The Middle Realm

by Charmaine Theron

  “The incantations are easy. Connecting to the core of the book is the difficult part. Place your hand on the page,” Maksimos instructed. “It’s similar to how we source our energy when conjuring up orbs or mythical creatures, but you take it one step further by casting the spell over the person who’s in front of you. You don’t have to physically touch them.”

  Ash brushed his fingertips lightly over the page and the familiar tingling sensation spread through his body. His fingers shimmered and the page became luminescent. The words popped out at him and he chanted, slowly at first, gradually increasing his tempo – the ancient dialect tumbling off his tongue. As he picked up momentum, the energy surged into his outstretched hand which he pointed toward the closed temple door. He shut his eyes – the words now memorised. The zinging spread throughout his entire body. Heat pulsed in his hands and a light burst out of his fingertips, flashing across the temple and hitting the wooden door squarely.

  Ash opened his eyes, blinking, as the intensity of the spell subsided. A wide grin spread across his face when he saw the smoking zigzag on the door.

  Maksimos reached over and slapped him on his shoulder. “Ash, I don’t know what to say! That was powerful… but you’ll have to tone it down a fraction. We don’t want any injured warriors before we even leave.”

  “I didn’t expect that. I thought if I was further away from our Sphere my power would diminish.”

  “Remember what I told you before. The Trinity represents all three Realms,” Maksimos explained, “which makes you the healer in all the Realms, so your powers will be of equal strength.”

  Ash touched his sword on his hip. The metal was hot and the triangular symbol blazed beneath his fingertips. He thought of Hektor, the Arete Army’s commander who was also Elektra’s father. Hektor had believed that ordinary Seraphians could connect with the energy from their element – this was rightfully so, but only once the element spell had been cast.

  “It looks like my job of mentoring you is almost over,” Kyros remarked proudly.

  “That’s enough for today,” Maksimos said. “Training will commence at the same time tomorrow.” He bobbed his head, dismissing Ash.

  Ash bowed and left the temple.

  Ash headed to the stone door where six vast stone columns guarded the entranceway to the City of Hajar. While he waited for Elektra’s return from her excursion, he worried about her safety even though she was in capable hands out there in the harsh desert. He wanted to be nearby when she re-entered the city, in case something happened. The sun was setting dangerously low, and, once it disappeared, the desert monsters emerged.

  The horses came into view through the narrow gorge and Elektra rode confidently behind Rani. But when a sporadic dust cloud rolled in behind them, it spooked Elektra’s horse. The stallion sidestepped skittishly, dancing out of line from the other horses. He flung his magnificent head sideways. Pricking up his ears, he tugged at his reins. But, as quickly as the cloud had billowed through the entranceway, it subsided. Elektra brought her horse under control before cantering away toward the stables.

  Zahir, the Hajaran warrior leader, bellowed, “Shut the door!” He had been the last horseman to pass through, just as the sun dipped behind the mountain.

  The colossal stone door rumbled as a dozen Hajaran tribesmen heaved the pulleys that moved the mechanisms, sliding the door shut. Solid stone blocks buried beneath the ground sealed the entrance so that no creature could pass beneath once it was closed.

  This was the only way in or out. Surrounding three quarters of the city, the rose-red sandstone cliffs soared above them creating a natural barrier. On the western side, a perennial stream flowed into the valley through a gully in the cliffs. The city was unreachable from that side, as a treacherous swathe of mountains stretched between them and the desert on the outskirts.

  The dust settled, powdering the tribesmen and Ash. Once the door shut solidly, Ash ambled in the same direction to where the warriors had ridden. When he arrived at the stables, Elektra was busy cooling down her horse. Sweat glistened on the stallion’s muscular flanks. She sponged him down as he drank fresh water from the trough in front of him.

  Ash cleared his throat and Elektra looked up. Her green eyes flashed when she noticed him. She squeezed the rag out and dunked it into the wooden water bucket, rinsing it off.

  “He reminds me of Abrax.” Her eyes reflected sadness at the memory of the treasured horse she’d left behind in the Third Realm.

  “But with a way better temperament by the looks of it!” Ash joked, trying to make light of the situation. “What’s his name?”

  “Azraq.”

  Ash inclined his head. “That’s a weird name for a horse.”

  “It means blue in Arabic.”

  “Blue! But he’s black.”

  “Take a closer look at him – his coat shines blue-black.”

  Ash stepped nearer, inspecting the stallion. Placing his hand on the horse’s elegant neck where his coat gleamed, he stroked him briskly. “I get it.”

  “How did your training go?”

  “It was easier than I—” Ash broke off mid-sentence. “There’s one thing that Maksimos mentioned…” Ash intertwined his fingers through Azraq’s mane as he recalled what Maksimos had said.

  This time Elektra tilted her head, waiting expectantly.

  “We can only see the four element spells in the book – the other pages are blank.”

  “Blank?”

  “Yes… there’s nothing on them.”

  “The spellbook - is it incomplete?”

  “No… it’s not like that. A Guardian concealed the other spells by using an incantation on the book itself.” Ash laughed. “Crazy, hey?”

  “Why on earth would a Guardian do that?”

  “To protect the Guardians from each other…”

  “That’s strange,” Elektra said.

  “Maksimos is hiding something from us and Kyros doesn’t seem to know much about the spellbook – he’s never questioned the concealed spells before. It’s very strange. If you remember, he was new to the Guardianship when Drakon was his mentor and the coup happened. Soon after that… the book vanished. Maksimos was meant to destroy it beforehand but he must have kept it for some reason.”

  “Ash, are you sure about this? If he’s hiding something he’d never tell us anyway and he probably wouldn’t tell Kyros either.” Elektra discarded the rag and led Azraq toward his stable.

  “Ha… I know a way! If I get the book, I can test one of the spells I’ve learnt on it. Maybe it’ll break the concealing spell.”

  “No… don’t do that!” Elektra’s eyes widened. “What if it goes wrong?”

  “You don’t have much faith in me.” Ash smiled lopsidedly.

  “So much has happened already. We can’t have anything else disastrous happening. There has to be another way,” Elektra said adamantly.

  “All I need is a few minutes when Maksimos takes a break from watching over the book and then I can try a spell,” said Ash.

  “Ash! Don’t you listen!”

  “Okay, okay…” he conceded. “I’ll keep my energy for the elements spells.”

  “I’m not so sure if Zack’s the right one anyway,” Elektra remarked.

  “We had fifteen other volunteers including Chance, but so far Zack’s proven to be the strongest physically and mentally. Kyros wants to test it on him first.”

  “Chance… was he cross?” Elektra stifled a laugh.

  “Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen much of him over the last few days. He’s probably sulking somewhere.”

  Elektra rolled her eyes. “He can’t get his own way all the time.”

  Ash trailed Elektra to the feed-room where they stuffed a rope-feeder with hay. After helping Elektra secure the opening on the one side, they strolled back and hung the feeder in Azraq’s stable. The stallion snorted in appreciation, ripping at the grassy stalks poking out between the ropes.

  “Let’s wait and try
to get hold of the book afterwards… maybe by then Maksimos won’t be so protective over it,” Elektra said compromisingly. “But only on one condition...”

  “What’s that?”

  “That you don’t cast any incantations on it.” Elektra stroked Azraq’s velvety muzzle while she peeked out from beneath her eyelashes at Ash.

  Ash nodded reluctantly.

  Elektra stepped past him and Ash followed, shutting the stable door behind them.

  Darkness drifted over the city bringing with it the relief of the cool night air which soothed the skin after the blistering heat of day. When Ash left Elektra, he knew that once they cast the element spells, they’d be one step closer to returning home. And that was what his heart longed for.

  Chapter 2

  Secret Engravings

  Ash and Elektra waited with Chance at the far end of the temple. Zack knelt before Maksimos. He had a smug look on his face when he glanced at Chance. Chance ignored him and looked the other way, folding his arms across his chest. Once Maksimos had cast the element spell on Zack he would hopefully be able to manipulate the fire element.

  “It should be me,” grumbled Chance.

  Ash shot Chance a sympathetic look but he couldn’t be distracted by his self-pity. This was a crucial turning-point and, if the spell worked, it could be their ticket home.

  “Zack… bow your head,” Maksimos instructed, “and clear your mind.”

  Zack followed his instructions eagerly.

  Maksimos placed his right hand on the open page and reached his left hand out, aiming his fingertips at Zack. Immediately the page glowed and he uttered the incantation for the element spell. His voice was loud, with a cutting edge to it. His eyelids flickered and, when the last mantras burst forth from his mouth, a sudden flash struck Zack, sending him sprawling across the floor.

  Maksimos opened his eyes – a surprised expression on his face. Kneeling down he tapped Zack on his shoulder, but he was out cold.

  “Oops,” said Maksimos, “I forgot how powerful these spells are. I should have heeded my own warning.”

  Zack stirred. He sat bolt upright, holding his head between his hands. “My head’s going to explode.”

  Kyros strode over from the other side of the pedestal. He hooked his arm under Zack’s armpit and heaved him off the ground.

  Zack rubbed his square jaw. “Are you sure you didn’t punch me Master Maksimos?”

  Maksimos’s eyes lit up. “If I did, I can guarantee you there’d be a lot more pain in your head right now.”

  Kyros hauled a wooden bench over to Zack and indicated that he should sit.

  “How long will it take?” Zack asked.

  “Not more than an hour,” replied Maksimos. “You’ll feel it Zack – without a doubt.”

  “We’re going to check on the training. It’s best you all stay with him until then,” Kyros advised, looking toward the three friends.

  Maksimos bundled up the book and both Guardians left the temple.

  Elektra perched herself on the bench next to Zack. “Did the Guardians explain to you what would happen if the spell went wrong?”

  “Elektra,” Ash said, “this isn’t the time to mention that.”

  “Maybe your brain will be fried,” chirped Chance sarcastically.

  Elektra snorted.

  Zack murmured drowsily. “I… I need to lie down.”

  Elektra shifted over and made space for Zack to lie on the bench. “It’s probably the effects of the spell working through your body.”

  “Do you feel weird in any other way?” asked Ash, “Besides feeling tired?”

  “Tired… only tired… like I’ve never slept before…” Zack drifted into a deep, dead sleep. His regular snoring soon echoed around the rock temple.

  “Well that’s just great!” remarked Chance. “It’s more like a sleeping spell.”

  “And we always believed he was so tough!” said Elektra.

  Ash paced up and down near the pedestal. When he stopped alongside it, he placed both his hands on it and stared off into the distance. As his eyes focused, he noticed a faint engraving in the rough rock in front of him. His interest was piqued and he edged closer, taking a better look. Tilting his head, he studied the marking which looked vaguely familiar.

  Elektra ambled over. “What’re you looking at?”

  “That.” Ash pointed at the wall.

  Elektra squinted and moved nearer. She wiped her hand over the dusty surface revealing the engraving.

  “It’s a triangle, the same as the one on my sword.”

  Chance now crossed the temple floor and stood next to them. “That’s weird. Maybe Maksimos drew it.”

  “He could have… he’s the only one in the Middle Realm who’d have known about the Trinity sword,” said Ash.

  Elektra turned to face him, her green eyes dancing. “Ash… perhaps you and the sword are connected to this somehow.”

  Ash strode up to the wall and, stretching out his hand, brushed the symbol with his fingertips, but the wooden temple door creaking open made him bound back in fright. Alarmed, he spun around facing the person entering.

  “What’s going on?” Kyros asked.

  They scuttled away from the wall and, thankfully, Kyros seemed oblivious to what they were looking at.

  “He’s been counting sheep since you left, Master Kyros,” Ash replied hastily.

  Zack lay prostrate on the bench, snoring noisily.

  Kyros shook him by the shoulder. “Zack… Zack! Wake up!”

  “Mmmm. What’s for breakfast?”

  Elektra laughed.

  Zack’s eyes flew open and he stared blankly at the ceiling above him. “Where am I?”

  “The temple. Don’t you remember? We cast the element spell on you.” Kyros pronounced his words slowly.

  Chance chortled. “I told you, his brain’s fried.”

  “I’m all good.” Zack sat up and rose to his feet, but, as he stepped forward, he swayed unsteadily and grabbed Ash’s arm.

  “Maksimos is waiting for us in the training arena,” Kyros said. “Are you good to go?”

  “Sure…” replied Ash as Zack held onto him and they headed out of the temple.

  They soon arrived at the sandy arena on the western side of the city which had been demarcated for training. Here, the Hajaran warriors spent many hours practising their sword skills and keeping fit.

  Zahir’s bare upper body was soaked with sweat and his dark skin glistened in the sunlight. He swung his scimitar sword tirelessly at his massive opponent. Around them, a group of Seraphians and Hajarans had gathered. Loud cheers went up as Zahir made a rapid thrust forward and their swords clanged together, reverberating off the nearby rock-face. Maksimos stood behind the spectators, observing the impressive show of strength. The corners of his mouth curled up into a smile when the others arrived.

  “Ahhh… you’ve finally made it.” Maksimos looked fixedly at Zack for a moment before turning his attention back to the fighters. “All my bets are on Zahir.”

  As he uttered these words, Zahir sidestepped his opponent and spun around in a flash, causing a dust cloud to billow up around them. The larger man wasn’t quick enough and, in that spilt second when he was unguarded, Zahir brought his sword down across the man’s naked back. His blade skimmed his opponent’s dark skin, grazing it. Zahir let out a yell of triumph.

  “Good fight, Armaan!” Zahir praised his opponent as he bowed.

  Armaan turned, his muscular body rippling from the exertion and bowed in return.

  Zahir approached them making eye contact with Ash. “When are you joining us for training?”

  Ash grinned – an invitation to train with the desert warriors was a great honour. “It’ll be soon. Master Kyros thinks my mentoring is nearly finished.”

  Kyros burst out laughing. “Not just yet… you’re getting ahead of yourself Ash.”

  “Well, don’t leave it too late. Elektra’s improving with Rania’s training and we can’t let th
e ladies—”

  “Don’t be so sure of yourself, Zahir.” Elektra placed her hands on her hips.

  Maksimos cleared his throat, interrupting them. “The reason you’re here is to find out if the element spell works. Kyros…” Maksimos waved his hand at him.

  Kyros strode across the arena. “Zack, join me.”

  Moments later Rania arrived carrying a small ceramic lamp with a flame flickering inside. Behind her, a young girl followed cradling an armful of dried reeds. She arranged the reeds on the ground in a circular fashion. Once done, the girl stepped away and moved to the outskirts of the arena where she waited. Rania crouched down, shielding the flame from the slight breeze and lit the reeds. She strode over to join the girl.

  “Thank you, Rania and Qamar.” Maksimos acknowledged them by nodding ever so slightly.

  Kyros placed his hand on Zack’s shoulder. “Are you still tired?”

  “Not anymore.” Zack’s eyes held the fire with rapt attention.

  “It’s not difficult – you have to allow the fire inside you. Breathe it in… taste it… feel it within your core.”

  “Okay… I’m not sure how to do that.”

  “When we cast the spell we told you to clear your mind. Now what you have to do is the opposite. Allow your mind to be consumed by fire.”

  Zack spread his feet and rocked his body, getting into a comfortable position. Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply and then exhaled. When he opened his eyes he focused on the fire, letting it draw him in.

  Silence fell around.

  Kyros stretched his hand out and curled his fingers, demonstrating. The flames danced higher as he manipulated them. But, when he dropped his hand to his side, the fire died down instantaneously.

  Zack observed Kyros attentively, but then his eyes darted back to the fire. He slowly raised his arm and performed a rolling motion with his fingers, beckoning the flames. Out of the sparks, tendrils spiralled skyward, reaching upward toward the azure sky above them.

  Suddenly the fire exploded, sending a rainfall of sparks over the spectators.