Surface World 2

by Ed Montalvo

  With weapons drawn they slowly proceeded. Sunlight spilled into the cave. The entrance floor was littered with snowdrift. It was ten meters in and brightly lit. Rem wasn’t sure what to expect and entered with Tatiana and Seeker in tow. Tuke guarded the entrance.

  Tatiana unconsciously glanced over her shoulder to warn Dregous, and realized he would never be there again. The memory of his ghost haunted her. “I love you,” she whispered. In the back of her mind she hoped something would claim her life as the mountain claimed Dregous. It wasn’t the same without him. She regretted convincing the prince and felt like a prisoner.

  At the rear of the cave stood a meter-tall crystalline pillar. Normally it would have captured her interest. She put her sword away and looked about wishing Dregous was here.

  Seeker examined the carved ice pillar as she circled it. To her surprise a sphere was hidden in plain sight. The orb’s reflective surface mirrored its surroundings, rendering it virtually invisible. Rem noted the sphere’s contrast against Seekers armor, “What is this?”

  ***

  Ceron wondered how he could save the people from the coming slaughter. He must betray Verel and insure the evidence didn’t implicate him. He summoned Thomas and instructed him to deliver a message to the Baron, “Is there someone you trust?”

  “Aye my lord, William.”

  “Ah, of course, nice young man,” Ceron said pleasantly.

  “He is my lord. His wife had a boy a few days ago,” he replied plainly.

  “Oh how splendid. We must have them over,” he masked his heavy heart with a smile.

  “As you will.”

  “It is settled, you handle the details. Well then, down to business. With haste and blessings my friend,” he said cheerfully.

  The sun reached its’ final measure as Ceron stepped out and felt the cold. Chilly night, he thought as he glanced at the darkening sky while fastening his heavy cloak.

  A hooded figure peered through the shadows watching Ceron make his way down the street. He stealthily scaled the magistrate’s home with ease, to spy him entering a tavern. The hooded figure retreated, disappearing into the darkness.

  Ceron took a table near a window where he can observe the comings and goings. It was a habit he refused to let go. Moments later a hooded person entered and took a table beside the magistrate. The man pulled back his hood looking despondent. Ceron waved the barmaid. “May I help you?” she asked pleasantly.

  “Lazarus.”

  “I will have a heavy draught,” said the depressed man.

  “Of course sir,” she said with a youthful voice, “Coming up.”

  Ceron studied her. She was petite and amply built. “You are new here,” he needed distraction for what was required.

  She turned around to the next table, “This is my first day my lord,” something about both these men frightened her. “What will you have?” she asked politely.

  “Ale to start, may haps your company?” he tried summoning his lust, “for conversation, of course.”

  “Ale we have, and this is the limit of my company sir.”

  “Of course it is,” he muttered with a sigh and tight lips. Someone gently grasped her shoulders from behind startling her.

  A man with heterochromia eyes, blue and green, “Apologies my dear,” he kissed her cheek. She nodded nervously. “Am I interrupting?” he asked with a wistful smile.

  “No,” they both said.

  “I mean…, I was just getting his drink,” she curtseyed.

  “You have impeccable timing,” Ceron informed.

  “I have been told.”

  “Is she one of yours.”

  “No, she is under my care,” he sat, “I promised her father I would look after her,” he folded his hands. “Now that that is out of the way…”

  Ceron interrupted, “Must you be cold?”

  “It is business…, huh?”

  Ceron sighed nodding, “Aye… A departure for two is required,” he whispered, and politely took his drink from the barmaid.

  Laz maintained his gamblers mask on, hiding his surprise, “Who?”

  Guilt weighed his shoulders as he handed him a small parchment, “How much?”

  “500 gold coins, in advance.”

  “200 now, the rest…”

  Laz cut in, “Four now, the rest later.”

  Ceron sipped his nightcap, “Why the change?”

  “New policy.” He sensed something wrong, just couldn’t identify it.

  “Very well.”

  “Apologies for being difficult.”

  “I too look to alter policies,” Ceron breathed.

  “It is the wind of change old friend,” Laz pointed.

  “Of course it is….”

  Why is he requesting a departure? For as long as he known Ceron, he always found departures unpleasant.

  “The money will be delivered,” Ceron finished his drink stiffly followed by a quick exit.

  Laz studied the names. He waved someone over, “Who do we have available?”

  A rough looking man with a long ponytail came, “None… No wait, a friend of mine got in town a few days back.”

  “Is he good?” Laz offered him a seat.

  He sat, “She is.”

  “Is that all?” Laz looked at him sternly.

  Kayel leaned closer. “It should be, she is from the Dark Empire,” he whispered leaning back.

  “The Dark Empire…, interesting… wait, is she the one you…”

  Kayel interrupted with a smile, “My girl.”

  “I wonder how well she handles a double departure,” he mused.

  “They breathe life and death,” Kayel grinned confidently.

  “Very well, timing is crucial, offer her 400 in gold. The messenger must deliver his message then faired off,” he instructed.

  Kayel raised a brow, “After…? Should it not be prevented?” he motioned Ceron’s mug refilled.

  “Agreed, but the instructions are to the contrary,” he sighed. Laz could feel something unpleasant was coming.

  “As you say…, as instructed,” Kayel confirmed.

  Laz left the names with him, and walked through the crowd while groping the barmaids as they yelp in his wake. He touched his charge’s shoulder and planted an innocent kiss on her cheek. She smiled bashfully. The grand assassin studied her as he walked, I think it is time to depart for a short while. Something is coming and I need to keep her safe, he thought.

  Kayel waved a young boy over and instructed him to fetch Seeker in the farming district. The boy turned to run when he pulled him back and forced him to show his hands. Clutched in them was Kayel’s purse. “Others, not me,” he ruffled his hair and pushed him off. He shook his head smiling, “Thieving little shit.”

  The boy ran through the dark streets, alley’s and onto the main avenue, out through the waste grates and to the farms. He asked several homes for one called Seeker. They knew no one by that name.

  Chapter 5

  Beware whom you bargain with, true evil is pure innocence, like a lovely child.

  Traveling journals of minstrel Blue Jay

  “A voice,” the sphere pulsed an eerie electric-blue light. Rem and Seeker prepared to fight. Tatiana could only think of Dregous.

  “What are you?” Rem cautiously stepped forward.

  “Who are you?” Seeker added.

  “Ah, a Drouwen traveling with a half-breed Aquatic Elf,” it pulsed every word.

  Rem knew she was Drouwen and a tracker, but not an assassin. He masked his surprise, “Where are you?”

  Tatiana wasn’t surprised she was an assassin. Dregous had informed her of Imperial trackers, “How did you get in there?”

  “Goodness, an Ayrian? I thought your kind forsaken humans,” it mused.

  “Tuke may know better,” Seeker withdrew cautiously.

  “Forgive me, I meant no insult. I am called Errotamsa, and you are?” it pulsed a polite tone.

  “I will keep my name to myself,” the princess re
plied.

  “Well-spoken Ayrian,” he said, “To answer your question half Elf, you stand before me.”

  Rem raised a curious brow as he walked around the globe. “Like she said, how did you get in there?”

  ***

  The wind stung Seeker’s cheeks as she approached the priest, “Tuke… you need to see this,” she crossed her arms to retain some body heat.

  “What is it?” he secured his blanket.

  “There is a sphere that speaks,” she glanced at the cave.

  “Indeed.” He followed her gaze.

  ***

  “My father imprisoned me,” it pulsed, “I tried breaking free…, …you can see my results.”

  “Why would a father imprison his son?” Rem thought aloud as he studied the pedestal and sphere.

  “He feared I may interfere with his plans.”

  “Explain,” Rem insisted.

  “He wished to control a realm where one I desire resides. Like many love-struck fools, I confronted him. One thing led to another, harsh words were exchanged, …and here I stand…, so to speak.”

  Tatiana’s heart went out to him, “You poor thing,” she whispered.

  “Are you a mage of sorts?” Rem asked.

  “As you say.”

  Rem rubbed his chin, “Are you powerful?”

  “If you free me, I shall grant you each a wish.”

  “Are you a Djinn?” Tuke asked as he stepped closer.

  Seeker sensed danger and hung back, “Careful,” she whispered.

  “Done… How do we get you out?” Remmon examined the sphere.

  “Wait…!” Tatiana blurted.

  “Are you mad?” Tuke stepped beside Rem as he gently touched Tatiana’s shoulder.

  She eyed the sphere suspiciously and recalled Dregous telling her of his people, beware whom you deal with…. “How do you know he will not attack us once freed?” she addressed the party, “Recall the mage in the forest.”

  “Or rebuke his offer,” Seeker added.

  “Excellent point my lady,” the sphere pulsed.

  Tuke sensed Tatiana’s intentions, “Blessed heavens no…” he interrupted addressing her. “This is beyond us my lady.”

  “Tuke is correct… Dregous would say the same,” Tatiana agreed, but her heart didn’t.

  “Perhaps, but he offered us each a wish…, each,” Rem stated.

  “I know…,” she replied. The thought of wishing her love’s return was alluring.

  “To show I bare no ill. I will grant them now,” he said plainly. “Would that be to your satisfaction?” Tatiana looked between the sphere and Tuke, wondering what Dregous would do, as her heart pounded with the possibility of his return.

  “I am ill equipped for this. However, this is certain. Wishes are the most powerful things anyone has encountered. let alone granting one each. That defines this being has powers beyond our understanding…, please my lady, let us forget this place,” Tuke advised.

  “It may be my only chance of getting Dregous back,” she confessed.

  Tuke wanted his return as well, but knew this was wrong. “No good can come from this my lady,” he was concerned for her, “I implore you.”

  “Forgive me Tuke,” she turned to Rem, “Go on,” and walked away thinking of Dregous. She tried not to get her hopes up. Tatiana wanted to look onto his handsome face again. Tuke comforted the princess and gently expressed his exemption.

  Rem’s eyes widened hoping for the extra wish, “Does that mean we…”

  Errotamsa interrupted, “It does not.”

  Rem shrugged, “It was worth a try. Anyhow, I know exactly what I want.”

  “And that is?” it hummed.

  “I wish my strength equal to ten strong men, permanently,” Rem said.

  “A word of caution?”

  “About?” Rem asked.

  “To bestow strength, I can do so, however, there is no telling what ill effects if any will befall you. May I suggest I give you the knowledge.”

  “Done,” Rem concluded.

  Errotamsa felt exhilarated for the permission, “Splendid.” Rem suddenly grew pale, staring blankly.

  “Rem, what is the matter?” Tuke asked.

  Tatiana rushed back and waved her hand over his face, nothing. “What have you done to him?”

  “I gave him his wish. He is simply stunned. Once it is used, the knowledge will fade,” he said politely.

  Rem blinked and breathed deeply. “Woo, that was exhilarating…, odd, but exhilarating,” he walked to the opening and leaned against the cave wall.

  Tatiana looked between Rem and the sphere then Seeker, “Go on.”

  Seeker stepped closer to the sphere and took a steady deep breath, “I wish my house restored.”

  The sphere illuminated then pulsed. “The unfallen cannot be restored.”

  Confused, “Unfallen?” Seeker whispered stepping away. Her house was taken over since she was a child.

  “I dare say, your turn my lady,” it pulsed.

  She looked at Seeker, “Angelique, are you well?”

  She nodded, “I need a moment.”

  Tatiana watched her, then addressed the sphere. Without hesitation, “I wish Dregous Von’Negrous, returned to me as though his death never happened,” she said softly in one unsteady breath.

  The sphere remained silent for a moment, “Forgive me…,” The first word sent a chill down her spine and numbed her to the rest. She heard him in the background. “…I cannot grant your wish, for two reasons. To restore the life force requires two wishes,” he lied. “The second, he has not ascended. Therefore, cannot be called.”

  Tatiana sank into a sadness she had never known. There was no way for her to bring him back. Tuke’s heart broke, “I am sorry my lady,” he said gently. “If not for the latter, you could have taken mine.” He realized, “Wait… he has not ascended?”

  “As I said,” he answered stiffly.

  Dregous was born to an evil race. He has known no other way. If he did not ascend…, Tuke’s heart broke further. He knew Dregous was nothing like his people, but blood ties was his damnation, sentencing him to the eternal void, then prayed for his friends lost soul.

  “My lady?” Errotamsa ventured. “Would you make another?” he asked. It was like a bad dream and begged to awaken. As if he read her mind, “He had no god to call upon, so his ascension was impossible. He is…, …lost,” he stated gently confirming Tuke’s fear.

  She didn’t think it imaginable for her heart to break further. Dregous could never return. “Forgive me my love…, I failed… you…,” she whispered, and aimlessly exited the cave with slumped shoulders. Tears blurred her vision as they fell frozen on the snow drift. The hollowing pain was dreadful. She prayed it was a horrible nightmare.

  “Why so sad Angel?”

  Tatiana thought she lost her senses when she heard a voice was forever gone. Her legs weakened at the possibility. Slowly she looked through her tears. A dark figure stood on the path and she covered her mouth, believing her grief summoned him from the underworld. “Oh Ukko forgive me,” she hastily blurted… “I did not mean to call…,” she choked, trembling like a leaf. He returned from the darkness to be at her side. Tatiana cried uncontrollably. The figure rushed towards her, it stole her breath. “No no no please forgive me… Please go back go back, oh Ukko please forgive me…!” she blubbered, shaking her head.

  Dregous grabbed her shoulders, “Angel… breathe, it is I,” her knees buckled as he held her.

  She felt his grip, the warmth of his breath on her face, the scent of his cloak. Tatiana raised a trembling hand to his cheek, stroked it gently, then glided to his lips, she sniffed, “Dregous…?”

  “It is I.”

  “Is it truly you…?” her voice shaky. “You did not leave me?”

  Her state destroyed his will, “As you say,” he held her tightly. “I shall always be by your side,” in a moment of weakness, kissed her softly on the cheek and crown. She enjoyed feeling his kiss
es as her heart lifted, “Forgive me…, I will not fail you again…,” he assured. “I swear, I will crawl from the darkest crevice of hell to be at your side.”

  She buried her face against his chest, feeling his warmth, “I thought I lost you,” crying with joy. “Do not dare leave me again,” she commanded tenderly. “You have to obey me, I am a princess…,” she sniffed.

  “I am aware Angel,” he replied softly, regained his composure, then pulled away. The princess moaned. “What has happened?” She recounted since his fall and realized why he couldn’t return. “Have the others made theirs?” as they entered the cave.

  “Rem got his, Tuke refused, Seeker was negated,” Tatiana answered. Rem mumbled to himself as they passed. The half-Elf was lost in thought and didn’t notice anyone. Dregous wondered about Rem, but he had to deal with the sphere first.

  Seekers eyes went wide, “My lord!” she rushed and hugged him. She didn’t know why she needed to hug the prince.

  Momentarily surprised, he returned the hug. “Oug’weeine deh veh fayhan deh,” Dregous said. Tatiana was so happy she didn’t mind.

  Seeker stepped back, “Gahfuom fa…, zeho fa.”

  Tuke saw Dregous, “Great heavens!” he rushed and hugged him. “I take it you are too good for the underworld?”

  “I do not know, but I hope with your guidance, I may avoid oblivion,” he smiled. Tuke explained his inability to sense the entity, then realized why the sphere couldn’t restore his friend. Dregous released Tatiana’s hand as they approached the sphere. “Who are you?”

  “Errotamsa.”

  “That states little,” Dregous replied gently. “Who is your father, where are you from, are you human, Elf, any physical being? Are you spirit, or demon?” It remained silent.

  Rem came to the orb’s defense, “What are you doing?”

  The prince countered, “Did you question it, where it is from, who is it…? Did you question it at all?” he said quickly confusing Rem.

  “Dregous, what is the matter?” Tatiana asked.