by Jeff Gunzel
“Have I learned anything new in the last hour? Um...no, I haven’t. Perhaps if you got out of my hair a little more often, I would make better progress.” She winked at him, then moved back towards her own magical sphere.
Berkeni looked at her, marveling at how different this woman had become, both mentally and physically, since joining them. Her white hair was filled with red beads, tied back in a yellow ribbon. As always, she wore her black and gold eye patch with silver lining. Her light blue silk dress flowed down to her feet, just long enough to rest on top of her white shoes. Looking the part of a beautiful woman had gone a long way to making her feel like one.
“Admit it, Addel. You simply can’t function without me around.” He looked around her room. It was much finer than his. Bright green walls had black swirling designs carved directly into the wood. There were two large tables; one held her pearl on a golden stand in the likeness of a human hand. Eight sturdy handcrafted chairs provided seating. A large green rocking chair with an extra plush seat, and several white shelves filled with personal belongings, completed the set of furniture. It would seem her adjustment to living in the palace had been an easy one.
“Then perhaps you should leave again, and we will test your theory,” she said smugly, already seated again in front of her milky pearl. Addel had proven to be a more than capable assistant. Berkeni hated to admit it, but her work ethic seemed to exceed his own. Here she sat, day and night, scrying on the possible entry points Krytoes might use. It was a tireless job. They shifted constantly, day after day. The best she could do was narrow them down to general locations.
The wise man decided to say no more. Only a fool would continue to test this stubborn woman’s limits. Better to flick the snout of an alligator and see how long it takes to enrage him. Berkeni pulled up a chair near the second table, then placed down his silver holder and shiny sphere. It was his turn to do a share of the work.
However, his self-given duties were a bit different than Addel’s. Though both were skilled mystics, their strengths were different. Berkeni worked the perimeter of Taron, studying the surrounding towns and cities, watching for any suspicious movements on their part. He wasn’t spying, exactly...only looking out for Taron’s best interests during a time of unrest. It was better to be aware of the movements of your neighbors, rather than be caught off guard. It won’t always be like this. Things will settle down eventually, Berkeni thought. At least, that’s what he hoped.
Addel had a very special talent. She had a special understanding of these “entry points” scattered around the world. They shifted and moved regularly, making them hard to keep track of. But Addel was as good as anyone at finding and studying them. Krytoes would have to use one eventually to enter their realm. She was in charge of figuring out exactly which one would allow him entrance, and where it would happen—a task only a few in the world were capable of.
“Have you heard any word?” Addel asked, still keeping all her attention on her pearl. There was no reason to be any more specific. Berkeni knew who she meant.
“I have not heard from Jade in some time now. I can only assume everything is all right. It’s a shame she lost the ring I gave her. Otherwise, I would contact her myself. As it stands now, I must wait for her to form the link.”
Jade had discovered a way to make contact with Berkeni without using the ring. It turned out she had abilities no one was aware of. The native group she had fallen in with had shown her how to tap into these mystic talents. They taught her a way to form a mental link with Berkeni. But unfortunately, the link could only be formed by Jade. Berkeni had no understanding of this sort of “nature’s magic.”
Addel removed her hands from her sphere. The milky white swirls immediately began to disappear. “I still find it hard to believe,” she said, looking at Berkeni with a smile. “Jade has proved to be something rather special, has she not? All this time and nobody knew what she was capable of. Dare I say she might surpass the great Berkeni Ajal someday?”
Berkeni smiled. His eyes appeared weary as he stared into his pearl. “I hope so,” he replied softly.
“What was that, old man? You’ll have to speak up a bit.”
Berkeni let out a deep breath. “I said I hope so,” he repeated, louder this time. Addel’s smile began to fade, sensing a more serious tone here. “I’m tired, Addel.” He paused a moment, then looked at her directly. “I made an oath to serve the Queen, and by the gods I plan to honor that promise. But...” Addel listened intently as he continued. “I’m old, and with every passing year I’m reminded constantly that I’m not getting any younger. I love Ilirra, but I cannot assist her forever. The day will come when someone needs to take my place.”
Addel moved up behind him and began to rub his shoulders. “I’m old too, you know. Nothing in this world lasts forever, we both know that. But I want you to make me a promise.” Still staring into the globe, he nodded slightly. “I need you to hang in there as long as I do. When the war is over, and the Gate Keeper has sent that demon’s twisted soul back into the black fires that created him, you and I may finally be at peace. Can you do that much for me?” Berkeni didn’t respond. She gave his shoulders a little shake and leaned into his ear. “Have you heard a single word I’ve said? Berkeni? Are you alright?”
“By the gods.” The words came out as a choked whisper as his hands began to tremble.
“What?! What do you see?” Addel placed her hands on the globe, fingers pressed just above his. It didn’t take long for her to see what he saw. She gasped. Addel backed away, placing a hand to her chest. Her panicked breaths were coming in heavy heaves. “I–I don’t know what to... What-What do we tell the Queen?”
Berkeni pushed his chair back and stood up, his face stony and focused. “We tell her the truth. The crytons...have betrayed us.”
* * *
“I don’t understand any of this,” said Jade, flustered. “I am sworn to protect the Gate Keeper. This is my first and only responsibility. Now you’re telling me I have to step away from my only purpose?”
“I wish there was some other way, Jade. But it really is not that simple,” said Kelus, equally as tense. “The Shantie Rhoe must walk this road alone, lest he be in violation through the eyes of the spirits.”
Eric sat by himself, patiently watching the two of them go back and forth. Eric just shook his head. He loved Jade so much it hurt. But he could see that her love for him made her blind sometimes. An entire civilization wasn’t going to change the rules of its most ancient ritual just because some outsider wished it so. Doing his best to block them out, he concentrated on the words spoken to him by Wara.
At dawn, we will open a portal to the foot of Mt. Vendroth, also known as the Mountain of Dreams. The black stone peak has been climbed by only a few, none of which have ever returned. It is said that when the Shantie Rhoe comes, he will ascend the Mountain of Dreams and make himself known to the world. There have been many over the centuries who thought they were the chosen ones. Needless to say, their bodies are still up there.
As you can imagine, the stories passed down from generation to generation eventually become vague and diluted. But one part has remained intact throughout the centuries: The trials will test the subject’s strength, skill, and his love. Only then will he be named. Little more is known on the subject.
It is said when the Shantie Rhoe is named, the skies will be bathed in light. The Mountain of Dreams will drop its veil, presenting its true form to the world once and for all. How much of this is true? Only the gods know for sure. But we do know this much: Time is running short, and you are our last hope.
Eric let her words sink in. He wasn’t afraid. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been afraid of anything. Death was always considered the worst outcome of any situation, and he had already accepted that probability long ago. Once you’ve already embraced death, what can possibly cause fear?
“You don’t understand, Jade,” said Kelus, his voice somber. “Eric has been marke
d by the Crimson Empire.”
“He’s marked by everyone!” Jade protested. “What does that have to do with—”
“The Crimson Empire,” Kelus interrupted, “is the most powerful kingdom in all of Shangti. The Takeri Clan is nothing but a small tribe. There are dozens of other clans just like us. Yes, we war against one another for any number of foolish reasons, territory and power being among the most prevalent. But we are nothing, tiny glitches on the map, compared to the great kingdoms of Shangti. And amongst them, the Crimson Empire has no equal.”
Jade swallowed hard, the lump in her throat the size of a fist. “What can we do? If they try to hurt Eric again, I’ll—”
“You’ll what? Seek revenge on the entire kingdom? Storm the Crimson Empire’s city by yourself? Well then, I bid you good luck.”
Jade wilted, feeling foolish for allowing her anger to cloud her judgment. Again, she was reminded of how far from home she really was. She was a foreigner and knew nothing of this strange land. This one small village was no indication of what lay beyond its meager boarders. She of all people knew better than this.
“Then what is our next step?” she mumbled, head low.
Kelus reached out and held her hands. His eyes softened when she looked at him. “We’re doing the only thing we can,” he said, giving her hands a squeeze. “The Crimson Empire sent those assassins to kill Eric. They obviously paid a large amount of gold, so this proves they are serious. Yet only a fool would try to kill the only man who has the power to save our world, so that leaves me with only one conclusion: They believe he is not the real Shantie Rhoe.” He paused a moment, running a hand across his bald head.
“Then why act at all?” asked Jade. “If he is not the Shantie Rhoe, what concern is it of the Crimson Empire? Why pay so much gold just to kill a mortal?”
“A question for Empress Ilenaya Moki, not for myself,” said Kelus. “Short tempered and intolerant of fools, that one is. But she is no fool herself. If she ordered this strike against Eric, there had to be a good reason.”
“If I am now a marked man, then all the more reason to get on with this,” said Eric. He stood from the corner and walked over to them. “I don’t mean to interrupt you two while you talk about me as if I weren’t even here, but I think I’ve heard enough.” He turned to Jade. “I don’t see any other way, Jade. An entire kingdom has limitless resources and bottomless pockets. Whatever the Crimson Empire’s reasons for wanting me dead, it’s clear they won’t stop trying just because of one failed attempt.”
“So you’re just going to go on these trials and get yourself killed in the name of nothing?” said Jade, nearly in tears.
“No, not in the name of nothing,” Eric whispered, pulling her in close. “This may be my only chance to prove to them I’m not some false god, as many have called me. If I don’t do this, the attempts on my life will never stop. We have nothing to lose here.”
“We have everything to lose,” murmured Jade, her face buried in his chest, arms around his back. “What if this Mountain of Dreams takes your life? Takes you from me? Then what was all of this for?”
“Then it was all just a dream, Jade. Nothing more,” Eric said softly. “They say that only the Shantie Rhoe can survive the Trials of Ashbarn. If I die, then none of this was ever real.” She held him tighter, but said nothing.
The door opened and Nima entered the room. She gazed around, looking a bit unsure of the situation. “Is everything alright in here?” she asked.
Jade slowly pushed away. “Yes, everything is fine,” she replied, wiping underneath her eye.
“Eric, you need to prepare,” said Nima. “You’ll have to be ready when—”
“I’m ready when they are,” he said, dismissing her words with a wave. A puzzled look crossed his face. “Nima, have you seen Jacob today?”
She swallowed, looking away. Then she began chewing her bottom lip nervously.
* * *
The night air was pleasantly warm—a nice break from what had been a string of several cool nights in a row. The gentle breeze shook the treetops lightly, rattling the leaves and sending down a shower of greenery. It was well into spring, and many of the trees already had a full coat of leaves.
Jacob poked at the low-burning fire, making it pop and fizzle. Tiny orange sparks floated upward, spinning around each other before winking out. “We’re only about a mile out from where I saw her last. Did we really need to stop now?” asked Jacob.
Amoshi stood up, then faced away from Jacob and the fire. He began pulling at the string on his white bow, testing its tension. The little jewels sparkled, reflecting bits of light from the fire. He pulled the string a few more times, making the bright red wheels on the top and bottom squeak. Still ignoring Jacob, he sat back down.
“So, did you know I have the ability to read fortunes, Amoshi? Yep, it’s true,” Jacob said. Amoshi kept examining his bow, rubbing circles around some invisible spot. “Ah, we have a doubter here. That’s fine, I’ll prove it to you,” said Jacob, grinning. He raised his fingers to his temples and closed his eyes, then began rubbing his temples while humming off-key. “Let me see. Oh, yes... I see it. It...it looks like a stick. Yes...and it’s flying at your head.”
Opening his eyes, Jacob reached down, grabbed a small twig, and flung it towards Amoshi. Even though the errant throw purposely missed high, Amoshi jumped to his feet and turned on him angrily. “It seems I’ve finally got your attention,” said Jacob, grinning smugly.
“Fool boy,” growled Amoshi, waving a dismissive hand at him. “Of course I hear you. Half the forest can hear you running your mouth. It’s a miracle we haven’t been discovered.”
“Fool boy?” repeated Jacob. Amoshi was only a few years older than he was. “If you had just answered my questions, I wouldn’t have to try so hard to get a rise out of you. If there is something on your mind, maybe now is a good time to get if off your chest. Remember, no one made you come with me.”
Sitting back down in the grass, Amoshi slumped his shoulders. “That’s not exactly true,” he muttered. “Although, in a way, we are both here for the same reasons.”
“I’m here in search of someone I care for deeply. I will not stop until I find her or find out what became of her. What reason could you possibly have that compares to—” The look on Amoshi’s face spoke a thousand words. “What? Nima? I mean, I know she asked you to go, but—”
“Yes, she asked me to aid you,” grunted Amoshi. He sighed, then looked off into the woods. “I swear, sometimes I feel powerless against her will. And what’s worse, she knows it. Her smile weakens my knees. It makes me do stupid things.”
“Like go on a fool’s quest for someone else’s girl.”
Amoshi let out a hearty laugh, the first time Jacob had seen him smile this entire trip. “Yes,” Amoshi said. “A far better example than I wanted to hear.”
“Stupid things, yes. And yet we do them anyway, don’t we?” said Jacob, matching Amoshi’s grin. “I remember the first time she smiled at me. My neck felt like it was on fire. I nearly forgot my own name. I thought to myself, I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.” He chuckled nervously to himself. “I just kept staring at her. It made her uncomfortable, so she looked away. But I just couldn’t help myself.” He let out a sigh. “After a time, one thing led to another, and...” Jacob shook his head. “It seems so long ago now.”
Amoshi scooted closer to Jacob and began poking at the fire with a stick. “I admit I was not exactly thrilled about going along with this. The way I saw it, I had been asked to go on some wild chase with a lost boy with stars in his eyes, a young man who had no idea what he was even looking for. But I can see now you’re serious about this.”
Jacob held his gaze. Low light from the dying fire cast moving shadows across Jacob’s face, making him look older all of a sudden. “I’ve never been this serious about anything in my life. I miss her. I need her.”
Amoshi patted Jacob’s knee. “Don’t worry. We’ll get this all
figured out.” He stood back up and walked over to his bedroll, untied it, then rolled it across the dry grass. “Better get some rest while you can. We’re heading out early, so be ready.”
Amoshi crawled between the soft fabric. He was almost asleep when he heard Jacob say, “Thank you, Amoshi. I don’t think I could do this alone.”
* * *
Jacob stirred in his sleep. It felt like the ground was moving underneath him as he rolled back and forth. A swift kick to his leg did the trick. Now fully awake, he bolted upright, mumbling curses under his breath. “Come on now. Get up,” grumbled Amoshi, not sounding all that awake himself.
Jacob rubbed his eyes, then looked up to the stars in the clear sky. “It’s still dark,” he groaned.
“I told you we were leaving early. This is the perfect time to move. You said we’re about a mile out from where you saw her last, correct?” Jacob shook his head. “Good. It will be first light by the time we get there. In the meantime, very few predators will be prowling at this hour.” He gave Jacob a pat on the shoulder. “On your feet. Let’s go.”
The two of them packed up the camp. Amoshi stomped out the few hot embers that remained from last night’s fire, then poured a bit of water on it. The moon was bright, even through the moving leaves trying to hide it. Bright enough that they probably wouldn’t need any other source of light. Determined, they set out.
The trees here were sparse, so they were able to move along quite well. Amoshi led the way, every now and then lifting his hand for Jacob to stop. He would then go through his monotonous routine: sniffing the air, scratching at the ground, then using his superior vision to scout ahead. Each time Jacob tried his best to show patience while the pattern played out. No matter how much time it took, he understood that Amoshi was only trying to look out for their safety. “It’s always best to see your enemies before they see you,” Amoshi kept saying.
After traveling another hour or so, Jacob tapped Amoshi on the shoulder. “There it is. I see it up ahead.” Sure enough, there was the clearing a short way up. Ignoring Amoshi’s protests of a possible trap, Jacob ran up ahead of him. He stopped near a fallen tree, the base frayed and splintered like it had been struck by a boulder. The shattered tree still gave off the scent of freshly cut wood.