~Chapter One: Three Years Later~
Although he didn't like to admit it, Alex felt his first sense of betrayal as they four of them walked through the trees towards Kraden's Cottage.
Mia... What would you think of me now?
It was pretty painful to think about. He even thought it was the first time he had ever felt this way before.
After all the Mercury Clan has done for me... After all the time Mia and I have spent together. I throw it away to fulfill my own desires.
He figured that these feelings would come eventually... He had no idea that they would be so soon. A year ago he was working under Mia... learning from her... establishing a bond... and then he learned the truth.
I can't think about this right now. Focus on the mission. Three years ago these two infiltrated Sol Sanctum with 8 and they were the only one to survive. We cannot tread across this ice with metal boots.
They had to dance on a feather. One that relied on the knowledge of a scholar.
And thats where Kraden comes in.
Saturos suddenly stopped once a few houses were in view ahead of them. "We're back... We're finally back...." he said. Menardi kept walking. Alex admired Menardi more than Saturos.
She shares many similar views. Saturos... doesn't seem to grasp the concept of reality. The concept of Alchemy. One day it will be his downfall.
"Saturos we must not let the sight of the village sway us. We have spent the last three years preparing for this."
The other boy, whose name Saturos and Menardi would not tell him, walked ahead of them all and stared at the village.
Since I do not know his name, it is definitely a sign that Saturos and Menardi do not trust me. It it obvious that he is an Earth Adept. He even wears a mask to protect his identity. From what? What is his secret. This is is first time leaving Prox, or so I've been told. When I met Saturos and Menardi in Loho and they brought him along I trusted it would have been for a good reason. But its only got me curious.
The masked boy knelt down behind the bushes and watched as townspeople went about their daily lives. "Vale..." he muttered under his breath.
It was then that Alex thought he knew what was going on.
This boy must have some kind of connection with Vale. Saturos and Menardi must think I will try to ruin their plans by interacting with the villagers. A smart plan.
Menardi knelt beside the boy and too was watching the people. "This time we will be victorious."
Saturos remained silent behind them. Alex did not understand their hesitation.
But then again how could I? I was not here when their stupidity cost them the battle three years ago. But I do understand what its like to lose members of your clan.
The wave of betrayal hit him again. It seems he was going to have to start thinking about THINKING if he was going to be able to get the job done.
I can't keep feeling bad. It will result in faulty decisions. Decision I will NOT make any longer.
It was the only thought he could focus on at the moment. The only thought he WANTED to think about at the moment. "So. Why all the standing around. We must make our way to Kraden's Cottage, do we not?" he said to the three walking zombies.
Menardi stood. "Yes. You're right. We must hurry. Before night falls. And you..." she said speaking to the boy in the mask. "... keep your mask on. I want no funny business, you understand me? We will not put up with disloyalty after all we've done for you."
The masked boy nodded and rose. "I understand."
They have the boy under their control thats for sure. But I won't make the mistake about asking who he is again. The first time I did, they nearly left me behind in Loho.
Not that he needed their help anyway.
But they know the layout of Sol Sanctum. And they know where the trap is. Alex smirked as he walked from the shadow of the trees and into the day lit path leading to the house of Vale.
Once we find Kraden's house. I'll give them the slip. There is something I must do at Sol Sanctum BEFORE we enter as a group.
Together the four of them walked the paths of Vale, staying near the trees to attract less attention.
Its finally here. The day I get my hands on the Elemental Stars.
Being late was something Jenna hated the most. She prided herself on her ability to always be on time for classes, appointments as well as her community work.
And here I am tracking down Isaac and Garet. I told them to meet me at my house at 11. And it is now 11:30. When I see them... oh boy they are going to get it.
Isaacs house was in view. Dora was standing outside and Isaac seemed to be on the roof fixing things. There had been a rainstorm the night before. It looked like Isaac's roof had never been the same since the Great Disaster.
"Hi Ma'am." Jenna said as she walked up to Dora. Dora turned and gave her a hug.
"Jenna dear, I'm sorry. Isaac overslept this morning and I really wanted the roof fixed before the rain shower the elders expect tonight."she said trying to take the responsibility for Isaac's lateness.
"It's fine. I guess I'll go find Garet while Isaac finishes with the repairs." Jenna said trying to mask her aggravation.
I can see Isaac with an excuse... but Garet... Ohhhhhh. You'll be where I'll vent.
Dora smiled. "Garet's out back. I think he's training until Isaac was finished with the roof."
Hmm. So he has an excuse too? Who cares. I need to vent. Its what I do.
Jenna smiled despite her previous thoughts. "Thank you. I'll be right back." She took about ten steps and Garet was in view behind the house. He was standing near a wooden log with his eyes closed. She was just about to talk to him when he pushed his arms out forward... and the log began to move; pushed by an invisible force coming from Garets Palms.
He's mastered the telekinetic Psynergy so fast. He AND Isaac. Its only a matter of time before they begin to bend the elements. Its... remarkable. I'm very proud of them.
The anger that had been building inside of her was suddenly lost. Replaced with a gratitude for having friends that committed themselves to their work and families.
Even if they are late sometimes.
"Hee Hee... Still training Garet?"
Garet turned around, noticing her for the first time and she found enjoyment in watching his cheeks grow crimson.
"Um.. I..." he stumbled as she giggled. He was embarrassed that she was watching him.
"You sure do put your heart into it." She said walking over to the log.
He grabbed his sword from the ground and attached the sheaf to his belt. "I was just finishing up. I was trying to see how far I could move big objects."
"Well, you are doing an amazing job. But its time to go, I was about to leave the two of you behind."
Garet smiled. "I want to be as strong as I can. Then I can protect my family!"
Then his smile disappeared. His face suddenly showing a worried emotion.
He has a big mouth. But an even bigger heart. I know he doesn't mean to bring up the idea of protecting family around me. I know exactly why he's worried all of a sudden.
"Look... I appreciate your concern. But my family is never coming back. And neither is Isaac's father. I know ever since that day you and Isaac have been trying to make yourself stronger by learning Psynergy. It was mighty scary when we found you unconscious on the path to the plaza with burns all over your clothes."
Garet looked up from the ground and gave her a look of concern. "I'm sorry for bringing the subject up. I should never have said anything about wanting to protect my family."
"If its the truth.. it doesn't matter. I just want to forget that day. I wish everyone would."
There was an awful silence. One that she had never had with Garet before...
Why did I even say anything. Me and my big mouth. Next time anything like this is brought up I am going to just ignore it.
"Well lets just get Isaac and go to Kradens." she said as Garet nodded his head looking as relieved as she felt to be off of the subject.
Together the two of them began to walk back around the house. Dora's voice could be heard.
"Good job, Isaac! You patched it up very nicely. You're very reliable, Isaac. Just like your father was."
Jenna stopped in her tracks.
...Another reference to that night. Why? What is the need?
Garet gave her a concerned look. "Jenna... I don't think we should be listening to.."
"Shhh. Quiet Garet. Don't be weird."she said in a sharp whisper as she strained her ears to hear.
"Whats the matter Isaac? Do you still think about that night..."
There was a small silence... Jenna was sure Isaac didn't know how to respond. Of course he thinks about that night. We all think about that night because we lost our loved ones. How can we not think of a night that caused us so much pain.
"No. I don't want to think about that night..." Isaac said in a cold voice.
"Hmm. Somehow I doubt that. You and Garet have been working yourselves to the bone to study Psynergy. Do you think things would have been different if you had different abilities?"
"Yes... Yes I do."
"Thats what I thought. I was devastated when Kyle died... I felt all alone. Its taken some time but I'm better now. I still have you, Isaac. You're almost eighteen. You're so much like Kyle when he was young. I'm looking forward to seeing where life takes you."
I can't bear to listen to this anymore. Why do I torture myself like this?
Jenna walked around to the front yard.. only to find it empty. She looked up and saw Dora and Isaac on the roof. Jenna grabbed the ladder and started to climb.
I can't let them talk about this. Its too much.
She appeared at the top and gave Dora her warmest smile.
"Ma'am I need to borrow Isaac. We're already late."
Dora chuckled . "Yes, Yes. I suppose I should relinquish my son for now." Isaac gave an embarrassed look.
"Mom. You don't have to say it like that. I'll be home before dinner."
Dora laughed. "You better. Or no dinner for you!"
Jenna stood on the roof and examined the work Isaac had done on it. "Very good job Isaac. It looks brand new."
"Thanks. I used Psynergy to patch it up. Its a lot sturdier then I could have done with my hands."
Just then Garet appeared up the ladder. Dora stood up and chuckled again.
"Well if it isn't Garet coming up too. Where do you all plan to go today?"
Isaac, who was finished cleaning up the stray piece of straw, answered "We're going to the base of Mt. Aleph with Kraden." Dora smiled.
"Mountain Climbing with Kraden eh? That old man sure knows how to play with the kids."
"No! Its part of our studies..." Jenna replied. Dora laughed.
"Ah, yes. Alchemy. Alchemy is the foundation of all Psynergy... and you all know Mt. Aleph is the greatest source of Alchemy. They say Kraden is the best teacher around."
She trailed off looking over at Isaac. "Alchemy... I wonder what use it all is. Your mother would rather see you grow up to be a happy, ordinary man." Isaac gave her a sad look. "But I suppose you still want to go..."
Isaac looked at Jenna and Garet with a sad face. "Well... Kinda..."
Dora then gave her usual smile. "Well if that won't persuade you, nothing will."she said laughing. "You're just as stubborn as your father."
Just then Dora slipped on a piece of straw from the roof... and fell backwards. "Ma'am!" Jenna shouted as Dora rolled towards the edge of the roof. Isaac pointed his hand at her, and the straw from the edge wrapped around and prevented her from falling.
Isaac has even gotten better at Psynergy, Jenna thought as she slowly walked over to where Dora was laying. Garet yelled "I'll get her," as he ran over to where Dora was – but his foot fell through the straw of the roof.
Garet! After Isaac's hard work!!!
Dora reached up and grabbed Jenna's hand, and got to her feet. "Oh! That was exciting! I'm sorry I scared you like that." Then she noticed Garet. "Well..."
Garet pulled himself out of the hole and stepped backwards. "I'm sorry, ma'am. Let me get out of your way!" he said as fell into yet another hole with one of his legs.
Isaac grabbed him by his arm and pulled him out. "Garet!! Watch where you are going!"
Jenna and Dora laughed at the two of them. "You kids better get going. This old house will fall apart if you stay much longer. I'll get this fixed up. You don't have to hang around here."
Jenna gave her a nod. "Thank you, ma'am." Dora nodded back.
"Please, Jenna, after all these years – call me Dora."
Dora... I... don't think I could do that... Jenna thought as the four of them climbed down the ladder and back on solid ground.
"Isaac, Garet... we're already late for our meeting with Kraden. We better walk as fast as we can over to his cottage," she said as they started their walk.
Garet seemed very eager for today's lesson. "I wonder what we're going to do at the base of Mt. Aleph. I wonder if I'll feel any different?"
Isaac shrugged. "Who knows. I guess there is only one way to find out right?"
Jenna fell silent as she listened to Isaac and Garet talk about their Psynergy during the walk. Even though she was also an adept... she didn't seem to be making the same amount of progress that the two of them were making.
I can barely move things at all. And they say its because I am a Fire Adept. But Garet is also a Fire Adept and with strong practice he was able to learn it. Isaac is a Pro at telekinetic moving. He can move many things with his mind. Its amazing. But thats partly because he is an Earth Adept.
Still.. even though she was trying to figure things out, the talk about the Psynergy was making her a little jealous.
Who knows. Maybe some day I'll be able to do it too. Just give it some time and practice. Maybe someday, when I learn all there is to learn, I'll look back on this and laugh.
That seemed so far away. She didn't like the idea of not being in charge of her future. So many parts of her future relied on the elders of Vale. On her abilities as an adept. If she didn't learn faster... she would never be allowed to be an ambassador of Vale.
THATS what my goal is. I want to be an ambassador for Vale. To make trips to Vault, or even as far as Kalay! I want to use my Psynergy to help trade and commerce.
It was a dream of hers since she was a little girl. She remembered staying up at night time... planning it with her mother – for her mother was Vale's previous ambassador. She loved the gifts her mother used to bring home. Artifacts from all over the continents of Angara. Occasionally she would bring home items from far away continents. One time she remembered seeing a small water crystal... Her mother had said it was from a far away place called Osenia.
Maybe... if our studies on Alchemy are successful, I can travel the world telling others what we've found.
That was Felix's goal. Her stomach churned.
It's his goal no more.
It was such a morbid thought... but she would rather be as blunt as she could instead of sugar coating the pain that she could not hide from.
"They seem to know little of Sol Sanctum's secrets," said a mans voice from the front of Kraden's house. Jenna, Garet and Isaac stopped before they could reach the yard and leaned against the side of the house.
They must be as curious as I am, Jenna thought.
"The elders of Vale must not permit anyone to enter it... not even Kraden," said the same voice.
"Kraden... are you sure we can use him?" said a female voice. A cold voice. So cold it gave Jenna the chills.
"Hmmm... His knowledge is no meager thing. No matter how much he wants to hide from us. We CAN use him," the man's voice said.
"But he's more stubborn than we expected.."
"And more cunning too... cunning beyond measure."
"Just remember... if he won't go willingly.. we can always..." The female's voice trailed off. There was a moment of silence and suddenly two very strange people appeared around the corner. Two people she had absolutely never seen before in her life.
What are they trying to invent a new trend? And what is this feeling... Am I feeling their Psynergy radiating from them?
If it was Psynergy she was feeling.. they sure had a vast amount of it.
The male pointed at them, "You there. What are you doing?"
The female put her hand on a weapon that was sheaved to her side. A weapon Jenna had also never seen before. "Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"
I'm not going to be intimidated by this witch.
"Of course we weren't. You startled us, thats all."
The female took her hand away from her weapon. "Hmph. I guess we should take your word on it, little girl."
Little girl... Thats what my father used to call me.
"You're the ones sneaking around our village. Not us!" Garet's big mouth was heard over her shoulder.
Garet. When are you going to learn to shut up.
The mystery man took a few steps closer. "Who are you to accuse me?!"
The mystery woman seemed to be lost in thought. "So Kraden's engagement was with you?"
Jenna gave them a very cruel look. "Yes. We're off to meet with him right now." she said as she tried to walk past them.
The man gave the woman a look that Jenna couldn't see... and then grabbed Jenna's arm. "And this appointment is enough to drive us away?"
His grip... its so strong... and this feeling... Am I feeling his power?
Jenna could only muster a nod to his question. She was afraid. Since the first time in a long time. She was afraid. Isaac and Garet watched with a blank face as the man let go of Jenna's arm. "If your errand is more important than our own... then..." He gave them a sick smile. "...Go."
Threaten us with your intimidation and then let us go?
The female walked over to the man. "Are you sure, Saturos?"
"Menardi, we have no reason to delay these children any longer."
Jenna turned around as Isaac and Garet rushed past Saturos and Menardi to join her. Isaac looked at her very concerned. "Are you okay?"
I'm... scared.
"Yes. Lets... Let's go."
Together the three of them treaded across Kraden's yard.. and she could feel Saturos and Menardi watching her.
Who....are they? And why do I get the feeling this isn't their first time in Vale.
Kraden paced back and forth in front of the bookcase. He was busy contemplating the things that the strangers had told him. Things that not even the elders of Vale knew.
And what were they saying about the elements?The elements of Alchemy: earth, water, fire, and wind. They plan to set them in motion. And the four Elemental Stars are the key? These are things even I, a trained Alchemy sage, do not know...
It was too much to think about. He wasn't sure what to think. He wasn't even sure if what they were talking about was truth.
But what if it is! What if they are telling the truth. This... knowledge. All of my studies could be complete.
There was a knock at the door.
Is it the strangers... or is it...
Isaac, Garet and Jenna walked in. A sigh of relief came out of him without him even noticing it.
"Master Kraden, you look like somethings troubling you..." Jenna said at the expression on his face.
"Me? Ah.. well..." he managed to say.
Should I tell them about the strangers? I do not want to worry them. And thats all this information will do. Although they could help me verify what the strangers had said...
"It's those two wasn't it?" Garet said, breaking his concentration. "Saturos and Menardi, I think their names were, right?"
So they already know about the strangers?
"Are they still out there? They are very persistent." Kraden said shaking his head. Jenna walked to the table and sat down.
"Did they want something from you Kraden?"
Kraden nodded. "That seems to be the case."
They want me to go with them to Sol Sanctum. They want to find the Elemental Stars. But I do not trust the word of strangers who know too much about something they should know NOTHING about. I cannot allow strangers to come and disrupt the balance of alchemy. It must be researched. Not tampered with. Not just yet...
"Seems to be?" Jenna said curiously. Kraden couldn't resist telling them a little of what Saturos and Menardi had said.
"Mt. Aleph and Sol Sanctum. They spoke of these things as if they'd seen them with their own eyes. Isn't that strange?"
Isaac shook his head 'yes'.
I had to wait many years before I was even allowed into the sanctum. How could two strangers who Vale has never seen before have entered? It just doesn't make any sense. Could the things they say be true? Could the source of all Alchemy, the Elemental Stars, be kept within the Sanctum's walls?
Kraden shook his head again. "You cannot enter Mt. Aleph without a very good reason."
"And if they entered secretly, that means they must be thieves!" Jenna said.
Garet ran for the door. "We have to go tell my grandfather and the high elders!"
Kraden swiftly moved to close the door before he could open it. "Wait. I still do not know how accurate the things they said were. I can do nothing until we confirm what they have told me."
Jenna stood up again. "Then... what do we do?"
Kraden smiled. "Well, we go confirm it."
I know exactly what I want to do. But should I bring them with me? If I do, I risk the chance of endangering them. But then again, if we are caught we can pass if off as a study on Alchemy and the Elders will think nothing of it. But that would be asking them to lie. Thats why I cannot tell them the truth. If there will be deceit and dishonor.. let me shield it from the kids. But I will need their help. I'm sure they would understand.
Garet narrowed his eyes. "Do you mean we should go to Sol Sanctum ourselves?"
"Isn't that ... impossible?"Jenna said nodding her head. Kraden was already feeling the strings of worry and doubt.
But what if its true. My life's work. Completed.
"Why would it be? Just because Climbing Mt. Aleph is forbidden?" he said trying to hide his worry.
"Um... yeah. Pretty much. Kraden, you of all people should know the rules," Isaac said. And he was right. But that wasn't going to stop him from this. Not this time.
"We're just going to see whether or not they've been to the mountain. Surely that would be acceptable," he said.
Garet looked very eager at the chance. "We'll be fine as long as they don't see us, right?"
Isaac looked a little weary. "I dunno..." Garet gave him a slap on the back.
"You say that.. but you know you want to."
Now all we have to do is convince Jenna. I'm afraid this may be a little too much for her. She has never been one to break the rules. But then again, neither am I. But this opportunity is once in a lifetime. Surely I'll have to explain this to her.
"This will be our secret, okay?" Jenna said.
Or not.
Kraden was overjoyed. "Then its decided! We'll leave at once. If we walk the edge of the river we will reach Sol Sanctum in no time." He looked at the three kids, all eager for a little excitement. "Thank you. You have made me one happy scholar."
I'll take the four mythril bags with me just in case we encounter the Elemental Stars. If this outing is successful.. Everything I've ever worked for will have a meaning. And then... Lord Babi... I can finally find Lemuria.
Kraden gave them one last nod before the four of them exited his cottage, leaving the ignorance of Sol Sanctum's secrets behind.
Or so we think...
Alex waited with the masked boy for about an hour and a half for Saturos and Menardi to make their way to Sol Sanctum. He was growing tired of waiting for people. When he had tried to give Saturos and Menardi the slip.. the boy had followed him.
He's much smarter than I give him credit for.
"Why don't you tell me your name? It makes no sense why you should hide behind a mask inside the Sanctum itself."
The boy turned his head. "I hide my face from people like YOU. People who don't deserve to be trusted."
Of all the nerve.
Alex could feel the anger boiling inside of him. "And what gives you the right to think that I cannot be trusted. I have done nothing to to you or Saturos and Menardi."
The boy laughed. "You're right. But you are selling out everyone from your clan without even telling them. You don't have the guts to tell them what you're about to do. You prefer to hide in the shadows and let them suffer from the other side of the mirror."
Well. He certainly knows how to hit a man at his weak spots. He sounds no older than 19. And yet he has the wisdom of one twice his age. He must have led a harsh life.
"So, you do not trust me simply because you disagree with my methods? Look at YOU. Hiding behind a mask. Sneaking through a village. Attempting to release Alchemy throughout the world, without first consulting the officials of every continent. It seems you, too, are not to be trusted."
"Say what you will. It isn't going to make me trust you," the boy said. "You were sneaking off from Saturos and Menardi. They told me to keep an eye on you. How do I know you weren't going to take their information and steal the Elemental Stars before they got here?"
Oh. Smart boy. But so arrogant. He has no clue the amount of power I possess. And I intend to keep it that way. If they knew how strong I was... They would not have let me join them out of fear of over powering them. And yet this boy believes he can keep an eye on me?
"You are very bright for your age. But also very stupid. Don't burn your bridges, boy. You never know when you have to cross them again."
"I don't need any bridges. They've caused me nothing but pain in the past. I'll make my own way across."
I'm done arguing with him. Let him stay arrogant. I will not stay on his level of idiocy.
"Very well. We all choose our own destiny."
Saturos and Menardi entered the Sanctum. Alex was about to say something before Menardi cut him off.
"Alex. Why did you just leave us? We could have used your help in persuading Kraden!"
Again he was about to say something, but this time Saturos interrupted. "We can talk about this later. Kraden is on his way here with three kids. He took the bait and now we will watch as he solves the riddle of Sol Sanctum for us."
A very wise plan. But little did they know I already know ALL of the secrets of Sol Sanctum. But I guess I'll let them humor me with their plan.
Alex nodded. "Come lets go this way. There is a room covered in water, where I can hear everything thats going on inside the Sanctum. We'll monitor their progress from there."
And the four of them began jogging.
Sol Sanctum. Lets hope the master scholar Kraden is smart enough to unlock your hidden secret. One that I could have finished in ten minutes tops if this masked boy would get off my tail.
If Kraden messed up any of the switches... Alex would have to find a way to counteract it.. or else the Sanctum's defenses will begin to activate.
And a great storm will erupt around the mountain.
Alex kept his thoughts to himself... trying not to let what the masked boy said bother him.
My clan.. I will have to return to Mercury Lighthouse eventually. Then I'll take responsibility.
But only after the beacon shines brightly once again.