“I can’t wait,” Alex remarked sarcastically, burying his face in his hands. Zoe took a drink and handed the bottle to Alex. He drank until the bottle was half empty and handed it back to her. “So what’s the plan now?”
Zoe put the bottle back into the sack. “More climbing,” she responded. “The good news is that we’re over halfway there.”
Alex looked up toward the peak of the mountain. “How the heck do they get prisoners to this place anyway?!”
Zoe shrugged. “Beats me.” She dug through her sack and pulled out the remainder of the bread she had packed. Tearing off a piece for Alex, she handed it to him.
“Thanks,” he said as he eagerly took the food, eating it in nearly one bite.
“Someone’s hungry,” Zoe remarked, taking a bite for herself.
Alex nodded as he chewed. Moments later he asked, “What if we’re seen?”
“Then we’re probably going to get killed or locked up,” Zoe bluntly replied.
Alex was clearly distressed. “I thought maybe you had some clever escape plan.”
Zoe shook her head. “My plan is to not be seen. If we are, we’re outnumbered and outmatched. I doubt we’ll get far.”
Alex slumped his head back, taking a moment to observe the towering peak before them once again. He looked back at Zoe, who was standing up. “So this is it, huh?” he asked, rising to his feet. “Once we get up there, it’s all or nothing.”
“Pretty much,” she replied.
The area was quiet, save the sound of the wind whistling around the cliff’s jagged edges. “Well,” Alex finally said, “I guess this might be my only chance.” Taking her cheeks in his hands, he pressed his lips against hers. Her eyes widened, completely caught off guard, but slowly closed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the display of affection. They kissed each other again and again, each one more intense than the last, then, “Ow!”
He quickly pulled away. Looking up, he saw three of the bird‑like creatures they had encountered during their climb. “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me!!” Alex shouted, rubbing the tender spot atop his head.
Zoe scrambled to grab her scythe lying on the ground nearby but was harshly pecked on her back as she did.
“Glacies orbis!” Alex yelled, hurling an ice orb at one of the birds, though it easily dodged the projectile, promptly swooping down to peck at him.
Zoe wildly swung her scythe as her attacker gracefully evaded each swipe. “Dammit, they’re too fast!” she shouted. “Ah!!” She was pecked again, this time just above her right ear. She swung her scythe in the direction of the latest offense but was hastily attacked by the other bird.
Alex found that it was incredibly difficult to aim his ice orbs while dealing with the incessant pecking. Following a few failed attempts, he picked up his sword. “Any ideas?!” he shouted, taking a swing at the irksome airborne foe.
“I’m BUSY!” Zoe replied, angrily swiping repeatedly at the two birds as they took turns attacking her.
Gripping his sword, Alex almost struck his aggressor, missing by nearly an inch. It took advantage of his failed attempt, pecking him again with its jagged beak.
Finally, Zoe managed to hit one of the birds, sending it tumbling to the ground. She quickly took a swing at the other feathered beast, but was not as fortunate.
“Glacies stiria telum!” Alex shouted, conjuring an icicle missile which put an end to another bird. All that remained was one.
Zoe swiped her scythe again and again but couldn’t manage to knock the evasive avian out of the air.
Alex conjured an ice orb. Patiently, he stood still and carefully focused on the bird as it continued to dodge Zoe’s aggressive strikes. At last he saw his chance, hurling the ice orb at the unsuspecting foe. The bird fell to the ground.
Zoe, visibly exhausted and frustrated by the encounter, took a moment to catch her breath. Alex, also drained by the battle, scanned the surrounding area to be sure there were no more pesky birds in close proximity. “Well, I’ve definitely reached my conjuring limit, but I think we’re good.” he reported, sheathing his sword. Still breathing heavily, Zoe gave a thumbs up.
“Who’s down there?!” They heard suddenly from high up.
“Dammit, they heard us!” Alex whispered loudly. He dashed to Zoe. “Quick, make us invisible!”
Zoe shook her head. “I can’t. I’m too tired.”
Alex looked up. He could see someone looking down off the edge of the cliff. He looked back at Zoe. “They’ve seen us.”
“Not necessarily,” she quietly replied. “It’s nighttime. Unless they possess Shadow magic, I doubt they can see anything down here. Just be still and keep quiet.”
The pair looked up to see another person approach the cliff. Both of the mysterious figures looked down at the area below, then turned to each other. They stayed near the cliff for several minutes before walking away. Alex looked at Zoe. “That was close,” he remarked.
“Yeah,” she replied. Following a pause, Alex leaned in toward Zoe’s lips, but she quickly turned and collected her sack still lying on the ground. She secured it and her scythe to her back. “We’ll have to climb from the other side,” she said.
Alex picked up his sack and tied it to his waist. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to go now? Maybe we should rest a bit more.”
Zoe rolled her eyes. “Relax, lover boy. I’ll make out with you when we get back to the base. We’ve got a job to do.” Zoe scanned the cliff face, in search of another route to the peak.
“But you said you were exhausted; well, so am I!” Alex argued as he followed. “I don’t think we’re ready to climb this thing.”
“We don’t have a choice,” she replied. “I came here to rescue Roshan and that’s what I’m going to do. You’re the one who decided to come with me. You can stay down here if you want to, but there’s going to be no chance of busting him out of that place if the sun comes up. There’s no time to lose.”
Alex looked back at the scattered corpses of the winged monsters. “Stupid birds,” he muttered to himself.
The duo continued walking along the outcrop until they reached a sharp drop. “Great...” Zoe remarked. “Looks like there’s no way around... and we can’t climb up this side – they’ll be expecting it now that they’ve heard us.” She turned around and retraced her steps. Again, Alex followed.
“Now what?” he asked.
“We’ll have to check over there,” she responded, pointing to the far side. After passing by the area in which they encountered the birds, they suddenly saw a group of four men dressed in body armor emerge from around the distant corner of the large cliff. The man in front was holding a lantern. Zoe and Alex froze.
“Someone’s coming!” Alex whispered.
“Looks like guards,” Zoe replied. “Just stay calm.” She franticly searched the surrounding area as the guards approached. Suddenly, Zoe was struck with an idea. She hastily turned to Alex. “Let’s climb back down a bit and wait for them to pass.” Alex nodded.
They quickly but quietly proceeded back to the edge and clambered their way down the mountainside. However, the two soon discovered that climbing down the steep slope was much more difficult than the climb up. Though it was less physically demanding, keeping their balance proved to be a challenge. The difficulties were amplified by the duo’s exhaustion.
After making it only a short way down, they both heard footsteps approaching them from above. Panicking, Alex lost his grip and tumbled down the cliff face, the sharp rocks showing no mercy as he plummeted. “Alex!!” Zoe screamed, terrified.
Suddenly, she was hit by the light of the guard’s lantern not far above. “Don’t move!” he ordered.
Chapter 15: Reflections Of The Past (Part II)
The preteen boy was sad. Since the incident which had taken place years before, he had become afraid to wander far from his home. While this kept him safe from harm, he became lonely. One day, feeling he was in desperate
need of social interaction, his parents forced him to attend a ball that was held by one of their neighbors. Reluctantly, he went.
He did not speak to many guests for the first hour or so, simply watching from the side as the happy attendees danced with their partners. That’s when he saw her. She was around his age, sitting alone, watching from the sidelines as well. Though he was greatly nervous, he eventually gathered the courage to approach her. She introduced herself as Vera. After some light conversation, the two agreed that ballroom dancing wasn’t their cup of tea. They spent the rest of the party talking and laughing. The preteen boy found friendship.
Chapter 16: Learning The Art (Part III)
The front door shut as Lucas’s eyes opened. He sat up. It was morning.
“Oh, I apologize if I awoke you,” said Iris. “I’ve just returned from delivering a batch of potions. Did you rest well?”
Lucas stretched. “Yeah... I needed it.”
“I’ve caught up on my work for the time being,” Iris said. “After breakfast, would you possibly be interested in giving conjuring another try?”
Lucas yawned. “Sure.” If I can finally get the hang of this conjuring stuff, I’ll be able to learn one of those healing spells. Then I can work on getting home.
She smiled. “Excellent.”
As Iris walked toward the kitchen, Lucas quickly turned to her. “Iris.”
“Yes?” she replied, stopping and turning back toward him.
“Do you have some parchment and a pen I can use? I want to write a letter to Grandpa, just in case I’m stuck here for a while... so he knows what’s going on. It’ll probably make it home before I do.”
She smiled. “Certainly. One moment please.” She went upstairs, returning moments later with a pen, some ink, an envelope, and a piece of parchment. She placed the items on the coffee table.
“Thanks,” said Lucas. Iris nodded and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
While she was gone, Lucas began writing the letter, summarizing all of the events which had occurred since his departure from the house. Given Iris’s reaction to his story, he included that he realized it would be hard to believe but assured that he would be heading homeward as soon as possible to explain in further detail. He told his grandpa not to worry, and that he was currently learning magic techniques which would aid him on his journey back to the Cymbeline area. When he was finished, Lucas folded the parchment and slipped it inside of the envelope. After addressing it to his home, he proceeded into the kitchen to acquire the return address from Iris. She provided him with the requested information and took the letter, informing him that she would deliver it to the post office later that day.
Once they had eaten breakfast and dressed themselves, the pair proceeded to the backyard to begin their practice session. Lucas was wearing in the same clothing he had borrowed the previous day. Iris wore a white cloak, carrying The Basics of Light Magic in her right hand.
“Are you ready to begin?” she asked.
Lucas outstretched his arm and turned his palm upward. He cupped his hand. “Let’s do it.”
Iris smiled. “That’s the attitude!”
Closing his eyes, Lucas focused his mind and envisioned the orb formulating in his hand. Shifting his attention to his palm, his eyes snapped open as he shouted, “Lumen orbis!” There was silence. Nothing happened. “Ugh!” he grunted.
“Try again,” Iris quickly interjected.
Lucas gave a single nod. “Alright, here it goes.” He repeated the process, this time taking several minutes to tune out all of his surroundings, trying with all his might to focus on nothing but the spell. “Lumen orbis!” Again he was met with failure. He quickly turned to Iris. “I’m going to do this today. No matter how long it takes, I will conjure this orb.”
Two hours passed.
“Lumen orbis!!” Silence. “Dammit!!”
“Perhaps you should consider taking a brea–”
“No!!” Lucas forcefully proclaimed. “I’m going to do th–”
“Lucas!” Iris shouted sternly. “You’re currently in no mindset to conjure your first spell! It’s overwhelmingly apparent to me that you’re frustrated. While this emotional response is understandable, I feel that it is distracting you. I highly recommend that you take a break.”
Lucas looked down at his palm, still visibly discontent with his progress. He looked back at Iris. “Alright. But only a short one.”
“Very well,” Iris replied. “Perhaps this would be a suitable opportunity to deliver your letter to the post office. Please follow me.”
After collecting Lucas’s letter, they walked together toward downtown Azure. Iris looked over at Lucas. “I must admit, your determination to learn the art of elemental conjuring is inspiring to say the least. But you must not become so frustrated by failure. Successful conjuring is going to require great focus and a balanced mind.”
“But you make it look so easy,” Lucas disputed. “You didn’t even take time to focus when I saw you conjure yesterday.”
“Yes, because I’m experienced,” she responded. “With practice, you will be able to do the same. Eventually, conjuring orbs and other simple spells will become second nature. However, you’re still in the process of developing your ability. Conjuring your first spell is an arduous routine. You must learn to accept your failed attempts as essential steps toward reaching your potential. Viewing your lack of success as an obstacle will only hamper your progress.”
Lucas took a few moments to allow Iris’s words to sink in. She’s right... I’m getting way too caught up in doing it quickly instead of doing it right. Maybe I won’t be able to conjure today, but that’s okay. Stressing about it isn’t going to help anything... Grandpa will know that I’m okay as soon as he gets the letter. I need to accept that there’s no way I’m getting home unless I’m patient and take the time to do this correctly. Even if Iris decides I’m well enough to travel, I doubt I’ll last the lengthy journey ahead of me without learning a few spells.
The two walked a little while longer and reached downtown Azure. Though it wasn’t nearly as crowded as Cymbeline, the population was much denser than the area around Iris’s house. Lucas observed the frost glazed windows of the dozens of brick buildings. Nearby, several workers hastily shoveled snow out of the road. On the opposite side of the street, Lucas saw a Knowm standing perfectly still in front of a barbershop. That’s when it hit him. For the first time in his life, Lucas was walking through a town without experiencing the crippling spiral of emotional confusion. If anything, I’m glad I learned to control that.
Once they had delivered the letter to the post office, Lucas and Iris returned to the house. They soon found themselves in the backyard, once again.
“Lumen orbis!” Lucas exclaimed. Nothing. This time, however, he did not become frustrated. Taking a few deep breaths, he tried again. “Lumen orbis!” and again, “Lumen orbis!” and again. “Lumen orbis!”
Iris looked up at him, the book open in her hands. “Perhaps you should try a different spell?”
Lucas was puzzled by the suggestion. “Why? Is there an easier one?”
“Not necessarily easier,” she explained, “just different. Orbs are generally the starting point for most new mages. However, it’s not required to cast orbs first. I simply thought you might need a change of pace.”
Lucas shook his head. “No. I’ll just keep trying the orb.”
“Very well,” Iris responded. “Proceed.” Resuming his position, Lucas tried yet again to conjure a light orb.
Chapter 17: Waiting
“She’s in that one, on the left,” the guard told his comrade. They approached the cell and peered inside. Behind the bars, Zoe sat, resting against the back wall, still covered in injuries acquired from the various monster encounters she and Alex had faced along the way. Her clothing had small rips and tears from the incessant pecking of the bird‑like creatures. She stared blankly at the guards as t
hey looked at her.
“We have no idea who she is or how she got up here,” the guard explained. “She won’t answer any of our questions or even give us a name. We found a scythe and a sack containing a few items, including a black cloak on her person. We’re suspecting that she was going to attempt a prison break.”
“Was she alone?” the other guard asked.
“We’re not sure,” the first replied. “We didn’t find anyone else when we searched the area, but she kept screaming ‘Alex’ when we tried to restrain her. We’re guessing Alex was her partner. He must have escaped. We won’t know for sure until she decides to open her mouth. The orders are to not give her any food or water until she talks.” The guard looked at Zoe. “Are you going to tell us something now? We’re not letting you go until you give us your name and a reason why you’re here.”
Zoe sat motionless and said nothing. The other guard spoke. “You look like you’re in pretty rough shape. Just tell us what we need to know and we’ll get you cleaned up.” Still, she remained silent.
The first guard turned away. “She’s not going to talk. Nothing seems to work.” He walked down the cellblock.
The other guard soon followed. “I heard Lord Quinn is coming by later this evening. He wants to speak to the guy who conspired to assassinate him again.”
The first guard chuckled. “Ol’ Javan likes taking matters into his own hands, huh?”
“Guess so.”
A bead of sweat ran down Zoe’s face. He’s coming... she thought to herself. It sounds like he told them that Roshan was conspiring to kill him... She looked down at her scuffed boots. Where are you Alex? I know you’ll be here any minute to get us both out of here. You’re alive, I know it...
Zoe stared at her knuckles, bruised from where they had met the thick armor worn by the guards. After the light had hit her, she immediately tried to scurry down the mountainside. However, the guards quickly pursued her, dragging her back to the outcrop. She punched, kicked, and screamed, trying with all her might to escape their grasp but was inevitably put in handcuffs. They walked her around the corner of the mountain, from where they had originally emerged. Entering a small cave, they took her to a wooden platform. One of the guards moved a nearby lever, releasing a pocket of steam to hiss into the air. Slowly, a chain pulley near the platform began moving, gradually elevating them to another cave near the peak. During the ride, they asked her again and again for her name. It was at that point that she made the decision to remain silent, regardless of what awaited her in the coming days.
Tales of Aria: The Legend of Damiano's Disk Page 8