~Chapter Two: A Ghost From Years Past~
Ivan turned over in his bed, trying to think of another way to clear his mind. He had been doing a lot of thinking and it was only making his insomnia worse.
How long do we need to stay in Vault? This town gives me the creeps. The people here are always on edge and everyone stares at me wherever I go. Why do I have to have my powers? Why can't I just be normal like everyone else?
He rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling. The sunlight was still coming through the closed curtains.
I can't fall asleep at night... and now it looks like I've lost the ability to sleep during the day as well.
Master Hammet was here on important business. A trade deal for Kalay for land and money.
And he brought me with him so that I could use my power to help him.
Its almost as if Hammet was using him. But Ivan knew otherwise.
He's the only one who treats me like a person. Everyone else thinks of me as a little boy who shouldn't have the right to speak. Like a freak.
It still was no excuse to be used, but it made him feel better anyway.
The door opened and Hammet walked in and sat down next to him. "Ivan. Sleeping all day again? This is the reason you cannot fall asleep at night."
"Master Hammet... I'm sorry. I feel exhausted. Could you let me rest for an hour more?"
Hammet turned to him and gave him a concerned look. And then grabbed his blanket and pulled it off of him. "I'm sorry Ivan, but I need you to help me today. The trade is going... rather bad. I think the mayor is trying to cheat Kalay from its rightful land, on the southern side of the river."
"And let me guess... you want me to see if this is true?" Ivan said hesitantly as Hammet nodded.
"We can't afford to lose more land than we already have. Since Lunpa is taking the land north of Vault... I believe the mayor is trying to take OUR land to make up for it. We cannot allow this to happen. We have to find a way to make things... equal."
Ivan buried his head in the pillow.
And by equal.. he means more land for Kalay.
"Okay. I'll be down in a minute." Ivan said as Hammet walked over to the door.
"Thats my boy!" he said. "Remember to LOCK the door before you leave. We cannot afford to have our things stolen while we're here." And with that, he disappeared on the other side of the door.
Just because you steal from others doesn't mean others will steal from you. You're just being paranoid someone is going to treat you the way you treat them.
Ivan stood up and yawned. It looked like it was going to be another long day. A day filled with thoughts and money.
Oh boy, can't wait to be used, exploited, and looked at like a freak, he thought as the door closed behind him. There's no need to lock the door. It's not like we have anything valuable in there anyway. Besides I'm late and I don't have time to look for the key.
He walked downstairs, to the first floor the Inn and out the door, where Master Hammet stood talking to another townsperson. Hammet gave Ivan a wink, and he knew it was time to go to work. He touched Hammets hand and concentrated on the man he was talking was time to read his mind and let Master Hammet hear what he was thinking.
The trip to Sol Sanctum was... very nerve racking. Isaac kept having to move at a slower pace because Kraden was busy examining the outside of the Sanctum.
And I can only imagine what he's going to be like inside.
Kraden was eccentric with joy. "This is the entrance hallway of the Sanctum. This is your first time here, correct?" They all nodded as he continued. "It is an important relic of our past. Take a good look at it. Few ever get the chance to see the Sanctum first-hand."
The hall was indeed magnificent. Stone structures set in the walls. Beautifully crafted statues all over the hall made it seem as if the Sanctum was full of life.
It's pretty creepy.
Together the four of them moved through chamber after chamber of ancient sculptures and writings from the past. It was truly a sight to see. The history of the old alchemists were truly astounding. Kraden was looking at things as if it was his first time seeing them as well.
"I come to Sol Sanctum often... but this is my first time with-out permission. It feels rather invigorating," he said walking around, poking random objects.
Like a kid in a candy store.
Finally they reached a large chamber. Two huge statues on either side of the room and a room with lots of ancient writing on the walls.
What a room. I've never seen anything like it before.
Kraden walked to the center of the room. He looked as if though he were frustrated. Garet was the first to notice. "What's wrong Kraden?"
Kraden turned back to the them. He took a step, sighed and then looked around again. "Hmm.. those two had said there was a hidden statue leading deeper into the sanctum. Like I said, I've come here many times and I've always thought it looked... strange... I had always imagined Sol Sanctum looking somewhat... different."
Isaac scratched the back of his neck. "What do you mean?"
Kraden walked to one of the statues and tried to move it. But it was obvious he did not have the strength for it. Then he turned around and spoke again. "Sol Sanctum was built in honor of the sun. There ought to be something here that would reflect that. I was always puzzled why there wasn't. If there is a hidden passage.. then maybe it leads to..." he trailed off looking at the statue he had tried to move previously. "... Isaac. Can you use your Psynergy to move this statue!"
Garet stared awestruck. "Whoa! We can't defile Sol Sanctum. Its like... sacred and stuff!"
Isaac nodded. "Garet's right. What if I break something."
They'll throw me out of Vale for sure.
Kraden showed no emotion other than anxiousness. "Isaac. Please. Help an old man's dreams come true."
Kraden... I'd love to help you. But.. I thought you said we weren't going to do anything bad up here.
Isaac looked at Kraden again.
He wants this more than anything. His eyes are practically begging me. Well..
Isaac looked at the statue. It was rather large. He didn't know if he could move it, but he decided it was worth a try. He gathered the strength within his body. Relinquished the thoughts that were in his brain. Let the power of the earth fuel his desire to move the statue. Then, with a thrust of his hand, he grabbed the statue from afar with his mind. Slowly he pushed with all of his might... and the statue began to move. It slid to the right as if on imaginary wheels.
It's pretty heavy...
Kraden watched in astonishment.. and let out a hearty cry when a pathway was found on the other side of the statue.
"Isaac! You did it! Look! There is a passageway!"
Jenna gasped. "That means... Saturos and Menardi did know what they were talking about!"
Garet nodded. "Which means they entered the sanctum and tried to steal its golden artifacts! They are nothing but thieves!"
Kraden suddenly disappeared into the passageway. Moving faster than Isaac had ever seen him move before.
"Kraden! Wait for us!" Isaac shouted, nodding at Jenna and Garet to follow him. Together they pursued him into the passageway.
What does he think he's doing?! Kraden now that we know they came here we have completed what we originally planned to do. I should have been home a half an hour ago. We need to leave! We'll be no better than Saturos and Menardi if we go any farther.
The hall was long. Diagrams on the walls. There was a red light at the end of the tunnel and Kraden was standing there. Staring into the room. Isaac reached the opening, revealing a large open chamber, glowing with pure psynergy. A large sun crest was etched into the floor and there was another opening to the right. It was something amazing to see. And Kraden was nearly in tears with excitement.
"This is it. We found it. Clearly, this is the mark of the sun, the heart of Sol Sanctum. It's just as I had imagined... which means those two were telling the truth."
"But if they were telling the truth that must mean..." Jenna began to say until Garet finished her thought.
"They are definitely thieves. Let's go back and tell the elders!" He said and turned around to go back through the long pathway.
"Wait!" Kraden yelled as the three of them were about to leave.
Kraden. Please don't make us go any further. I think we're messing with things that are far beyond our understanding.
Kraden walked to them. "We've come all the way to the heart of Sol Sanctum, to turn our backs on it and leave?"
Garet scratched his head. "Is there something wrong with that?"
Kraden shook his head and put his hand to his heart. "Sol Sanctum holds the origins of Alchemy. It would be a waste to..." he said trailing off again looking at the opening to the left. Then he turned back to them. "What do you say? Shall we explore a little further?"
Isaac had to put his foot down. "Kraden. We can't. We're late getting home. And besides the Elders will have to explore this before we do to see if its even safe. I'm sorry, but I just won't go."
Kraden looked at him with disappointment in his eyes. Then he suddenly turned around and started walking across the chamber to the opening on the right.
"Then you can go back to the village without me" he said disappearing in the other room.
Damn it Kraden. Why are you so persistent. Yes, its cool. Yes, its your life's work. But it will still be here when we get permission. We don't know how dangerous it could be!
Jenna started to follow Kraden. "We can't leave him here. We'll have to keep going with him. If we show up and we're caught without Kraden, we can get into some serious trouble."
Garet nodded. "Jenna's right."
Deep down, Isaac knew that too. But it still didn't feel right. He would rather take the responsibility of doing something he shouldn't than continuing to do it without a care.
"Alright. Lets follow Kraden. We can't leave him here." Isaac said, following Jenna across the room.
Kraden. What are you getting us into?
Jenna couldn't believe her eyes. Next to the room with the Sun crest, was a room almost identical. But instead of glowing orange.. it glowed darked blue. And in the place of the sun crest was a moon crest.
Kraden is right. This is truly remarkable.
Kraden was on the ground touching the crest, with a look of pure amazement. "What – what is this room!? There is a moon in the center. A picture of Luna! This must symbolize night. These rooms must be connected somehow, don't you agree?"
Isaac walked up from behind Jenna and knelt beside Kraden. "Yes. It would appear so." Isaac said as Kraden stood back up.
"A room for Sol.. and one for Luna. It can't be just a coincidence. It must hide some secret. But what could it be?" he said shaking his head.
I'm not sure. But Isaac was right. I don't think we should be the ones to solve the riddle of Sol Sanctum. I don't feel like we... deserve it.
It was true. Thousands of elders would trade their lives to be here right now.
And we want to go home..
Kraden stood up. "We must keep searching farther." Once he said this, he was off again. Going to a passage to the south of the room.
He deserves to be here. He's worked his whole life for this moment.
Kraden disappeared up the stairs down the passage.
Isaac grabbed Jenna's shoulders before she had a chance to follow.
"Jenna, Garet. Listen. We have to convince Kraden to leave. We can't afford to have him do something he may regret later.."
Jenna looked at him puzzled. "Regret?"
Isaac sighed. "What if he hurts himself... What if he doesn't know as much as he thinks he does and causes a trap..."
I didn't think of that. Kraden is being quite irrational...
Suddenly the room went dark. There was a noise from above and the Moon on the floor suddenly began to glow. It was as if she and the boys were trapped in a perpetual darkness. Then – the moon slowly changed into a sun. Then the room slowly turned orange. Jenna looked at the boys. They looked as shocked as she felt.
That was the most incredible feeling in the world.
When the room was changing – a burst of Psynergy was released into the air... increasing her strength.. making her feel as if she could bend any element.
Was that feeling... pure alchemy?
Whatever it was.. she knew Isaac and Garet felt the same thing.
"That.. was incredible. The room... and the feeling... and..." Garet tried to explain it but it was just too much to talk about.
Kraden suddenly appeared from the south passage with a very bright smile on his face. "I believe we are one step closer to finding the source of all alchemy."
Jenna's viewpoint suddenly shifted.
Kraden... he MUST know what he's doing. Look at him.. he's already examining the walls.
"Kraden... what happened? What did you do?"
Kraden looked at her and pushed his glassed off his nose. "Very simple my dear. I don't know who did it. But they've hidden something very important. Perhaps... the key to Alchemy itself. Should I tell you more?"
Jenna and the boys only nodded. Wanting to understand what it was that surged through them.
"Hmm.. even if I told you right now, you probably wouldn't understand."
The sad part is... I think he's right.
Garet walked over to Kraden. "Kraden... what did you do up there?"
Kraden pointed to a wall that had a switch that definitely wasn't there before.
"Isaac. Why don't you go over there and examine that wall."
Isaac went over to the switch and looked at it inquisitively, followed by Kraden. Then he put his hand on it. Kraden slapped his hand off and pushed him away from the switch. "Isaac, this is a most interesting mechanism you have found. But this is clearly... some kind of trap."
Jenna and Garet exchanged worried looks. "What?"
Kraden grabbed the lever. Instead of pushing it down, he twisted the end. It unscrewed and a button was visible.
Whoaa!
Kraden pressed the button. And something in the wall gave a small clink. Then he pulled the lever down and the room next to them began to make noise.
"This switch was a trap. And this button was here to disarm the trap. Now that the trap has been disarmed. We should head to the Sol Room again."
Isaac and Garet gave a beaming smile. "Kraden! Thats amazing!"
Jenna nodded. "You are a truly a great scholar Kraden," she said giving him a warm smile. He was practically beaming.
"Well. I do what I can. Now. Let us inspect the next room."
He was able to find the trap so flawlessly! And fast! I am extremely proud to be his student.
They walked back over to the Sol room... except... the Sun in the center had changed into a moon. And on the northern wall – was a strange light. Something that... looked like a portal of some kind.
Kraden walked over it. "This.. must be it..." And with that... he walked through the light.. and disappeared.
KRADEN!!!
Jenna, Isaac and Garet let out a gasp as they ran towards the light.
"Isaac! Where did he go! Where is Kraden?!"
Isaac looked at them and sighed. "Only one way to find out." And with that.. Isaac did the same thing. Jenna stared in disbelief.
Garet was next. He walked into the light and was gone.
This... this is madness! What are they doing!
"I ... I.... " she started to studder... And suddenly she felt herself being pushed. As if someone were using Psynergy to push her into the light...
No! I don't' want to die! Please! No! This is madness! This is.... beautiful...
She had opened her eyes to find herself on a small island, surrounded by purple liquid. Isaac, Garet and Kraden were there... staring into the liquid surface.
"Is... that the ocean..." Kraden said staring into the surface. "No, it couldn't be. The ocean has waves."
Jenna turned around to see the light that had taken them to this place.
So... we can leave anytime. Thats good...
Garet walked over to Kraden. "The ocean? What's that?"
Kraden looked at him. "The ocean is a thing of endless water at the end of the land. You would not understand. Someday, I'll show it to you myself," he said looking around the water. Then his face lit up like the sun. "Look! There! OH! And there! And there and there! The Elemental Stars!"
Jenna looked at where Kraden was pointing. There were four small islands... the same in size. There were statues on each of the islands.. each holding a shiny orb. Each orb was a different color, most likely representing the different elements.
"They... exist. They really exist!"
Jenna walked up beside Kraden. "You taught us about those. Elements are the foundation for all matter."
"Stones, wood, even us... All things are made of those four elements." Garet said. "Am I right, Kraden?"
"Yes. You quite correct, Garet." Kraden suddenly jumped from the island they were on to a small ledge sticking from the water.
Whoa! He's going after the Elemental Stars! Master Kraden you sure take your research very seriously.
Kraden seemed to be having difficulties on the ledge, so he jumped back to the main island. "As I have told you many times, the elements are the source of all matter. Earth, water, fire, and wind – these are the four elements. Legend holds that the four elemental stars contain the purified essence of each element. And now those legendary stones are before us!" He pointed to the yellow orb. "The Venus Star, the elemental stone of the earth!" He pointed to the blue orb. "The Mercury Star, possessing the power of water's many forms!" He pointed to the red orb. "There is the Mars Star, glowing red with the fire contained within." And last he pointed to the purple orb. "And Jupiter Star, bound with the wind's fury."
Jenna couldn't help but smile. It was, after all a spectacular feat to be standing in front of the Four Elemental Stars.
"Kraden, why are you getting so excited?" Garet asked and Kraden nearly blew his head off with his excited voice.
"How can you be so calm in the face of such wonders!? You're looking at the very source of all Alchemy! Haven't I told you all this before?!" He said. "I know this is a lot to take in.. but this is something that only happens in a scholar's dreams! The Wisdom Stone, the stone of Sages. This stone dominates everything. It can transmute crude matter into gold, even thwart death itself! You understand now, don't you?"
Jenna actually believed she understood what he was saying. "So.. the study of Alchemy began with the search this very stone... The Stone of Sages..."
Kraden smiled. "Yes Jenna! Alchemy exists because of the Elemental Stars."
Garet looked confused, as if everything was going over his head. "I don't really get how it works... but those stones have enormous power, right?"
Kraden's face suddenly grew cold. "More than enormous... with a single gem, one could conquer the world. Now perhaps you understand."
...The ... world!? I had no idea this was so...
"Who can say what the truth is. This could only be a tale. That is why I've been searching for the Elemental Stars. I wish to learn all of their truths." He sighed. "I need to examine them. Study them. But I cannot reach them myself."
Jenna laughed. "Make the boys do it. They'll be glad to do it. RIGHT Isaac and Garet."
She knew they would do anything if it meant they could leave the Sanctum as soon as possible. Isaac looked at Garet and they gave each other a look. Kraden pulled out four bags from his robes.
"You'll need these. I brought them from my cottage. They are made of woven threads of mythril. I prepared them for such an occasion. Now fetch the elemental stars and put them in these bags."
Jenna smiled as Isaac and Garet leapt from ledge to ledge on the way to get the Venus Star. Kraden seemed to be the happiest he's ever been in his life. "Kraden, I am very proud of you. You solved the mystery of Sol Sanctum. And now you will surely go down in history as one of the greatest Alchemists of our time."
Kraden laughed at her remark. "No my dear. I don't do it for the fame. I do it for the love of the elementals."
"Regardless, I am still very proud to call you my teacher. Do you think the elders of Vale will be displeased with our actions today?"
They watched as Isaac and Garet grabbed the Venus Star and put it in a Mythril bag. The whole island shook. Then Isaac and Garet began making their way to the Mercury Star. Kraden finally answered her question. "I'm not sure. But I'm sure they will be pleased to see the Elemental Stars. To know that they exist. To know that our theories on Psynergy are correct," he said trailing off. "But if... this theory is correct. That means there are others that must be investigated as well..."
Jenna's eyes grew wide. "What kinds of theories?!"
If Kraden's achievements reach the outside world... he will be a famous alchemist. They will ask him to travel the world sharing his story and findings. This ... could be my chance to be an ambassador! My dream! Realized.
"I will no disclose my theories as of yet. I will wait until I can gather more evidence. There is no need on fretting about something that may or may not be true."
Garet and Isaac had argued on one of the pillars in the water. But had managed to bag the Mercury Star. Kraden called out to them.
"Good. Good! Now fetch the final two and lets get out of here!"
Jenna's stomach knotted. "Do... you think this is stealing Kraden?" she asked, her eyes following Isaac and Garet across the pillars towards the Jupiter Star. Kraden shook his head.
"It depends on how you look at it. Sometimes, a great researcher must take matters into his own hands if things are to get done."
"I suppose that makes sense," Jenna said. She didn't' like the idea of being a thief. but the idea of traveling the world, spreading knowledge about Alchemy would be a dream come true.
Suddenly she felt something sharp at her back. She knew at once what it was. A sword. She only turned her head enough to see Saturos and Menardi, holding weapons at both her and Kraden.
"Stay quiet. We will let you go once the Four Elemental Stars have been contained. You make a sound.. and your life is gone." Menardi said in a sinister voice.
How... did they sneak up behind us without us realizing it. We should have heard them come out of the portal. Where did they come from. Were they following us?
Kraden turned his head towards Saturos. "And what do you plan on doing with the Elemental Stars?" Saturos ignored his question.
Jenna turned her head to watch Isaac and Garet put the Jupiter Star inside a bag.
Isaac... Garet. Turn around. You've got to help us. Please. NOTICE US.
It was as if they had heard her thinking. Isaac and Garet turned to see Saturos and Menardi with their weapons against her and Kraden. At once the weapons were taking from their backs and Saturos spoke.
"It looks like they've spotted us," he said to Menardi.
"I thought we'd be safe until they'd gotten all of the Elemental Star," she said back.
Kraden turned around to face them. "You mean to steal them?"
Saturos smiled. "Master Kraden, you mean to call us thieves?"
Menardi laughed. "As I recall, aren't you the one who STOLE our information?"
I knew this was too good to be true, Jenna thought as she turned around to face them as well. "What do you plan to do with us once you have the Stars?" she asked.
Kraden turned to her and sighed. "I'm sure they'll do us in, once they no longer need us...."
Kraden's right. We've witnessed too much. They'll want to kill us.. Its all over...
"Relax, you will no be hurt," said another voice coming out of the light of the portal. It was a boy, not more than a few years older than her. He wore a mask and his voice was one she could have sworn she had heard before.
He wasn't with Saturos and Menardi when we saw them earlier. Who is he?
"That is our agreement, is it not?" the masked boy asked Saturos and Menardi. Saturos looked at Jenna and Kraden and then back at the masked boy.
"That depends on how well they cooperate." he said as Menardi laughed.
"Yes. They'll be safe as long as they hand over the Elemental Stars. Isn't that enough?" she asked the boy.
Saturos walked to the edge of the island and looked at Isaac and Garet who hadn't moved a muscle since retrieving the Jupiter Star. "You heard us! If you wish to save your friends, then give us the Elemental Stars!" he shouted over to them. "Do you accept these terms?" he said in a cool crisp voice.
Don't do it Isaac! You can't give them the Elemental Stars!
Isaac and Garet looked at each other and then Isaac shouted back across the water. "No! You're not getting your hands on these!" Isaacs answer seemed to have no effect on Saturos.
"Why would you deny us? Don't you want your friends to be safe?" he said menacingly.
Garet stomped his food and drew his sword. "What guarantee do we have once we've given you the Elemental Stars?"
Menardi laughed again. That shrill cold laugh that was beginning to make Jenna sick. "Guarantee? Ah. I have one," she said turning to the masked boy. "You will have to remove your mask."
The masked boy turned his head sharply towards Menardi. "But.. that means...."
Saturos cut him off. "Ah, of course. A fine Idea. He will be our Guarantee. Under the circumstances, we have little choice. Felix, remove your mask."
Jenna's stomach dropped to her feet.
He has the same name as my brother. How... strange.
Menardi walked over to the masked boy. "Whats the matter, Felix. Don't you want them to feel safe?"
Kraden looked at Jenna. "Felix... wasn't that the name of your brother?"
Jenna nodded slowly. "But the accident. My brother... he..."
He... died. I saw him die. I saw the boulder destroy the river. I saw my parents fall into the water with him. We searched for weeks. He was gone. Felix was gone. This can't be my brother. It just... can't be.
"I'll do it. I'll... take off my mask." The boy said. He slowly removed the mask from his face... and he kept his face down. And then slowly his face rose into the light.
I-It's not possible!!!
It was Felix. Her brother. The brother she thought she had lost three years ago. He was alive. Standing in front of her. He took a step towards Jenna. "I know I've caused you much grief, Jenna. It was a miracle I survived that day."
It... can't be. And yet it is. Felix. My brother. Here. Talking to me...
It was too much to bear. She didn't know whether to be happy or extremely sad. Saturos interrupted her thinking. "We are the ones who saved him."
Menardi snickered. "We saw him floating unconscious in the river as we passed."
Felix nodded. "I've been with them ever since. I've.. experienced a lot."
Jenna felt a surge of anger rush through her. "Why!? Why did you leave me all alone." Felix did nothing but turn his gaze away from her. "My own brother! I thought you were dead!"
Saturos grabbed her by her shirt and shoved her to the side. "Save the teary reunion for later."
Menardi shook her head. "That's right. The Elemental Stars come first!"
Saturos walked over the ledge to talk to Isaac and Garet again, who stood with their mouths open watching the scene from the center Island. "Is this acceptable? Felix would never allow us to harm you. Or his sister."
Menardi smiled. "Felix will be our guarantee. Now, give us the elemental stars."
Felix...
Jenna looked up from her tears to see Felix staring back at her. When their gazes met, he looked away.
He's changed. He seems... stronger. Have they turned you into one of them?
If they have... that means the Felix she knew and loved did indeed die in the storm three years ago.
The boy who stood before her, was nothing more than a bad memory.
A memory too real to be forgotten.