The Tower Of The Watchful Eye: The Legend Of Kairu Book 1

by Tim McFarlane

  “You are one crazy guy, Diason,” Nerrilok said stunned.

  “I have to live up to my name,” I replied.

  Nerrilok laughed and helped me to my feet. Both towers were in ruins and the Evenawks immediately flew into the city. The battle would be over shortly.

  I fished through the debris of the pedestal and found the crystal. The glowing started to fade as it returned to a state of calm. It fit into my hand perfectly and was a shade of dark pink. I wanted to bring it back to the Tower and study it when I was done with this adventure.

  “I think it is safe to assume this crystal should stay with me,” I said to Nerrilok.

  He nodded. “I don’t need that magic stuff. Can I keep the sword though?”

  “That’s a fair trade,” I said. “Enjoy.”

  Nerrilok slid it into his quiver and headed for the opening, his arms transforming into wings. “I have to go find the Chieftain,” he said. “Meet us at the city hall. Any Mages you kill on the way would be helpful.”

  He smiled as he looked back at me before jumping out of the tower and joining the others.

  “We might have actually done it,” I said out loud. “We helped the Evenawks regain Scert’chak.”

  But it’s not over yet, Cathy said. Come on, there’s more killing to do.

  “I’m pretty drained. Unless you want me to use your powers,” I suggested.

  Check that. Maybe we will wait, she answered.

  “I thought so,” I said as I started climbing down the stairs.

  Chapter 35

  The Evenawks won the battle and everyone knew it. The townspeople fought with the rage of a lifetime of anger. The rebels fought with the hope of seeing their loved ones again and the remaining Mages quickly surrendered. Harik, Nerrilok and Bak quickly preached the need to take them into custody after their surrender. The leaders' example of civilized society spread through the ranks like wildfire.

  I suppose you are going to gloat and take credit for it? Cathy asked.

  Only a little. We did get the ball rolling.

  ‘We’? Cathy asked. I only wanted to see heads rolling.

  After the trial there will be plenty of that.

  Legal murder...interesting... she mused.

  My walk through Scert’chak was more real then my first trip. The Evenawks moved with renewed purpose as I followed them through town. Whenever a civilian would make a move for me they were stopped by a rebel solider and whispers of the mysterious ‘Diason’ were exchanged.

  I approached the great city hall with the remaining Evenawk rebels. It was nice to visit this building of my own free will, instead of being dragged here unconscious. There’s a certain beauty to the design when you know you are free to leave whenever you want.

  “Diason!” the voice of Bak called out from the crowd. When I saw him he motioned for me to follow. “This way.”

  More whispers could be heard as Bak and I walked through the crowd. We joined Nerrilok and Harik in front of the town hall and Harik smiled brightly as he shook my hand.

  “Warlord Narrilok just finishing telling me about the towers,” Harik said. “We saw the blast. Did it really come from you?”

  Nerrilok smirked and I nodded to Harik. “Yes it did.”

  “And this was after you broke out of prison and disabled everyone in the city hall?” Harik continued excited.

  I looked at Nerrilok still smirking away before turning back to Harik. “There’s a hole in the wall from where I broke out.”

  “That’s amazing,” Harik smiled. “Your actions are the stuff of Legends. You should be in books or songs.”

  “I assure you that any book about me wouldn’t be very interesting,” I said to him.

  He laughed and turned to Nerrilok. “It is time to address the Evenawks, Warlord.”

  “They wish to hear from you, Chieftain,” Nerrilok said.

  What’s with the ranks all of a sudden? Cathy asked.

  Perhaps they are trying to establish a class system in their new society.

  Harik stepped towards the group and raised his hands. The murmur from the Evenawks died down until it was completely silent. The Mages on their knees in the front looked up waiting to hear of their fate, Harik looked back towards us and grinned.

  Still just a kid, Cathy chuckled.

  “Evenawks!” Harik boomed looking back to his audience. “I am Harik, last of the Karorik bloodline and leader of our fight for freedom. Today marks a great day; the day we took back our capital!” The crowd cheered. “For the first time in the Second Era, an Evenawk city is free.” More cheers. “We all owe thanks to the great warriors behind me but now it is time for all Evenawks to stand up and be great. Across the Ghanlar Plateau our brothers and sisters still live in slavery. Join me and together we will free all Evenawks!”

  The crowd erupted into cheering. There would be a massive celebration tonight. The crowd already looked like they weren’t going to wait for the Chieftain to begin celebrating.

  “What of the Mages?” one of the Evenawks called out.

  “The Mages will be given a fair trial for their crimes,” Harik answered. “Let it be known across the land that any Mages found guilty of crimes against the Evenawks will have a noose placed around their neck and be thrown out of the trees.”

  The Evenawks cheered in approval and Harik turned to Bak. “Commander Bak, take them away.”

  Bak nodded and I leaned closer to him. “Red Jacket Honey.”

  “Are you hurt?” he asked.

  “No,” I chuckled. “Place it on the restraints around the Mage’s wrists and they won’t be able to cast magic. Like what I did with Desroche and Spencer.”

  Bak nodded. “Thanks for the tip.”

  Bak, a few of the rebels and I gathered the Mages and led them into the building. Harik told the Evenawks to start their celebrations before joining me and Nerrilok.

  “Join me inside, where it is quiet,” he said.

  I followed them both inside and noticed the small group of dead Evenawks to the side. They were dressed in guard uniforms and it looked like the rebels were unable to break their brainwashing. Harik continued through the main hall to the small lounge area I found weird when I first walked through. I removed my pack and placed it on the ground.

  “How’d I do out there?” Harik asked as we sat down.

  “You certainly got them worked up,” Nerrilok smiled.

  “I don’t think I had anything to do with that,” Harik chuckled. “This is a day nobody would have dreamed of seeing.” He turned to me. “I have you to thank for that. However little you think you did, I wouldn’t be sitting here in my ancestral home without your help. You will be the only Mage welcome here for a long time.”

  “Thank you, Chieftain,” I said bowing my head slightly.

  “If there is anything I can get you. I already know you are looking for a tail feather,” he smiled, “but if there is anything else. Just let me know.”

  “How about a ride down the mountain?” I asked. “I still have to visit the Szwen Forest.”

  “We’ll drop you right down in front of it,” Harik said. “Just let the Flyers know where.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “There is no talking you in to staying here and helping?” Nerrilok asked.

  “I will be needed at the Tower of the Watchful Eye,” I said. “Besides, maybe I can stall them from sending reinforcements up the mountain.”

  “We’ll be ready if they do,” Nerrilok said.

  “Now,” Harik started, “spend the rest of the day and night here. I’ll pluck my tail feather tomorrow morning. I’d rather my butt didn’t hurt all night while I partied.”

  “I’m sorry that you’ll be unable to fly for a few days,” I said.

  He waved it off dismissively. “You sacrificed a lot to help us. They least I could do is make a small sacrifice of my own. Besides, with the trials coming up, I’ll be too busy to fly.”

  “Whose idea was it to hold the trials?” I
asked. “I was going to suggest it but it looks like I was too slow.”

  “It was the Chieftain’s idea,” Nerrilok said. “Mine was to line them up in front of the archers.”

  “After Nerrilok told me about the Battle of Casik Valley, where you discussed the creation of a new civilized society,” Harik explained excitedly. “I read through some of Nerrilok’s books and saw The Trial of the Red Beaks, a radical group that was put on trial and sentenced to death to intimidate other groups. I figured it would be the best way to send a message to the Mages of the other towns that we will not stand for their crimes.”

  I looked to Nerrilok. “Seems like somebody grew into a leader overnight.”

  Harik chuckled. “Small steps. I’m not there yet but I will be the Chieftain the Evenawks need during this time. Only time will tell if my name will be up there with the Great Chieftains of Legend.”

  “Stick with Nerrilok and you’ll be fine Chieftain,” I said.

  “Now, enough with the serious stuff,” Harik said standing up. “Let’s get this party started.”

  ***

  I landed softly on the ground and waved to the two Evenawks. “Thanks for the lift.”

  “Anytime, Diason,” the one called out as they flew back to the mountains.

  I adjusted my new pack and looked into the Szwen Forest. There was a spooky atmosphere to the gnarled and dense trees. From here it was too dark to see any real distance into the forest. It was no wonder people steered clear of the north side of Kalenden.

  Luckily I didn’t have my heavy old pack to weigh me down should I need to move quickly. The Evenawks gave me a Mail Runner’s pack for the rest of my journey. I could fit the Demon’s Bane, Tail Feather and my Ritual Book in there comfortably without it straining my shoulders. A welcome change.

  Yeah, now I don’t have to listen to you complain about it, Cathy said.

  Did YOU want to carry it?

  Yes, she said excitedly. Let me take control.

  Forget I said that. I wasn’t thinking.

  Damn, Cathy said.

  I entered the forest and started weaving through the trees. There were no established paths through this forest. My plan, as it says on the Keeper’s Map, is to walk as far as I need to until I encounter a Nao. With the trees closing in around me making me feel claustrophobic, I couldn’t wait to be taken prisoner.

  What’s the plan should they become hostile? Cathy asked.

  You think it will go that far?

  I’ve never trusted the Nao, Cathy explained. They live in a magical world that is separate from the Spirit Plain. Other Demons have said they can see through your soul. What’s the plan if they think we are a threat?

  I...I don’t know. I never planned to hack and slash my way through this forest.

  Then it is time we had this talk, Cathy said. We need to branch out into different spells. You can’t keep using the same ones over and over again.

  I don’t remember anymore.

  I know, you have never been a fighter so you forgot how to do everything, Cathy said. I’ve been going through you memories for other spells. The Lightning one the Mage used to disarm your sword is easy enough and you should use more Nature Magic, especially in here. In Nesqa, you used the Staff to make the ground shake. You can do that easily too.

  I probably have a few spells in the Ritual Book that could help.

  Most definitely, Cathy said. Here.

  A memory flashed through my head, transporting me back to a class where we were learning attack spells. I watched in amazement as spells I have always thought were pointless returned to my mind. Everything came to a screeching halt as I walked into a tree and staggered back. I hissed in pain and grabbed my face.

  You should probably stop walking, you dink, when I’m showing you memories, Cathy said barely containing her laughter.

  Sound advice.

  I sat down on a stump as Cathy cycled through memories to show me spells that had been buried away in the back of my mind.

  This is an important one, Cathy said. I always had fun with Ice Fist.

  I always hated that one.

  Well, when you are punching an enemy in the face with your hands covered in solid Ice, you’ll learn to like in quickly, Cathy said. Ice and Fire have so many uses. You even have a spell to BREATHE fire in here. How could you forget that one?!

  You have to remember that I never pictured myself using these spells. Yes, I was constantly in danger from the other Mages but excessive use of Magic was forbidden. Besides, the School of the Elemental wasn’t one I was in a hurry to get into.

  Breathing fire is Demonology, Cathy replied.

  Really?

  Cathy laughed. It is best used in short bursts when you hands are otherwise busy.

  Alright, flash the memory through my head.

  There’s nothing more in the School of the Spiritual that can help you, Cathy said as the image of the Fire Breathing class flowed through my head. You already know the basics: Heal, Pulse, Ward, and Illusion.

  All the non-threatening stuff that wouldn’t get me into trouble but saves my skin.

  Nothing in Demonology surprisingly, she said disappointed. I was really curious to see if Contee’s spell was in there.

  Don’t remind me of that one. I shuddered.

  It really seems like the Tower was just training everyone to be warriors, Cathy said. Especially in Elemental.

  Master Pryce must have had more power over everything then I thought.

  I looked around and noticed that the forest seemed to be less intimidating then before. The trees weren’t closing in over me and the sun was starting to poke in through the leaves. Even the air was fresher.

  Not much in Nature Magic either, Cathy continued. I guess they like playing with their vines and trees and that’s it.

  Sh. Look around. The forest has changed.

  Well I’ll be... she said intrigued as I moved my head around so she could see everything.

  “E-excuse me,” a timid female voiced said behind me.

  I stood up from my stump and turned to the voice. A small woman in her late teens with long brown hair and piercing blue eyes stood cowering by a tree. Her face twisted into one of confusion and fear as she looked at me but shook it off.

  The hat probably scared her, Cathy joked.

  “I’m lost,” the girl said. “Can you help me?”

  Chapter 36

  The girl continued to look at me, not sure what I was doing. This meant I was probably making some sort of face at her. I tried to straighten myself out and stepped towards her. “What seems to be the problem?” I asked.

  “I’m from the farmlands in Balendar. I wandered too far into the forest and I can’t get out,” she said quickly as she started towards me. “You’re the first person I’ve seen in here. Please help.”

  Oh, she is good, Cathy said.

  Yeah, look at her inching closer to me.

  Notice the brown hair and blue eyes? Cathy said. Playing your type pretty well. Not as good as me, but…

  I repressed a laugh and slowly walked towards her. “How have you managed to survive out here?” I asked. “The Nao are bloodsucking parasites that feast on anyone that ventures into their forest.”

  The girl’s face twisted into anger slightly before she looked down to regain her composure.

  Cathy laughed. Good idea. Let’s see how long before we can make her snap?

  “All the more reason to help me,” the girl said in a steady tone.

  “Agreed,” I said trying to keep a straight face. “The longer we are in here the more likely we are to meet one of the hideously disgusting tree demons.”

  “I’ll have you know they are quite beautiful!” the girl exclaimed.

  “You have failed, Nao,” I said as I raised my arm and shot a Dispel towards her.

  The Dispel hit the girl right in the chest and the forest returned to its dreary, claustrophobic state. The girl transformed into a short dark green humanoid, with leaves growing
like hair down her head and back and vines wrapping themselves around her legs and arms. She didn’t wear any clothes; her entire body was the same colour, glowing slightly from within, and only showing the basic curves of femininity. So she wasn’t exactly naked.

  Disappointed? Cathy asked.

  A little.

  The Nao’s black eyes grew thin as she bore her teeth and claws at me. She let out a loud screech as I covered myself in scales and searched her mind. The silly ‘girl’ left her mind wide open and I prepared to teach her a lesson in Illusion.

  To her, the scales taking over my body grew more Demon-like, and covered my entire head. Horns grew from the top of my head and my eyes glowed white. She squeaked in fear as I charged her and lifted her into the air by her throat.

  “You lack discipline in your craft,” I said in a booming voice. I dropped the Illusion spell and my face and voice returned to normal. “A good Illusionist doesn’t let personal feeling get in the way of the spell.”

  “In the name of the Spirit of the Forest, you will drop our sister and return to where you have come from, Kairu,” a voice said beside me.

  I lowered the Nao to the ground and let go. She ran off in the direction of the voices. Three slightly taller Naos stood with their arm up at me. The little one hid behind the leader of the group,

  “I assume, Kairu means Demon,” I started as the scales returned to skin. “I assure you the scales are just a simple spell. I am human.”

  “I do not care about your spell,” the leader said to me. “We can through the Spirits into your soul. You house a Demon but…it is unlike anything I have seen.”

  “Put your hands down and talk to me,” I said to them. “I wish you no harm. Give me the chance to explain why I am here.”

  “What you wish remains to be seen but you have been surprising civilized, Kairu,” the leader said. “Speak but know that you cannot trick us like you did our apprentice.”

  The smaller Nao was still hiding behind the group, watching me with wide eyes.

  “I have come from The Tower of the Watchful Eye,” I started. “I was sent here on a mission by Keeper Anderson to gather a vial of water from the Sacred Well to be used in a ritual.”