Bridgeworlds: Rise of the Magi

by Randy Blackwell

  26

  Lifting Curses

  Kasey woke both the Kuon and Tyree with the smell of fresh-fried fish. Tyree groaned. “Oh, wow. My head is spinning. And boy, does it hurt! How long have I been asleep?”

  Kasey flipped the fish over the fire. “You sleepyheads have been out of it for three days!” She laughed, relieved to have company again.

  Tyree rubbed his head. “Really? Those Haspen got me good.”

  Kasey’s Kuon rolled over, looked at them both, and groaned. She rolled back over and laid her head down again.

  “Are you ever going to name that thing? I’ve named mine Arrow,” said Tyree. He wanted to get the conversation on something else besides his splitting headache.

  “I was thinking I would name her Davaag. It’s actually the Hebrew word for fisher. It’s appropriate since she fished me out of the ocean when the Aqua Drakoni attacked me. I thought I should honor her commitment.”

  The fish were ready so Kasey served Arrow, Davaag, and Tyree. Eating the fish seemed to put Davaag in a more fully awake state so the team was finally returning to normal.

  “Can we just take off and fly?" Tyree asked when they had finished eating. "I mean, it would be faster and though I enjoy the scenery, I would much rather not be attacked every day or so. And you have to admit, we’re not seeing anybody as we hike along.”

  Kasey sighed, “I guess you’re right. But I’d still like to use discretion if at all possible. If we even catch a hint of someone nearby, we’ll land and walk from there.”

  “Agreed.”

  So they both mounted their Kuon and flew off, still following the beach but at a much faster pace. They flew all day, covering a distance that would take a week for them to cover on foot. When they reached the end of the plains, they spotted a fight taking place on the ground. Tyree gave Kasey a look that said, “Let’s not get involved,” but Kasey couldn’t pass it by.

  Kasey dove down with Tyree following reluctantly. They landed away from the group and out of sight behind some small hills. Three Kalat had a family of Akana tied up and had started heating water in a large pot over a campfire. Kasey knew the ritual well. The Kalat had no preference for cooked meat, but they enjoyed watching the slow, torturous death of their victims when they boiled them. They would throw a person in the pot and sadistically watch them struggle until they were dead. Then they’d pull the body out and devour it piece by piece. If they captured a group, they’d boil them one by one in front of the others to enhance the torture. As Ragal, Kasey had never participated in this ritual but she’d been forced to be present and had hated it even then. She was repulsed at the thought of her old self, but she realized that it was humbling to remember what a disgusting person she’d been.

  She couldn’t stand the thought of this torture happening to the Akana family, so she gave Tyree a look that he easily read from his time in combat as a Marine. It said, “Stand back and wait until you see that I need you.”

  Two of the Kalat had been taunting the captives while the other one was readying the pot, so they didn’t notice Kasey approaching them until she was upon them. The captives were badly beaten, some with broken limbs and other wounds, but Kasey had seen much worse. Mutilations were common in these events. She realized that she’d arrived just in time.

  Kasey put on her best fake smile and drew their attention. “So, you guys going to snack before dinner or what?”

  They quickly turned and looked at her as if they’d won some kind of prize. “Oh look, they let the princess out of her lofty tower. I would ask what your kind is doing so far from home, but I’m just so excited to kill you!” It was obvious they had no fear of Kasey. They assumed that she was just a wingless Miyka like the others in Soterion.

  Kasey had an advantage that they couldn’t know about—she drew the Sword of the Spirit and held it out in front of her.

  Another Kalat joined in the mocking. “And she was so kind to bring us silverware too.”

  They all jumped at her, but she quickly darted away from them and continued making her own sarcastic jabs. “Now boys, I thought your kind took the time to play with their food.” What they didn’t notice was that Kasey was slowly backing up, leading them away from the Akana captives as Tyree crept in to release them and help them get away.

  The Kalat looked at her suspiciously as they followed her, but they were still distracted by the prospect of another tasty meal. One of them finally took an ominous tone and asked, “You don’t talk like a Miyka. What house are you?”

  “Well boys,” she answered, still tantalizing them, “You’re observant, and you’re right, I don’t act like a Miyka.” She kept backing up. “It’s because I’m of House Zophos.”

  The Kalat grew angry, and they all hissed and swiped at her as they circled. They weren’t playing with her anymore. She’d expected as much since she’d just told them Ragal and Moluno’s house. To them that would mean she was claiming to be a Kalat.

  “You shouldn’t even know that Zophos is a house. We will skin you alive as you tell us how you know such things.”

  Kasey glanced back and saw that Tyree was quietly escaping with the captives, so she knew she could finish the fight now. As the Kalat tried to close in on her, she stabbed each one with the Sword of the Spirit. But they didn’t die as she expected they would. Instead they dropped to the ground in the fetal position and were suddenly consumed by a white-hot flame. As the flame died away they transformed into Miyka. One of them looked at her in astonishment as tears ran down his face, crying, “You lifted my curse! You lifted my curse!”

  “I’m clean!” cried another one. “I’m no longer under the curse!”

  The third one stood up and just stared at his hands and the light radiating from him instead of the billowing shadows that had once been there. Tears slowly fell from his face as he laughed a joyous laugh. “It’s happened!” he shouted. “We’ve been set free!”

  Kasey couldn’t move. She didn’t understand what had just happened. She looked from them to the sword, and back again, wondering what this strange power could be. She’d expected the sword to powerfully kill, not transform. But Tyree had seen what happened and he approached to observe closer.

  Tyree’s face brightened as he stumbled upon a revelation. He found the words he was looking for, the words he thought that Kasey needed. “For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

  As he spoke, Kasey didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath. As soon as he finished, she gasped for air. Hearing the scripture, she knew now what the real power of this sword was. And she was beginning to realize how important it was to complete her mission.

  Tyree said, “No wonder the accursed dragon wants this sword. The dragon corrupts and the sword purifies. It’s in total opposition to him and all his plans!” He stood silent for a minute as he remembered more scripture and finally murmured, “… the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Wow!”

  One of the new Miyka came over to Kasey and bowed down to her. “I owe you my life, madam. I owe you everything. You’ve delivered us.” The others followed suit, saying the same thing.

  “No! Men of honor now, you mustn’t do this. Don’t worship me! I’m a woman with the same passion as yours, but it’s a passion for the one who saved me. He’s the one who’s released you from the curse of the Kalat today. Give yourself to the Master, for he’s the one who made power flow through me. Turn to the one who made the heaven and the land and the sea, and everything in them.”

  “We will do as you suggest. Our worship belongs to the Master of all, and we will give ourselves to serving Him now. But we want to also help you, for we know that if we serve you, we serve the Master.”

  Kasey looked questioningly at Tyree, and he responded to clear her confusion and struggle.

  “They could be useful,” he
answered. “But first we need to tend to this Akana family. They’re badly hurt.”

  One of the Miyka spoke up. “I know where some horses are. I can get them to Loefel Meren swiftly and rejoin you later. Where are you headed?”

  “I am headed to Suchikos,” Kasey replied. “Meet me there when you’re done. I believe, however, that two of you need to go with the family to ensure that they’re not overcome by Kalat again. One of you will come with us and the other two can meet us in Suchikos when you’ve safely delivered them to Loefel Meren.”

  The Miyka worked out who would go with the family while Kasey walked over to talk with the Akana. There were two parents and a child, and the boy was hurt the worst. Kasey felt a deep compassion come over her, and she stepped close to them as a glow surrounded her that was too bright to look on. She reached out and laid her hands on the family and said, “In the name of the Master, be healed.” Their wounds were instantly healed as Tyree and the Miyka looked on in amazement.

  “Who is this Master that you speak of,” asked the Akana father, “that gives you such power to turn evil men to good with the stroke of a sword and heal wounds with a touch and a word?”

  “His time hasn’t come on Soterion yet,” Kasey answered, “but you’ll know him for the things that he’ll do that are greater than what you’ve seen here today.”

  The father bowed. “I want to know more. Please visit me when you’re done with your business in Suchikos. Until then, send word by post if you ever need help. My name is Tachu Manthano. I am registered with the LM Post. Use me in whatever way you can. I will forever be in your debt.”

  She shook his hand. “My name is Kasey Phoenix. The Magi will come to your kingdom soon. I’d advise that you join them when they extend their invitation. Among other things, it’ll make it easier for me to find you and for you to find me. Tell Omar that I sent you.”

  The Miyka were ready to serve. One of them approached Kasey and introduced himself. “My name is Allaso. I’ll be the one going with you to Suchikos. The other two are ready to take the family to Loefel Meren.”

  Kasey said, “Welcome, Allaso. I’m glad to have you along. Now let’s get moving.”

  “This is Davaag,” Kasey pointed to the winged dog. “I can fly as you ride him.”

  Allaso approached the Kuon, his body tense as if he expected to be bit. She turned and sniffed him, then licked his hand. Allaso visibly relaxed a bit. “Is it safe to ride?”

  Kasey put a hand on his shoulder. “She is harmless, save when I want her to be otherwise."

  Kasey realized as they flew away that the journey was serving as a great instructor and that the Master had probably known that all along. She savored the feeling that she could be used by Him to serve His purpose.

  27

  Hay-lale

  It had taken Myles a month and a half to get to where he could even see Mount Marasimlah, said to be the tallest mountain on Soterion, in the distance... They had followed the Lampros River up to the town of Sha’ar, which was mostly inhabited by Gabad and Adam, and stopped in the port city of Stoma in Loefel Meren. The next day they traveled west to Phlox, the capital of Suchikos. The others had not understood all of the detours and were starting to get a little annoyed.

  Myles, of course, wanted to see every city he could get his eyes on so that he could travel there immediately whenever he pleased. He told the other Magi to stay in Suchikos at a camp a few miles east of Phlox while he traveled to Teknon. He was at the edge of Suchikos and could see the silhouette of the huge mountain on the horizon.

  Myles stayed in Teknon for a few days and enjoyed being among humans again. Although their culture was Jewish, he could see where others had also influenced them, such as in the town’s gambling hall. He had already been there two days and won most of the villagers’ money. As men began to gamble more than they should have, Myles loaned them the money back. He wasn’t only making money; he was also building relationships and trust with the people he was swindling. All the while the gullible people were grateful to him for lending their hard-earned money back to them.

  When Myles entered the gambling hall, everyone called out his name in camaraderie. He tipped his hat in recognition and took his customary seat. Before he found a new chump, he sparked up his pipe, propped his feet up on the table, and puffed at the Trundleberry tobacco he had bought in Caelsis. He felt amazingly comfortable at that moment and was enjoying some of the rewards of rekindling his old ways.

  While he was still deciding which table to join, a stranger walked in and the hall fell silent. The same thing had happened when Myles walked in the first time. The stranger caught Myles’ attention immediately. His skin was not an olive color like that of an Adam. Instead it was pale, and he had blonde hair and blue eyes, an unusual combination in this region. Everyone stared at him. The man almost had a glow about him. To Myles’ surprise the man sat down right across from him.

  Myles puffed on his pipe and laughed. “I’m not quite ready to take your money yet.”

  The man took a big whiff of Myles’ pipe tobacco and observed, “Ah, Trundleberry. It’s a plant only found in Caelsis. I’d know that smell anywhere.”

  Myles chuckled and took another puff. “You have a good nose on you.”

  The stranger nodded. “That I do. I also have a good nose for people who are out of place.”

  Myles tipped his hat at the stranger and replied, “As do I.” Then he winked at the stranger. OK, what does this guy know?

  Then the man extended his hand toward Myles. “My name is Hay-lale. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  The moment the man said his name, every Adam in the gambling hall cleared out. The man looked around, watching them rush out, and smirked. For some reason Myles felt a nagging urge at that moment to join them and run out the door. He didn’t.

  Instead, Myles inquired, “Is your name known in these parts?”

  “I’m not known personally, but my name indeed precedes me.”

  Myles nodded. “There are a few places back where I’m from that people might react like that when they hear my name.”

  “Oh? Where are you from?”

  “I’m from Phlox, of course.

  “It’s so funny when people try to lie to me. If you don’t want to say, that’s fine.”

  “All right. Well, I’m losing my patience. What is it you want from me?”

  “I hear you’re an illusionist.”

  Myles shrugged. “Where did you hear that?”

  “A woman named Kasey told me.”

  “Well, it’s true,” said Myles. But how could he know Kasey? Is she safe?

  “So you’re an illusionist. But I bet you aren’t the best on Soterion.”

  “Oh? Who’s better?”

  “Me.”

  “Prove it!”

  “All right, I will.” Hay-lale stood up and walked through the table to its middle.

  “I could pull that off with enough prep time.”

  “Examine the table. Is it real or is this an illusion?”

  Myles leaned in and examined it for a good five minutes. But there was no indication that it wasn’t real. “How are you doing it? That’s amazing!”

  “It seems I’m the better illusionist.”

  “All right. What do you want from me? I mean, if you are the better illusionist, what could you possibly need from me?”

  “Let’s make a wager. My ante will be that I will teach you how to do what I just did. Yours will be that you will steal something for me. I will tell you after I win what it is, but you have to agree beforehand.”

  Myles rubbed his chin. An open-ended gamble? Is it worth it? He could want me to steal a king’s crown or something dangerous. Hah, I am powerful enough with this coin to get whatever I want and get out. Why not? I can’t lose. And if I don’t like it, I’ll just lie to him and be on my way.

  Hay-lale cocked his head. “If you lie to me after I win and do not complete the task, I will kill Misaki, Omar Metzger’s sister.” />
  “How about I kill you right now and just be done with it?” A knife flashed from Myles’ sleeve into his hand, and he threw the knife at Hay-lale’s hand.

  Before Myles knew what was happening, the knife flew back at his own head. Myles barely ducked to the side in time for the knife to miss him. Hay-lale had caught the knife, and faster than Myles could see, he had slung it back at Myles.

  “I will not be toyed with,” Hay-lale said as he rose from his seat. “It is obvious that the knowledge and power that I offer is not important to you.

  Panic overcame Myles. He had to know how Hay-lale had passed through the table. He got up and rushed in front of the door. “No, no. I am sorry. Please, sir, take a seat. Let’s make a wager. I’m game.”

  “Oh, I am so glad that you have come to your senses.”

  They both sat. Myles dealt the cards after Hay-lale cut the deck. Myles looked at his hand and began to relax. It was a good one.

  Hay-lale looked at his hand with a face of stone. “I’m ready.”

  “As am I.”

  They played out the hand. Myles won.

  “Well, looks like I won. Pony up with your loot.”

  “Of course, but you wouldn’t be a gentlemen if you didn’t allow me at least one more chance to win from you.”

  “Sure I’ll take what you have again. What are you offering this time?”

  “I will bring you Misaki within the turning of the next day.”

  “You have her, don’t you? Who are you?”

  “I do not have her. She is on the other side of this world. That journey will cost you everything, I promise, but I have my ways, and I could easily get her for you.”

  “This is the second time you have mentioned my friend’s sister. How do you know about her? What is she to you?”