by Joffre White
He spoke with suspicion. ‘So, the rumours are true; you have accepted two young strangers into our midst and endangered our security because you believe them to be allies of the Guardians. We have been told what the witch is capable of. They could be creatures of her making.’
‘They have satisfied Cassaria and also proved themselves in my eyes,’ said Ameer.
‘That may be, Lord Prince, but you know that they must endure the Sensing to be truly accepted and they cannot ride until they have been accepted.’
‘Frog, Billy, this is Sand Master Katar. He is the stable master and custodian of the Sandspiders,’ said Ameer. ‘It is written in the ancient laws that he must be obeyed on any matters regarding the Sandspiders.’ Ameer turned to Katar. ‘They have already ridden and been scented,’ he said. ‘They were brought in from the desert by Alban and myself. The Sandspiders accepted them without hesitation.’
Katar leaned over Frog and Billy and vigorously sniffed at them.
‘They have the scent, but they have not been accepted by Arac-Khan and as you know,’ repeated Katar, ‘they should not be allowed to ride until that initiation has been fulfilled.’
‘Which is why now seems as good a time as any,’ responded Ameer. ‘We will ready the scouting parties while you conduct the Sensing.’
‘You seem confident that they will pass the test,’ said Katar.
‘I have every confidence in these boys. Besides, as I have said, they have Cassaria's blessing,’ said Ameer.
‘No doubt,’ said Katar. ‘But let us see if they really deserve to wear these robes.’
He guided Frog and Billy away from the group and towards a narrow corridor between two of the pens.
‘Where are we going?’ asked Frog.
‘To meet Arac-Khan,’ replied Katar.
‘Who's Arac-Khan when he's at home?’ asked Billy.
‘Have patience,’ said Katar. ‘Now, no more questions.’
Frog couldn't help noticing that Katar had a knowing grin on his face and a gleam was in his eyes.
As they continued down the corridor, the spider scent became stronger and as they breathed it in, Frog and Billy started to feel lightheaded, almost drugged. By the time that they stepped into a large, shadowy cave, their thoughts had taken on a dream-like quality and everything seemed to be happening in slow motion.
Katar guided them to the centre of the cave. It seemed empty except for sand and some straw-like material scattered around on the floor. Its recesses were lost in darkness. Katar stood in front of them, leaning forwards and looking into their eyes so that his face became distorted in their vision.
‘Even a Guardian can be tricked,’ he said, staring into Frog's eyes. ‘Perhaps you are not the true Frog after all. I do declare that Arac-Khan will make short work of you both and expose you for what abominations you really are.’
He moved silently into the shadows leaving Frog and Billy standing alone, confused and dazed.
‘Are you okay, Billy?’ asked Frog.
‘Something's not right. I feel strange,’ said Billy. ‘My head feels all fuzzy.’
‘Me too,’ said Frog. ‘Be on your guard and stay close to me.’ Before he could say anything else, a large, previously unnoticed figure in the corner of the room moved slowly towards them. Its shape and bulk emerged from the shadow to reveal the largest spider that they had seen so far. This one was enormous, towering over them by at least 4 metres. It stopped a short arm's length away and its fetid breath washed over them. Its giant mandibles slowly twitched and its six black eyes studied them intensely.
‘I'd run, but for some reason I can't move,’ said Billy.
‘Neither can I,’ replied Frog.
‘I suppose we'd better be nice to it then,’ added Billy.
Silence! said a harsh rasping voice in Billy's head. Do you not know who I am?
‘I guess that you're Arac- Khan,’ said Billy.
Which one of you claims to be the Chosen one called Frog? the spider's voice thundered in Frog's head.
‘That would be me,’ he answered.
Your human voices scratch my senses. Do not use your tongues; use your thoughts, commanded the spider.
‘I don't particularly like you inside my head,’ said Billy. ‘But if you're trying to frighten us, you're not doing a very good job,’ he added bravely.
‘Billy, be quiet,’ said Frog, but it was too late.
So you want to be frightened, do you? said the spider. Well, let me oblige you.
Suddenly, it lunged its front two legs forwards and grabbed Billy by the ankles, raising him high into the air so that he hung upside down. Then it began to swing him from side to side.
‘Put me down,’ yelled Billy. ‘I hate heights. Put me down.’
‘Put my friend down,’ said Frog. ‘If you harm him, so help me, when I get free I'll make you pay dearly.’
Brave words from one who is so helpless, hissed the spider in Frog's head. How would you like to join your friend?
‘If it's a choice of him or me up there then let him down and take me,’ said Frog.
Not only brave but loyal too, said the spider. These are fine qualities. What say you, Arac-Khan?
A gentle, female voice entered Frog and Billy's heads. They are not the qualities of a witch's creation. Bring them to me so that I may complete the Sensing.
The spider slowly lowered Billy, who had gone quite pale. It lifted him to his feet and guided him along with Frog to the rear of the cave. Slowly, a soft light began to illuminate their surroundings and they could see a small, orange-robed figure who was uncovering several of the light-giving crystals. As their eyes adjusted to the new level of light, they could also see another spider nestled among a straw bed. It was pure white in colour and no bigger than a metre in size.
Behold, the real Arac-Khan, said the giant spider. If you make any aggressive moves towards her, I will squash you where you stand.
‘I don't feel very well,’ moaned Billy, who now looked a rather green colour.
‘You need to drink this,’ said a girl's soft voice. Then the figure in the orange robe stepped forwards with a cup and offered it to Billy's lips. ‘Drink it slowly. It will work quickly and clear your head then you will gradually be free to move.’
Frog studied the girl's features and guessed that she was older than him by a couple of years. She had a fresh, freckled face; her dark eyes reflected the light from the crystals and her fair hair was tied in a short braid. She had the fine black image of a spider tattooed on her cheek.
Billy took a couple of mouthfuls of the thick, sweet liquid and felt it run down his throat. Its cool flow quickly spread through his body and cleared his mind.
‘Thank you,’ he said.
‘My name is Nadiah,’ she replied then took the cup to Frog and helped him to drink.
Arac-Khan spoke gently to Billy. Come and sit by me.
Billy did as he was asked and sat in the straw next to the white spider.
Starting to feel better? asked Arac-Khan.
‘Yes thanks,’ said Billy.
Good, but do try to talk with your thoughts. You will find it much easier, said Arac-Khan. Now, I'm going to ask you some questions. Is that all right?
‘Sure,’ replied Billy. ‘Sorry,’ he corrected himself and thought the words. Ask away.
Arac-Khan reached forward with her two front legs and placed them on either side of Billy's head. Billy grinned.
What is it? asked Arac-Khan.
It tickles, replied Billy.
Just relax, close your eyes and try to think of something nice.
Billy did as he was told and then there was a soft flash; it was as if the inside of his eyelids had lit up like a cinema screen. He could see himself sitting around a table with his parents and his sister. It was last Christmas day and they were having their Christmas dinner. Everyone was smiling and laughing and Billy remembered the warm feeling that he had. His dad was in the army, serving abroad and had not been expected to be home until aft
er the New Year, but three days before Christmas they received a phone call from him. He had been unexpectedly awarded leave and was going to be one of the lucky ones to be sent home in time for Christmas day.
When he walked through the door on Christmas Eve, nothing else mattered. It had been a perfect Christmas.
Billy smiled again at the memory then there was another flash and the image was gone. He opened his eyes to stare into the multi-eyed face of Arac-Khan.
You are a very human being, said Arac-Khan. No evil could conjure up such good thoughts. I also sensed that you have many good values and qualities. It is nice to meet you, Billy Smart, son of James Smart the warrior. Two things I would ask of you. Firstly, be kinder to my smaller kinfolk who live in your world; you have nothing to fear from them. Secondly, have more patience with your little sister; she is learning and growing just like you and she loves you dearly.
You learnt all that from me in those few seconds? asked Billy.
And so much more, said Arac–Khan. Now, go to Nadiah and take some more to drink while I meet the one who is called Frog.
Arac-Khan beckoned Frog to sit by her, which he also did.
Just open your thoughts to me, she said as she placed her front legs on Frog's head.
Frog thought of his home, his family and friends then, all at once, he found himself back in Castellion, his past adventures flashing across his mind.
Billy and Nadiah watched as Frog's forehead took on a golden glow, which filled the cave. The gigantic spider shifted uneasily, but Nadiah looked in its direction and Billy sensed that something was said to reassure the spider that nothing was wrong. It wasn't long before the glow had spread and the intense golden light surrounded both Frog and Arac-Khan.
‘I have never witnessed a Sensing such as this,’ Nadiah whispered to Billy. ‘Your friend must be very special.’
‘He's full of surprises all right,’ said Billy smiling.
Frog's life unfolded in a picture show; memories that he had forgotten pushed their way out from the recess of his mind and then skittered away into his sub-conscious in a brief moment. The seconds following his birth were revealed to him and then unrecalled thoughts of his younger years paraded past in the blink of an eye. Thirteen years of emotions and experiences merged into a carousel of images and then, abruptly, his mind went blank, leaving him dizzy and disorientated. Slowly, he opened his eyes and stared into the face of Arac-Khan.
If ever I saw a spider smile, it would be now, thought Frog.
The voice of Arac-Khan spoke in Frog's head. Welcome Frog, born of the boy Christopher. You are a long way from home, but do not fear. The Sensing is complete and there is no doubt that you are the Frog of the Chosen. I also see that you are no stranger to the meeting of minds; you have an affinity with the lizards of the air. The Dragons of Castellion have endowed you with their kinship.
Katar, these boys are genuine. Watch over them and ensure that the colony embraces their presence.
Katar approached from a recess in the cave and turned to Billy and Frog.
‘You must forgive me for my suspicions, but I serve no one but Arac-Khan and I protect her with my life if necessary. By her bidding I extend the same duty to you both.’ He touched his forehead and gave a low bow. ‘You need to return to Prince Ameer in readiness for your journey into the desert. I would join you but unfortunately, I am needed in other places. Therefore, Nadiah will be your companion and guide; she will devote herself to your protection and safety.’
Katar bowed once more and then made his exit back down the passageway.
Billy turned to Nadiah and said, ‘I don't mean to be rude, but firstly, you're a girl and secondly, I don't think that you'll be much help in a fight. Frog and I will end up protecting you!’
Nadiah positioned herself defiantly in front of Billy, her hands hung innocently by her sides. ‘I assure you that I am capable of looking after myself and others for that matter.’
‘I doubt if you've come across someone who uses Taekwondo. I'm a third Kup and I could easily deal with you,’ said Billy, getting slightly carried away with himself.
Frog saw the gentle smile on Nadiah's face and the mischievous gleam in her eyes. She slipped her hands quickly in and out of the folds in her robes and they gave off a soft blue glow.
‘Billy, I think that you should apologise and accept that Nadiah is capable of looking after herself.’
‘All I'm saying is that we'll most likely be taking care of her,’ said Billy.
‘Then you won't have a problem when someone does this,’ announced Nadiah and drew her hands forwards in a pulling motion in front of Billy's legs. He could do nothing as they scissored out from beneath him and gravity deposited him onto his backside. She hadn't even made contact with him.
Nadiah smiled down at him in satisfaction.
‘How? How?’ he stammered looking around him and then up at her in awe.
She offered her hand to him and Billy nodded, taking it with grace and getting to his feet.
‘I apologise. Sometimes I've got a big mouth,’ said Billy.
‘Apology accepted,’ said Nadiah. ‘Now we must go; the others will be waiting.’
Before they moved off back down the passageway, Arac-Khan bade them a safe journey and passed a solitary message to Frog, which none of the others sensed. Frog nodded back to the spider in acknowledgement and understanding.
‘That was a pretty neat move that you pulled on me back there,’ Billy said to Nadiah. ‘You'll have to teach me how to do it.’
‘And you will have to instruct me in your Taekwondo. I understand from Ameer that you are quite adept in the art,’ she replied.
‘You know about that?’
‘I already know many things about you, Billy Smart. You have made an impression on me,’ she replied.
‘I guess that we're even then,’ said Billy as he rubbed his aching bottom.
7
Skirmish
Billy, Frog and Nadiah had met up with Ameer and a dozen or so riders at a large entrance hall just a short walk from the stables. It was here that the riders had readied their mounts and the air was heavy with the musk of spiders. The great beasts were lined up on either side of the hall, their polished, dark leather and metal harnesses catching and reflecting the light of the crystals. Ameer then took Frog to meet with Cassaria once again. Now, while everyone else waited for them to return, Billy stood fidgeting with his robes.
‘Are you all right?’ asked Nadiah.
‘I don't feel comfortable in these clothes,’ replied Billy as he pulled at the material for the umpteenth time.
‘Here, let me help you,’ she said and before he could object, Nadiah had her arms around his waist, untying the belt and loosening the robes. ‘What's this lump in the folds?’ she asked.
‘Just some food for later on in case I get hungry,’ Billy quickly explained.
‘It will only get warm in there. Let me take it out,’ she said.
‘No. No, it's all right. Just leave it where it is,’ he said getting slightly agitated.
‘All right, don't panic. I'm only trying to help.’
Billy stood there, his face reddening by the second, hoping that no one would notice and praying that Frog would not return at this moment to see his predicament.
‘Just relax and trust me,’ she instructed and tugged at the robe, at one point reaching underneath to adjust the undergarment. This caused Billy's eyes to widen in surprise and horror as a new level of embarrassment struck him. Finally, to his relief, she wrapped the belt around his middle and tied it in a half knot.
‘How does that feel now?’ she asked stepping back to inspect him.
‘Much better,’ said Billy. ‘Sorry I snapped at you.’
‘Don't worry, I don't get upset that easily,’ she replied.
‘Hey, it's surprisingly comfortable,’ he added walking around in a small circle, testing his movements. ‘If I didn't feel so stupid, I could get used to it.’
; One of the riders heard and flashed a stern glance at him.
‘No offence meant,’ said Billy hastily.
At that moment, Ameer and Frog appeared, striding towards them from across the cavern. Both of their faces wore uneasy looks.
‘Something troubles them,’ observed Nadiah and Billy noticed that she gave a sudden shiver.
‘Are you cold?’ he asked.
‘Not cold, just a feeling that something is not right, a feeling that we are being watched,’ she replied as her eyes searched around the cave.
Billy followed her gaze into the shadowed recesses, an uneasiness creeping into his thoughts.
‘I need you all to listen, carefully,’ announced Ameer. ‘There are forces at work on Aridian, the like we have never before encountered. Not only is our world in danger but the future of other distant places and other peoples is also under threat. The powers of evil have arrived amongst us and are already preparing to overthrow and enslave us all. We have to mobilise our armies and defend our people against a great and terrible adversary. We must send out the falcons to alert our communities.
‘There is to be a meeting of the Sisterhood at Arachnae and we are to make haste there ourselves, gathering those that we need along the way. Billy, you shall ride with me. I have a message from Cassaria that I must deliver to you once we have begun our journey. Frog, you shall ride with Nadiah.’
Billy gave a quizzical look at Frog who shrugged his shoulders in return.
During the meeting with Cassaria two events had stuck in Frog's mind. The first was that she had asked him for a teardrop, explaining that she would use it to create a protective spell for him, in the same way that she would use the one taken from Billy earlier. And so he had allowed her to evoke a sadness spell on him. A single tear had welled up and tumbled down his cheek, which Cassaria had gently caught in a small glass vial. The second thing was that she had then spent some time with Ameer in her private room where they had shared a hushed conversation. Frog could also not guess what information was to be passed on to Billy and how he was to be involved. He was, however, intrigued and – dare he admit it – a little jealous of his friend as they all set off in procession up the wide passageway to the surface.