The Eye of Elektron: A Clean Urban Fantasy (The Sumrectian Series Book 1)

by Leigh G. Wynn

  “The Sumrects have already been informed of my arrival,” said Ansel as they reached the foot of the ladder. When he pointed at the door, it opened instantly, and the cool night air mixed with a tinge of smoke rushed into the tunnel. Without delay, he mounted the first metal rung. “I need to get to Chesterfield as quickly as possible. Dawn, you will come with me. Kai, I have an assignment for you.” Five seconds later, he hoisted himself out of the tunnel with ease.

  “After you.” Kai motioned to Dawn.

  Cautiously, she placed her fingers on the rusty, cold metal and climbed toward the attractive Sumrect smiling down at her through the opening. Although she still harbored doubts about his true intent, she nevertheless took his extended hand when she neared the exit. With his help, she crawled out onto the ground above.

  What she saw next made her recoil in fear.

  She stood in the middle of a long-ago-ruined house. Or rather, what was left of it. Only part of the walls and rotting furniture remained. But it was not the abandonment and destruction that took her by surprise. Directly in front of them, about fifty Sumrects gathered into a terrifying mass, and Dawn suddenly knew they had made a horrible mistake.

  ✽✽✽

  Engaged in conversation among themselves, the Sumrects did not notice Dawn’s arrival.

  Behind the crowd, a large pond, still as a mirror, reflected the dense trees all around it. The secret passageway connected Chesterfield to a clearing in the forest, and from the time it took for her to get there, Dawn figured they must be on the outer edge of town.

  “Holy smokes! That’s more Sumrects than I expected!” Kai exclaimed as he walked up next to her.

  “Don’t be alarmed. They are not our enemies.”

  The Sumrects fell silent when they finally saw Ansel, Dawn and Kai emerge from the wrecked dwelling.

  “Ansel! You’ve indeed arrived!” A towering, red-haired Sumrect with a deep, resonant voice came forth from the crowd.

  “Winston, how does it look?”

  Dawn’s jaw dropped when Ansel shook the Sumrect’s hand.

  “Bad, Ansel. Really bad. They’ve set fire to virtually everything… People’s houses, hospitals, churches… A bunch of them went straight for Chesterfield. Most have left, however, after hearing a rumor that you were back. Sounds like you have already dealt with a few of Vance’s soldiers.”

  “I have. You must have received my message then?”

  Winston nodded, gesturing to the crowd. “Most are here. We did the best we could to minimize the damage, but there were too many of them.”

  Ansel stepped forward and spoke with authority to those before him. “Friends, I thank you all for your efforts tonight in protecting this town. I did not expect any less from you. Unfortunately, the night is far from over. The remaining intruders are no longer your responsibility. Leave them to me. I’ll make sure to give them a proper farewell.”

  Many Sumrects cheered. Ansel raised a hand to silence them.

  “We have little time. Search the wreckage for survivors. Rebuild and salvage what you can. Use your powers to heal, not to avenge, which will only cause further destruction. Please direct those you can’t heal, whose homes you cannot repair, to Chesterfield. Winston, please take a group of twenty to the north end where the destruction is worst. Alexander, Jarret, Blair and Nico, set up relief stations every few blocks. Gather twenty or so to help you. We will distribute supplies from Chesterfield once I get back. The rest of you shall report to Lorenzo.” He nodded toward a burly Sumrect.

  Lorenzo bellowed, “Ansel, I think you should give your signal once more so that any of the remaining scum who missed it the first time can get the message.”

  What signal? Dawn wondered.

  Someone tapped her on the shoulders. It was Kai.

  “You don’t want to miss this,” he whispered, staring at the night sky expectantly. Dozens of Sumrects from the crowd followed suit. Lorenzo, however, did not bother to look up and was already leading a group into the forest, away from the roofless house and pond.

  With his left hand, Ansel tossed something into the sky.

  He must be a lefty like me, Dawn noted this slight detail.

  At first, nothing happened, and Ansel was speaking again, “Let’s get moving, everyone.”

  The Sumrects responded immediately. They shifted about, formed groups and occasionally glanced upward at the sky. Then, without warning, a breathtaking blueish-green light weaved through the previously smokey sky.

  The auroras! Dawn’s heart pounded in recognition. They were more beautiful and enchanting than she remembered. Reminiscent of the many watercolors at Chesterfield, the lights behaved like ocean waves, curling up at one end as if crashing into an invisible barrier. This must be Ansel’s signal.

  A few Sumrects applauded as they were leaving. Some whistled.

  “Only you, Ansel, can manipulate solar wind like that! You should seriously consider making the auroras every night!” Kai said. “And take up photography,” he added.

  A crease formed between Ansel’s brows, and Dawn thought he looked rather sad. “Wouldn’t be much of a signal then… if people saw it all the time.”

  “And what about the fires? We have to stop them somehow!” a Sumrect shouted. The surrounding others murmured in agreement.

  “I will take care of the fires. Hurry to the residents. They need your help.”

  When he finished speaking, Ansel closed his eyes. A strange mist soon materialized in the clearing. Steam replaced the smoke-filled air and rose to form clouds—giant, cumulonimbus clouds. Dawn struggled to breathe in the humid air as she finally understood with amazement what Ansel was doing. Somehow, he had sped up the process of evaporation to force a storm upon the burning town.

  The sky grumbled. Lightning split the clouds. When the first cool drops of rain fell on her skin, Dawn realized why so many feared Ansel—why Vance feared him. This display of power was far greater than anything Dawn had ever witnessed from a Sumrect. Most could fix objects: broken bones, wood, mirrors and the like. Most could levitate up to a ton. But inducing auroras and rain at will? That was unheard of.

  If so desired, Ansel could just as easily obliterate an entire town as saving one. A shiver ran down Dawn’s spine. No wonder those who knew him hesitated to trust him. And yet, from the group of Sumrects gathered before them minutes earlier, Dawn sensed respect instead of fear, loyalty instead of distrust. What must Ansel have done to earn their confidence? Was it even possible, or wise, to trust a Sumrect who wielded so much power?

  “I hope I haven’t scared you.”

  Dawn gave a start. She glanced to her right to find Ansel studying her carefully.

  “No, you haven’t. You are capable of awesome feats, and it makes me wonder whether you should be entrusted with such power. That is all.” The words tumbled out of her mouth. She had not intended to be so blunt, but all the bias she had against Ansel surfaced unexpectedly. Despite what Kai and Delia had told her, she still held plenty of reservations about the Sumrect before her. She met Ansel’s eyes bravely, content to see him wrestling with the appropriate response.

  The rain drenched them both. Another flash of lightening preceded the deafening thunder. After what felt like a long time, Ansel looked away and admitted softly, almost to himself, “You are right. Power corrupts. No one should have a lot of it, including me.”

  The genuine nature of his response surprised her. She expected him to disagree, or at least defend himself. Without waiting for her reaction, he walked over to Kai and quickly handed the boy something he took out of his own pocket. Dawn watched them exchange a few words, but the rain covered their conversation. A few seconds later, Kai ran off into the forest where the other Sumrects had previously gone. Suddenly, Dawn found herself alone in the clearing with Ansel.

  “I know you probably have many terrific reasons not to trust us Sumrects, especially one like me…” Ansel held out his hand. “But will you this once?”

  Does he want me to t
ake his hand? She stood immobile. How ridiculous.

  With a slight frown and a tilt of his head, he spoke again, “We can also walk, but seeing how we are pressed for time, I prefer to fly.”

  Oh, I see. He has a point. Gingerly, she took his cold, wet hand.

  “Good. There’s hope for us all.” Ansel grinned, his fingers closing firmly upon hers. “Alright then. Once we are in the air, keep your arms as close to your body as possible. Lengthen from head to toe and turn with me when I do. Don’t fight the movements. I will warn you when we are about to land. No matter what happens, do not let go of my hand. Understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Scared?”

  “No.”

  “Ready?”

  “Ready.”

  A curious, warm, tingling sensation flowed from his palm to hers, spreading through her arm and into the rest of her body like an electrical charge. Her heels gradually lifted off the ground. She pointed her toes to keep in contact with the earth, but she only kept drifting upward, buoyed by an invisible force. Ansel rose with her toward the clouds, keeping a solid hold on her hand.

  They glided past the forest toward the fire and lights. Dawn mirrored Ansel’s motions in the air, moving with him as one. When they arrived at the town, he leaned forward and sped up until the lights beneath them melted into a blur. The wind and rain lashed harshly unto their faces, forcing Dawn to keep her head down.

  “Nothing like flying in a thunderstorm!” he shouted over the rain, looking as though he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

  She had to agree; the thrill of moving at such a high speed, at such a high altitude, especially with the added effects of lightning and thunder, invigorated her. But she had one concern.

  “What if lightning finds us?”

  “It will find me before it finds you. Sumrects make excellent conductors and welcome it. Lightning is like an energy drink for us.”

  “That’s some energy drink…” Rain flew into her mouth when she spoke, and Dawn decided it was best to stay quiet.

  Down below, chaos filled the streets. Though the storm had quelled much of the fire, the attack still left entire neighborhoods burnt and flattened to the ground. Houses were in shambles. Residents huddled together on the streets. The closer Dawn got to Chesterfield, the worse the destruction became.

  As the sprawling Edwardian mansion came into view, she wondered if Vance’s soldiers were still on Chesterfield grounds, waiting for them.

  “Almost there!” Ansel announced before the two of them descended in altitude.

  Chapter 6

  Chesterfield grounds appeared deserted when they landed. There were no signs of Vance’s Sumrects anywhere. Rain still poured, obscuring their surroundings.

  “Do you think they left already?” Dawn asked Ansel, who maintained a firm grip on her hand even though they were on solid ground.

  Ansel shook his head. “Look”—he motioned to the light emanating from the right side of the house—“they are waiting for us… in the study…”

  “They must have missed your signal or perhaps didn’t expect you to come back so soon.”

  “I doubt it,” he said grimly. “They would have stationed their soldiers outside and kept the lights off to avoid being noticed. Plus, Delia hasn’t been in contact with me, which means they must have taken her captive. I’m sure of it.”

  A cheery voice sounded from the speakers by the front gate. “Ansel and guest, welcome back to Chesterfield! This is Quinn speaking. Come on in, we have much to discuss.”

  “Don’t! It’s a trap!” she warned.

  Behind one of the lit windows, a shadow moved. Dawn remembered Kai telling her that there were cameras all over Chesterfield. They are watching our every move.

  “Ansel…” She tugged at his hand. “I think now would be a good time to work some of your magic and get these soldiers away from here.”

  “I built this house so that no Sumrect can use his or her powers inside. No Sumrect, including myself.”

  “You what? Why would you do that?” she groaned.

  Ansel shrugged without answering her question. “Quinn must be counting on that knowledge or he wouldn’t be so keen to meet with me right now.”

  “I’m glad we are on the same page.” Over the speakers, Quinn laughed. “Just a side note, some of your human staff are sitting beside me along with—what’s her name—Delilah? Dolly? But don’t worry, Ansel. No one is getting hurt tonight, not even your pretty, petite human friend. That is, if you do as I say.”

  “What do you want?” Ansel’s fingers tightened around her hand.

  “Oh, just some information the Atma needs.”

  “And what if he refuses to share it?” Dawn challenged.

  Quinn laughed once more while they ran up the stone path to the entrance. “Poor human, you do not know him as we do. Ansel’s biggest weakness is that he always has to play the hero. Isn’t that right, Ansel?”

  “They could be looking for the Eye,” Dawn said in a low voice so Quinn would not hear.

  “Maybe,” whispered Ansel, ignoring Quinn’s taunting. He did not sound convinced. “Listen, I need you to make me a promise… Stick close and let me handle everything that happens. Do not leave my sight under any circumstances. Do not speak. Do not draw attention to yourself. They are not here for you. Promise?”

  “Promise.” Although I might not mean it.

  He must have read her mind because he paused by the front door and stared at her oddly. “I’m serious, Dawn. Quinn’s not one to be toyed with, even if he’s powerless inside the house. Just leave the talking to me.”

  “Got it.” She avoided his gaze and pushed open the double doors.

  Gloom enshrouded the entrance save for the glowing amber stones scattered across the ceiling. Dawn knew where Quinn and his soldiers must be waiting. Without hesitation, she followed Ansel past the entrance and hurried across the same rooms Kai had led her through earlier. Except this time, instead of running away from the Sumrects, they were heading into a trap.

  The doors to Ansel’s old study were left ajar; someone had broken the lock. Ansel kicked open the doors, looking sour. Dawn could not be sure whether he was angry because Quinn had entered his house or because Quinn had broken into a forbidden place. Probably both, she thought.

  At the center of the brightly lit study stood a bald, burly Sumrect with skull tattoos and a permanent sneer on his face. In the portraits, now exposed for all to see, the mysterious woman smiled down ironically upon the scene. Dawn immediately recognized Delia’s unconscious figure on the floor. Three human workers sat against the bookcases, muffled and tied with ropes. When they saw Ansel, they shifted about, making pitiful, guttural sounds.

  Were they relieved to see him? Or scared?

  “Here I am, Quinn, as you requested. Now let them go.” Ansel briefly glanced at the hostages before he settled his eyes on the tattooed Sumrect standing in front of the window.

  “As you wish, Ansel… but not just yet. First, you need to give me what I want.”

  “State your demands, soldier,” Ansel snarled.

  Quinn bared his uneven teeth in what Dawn figured was an attempt at a smile. “Let me explain… Recently, the Atma received information from a trusted source that the one whom the spell refers to resides within Phyon.”

  Ansel raised his eyebrows. “My brother believes he understands the true meaning of an Etherian spell?” He kept an even tone as he spoke, but Dawn noticed his hands fold into fists. “He has been, and always will be, mistaken. Only a fool abides by the spell.”

  “The Atma never fails because he is not weak like you. Whatever he desires, he attains!”

  “The cost of misinterpreting Etherian words is more than you can imagine, Quinn…”

  “Except there is no room for misinterpretation this time!”

  “I would not be so certain,” Ansel said.

  “‘Lord of Water, Earth he conquers… destroys what his foe most treasures… and catches the
Eye of New Light… in Fire finds life, in Air, his might,’” Quinn recited from memory.

  Dawn froze upon hearing those words—the same ones carved into the stone wall inside the tunnel. Ansel had mentioned the words came from a spell. But how did Quinn know it by heart? She looked cautiously over at Ansel to see if he reacted. He did not.

  “Who brings a new light to the Eye? Who can reignite the Eye of Elektron years after it has shined for the last time? Who can bring light to an otherwise useless orb?” Quinn withdrew from his pocket a glass sphere. From the handwriting across the glass, Dawn recognized it to be the Eye Ansel sent as a warning and which Delia buried in the front yard.

  The person they are looking for is me.

  The realization was sudden and suffocating.

  They are looking for the person who can make the Eye glow, and it’s me. Dawn felt queasy. How could she, a girl with no special talents or abilities, be linked to a spell cast long ago about a Sumrect? There had to be a mistake, or as Ansel claimed, a misinterpretation.

  “No one can reignite the Eye,” Ansel said quietly.

  “No? Not even… Ovra Brighton?”

  “You know Ovra?” He flinched visibly. For the first time, Dawn detected fear in his voice.

  Quinn snickered at the name’s effect on Ansel. “Of course! The Atma would be a fool not to keep track of anyone with a sir name like Brighton.”

  “As I feared,” Ansel mumbled, his face ashen.

  “And that brings us to the focal point of this conversation, the reason I’m here in the dead of night. Where exactly is Ovra Brighton? Where have you hidden her?” A menacing scowl now replaced Quinn’s smile.

  “You are wasting your time. Ovra can’t make the Eye glow like it did any more than you and I can… none of us can… I would know… considering I made every single orb my brother confiscated.”

  “Oh yeah? If not Ovra, if not a blood descendent, then who?”

  Not Ovra. Me.

  Next to Ansel, Dawn stood rigid as a statue.