He expelled that thought before it had time to take root. The only reason he was able to maintain such a large host of fiends in this world was because Kabriza aided him. Not to mention a breach in contract with Grala would bring devastating results. Further, if he did fight and defeat Kabriza, he did not relish the thought of living with the vengeful wrath of the two most powerful Quentranzi hanging over his head.
There was only one course of action and that was to play his plan through, and watch his back. He smiled to himself. Quentranzi may be powerful and cunning, but underestimation has always been one of their shortcomings. If his powerful ally did decide to oppose him, he would be prepared.
* * *
Zreal and Szhegaza entered the large circular room and dropped to one knee as Zreal spoke. “Apologies for the disturbance, Master,” he began.
“No need for apologies, my friend,” Brit responded. “Your return is welcomed. What have you for me?”
Surprised and wary at the Drek’s uncharacteristic kindness, Szhegaza stood and moved forward. “We have done as you instructed, Master Brit,” she said. The Zitarian presented a dark crystal that pulsated between green and blue. She started to hand it to Brit, but before her arm was completely extended, the orb levitated from her palm and floated to rest in his. Without a word, she returned to her place by Zreal’s side.
“No need for such formalities,” Brit said, eyeing the crystal. “Stand.”
“Wards have been set about the entire fortress,” Szhegaza said. “If even one of the smelly things decides to act against you, you will know.”
Brit smiled. “You remind me of my wisdom in having you beside me, Zitarian.” He then looked at Zreal who was making a great effort to mask his irritation.
Szhegaza offered a narrow-eyed smile that seemed to stretch more in Zreal’s direction. “I am here to serve if it pleases you, Master Brit.”
“I am sure,” Brit replied, his expression hardening. The Zitarian warrior found her gaze dropping to the floor under that gaze.
“Understand, Szhegaza,” Brit continued. “I know well, and appreciate the nature and talents of the Zitarian race.”
At that moment both Szhegaza and Zreal felt a tremendous weight pressing down on them. The moment their knees started to buckle under the crushing force, it released. Szhegaza gasped and stumbled forward, but managed to keep her feet. Beside her, Zreal also panted, half doubled over.
“The Zitarian value alliance only with those worthy, Master Brit,” Szhegaza said in response to the obvious warning in regard to her treacherous race.
“And what does Szhegaza feel about such an alliance?” Brit asked.
“Honored,” she was quick to reply.
“You speak with sugar on your tongue, but poison can be disguised with sweetness.” Brit turned his back, motioning for them to follow. They entered a lightly decorated room where each section of a wall held a different piece of history that happened long ago. Zreal shut the door and looked over the wall paintings, focusing on one featuring a being that looked much like Brit, manipulating some unseen force against a spear wielding foe. Once his attention was fully focused on it, the painting animated, becoming a moving historical account of depicted conflict.
At the end of the room was a tall mirror. Brit motioned them closer. “The Quentranzi believes that its Bachatttas are my only means of monitoring our progress. He is wrong. I see everything.”
Zreal wondered if that statement was directed at more than just Kabriza.
They looked watched as their reflections in the mirror faded, then transitioned into the image of sprawling host of fiends the like neither Zreal nor Szhegaza had ever seen. They moved with remarkable speed toward the tower of light, leaving destruction in their wake.
“Do you think they will be able to get near the tower, Master?” Zreal asked.
“You don’t know the Quentranzi, Zreal,” Brit replied. “Takashaniel will hold them for a time, but no ward on earth can stop that horde from stomping that tower into oblivion. Although magic can defeat them, it takes powerful magic to do so, and I don’t think the Ilanyan will be able to work fast enough to draw such a power from the tower. Takashaniel will fall soon, and then the only concern I will have will involve our allies.” He left them to ponder his words.
Szhegaza was just opening her mouth to speak when Brit returned, standing halfway in the door. “If the two of you are ready, I have considered sending you to the tower if things turn ill. You would do well to prepare.” After he’d left again, Zreal and Szhegaza looked at each other.
The Zitarian shrugged. “I know you don’t trust me, Zreal, but considering the company surrounding us these days, I am the least threat to you.”
“I doubt that,” Zreal retorted. “But I don’t have much choice. We must look after each other in the midst of those things.” His face twisted in disgust. “Especially since the master plans to send us into battle with them.”
Szhegaza laughed. “You do have a point, my dear Zreal, but consider this. Why do you think he would send us into battle with such powerful monsters as those? Do you really think he believes the two of us could tip the scale any more in his favor? Of course not! Our usefulness lies on the path that crosses with those troublesome humans.”
Zreal smiled as she left the room. “Pest control,” he hissed. Standing there, Zreal considered his situation. Strange times, he thought. Never would he have imagined aligning himself with one of the most deceitful creatures he had ever known. Ironically, he trusted her more than his master’s demon allies, but he knew to keep his disapproval to himself.
Although there was never much trust between Zetsuans and Zitarians, he had often wondered what it would be like to battle alongside his cousin species. He found himself excited at the prospect. It has been a while since I have been in a good fight, he thought. And after all, they were only humans.
* * *
The five warriors maintained a swift pace for several hours, moving from open field to wooded patch and through the many hills that dotted the landscape. Kenjiro could hardly believe his eyes at the surroundings he now looked upon. So different, were these lands when he was a child. Sensei Akutagawa was right, the world was changing at a rapid pace and it seemed that in time, they would hardly be able to recognize it. As his mind wandered, he thought of the other possibilities. That huge thing swimming in the lake that had grabbed the Krindra back at the patch of woods they’d rested in some time back. The Krindra was a massive beast, but the water creature had little trouble snatching it into the water as if it were a small dog. Would animals like those come to inhabit the world in addition to the other changes? The samurai frowned. It was a grim possibility.
Akemi focused on nothing but keeping up, but dark thoughts and intentions kept creeping into her mind. It was a constant battle to push them out. At times when her mind was unclear, her judgment wavered under the weight of what seemed a great burden resting on her shoulders. At one point her eyes began to droop as a pervasive sleep crept on her. With an effort, she shook it off and increased her speed, but only for a short time before she fell back to a slower pace once again.
Kenjiro and Kenyatta noticed her inconsistent pace several times and kept a watchful eye. The taint was becoming stronger in her again, and neither of them knew what to do. Somehow, the two friends doubted another treatment like the one Kenjiro had used before would be effective this time.
Still the ninja ran on, more determined than ever not to let the evil overcome her. She looked into the distance and smiled in relief.
They were within a few miles of a canyon that stretched out to the right. From their vantage above, they could see its depths scored with ravines and trenches so deep, they gave the place the look of a labyrinth. Already they could feel the winds increasing. As they approached, the open fields were replaced by mounds and hills sprinkled with trees, shrubs, and outcroppings.
Suddenly, the wind shifted to an awkward angle and turned against them. Not only did
they work twice as hard to maintain their speed against the wind, but also to remain in a straight line. The struggle became increasingly difficult as the wind constantly shifted, causing them to lean forward into it, then shifting again sideways and then in their favor, causing them to stumble at the unexpected ease.
Kenjiro stole a glance at the others. Navigating these constantly shifting winds was tiring, and they would need to rest soon. The wind gave a harsh shift, and Shinobu stumbled. With quick reflexes, the strider rolled with the motion and came smoothly back to his feet. There has to be a better way to do this, he thought.
Tree branches and bright green and orange leaves swayed in the howling wind. High above them, a bird glided in the cloudless sky. It looked only as big as a crow at such a distance, but crows were not known to hover in place, as this bird was doing. Gracefully, the bird of prey glided, shifting its tail subtly and allowing the wind to carry it this way and that, while maintaining control.
At the sight of the large bird, Shinobu realized their error. They could use the wind to an advantage at times, and move against it with efficiency at others. In order to prove this theory to himself, he waited till the wind shifted in their favor again, then he leaned slightly back into it, straightening a bit. Although he still kept pace, he was using less energy than before. Knowing that the wind would change again soon, he waited. As soon as he felt the wind shift against them again, he leaned forward, low to the ground. The wind passed over him more easily, and he was able to exert less energy moving against it. He overtook Kita, and then held his pace. With a nod from the strider, the other warrior watched.
Once the wind shifted at an angle but in their favor again, he straightened a bit and allowed himself to be pushed along.
Kita followed and found it much easier to accept help from the wind instead of using the same energy no matter the direction. Shinobu also used the powerful winds to his advantage by speaking in a slightly louder than normal voice to the others in front. Although no one else spoke, in order to conserve energy and breath, the strider remembered the very reason they were traveling to this particular place. The winds were strong, and would carry sound much farther than normal. Why not try now? he thought. He spoke in a voice only a bit louder than normal, and called for the others to follow his lead and watch. To his confirmation and amusement, the others glanced over their shoulders at him in response.
He and Kita easily overtook the others and Shinobu took the lead, rising with the wind that aided them, and lowering under the wind that pushed against them. He found that the others not only adapted, but fell into line behind him, allowing each other to absorb more of the force of the pushing wind, and then spreading apart so that everyone could benefit from the wind when it pushed at their backs. Once they had established a technique, they moved like a flock of birds, shifting this way and that in unison, zigzagging across the land but still making their way to the canyon ahead.
They alternated as the head of the group, allowing the previous leader to rest behind him when the wind pushed against them. Akemi was the only exception. The others signaled for her to remain behind and not take the burden. When she did not argue for her turn, Kenjiro knew she must be struggling.
At one point, Kenyatta was at the lead and noticed that they were leaning in the direction of a patch of woods on their right. His eyes lit in alarm, for although the woods would provide ease from the harsh crosswinds, he was unsure they would be able to hold enough control not to slam into a tree if the wind shifted suddenly. When the wind shifted in favor of them again, he heard Kenjiro’s voice from behind.
“No matter the shift of the wind, push forward. The canyon is close and those woods are yet closer.”
Kenyatta glanced back and nodded. When he looked back ahead, he could see the rim of the canyon, and soon they would begin their descent. The canyon was deep and rocky, with no distinct shape to it. There was not much in the way of trees or plant life, but many large and small rocks dotted the walls and floor, and the smoothness of the canyon wall was an indication of the years of the harsh winds carving and polishing the landscape like a master sculptor.
He noticed a deep, narrow crevice snaking away to the east, like a giant serpent fleeing the moaning winds. Doubt filled Kenyatta’s mind as he considered their plan. I hope this foolishness works, he thought. I’m tired of runnin’ everywhere. He felt a burning in his legs that he was sure the others felt as well.
When they finally reached the rim of the canyon, everyone trotted to a not-so-graceful stop, and bent over with hands on knees.
After she’d caught her breath, Akemi walked to the front of the group and peered over the rim of the canyon. She pointed to the narrow crevice that Kenyatta had spied earlier. It was a mile away, more or less, and they would have to descend and cross the floor of the canyon to reach it.
“I grow weary,” Shinobu said, his voice barely audible above the howling wind. “Are we to make our way to that crevice first or rest once we reach the bottom?”
Kenjiro scanned the canyon. “Time is against us. We should try to make the crevice first as quickly as possible. We can rest then.”
Shinobu frowned. “I understand, but our pace will be slowed by fatigue, unless the wind lifts and carries us to our destination.”
The mischievous glint of excitement that crossed Akemi’s labored face made him wish he’d withheld his sarcasm.
“Does anyone feel like adventure?” she asked. Kenjiro, having known his ninja sister all his life, turned a wary look on her. Shinobu and Kita frowned incredulously, while Kenyatta shared the ninja’s devious smile.
“I tink adventure what we been doing all dis time,” Kenyatta replied in his islander accented western tongue. The others eyed him with confused expressions and Kita laughed. The smile on the ninja’s face looked as if it belonged on a tigress, and with a raised eyebrow that the Jamaican could only interpret as seductive, she knuckled him in his side and pointed to the crevice. Excitement practically glinted in her eyes.
“Adventure! We will time the wind and leap with it.” She turned to face the others just as they exploded with disbelieving laughter. “If anyone has a better suggestion, let him speak it now!” Realizing that the woman was serious, they frowned.
“Do you really believe the wind will carry us that far?” Kita asked.
“No matter how far,” she replied. “Whatever the distance it will be faster than if we run.”
“And what of the landing?” Shinobu said. “It may be a bit difficult to stop before slamming into the canyon wall or crashing into the ground because the wind decided to have sport with our vulnerability. And then, of course, there is the little matter of gravity. The farther we fall, the faster we fall, and the heavier we get.”
“Have we not done things already that are physically impossible for any other human being?” the ninja replied.
“Yes,” Shinobu said, “but none of it has included a hundred feet of free fall.”
Seeing the unrelenting hesitation, she declared them timid and disgusting, then turned to the canyon and crouched.
She really means to do it! Shinobu thought. To his surprise, Kenyatta was the first to move beside her, then, rather tentatively, Kenjiro joined them, followed by an equally apprehensive Kita. With a sigh to the heavens above, the strider moved to join the group.
Can’t live forever, he thought. As he peered over the cliff, the excitement contaminated him as he too crouched on the edge, waiting for the right moment. The wait wasn’t long, and the wind shifted against their backs once again. As one, the five warriors leaped from the cliff. Everyone glided on the edge of nervousness, anticipating the wind to shift again and bring them to a stop, and an untimely death.
Luck was with them, and they made a gradual descent into the canyon where the wind was more consistent than above.
And so they glided, ever downward. Though buffeted by the occasional gust, or change in wind direction, the five warriors were able to maintain a measure of co
ntrol as they were carried in the air toward the canyon floor.
Beautiful was the view from the air. Every child fantasized about flight, and the five companions were no different. Hardened veteran warriors were replaced by excited children laughing and giggling as they rode the winds to the ground. All except Kenjiro, who maintained discipline.
Kita and Kenyatta laughed like boys taking in the sights with a childlike sense of wonder.
Even the strider, Shinobu, enjoyed the ride. He could hardly believe the wonder of flying so high above the ground. He was reminded of the bird he’d seen earlier, and for the first time, knew what it must be like to fly high above the ground.
Kenjiro saw a light in Akemi’s eyes that he hadn’t seen since the fight with the pit demons. Seeing his sister enjoying herself, he relaxed a little.
Although her brother was ever the pragmatic samurai, it appeared to Akemi that he was actually enjoying the experience, and that made her smile even wider. Kenjiro noticed her elation and they fed from each other’s excitement, like two adventurous siblings running to the next “trouble” they could find.
***
Chapter Thirty-Three
Iel and his apprentice watched with amusement as the five warriors glided into the valley. Mira couldn’t believe what she saw.
“They are amazing!” she said. “How can they find fun when facing such a future? And the ninja. She fights the dark power in her, yet she can still smile.”
Iel cast a knowing smile on his student. “The future will be what it will be, but until it has arrived, there is no reason to dread it. We prepare, and we move bravely to meet it, but until we have met the future, we must live in the present.”
He turned and looked out beyond the gardens of the tower to the fields beyond. “One can choose to dread a fearful future, or prepare to meet the future while living in the now.”
Echoes of a Shattered Age Page 27