‘This is very queer’ Alextor said, ‘not everyday you would see three humans traveling with a Catlon princess.’
Destinie noticed a little boy wondering through the village. His hair passed his eyes but curled to make it stay above his brows. He was wearing a green and white shirt and brown pants with black boots. He didn’t look older then ten. Destinie got up and walked over to him.
‘Little boy what are you doing here?’ she asked.
‘I wanted to see the Catlon Village’ the child responded.
‘What’s your name?’ Destinie asked another question.
‘Elijah Diadem son of Elisah’ the boy said, ‘what’s your?’
‘I’m Destinie Silvers’ she responded, ‘come meet my uncle. Did you follow us on your own?’
‘Yep’ he said proudly, ‘my father was a great adventurer also so I guess I have my dad’s blood in me after all.’
Destinie took Elijah over to Marth who was hard at work on his book. Marth looked up and said, ‘this boy reminds me of Elisah.’
‘He was my father’ Elijah told Marth, ‘but he went north to Irony to gather information on a story he’s working on about his adventures in the south and east. I stayed in Mayton with my aunt but the Belves took me away.’
‘I see’ Marth said wondering, ‘what a nimble little boy you must be to travel to the Catlon Village. You said Elisah was in Irony? I will travel their to meet my old friend who I traveled with in the south and east.’
‘Can I come?’ Destinie asked, ‘I always wanted to see Irony and the northern lands.’
‘I’m going to’ Elijah said, ‘I want to see my father again.’
‘Very well’ Marth said. Alextor, Bradon, and Jennifer walked up. Marth turned and said, ‘we three are heading north to Irony.’
‘Irony?’ Bradon asked, ‘whatever for?’
‘To see an old friend’ Marth replied, ‘care to come or is this where we part paths?’
‘I shall go’ said Alextor.
‘Same here’ Jennifer said.
‘Me too I guess’ Bradon said not sounding too sure. The six nodded their heads and retired for the night. At light of the first day the group met in the circle. Bradon was the last to arrive, ‘where to?’
‘To the north’ Marth said. With that the six travelers headed north as the Catlons waved farewell. Marth took the front followed by Alextor and Destinie and Elijah traveled side by side followed by Jennifer and Bradon bringing up the rear. For two days they traveled north until finally they left Silence Woods and could see the great plains. As flat as far as they could see both to the north and east…
Chapter VI
Journey North
The group continued heading north. They stood near the River of Life that travels west of the Lone Mountains and curves west towards the Getian Mountains and merges with the Getian River that runs southwest until it merges with the Igrian Ocean just south of the Maldarian River.
The Lone Mountains were small black figures to the group as they entered their third day of traveling after they left Silence Woods. They set up camp in the plains. Marth, Bradon, and Alextor were well packed for the quest up.
Bradon started a small fire and cooked stew for the night. Alextor had plenty of water for everyone to drink and they could refill it with the river. Marth gave Bradon and Alextor spears and gave Elijah a short sword he called Execute. Elijah took fond of Destinie who treated him as a younger brother.
Throughout the night Marth, Alextor, and Bradon took turns keeping watch in the night until the sun rose in the east. The ground rumbled when everyone was up. Marth looked as far north as he could and said, ‘knights from Hyland approach!’
About twenty knights with spears and shields rode up. Their armor was red and gold and the helmet covered their noses. They had boots that reached their knees that spiked out in the tip. The horses were larger then the ones found in Gravince. The twenty riders stopped in front of the six and a large rider got off his horse and approached Marth.
‘What brings knights from Hyland to Gravince?’ Marth questioned as he was talking to a child that broke his window.
‘We are searching for a group of Belves’ the rider replied quickly, ‘a White Belf led a group south and a few days ago we managed to locate their tracks and traces on where they were off to.’
‘The Belves have fled north’ Jennifer said cutting in, ‘my kindred and Kiltons overpowered them and forced them from the forest and they fled towards the Lone Mountains.’
‘I see’ the rider said, ‘I am Jeremiah son of Jerome. We came here after Saigfred passed on from this world and Solomon took control of Ethian.’
‘Solomon’ Alextor thought out loud, ‘have you seen Geardrian?’
‘Geardrian? I know no…Geardrian must be his name in these parts’ Jeremiah said, ‘but we know him as Obadiah.’
‘Obadiah’ Marth said, ‘the same Obadiah that led the armies of Gandrian into a grand victory in the south?’
‘The same’ Jeremiah responded, ‘and he proved to be the greatest general Gandrian has ever had. His words alone will encourage a small army of a hundred into victory against twenty thousand well armed soldiers. Alas we have overstayed. We must continue heading south and we shall return to Hyland from the southern river known as Raze River. If we meet again then perhaps we can talk more.’
‘Farewell’ Marth said. Jeremiah remounted his horse and in a swift flash the twenty knights rode south at quick speeds. They turned a little to the east so they could go around Silence Woods.
Marth was silent the rest of the evening. The Lone Mountains stood less then six miles away at nightfall. Elijah fell right to sleep while Marth slowly sang a song. He started low to a mummer but slowly everyone could here the words:
The men needed a leader they did sought, Obadiah came and led them as they fought, taking only sword in hand with no other they rode to victory
Marth fell silent again. Alextor was the second to go to sleep. Alas Jennifer broke the silent, ‘so how much longer till we reach Irony? I would like to get their soon. Are we at least more then half of the way there or do we still have a journey ahead.’
‘We shall arrive in three days’ Marth said, ‘if all goes well. We will pass the Lone Mountains tomorrow. We’ll go around them in the west and continue northward. We mustn’t go in the Lone Mountains for terrible creatures lurk that Elisah and myself seen forty years ago.’
Morning seemed to take forever but when it did everyone was off. Elijah spent most of his time looking at a strange pendent. It was a blue circle with a yellow cross going through it and around it with a red jewel in the middle. Destinie wondered about it but didn’t ask.
The Lone Mountains was now large and long with snow at the peaks. Marth led the group northwest going around the mountain. The finally reached the foot of the mountains and Elijah looked into it with amazement in his eyes. Jennifer didn’t want to go to the top for it was too high for her taste.
Before the could make it half way around the mountain a loud cry echoed through the plains seeming to come from every direction. Mist covered the ground and fear went through everyone’s hearts.
Destinie grabbed Elijah in her arms as the cry got louder. A high pitched shirk that ended in a low note and came from every which way. Marth, Alextor, and Bradon held out their spears waiting for anything. From the north appeared a huge creature about three times the size of a horse.
Large fangs filled its mouth and it had a scaly body that was hard and cold. The large legs bent low so the beast was as close to the ground as a horse with large claws that curved into the ground. It had two large tails that swung left and right as it walked towards the group.
On it was mounted a single person. It was covered in a black hood and all anyone could see of his face were red glowing eyes. Dark blue mist came out of the hood and it flew to the north. Gantlets could be seen extending out where the large sleeves ended. Silver gantlets with a triangle on it. A sword was strapped to its waste.
‘Stand down’ the black hooded being said in a low shriveling voice that forced Jennifer herself to take a step back. Two more beasts with black hooded riders came up from the south. The first one continued, ‘we seek what was lost in ages pass.’
Before long two were on both sides of the team. Marth knew no other way so he shouted, ‘to the mountains!’ and with that everyone fled into the Lone Mountains. The black hooded being gave chase on their dragon like beasts revealing some of their upper head that was a skull. Some had a crack over the eye or on the forehead.
The mountain sloped up through rock and dust and sand. Elijah had the most trouble getting up the mountain in such a haste but Destinie was their to aid him. Marth took the group up a curved path were an arch led into a tunnel. The four Black Warriors continued to gain on their prey on top of their fierce beasts.
‘Inside quickly!’ Marth shouted. Bradon and Jennifer were the first to enter the tunnel that sloped down very rapidly. The tunnel was made of stone and was built by humans and not nature. Destinie and Elijah were the next two to jump into the tunnel followed by Alextor and then Marth.
The tunnel sloped down for half a mile before becoming leveled. The four warriors did not slow their pace. Marth ran as fast as he could through a smaller tunnel that led into a circular room with ten paths heading in every which way. Marth took the path second left from the middle and the group all followed.
It seem everyone ran for half an hour before halting for the noise had died down. Everyone sat down and gathered into a circle. Marth sat next to his niece then it was Elijah and Jennifer sat next to him followed by Bradon and Alextor.
‘We have come into a deadly place’ Marth said softly. ‘This place is called Raqara and it is home of many dangers. It was foolish to travel in here but we were being chased by four unknown warriors of darkness. We shall rest here for I have no knowledge now if it is still light or dark. We shall eat then sleep then eat again before heading off so rest well and long.’
Elijah did not wait to eat before he fell asleep on Destinie’s lap. Alextor wondered around a bit but not going too far as to lose sight of his comrades. Jennifer and Bradon ate to their fill while Marth and Destinie talked softly to one another so only they could hear it. Alextor sat down to feed on the ham Bradon cooked after ten minutes. Jennifer was very full and feel asleep rather quickly.
Bradon was the next to wonder to sleep followed by Alextor. Marth too feel asleep after an hour has passed but a little after that time Elijah wakened and hungry. Destinie kept him company for they both fed till their likings.
Alextor was the first to wake after six hours or so have passed. The young warrior awakened Bradon so they may examine the area. The two headed up the path and came into a fork in the tunnels.
‘Which way?’ Alextor asked out loud. Bradon pointed to the right one and the two went in. They didn’t notice the strange markings in the middle of the paths. The warriors came unto a large wooden bridge and below they could see dozens of other bridges and trolleys that were left here long ago.
The two crossed the bridge and continued heading down the path coming into a very large room with rows of columns keeping the roof in place. Bradon turned to Alextor and said very quietly, ‘we should head back now.’
Alextor nodded and the two headed back to leave but a loud shirk froze them in their tracks. Their were four doors in the room. Each on one of the four walls that were lined up with one another. From each door walked in a dark warrior from before on its mighty beast. Alextor and Bradon held their spears and shields tightly.
All four warriors drew their swords and dismounted their beast and walked slowly towards them. Soon they stood only a few feet away from Alextor and Bradon who were back to back in the middle of the room.
All four warriors had their sword vertically and in front of their faces with both hands. Marth leapt out of the shadows and knocked one of the warriors down and shouted, ‘run! Through that door!’
He pointed and all three ran soon followed by the dark warriors on their deadly creatures. A bridge sat ahead with a staircase that turned upwards leading through a door that shinned nightlight. Destinie, Elijah, and Jennifer were already on the staircase shouting at their comrades to quicken their haste.
Alextor and Bradon ran over the bridge. Below it seemed like a bottomless pit that led to an endless void. Marth stopped before the bridge and shouted, ‘go now! I shall show these warriors my valor!’
Alextor and Bradon had to pull Destinie up the staircase as the four warriors laid their attacker to a quick death. The bridge collapsed and the four warriors had to turn and go back. Destinie laid on her hands and knees outside the exit. Bradon lifted her to her feet as they saw Irony not to far away.
The night was bright for the full moon shined ever brightly. Stars filled the sky as the group traveled onward with Alextor leading and Bradon was at the rear. The entire company was silent but alas they reached Irony before ten…
The mountain sloped up through rock and dust and sand. Elijah had the most trouble getting up the mountain in such a haste but Destinie was their to aid him. Marth took the group up a curved path were an arch led into a tunnel. The four Black Warriors continued to gain on their prey on top of their fierce beasts.
‘Inside quickly!’ Marth shouted. Bradon and Jennifer were the first to enter the tunnel that sloped down very rapidly. The tunnel was made of stone and was built by humans and not nature. Destinie and Elijah were the next two to jump into the tunnel followed by Alextor and then Marth.
The tunnel sloped down for half a mile before becoming leveled. The four warriors did not slow their pace. Marth ran as fast as he could through a smaller tunnel that led into a circular room with ten paths heading in every which way. Marth took the path second left from the middle and the group all followed.
It seem everyone ran for half an hour before halting for the noise had died down. Everyone sat down and gathered into a circle. Marth sat next to his niece then it was Elijah and Jennifer sat next to him followed by Bradon and Alextor.
‘We have come into a deadly place’ Marth said softly. ‘This place is called Raqara and it is home of many dangers. It was foolish to travel in here but we were being chased by four unknown warriors of darkness. We shall rest here for I have no knowledge now if it is still light or dark. We shall eat then sleep then eat again before heading off so rest well and long.’
(Here's where the changes begin)They made camp in a large room that held out the ceiling with six columns are near the wall. The old door was large, about six inches thick, but half was on the ground and the other barely stayed on the doorway. Marth sat on the door that was on the floor in two separate pieces now pondering his next move.
Bradon took out his supplies in his bag and cooked a fine ham for everyone to fest upon but Elijah fell quickly asleep with his head on Destinie’s lap who sat near a column with her legs curved under her and she kept a hand on Elijah’s head to comfort him. Jennifer and Bradon were the first to eat and they sat close to the fire across from one another talking softly.
Alextor sat with Marth after walking around the room a bit and said, ‘once we escape Bellock what is are next move?’
‘The end of Bellock is a two to three day trip if we don’t get lost in these halls’ Marth responded, ‘then we shall continue northward and to Irony. It shall only take a few hours after we escape the mines.’
‘Aye’ Alextor spoke softly, ‘then we shall find Elisah and wait for Obadiah the Wise or as we know him, Geardrian. But those four black warriors is what troubles me the most. Who were they and what do they want with us?’
‘I don’t think they were after us’ Marth said quietly for only Alextor to hear, ‘but Elijah. That pendant I saw him look at was like that found in Sole Mountain with Elisah and I traveled long before. He must have given it to his son before his travels. I do believe those things were after Elijah for that pendent and nothing else.’
‘Then we should destroy it’ Marth replied, ‘or cast it into the darkness of these halls where no one, man or beast shall find it.’
‘Can we be sure no one will find it?’ Marth questioned. ‘And I do not think it can easily be destroyed for it was made of a metal stronger then a sword or hammer.’
‘Then we must continue on with it’ Alextor said sadly. He got up and sat down in between Jennifer and Bradon and begun to eat. Jennifer had her eyes closed and was listening to anything that might come their way for a Catlon’s hearing is four times better then a human’s.
Destinie had fallen asleep as well and Bradon murmured to himself as though he were in a trance. Alextor paid no attention to what he was doing but noticed that Marth looked down the path they were to take after their rest. Half of the path was open to them but the other, despite the door barely hanging on, would be hard to go through.
Bellock was built long ago by the people of Gandrian as a secret stronghold against any armies from the south or east. But during a war the doors were breached and the armies laid the stronghold in ruin. But Faglorg lost so many men in laying siege to Bellock they had no choice but to retreat.
The armies of Gandrian chased the retreating armies of Faglorg across the rocky ways in the east and defeated the army at the Faglorg capital known as Mailkeyo. Bradon curled himself up in his cloak near a column and fell asleep. By the time Bradon had fallen to sleep Destinie and Elijah were asleep for almost two hours.
Marth was the next to sleep who slept sitting up on the door. Alextor slept in the same fashion as Bradon but was on the wall. Jennifer curled herself up in a little corner like a cat and wondered off to sleep. When Jennifer fell asleep four hours have passed.
Elijah awakened a few hours later feeling hungry. He went over to the fireplace; the fire died out long ago, and ate the ham and cheese he could find. Pretty soon Destinie awakened and kept him company.
‘Elijah’ Destinie said sitting down next to him, ‘you are truly a brave young lad. You do not show fear even in the greatest face of danger. You seem innocent and yet it seems you are older then you look. How old are you?’
‘Ten’ Elijah said, ‘but I have learned many things from my father and my good friend Sheldon who is also my cousin that has gone to Irony and I do wish to see him again. He would love to hear the adventurers I been through.’
‘You are young’ Destinie said, ‘but alas I wish you were not here. The young should not have to go through hardships as elder people must go through. The elders of this world is the reason we have wars. It is their greed and knowledge that makes the elders seem superior but yet it is the young that has to fight these wars.’
‘Aye’ Elijah said, ‘you are kind Destinie. I look up to you as a big sister that watches over me. I can tell that you are truly a kind hearted person that most be loved by many and if not it is only because you fear of what others may say.’
‘You are wise beyond your years’ Destinie replied, ‘if I didn’t know better I swear I was talking with Geardrian or Obadiah as some call him. But you speak only the truth. Gravince knows my uncle well and I have done nothing to deserve their glory so I keep myself bound to the hill where my house sits.’
‘You mustn’t’ Elijah responded quickly, ‘you mustn’t fear what others may think. Fear leads down many paths but all lead to pain. You must show everyone that no matter what the cause you will not be kept down by what others say.’
‘Elijah’ Destinie said happily with a tear in her eye, ‘if no other words are spoken today let those be all I need. For years I have wondered what those people think but I’m glade that you were here to help me so now I shall repay the favor.’
‘Repay me for what?’ Elijah questioned in deep thought wondering what the favor was.
‘I do not know yet’ Destinie responded, ‘but I shall show you my thanks one day and then I shall fill fulfilled.’
Bradon awakened an hour later followed by Alextor then Marth and alas Jennifer. Everyone ate to their fill and then packed up and got ready to depart. Marth awaited by the door until everyone was prepared. Marth led the group followed by Alextor, then Jennifer, then Destinie with Elijah by her side, and Bradon at the end.
The path turned to the left a little. Elijah passed a small hole in the wall that had a bag in it but he dare not reach for it. The path was smaller then any other and you could only travel one by one.
The path begun to expand and widen as it merged with a huge room with a large bridge that contacts one end to another. Down below were dozens of smaller bridges, some still whole others broken and trolleys, some with buckets and others without. The bridge was tied with ropes that had unlit torches on both ends of the wall.
Marth led the group across the bridge slowly. The other end of the bridge led into an arch that had writing on the wall. Marth lit the torches and studied the markings. Slowly he read them aloud, ‘in times of great peril, Bellock will prove to be unstoppable.’
‘I guess they were wrong’ Elijah said aloud. Marth did not respond but continued to lead the group forward. The tunnel took them into a large room with rows of columns holding the ceiling up. Directly in front of them was another door and they were two more on the left and right side.
A loud shirk echoed through the room that started in a high pitch and ended in a low pitch. The sound seemed to come from every direction. The six gathered in the middle with Marth facing the north, Alextor the east, Bradon the west, Jennifer the south, and Destinie and Elijah in the middle. The dark warriors before entered the rooms with swords drawn and held with both hands vertically.
Slowly they approached. The sound of their metal boots hitting the floor echoed from one end of the room to the next. Elijah grasped tightly to Destinie’s leg. Marth, Alextor, and Bradon held their spears and shields quivering. Jennifer’s sharp claws served as her weapon.
The on facing Alextor struck him with a downward strike. Alextor took a step back and dodged the blow and stabbed the dark warrior in the chest with his spear but to no avail. The shadowy figure broke the spear in two and removed the piece that was in him.
‘Run’ Marth said. They all fled pass the warrior Alextor attacked. The huge beast they rode stood outside the room and tried to bite Destinie and Marth but they docked and continued running up the path and slanted upwards. The shadowy figures remerged on top of their terrifying beasts giving chase.
Alas the group came to the final bridge before reaching the stairway. The bridge was small and made of stone that had no rails. Bradon was the first to flee over the bridge followed by Elijah, then Destinie, then Jennifer, and finally Alextor.
Marth stopped and the bridge and yelled out, ‘go to Irony!! I shall keep them at bay!’
Bradon and Alextor nodded but Destinie would not leave but she was dragged up the stairway. The four warriors all appeared in front of Marth who stood valiantly like a king. His spear was held out ready for battle but he reached into his bag.
‘Warriors of darkness!’ Marth shouted pulling out a round blue sphere with a yellow ring that had a string coming out of it, ‘you will not and shall not reach my niece and her companions!’
Marth threw the spear down and lit the bomb as the warriors dismounted their beasts and approached Marth. Before they could get on the bridge the bomb exploded in a shockwave that caused those creatures to back up. The bridge’s middle piece fell into chunks along with Marth.
Outside it was sunset and cloudy. They could now see the plains very well and also Irony. A large village with busy streets and many shops and homes. A small wooden fence surrounds Irony that opens up in the south and north to allow people to come in. The mountain sloped down for a little while then ended.
‘Let’s continue on’ Alextor said softly. Destinie was on her hands and knees and refused to continue onward. Bradon and Alextor lifted her up until finally she decided to walk freely with them.
Elijah was in the back as the group traveled and he looked at the pendent once or twice. Destinie paid no attention to anything that was happening. Alextor turned and looked at the Lone Mountains then turned and looked back at Irony and continued to move onward…
Chapter VII
Irony
The village itself is surrounded by a tall wall made of wood with two openings, one in the north and one in the southeast. The village had many streets made of rock and gravel with houses only a few feet apart from one another. By the time the five arrived at the village it was half pass nine with half a moon out and stars covering the sky.
The gatekeeper stopped them at the entrance to the southeastern entrance and said in a deep voice, ‘what brings you to Irony this time of night?’ the gatekeeper had white long hair but was bold at the top. His nose was pointed and long with an eye patch over his right eye. He had no eye brows and appeared to be very old.
‘We are travelers from Gravince in the south’ Bradon said, ‘we come to Irony to find Elisah Diadem who we believe lives in this village. We traveled across the great plains to get here, may we enter?’
The gatekeeper looked at them hard and long then responded, ‘you may pass.’ while stepping out of their way and allowed them to pass. He sat back down on a small stool and begun to whistle softly.
The streets of Irony were still filled with people traveling this way and that. Horses with carriages and people with wheel barrels wondering down the streets as if it were their last day living. Elijah stayed close to Destinie clinging onto her hand.
Bradon halted the group in front of a bar and entered with Alextor. Destinie and Jennifer headed off down the street with Elijah in search for an inn. Bradon and Alextor sat down at the bar and ordered two ales.
‘Where to begin looking for Mr. Diadem?’ Bradon asked Alextor, ‘he could be anywhere in this crowded city and he could have moved some time ago to the east or north. Do you think anyone here knows of Obadiah’s whereabouts?’
‘I have no answers to those questions Bradon’ Alextor responded, ‘but we may find out the answers in due time or just waste are time. Either way we must seek the truth for someone must know of Elisah’s whereabouts and hopefully heard from Obadiah or maybe it is Galatians down here.’
‘Aye’ Bradon said, ‘he has many names for many areas to keep himself secret. Unlike Solomon the Wise who wants his name to spread across Igros so he may be remembered as the wisest of the wise.’
‘Solomon’ Alextor uttered to himself, ‘Solomon is a strange person. He takes most of his time in secrecy and into his studies. What is so important?’
‘Solomon’s business is his own’ Bradon said, ‘we must find Galatians and Elisah so we can find the answers to these questions. Maybe the two will be together and that will shorten are search or maybe we can find one and they will know where the other is.’
The two sat silent and drank their ale then Alextor said, ‘Galatians did say he would return in three months, correct?’
‘Aye’ Bradon said, ‘for it shall take him three months to get to Ethian, speak with Solomon, and return so Elisah must be here in Irony alone. The girls have gone to find an inn for us to rest at.’
‘Did ye say Elisah?’ the bartender asked rinsing a mug out. He was a big fellow with a fine mustache that came to below his chin. His eye brows were think and bushy but he had a head full of hair. He was wearing a green jacket with a white shirt under and green pants, ‘I be William Bellow. Owner of Bellow’s Cabin down the street but alas my friend is in need for some help and I gladly offered.’
‘What say you?’ Bradon asked.
‘Elisah Diadem is it?’ Bellow thought to himself, ‘ah yes now I remember. He owns a room of mine in Bellow’s Cabin. A nice old fellow with a book that keeps people talking for days even weeks.’
‘Is he here?’ Alextor questioned.
‘Aye’ Bellow responded, ‘he retired for the night. Rest up weary travelers and tomorrow I shall tell Mr. Diadem your names. Which reminds me, what be thy names?’
‘I am Alextor son of Harold’ Alextor said softly, ‘and this is Bradon son of Matthew. But tell him Elijah is looking for him.’
‘Elijah!?’ Bellow said in shocked, ‘his son Elijah? He’s here, where?’
‘Aye’ Bradon said, ‘he is resting at the inn down the road. He is only a mere lad and he traveled a long ways with three more comrades but we lost one along the way.’
‘I see’ Bellow replied, ‘well I must return to my cabin but I do hope to see you before your departure if you are planning on leaving that is. Farewell.’
Bellow left the bar through the crowd of people still drinking and cheering. Bradon and Alextor finished their ale and headed off. The inn wasn’t too far from the bar. The inn was named Irony Inn. Inside Jennifer waited them.
‘Alas you returned’ she said, ‘we have but one room that holds four beds so it is a fine room with a fireplace to keep warm.’
‘Shall we retire then?’ Bradon questioned.
‘Follow me’ Jennifer said walking down the hall. Three rooms passed on their left and two on their right before reaching their room, third door on the right. Jennifer opened the door silently for Destinie and Elijah were both sound asleep in the same bed closest to the door. A table sat in a corner with three chairs.
Jennifer said nothing else that night but she crawled into the bed next to Destinie’s and fell fast asleep. Alextor looked out the window that was above the table for some time and could see nothing but the wooden wall. The room was dark with little light. Bradon laid down on the bed next to Jennifer’s and fell asleep followed by Alextor on the bed next to his.
Morning came slowly but steadily. Destinie and Elijah were up before everyone and decided to look around town by themselves. The village was full of life and merriment. Mr. Bellow came running for them.
‘Excuse me but I’m looking for an Elijah’ Bellow said.
‘I am Elijah’ the young lad responded.
‘Great, great, great’ Bellow uttered, ‘come by Bellow’s Cabin at noon.’ With that he was off like a flash. Elijah wondered what on earth could he be needed for…
Chapter VIII
Bellow’s Cabin
Elijah and Destinie spent the day wondering the village until coming to Bellow’s Cabin a little before noon. It was a nice looking building with a small garden by the green door with a gold knob. A window sat over the garden with a red curtain draw so no one could gaze inside.
Upon entering was a small bar with Bellow at the counter. Seven tables were scattered in front of the counter with a staircase at the end of the room. Bellow waved to him and said, ‘alas you arrived.’
‘What is this about?’ Destinie asked not letting Elijah answer. Bellow smiled at Destinie and laughed a little.
‘Why I was told by an Alextor and a Bradon to escort a young Elijah to his father Elisah who dwells up stairs.’
‘DAD!’ Elijah shouted but the people at the bar paid no attention. One man sat in the corner with his cloak wrapped around him and his hood up. Only a shaggy beard could be seen and his grey boots. The cloak was dark green. The fireplace on the wall with him was lit and it seemed to listen with unwary ears and eyes.
‘Aye’ Bellow said, ‘go up those stairs and he’ll be in the room. First door to your left. It’s a good thing you got here today for tomorrow he would be heading to the east.’
Elijah ran down the middle of the room and up the staircase that turned to the left with Destinie following not to far behind. Elijah saw the first door to his left open and he ran in. A man sat at a desk writing that looked much like Elijah but with white hair and seemed a lot older.
‘Elijah my boy’ he said turning around, ‘it has been a time since we met I do believe. Come now my boy, tell your father about your adventures you must have had on the way up here.’
‘Dad’ Elijah said smiling as though he was wondering down a dark cave for many years and finally returning to the brightness of the sun. Destinie entered the room.
‘Who might the maiden be?’ Elisah asked.
‘I am Destinie Silvers’ she said, ‘I believe you know my uncle, Marth Silvers.’
‘Aye’ Elisah said, ‘how goes the old boy?’
‘Alas I must say sadly’ Destinie said. ‘He is no longer with us. Slain on are quest up here.’
‘Really?’ Elisah said in surprise, ‘tell me the tale.’
Destinie and Elijah sat down and Destinie spoke everything she knew of the events that happened up to this point. Elisah sat nodding his head and his face showed that he was surely shocked at a few events.
‘I saw’ he said, ‘what a tale. A good story and song that would make. I shall be heading out to the east and continue my quest to find paradise.’
‘We know’ Elijah said, ‘Bellow told us you’re leaving tomorrow.’
‘I saw’ Elisah said, ‘I am leaving the sixteenth and that’s today. Bellow was never good at keeping track of the dates and times for that matter. But I do wish to know what happened to Galatians.’
‘He went to Ethian some days ago and we haven’t seen him since’ Destinie said, ‘we hoped that you may know something about him and where he may be by now. He traveled to Ethian so quickly I had no clue what it was about.’
Elisah closed the book and placed it in his bag, ‘I must go soon but allow me to tale you my quest.’
‘Alright’ Destinie said.
Elisah pondered for a moment then spoke in an easy voice, ‘I guess it started forty years ago when Marth and I were lads. Galatians came to us and said “come boys. We have a long way to travel” and you could say we were in a spell for we followed without question.’
‘Through the Silence Woods we traveled until coming to the Catlon Village. The Queen showed us a warm welcome since we were with Galatians the Wise. Any other time and they would have killed us. After packing up a bit we traveled north so we could get to Irony.’
‘Galatians said to us “that is the Lone Mountains” and we looked with amazement. “Never go in their for shadow would overcome the light and you will get lost” and so we went around. We came to Irony and met Mr. John Bellow, Bellow’s father. After getting more supplies we turned and went east to Uplia. A lovely place it was with many lakes and rivers that gives them the nickname, Water Folk.’
‘Galatians led us east for twenty days and finally we reached a long and tall mountain that reached high into the sky. We climbed and Galatians said “stay close to me for are adventure closes” and we climbed for two days before reaching the top. At the top set a temple and I ran in leaving Galatians and Marth behind.’
‘Inside I saw treasure but I fancied a pendent over it all. Blue it was with a red jewel in the middle so I slipped it in my pocket and then the Knights of the Round Table emerged to slay us but Galatians gave us courage and we battled until finally we slain them.’
‘I do believe I gave the pendent to Elijah. Isn’t that right?’ Elisah said finishing his story.
‘Aye’ Elijah responded.
‘Look at the time’ Elisah said, ‘the road is long. Farewell my boy. Hopefully we will meet again.’
Elisah stood and flung his bag onto his back and left. For a moment Elijah sat silent and still in deep thought. Destinie placed her arm around him and gave Elijah a small hug and then the two walked down and noticed it was nearly three. The man in the cloak sat at the corner with his lips moving like he was talking to himself.
Elijah sat down at the closest table to the door and Destinie sat with him. No sign of Elisah was seen in the room. He had came and gone so quickly Elijah thought it were but a dream for he begun to doze off.
The man sat down in front of the two and said softly so only they could hear him, ‘what of a pendent?’
‘Excuse me?’ Destinie questioned.
‘Don’t play dumb’ the man said looking into the fire for a moment then turning to them, ‘I heard Elisah’s tale and I know this lad has the pendent and you asked about Galatians and I have seen him not to long ago.’
‘What is your name?’ Destinie asked.
‘Names should not be given so easily in these troubled times’ he said, ‘you never know who is friend or foe.’
‘Then why should we trust you?’ Destinie asked.
‘Because I know what hunts you’ the man said and shock came to Destinie’s and Elijah’s faces, ‘aye I do. You encountered four of them but two more roam. They are the Reapers. Warriors of death and despair created and kept alive by the very will of Serrago.’
‘Serrago’ Elijah said to himself, ‘wasn’t he just a tale.’
‘Nay’ the man responded, ‘for it happened over two-thousand years ago in the far west in the lands of Darkice. Galatians the Wise was a third to the Path of Allies before I met up with him. He told me to come to Irony and await a boy named Elijah.’
‘Galatians is alright?’ Elijah questioned.
‘I do not know now’ the man replied, ‘but when I saw him he was in no danger or trouble. Do you have the pendent?’
‘Aye’ Elijah said not even knowing it he pulled it out of his pocket. The man looked deeply into it.
‘Celestial’ he said softly.
‘Celestial?’ Destinie repeated since she did not understand the word he uttered for celestial means heavenly and he used it to name a pendent.
‘Aye’ he responded, ‘the very pendent used by Serrago long ago. But when the Sages sealed him away they took it and hid it in the east. Galatians feared Serrago was breaking the seal and went in search for it at the Hgtia Mountain but he could not find it.’
‘Elisah took it before anyone saw him’ Elijah told him.
‘I know now’ he said, ‘for I have listened to your talk with the old man. The Reapers are hunting it down for whoever wields it will have unequal powers and will be almost invincible.’
‘Then why not use it against them?’ Destinie wondered.
‘Can you handle that kind of power?’ he asked, ‘it will either kill you or drive you insane. The only way to be rid of Celestial is to cast it into the void in Mount Vovlian where it shall be sealed away forever.’
‘Mount Vovlian’ Destinie said, ‘isn’t that in Darkice.’
‘Aye’ he said, ‘and that’s why Serrago made his fortress their. If you cast Celestial into the void Serrago will surely be sealed forever for in order for him to fully break the barrier he needs more energy then the five sages but he has no power. That is why he is sending out the Six Reapers to get it for him.’
They sat silent for a moment looking upon the pendent on the table then the man said, ‘we mustn’t wait to long in one area. We must take it to Horsebred Ranch to further decide what to do with it.’
The man stood up and said to them, ‘get your friends and meet me at the northern entrance of town. Gather what supplies you can for it shall be a long journey to the ranch.’
With that he left…
Chapter IX
Striker
Destinie and Elijah found their friends at the bar drinking and cheering. Destinie had Elijah wait by the door and ran over to the group and said, ‘we make haste, come.’
Alextor, Bradon, and Jennifer looked upon Destinie for a second and continued drinking. Elijah sat down and heard, ‘Elijah! Elijah!’ and he saw a small boy running towards him with short blonde hair. He had on a long sleeve shirt and shorts on and had on a bag on his back that seemed to be filled.
‘Sheldon!’ Elijah shouted merrily, ‘my good friend and cousin what brings you hear?’
‘Mr. Diadem told me everything and I’m coming with you’ Sheldon said proudly.
‘Then you best be a good lad’ Bradon said walking outside followed by the others, ‘it is nice for Elijah to have a friend on the quest that Destinie told us about so swiftly that she left out details that my be important.’
‘I won’t get in the way honest’ Sheldon said.
‘Relax’ Alextor said, ‘you may come young one. But we have to gather supplies for Destinie said “we are off on a long quest” and that was mostly it.’
‘We have no time to spare’ Destinie said trying to sound innocent. They headed off to the northern entrance of the village. The man from Bellow’s Cabin was standing near the entrance and Destinie filled in some of the details before arriving.
‘Alas! you have arrived’ the stranger said.
‘Before we go’ Destinie replied, ‘what is your name?’
‘I have many names in many areas’ he said, ‘but you may call me Striker for I shall not give me true name until I can trust you more.’
‘Then lead the way ranger’ Bradon said.
‘As you wish’ Striker said, ‘we travel until we get to the ancient fortress of Mycia. We take no breaks. If the children get tired carry them if you must. Do not walk away and stay with the group.’
With that Striker turned and headed off into the plains followed by Bradon and Alextor, Sheldon, Elijah and Destinie, and Jennifer. They traveled long not resting and Striker did not slow his pace. Elijah begun to stumble but Destinie took his hand.
The further they traveled the more and more Elijah came to passing out so Destinie lifted him and carried. Striker stopped to get next to Destinie.
‘The boy is tired’ he whispered to her, ‘never let him out of your sight. Celestial’s power is weakening him it seems. Wherever he goes you go, wherever you go take him. Do not let him out of your sight. These may be your friends but how they long for power like all men do.’
‘I will not let him out of my sight’ Destinie responded softly. Striker quickened his pace and returned to the lead of the group. The sun shinned brightly but every now and again a cloud would cast it away. Birds flew to and fro and song their songs merrily. Striker held the hilt of his sword at his waist tightly most of the journey with his long bow and quiver of arrows on his back. Tied to his left leg was a long knife. Striker spoke rarely throughout their journey.
Slowly the sun fell in the west and the day became cool and dark. Striker still made no sign of weariness. The sun was completely gone and the moon has taken its place with stars all around. A ruined fortress was up ahead with four towers used to create the wall on the north, east, south, and west sides and a larger tower in the middle. A gate was opened and battered and most of the place was covered in vines and had cracks. The southern wall itself was almost completely missing expect for the two parts connecting to the wall.
They entered through the destroyed gate. Inside a staircase led up the middle tower and spiraled to the top where everything was flat. Striker turned and said, ‘you may eat, drink, and sleep but when the sun first returns we continue heading north.’
Elijah was already sound asleep and Destinie laid him close to her while she cooked dinner. Bradon taught Sheldon much of the history of Igros. Alextor and Jennifer spoke softly to one another and Striker sat on the staircase. Striker gazed upon the fire for some time.
Destinie took no heed when Striker got up and left the fortress. Night grew weary and Destinie feel asleep keeping an arm around Elijah. Everyone else had fallen asleep and Striker had not yet returned. Morning came alas and everyone was awake but still no Striker. Finally he returned from the broken wall.
‘We make haste’ Striker said swiftly, ‘for we are being pursued even at this moment. Eaven Forest is only a day away and we can lose them in the boarders of the forest but we must make haste!’
No one said anything and at once they departed. Striker was always five or six paces ahead of the rest looking north and south a lot. They had no clue what was chasing them but they knew it wasn’t good. The thought that went in Destinie’s mind were the Reapers.
Striker halted and took his bow and an arrow as he looked far south. He moved his head to tell the group to continue onward. Like dust in the wind, the shadows approached. Striker released the arrow and it flew into the sky and ht one of the shadows that let out a mighty roar that echoed across the plains.
‘Reapers!’ Striker shouted and with that all made haste running as fast as they could. A small cliff was in front of them and they leapt behind it knowing they could not out run the Reapers on their beasts known as Dregins. Striker drew his sword and prepared to attack. Alextor and Bradon held tightly to their spears. Elijah and Sheldon quivered holding their short swords.
The ground started to rumble as the Dregins stormed ever closer. One by one, four Dregins jumped overhead. Striker ran out first and stabbed the back Dregin in its rear leg. Alextor and Bradon leapt and knocked the black warrior mounted on the Dregin off and unto the ground. The Reaper stood and shadowy was his voice.
‘Fool’ the Reaper said slowly, ‘do you actually believe that we can be defeated? You have made a grave mistake.’
Behind the group on the small cliff were the other two Reapers on their Dregins. The four in front all had their swords drawn and approached them on foot. Everyone got back to back with Striker, Alextor, Sheldon, and Jennifer facing the four and Bradon, Destinie, and Elijah facing the other two.
‘Die’ all Six Reapers said each going in for a forward strike. Striker, Bradon, and Alextor blocked it with their swords and shields. Destinie and the others dodged the attack. Elijah and Sheldon jumped onto the same Reaper and stabbed it.
With a sheer force of power it threw Elijah and Sheldon off and into Jennifer. Elijah laid unconscious onto of the Catlon princess and Sheldon hurried back up to his feet. A Reaper threw Destinie onto the ground next to Jennifer.
Bradon and Alextor were overpowered and their shields and spears were broken and they to were thrown next to Jennifer. Sheldon and Striker were the last to fall. The Reapers surrounded them with their swords preparing to stab them in a down thrust.
‘Force for blow!’ a strong voice shouted that came in every direction. From the north a huge ray of light blinded the Reapers and their beasts and they fled into the east. A glowing figure appeared shinning brightly like the sun where they couldn’t look directly into him.
‘You have my thanks’ Striker said standing while covering his eyes.
‘Alas!’ the strange man responded, ‘I bare you news that you seven should hear.’
‘What is it?’ Jennifer asked standing up with Elijah in her arms.
‘It comes from Galatians the Wise’ the light vanished and their stood an old man in red and white. Very old he was as old as Galatians, ‘I am Ephesians the True. One of the six sages of Igros.’
‘Ephesians’ Striker said, ‘what news of Galatians?’
‘I have passed him two days ago’ Ephesians responded, ‘he was heading for Ethian and his trip will be shorten for the Path of Allies is up and clear. He told me to be on the look out for a group heading north and here I found you. He said “if you do find them have them go to Port Town” and that’s is the news I bring you.’
‘Port Town?’ Bradon asked Striker.
‘Aye’ he replied, ‘the fairest of all cities on the River of Getian. That is were the Council of Sages meet in times of dire need and so it seems Galatians predicts that it is surely that time to gather the six Sages for the meeting. Will you travel with us Ephesians? We could use your help.’
‘Sadly I can not’ the sage said, ‘for I must travel east still and locate the other three sages who are still wondering the far lands of the east. I do hope we meet again for I have heard much of your Striker.’
‘You know my name?’ Striker questioned in confusion.
‘All sages can read minds’ he replied and with that he departed. News from Galatians lightened Striker’s heart as well as everyone else. They stood for a moment until the old sage was no longer in sight and with that they continued north.
They continued until an hour pass nightfall and came to a rocky area and decided to make camp their for the night. Elijah had not yet awakened and Jennifer ended up carrying him all the way their.
Striker went to scout the area and Alextor and Bradon stood guard at the camp. Sheldon cooked a mighty meal even though he was a kid at the age of ten he knew how to cook like someone with fifty years of practice. Elijah’s face turned white and he started to gasp for air.
‘Elijah isn’t looking to good!’ Jennifer shouted in fear. Everyone ran to his aid and now his eyes were open and wide but his pupils were small and red. The entire night Elijah was like this with everyone taking turns watching him throughout the night but his best friend and cousin stayed by his side the most. Striker returned a little before the sun rose and saw Elijah in his ill state. He ran over to him and picked him up and headed off without a sound or word.