Vivatera (Vivatera Series Book 1)

by Candace J Thomas

  He gave a deep sigh before pressing on. “I believe Reynolds was nine or ten years old when his father was killed and everything changed. A new king took reign, and we became traitors and refugees. From that point I do not know much more.”

  “But how did it get here? With you?” Naomi asked.

  “He had it with him the whole time he traveled. Rumor of its existence went through Southwick and the monarchy, although I do not understand how anyone learned of it. Where it came from and what it really does, I do not know. I have never used it. I only provide its safety.”

  “So, he did know where it was.” Naomi remembered her dream again, and Reynolds’ denial.

  “Of course he knew, but I wouldn’t go telling people of its existence.”

  Naomi smiled, unable to help herself. She felt closer to Reynolds. These simple truths about his life made him more interesting. Her eyes fell back to the warm medallion in her hand, and she evaluated the markings. “What can you tell me about it?”

  Lytte picked the medallion out of Naomi’s hand to examine it again. “It is a very special item, though not all the uses are known. The power which flows through it pulses like a living thing. It can act on its own, or persuade others to act for it. It is speculated that this medallion is more desirable then others because it can raise someone from the dead.”

  Naomi gasped. “Everyone would want this!”

  “Look at this marking.” Lytte pointed to the top of the medallion—a carving of a wide-winged hawk stretching out across mountains. “This is the sign of the Accipitor. In its legend, the sign of the Accipitor speaks of the return of life, life continuing after life. That is why so many believe it has this power. I have not yet seen the Vivatera confirm it.”

  Naomi tried to understand, but like much of Lytte’s explanations, she felt out of her depth. She looked at the marking again. “Hawk . . .” She had also heard that before.

  Lytte shifted his attention toward the other medallions again. “Let us move on.”

  “What about Reynolds? Do you think he’s in danger?”

  Lytte thought about it. “I do not believe Reynolds is in a situation he cannot handle.”

  “Do you think he will come back?”

  “He comes now and again. But he will be back for you.”

  He kissed Naomi’s cheeks as she blushed. “But how is he the only one that gets in?”

  Lytte looked at her, seeming to study her expression. “The magic is simple, but you do not need the magic to enter. It’s all in here.” He pointed to her heart.

  Her brain swirled with questions and unresolved answers. “If it’s so simple, why can’t anyone leave?”

  “We keep everyone in camp for their own safety. If anyone from the monarchy knew what we were doing, serious consequences would befall us. Many have tried to leave—even you, if I recall—but they are not asking the right questions.”

  “So, it’s a question?”

  “No, it is an answer—the answer that will save your life. None of the boys can leave because they have never experienced it.”

  What Lytte said made absolutely no sense to her, and it seemed even more impossible to get out of there. But maybe the others could understand his words.

  “Now, which medallion would you like to try first?”

  Naomi smiled. “This one,” she said, holding up the Vivatera.

  “I thought you might.” Lytte glanced at the other medallions. “As I said, with these other medallions, their uses are quite self-explanatory, and the medallion guides you to what you need to do. This one,” he pointed back to the Vivatera, “is a mystery. Please, put it on.”

  Naomi did as he asked. The medallion dangled around her neck from a long chain. So light, she could have easily dismissed it and forgotten she wore it, but for its unearthly beauty.

  “The Vivatera reacts to the person wearing it. Unlike your magic, which you had to befriend, this will work for everyone. But what it creates is different for every user.”

  “Anyone can use it?”

  Lytte shook his head. “Yes and no. It may react toward everyone, showing diversity in taste toward the wearer. What do you see in it?”

  Naomi took the Vivatera in her hand and studied the milky-pink stone. The substance swirled in different patterns, forming a confusing shape.

  “What do you see?”

  “I’m not sure.” Naomi stared harder than before. “I think it’s a tree?”

  “Does the tree look familiar to you in any way?”

  “Not really.” Naomi responded, thoughtfully inspecting the image. “I like trees. I feel safest in a tree. What do you see?”

  Lytte sighed, his face covered with years of grief and wear. “When I wear it, I see a part of myself that I had forgotten.” The sadness in his voice matched the pain in his eyes. “It displays for me the happiest time in my life—the time I spent in the service of King Prolius.”

  Naomi thought about the image she saw. Was this stone displaying the time in her tree in Sharlot, by the Bucklingdown farm? Naomi lost herself in memory—the time by herself, feeling the life of the tree which she so loved, the solitude and seclusion she tried to keep secret. All the times she spent filling her journal with her dreams.

  How had she forgotten so easily? She loved those moments in the high branches of the tree when she felt whole and complete. Was that what the Vivatera was trying to communicate with her?

  Lytte’s voice called her back to the moment, his tone filled with intense anticipation. “Please hold the medallion to the light.”

  Naomi held it to the flickering candlelight. The stone absorbed its rays. A bright beam shot out, quick and powerful, breaking a glass beaker on the stool table across the room.

  Lytte gasped in surprise. “You are amazing, truly.”

  Naomi dropped the medallion and looked at Lytte in horror. “What did I do?”

  “It is what you are. Everything you touch is remarkable.” Tears filled Lytte’s eyes. “I wish I could explain.”

  Naomi gazed at her mentor, dumbfounded by his reaction. “What does it do for you?”

  “Let me show you,” Lytte whispered, holding out his hand.

  The medallion did not like leaving her neck and she did not like taking it off, but she handed it back to Lytte, who placed it over his head. He smoothed it for a moment with his fingers before holding it to the light.

  A delicate, enchanting ribbon of light streamed out of the stone as sweet music began to sound. Naomi couldn’t help herself and reached out a finger, allowing a stream to wrap around it.

  Lytte looked on in astonishment. “I have never seen it act in such a way before.”

  The stream moved up her arm, dancing and playful, but the magic soon changed. Its grip tightened and began to squeeze Naomi, its direction and intent clear as it slid up her shoulder, heading for her throat. The band throbbed and pulsed uncomfortably.

  Noticing the change, Lytte lowered the Vivatera from the light. The medallion reacted harshly, sending a shock through Lytte’s body that knocked him, convulsing, to the floor. Naomi screamed as it tightened its grip on her.

  Reacting quickly, Naomi grabbed the Vivatera from around Lytte’s neck and placed it back around her own. The music still hummed in the air, reminding her of its power.

  “Oh, please—Lytte, wake up!”

  She bent low to the ground, listening to Lytte’s heart. It was beating very fast. Rubbing her fingers together, she circled them over his chest. The fibers of her magic began slowing the rapid beating and returned his heart’s rhythm to normal.

  Lytte stopped shaking, and his color gradually returned. His eyes opened slowly. “Where is it?” he whispered, as if afraid the Vivatera might hear him.

  “I have it,” Naomi whispered back.

  “Please, put it away, out of sight. I can’t . . .” He could not finish. “It saw me . . . It threatened me . . .”

  Naomi examined the Vivatera closely. It was such a beautiful thing. The music stil
l called to her seductively. She ran her fingertips over the hawk emblem. It looked as if it were moving closer to her. She held very still, watching. A pulling, tugging sensation filled her. She wanted this. Its danger fueled her desire.

  “Please put the medallions away,” Lytte begged meekly. “This is far too dangerous.”

  Naomi nodded.

  Still lined with pain, Lytte’s face turned to her. “In the trunk.” He pointed in its general direction, too weak to be more specific.

  Naomi gathered the other medallions, none as warm and wonderful as the Vivatera. Opening the trunk, she put the precious medallions away, each one in its delicate case.

  All but one. The Vivatera still hung around her neck. She grasped the chain to lift, but the weight suddenly felt impossible. Bowing her head, she let the medallion sink close to her skin. Inside her, the magic stirred with greed and wanting. But she couldn’t steal it; it needed to be there.

  Heat moved up her fingers, burning her where she held the chain. She dropped it, letting it lay against her chest. Naomi began to panic. She couldn’t get it off, and she didn’t want to. She had no choice. She was a thief.

  That would be the day. She would not be back. They would leave tonight.

  Lytte lay down, exhausted, and soon fell asleep. Naomi pulled out a parchment and penned a brief note to her mentor, placing it in the empty case where the Vivatera had once sat.

  Lytte,

  Please forgive me. The Vivatera wants me. I don’t know why, but it has persuaded me. I stole it and we’re leaving to find its owner. Please don’t look for me. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I will keep the Vivatera safe and secret. It needs protection.

  I’m sorry.

  Naomi

  ~*~

  The hour grew later, and Naomi dozed in and out of consciousness until awakened by a whisper in her ear.

  “Time to go.” Landon grinned at her.

  Outside, clouds filled the air with the energy of an untamed storm.

  The food supply they’d gathered would be sufficient to get them to their destination—the home of Spotswood Shadower. As long as they reached it within a week’s time, they would be in good shape. Micah’s crude map and compass stone would be helpful, but every eventuality couldn’t be predicted.

  The little company traveled through the scant trees, battling against the icy wind. When the trees thickened and the inner camp disappeared, Landon turned to face the others.

  “Before we leave, I want to make sure we stick together. Micah has the compass stone and I’ve got the map. Once we get to a safe distance in the forest, hopefully it can help direct us out. Naomi? Do you know how to get out?”

  Naomi nervously gritted her teeth. “Don’t worry, I have all the information. Lytte told me all he could.”

  “Good. Micah, listen closely for anyone following us.”

  “Can I do anything?” Katia asked.

  “Not really.” Landon grinned at her from the lead. “Just stay out of trouble.”

  Katia glared at Landon’s smug expression. “You don’t need to be so rude.”

  Micah placed a hand on Katia’s arm. “There will be plenty for you to do after we get out, I promise.”

  Deeper and deeper they ventured into the thickness of the trees. Darkness enveloped them. Naomi bumped Landon’s shoulder, confirming she was still on track. He patted her head reassuringly.

  Micah pulled out his compass stone. The odd rock spun in his hand until it pointed the way to its home—the direction in which the company must travel.

  Micah took lead, and the others followed. Within a few paces, the stone began to turn in his palm, back toward the direction from which they came. “Stop,” he whispered.

  “Why?”

  “We’re heading back to camp. We have reached the Apex.” Micah looked up toward the heavens. “The trickery starts here.”

  Naomi took a deep breath. “Then, this is it. Time to solve the riddle.”

  She thought again of her discussion earlier that day, back at Lytte’s tent. The Vivatera spoke to her, comforting her heart.

  “It’s a question, I think,” Naomi started, then shook her head. “Wait, no! Lytte said you have to ask the right question to get the answer.”

  Silence fell as everyone pondered the puzzle. Naomi, after serious contemplation, broke the silence. “Lytte mentioned something about the safety of the camp and that was why no one could leave.”

  “But it’s a question?” Landon asked. “What question?”

  “He didn’t say,” Naomi answered. “Just that the question was more important than the answer.” She thought of Lytte pointing to her heart. It’s all in here. Confusion surrounded her like the swirling leaves at her feet.

  Micah’s hand touched Naomi’s shoulder, breaking her train of thought. “I sense someone.”

  Everyone fell silent.

  Micah concentrated. “Back at the camp. Someone knows. He is looking for us.”

  Naomi’s heart quickened; the beats moved from her chest to her throat as her thoughts turned immediately to Lytte and her stolen prize. She slipped a hand in her cloak and felt the warmth of the Vivatera against her skin. An irrational fear ran down her spine—mixed with sadness for her mentor and friend.

  Landon’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Who?”

  “I cannot tell. I only hear the heartbeat. It’s fast. He’s in a hurry.”

  None of them moved, too fearful to make noise. The air thickened, the wind blowing and whistling through the forest.

  “What do we do?” Katia whispered. “Should we hide?”

  Micah seemed to be searching the air through the darkness. “Yes. Hide behind the plants and cover yourself with your cloaks. I will climb so I can hear more clearly.”

  With some difficulty, Landon and Naomi managed to hide behind shrubs near Katia as Micah scaled a nearby willow.

  Naomi’s breathing quickened as memories of the Blackwoods resurfaced, consuming her; but Reynolds would not save her this time. She reflexively placed her hand on the Vivatera, and let her terror melt into the medallion.

  Time passed slowly in the dark and eerie quiet. Nothing moved—not animals or leaves; even the wind kept silent, frozen at the knowledge that someone attempted an escape.

  Naomi’s calves began to cramp and burn. She grew more agitated with every second. The dawn would break soon, and they would still be in this forest, trapped by their stalker.

  “I can hear him,” Micah whispered in the dark. “Prepare yourselves.”

  They readied themselves as best they could, straining their ears for any sound. Naomi placed her head on her folded knees, and suddenly heard the crunch of footsteps on leaves.

  Though she could not see Katia’s face, Naomi felt the frost building at her friend’s fingertips; the coolness surrounding Katia increased with her heightening emotions.

  The footsteps traveled in and out of hearing range. Whoever followed them knew how to be careful.

  Naomi wondered who would follow them here. Her mind drew a blank. The steps were light and nimble; neither Aristatolis nor Lytte could move like that. She feared the tracker from the Blackwoods had found her. As the presence moved closer, her heart pounded. Suddenly, something popped, accompanied by red sparks.

  Light flashed, illuminating the shadows and a young man, tall and lean, whom Naomi recognized from the camp. Landon stood and pulled out his sword.

  “Landon!” the boy yelled. “I know you’re here.”

  Landon did not move but stood motionless above Katia and Naomi, waiting.

  “I have a proposition for you, Landon. That’s all.” The presence came closer and Naomi grew more nervous.

  “I know you better than that, Taren,” Landon shouted. “What do you want?”

  “I could ask you the same thing, Rhees,” Taren returned, slick as an eel. “You don’t care for her. You’ve never cared for anyone. But we both knew the moment we saw her, she was the one we were waiting for. The girl who co
uld get us out of here. All I want is a way out.”

  The exchange surprised Naomi, motivating her to shove Landon in the gut.

  “It’s not true!” Landon shouted back. He leaned toward Naomi to reassure her. “It’s not.”

  “I mean no harm to any of you,” Taren continued. “I’m a tracker. I could be useful.”

  “You spied on us.”

  “I had to.”

  She had heard enough. Naomi stood up next to a stunned Landon. “I will lead you.”

  Taren stood still. “Thank you.”

  She turned to Landon. “Is he dangerous?”

  “Possibly.”

  Naomi bit her lip as she considered her options. “Well then, I would rather have him out of the camp than hurting anyone inside.”

  “I am unarmed,” Taren returned. “Tie me if you have to.”

  Katia stood up, whispering so only Naomi could hear. “This is stupid, Naomi. I don’t like this idea.”

  Naomi weighed the information she heard, but feared for the safety of others if Taren stayed. “There’s no choice.”

  Landon whistled for Micah who returned in a flash. “Do you think you can do this, Micah?”

  “Sure as ever,” Micah responded, his strange eyes flashing blue in the darkness. As he moved his hands in rapid, fluid movements, dust and dirt from the ground gathered in a billowing cloud and whipped into a tight rope around Taren’s wrists.

  “That should work for a while.” Micah smiled, holding the rope tightly, though Taren made no effort to escape.

  Landon turned back to Naomi. “It’s now or never.”

  Naomi’s mind raced. A feeling came over her, overwhelming and pure; she needed to ask her magic. She closed her eyes. Help me.

  Light!

  The bold patterns of her magic emanated light in every direction, intricately woven, both surprising and dazzling her, the streams of blue floating just as before.

  “Please, help me,” she whispered.

  We are here, it returned, echoing loudly in the caverns of her thoughts.