by K. Dzr
Chapter Twenty-Three
D E L I V E R Y
Lyriel flew a straight and steady course through heavy winds and rain. Meelix was thankful Smokey didn’t have to fly through this weather. Lyriel was far larger and more capable of maneuvering through the storm, plus she knew exactly where she was going. They arrived safely, but soaking wet. Meelix felt a little disoriented when his feet first landed on the ground, but that passed quickly as the sprites and gnomes greeted him with hugs, laughter and questions.
Although Meelix was very pleased to be home with his friends and family, this was not a social visit. To avoid repeating the story over and over, he refused to speak of his mission until Demetrius and Alexander arrived. Sudlin sent word—via the pixie dragons—asking the wizards, as well as Ramah and Diamond, to come immediately. Meelix relaxed and listened to tales of sprite adventures. The gnomes even left work undone to greet Meelix and gather in anticipation of the remarkable stories they would hear.
Within the hour, Oraden’s parents arrived. They were followed, shortly thereafter, by Demetrius, Kraven and Alexander, in his familiar human form. The rain, which had been pouring relentlessly, suddenly ceased. The three wizards insisted on a welcoming feast for Meelix; together, with a wave of arms and muttering of words, they created an elaborate bounty for sprite, gnome, man, unicorn and dragon. Demetrius apologized for the meager display on such short notice. But the sprites and gnomes were awestruck. They’d never had the pleasure of attending one of Demetrius’ dinners, so this impromptu banquet was the most amazing thing they’d ever seen.
Once everyone was seated, or standing—as was the case for the unicorns, Demetrius encouraged Meelix to begin his story. First, he thanked the wizards for the wonderful feast and expressed how much he missed his friends and family. To their relief, he reported that Oraden and Tahir were well. He told them all that had transpired from the time they arrived in England until his departure on Smokey.
Occasionally he had to deviate from his story to answer a question or two, but he was intent on including every detail so that Demetrius and Alexander would fully understand the warrant of his return to Rhykell.
“What are these magicians’ names?” Alexander asked.
“I only know one of their names; it is Declan. I don’t remember Smokey mentioning the others.”
“Indeed.” Alexander scratched his scruffy throat.
“I wonder if they are, in fact, the catalysts,” Demetrius pondered.
“Catalysts of what?” Meelix asked.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt for us to pay them a visit,” Demetrius answered, ignoring Meelix’s question.
“You cannot possibly take them seriously. Do you?” Kraven asked Demetrius.
“It is earlier than expected, but how is it these magicians even know of it?”
“Excuse me,” Ramah cleared his throat. “Are you saying that there really is some evil that will be released from a prison to wreck havoc upon the world?”
“Actually, Ramah, it’s even worse than that. But we have known about it for a very long time and we are taking care of it. Don’t worry. Oraden and Tahir are not in any danger,” Demetrius explained.
“How can you be so sure? Oraden and Tahir could be fighting for their lives as we speak!” Diamond exclaimed.
“Hmmm. Good point. Let’s just have a look at them.” Alexander extended his left index finger and drew a counterclockwise circle several times as he spoke the paternoster used to invoke this spell in a language only recognizable to the other wizards. He ended the incantation with a final point in the center of the circle.
Those sitting on the opposite side of the table saw nothing, but anyone facing the circle as drawn, saw it ripple. Within its circumference, the world raced. They saw trees, rivers, mountains, lakes and hills, all rushing toward them. It was the world as one might see it through the eyes of the fastest griffin flying 100 times faster than it ever could. Demetrius, sitting to Alexander’s left, leaned over and squinted into the circle. As he did so, Diamond also leaned in a little to take a peek. She felt dizzy watching the scenery rush toward her. A moment later, it abruptly stopped.
“Ah, there they are. Look for yourself; I told you they were safe.”
“Good fairies, Ramah! Look! It’s Oraden and Tahir!”
Kraven, who sat opposite Alexander, remained seated while Ramah and Lyriel quickly moved behind Alexander and Diamond to peer over their shoulders. First Meelix, and then the other gnomes and sprites, abandoned their small tables and ran across the large table top to see inside the viewing circle. They waved and yelled out their names. Sure enough, there was Tahir, Oraden, Gavin and Destiny. They appeared to be engaged in a very serious conversation while having a picnic.
Is this real? I mean, is it really them, or is it a reflection of them, or something?” Diamond asked.
“It is really them, right now, at this very moment,” Demetrius answered.
“Why can’t we hear them?”
“This magic only allows us to locate individuals. We cannot hear them; they cannot see or hear us. However, those strong with the gift will realize that they are being watched,” Demetrius explained. “So you see, Diamond, your boys are safe.”
“Where are they now?” Ramah asked.
“Let’s see.” Alexander looked into the circle again. “There are no distinguishable landmarks, but I would guess somewhere in the royal forest.”
“They look alright, don’t they, Ramah? I miss them so much,” Diamond sighed.
Alexander retraced the circle in a clockwise direction. The vision disappeared, but not before Alexander noticed Destiny looking about suspiciously. For an instant, she appeared to stare directly into the circle; he felt as though she may even have made eye contact before she and the others vanished.
“Now, back to business. I think we were discussing visiting three unusual and unlikely magicians,” Demetrius said.
“Exactly what do you hope to discover from them? They can’t possibly know anything that we don’t already know, and they would no doubt be of little to no help to us in what we hope to accomplish. It is a waste of time. We should send Meelix back with the message that they are of no consequence and not worth the waste of any more time.”
“Oh, come now, Kraven. When you get to be my age, you will find that you have nothing but time to waste. Besides, you never know who will be of help, nor who you will meet and what you will learn on your way. You are probably right, they are likely of little consequence, but I am curious as to where they are getting their information. That, my friend, may very well be of great consequence. And the fact that this comes decades prematurely—that alone is of great concern. If these magicians are right, it would confirm our suspicions. And, trust me; we can’t afford to be caught unprepared.”
“I myself, am anxious to visit England again. Alexander added. How long has it been, Demetrius?”
“Oh, I’d say at least seven or eight years. Prince Francis was just becoming a man, Grace nearly a woman, and Destiny still but a child. Did you notice how she has grown?”
“That among other things. Which also means Robert is getting on in years. If we don’t go now, we may never get around to visiting before it’s too late.”
“Too late? Too late for what?” Ramah asked, still concerned about the evil on the verge of being released.
“Oh, he’s just a good friend who is aging. We should take this opportunity to visit him because, well, most are not gifted with long life as we are.”
“Demetrius, I told Smokey that I would try to stop by Iltrepidore and pick him up on the way back to England. He’s very interested in continuing the journey with me. We’ve become good friends,” Meelix said.
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t consider leaving your trusty friend behind. We are indebted to him for bringing you here safely. I’ll tell you what. We will clean up our mess here, and then leave you to spend time with your friends and family while Alexander, Kraven and I take care of a few
things. Tomorrow afternoon we shall return and begin our journey back to Iltrepidore.”
“Thank you, Demetrius.”
“Very well then, it has been a pleasure to dine with all, but there is much to be done. Kraven, Alexander, let us be on our way.” He turned to Lyriel, “We are in your debt for safely escorting our friend back to us. I bid you a safe journey home, my friend, and may our paths cross again one day.”
The three wizards collectively used magic to clear away the remaining food, dishes, tables and chairs. When they left, so did the invisible barrier that shielded them from the rain. The soggy sky collapsed on the crowd, forcing everyone to retreat under the canopy of trees.