Akillia's Reign

by Dawn Chapman

  “Thank you. Magic can really take it out of you, especially after the night we’ve had. It’s been a huge drain on my resources.”

  When she was ready to start again, she led me to a crate. This time, she asked me to step up. The crate was small. It contained several boxes of dried fruits, nothing more, and if I tried to move it by hand, I probably couldn’t.

  “Place your hands on its surface,” she instructed, and I followed. Macie then set her hands next to mine, and I felt the energy oozing from her. “This is where you’ll need to concentrate. I know you’ve a mana spark, but it’s not very strong. To grow it, you would need lots of practice, and that can mean just assistance in everyday activities. Cooking, washing, doing anything that normally takes time can be assisted with a spark. Now focus,” she said. “Think of the crate and its contents. The spell is easy enough. It’s just manipulation of space and time.”

  So that’s kind of how I tried to focus on it—as just a mixing of space and time. A slight spark grew around the crate, and I could feel it slipping from where my hands rested on it. This was such a strange and exciting feeling.

  “Now, I’ll guide it because you don’t know where this one’s going,” Macie said. The crate vanished before me, and I almost fell over, having leaned on it a little too much. Macie laughed.

  “Hello!” a voice called out, and I recognised it. With the party arriving early… No, hang on. I could see the sun rising in the skylights.

  I rushed to the door flinging it open to see both horses and wagons pulling in beside the house. Macie was right by my side, and I could sense her nervous tension but also see her excitement.

  She moved out into the light and stood before Abel. His large frame totally dwarfed hers, but she looked up at him with sudden total admiration. Not a sign of the scared young woman she was.

  “Hello there, Visitor,” she almost purred at him.

  I found it slightly hilarious, but Abel grinned down at her and answered back. “Hello there, young miss.” He nodded my way, and I moved out of the barn towards them.

  Abel’s eyes lit up as he smiled at me and I admit my heart skipped a little. Something about him just settled all my nerves. Abel and I were elated to see each other.

  “Good to see you,” I said. “This is Macie, daughter of the ship’s owner, Taffie. This…” I motioned around the yard, “is their family home.”

  Myleen and Ferris joined us, and I pointed to the back of the dry dock where they could just see the lights and hear the hammering going on. “What’s going on?” Myleen asked.

  “The ship’s been in for winter repairs. Taffie and his family are working through the night to get her ready to depart tomorrow, but there have been a few complications.”

  “Just what we need, more complications.” Abel rolled his eyes.

  “We should send everyone to the yard who can help while we talk.”

  Myleen moved back to the group and assigned some of the others to help with the ship. That left the smaller unit to move into the kitchen. When they all sat around the table, I offered up food and drink. Then I stood before Abel and Myleen and quickly told them my encounter with the ships, the new timing schedule, and then Oarhn’s heart attack.

  “We’re leaving behind one of the wagons?” Myleen asked. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Akillia.”

  I placed my hand on the table and leaned in. “It’s a decision I had to make, and with Oarhn needing a respite now, we’ll take the six of us and the kids. It won’t put any extra pressure on resources or the ship.”

  Myleen shook her head. “I’m worried about what it means we can bring back.”

  I smiled then her concern was genuine. “The return journey isn’t the problem. It’s getting us to the right place at the right time. We need that time on our side, and with the extra load, it pushes us to our limit. I’d sooner have the extra option of time than come unstuck when we hit something we didn’t expect.”

  Abel spoke up, bringing out a reading device. He pulled up a 3D holo of the world and the two main islands. Shiroth to Maicreol.

  “This isn’t the easiest path to use, but we’ve almost no choice. If we backtrack now, there’s less time for us. We’re taking a chance, but I believe we’ll have lady luck on our side.”

  I wanted to ask Abel again about my Karma points, but I knew the decision on what to do with these would be mine alone. When I got a moment alone, I’d take a look at my character display and options. Understanding a little more about how this all worked was important. I couldn’t let it sit there when it could be helping me. So, I excused myself and moved to use the bathroom.

  Indeed, when I sat down, there was a wave of relief wash over me, and I shivered. The last few days had been so intense. Not knowing how my decision would affect everyone around me, I pulled up my character interface and displays.

  Aspects -

  Advantages -

  Aptitudes -

  Affiliations

  I clicked Aspects.

  Body — 1

  Mind — 2

  Soul — 1

  I clicked through to Aptitudes and it went a little deeper.

  Combat — 1

  Diplomacy — 1

  Endurance — 1

  Faith — 1

  Subterfuge — 2

  Logic — 2

  Clicking through the others, I noted everything else I had was also a one.

  The easiest part of looking at who I was were the first stages. I could have just popped a Karma point into something stupid that I thought I wanted. Anything to do with upgrading my body was necessary, but I had to be careful.

  So I sat and watched how I thought it might play out, using just one point. Then I realised, no, I didn’t just have the one. I had four. After saving the little ebolos and killing my first creature, I was awarded one and quickly forgotten about it. Then two for saving Oarhn.

  There was no one option to suddenly make me a better person or a better character for the trials I was going to come up against. But I did have one thing most guys didn’t. A brilliant working mind. I toyed with making myself stronger and better at combat, but I knew it wasn’t how I was going to win this.

  With some hesitation, I put both of those Karma points into Faith. And one into Mind.

  “Spend Karma — Soul,” I also added. I felt I needed that extra boost there too. Then I sat back and relaxed a little, expecting that earth-shattering change. Would this make any decisions easier? I doubted it, but it might make me feel stronger in making them.

  I returned from the restroom feeling refreshed but not much happier. I wanted to curl up and sleep for a while, but I didn’t think I was going to get the chance. Maybe I should have put those points into Endurance or a similar trait.

  I sat at the table catching up with Myleen and Ferris’s talking. The kids had rested up, but they still looked tired, pale. The journey ahead would be action packed enough without them running about full of energy as kids do.

  The door clicked, and Taffie appeared. “We’re done. The extra hands really helped.” He leaned on the wall as the others filed in. The kitchen really wasn’t big enough to house everyone, but they squeezed in beside us.

  I stood to make room and went to Taffie’s side. Abel saw that everyone had made it into the house, so he cleared his throat, immediately grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. He gestured to me to give me the boost I needed. “This is the plan,” I said with clarity. “Taffie’s family has done us a great honour in getting their ship, the Eboyxei, ready to sail. But their family has also taken a great hit. With Oarhn sick and in need of care, and the sailing time to Maicreol being slower with a full crew, there will be six of us staying behind.” I followed the gaze of everyone and smiled as best I could. “Ferris, Myleen, and Abel will be joining me as a given. We have room for two more adults. The children will also come with us.” I glanced at Sven and lowered my eyes at him. “I have to be honest, though. I really think you are capable of making the
decision so she can stay here in the yard, safe.”

  I saw Sven’s eyes flare at the immediate thoughts crossing his mind. He would never leave his sister. She took hold of his hand and tugged it. I heard her whisper, “I’ll stay. You’re the one who is needed. I’ll be safe here.”

  Sven’s eyes met mine, and I could see how torn he was, but he mouthed, “Agreed.”

  I turned back to the others. “You know who is the strongest amongst you. I’ll expect you to talk about this between yourselves and for two of you to come forward tomorrow.”

  I saw everyone nod, but I could also see how tired they were. Taffie was the one who spoke next. “There’s enough food here for all of you. My family extends our hospitality to you.”

  Abel was the first to move. His large frame obviously needed the sustenance. “Take what you need, go back to the camp, and rest. We’ll all be up in a few hours. Make the most of it.”

  Everyone filled their plates, then they filed out, along with Taffie’s sons and daughters. They weren’t stupid—they needed rest too.

  The room was now almost empty, and I considered my words. I’d been the one to make the decision, and the others had followed, just like that. It confused me. I watched Abel’s face for any reaction, but nothing. “I know we have lots to talk about, but we don’t have the time. We all need to rest.” With my words, the others also left.

  Abel took hold of my hand, and I allowed him to lead me away from the house to a covered area where we could also get some sleep. I had no idea when this had been set up, but I was glad of it. The blankets on the ground were soft, and the warmth of the fire kept the darkness at bay.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I am,” I said. “Would you tell me a story, help me sleep.”

  Abel let out a sigh, and while I settled down, within a moment and looking across the fire, I saw Abel’s tired face, eyes closed, gently snoring already. This I liked. Though a story from him would have been nice. I breathed in the crisp freshness of the moist morning air and snuggled down.

  Chapter 18

  I don’t think I actually slept that well, but when I woke, I did feel almost refreshed. My body ached though from the mattress on the floor. I guessed that would take some getting used to no matter how much I’d like to think my body wasn’t real.

  Abel was the one to wake me, moving around and getting a hot pot on the fire. The fruity smell tantalised my senses and woke me slowly. I greeted him with a gruff, “Hey,” and he smiled at me.

  Something about him really settled my nerves. I tried to push the thoughts away from my mind and body, but I couldn’t. They were already starting to seed. This was a virtual fantasy world. I could do anything I wanted. Pushing the covers off me, I moved closer to the fire. The morning air was still damp, and I needed the extra warmth. Shivering, I made myself a cup of the hot nectar and observed the camp.

  There were already many people milling about, and the tension in the air was tremendous. I’d never been on any ship let alone try to help with all its planning and its launch. This truly was a day for experiences, and I couldn’t make out if I were excited or nervous.

  Abel stood watching them as I drank. Then we started to talk at the same time. I stopped to let him carry on with his train of thought.

  “Sometimes, I think this world has a mind of its own,” he said.

  It felt almost as though he was telling me something, something I shouldn’t know.

  “I think it does have a mind of its own,” I replied. “I think the people around us have their lives and loves. Each decision we make and make with them affects everything. If we hadn’t been here, would Oarhn have had the heart attack? Or would he be dead now because I wasn’t here to save him?”

  Abel watched me carefully. “I wouldn’t know the answers to that kind of question. Though,” he sipped his own drink, “I think it would be good to know.”

  “I agree.” I saw a flicker of something in his face, but he didn’t carry on that side of the conversation. So much more to him than I thought. So much more I’d like to get to know.

  Instead, I leaned in closer and placed a hand on his arm, feeling the strength beneath him. He coughed and moved away. I guess not as ready for being more than friends as I thought. I smiled at him weakly and walked away.

  I sucked at reading signals. I thought he was interested. Feeling dejected, I moved back to our small camp and helped pack it up. Myleen and Ferris were ready with all the horses we’d be taking with us, the strongest of all, despite them, not belonging to two of our team.

  Macie approached us with some caution.

  “My grandfather would like to see you before you go,” she said. “He’s weak, but already getting stronger.”

  I nodded in the direction of the house. “I’ll come now. It would be nice to see him before we leave.”

  Abel turned back to Ferris. “I’ll help with the preparation. See you by the water bank for launch.”

  I stepped away, but I couldn’t help but feel there was much to be said about our friendship. I almost wanted there to be more. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for anything other than a rebound from Andy. I shouldn’t trust anyone, yet I was drawn to him. I shook my head and walked through to the main house with Macie.

  Oarhn was inside and tucked up neatly in his bed. The warmth of the house was lovely against the chill from outside. Slowly, I entered the room and noted how much better and brighter his face was.

  “I’m glad you came to see me,” he said. Looking to his granddaughter, he pointed back to the door. “Please give us some space, Macie. I need to talk to Akillia alone.”

  This shocked me a little, but when she left the room, I moved in closer and sat on a chair by the end of his bed.

  “What is it?” I asked. I sensed something weird had happened yesterday after saving his life with Macie.

  “There’s something I want to give to you,” he said “The bottom drawer of my desk. There are a leather pouch and a folder.”

  I reached over to the desk but had to stand to lever it open. It was stiff like it hadn’t been moved in years. This wasn’t unusual.

  The way it pinged open alerted me something else was amiss here too. I waited for a second and then seeing inside the drawer, I pulled out the leather pouch and folder he’d asked for.

  When I handed it to him, he unfolded the flaps on the folder and handed me a leather booklet from inside. I took it, but couldn’t describe what I was seeing. Flicking the pages open, I realised what it was. This was a set of maps and coordinates for the oceans around us.

  Ping! — “You accepted a leather-bound journal.”

  Net worth — PRICELESS

  “I should be giving this to my son,” he said, “but I don’t want him to have this until after your mission is complete. There are some things in here that he can’t know—not just yet. So, I’m asking you to guide them around the outer reefs and to choose the time to give it to him later on.” He then passed me the pouch. “Wear this at all times on the ocean.”

  He slipped out the most beautiful carved dolphin pendant I’d ever seen. Its stunning blues and greys matched every memory I had of the amazing ocean-dwelling creatures.

  I touched it lightly, and a notice popped up.

  Ping! — BONUS GIFT

  RARE MAGIC ITEM — SEA CRAFTED DOLPHIN

  Handcrafted by one of Oarhn’s ancestors, THE WAY OF THE OCEAN imbues the bearer to communicate and control all sea creatures.

  Magic spark required.

  I had no idea what it meant or what it could do, but maybe it would help to keep us safe out there. I slipped it over my neck and between my skin and clothes. It felt cool, but as it settled, it soon warmed up, feeling like it was meant to be there.

  “Thank you,” I said. Not really knowing what else I could say. The gifts would no doubt go towards saving our hide out there on the rolling ocean beds.

  Macie called out to us, “Akillia, they’re ready.”

  “See you
soon, Akillia,” Oarhn said. “Thank you. My granddaughter can learn a lot from someone like you.”

  I didn’t think so. I was more than sure she’d be the one teaching me, but I smiled and patted his hand. He pulled me in for a little hug, his arms still so very weak.

  When I stepped out of his room, I caught Macie’s eyes. There were tears there. “Don’t worry,” I said. “He’ll be here when you return.”

  She tried to force a smile, but it didn’t come. I wrapped my arm around her, and we walked out of the house and then out to where everyone waited. The ship, now from this high angle and without the scaffolding, seemed so huge, but I was sure, once on board, it wouldn’t seem big at all—possibly very tiny against the vast oceans.

  The two brothers stood atop the ship, waiting. I could see there were four mages settled by the side of the water while the ship was at least facing the right direction in which it was to be let loose. I instantly worried. The weight of it, with all the cargo, the horses—in fact, how were the horses and everything we owned going to fit?

  Macie placed a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. We know exactly what we’re doing.”

  Panic still settled in the pit of my stomach, though. If this went wrong, we were in trouble. There was no time for going backwards in any way, shape, or form.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Macie shook her head. “No, we need to assist with the weight distribution, that’s all. Having your mages help will greatly reduce the risk of any accidents as the water enters the dock.”

  I sucked in a breath as she moved away from me and towards the others at the water’s edge.”

  I moved back and went to stand with several of the others, Abel included. “This is one huge operation,” he said, the gleam in his eye just as bright as mine.