Author's Notes: Hard to believe, I know, but I'm kind of back. Finally found my muse again and decided to try and finish this tale. It still has a long way to go, and I appreciate everyone's patience while I sorted out my life. And I also appreciate the more than kind comments on this little tale. Each and every one has made my life just a little bit brighter.
An additional note: I had someone review that I wasn't spelling the names correctly, so here is a repeat from the first part's notes: Misspelling of a canon character's name is completely intentional – in this case it's taking artistic license. I do actually know the names and how they are spelled – I just decided to use a more exotic spelling in some cases.
Additional Author Note part deux: This segment is a birthday present for my dear friend, Dagmar Buse. She's never given up on me, no matter how bad I am at corresponding, no matter how long between writing endeavors. She is unfailing kind and gracious, and this little bit of story was written for her. Happy Birthday!
PART TWELVE
The teens' spirits were high as they made their way north out of South West Rose Quartz and set their sights on West Diamond. The procurement of the fourth orb had created a kind of euphoria, a renewed belief that they could indeed pull off the task to which they had set themselves. The four orbs were a welcome weight in Kymberly's saddlebags, and she quietly appreciated the fact the others let her carry them. Their solid reality was a comforting balm against the fear and dread that grew larger as the collar grew smaller.
The distance between South West Rose Quartz and West Diamond was the largest they'd yet traversed, and it was a struggle to not try to push the horses beyond their endurance. The rocky terrain of the South West province gave way to the arid, dusty terrain of the West province and the temperature rose accordingly. The small group passed no communities along their route, the harsh environment discouraging settlements. The West province was by far the most sparsely populated, the people who did live there tended to be as inhospitable as the countryside.
On the third day of travel they spotted a road sign, the first indication of civilization they'd seen yet. The simple marker indicated Diamond was a half-day's travel ahead.
"Well, good to know we're going the right way," Zackary noted, his cheerful face liberally coated with road dust. Water was too precious a commodity to waste any on non-essentials such as bathing. "As far as I'm concerned, we can't get there too soon."
"Then we should be on our way," Jason agreed, turning his horse in the direction the sign indicated. "I'm about ready to see civilization again," he admitted.
"A bath. And a bed. I don't believe I've wanted either as badly as I do just now," Kymberly added ruefully. The others nodded their agreement, with Zackary adding a suggestive sniff and frown.
"Funny, you don't smell like a princess," he smirked, he and his horse dancing nimbly away from Kym's attempted blow.
"You think you're safe, but I'll get you for that, Zack, just you wait," she threatened with a mock frown.
"Oooohhh...I'm scared now!" the irrepressible young man cried, ducking behind Trini and Will as if hiding.
"Be afraid, be very afraid," she countered in the deepest voice she could muster before breaking into helpless giggles.
The rest of the group couldn't help but chuckle along at the concept of being terrorized by their smallest companion, and the miles passed pleasantly and quickly, with mid day finding them in the town square of West Diamond.
"So, first we get some food and cleaned up, then we start looking?" Tomas suggested as they gazed around at the multihued storefronts. The plethora of color was a stark contrast to the monochrome countryside they'd been traveling through the past couple of days.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Jason concurred, indicating an Inn that looked inviting.
"I'll head on back to that lake just outside the town, try to find a secluded place to set up camp," Will put in, turning his mount around. 'Lake' was a rather generous description of the small body of chocolate colored water that stood at the outskirts of the community.
"That's not right," Kymberly protested unthinkingly, startled when the others turned rather incredulous looks at her. Still, she met their gazes steadily, invoking an unconscious pride as she protested mildly. "Well, it's not."
"But it IS the way the world works," Will countered with equal mildness. "Thank you, though," he added with a rare smile. The others had long since noted that Will rarely smiled. He wasn't glum, exactly, just usually solemn; most likely the result of a difficult life bereft of much hope.
Kymberly didn't reply beyond a sad smile of her own, and the five friends watched Will retrace their steps back to the lake. With a nearly inaudible sigh Jason turned his attention back to the task at hand and ushered his companions toward the entrance of the Inn. His sorrow was not for Will and his situation, sad as that was, but for the hurt in his own soul as he realized the more he fell in love with Kymberly the less likely it was that he would ever stand a chance of winning her heart. One had only to see how Kym looked at Tomas to know which way the wind blew. But watching the young royal grow as a person, seeing her bravery as she daily advanced toward her pending death, he couldn't help but wish she could favor him with a reciprocal feeling.
Jason was growing adept at pushing his feelings aside, so no one guessed the effort behind his discourse with the innkeeper regarding their accommodations for the night. Soon the weary travelers were satisfying their hunger with a savory stew complimented by whole grain bread. Conversation took a backseat to satisfying their prodigious hunger, none of them having realized just how tired they were of the simple fare they could prepare on the road.
"Oh, I think I'm going to bust," Kymberly complained with a groan when she sat back from her second bowl of stew. "I can't believe I ate that much."
"It was a nice change, to be sure," Trini concurred, her own second bowl nearly empty. She smiled at the three young men, all of whom were on their third helpings. In addition they'd eaten a full two loaves of the fresh bread, liberally spread with sweet, fresh churned butter.
Zackary sat back with a satisfied belch, his hands patting his discernibly distended midsection. He ignored the girls' expressions of disapproval and yawned hugely, his dark eyes glassy with fatigue and good food. "Do we have time enough to rest a bit before we start our search?" he asked the others, his expression hopeful.
"We can't afford to waste much time," Tomas stated, his worried glance at Kymberly not missed by the others. There were times they almost forgot how high the stakes of this quest were. Zackary flushed dully beneath his dark complexion, but Kym spoke up firmly in the suddenly uncomfortable quiet.
"We all need to clean up, it won't do to be scaring the people we need information from," she noted. But her reasonable words were belied by her unconscious fingering of the piece of jewelry that would end her life if they failed.
As if overhearing their conversation the innkeeper - a heavyset, dour woman who was nearly as colorless as the surrounding desert - approached their table to announce their rooms and baths were ready for them. That settled the issue effectively. The lure of a warm bath to wash away the grit of three days of travel was just too great, with minimal discussion they decided to clean up, then meet back in the common area by early evening.
Will was waiting patiently at the mouth of the alley to the side of the inn where his friends were staying. Jason greeted his long-time companion with a smile and appraising look. It was obvious Will had found a place to take a bath in the lake, as well as make a stab at laundering his clothing. His fair hair was still slightly damp, as was his simple outfit.
"Did you have something to eat?" the prince asked by way of greeting.
Will's look was typically mild, his soft voice betraying no irritation. "Yes, I had plenty. What's our plan?" he queried, obviously changing the subject and focus of their conversation.
"The usual, start asking questions as discreetly as possible. Get some clue as to whether or not the orb is here," Jason decided. "We might as well pick up some supplies as well."
"I'll take care of that," Trini offered, knowing she was the best choice for that chore. Her caste status gave her a distinct advantage in dealing with merchants, and few could stand strong against her serene surety. It hadn't taken them long to find out that the folks in West Diamond tended to be as harsh and unpleasant as their country could be. The town was a place of contrasts: the brightly colored buildings were warm and appealing, while the people were cold and repellent. Finding someone who would be willing to give them information would be difficult at best.
"I'll give her a hand," Tomas offered, surprisingly. The young hero was a man of action, and buying supplies didn't seem to be something that would appeal to him.
Jason nodded his agreement, and then spoke thoughtfully. "We should work in pairs, anyway. Try to avoid what happened in South West Rose Quartz. That could have been a disaster if Queen Katherine hadn't been the kind of ruler she is."
"If that's the way you want to work it, then Will should be with me. We can ... ahem ... talk to the ... you know ... non-royal folks more easily," Zack suggested tentatively. He didn't like the stern look Jason shot him, nor was Tomas's expression of displeasure lost on him. But his point was valid, regardless of how the others felt about it and Jason and Tomas were too honest to debate it.
"Agreed. But you two be careful."
Trini and Tomas found the general store with no problem, the ornate sign was visible from a full two blocks away. The interior was clean and well organized, the shopkeeper small and wiry. Unlike most of the populace of the town, this fellow seemed friendly, greeting the pair with a smile and arms flung wide.
"Welcome! Welcome! How may I be of service?"
Something about the man made Trini flash back to the lessons learned in the maze when she earned the first Portent Orb - to use her instincts and look past the exterior. He looked friendly, he sounded friendly, but the warrior priestess got a feel of snakes writhing beneath the friendly façade. She was immediately on the alert for whatever danger this seemingly innocent shopkeeper posed.
"We need some supplies for our journey," Tomas said stiffly, causing Trini to look at him with renewed respect. It was obvious the young man also sensed the disquieting aura of the merchant.
"You have come to the right place! I have everything a traveler would need on his journey. Come, come, I can satisfy your every need," he gushed expansively.
Sharing a significant look with Tomas, Trini followed the effusive fellow into the shop, pointing out the necessities as they went. He gathered them up as they went, trying his best to convince them to add to their order. Tomas purposely waited until he offered some goods before agreeing to their purchase, playing into the man's charade.
"What brings a pair such as you to our fair town?" the business owner asked, putting a packet of beans into their bundle.
"We are on a sacred quest," Tomas replied, pasting a look of modest sincerity on his face.
"A quest! You don't say! Well, that is exciting, indeed," the little man exclaimed, eyes rounded with amazement. "I should have guessed. You have the look," he added with an appraising glance.
"We are seeking a mystical talisman we'd heard could be found here," Tomas continued, managing to make it sound as if he were the one in charge. Trini obviously realized where he was going with his charade, and played along accordingly. "A respectable businessman such as yourself wouldn't know about that, though, would you?"
"Mayhaps I do, mayhaps I don't. Could be I need a bit of encouragement to prod my memory," he countered, rubbing his balding pate. "I'm not as young as I used to be."
"Naturally. Well, what's to total we owe for the supplies?" Tomas asked, distracting the shopkeeper as he felt Trini slip their money pouch into his pocket.
The old fellow ran a quick mental tally, quoting an inflated figure. Tomas leaned over the counter, fixing the man with a stern look. "Does that include the information we need? Or is it your idea of good business to swindle your customers?"
"You wound me, young sir. Of course, like any good merchant, I included that item you needed but were too conservative to insist upon. So, tell me, do we have a deal?" the old fellow wheedled.
Inwardly praying the money pouch would have enough in it - Tomas had never inquired as to how much they had - the young hero nodded curtly.
"Deal." Opening their purse he counted out the necessary funds, pleased to find he'd not depleted their funds completely. Turning to the merchant, he counted out the payment, stopping at the halfway point.
"It's time for me to 'see' just what I'm paying for, wouldn't you say?" he stated firmly.
"Very well. What you seek - it is easily enough found at the old wizard's sanctuary at the northern outskirts, just look for the fence with the crystals on top," he informed them, holding out his hand for the remainder of his funds.
"And the catch?" Tomas countered, holding fast to the only incentive he had to keep the old man talking.
"No catch. None that a true hero can't overcome," came the reply.
Looking over at Trini, Tomas caught her nearly imperceptible nod, and paid the rest of the bill while she hefted the bundle of supplies. Turning their back on the old shopkeeper they made a hasty retreat.
Outside Tomas relieved Trini of half her burden, somewhat surprised at the weight of it. He was reminded that his slender companion was a very strong person - physically as well as mentally.
"What do you think?" Tomas asked as soon as they were a fair distance from the store.
"He's not trustworthy," she noted in her quiet way. "But I think he told us the truth. At least part of it."
"I agree," Tomas replied. "We need to let the others know what we learned."
"We can put these supplies in our rooms at the inn while we wait for them," Trini suggested, shifting her bundle of provisions as she strode along.
While Trini and Tomas were dealing with the shopkeeper, Kymberly and Jason were wandering around the town, trying to get a feel for the community. The two young royals were mostly silent, looking through doorways into a variety of small specialty shops, eating places or, in one case, what appeared to be an opium den, the listless folks lying about on blanket strewn beds dead-eyed and silent.
Kymberly stopped at a street vendor's stall, her eye caught by the display of silver and gold chains and bands. Her small hand stole up to touch the band around her own fragile neck, noting with silent panic that it seemed even closer than it had been just a couple of hours before. The dark eyed woman running the stall noticed the motion and the sight of the golden band caused her expression to brighten.
"A trade, madam? One of my finest chains for that trinket you currently wear? It is surely not fine enough for one such as you," she offered, her smile displaying uneven, discolored teeth.
For a moment brief hope sparked in the soft doe eyes of the princess, but it flared out as quickly as it appeared. Holding up a hand as if to ward off the harmless vendor, Kymberly shook her head and turned quickly away, nearly stumbling in front of an oncoming carriage.
"Careful!" Jason gasped out, snatching her out of the path of the oncoming conveyance.
"Thank you," Kym murmured, keeping her gaze firmly on the ground near her feet. Even so Jason could see she was unusually pale, and the hand she held to her breast was visibly shaking.
The urge to take her into his arms and promise that she'd be okay was nearly impossible to resist, but Jason recognized the danger of giving in to his urges. However he did place a comforting hand on her shoulder and speak in his warmest tones.
"We'll find them all, Kymberly. I swear, somehow, we will get you out of that thing."
"You can't know that, Jason. I appreciate the thought, but I have to face reality. We may not make it in time," she noted, her tone distracted. She turned her gaze to a distant point that only she could see while wrestling with the thoughts she could no longer keep at bay. Eventually she turned her attention back to her companion.
"Jason, I have a favor to ask," she said at last.
"Anything I can do for you, I'll be happy to," he assured her.
She opened the small pouch she wore around her waist, pulling out a tightly folded piece of paper from within. "If...if we don't succeed...if Skullavich wins...will you make sure this gets to my father?" she requested, a single tear falling on the precious rectangle of paper she held.
Jason swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in his throat, and his deep voice was noticeably huskier as he replied. "I don't believe it will come to that, but if it makes you feel better, then, yes. I'll deliver it to your father's hands myself," he promised, feeling the weight of the vow on his heart.
"Thank you."
The slight tremor in those softly spoken words was more than Jason could take; ignoring social convention he pulled Kymberly in for a hug that he needed nearly as badly as she did. The soft chestnut hair tickled his chin as she laid her head against his shoulder, soaking up the comfort he'd so longed to give. His warm hand rubbed up and down her slender back as the various pedestrians swerved around the couple, most not even sparing a glance at the royals as they hurried about their business.
Eventually Kym pulled back, wiping at her reddened eyes with a touchingly vulnerable embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that," she started, startled when Jason held up a staying hand.
"Don't. You're the bravest person I've ever met," he stated, wordlessly shushing her attempted denial. "But even the bravest person has their moments of fear or doubt."
"I suppose you're right, but still, you didn't need to see that," she demurred, visibly pulling herself together. "It looks like the shops are mostly closing up. It must be time to go meet the others," she noted.
Jason held out a arm as if to usher his petite companion on her way, to which she replied with a curtsey and a slightly wobbly giggle, as they headed back to the Inn.
Tomas and Trini exited the inn and looked around the nearly deserted streets. The sun sat low on the horizon, and from the nearby homes the smell of assorted evening meals cooking wafted on the mild breeze. Seeing no sign of their companions the pair drifted over to a small fountain sitting in the intersection and took a seat on the low rim.
"Guess there's no way we can go to that sanctuary he told us about tonight, is there?" Tomas sighed, shifting uncomfortably on the narrow seat.
"I believe it would best to wait until we are rested and have daylight, yes," Trini replied.
"Besides, I hear nighttime is not the best time to go there," another voice broke in. Trini and Tomas turned to find Zack and Will standing behind them, a grin splitting Zack's face.
"You heard about a wizard's sanctuary?" Tomas demanded, standing to face the new arrivals. He wondered if they'd squandered their money paying for common information.
"Oh, yeah. Quite a reputation it has, too," the jester replied, sauntering around to join the other two.
"What did you find out?" Trini queried more quietly.
"Well, for starters, that it's haaaauuuuunnted." He drew out the last word to a spooky effect, raising his hands and wiggling his fingers to simulate a ghost.
Trini couldn't help but smile fondly; Zack's humor and spirit were impossible to resist. Rarely had she met someone who had such a positive view on life.
"Did you learn anything useful?" Tomas countered, not nearly as amused as Trini.
"According to the people we spoke with, wizards have been disappearing into the sanctuary for years now, never to be heard from again. One man, Rok, who claimed to be the son of a wizard, said there was a curse on the sanctuary. One that captured wizards," Will reported in his quiet way.
"Not just wizards, though," Zack added. "Heroes, healers, warriors, lots of folks. They go in but don't come out. Now parents here even use the threat of the sanctuary to scare their children into behaving." The dark skinned young man assumed the pose of an angry parent, wagging a finger at an imaginary child, his voice climbing to mimic that of a mother. "You eat all your vegetables or I'll send you to the sanctuary!" he screeched.
"You'll make someone a heck of a mother someday," Jason snickered as he and Kymberly joined their friends. Tomas turned to the princess with a satisfied air.
"We may have found out where the orb is," he informed her, pleased to see a smile chase away the melancholy expression she'd been wearing.
"What makes you say that?" Jason asked with a touch of hope.
So the others filled the royals in on what they'd learned, each adding their own observations. They were trying to formulate a logical and useful hypothesis as to the situation with the sanctuary when a small figure in a dark cloak approached.
"You are right, but you are also all wrong," the distinctly feminine voice informed them.
All six whirled to face the newcomer, Jason and Tomas automatically taking up positions defensively in front of the others.
"What do you mean?" Jason asked reasonably enough. Though the dark clad figure stopped her approach the two heroes held their position.
"For what reason do you ponder the mysteries of the sanctuary?" she countered standing unnaturally still in the waning light.
"Are we going to simply stand around trading questions?" Jason wondered with an arch look.
"Perhaps."
Jason ducked his head to hide his frustration; this was not the best time to have to deal with cryptic strangers. "Then I guess we will continue or discussion in private," he announced, indicating his companions should go with him to the inn and dismissing the newcomer.
"Very well. You come seeking the Portent Orb, do you not?"
Those words stopped the six adventurers in their tracks.
"Is it there?" Kym asked, her large eyes filled with renewed hope.
"So the legends say."
"Great," Tomas mumbled. "I paid that swindler for a legend."
"A legend is not always well known," Trini soothed, hiding an amused smile.
"This legend certainly is not," the hooded figure agreed. "Some legends are bright, oft told. Loved and honored, even. The legend of the sanctuary is whispered in dark corners; a dirty secret the polite members of society pretend doesn't exist."
"Why?" Will asked.
"You've not said why you seek the Orb." The change of subject was jarring to say the least.
"Why do you need to know?" Jason was finding it increasingly difficult to keep his temper in line.
The cowl tilted sideways as the mysterious person obviously pondered the question. "It is the duty of any good citizen, any good PERSON, to protect the orbs from those who would attempt to procure them for ill use."
Jason nodded his approval of that answer, a straight one for once. "I agree. We seek the orbs to obtain the Key of Integrity and release our companion from the Collar of Garrotidus."
The shadow where the woman's face was hidden turned toward Kymberly, then two dark skinned hands reached up and pushed back the concealing material. The countenance revealed was quite young - smooth of brow and warm of eye. "Your Highness. I'd heard of what happened," she said, curtseying to the princess.
"News certainly travels fast," Tomas muttered.
"Some news does," the young woman replied. "My name is Aysha, and I'll tell you what I know."
The seven sat or stood near the fountain, all focused on Aysha, anxious to learn what they could.
"I came here to West Diamond with my mentor, a powerful witch, Rita. She had heard of the curse on the sanctuary, and, honestly, it was like a personal challenge for her to break the spell. The legend is that over three hundred seasons ago a benign wizard lived in a large estate just outside town. He was a little eccentric, so they say. For instance, he would not tell anyone his name. His willingness to grant a boon for someone was apparently dependent strictly on his mood. He did favors for the rich and powerful, the poor and pitiful. Good, bad, gentle, mean. That didn't matter, or so it seemed. He was a paradox. One notable flaw he had was an over fondness for drink. And legend has it he wasn't a nice drunk."
"So few are," Trini interjected softly.
"Indeed. Still, since he usually went months between drinking binges, the folks were happy enough to have him here. And he often had apprentices living there with him, as well as other wizards and witches visiting on a regular basis. That's when he started turning it into a sanctuary for magical folks. Pretty soon there were a dozen or so living there. Then...something happened. No one really knows what. A bad batch of mead? The wrong herbs with wine? It doesn't really matter any more, I suppose, but something changed him. He got mean; people started hearing ominous sounds from his place. Then the folks staying at the place stopped coming into town, and the weird fence with the crystals appeared around the property. People would go out there to try and discover what happened, and they'd never return. That's what happened with Rita," she concluded, a tear welling in the corner of each deep brown eye.
"I'm so sorry," Kym whispered, instinctively reaching out to hug the young woman.
"I'm okay, your highness," Aysha responded, ducking her head in embarrassment and quickly moving out of the young princess's reach.
"My name is Kymberly," Kym countered with mock sternness to hide the slight hurt from the other girl's reaction.
"Yes ma'am," the young apprentice replied. "I wish I could give you some advice as to WHY folks disappear out there, but when I went to try and find Rita, I couldn't even figure out how to get past that fence."
"What kind of fence?" Zack wondered.
"That's just it, it's so weird. The posts are the usual distance apart, and each one has a crystal on top. But the parts in between are like...like...cloudy. But solid. And swirly. You can't see in to the grounds at all - but I can tell you it felt cold. Like death. I just couldn't figure out how to get inside. Maybe if I had more training, but without Rita to help me I was lost. I will tell you this, though. The legends all indicate that the wizard had a portent orb in his possession. If that's true, he could be using its power to work the magic on the fence that keeps people out. Or people in. Whichever it is. I can't help but think that Rita is somehow trapped in there, wanting out. I just so wish I could find out for certain. But I've told you everything I know."
"Thank you for telling us all this," Jason said in his warmest tones. "Is there something we can do for you?"
"No. I'm all right. I found a place to stay here, until I have the means to go home again."
"Where is home?" Trini asked.
"South West Sapphire," she informed them, her expression unconsciously brightening while growing a bit sad as well. "It's so much prettier there."
"Let us book you passage home, please?" Kymberly asked, wanting to help this young woman.
"Thank you, but, no. It's not time for me to leave yet. I don't want to leave until I know for certain Rita will not be back," Aysha replied, smiling for the first time since they'd met. "You're very kind to offer." She pulled her cowl back up, standing with a decisive air. "In fact, I should be going now. Good luck to you all. I hope you succeed."
They silently watched the petite figure retreat into the deepening shadows of the streets, her dark cloak making it look like the shade had absorbed her. Kymberly shook her head as if to dispel the rather disquieting image.
"So, first thing tomorrow we head to the sanctuary?" she asked, standing as close to Tomas as propriety would allow.
"That's the plan," Jason agreed, ushering all of them - except Will - toward the inn, where a light dinner and warm beds awaited them.
The early morning found them gathering once again outside the inn, where Will waited agreeably by the fountain. Once their account at the inn was settled they retrieved their mounts from the nearby stable and set out toward the mysterious sanctuary. As they drew nearer the land grew noticeably more hostile; small, mean bugs made their way hither and yon. No bright birdcalls disturbed the oppressive stillness of the morning; no colorful flower broke the patina of beige sand that covered the countryside.
From out of this stark landscape the outer edge of the strange fence rose like a strange idol. As Aysha had told them, the area between posts was just short of translucent, and despite the appearance of slow movement, they were solid - very solid - to the touch. Each post, which stood about seven feet tall, was topped with a asymmetrical crystal about the size of a grapefruit. Each crystal shone with it's own interior light. They followed the fence to the entrance, a thick wooden gate bound by an elaborate mechanism that consisted of a brass rendering of a tiger's face and a small platform. On the support pillar to the right was writing down the entire face, on the left one was a montage of etchings of wild animals and a short verse in a circle:
Magic's brotherhood by power bound
With mystery itself surrounds
Forever shall we stay together
Until the orb should be unfettered
"Well, that answers the question as to whether the orb is here or not, I guess," Zackary commented when they'd read the verse. "It sure sounds like a curse of some sort to me."
"I wonder who placed the curse, and why," Jason added, frowning at the tightly closed gate. He gave an experimental tug on the solid barrier and found it held very firm.
"Apparently his name was Wilton," Will provided from his place near the right pillar.
"You can read that?" Trini asked with an incredulous look. She had studied many languages and dialects and the writing was completely unfamiliar to her.
"It is not easy, the dialect is very obscure. In fact it is almost exclusively used by those who practice the magic arts," he replied.
"What does it say?" Kymberly wanted to know.
"It is a little rambling in some places. He talks about how magic ruined his life, though it lacks any details as to how that happened, exactly. Then how he planned this 'shrine to the foolishness of the magics'. The middle part changes tone, telling how only the brave and pure of heart and spirit can prevail in nature. There's one line that says 'the conqueror will have only his heart and hands as he faces the forces within'," Will read.
"Does it say how to get in?" Tomas asked a little impatiently. Every fiber of his being was screaming with the urge to hurry.
Will was quiet, obviously deciphering the information provided on the pillar. Eventually he turned toward his waiting friends, a faint frown puckering the skin between his green eyes.
"Each of us must repeat a chant while offering ups some herbs. The magic determines who can enter and who cannot."
"Do you have the herbs we need?" Jason asked.
"Yes."
"Then let's do this," the prince declared.
Will carefully opened his saddlebag, extracting a pouch that contained several other pouches. He selected two of the inner packets then turned to his companions.
"Hold out both of your hands, I'm going to put a different herb in each. One at a time we must make our offering. If the gate opens only that one person can enter. If a second person tries to force their way through the results would not be good. Trust me on this - don't even try it," Will instructed as he began doling out the needed items.
"Does it say how to get back out?" Zack queried.
"Break the spell," Will replied.
"A one way ticket, then," the jester noted with a grim smile.
Tomas turned toward the gate with determination. "What's the chant?"
"Say 'I offer up this precious flower' and drop the herb in your right hand on the shelf. Then say 'with honor I ask to see the tower' and add the one from your left hand. If your offering is accepted the gate will open enough to grant entrance," the apprentice wizard instructed.
"Here goes, then," Tomas said, approaching the gate. He did as Will had instructed, and nearly jumped in surprise when the gate opened enough to grant him entrance. He'd no more than passed through when it swung shut with a deep bang.
"That wasn't all that difficult," Jason noted, stepping up to try his luck. He did exactly as Tomas had done, but the portal remained stubbornly closed, as it did for all the others as well.
"I guess only Tomas passed whatever criteria the magics required," Will noted after failing his try. "He's on his own in there."
"Look!" Kymberly cried out, pointing at the fence. The others immediately noticed what had excited her; the formally opaque fence was now completely translucent. They could see Tomas clearly. They could also see what seemed to hold his horrified attention: dozens of skeletons littering the large courtyard where he stood.
Tomas had waited patiently for his companions to join him, shocked when no one else made it through the gate. Realizing he was on his own, he gathered his wits and looked around appraisingly. The sight of the many skeletons made it abundantly clear that this was not a safe place to be, that a mistake here could be the last one he ever made. Taking a deep breath he forced himself to relax and resist the urge to simply run toward the tall stone totem he saw at the center of the courtyard. Some instinct told him what he sought could be found there, but logic dictated that if it were that simple to reach it so many others would not have died in the attempt.
He noticed that by each prior seeker's remains there was a weapon of some sort - swords being by far the most common. But there were also staffs, maces, and, by one particularly large skeleton, a whip thick as his wrist. In his mind Will's quiet voice was heard, reading the instructions from the pillar: "have only his heart and hands". He had an epiphany: the others had violated the rules by bringing in a weapon. Tomas hastily reached down and removed the dagger he kept strapped to his leg, letting the blade fall harmlessly to the ground at his feet. Now weaponless he was ready to begin his advance.
A sound low and a few feet to his right brought back memories of the seasons spent tending a herd of sheep in the high meadows, so it was no shock to look down and spot a snake coiled beside a skull. A half dozen more asps seemed to materialize right from the hard-packed earthen surface, forming a rough semi-circle around the hero. Tomas had no fondness for the slithering creatures, but he also had no particular fear. If one moved slowly and carefully, one could get past them safely; snakes only attacked when they perceived a danger to them. Besides, he told himself, if one DID bite him, he'd still likely have enough time left alive to get the orb. Though overall he'd prefer not to be bitten.
Moving with a slow, sinuous grace that matched his opponents, Tomas eased himself toward the most likely opening between the snakes. Such was his concentration that his breathing slowed to half his usual rate, his body temperature even dropped as he focused his considerable will on becoming as one with the creatures surrounding him.
Inch by inch he made his stealthy way, barely causing a ripple in the air as he moved. No speck of dust was stirred; no minute vibration of the earth was created. To those watching it looked like Tomas had not moved at all, until seemingly by magic, he was past the danger. As silently and mysteriously as they'd appeared, the ring of asps seemed to dissolve back into the ground.
Releasing his pent up breath, Tomas turned to see what would oppose him next.
He'd barely taken three steps when a deep growl brought his attention to a dark silhouette sitting in the shadow of a large tree to his left and about halfway between him and the totem. Blue eyes glowed from the shade, then four large, dark shapes materialized from the darkness.
Wolves.
Another familiar foe. Tomas's mind clicked over the things he'd learned about wolves: they wouldn't attack unless provoked, they were very social, very loyal, traveled in packs - if you attacked one, you attacked them all. He lowered his gaze, remembering the words of one old herder he'd met in his early youth. Silas had been nearing the end of his life's journey; the old man could barely shuffle along behind his small herd of goats, but the hazel eyes that peered out from under shaggy grey brows were still lively and full of humor.
"Listen up, sonny," he'd wheezed out, thwacking Tomas's thigh with his walking stick to drive home his point. "You have a way of staring at folks like you're king of the hill. Well, take a lesson from the wolves, little man. They take that kind of stare as an invitation to fight, and a scrawny little pipsqueak such as you would be nothing more than a snack to a pack of timber wolves. Wolves and bullys, sonny. Don't make a habit of staring at either and you'll live long enough to maybe really become king of some hill." Then he'd gone off on a laughing fit that'd nearly choked him.
Funny, he'd not thought of old Silas in years. Shaking his head to bring his focus back to the here and now, Tomas decided on a slight detour angling a bit away from the wolves. Not a retreat, which could incite the wolves to chase, but a strategic alternative route, showing respect for the wolves' territory. Feigning disinterest in the lupine activity, Tomas made his unhurried way past their lair. Though eight eyes tracked his every move, the large animals moved no closer, fading back to their hideaway once Tomas had moved beyond their vicinity.
The young hero paused again, noticing that there were far fewer human remains as he got nearer his destination. Obviously most of those who had come before failed to make it past the snakes or the wolves. Still, there were a few that had made it this distance only to fail, so he felt far from safe.
Deciding a direct route at this point would be the best, he started once again toward the totem, only diverting his path when a rock or bush stood in his way. Halfway there he sensed, rather than saw, movement to his left and whirled in that direction in a ready posture. What he saw nearly took his breath away with its sheer beauty. A full-grown tiger faced him; the sleek muscular body crouched ready to spring. But not just any tiger, this one had black stripes in startling contrast to a snow-white pelt, and the eyes that stared at him were the crisp blue of an early morning horizon. Two smaller white tigers flanked it, their positions obviously that of observers of the battle to come.
Because a battle it would be. Tomas know with every fiber of his being that this was the ultimate test for the orb. The snakes and wolves were simple matters of courage, patience and cunning. If one knew what to do a conflict could be avoided, but not so with this magnificent beast. Blood would be shed, and death would be the ultimate price, as was the universal law of such things.
Nodding his acceptance of the situation to the tiger, Tomas turned squarely to face the big cat. Slowly the striped beast circled his prey, and Tomas had the distinct impression he'd been judged and found lacking.
When the attack came it was vicious as it was sudden; the tiger shot forward, lashing out with his deadly claws and sinking razor sharp fangs into Tomas's leg. The shock from the pain was nearly his undoing, and had he lost his footing and gone down the battle would have been lost before it actually began. But Tomas didn't fall, and he had enough presence of mind to reach down and pinch the cat's sensitive nose - hard. Infuriated the animal released him and leapt backwards, roaring his displeasure with the young man's tactic.
Panting, and bleeding from wounds in both legs, Tomas staggered a bit before steadying and readying for the beast's next move. The big feline started circling again before leaping toward the human's vulnerable midsection. Tomas's reaction was much quicker this time; he threw himself to the side while simultaneously lashing out at his attacker with a wicked kick that caught the cat mid-leap. Though the kick connected solidly it had little effect on the tiger except to annoy it further. He growled menacingly as he once again stalked the young man who'd dared to enter his territory.
The cat's next leaping attack was higher, and Tomas couldn't try the kicking maneuver. He did manage to evade the majority of the animal's attack, however the tiger scored a measure of revenge by managing to slash Tomas with one deadly swipe of his claws. The dark haired young man staggered again, now bleeding liberally from four parallel gashes in his upper arm. Already feeling the ill effects of his injuries, the hero knew he had little time left before he was too weak to fight.
The tiger seemed to sense Tomas's growing weakness, and wasted no time in trying to take advantage. The third leap was squarely at the hero's head, and had it landed would have been the end of Tomas's quest forever. But the former sheepherder pulled from a deep reserve of strength and as the big cat jumped he crouched down so the beast overshot his, then as the solid body passed overhead he whirled and rose, reaching out and grabbing the large back feet and pulling sharply backwards. Its leap cut short, the big animal slammed into the hard packed ground, stunning him. Allowing no chance for the beast to recover, Tomas leapt on the downed cat's back and grasped the magnificent head in his strong hands, twisting it to the very maximum the tiger's spine could tolerate. One slight move on Tomas's part and the wondrous animal would be dead.
The blue eyes stared up into Tomas's brown orbs with undiminished pride and hatred; he might be beaten, but he was not defeated. The young hero couldn't help but respect the wild animal's fierce pride; it seemed such a waste to destroy something so very beautiful. Years of living amongst animals had given Tomas a sense of community with them, and acting on instinct he abruptly released the cat, standing and moving aside warily. The tiger immediately stood and whirled, baring his teeth in a feral snarl of rage. But he made no further move to attack Tomas; staring angrily at the young man for a moment before turning his back and joining the other two tigers to the side. As one the trio turned their back on the human and sauntered away, deeper into the compound.
Releasing a shaky sigh, suddenly feeling the fiery pain of his injuries, Tomas once again turned toward the totem, silently praying there would be no further attacks. Unopposed, he approached the tall structure, finding the Portent Orb was nestled in a triangular recess on the far face. He'd just touched the surface of the orb when a light flashed between him and the surface of the totem. Shocked he stepped back, empty handed, and found himself face-to-face with a diaphanous old man.
"Wilton, I presume," he asked, feeling illogically annoyed at the interruption. Hadn't he gone through enough?
"Go away, leave us in peace. We've done you no harm," the spirit stated. Tomas could see that Wilton had been a fairly old man, with thinning white hair and the florid complexion of a heavy drinker.
"Be happy to. All I really want is the orb," Tomas countered, crossing his arms over his chest.
"The orb is the crux of everything, if you remove it all will come apart."
"What exactly is this 'all'?" Tomas asked, curious despite himself.
"Magic is dangerous, it cannot be allowed to wander the world unfettered. Wizards, warlocks, witches...all must be contained. The world must be protected. So here they stay. Safe. All is safe. If this place had existed before she'd still be alive, you see," the old man rambled, growing more agitated as he spoke.
"She?" the young man prompted.
"Lily. The sweetest flower to ever bloom in my world. She almost saved me, if only I'd met her sooner. Before. But I didn't, and I lost control of the magic, and she was too close and too young and too trusting and I can't ever let something like that happen again. I can't let you release them back on the world." Gossamer tears flowed down translucent cheeks.
"What have you done?" Tomas wondered, keeping his voice soft and neutral in deference to the pain this restless spirit obviously still felt.
"I created the perfect magic trap, so to speak. And not to worry, they are not destroyed, they're all still here," he stated, indicating the posts on the fence; or more precisely, the crystals. "The more powers that are trapped, the more powers that are attracted to the trap. I was very good at what I did, you know."
Understanding suffused Tomas; now he knew why the orb could be used for what seemed to be an evil purpose. It wasn't evil in intent, just in effect. But even though well meaning, Tomas knew his duty was to release those innocent spirits and disarm this place forever.
Unsure of what danger this ghost presented, he decided to try to get him to agree to the plan first. "Is this what Lily would have wanted?" he wondered.
"Lily wasn't of the magic world," Wilton protested. "She loved me, but she didn't understand what I did. Would she approve?" The old man looked confused by the concept. "I don't know. She wouldn't want anyone to be hurt," he decided at last.
"But they have been," Tomas pointed out. "One need only look around this courtyard to know people have been hurt. Why have you been letting those in who would destroy your perfect trap?" he asked suddenly, realizing that this could be a key point.
"Balance, young man. Everything must be in balance," Wilton stated with conviction. "Strength cannot be maintained if it is never tested. Conflict builds power, maintains vigor. There is no existence without danger. But a hero already knows this, does he not?"
Tomas nodded in agreement, he did indeed know that. "But, consider; have you not interfered with the balance of the world by removing the magic? Is magic not like the wind and the water, a necessary part of the world? By removing it you have upset the very balance you declare must exist. Perhaps this is why this province is so naturally impoverished."
The spirit jerked as if he'd suffered a physical blow. "That can't be true," he whispered.
"Look inside your own heart - you know it is. I think I understand why you set out to do what you've done, but can't you see it isn't the real solution? If you remove magic, you remove the chance for the people of the world to learn to use it properly, to remove a chance for the people to grow. And growing and changing are as vital to existence as balance, isn't that so?"
"I've done a terrible thing, haven't I?" Wilton asked brokenly. For the first time in decades perhaps, someone was seeing the good man the wizard had been meant to be.
"It's not to late to undo it," Tomas prodded gently, feeling irrationally guilty for having pointed out the truth to this old wizard.
"It is for some," he sighed, tears again on withered cheeks. "But it is all I can do at this point." With that the ghostly figure disappeared like a puff of smoke on the wind. Tomas again reached for the orb.
As soon as he'd pulled it free from its niche it flashed a brilliant white, sending bolts of pure power to each crystal surrounding the compound. Simultaneously they exploded and wisps of spirit soared from each smoking ruin. Tomas's pain was forgotten in the wonder of the sight of dozens of entrapped spirits finally freed. They danced and eddied in the air, multicolored and mystical. Unnoticed, his five companions joined him as soon as the magic fence was gone.
"Oh, my Gods, it's incredible," Kym whispered, her eyes shining with the joy she sensed from all around them.
"It's right," Trini added solemnly.
"It's over," Will added, a smile creasing his face.
"Good job, Tomas," Jason said, putting a companionable hand on the taller man's shoulder. "Amazing."
"I think I'll collapse now," Tomas grinned, holding the orb with both hands and dividing his attention between its soft glow and the slowly dissipating spirits around them.
"Come, I need to treat those injuries," Will said, turning his attention to Tomas with a worried look. "Some are quite deep," he noted.
"Not quite yet, and not here, please," Tomas requested firmly. "I want to get out of here."
The others couldn't help but agree. Though the trapped souls were finally free, there were far too many reminders of the years of death that had passed in this place. All of them would be happy to leave it far behind.
As the trapped spirits soared with their new found freedom, one drifted purposefully toward the six friends, alighting a few feet in front of them and assuming the form of a statuesque woman with dark hair piled high on her head. The form was partially translucent, the dark shape of rocks and trees faintly visible directly behind her.
"Thank you." The woman's voice was almost as unsubstantial as her form. "From all of us. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Will you all find peace now?" Tomas asked.
"Yes. You've set us truly free. It is a good thing you have done here."
"Who are you?" Kymberly wondered, feeling as if she should know the woman.
A second insubstantial form approached and started to take shape as the ghost-woman replied. "My name is Rita."
The new arrival was considerably shorter, and darker, than Rita. With a growing sense of sorrow the six friends recognized the slight form of Aysha.
"How?" Kymberly asked, tears standing in her large eyes as she realized they'd been talking with a ghost the night before. "Why Aysha and not you?"
"I felt the arrival of a strong force of good in the town, and knew it was the first, best chance we'd had to finally achieve freedom. I had enough strength and power left to send a representation to town, but the crystal I was trapped in prevented me from sending my own image. But Aysha lacked sufficient powers to cause the crystals to trap her spirit self, so I was able to send her," Rita explained.
Aysha looked at them with sorrow and regret. "I'm sorry. I would have told you the truth if I could, but it would have caused the spell to be broken. I couldn't give you any details, explain the dangers, or expose what had really happened to me. The laws of magic are not to be trifled with. As Wilton found out."
"Is...is there someone who needs to be told of what happened to you?" Kymberly wondered, wiping away her tears distractedly.
"No, your highness, there is no one. I was alone except for Rita, and now we will be together forever. Please set your mind at peace about me, and go forth to your destiny with faith that things happen in the time and way they are meant to. Fare well."
With that the two forms once again dissolved to wisps of spirit, born away on the gentle breeze that blew through the courtyard.
tbc
