"Witch? Here in these parts? They prefer the Cark Woods."
"The Fugues appeared and rescued me." Sadness crept over Zach as the dream evaporated. He realized he had been saved, again, by someone else. Part of him wished he'd been able to fend off the hag himself.
"It's a good thing they showed up. Most witches are powerful here."
"The Fugues told me I had a nightmare charm put on me by the witch and that I needed to find Baku."
"The nightmare charm? She must have slapped it on you when the Fugues appeared and realized you would escape. I'll summon the dream-eater next time you sleep. We need to travel farther east now. I don't know if the Nightlanders are still around."
Zach's brow furrowed. "She also said my fate lies beyond the Shattered Woods."
Throg froze for a minute, seeming to ponder this comment. "The Shattered Woods is an ancient name for the Cark. Most witches on Azimuth are evil, but if you answer their questions correctly, they're forced to be honest. Then they'll try to kill you."
"Does that mean we have to go through the Cark?" Dread knotted Zach's stomach. The way Throg had described it, the Cark was not somewhere he wanted to be.
"Aye, perhaps pass Tomb Valley to get to the Canopus Hills."
"How did you escape from the wishpoosh?"
"Dang wishpoosh. They usually live closer to the Invunche Lake. They surprised me. Just as some witches moved from the Cark, the wishpoosh probably migrated upriver. The evil creatures of Azimuth tend to act strange when Biskara comes into power. I fled the wishpoosh the same way you did. I ran off in a different direction than you to lead them away. They do not stray far from the water."
"The witch screamed that Biskara would tear the flesh off my Kin body and that I had 'returned.'" A tremor wracked him. This was nothing like outsmarting bullies at school. This was real. The swordfight, the monsters, even his physical changes all pointed to the same thing—if Zach died here, he died.
"She said that? How odd."
A thought occurred to him. "Hey, Throg, do you think Biskara might have contacted the witch for an alliance?"
"Could be. Wouldn't be the first time. We'll need to keep a sharp eye out for anyone else, especially Nightlanders. Their magic is dangerous. Legend says they come in thieves' fog."
Zach nodded. He sheathed his blade and they scampered into the forest. A few birds screeched overhead.
Shelby approached Stuart and patted him on the back. She glanced at the charcoal drawing on his leather jerkin. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it.
"Way to go, Stuart. A tremendous battle," Shelby said.
Riley jumped closer. "Yeah, awesome!"
"Thanks. I'm a video game nut back home. My mom is always on my case about playing too much. Who'd have thought how handy that skill would be?" Stuart grinned.
"This is just the beginning, I'm afraid," Presage said as he walked away from another soldier. The two had been talking for almost ten minutes. "We must head to Meracuse now. Lord Achernar awaits us. The uprising has begun, and Nightlanders have circled the city of Degei, the main port of trade for Meridia."
The camp began packing for the journey to Meracuse. Several soldiers wounded by the Minotaur were being placed on wagons. Tents were broken down and rolled up, food was stored, barrels of water hefted onto carts, and men suited up.
Smiling, Boozer approached Stuart. "So the Minotaur lost his firs' conflict. Way to go, kiddo. Ya weren't fooling when ya said ye could play the game. Now I've got to find me a different warrior to be undefeated with." He laughed.
"Anytime, anywhere," Stuart said, smirking.
Shelby smiled. Everyone seemed in high spirits.
As soldiers took down the camp, Vilaborg strode over. Even with everyone's help, breaking camp and moving out would take a while.
"So, my dear Kin," Vilaborg said, "your interceptors, along with Boozer and Sol here, will be traveling with you at all times. Of course, soon you'll be surrounded by a brigade for the sojourn to the capital. Lord Achernar wished us to be your personal guard. I have chosen two other soldiers, two of the best here, to join us—Dukas Rendle and Crater Mathers. The march will be short, about three hours. When we arrive at the headquarters, Lord Achernar will greet you and explain his strategy. Mr. Dempsey, you are welcome to join the Kin."
Mr. Dempsey nodded. "Anything I can do to help, Vilaborg."
Barrick handed out leather backpacks. "Each contains a bunch of useful goodies. Don't lose these."
Now that Shelby was accustomed to him, Barrick didn't seem as terrifying as before. In fact, he was quite a nice guy.
He clasped her on the shoulder and murmured low enough for only her to hear. "Shelby, while we ride, keep Miss Emily company. I fear she may be scared. No Kin should return home and be terrified."
"Return?" Shelby asked, but Barrick had turned away to help deconstruct Presage's tent.
She inspected the contents of her bag: chud, canteens, blankets, a teakettle with cups, knives, and a compass were the featured items. The pack weighed heavier than most she'd carried before, but now that she was stronger, she slung it over her shoulder with ease, amazed at how effortless it was.
The two new soldiers, Dukas and Crater, arrived. Dukas was slender and fair-skinned, and would have been a handsome individual had his nose not been broken and a pair of his teeth knocked out. Across his back, he shouldered a claymore, and a short sword was strapped to his hip.
Crater was also tall and fair, but his hair was darker than Dukas', and he carried a crossbow and knife. Both bore several other weapons. Vilaborg helped set them on the ground.
"Kin, gather around. These here are your weapons. You'll find you are skilled in certain areas, which mirror your Aulic Assembly link. As Presage explained earlier, you inherited specific abilities when you came through the mobile portal, though you all will carry a primary blade."
He motioned them closer and resumed. "For instance, Emily, your counterpart is Elita Ezmer. She is quite the archer, one of the best in Meridia. Your skills will be similar to hers at your age. You may need to shoot a few to sharpen up, but you'll tap your link's expertise to a certain extent."
Vilaborg fixed his gaze on Max. "Macklin Morrow is an excellent all-around soldier and adept with a long sword." He hefted an elegant blade up and placed it in Max's hands. "Take some time to get used to its weight."
He motioned to Stuart, who approached. "Stuart, Satchel Spool is your link and has never misfired a hand-cannon. He also can handle a scimitar rather well." Stuart lifted the two weapons from the pile. "Take care when you aim with the cannon. The backlash is pretty harsh."
He turned to Shelby. "Yours was difficult to narrow down. Let's just say Bianca Saddler is good at almost everything. You will carry a rapier and a crossbow."
The rapier was heavier than Shelby expected, and the sheath was of white leather embroidered with leaves and vines. The hilt of the blade shone in silver, with gold and bronze leaves interwoven, creating a hard shell to protect her hand. She gathered the two weapons and belted the saber to her side. If the beast approached her now, he'd tremble and cower in fear.
Presage smiled at Riley. "Rowan Letty is an excellent rider and also a fierce adversary with many weapons, in particular a slingshot she has patented."
Riley accepted the slingshot and a bag of metal bullets, as well as a rapier.
Shelby spied her friend examining the specialized weapon, carved from bone with steel inlaid for extra strength. The bed of the slingshot was soft leather and fitted each bullet snugly.
Vilaborg finished handing out the weapons, and they all packed up their newfound belongings. Some, like Max and Shelby, took time feeling their armaments and getting to know them.
Shelby glanced at Stuart as he studied the hand-cannon. When he put his fingers around the handle, the weapon started humming, and a small red light switched on at the nozzle.
"Be careful with that now, laddie," Cumber said. "As I told ya earlier, it can be
very powerful. The nozzle will control the pressure of the blas'. The more ya turn the mechanism clockwise, the more po'ent the blas'. On low, ye can blow a candle ou' from across the room." He winked.
Stuart smiled. "Thanks, Cumber. Why don't we all have hand-cannons?"
"Ah, good question. Because of sorcology, it will shoot on low for anyone, but to be po'ent, the wielder mus' bear the proper inner-energy component. Turns ou' mos' folks don' possess it. Satchel Spool is the only member of the Assembly tha' can operate a hand-cannon on full power. I'm one o' a few in this company tha' can, along with Sculptor."
Stuart moved in closer. "You mentioned sorcology. What exactly do you mean by that?"
Shelby paused to listen.
Cumber said, "Sorcology is technology enhanced by the grea' arts, more commonly known as magic on Earth. They are a strong combination."
"I also noticed the skies are clear," Stuart pointed out, "and that we're riding instead of being picked up by a helicopter or a truck or something. I don't see any advanced technology outside of some weapons and games."
"Well, we do share a fleet of star darts, opera'ed by the United Forces, but they're called into action only as a las' measure if our planet is being attacked. Ya need to be aware, the First Grea' War with Biskara and his son, Hideux, was one of the bloodies' in this universe. When Hideux was defea'ed, the Aulic Assembly and the mentors, along with the other grea' leaders on Azimuth, agreed tha' a better way to live needed to be found. Since then, we abide by a code. The United Forces is supplied by the world to protect it from outsiders, and they run the star darts. If the battle sways in the Nightlanders' favor, the United Forces will respond. But they are mos'ly an aerial assault, with a few smaller groups of highly trained ground soldiers."
Cumber stretched his back.
"So, although we enjoy many o' the pleasures and some weapons of technology and sorcology, cer'ain things—all voted on by the people o' Azimuth—we live withou'."
He paused, took a swig out of his canteen, and continued. "Millions o' lives were lost against Hideux. As the mos' powerful son, he did no' simply attemp' to take over Meridia or Azimuth. He wan'ed the whole southern hemisphere of the universe, and he wouldn' have stopped there. Lord Achernar the First defea'ed him after a long war. We were losing because Biskara was involved. Then the truth seekers showed up and the Silver Sphere was crea'ed. Tha' was when the tide turned. I'll tell ya more later on, though we need ta ge' on the road."
It was all very interesting, but as Cumber walked away, Shelby wondered what was so bad about technology. On Earth, people got along just fine in general. Then again, we don't have evil beings trying to take over.
Max unsheathed his sword and swung the long blade effortlessly through the air a few times.
Shelby unleashed her rapier and did the same thing. She looked over at Max and smiled. Mr. Dempsey approached her.
Max strolled over to them after she caught his eye. "Hi, you look like you're pretty good with the blade."
"Almost as talented as you." Shelby offered a shy smirk.
Barrick trotted over. "Mr. Dempsey, can I have a word with you?"
"Sure."
Barrick steered Mr. Dempsey a little way from where the Kin prepared for the journey ahead. Meanwhile, other soldiers in the camp finished taking down tents, dousing fires, and packing carts, horses, and wagons. They were nearly ready.
Shelby motioned to Max and the two sidled closer to Barrick and Mr. Dempsey to listen in.
"Well, sir," Barrick said, "I wanted to check how you were doing. To the Kin, part of them is at home here. You came through the portal and are not a Kin. We have been blessed with your presence, but Presage wanted me to make sure you weren't having any anxiety or irregular feelings."
Mr. Dempsey placed his hand on Barrick's shoulder. "No, although this is a bit of a shock, I am fine. But thank you for asking. I'm comfortable around kids. I know Shelby, and I want to look after her."
"Well, Mr. Dempsey, Shelby and her Kin may be the ones looking after you. You see, since you have no link to connect with here, no major skills have transferred over, though you probably sense greater strength than you did on Earth."
"I'll be fine. Presage mentioned these Nightlanders have surfaced and have attacked a main port?"
Barrick tisked and shook his head. "Yes, horrible news. I think we all held out hope it was a false alarm, but Malefic raised an army, mostly of Lampurians, and reports are this group is of considerable size. The army will pick up steam as evil beings come out of the woodwork to join them. With Biskara's involvement, war is inevitable. We need to return to Meracuse as quickly as possible, locate the Assembly, and operate the Silver Sphere to find Biskara and summon the truth seekers. If Malefic reaches Meracuse before us and takes control of the Sphere, legend has it he'd have the power to unleash Biskara on the mortal plane."
The sound of pounding hooves emanated from the forest ahead of them. Shelby and Max scampered over to Barrick. Both left their blades unsheathed, ready in case of an attack.
"Sounds like a lot of horses," said Shelby.
A horde of glorious warriors burst from the thicket, the early morning sun glaring on their polished armor. Several of the Meridian soldiers froze and gazed up at the newcomers in awe. The man leading the swarm pulled his imposing steed right up to Barrick.
He leapt off the charger, his long golden locks swished. He stood in full confidence, peering down into Barrick's face with piercing blue eyes based with a chiseled jaw. He extended his herculean arm.
Barrick shook his hand.
"Milo Morgante, now yer a pleasure for my weary eyes. At least I hope so."
"Biskara has arrived, Barrick. The Stonecoats and I are prepared for battle," Milo boomed.
"So, you're here to serve Lord Achernar?" Barrick shifted his feet, his eyebrow twitching.
"No need to ask a stupid question. I will aid no politician or self-proclaimed royal family. I always said I'll fight alongside Bianca and the Aulic Assembly if Azimuth is in danger. The time has come."
"The Assembly is missing. The Kin have been summoned," Barrick said.
Milo nodded and fixed his authoritative gaze on Shelby and Max. "Then we'll fight with the Kin. Where is Presage? I need to speak to him."
"He is at the head of the camp about fifty yards down the road."
Milo motioned a few hand signals to the Stonecoats. He mounted his pearly steed and spun the reins in the direction Barrick had indicated. The horse snorted and tossed its mane as it started through the muddy camp.
"Milo?" Barrick called out.
The Stonecoat stopped and turned.
Barrick thumped his chest once. "I'm as proud as a Tuskarian can be to ride with you and the Stonecoats."
Milo dipped his head and galloped off, leaving the other Stonecoats behind.
Barrick turned to the Kin and beamed. "Milo is the greatest warrior of our generation. And these men here are the Stonecoats, the best soldiers assembled today."
"They are not Meridian soldiers?" Shelby asked.
"In his younger days, Milo was a Meridian. He does not see eye-to-eye with Lord Achernar. He signed up with the United Forces, and then went on his own for adventure as the leader of the Stonecoats. The Stonecoats, a brotherhood that has been around for hundreds of years, have always been loyal to the Aulic Assembly. But make no mistake, Milo and the Stonecoats serve no one." Barrick pumped his fist in the air.
Sculptor joined the conversation. "Renegade heathens is what they are, shunning responsibility for adventure."
Mr. Dempsey waved his hand toward some Stonecoats that unpacked. "Well, they certainly don't resemble heathens. They look in tremendous shape, and their armor sparkles."
"Sure, sure," Sculptor said. "They come thundering into a Meridian camp, barking orders after having their armor polished by the Bogmen or some other poor souls for a bit of chud. They live life in careless abandon like a big men's club, and then they expect Lord Achernar, whom they despis
e, to open the red curtain for them."
"Aye," Barrick said. "They march to a different tune, Sculptor, but the Stonecoats could wipe out an entire Nightlander regiment. Do you remember your history? The Battle at Canopus Hills against the Nightlanders was legendary. Blindsided and ambushed, the Meridian Army faced defeat, until the Stonecoats stormed in and beat back the Nightlander troop within an hour, allowing our soldiers to retreat and then launch a counterattack." Barrick shook his fist in the air again.
"They may cost us allies, friend. They're feuding with the Battleswine, but Lord Achernar is negotiating with the Battleswine in hopes they'll join us. When they find out Milo and the Stonecoats are marching with us...."
"They will still join us. The Battleswine are well aware the Stonecoats are in good relations with the Aulic Assembly. We are talking about the Nightlanders here, Sculptor. Azimuth will unite. Adversaries will coexist, if only to battle the minions of Biskara."
Max beamed at the Stonecoats, his eyes wide. "Wow, these guys look awesome."
Shelby and Max met the Stonecoats' stares. Their armor glistened in the sunlight, a blend of gold and silver mixed with rich, dark brown leather. Shelby had dreamed of such armor as a little girl, and this exceeded her images. A white knight from Arthurian legend couldn't hold a candle to these guys. Their helms shone brilliantly, each forged with the Stonecoat eagle sigil atop the brow.
"All right." Sculptor patted Max and Shelby on their backs. "We need to get you packed up now. We will be leaving in a moment."
They returned to the rest of the Kin. Riley twirled her slingshot, and Stuart and Emily engaged in conversation while packing their bags. Shelby was glad Emily was opening up to someone. She decided to give them space while they rode.
"You guys won't believe this, but I slung this pellet thirty yards and hit the tree I aimed for," Riley exclaimed, pointing in the direction she had thrown. She tilted her head back a bit and smirked.
"I believe you," Max said. "I can handle this sword with as much ease as the lacrosse stick I grew up with."
Stuart walked over with his backpack fastened. "Well, let's get going. I'm anxious to learn what Lord Achernar has to say and how we can help."
The Silver Sphere Page 10