Ordinary Joe and the Mark of Four

A day later Evlan Caldor stood beside Maven in the mouth of the dead mines, looking out into the glare of the Wastelands. It was early morning and the ever present slate clouds diluted the sunlight to a cold, pale haze. A strong wind blew through the valley, swirling the mists.

The King was steely faced but there was anger was in his eyes. He had not left his son’s side since he woke and though he controlled the Majiak; it worked like poison inside him. It was suggested Joe pass back the Majiak to the King, as planned, but Evlan was nervous of the idea. They couldn’t be certain it would work. He had died, becoming a prisoner of the mines, and no-one knew how the power would react to a non-living host. Matrekku hinted the Majiak could be held by one who had died and not died and if it meant he could keep Joe with him, he was prepared to take the risk.

To everyone’s amazement Joe refused. His longing to return to Cardenfield was still strong, but he did not want to lose Antigol now he had found his father. He wanted both worlds. They were surprised when he told them he wanted to face his brother again. Kinga almost choked.

But Joe’s new-found bravery was not enough. He was still too young to hold the Majiak and could not face his brother until he had the strength to bear the power. Despite his protests they agreed he must return to Earth and only after many hours of Maven’s pleas did he finally relent, reluctantly agreeing to gather his strength before facing Avarat again.

So they agreed to return to their former lives; though none could imagine how they would ever be the same again after all they had seen. How could they go about their normal day knowing Antigol was only a Majia gate away?

“There is a way,” Maven said, “I can take those memories from you.” Joe considered the offer. For most of his time in Antigol it was all he wanted; to return to his old life and pretend none of it had happened. He would be plain ordinary Joe again; and his life would be no more complicated than paper rounds and school and watching TV with his Uncle and Aunt. Reece though, his son’s young friend, hated the idea. He refused to give them Beil Flint’s ring and when they tried to take it he vanished. He even found some secret place in the mines to rest without fear of them stealing it from him in his sleep. Kinga called him Gollum. Joe asked how Reece’s parents would react to his return, but he shrugged. I ran away last summer for four days, he said, When I got back my Dad just sent me to the shop to buy him some lager. They thought I’d been in my room playing X-Box.

Caldor saw the struggle in his son’s face. He missed his old life but wanted to stay in Antigol. Caldor did not want him to leave either and drifted into a foul mood, frustrated there were no other options to consider.

Perhaps it would be easier for Joe without his memories; he might be happy again, back in the world of the shades. Of course he couldn’t go back to Cardenfield. Once Avarat discovered he had returned to Earth, it would be the first place he looked for the boy. They must send him somewhere new; somewhere safe.

Kinga didn’t care, as long as she remained Joe’s protector.

“Is Idiota!” she said, “Will die without me.” She swore she could control her own Majia and it was true the tell-tale sparks were gone from her skin. On Earth the power would be hidden and they agreed she was not a danger to him. Caldor knew she defended him fearlessly and he would have ordered her to accompany her son if she hadn’t offered. When they agreed to her demand, she grinned, but let her face grow steely when she caught Joe looking at her.

Petraya would stay with the King. Kinga was less pleased with this decision, and now, standing beside a flickering Majia gate, preparing to return to Earth, she hugged the woman tightly and turned her head quickly away when they parted. Maven would follow them later, promising to keep an eye on the three children, though first there were plans to discuss. Caldor was tired of running. It was time to take the fight to Avarat. He watched sadly as the friends stepped into the portal and vanished from Antigol. It flickered for a moment and then it too was gone. Petraya turned back to the caves.

“Did we read the prophecy wrong?” he said to Maven, waiting for the woman to join them, “Joe controls the Majia and the words foretell the wielder of the four will destroy the worlds.” Both men thought the prophecy spoke of Avarat as the dark destroyer, but could it really be Joe. Maven shrugged,

“Put him out of your mind Caldor, there are bigger problems to consider, not least of which - I’ve run out of tic tacs.” Petraya entered the mines and shivered, glad to be out of the freezing wind.

“Avarat will not be idle,” she said, keen to begin, and Caldor knew she needed to be busy to keep her fears for the children at bay.

“You must seek out my allies,” Caldor agreed, “I only wish I could aid you, but I’m stuck in this godforsaken hole.” They set off back to the underground city.

“Don’t be like that,” Maven said, “It’s not so bad, honestly. I mean, yes, it’s a bit drab, but with a few cushions…” Their voices trailed into the mist and they were gone.