by Kimbro West
“This reaction creates extremely hot air — so hot, in fact, that it would easily catch anything on fire — I mean thousands of degrees of heat. So why doesn’t the material that makes up the balloon portion catch fire?”
Ethan scratched his head. He had just wanted to know how the balloon could carry such a large ship around — and now he was worried about it catching fire. “Not sure,” he replied.
“Well, how does your alchemy jacket work?” asked Red.
Ethan removed the glove from his left hand and showed Red his stone. “Still trying to figure that one out.”
“Oh, you’re a late bloomer, huh? How long have you had to carry that stone around? Two days? Maybe three,” chuckled Red.
“Thirteen days,” answered Availia.
Ethan slipped his stone back into the glove.
Red mouthed the words ‘thirteen days’ as he chuckled a bit more. “Wow … I mean, it’ll happen, Ethan.” Red winked at Ethan and gave him a slap on the back. “Think of this balloon as the largest and most expensive alchemy jacket you’ve ever seen. It’s lightweight, and can hold extreme heat inside. And alchemy can also move her forward, back, up, down, left, right — you name it, she can do it.”
“She?” asked Ethan.
“Well, yeah … it’s a girl of course,” said Red, looking over the rail. “There they are,” he whispered, motioning Ethan to lean over the rail as well.
Ethan wasn’t exactly sure who Red was talking about, but as he leaned over the rail he saw several hundred torches below.
“What is it?”
“That is Tirguard’s army. Looks like they set up camp — I would guess they have three or so hours before they reach Losalfar. Which means they will most likely attack tomorrow,” said Red quietly.
“There’s a lot of tents down there,” said Ethan.
“Tirguard has a big army. This isn’t going to be easy — you sure you’re up for it?” asked Red.
“I have to be,” replied Ethan. “How long ‘til we get to Losalfar?”
“It’s right there.” Red pointed across the front of the ship. “I’d say we will be there in less than an hour — you’d better wake your friends up, Ethan,” added Red as he started pulling levers and adjusting knobs.
Ethan nudged Auren who had just begun to snore, and Availia went to the back of the ship to wake up Stanley.
“You’ll all need swords with you, but it is only precautionary. Leave them to their sheaths unless you are provoked to do otherwise.”
“But, I don’t have a sword,” complained Auren.
Red opened a horizontal compartment along the floorboards of the ship. Reaching inside, he quickly pulled out a rusty old sword that had lots of dings and dents in the blade. He tossed it over to Auren, who looked at it in disgust.
“What is this?” he complained.
“It’s a sword,” replied Red bluntly.
“But it’s old and rusty,” whined Auren as he felt the edge of the blade. “It’s not even sharp!”
“It’s all we got, kid. I’ll have you know that sword was used back in the good ol’ Stadion days — killed more men than any other sword you’ve seen in your life.”
Auren appeared satisfied and shoved the sword through his belt like a makeshift sheath.
Ethan leaned over to Red. “Is that true?”
“No, I use it to anchor down the ship if I have nothing else to tie Gertrude down to,” chuckled Red.
“Gertrude?” smirked Ethan.
“Yeah,” answered Red. “Her name is Gertrude.” He patted the rail of the ship as if it were his pet.
“Alright everyone, the torches are lit — meaning the welcoming party is present, prepare to disembark.”
Red threw several levers and adjusted several knobs. The ship slowed and turned to the high walls of Losalfar. The platform was well-lit with torches and figures could be seen standing behind them. Ethan felt a slight bump that let him know the ship had landed. Red, meanwhile, jumped off, lashed down the ship and held the rope firmly.
Ethan, Auren, Availia and Stanley stepped off the airship one by one. Red nodded to Ethan, unlashed the rope, and jumped back on board.
“Good journey,” yelled Red as a loud whoosh could be heard, followed by a flash of fire that could be seen through the open portion of the curtain.
The four stood on the platform, not entirely sure what was going to happen next. Ethan noticed the platform had designs carved in it and looked quite pleasant. Even the torches looked like a beautifully crafted version of Wegnel’s miracle torches, with engraved metal and adjustable spindles.
“Now what?” whispered Auren.
“Not sure,” replied Ethan under his breath.
A soft blue glow emanated through the shadows behind the lit torches. Ethan stepped forward, instantly recognizing the first Mitan he had ever seen in person.
“You’re Loka …” stuttered Ethan. “I know you … I think.”
“Correct,” said the Mitan. “My name is Loka Tattur. You must be Ethan Wright. It is my pleasure to welcome you and your friends to Losalfar.”
“Thank you,” replied Ethan.
“And to what occasion do we owe this pleasure?” asked another figure that stepped from the shadow. This Mitan looked a bit different. He wore a black cloak, the hood not confining the soft blue glow that marked a full-blooded Mitan. His face was full of contempt, and his voice exuded disdain as if it pained him to be around Ethan.
“We came to warn you,” said Availia in a rush. “Of … an impending attack.”
“I am impressed on how well informed you all seem to be,” said the strange Mitan. “But I have already informed Loka that we will be attacking this city at first light.”
“And who are you?” blurted Auren.
“This is Ciprian,” replied Loka. “He is here on behalf of the Aegis and the city of Gilfangir.”
“And if I knew Ethan Wright were going to be here, my liege Xivon would be here to greet you. He is, after all, anxious to meet you in person, Ethan,” smiled Ciprian mischieviously.
“But he is the most dangerous Mitan in the world, why would he be allowed in here?” asked Ethan.
Ciprian laughed.
“All are welcome here,” replied Loka plainly.
“And that is what caused this mess to begin with,” replied Ciprian under his breath.
Ethan ignored Ciprian’s comment and looked back to Loka. “I think you misunderstand,” explained Ethan. “Tirguard is on its way. They’ll be here in the morning.”
Loka remained calm and did not appear surprised. “That does complicate things a bit,” he said.
“You see, Loka? It could not be any more perfect. We can unite our forces once and for all, and remove the humans entirely!” said Ciprian. “We do not have to fight each other, instead we can fight as one!” he bargained, leaning in to Loka.
“We will not join forces with you — we are not interested in the massacre of an entire race. Xivon’s vision of the future is grim and will only put death on everyone’s hands.”
“It will be you or them, Loka. Think about it!” Ciprian spat on the ground, turned, and disappeared into the darkness.
“What was that about?” asked Auren.
Availia leaned in and gave Auren an elbow to the gut.
“What?” argued Auren.
“Shut up,” hissed Availia. “You’re being rude.” She shot him a dirty look.
“He is with the Aegis — they have hunted and maimed humans since the last great war of Tirguard,” said Loka. He looked at Ethan. “Your parents — they left Tirguard during that war. And since that time, it has never been the same here. The Aegis are Mitans that are beyond displeased that humans are in Tirguard. They, at one time, were ok with hunting down humans — but now … they have started creating traps with purposes of torture in mind. They wish to send a message with these devices — for humans to leave Tirguard and never return,” he added, motioning them to follow him down a long stairc
ase.
The four followed Loka down the staircase. They continued down a path that led through many tall trees, some of which had platforms high up in the branches. The platforms emanated with flashes of pristine blue, letting Ethan know that many Mitan were around. He knew he was being watched, but felt safe with Loka.
The city was indeed breathtaking, even when masked in darkness. Ethan felt at peace with himself — he had not felt this serene since he was with his twin brother.
To the right was a path that led to a long bridge that traveled across the middle of a pond, where Ethan could barely make out several structures in the darkness. They followed Loka down a path to the left and approached a grouping of gigantic trees that housed platforms about halfway up.
Ethan had never seen a tree dwelling until now. He looked up and saw that one of the platforms was still lit; it had to be at least fifty feet in the air. Loka led them up a staircase that encircled the tree in an upward spiral. Auren kept trying to wiggle the railing on his way up, to test the integrity of the structure. It seemed to pass his crude test, for he kept on climbing the staircase. They stepped onto the wooden platform and walked to the edge to look over the city.
“It is breathtaking, isn’t it?” asked Loka.
“It’s beautiful,” replied Ethan. “Do you live way up here? I mean …is this your house?”
Loka gave a bit of a chuckle. “Some are houses, but these are the Watchtowers of old Aeroseth — so yes, you will be staying here tonight … it’s safe up here,” answered Loka. “The city was built from the ground up, which took hundreds of years. Every Mitan born of the city gives something back by adding to its beauty. The buildings, the statues, the bridge that passes over the pond, or simply the torch that lights our very conversation; all made by residents of the city, by hand, over time,” added Loka with pride.
Loka put his hand on the railing and took a deep breath. As he spoke he had a look of despair on his face. “Before Losalfar stood, there was a grand city called Aeroseth. The city stretched as far as the eyes could see, even over what is now called Tirguard. But there always seems to be a need for war, and the time for Aeroseth had come. We won the war … if you would call it a victory. We successfully defended our city to the bitter end, and these Watchtowers are all that remain, holding strong on the city’s edge. It was deemed a good defense for the heart of Losalfar as we rebuilt,” explained Loka.
Ethan looked down at the railing he was leaning on. Even that had beautiful carvings of vines and leaves. He thought of what Aeroseth must have looked like and a warm feeling came over him. Loka seemed to sense this.
“That is why it is so unfortunate,” said Loka.
“Unfortunate?” questioned Ethan.
“I know why you are all here. You need answers on a certain Stonewolf … and of course the whereabouts of Isaac Wright.”
“Yes,” exclaimed Ethan.
“Just as I wish I could show the four of you Aeroseth, I wish I had the answers you seek about your brother,” said Loka as he put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “I do, however, have information on the Stonewolf in our library — but now, I must make preparations for a war that I cannot possibly win. I will leave you with Ventu, my most trusted friend. He will show you a place to sleep — I will try and meet with you in the morning.”
Chapter 23
The Library of Truth
Loka was surrounded by one thousand Mitans belonging to the opposition. The one with the purple glow stood out among the others.
“Dregfin, this isn’t the way to accomplish anything. I won’t have any more Mitans die because of this,” said Loka to the Mitan with the purple markings surrounding his left eye.
“I’m done talking, Loka, and … it was a mistake for you to come here alone,” taunted Dregfin as he gave the signal for the Mitan force to attack.
Loka swiftly drew his sword, knowing that he had instructed his army not to intervene. The first Mitan came at him with a steady thrust. Loka easily avoided the thrust and countered by stabbing the Mitan in the foot. Immediately he had three more behind him — he disarmed the first and used him as a shield for the two remaining oncomers. He guided their swords, one into the Mitan-shield’s leg and the other into the attacking Mitan’s arm. Loka whipped around and knocked the third unconscious. Ten more Mitans came, followed by twenty more, and two hundred followed. Each one dropped, grabbing an arm or leg, but none being dealt a deadly blow by Loka Tattur. He fended one attack after another, until all nine hundred and ninety-nine Mitans under Dregfin’s command lay on the ground, injured and in agony.
“You forgot one,” said Dregfin as he drew his sword.
“I told you, no Mitans will die today — all of you are welcome back … always!”
Just then fire and ash, followed by black billowing smoke, shot out at Loka and filled the sky. Loka dashed to the side and drove his sword through Dregfin’s hands, turning his opponent’s blade on himself. The sword dropped to the ground — wisps of smoke were all that remained.
Ethan woke with a start as his heart raced. His breathing starting to slow, he sat up. He was used to waking up riddled in sweat. But this dream was different. It seemed to continue from when he had meditated in Edison’s alchemy class. He wondered if the dreams were different because of his journey through the Oroborus. Regardless of the bad dream, Ethan felt rested and refreshed. Auren, on the other hand, was off to a slow start as he rolled over with the blankets covering his face.
“Are you getting up?” asked Ethan.
“Yew …” mumbled Auren.
Ethan went to the railing, leaned against it and looked over the city.
“Amazing,” he said quietly to himself.
The city was quiet and almost serene. Ethan could see statues of heroic figures and buildings that paled in comparison to anything he had seen in Tirguard. He had thought nothing could top what a sight the city displayed at night. But in the daytime, its awe-inspiring grandeur passed before Ethan’s eyes.
“Auren!” Ethan prodded. “Get up and look at this!”
“What? Who do you want, I mean …” Auren pulled the blankets from his head. “Oh — bright enough,” he said in a tired voice.
He stood next to Ethan, looked around, shrugged his shoulders and went to get his things together. Ethan followed suit and they started for the stairs. The Mitan with the fierce blue markings, named Ventu, greeted them at the top of the staircase.
“It’s about time, you missed breakfast. Here, I brought you these.” Ventu gave them a handful of biscuits and some sort of leafy green vegetables.
“Thanks,” said Ethan with a smile on his face.
Auren started chewing on the biscuits right away. He took a small bite at first, but immediately inhaled three more biscuits.
“Ventu, where are Stanley and Availia?” asked Ethan politely. Just then Availia came around the corner with Stanley following after.
“We made it to breakfast — you should have seen all the food they had!” exclaimed Availia.
“Food?” grunted Auren. “I like food.”
“Fun feasting fresh fantastic food,” exclaimed Stanley.
“Well you don’t have to rub it in — anyways, these biscuits are really good,” boasted Auren.
“We must be heading to the library if we are to meet Loka,” said Ventu as he headed down the spiral stairs. “It’s just over here.” He pointed to a domed building with pillars lining the front opening.
“This place is great,” said Availia as she walked inside.
There were no doors on the front, just an opening. The inner dome was painted with several marvelous yet scary creatures. Ethan nearly swallowed his own tongue when he recognized not one, but two of the creatures on the ceiling.
“That’s the …” sputtered Ethan.
“The Stonewolf,” finished Loka Tattur. “And I would guess that you recognize another up there?”
“Venenum Spiculum, or Dendrobates Azureus if you will,” spouted Auren.
>
Ethan looked at Auren in shock, as did Availia, Stanley, Loka, and even Ventu.
“What?” complained Auren. “You know … the Ravim?” he continued. “WHAT? I have a thing for creatures, is all.”
“He is correct,” said Loka. “There are seven legendary creatures that represent each of the seven worlds. Each creature was known to demonstrate special abilities. Dendrobates Azureus, or the Ravim for example — is a heavily armored creature with unimaginable strength. It can burrow underground and chews on stone like butter. Lastly, it shoots spikes that can paralyze, poison, and even kill. If left undisturbed it is known to be rather docile and generally minds its own business. But you’re not here about the Ravim, are you? You are here about the legendary lycanthrope, the Stonewolf.”
“Docile?” exclaimed Auren. “Wegnel had us chasing this thing around his hut like a puppy!”
“Yeah, until the Stonewolf showed up,” added Ethan.
“You had two legendary creatures facing you at the same time?” asked Loka curiously. “And you’re still here to tell the tale?”
Ethan and Auren both nodded while Loka stood in disbelief.
“If you ever had a run-in with one of these creatures … well, you should be dead,” said Loka, concerned.
“Ethan also faced the Stonewolf by himself at Tirguard,” boasted Availia. “He scared it from the city completely.”
“Well, maybe you’re much further along than I thought.”
“No, not at all,” replied Ethan bluntly. “Wegnel helped us escape the first encounter — and I wouldn’t have escaped the second, if it weren’t for the fact that every time I grab onto a sword it seems to start things on fire. We really have no idea what we’re doing, and no idea why this Stonewolf is after me. That’s one of the reasons we’re here.”
“Well, one of the amazing things about this library is that everything written down is the truth,” stated Loka, waiting for a reaction. Stanley’s eyebrows rose slightly.
“You mean like the hidden records room in Tirguard?” asked Availia.
“Yes, exactly like that. That was the old library of Aeroseth. That room partially survived the war. Anything that is written here will disappear from the parchment if it is not true, and in some cases it will change to what is true.”