short, they were sealed from the elements. Precious metals, exotic gems, woods and other forms of exquisite materials were delivered by the Merchant Angels and left for the army of Brandor to transport north.
The Tormal would later call their city above the ice, Gesper, and the architecture was grand, but not in the way the Tormal originally intended. The Tormalian architects made a critical error in judgment when designing the city. This decision would eventually change the lives of their people. But fellow soul … this is not the moment to show you how the architects’ decision affected the Tormal. I shall do this later on during this tale.
Northern Grayham
The Under Ice City of Hydroth
A young Isorian crawled out of a hole leading down into the ice. Since long before his birth, this hole had been the entrance to Medolas’ family’s, glacial home, and the debt owed to the Isorian government for the chiseling of the structure had been paid in full many seasons ago.
Medolas stood, stretched his arms and took a deep breath of fresh air. Once again, he admired the way the sun defined the breaks in the rolling shelves covering the lands of his clan. It was this frozen wonderland, located within the territory of Mols, where his father had taught him to hunt, and do so with proficiency.
“Another glorious Peak,” Medolas proclaimed. Dropping his arms to his side, he bent his right knee and grabbed his foot to stretch his thigh. After scratching at the numerous suction cups spanning the width of his foot to soothe an itch, he released his leg and then bolted across the ice toward a familiar destination.
With each footstep, the top of Medolas’ blue feet contrasted against a fresh layer of snow. The blue of his skin had recently gained its intensity and the crystallizations symbolizing the completion of puberty had finally matured. He was thankful that his skin was now as intense as his father’s.
Medolas’ smile grew as he hopped over the neighbor’s hole that led down into their home. This was his kind of Peak. And despite the temperature being cold enough to freeze a megrastle whale’s carcass in a single night, he still wore no shirt, pants or shoes as he navigated the terrain covered with more than a hundred paces of ice.
Medolas sang as he made a hard right at the hole leading down to the home of the City Treasurer. He then headed due south toward the home of Shamand, climbing over the undulating shelves and leaping over countless holes that led into the homes of other members of his clan. It was not long before he stopped and ducked behind a drift that had accumulated not more than six paces away from Shamand’s hole.
Visiting Shamand was not the reason why Medolas sought the elder’s abode. His reason was similar to that of any boy of 15 seasons. He desired the company of a young Isorian female. And this young lady was not just any ordinary girl. She was a challenge, and a great deal fairer than other females her age—and she was off limits.
Also 15 seasons, Clandestiny’s skin was soft blue, and it would remain that color even after her body finished maturing. Because of her intoxicating beauty, Medolas was always anxious during the moments just prior to seeing her. To settle his anxiety, he often whistled to calm his nerves.
A mischievous grin appeared on Medolas’ face as he grabbed a knife tied to his ankle and used it to chip away at the shelf under which Shamand’s home had been chiseled. After dislodging a few chunks, he tossed them into another hole not far from the main entrance that spiraled downward into Clandestiny’s bedroom.
After a moment or two, Medolas crawled on his belly toward the hole and lowered his head into the opening. He called out in the only language known to the inhabitants of Northern Grayham, a language that I, your spirited storyteller, still fail to comprehend without proper translation to this very Peak. “Tee-gres meé feéje seéde creé dence seéde meé feéje! Dee moonét er peeréet crés keenégiins!” When translated, Medolas said, “Hey, wake up, Clanny! Come on, Clanny, wake up! The moments are perfect to play with the kenaguins!”
A sharp voice responded, but it did not come from inside the hole. Medolas whirled around. To his surprise, Clandestiny had snuck up behind him. “My father is going to learn of us. You must stop this silliness,” she scolded.
Medolas’ grin widened. “Ah, come now, Clanny, I’ve missed you.”
Clandestiny’s brows furrowed. “If you insist on throwing things into my hole, my father is going to troblet our backsides. I told you I’d meet you. Why must you insist on being so eager? You’re determined to see that we sit in suffering.”
Medolas closed his eyes as he stood. He pretended to walk around as if he was blind. As he stopped near the hole, he chuckled. “How will your father learn of us? The old man cannot see.”
Clanny crossed her arms. “You jest, but his ears have eyes. Now stop! You’re talking about my father. I’ll not hear another ill word.”
Reaching out with his foot, Medolas pushed what was left of the chunks into the hole.
Clanny frowned as she watched them disappear. “Now look at what you’ve done. I shall have to clean upon my return. You could’ve kicked them elsewhere.”
Medolas sported his most innocent grin, and as if the ice had never been an issue, Clanny soon returned a smile of her own. She cared deeply for Medolas, and she was unable to stay mad whenever he gave her his cutest, sudwal look—a sudwal being Northern Grayham’s version of a hairy dog.
Every moment spent with Clanny made Medolas joyful. Feeling excited was the norm when she was close. He loved her beautiful blue skin and the way her white hair cascaded over her shoulders. Even at 15 seasons, he admired her every curve, and as I came to know so well after spending so many moments learning the ways of the new worlds, male teenagers, no matter what world they were from, were all the same—they were afflicted by hormones.
Medolas fidgeted as he scratched the ice with the toenail of his right big toe. “Perhaps I want your father to know of us. I should inform him that you’re mine, and that we’ll be running off together.”
With a smooth gait, Clanny moved in to take his hand. “Your boldness is adorable, but my father would have you fed to the gashtion if he discovers us. I request that you not throw anything else into my hole. I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing you torn apart. We’ll be able to determine our course with enough thought being put into our moments. You shall see.”
Medolas sighed, his jovial self fading for the moment. “I know you’re right. It vexes me that we cannot tell the elders how we feel.
”
Clanny’s long, white hair fell forward, forming a cover of intimacy as she put her forehead against Medolas’. Once her eyes commanded his, she whispered, “Let us venture to find some fun. I shall fetch a bucket of fish.”
As Medolas watched Clanny bound across the shelf, he smiled as she dove into another hole.
The Swimming Hole
East of the Under Ice City of Hydroth
Later that Same Peak
As Medolas and Clandestiny tread within the frigid water, the kenaguins darted about them. Every now and then, one of their black flippers splashed saltwater into the children’s mouths as they laughed at the eagerness in which these penguin-looking creatures fought for fish.
This was the one swimming hole that never froze. The elders of the kingdom said it was because of a current of warm water that somehow worked its way up from the south and through this very spot—but swimming in this territory was forbidden, and the children knew it.
It was not long before a third swimmer appeared and joined the fun. Gablysin was a clever boy. He was well known for his ability to entertain nobles, and it was said that even at the young age of 14 seasons, Gablysin was going to be the best actor/singer in all the land.
The boy possessed charm beyond his seasons and his wit topped off his charismatic appeal. He was, by far, one of the most handsome children by Isorian standards and was also one of the few who had been blessed with the ruby colored eyes—a trait that blessed only one special Isorian every 3,000 seasons.
To say Gablysin was considered esteemed would be an understatement. As fate would have it, Clanny and Medolas were two of the few children with bloodlines noble enough to associate with this remarkable youngster.
“Gabs, your arrival pleases me,” Clandestiny said as she tossed a fish up the embankment for the ruby eyed child to catch. “Jump in. The water is lovely, and the kenaguins are spirited.”
“Were you able to bring Gesple with you?” Medolas added while gazing at the woven pouch Gabs had tied to his waist.
With a slap to his forehead, the ruby eyed child responded. “Ohhh, drat!” He frowned. “My mind misplaced the responsibility. My forgetfulness shall haunt me.”
“No, no, no, no, no! You must go back to retrieve it!” Medolas admonished. “I’ve been waiting for Peaks to lay my hands on your father’s sour ale.” Medolas pointed to the sky. “Your father’s ale is the drink of the gods. Praise Helmep for allowing such perfection to subsist.”
“Don’t you dare bring Helmep into this!” Clanny chastised.
Gabs grinned as he watched Clandestiny push Medolas under the water. Once he had resurfaced, Clanny splashed the salty liquid in his face and continued scolding. “Our lord should strike you down! You shall not make Gabs leave us to fetch such wickedness. I won’t love a drunkard, Medolas. Mark my words.”
“Ahhhhh, come now, Clanny,” Gabs responded as he patted his chest and then pointed at Medolas. “It isn’t like our eyes look upon each other every Peak. I vigorously doubt we shall become drunkards by stealing my father’s ale now and again. Besides, we are thankful to Helmep. Our god would appreciate our eagerness to show our gratefulness.”
“Well said,” Medolas responded. “You see, Clanny? Everything is delightful.”
“Hmph! I still disapprove!”
Medolas tried to capture Clanny’s eyes as he swam to her. After a few moments of resistance, he was able to pull her close. Despite her vexed mood, she gave in and allowed his milky-gray eyes to find hers, and as always, Medolas gave Clandestiny his most innocent of looks. “Come on, Clanny,” he said, stroking her cheek on the right side of her face. “You know my mind. I’m canny. I know when enough is enough. I’d never drink beyond my ability to stay sane.” He puckered. “Be sweet, and give up a kiss.”
Gabs shook his head as he watched the pair close in on one another. The ruby eyed child dropped the pouch that was holding the sour ale to the ice and then jumped into the air from the side of the embankment. Grabbing his knees, he pulled them to his chest and shouted on his way down to the water’s surface. “No kissing, you guys!”
Both Clandestiny and Medolas were greeted with a wall of saltwater that found its way into their mouths. To pay Gabs back for ruining their moment, they waited until the ruby eyed child resurfaced, and then they pushed Gabs back under the water before he could take a breath.
The three continued to frolic, thrashing about while feeding the fish to the kenaguins. It was a great series of moments, but little did they know—they were being watched.
From the depths of the swimming hole, five eyes lined the forehead of a slimy predator as it looked up at the children’s feet while they played. The sensors on its tentacles glided through the water collecting their scents, savoring each smell as it decided which child to feast on first.
Back and forth the bled swam while sizing up its prey from the shadows that were cast by the icy walls descending hundreds of feet into the darkness. It was not long before the predator chose a target. Four of its five eyes closed, leaving its large center eye open to calculate the final distance of its strike.
Gabs cleared his throat as Medolas surfaced. “Tonight, I have been requested to perform at the celebration to announce our new sovereign. Word has reached my ears ... the council insisted that I perform. What should I sing?”
Medolas and Clandestiny looked at each other and then shrugged. “What do you want to sing?” Clandestiny queried.
Gablysin returned a shrug of his own. “I don’t know. Do either of you know who has been chosen to be our new sovereign? Perhaps having this knowledge would help me decide.”
“I possess this knowledge,” another voice answered from atop the bank. “The Council of the Seven has chosen my father, though I’ve been ordered to hold my tongue.”
Clanny continued to tread water as she looked up the embankment and stared at their unexpected visitor. “Shiver, I failed to notice your arrival. Are you truly bound with this information?”
Shiver nodded. “I am.”
Clandestiny frowned. “Then why speak of it?”
“Yeah,” Medolas added, “then why speak of it? And when was the moment of your arrival?”
“I have only just set foot on this post. I wanted to swim with you.” Shiver focused is gaze on Clanny. “My father was the one chosen. I speak of it only because we are friends. Why the grand inquisition?”
Clanny frowned again. Her last encounter with Shiver had made her uncomfortable. He had made an advance for her affections—affections that Shiver knew belonged to Medolas—and she had put Shiver in his place. She had made it clear on that Peak, and on a number of others since, that her love was for Medolas and Medolas only.
“Hmpf! You may stay!” Clanny sneered. She dunked Medolas beneath the water and held him in place to keep his blue ears from hearing her as she continued. “But if you dare make my moments intolerable, I shall dispose of what’s left of our friendship.”
Shiver nodded. “You have clearly spoken this intent more than once, and as I have said, I comprehend your message. I understand your fixation with your hidden love. Besides, you’ve kept your secret well, and I don’t want to hurt you.” He bowed, “Again, I’m sorry.”
Clanny scowled. “Hmpf! You best hold steadfast to your promise.”
“What are you two speaking about?” Medolas inquired after fighting his way back to the surface and hearing the words, “steadfast to your promise.” “What promise?” He grabbed a handful of fish from the bucket that was sitting next to the swimming hole and tossed Shiver a fish.
Clanny put her hand on top of Medolas’ head. “It’s nothing to concern yourself with.” She playfully dunked him again as three kenaguins dove in to steal the rest of the fish from Medolas’ hands.
At 16 seasons, Shiver possessed a natural strength. His father’s bloodline had always been stronger and larger than most Isorians. With short, white hair and flawless blue skin, Shiver’s features were well suited for a crown—
a crown that would pass to him if what he had said about his father was the truth.
Medolas resurfaced and motioned for Shiver to join them. “The water is pleasant. Jump!”
Shiver was about to comply when he spotted the beast. He could see the bled swimming toward Gabs. “Get out!” he shouted. “You must get out! Gabs, protect your blindside!”
Before another word could be spoken, Gabs’ shoulders were surrounded by two, large tentacles. The ruby eyed child was yanked beneath the surface and carried into the depths of the swimming hole.
Medolas pulled Clandestiny toward the embankment and shoved her up and out of the water while Shiver removed a large knife from a sheath he had tied to his ankle. To save further moments, Shiver cut the rope that secured his cape around his neck and allowed the garment to fall to the ice as he dove into the water.
Clanny and Medolas climbed to the top of the embankment and stood in silence as they watched the water settle. Their hearts pounded as their eyes scanned the depths for signs of life, but they could see none.
“What do we do?” Clandestiny pleaded. Yellow, blood-filled tears rolled down her cheeks and fell to the ice as she continued. “It’s taking too many moments. What if they’ve perished?”
Without saying a word, Medolas dove in and disappeared. Clanny shifted her weight from one foot to the other. The tiny suction cups on the bottom of her feet suckled the ice for traction as she muttered, “Careful, Medolas, careful.”
Eventually Medolas resurfaced empty handed.
“Did your eyes bear witness?” Clanny questioned, her voice filled with despair.
Medolas climbed to the top of the embankment. “I saw nothing. They’re deeper than I’m capable of swimming. I could go no further. The pressure punished my ears.”
Deep beneath the surface, Shiver maneuvered through the icy caverns as his eyes adjusted to the darkness of his surroundings. Turn after turn, he kept his knife ready in case the bled struck. It seemed as if the cavern walls continued forever. He knew the bled had come this way since he had seen the beast enter while dragging Gabs with its tentacles.
The Tear of Gramal Page 2