by T M Caruana
“No, that wasn’t what I was going to say. I have had experience of torture techniques during my time in captivity, and I’m just worried that Michael won’t be able to heal Tarus.”
“What do you mean?”
I moved closer to her.
“It is different if someone suffers a flesh injury where the wound is bleeding or if the bones are crushed in the portal and the marrow is still intact inside the bones. These injuries are easy to heal, but there are other injuries we from Medi can’t heal without the help of magical ingredients.”
Katrona spoke softly and slowly and I was impatient.
“Katrona, what do you mean? Say what you want to say; come to the point.”
My plea was loud enough to catch Samuel’s attention who had moved closer to listen to the discussion.
“One example is that we can’t heal broken hearts without help from the ashes of the fire-rose. Many torture methods used cause the bones to crush so that the marrow inside them drains. If that happens, Michael won’t be able to heal without help. I don’t know myself what magic ingredient we would need to help him in that situation.”
Her gaze was frozen at the ground.
“I don’t know the magic ingredients either, but I know someone who might be able to help us,” Samuel butted in.
“What do you mean Samuel? Whom are you talking about?” I asked hopefully.
“I know it’s dangerous to go to Sabi for those who aren’t our own people, but that is the only way. The Oracle lives in the palace and she is very wise. Even today I don’t know if there has ever been anything she didn’t have knowledge of or couldn’t have predicted. However, it isn’t always the case that she wants to help. I guess it’s because she can foresee the consequences of her actions. But it may be worth the risk to visit her if you want to save Tarus.”
As he voiced my love’s name I felt an aching pain from the emptiness I felt in my heart by his absence. There was also a feeling of alarm, which made me question why Samuel was telling us this at all. He definitely wasn’t doing it for Tarus’s benefit and I doubt it was even for mine. What was he up to? Was he homesick and saw his chance to go home? But he was suggesting something that everybody would object to, a journey that could let me out of their sight again. Additionally, he was saying that the mission’s success rate would be low due to the complexity of trying to convince this Oracle to help. This made his proposal highly dubious. My question remained. Did he genuinely care for me or was he a traitor? My power to feel his emotions wasn’t strong enough to judge. However I couldn’t imagine that Hunter would let me go to Sabi to find ingredients for Tarus and, furthermore, I had promised Hunter to stay in the castle. Tarus’s life was more important than any promise. I had to find a way to visit the Oracle before they came back. How could I persuade Noah? Noah had all the stones so I had no choice; I had to try to persuade him. It would be impossible. He would never make a decision to Tarus’s advantage. He wanted him dead rather than alive. Would I be able to threaten him with something? No, what could that be? Just the thought made me shudder. I could negotiate with the only thing I knew he was interested in; my heart. But to promise my heart to him would mean that I certainly wouldn’t grow old with Tarus, so that wasn’t an option. Could I ask Katrona to talk to him? They had been close friends for a long time…though it wouldn’t be fair to put her in the middle.
“Noah would never let you go. Maybe I can persuade him, he might listen to me, but I can’t promise anything.”
Katrona interrupted my thoughts almost as if I had spoken them aloud.
I remembered the time Michael had spoken to me in Malaga as if he had read my thoughts. But people from Medi didn’t have such powers, I was almost sure. Katrona hurried into the castle without waiting for my answer. Samuel and I sat down on a stone bench and didn’t have to wait long before Katrona proudly strolled back out of the castle with the others in tow. Noah’s face clearly showed his resentment of Katrona’s idea. I smiled inside. Katrona could be very persuasive when she wanted. In addition, I assumed she had a favour owed to her since she had saved his life all those years ago. Noah didn’t even look my way; he was too proud.
“If my calculations are correct, we have twenty-two hours left before Tarus’s marrow solidifies, based on the assumption that it ran out of his bone no more than two hours ago. When the marrow has solidified it will be too late to save his life,” Katrona informed us whilst she buckled her saddle up another hole resulting in a complaint from the horse.
“Kora, are you sure you can manage to go to Sabi without creating trouble? I don’t want us to have problems because you can’t keep in with Victorina,” said Noah.
It actually made me feel slightly worried about this quest. The harsh climate of the world was hard enough to also have Kora lash out her aggravation on its people.
“I know she betrayed your friend Tailja by seducing Luke, but that must stand aside this time, is that clear?” ordered Noah unnecessary as Kora had already agreed to his previous demands.
“Samuel and Susy will travel with the indigo stone and Kora and I with the violet.”
There was another piece of information that was new to me. Noah had always been in possession of the violet stone, at least this was some good news; at least this one hadn’t been lost or stolen. There was no time to lose. I had as much right as he had to plan for the trip.
“Why?” I started questioning, but was cut short before I had a chance to finish my question as Noah angrily interrupted.
“Leo can’t come to the ice world, and Katrona, I won’t put her in such danger. Kora’s emotions will be difficult enough to control on Sabi and I hope and pray that I don’t project hallucinations that will put us all in danger. You have never been affected by the hallucinations; given who you are,” he finished as he sat up on the horse and started to trot towards the cave behind the waterfall.
My objections hadn’t been aimed at the selection of participants and I felt unsatisfied with his reply. I was upset and surprised that Noah had chosen to travel with Kora in the portal after what had happened last time they were alone together. However it became clearer after I had taken a minute to digest the information. Kora and Samuel were enemies and, besides, I didn’t want to go with her either.
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I had climbed into my thickest winter clothes before travelling through the portal with Samuel. Samuel informed me it wouldn’t have been necessary if I had had my powers restored, but in my weak state I was happy I had dressed warmly.
In the dim evening, Sabi’s palace rose spectacularly beautiful from the insanely cold snow and ice-covered landscape. Now I grasped why Samuel was always sweaty in the other worlds, and why he now didn’t need to be warmly dressed. I also understood why Tarus could never visit this place; the hot blood in his veins would freeze. Leo would have had no chance to avoid the damp to be able to use his legs since there wasn’t an ounce of soil or grass visible. The palace was lit up in blue from the light reflected by the ice and was decorated with battlements, towers and gargoyles. It appeared that Samuel was proud of the creation and was probably waiting for someone to comment on his work. No one said a word. We started to plod through the cold snowy landscape and I jumped with fright every now and then as snow fell down from the tree branches on either side of us.
“There’s a horse behind us. Tell me that you also see it or is it a hallucination?”
Noah’s worried voice spread terror into the rest of us as a hallucination this early on wasn’t a good sign.
“Calm down Noah, it’s just me.”
We all recognised Samuel’s voice and breathed out in relief.
“Susy, jump up,” he said shortly, not wanting to point out that it was me who was the one lagging behind.
His words didn’t fool me and I had to wonder when all my powers were going to come back to me so I too could transform into something with four legs or anything more helpful. At this instant I had no time to feel proud, time was import
ant to Tarus and if riding on Samuel helped us get to the palace quicker, so be it. With help from Noah’s folded hands, I climbed up on Samuel’s back. Now, with Noah’s speed and Kora’s hovering we would be there in no time.
Samuel’s stable trot set the pace and we soon reached the city gates. They were open. The harsh climate and the influences of the world weren’t really desirable even to menacing visitors. The city’s structure reminded me of Pixi’s, but in ice. Our appearance stood out from that of the inhabitants so we received stares from all sides. We were reluctant to be here and it seemed we weren’t welcome either.
“Kora, try to keep your feelings to yourself,” exclaimed Samuel, throwing an angry glance at her.
“Your misfortune isn’t my fault,” Kora defended without apologising.
I tried, but failed, to remember my feelings for these people, but realised that I too must have been under the influence of Kora since I felt the same misery, or were these my own emotions? It was so cold and hostile here. I had nothing against these people, not that I was aware of anyway. I felt my fingers burning and a piece of Samuel’s mane disappeared, materialising into black ash.
“Oops.”
I felt surprised at what had happened, being distracted by the mysterious people surrounding us, and their staring cat-like eyes. My fiery Bomi Powers must be returning to me. I tried to burn off a little more mane, but couldn’t get the same heat again. It was probably for the best so I wouldn’t make Samuel bald. My attempt ended when a man in full armour approached us, riding a broad ox.
“Is he riding an ox, or am I hallucinating?”
“Affirmative, that’s Finor, the Oracle’s highest guard. She must have sent him,” explained Samuel gesturing to me that I should lower myself down from his back so he could return to his normal form.
As his human form emerged I noted the gap from the burnt piece of his hair. It couldn’t be covered up and would have to be cut off, as it looked ridiculous. I saw a broad smile cross Kora’s face and could feel her concentrating trying not to project my concerns to the others. Clearly, she must have read my feelings so accurately that she knew what had happened and, despite my lack of practice, it was impossible to avoid feeling her amusement.
The mysterious man only looked at Samuel and turned the ox to return to the palace apparently thinking that everyone already knew what action would follow. Kora tried to follow at a good pace, but due to the uneven gravity changes, she was still next to clash with the ox. She seemed to have difficulty controlling her balance when the world deceived her eyes letting her mind use her wings with more speed than necessary. It must have been extra hard for her because she had spent a long time on Teli, which had a strong gravitational pull. She was removed from the ox’s behind when a tall slim man pulled her hand.
This must be Luke who had cheated on Kora’s friend and that Noah had warned us about. Noah’s predictions had proven correct. Luke would have found Kora through his Sabi visions; seeing what Kora sees.
“Give this to Tailja.”
Luke looked at Kora with vulnerable eyes and gave her an ice crystal shaped like a snowflake.
“Forever yours,” she whispered.
The affection of love that Luke had shown, I recognised well. It was important for this man to have the message delivered to Tailja. Kora sighed. I sensed that she felt it too. I sensed that she didn’t want to be involved with her best friend’s love triangle, but Luke meant a lot to Tailja and Tailja meant a lot to Kora. It wasn’t Luke’s fault that Victorina had deceived him trying to do anything to come between him and Tailja.
I believed I definitely was improving in this emission reading stuff. It pleased me, but only slightly since I could feel Kora’s dilemma over her best friend’s fate. She wanted someone better suited for Tailja, but her friend probably didn’t agree. If Tailja was anything like Kora I could see how convincing her to move on from him, would be extremely difficult.
“Please Kora,” the man begged agonisingly. “She won’t listen to me. You know how she is even more proud than you. Her warrior attitude is hardened by the many years growing up in an orphanage and by being assaulted by so many bad men thereafter. She lacks trust in me. She only listens to you,” he appealed with what looked like a genuine sadness and longing.
Kora snatched hold of the crystal and continued to walk forward, probably not wanting to attract further attention, afraid Victorina would show up. She had promised Noah that, to the best of her ability, she wouldn’t make a scene. Finor lead us all the way up to the palace doors and waited for us to enter whilst he circled the ox and went on his way, maintaining order in the city.
As Noah tried to open the enormous wooden door, the handle was ripped out and fell into his hand. His strength was greater than he had anticipated. The Oracle would probably not be happy about the destruction. I hoped it wouldn’t leave a bad impression that would hinder our request for help. He stuck his fingers into the gap to pull the door open and invited us ladies in first before he barged in before Samuel.
There; not far into the palace, not hidden from the world, but there in front of us, the Oracle was seated on a white wooden chair. No one could be mistaken that it was she. She, who had the gift to see what others saw, even before they saw it themselves. She, who would have all the answers to my questions. The woman was as enigmatic as the rest of the population and, to my surprise, without an especially distinguishable shape. I don’t know what I had expected, but maybe something extraordinary or maybe in some other form than a human body. Her posture was straight, stiff and motionless with eyes that neither stared nor showed interest. Her face was hard, cold and unquestionably as beautiful as the clearest ice.
“Your Majesty, we have come to ask for your help or advice concerning the life of another,” begged Noah, falling to his knee to show respect and give us the greatest possible chance of acceptance.
The atmosphere was tense and I could sense her aversion to strangers, especially someone from Angi. Without a reply, Noah continued to explain his reason for our visit.
“He is in more danger than we can heal and we need information about the magical ingredients that can spare his life.”
His tentative explanation had clearly insulted the Oracle.
“I know why you’re here,” she spoke.
Whatever had insulted her, I was sure she had already created her own perception of the situation according to her future visions. She had known we were coming, she had known why and she already knew her position regarding our request. There was silence for a long time and it looked as if Noah was trying to find words or questions that he could say or ask, which would make a difference to the outcome of the visit. However, the truth remained set in stone; she already knew if she was going to help us or not.
“The future about which you seek answers, was decided prior to your arrival. My knowledge will be of no use to you. Susy has already made the choices that affect the future. There’s nothing I can do to help,” she said dismissively, indicating that our journey had been in vain and that we should leave her.
I didn’t want to believe her. Was her vision accurate and unchangeable? Was there nothing I could do to modify it? My despair was unbearable. Without her help there was nothing that could save Tarus. How could the Oracle so indifferently reject a plea that would destroy my life and condemn a man to death? Was there really nothing she could do? Perhaps I could negotiate with her by giving her favours in return…though how could you negotiate with someone who already knew how things would develop in the future? I looked at Noah and wasn’t convinced that he was in any way disappointed by the news. He got up and walked to my side, placing a hand around my back to lead me out. “If the people from Angi had left the unicorn on Sabi, the future would have been different,” the Oracle said looking sadly at Kora. Had this been the reason for their hatred toward each other over the last twenty-nine years? Did the Oracle reject our help because she hadn’t had her unicorn returned?
“Now, it’s
too late to save your love, but you can still save Tarus, if you reach ‘K’ in the overgrown forest in time.”
She descended from her throne, making her thick braid fall all the way to her feet before she withdrew into the palace like a ghost bride with her white dress sweeping several metres behind her. I wanted to run after her to demand details of this new information, but Noah held me in a firm grip.
“There is no point in running after her, if she had had more to say she would have stayed. Don’t forget that she is the Oracle. We probably have all the information she thinks we require,” he murmured in my ear.
He held me comfortingly in a hug, not as hard as Hunter’s, yet firm enough to feel his heart pounding and see his soulmate light shine from his skin.
I had repressed that piece of information and was taken aback as the shine reminded me of his feelings toward me. I had forgotten that I was his chosen one; meant to be his soulmate. I immediately felt embarrassed at the thought. Perhaps it would be for the best if we didn’t rescue Tarus? No! I couldn’t bring myself to think along those lines. I didn’t want Kora to read my feelings for Tarus and project them onto Noah. It would make things more complicated. We had to leave from this mentally insane world as soon as possible.
“Beware, we are being attacked! Where are all the polar bears coming from? Careful they are extremely vicious! We must get Susy out of here!” Noah screamed as we entered the palace yard.
He rushed towards the nearest stone house and smashed into the side of the wall.
“No!” cried Kora and ran after him. “Noah, there are no polar bears here. It’s an illusion, control yourself!”
I guessed that her voice was too weak for Noah to hear as he had already gone further away from us in his haste. The houses were falling like dominoes along the road where he ploughed forward. Guards from the palace had rushed out in the chaos and were shouting; now surrounding Samuel and I, who held up our arms showing submission. Their weapons resembled nothing I had previously seen.