by I. B. George
“Forgive me, prince, if I behaved in a beastly manner but it was the only way to bring you to Fantasmagoria. I’ve been watching you since yesterday when you went into the woods and have been following you from a distance all the way. Last night I stood guard near your camping site. Once again, my prince, please accept my most sincere apologies for such an aggressive attitude, but let’s blame it on tiredness”, concluded the wolf.
Robert listened dumbstruck, as it finally sank in that the wolf standing in front of him was indeed able to talk.
“Forgive me”, he said at last, ”but I’m not accustomed to talking to animals. How did you manage to learn humans’ language?”
Robert fancied for a second that the wolf was smiling.
“In fact, my prince, it is not I who speaks your language, just as you don’t speak mine. It’s Fantasmagoria: some creatures have the gift of making themselves understood, so… you see, my prince, you will be able to communicate with many of them in here.”
Robert was beginning to calm down and gather his thoughts. He realised he had to find the answers to all the hundreds of questions whirling around in his head.
“I’m Robert”, he began quietly, “but you probably know that already. Do you have a name?”
“Of course, prince. My name is Akura and, as I was saying, I am the Royal Counsellor.”
“To the king of Fantasmagoria?” inquired Robert.
“Not exactly. To the king who rules over the Kingdom of Fire. I must explain a few things though, for you to understand what I’m talking about. Fantasmagoria is divided into two realms: Elementis, also known as the Lower Realm and Akros, or the Upper Realm. Again, each of these two places is divided into several regions. In Elementis you can find the Kingdom of Fire, the Kingdom of Night, the Kingdom of Water and the Kingdom of Clouds. The territory of Akros is being fought over by three warrior peoples: Hekar, Khalari and Dal’al. But, enough of the geography lesson, my prince. The Professor will deal with the history lesson later on and he’ll be able to tell you more about the places and peoples I’ve been mentioning to you. “
“Which Professor are you talking about?” asked Robert in surprise.
“You shall see. He’ll be here soon”, said Akura wistfully, sniffing at the salty sea breeze and gazing ahead towards the horizon.
Robert meant to inquire again about this mysterious Professor, but on second thoughts, he decided not to.
“Akura”, said Robert at last, “why do you insist on calling me prince? I don’t recall anyone in the Anderson family being of royal descendant. Are you certain you’re not mistaking me for somebody else?”
“No, prince, I’m positive. You’ll soon learn more about that. The Professor will answer all your questions, I promise.”
“I still don’t get it, though: if you know me that well why did you chase me every time we’ve come across each other?”
“I had to make you cross the threshold into Fantasmagoria. You would have never found the way into our world by yourself. I gave you… a hand, so to speak.”
“Hmm, now I can see the purpose of our second encounter, but I still can’t understand the first one. And why didn’t you speak to me, as you’re doing now? I think it would have made things easier for both of us.”
Akura chuckled.
“My prince, things are slightly more complicated than they look. First of all, in your world, the humans’ world, I can’t talk. As I was saying, you and I can only communicate in Fantasmagoria. As for our first encounter… hmm… everything happens for a reason, I can assure you”, said Akura enigmatically. “These are troubled times in Fantasmagoria, prince… and we need your help”.
Robert felt suddenly overwhelmed by everything that was happening to him. Fantasmagoria, the kingdoms, the warriors, Akura, the enigmatic Professor… everything was whirling round his head like a carousel. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it seemed that they needed him, a ten-year-old boy!
He felt scared but excited at the same time when thinking about the extraordinary adventure he was experiencing.
His reverie was cut short by Akura’s voice:
“Look! They’re here”.
Robert turned his head and looked in the direction Akura was pointing. Just on the water’s horizon, a huge ship with three masts was cutting through the waves with the agility and grace of a marine creature. As the vessel was getting closer, Robert was able to make out the commotion on board.
On deck you could hear the chief mate’s orders ringing out, while the sailors were pulling the halyards and stretching the sails against the wind. The helmsman steered the ship, setting the course towards the beach where Robert and Akura watched. After a while, at a certain distance from shore, the bustle on deck quietened down and Robert could see the anchor being lowered into the water at great speed. There followed a few moments of silence, then you could hear the sound of instructions ringing out again and you could see some of the mariners rushing to fulfil their duties.
Robert noticed a boat which some of the sailors were straining to set to water with the help of some kind of pulley contraption. On the boat he glimpsed two sailors taking charge of the oars and two other people he couldn’t quite make out.
Once in the water the boat started to advance rapidly, carried along on the waves by the efforts of the two seamen who handled the oars with tremendous skill.
Robert wondered who these people were who appeared to have travelled here especially to meet him and what sort of adventures the future held in store for him from now on.
He kept trying to make out the silhouettes of the figures on the boat, eager to find out whether those heading towards the shore were in some way familiar. At the same time, however, he realised that he couldn’t possibly recognize the people coming to greet him because he didn’t know anyone in Fantasmagoria!
The boat kept slashing graciously through the calm waves and Robert guessed that the expanse of water ahead was some sea or ocean, as no land was visible as far as the horizon.
He was shading his eyes from the blazing sunlight when he suddenly felt a knot in his stomach at the sight of the people in the boat. One of the shapes, which appeared to be that of the captain of the waiting ship ahead, looked strangely familiar.
It can’t be… he thought. Is it my eyesight, playing tricks on me? I could swear that man is… no, that would be impossible. He shook his head as if trying to shake off some nagging thought.
At last the boat reached the sandy shore and the paddlers jumped nimbly into the water and started pulling the little vessel towards land.
It was only then that Robert’s face suddenly lit up with happiness as he finally recognised the mysterious captain.
“Radius!” he cried out in joy, running towards the old man.
“So good to see you, Robert! I can see you’ve already met Akura”, said Radius while giving him a huge hug. “I hope you have already forgiven him for the way in which he… guided you here, have you?”
“Of course, we’re friends now”, said Robert looking over at Akura.
“Professor, it’s time to go”, intervened Akura, looking at Radius. “We have so much to do and so little time. According to the Oracle of Konaar, the prophecy must be fulfilled by the time the moon enters its fourth phase”.
“Are you the Professor!?” asked Robert, eyes wide open in amazement.
“At your service, my prince!” replied Radius, placing his right foot in front of him and bowing with a wide gesture.
Robert felt embarrassed. Not that long ago he was just an ordinary boy from a secluded little village in the middle of nowhere, and now everybody greeted him and spoke to him with such respect. He wasn’t used to this kind of behaviour and he felt as though he was in a dream from which he never wanted to wake up.
“Right, Robert. Let’ go!” said Radius. “Akura is right, time is brief and we have lots of things to do. I shall explain more once we’re on board the ship. I’ve sorted out a comfortable cabin for you, fitted to y
our rank.”
Robert had to stop himself from asking any more questions and just followed the Professor. He stepped onto the boat accompanied by Akura and the two seamen pushed the vessel into the water with the help of the Professor’s second in command.
Robert felt a wonderful sensation swaying on the waves. As they were getting nearer, Robert could make out the familiar outline of the ship. On its prow reigned the carved serpent from his father’s sketches.
Things were beginning to make sense. It was quite clear now that his father had reached Fantasmagoria and it was more than certain that everything he’d described in the blue journal would be found in this kingdom.
Robert climbed up the rope ladder hanging off the port[6] of the ship and stepped on deck, helped along by one of the sailors.
As soon as everyone else on the boat had climbed aboard the ship, the chief mate gave a resounding whistle and called out earnestly:
“His Highness, Prince Robert Eremon, descendant of the great king Ga’al of the Eremon House and heir to the Kingdom of Fire!”
Perplexed, Robert watched as all the seamen on deck lowered one knee onto the weather-beaten planks and bowed their heads simultaneously in respect.
He struggled to contain his nerves and while this ceremony took place he pondered for a few moments over what the chief mate had said. He heard it loud and clear: he was the heir to one of the four kingdoms of Elementis.
A few moments later the chief mate’s whistle rang out again and the seamen dispersed to their various posts.
With an expansive gesture, the Professor’s Quartermaster invited Robert to follow him to the cabin reserved for him. Once by the door, the Professor’s Quartermaster showed him in and then discreetly closed the door behind him.
The cabin was generous in size and consisted of a bed, two armchairs, a wardrobe, a desk and some paintings. Its windows were large enough to allow the warmth and light of the sun to spread across the objects inside.
Robert sat on the bed and started to unpack the bag he had been carrying ever since he’d left his grandmother’s house.
Carefully, he started arranging the few spare clothes he’d brought with him, noticing with surprise that there already were some garments ready for him in the wardrobe. He then took out some of the food still left in his bag and placed it on the desk. He left the blue journal and the other items belonging to his father in the bag.
In one corner of the room he noticed a washbowl, a jug of water, some soap and clean towels. He took off his clothes, had a quick wash and then dried himself with the soft towel that had been placed on the arm of one of the chairs.
He turned towards the wardrobe and inspected the clothes that the Professor had left for him. He chose a pair of black trousers, a white shirt, a pair of brown boots and a leather waistcoat with silver buttons in the same colour.
He had just finished dressing, when he heard a discreet tapping on the door.
“Your Highness, I have the honour of inviting you to the Captain’s cabin”, said the Quartermaster as soon as Robert opened the door. “The Captain also requests that you bring the objects which belonged to your father.”
“I’ll be right there”, answered Robert. “I won’t be a minute!”
He turned on his heels and went towards the desk. He grabbed the bag with the items that the Professor required and followed the Quartermaster to Radius’s cabin.
***
The Quartermaster knocked a few times and as soon as he heard the Professor’s consenting voice from inside, opened the door and urged Robert to go in.
“Robert!” exclaimed Radius, his face brightening up at the sight of him. “Please, have a seat.”
Robert sat down on the chair in front of the Professor’s desk, dying to find some answers to all the questions that have been troubling him lately.
“I’ve had a chat with Akura” began the Professor, unfolding a map on the table, “and he said that he’s already told you a few things about Fantasmagoria. I think it’s time you found out more about that. Please, come a bit closer”, encouraged Radius and pointed at the map.
The map that the Professor had laid out was drawn in black ink on a thick paper yellowed with age and torn around the edges. Robert could distinguish some irregular shapes and he guessed that those were the borders between the various lands that made up Elementis and Akros.
“First of all I should explain why these two regions have been named the Upper Realm and the Lower Realm. As you can see, Akros, which is marked on the top side of the map, is situated on a rocky plateau, a few thousand feet higher than Elementis. Any trade routes are made through a virtually unreachable crossing called the Misty Passage. This is a narrow road which, as the name itself suggests, is eternally enveloped in fog. For that reason, a lot of the traders come to their end at the bottom of the precipice which runs along the path.
“I see”, said Robert. “That means that Akros is to some extent isolated from the other four kingdoms, right?”
“Precisely. That’s why, in their struggle to survive, the people there have developed some extraordinary abilities as warriors, since life in Akros is more difficult. For that reason, a few hundred years ago, Arion, the then leader of the Khalari people, the most fearsome of all the tribes of Akros, forged an alliance with the other peoples, Hekar and Dal’al. They planned to invade Elementis, take over the lands there and thus obtain access to the Elian Sea for…”
“The Elian Sea?” interrupted Robert thoughtfully.
“Yes, the Elian Sea, the same one we’re sailing on at the moment. Legend has it that Elian was the first person around here to build a vessel and venture to roam the seas that surround Fantasmagoria. Elian was one of the people in the Kingdom of Water but the legend of that region tells us that he never returned home. It is possible that he had vanished into the White Sea, which is so called because of the glaciers that cover it. Some say that he’d come to a grisly end in the Frozen Land, a place somewhere beyond the White Sea inhabited by sorcerers who don’t experience any feelings and are as cold as the place they live in. The northern area of the Upper Realm is bordered by the White Sea and that’s why Arion dreamt of seizing the Elian Sea so they could have access to a wide stretch of water on which to navigate without peril.”
Robert looked awestruck while listening to the Professor. All the knowledge that he was imparting now sounded unbelievable. What crossed Robert’s mind again was the fact that until yesterday he was just an ordinary boy who didn’t have a clue about Fantasmagoria with its legends, creatures and people.
“The war between the kingdoms of Elementis and the allied armies of Arion lasted for almost ten years. At long last, the kingdom won the fight, imposed strict rules on the people of Akros and installed a checkpoint at the entrance to the Misty Passage. That way they restricted people’s access from the Upper Realm, apart from the commercial carriers. Any weapons were always surrendered at the checkpoint and retrieved on return.”
“If the war ended hundreds of years ago, I don’t understand why Akura said these were troubled time and why do you need me!”
“Because there was another war in the more recent history of Fantasmagoria… between the four kingdoms of Elementis. But before I tell you more about that, there are a few things you need to know first.”
The Professor paused for a while and let out a sigh, seemingly not knowing where to begin.
“Some of the people from the four kingdoms, known as the Chosen have the ability to control some of the elements in our world, so long as these elements are somewhere nearby, so they can capture their energy. Those from the Kingdom of Water can, obviously, manipulate water. They have the greatest advantage since all the kingdoms have water aplenty, apart from the Kingdom of Fire. Their land is a volcanic area and that’s why the Chosen there have developed the ability to manipulate fire. Those from the Kingdom of Clouds have the richest harvests because they can control the clouds and therefore, rain and snow. Those from the Kingdom of Nig
ht can bring on such darkness that no one dares to cross their borders to start fighting. They say the dusk is so dense that not even light can penetrate it. During the war against Akros those soldiers who found themselves in the darkness brought on by the Night Chosen started killing each other, and those who escaped it, went mad. The only exception among the Chosen are those from the Eremon House, to which you belong on your mother’s side.”
Robert felt shivers going down his spine.
“My mother was a princess?”
Radius corrected him:
“The right title carried by your Highness’s mother, my prince, was Queen of the Kingdom of Fire and her Majesty’s name was Neri.”
Robert felt tears running down his cheeks. It was the first time he’d heard his mother’s name.
Neri… what a beautiful name, he thought. “My mother… What was she like? Have you met her?” he questioned anxiously.
“Certainly, my prince. She was a remarkable woman with a gentle disposition, just like a glowing fire that warms you up on a cold winter’s day. She was delightful to be with and when she spoke, your heart melted with happiness. However, if she had to, she could also turn fiery just like a blazing flame that scorches everything in its way. She was always dignified, like a true queen, the proud descendant of the Eremon House, the oldest in Fantasmagoria.
The Professor stopped for a short while, then carried on:
“As I was saying, prince, she had this ability, unique for that matter in Fantasmagoria, to create fire from her own inner energy, without the need of a nearby source. Those from the Eremon House developed this ability, which later became hereditary.
“Do you mean to say that I could kindle a fire with my own hands and nothing else?” quizzed Robert, perplexed by what he was hearing.
“That’s exactly what I’ve just said, prince”, answered Radius with a smile. “Still, I believe that we will need to work a bit on those talents of yours, Robert, since I suspect you’ve never used them before, right?”