Ruler of the Skies

Gymbala

Tabitha was watching eagerly for someone to come from the city to fetch her. She had used her mind communication ability on two travellers that had passed by her on their way into the city. She had implanted thoughts in their heads that they must find Arkana and convince him that someone important was waiting just outside the city. She had now been waiting for many hours and dawn was fast approaching.

Finally, there was movement. A rider came out from the city gate straight for her position. She immediately started to try and read the riders mind, but was getting nothing. She readied herself to flee if needed. The rider slowed to a slow trot. He was surprised to see a horse on its own and called out. “Hello. Can you understand me?”

Tabitha stepped forward. “Yes. Are you Arkana?”

“No, but he is waiting for you in the city. I will take you to him.” The rider turned his horse around and signalled for Tabitha to follow him. The rider led her quickly through the streets to stables adjoining a large Inn. He directed her into one of the stalls and said Arkana would join her shortly.

The stall had some fresh hay hanging in a net, so Tabitha helped herself while she waited. Elemental Arkana came striding into the stables and walked up to Tabitha’s stall.

“Welcome. What is your name?”

“My name is Tabitha. I gather you are Elemental Arkana.”

“Yes.”

“I am a friend of Ambrose and I need a place to regain my strength. I have a long journey in front of me.” Tabitha was not sure how much she should tell Arkana of her mission.

“Well, it is nice to meet you. I guess you’re a Medium. I haven’t met a Medium before. I hope my thoughts are not sending you any ill messages.”

“You have no need to worry. I am not trying to read your mind. Do you have some grain I can eat?” She changed the topic.

“Certainly. You can have whatever you like. How long do you intend to stay?”

“If I can rest up overnight, that would be very nice. Thank you.”

“That is settled then. I will send a boy to come and sit with you. That way, if you want to talk to me, just send the boy and I will return. Bye.” Arkana left Tabitha to her hay.

Shortly a boy about eleven years of age turned up. He introduced himself as Bryce and filled a bucket of grain for Tabitha. Then he sat on a stool outside her stall and watched her eat.

“Can you read people’s minds?” He asked after a while of watching her.

“It depends. The mind is very complex. With some it’s easy and with others I get nothing.”

“What am I thinking?” Bryce smiled.

“Well. If I wasn’t on a very important mission, I would let you ride me. I, however, need to rest.”

Tabitha then used her mind to continue talking to Bryce. “Can you hear me?”

“Wow. Your voice was in my head. Yes, clearly.” He finished his response using his mind.

“Good. Can you get me some more grain? The bucket is empty.”

Bryce jumped up with a big grin on his face and refilled the bucket.

Elemental Arkana had not long finished sending the boy to sit with Tabitha, when he got a message that the Golden Swan had arrived at the docks. He immediately headed out to welcome her return. He collected the commander of the Pukavan archers on his way.

Raum was right, the Golden Swan arrived just after dawn. After she was secured at the wharf. Raum left Topol in charge, while he went into town to see the mayor and talk to some merchants. Rafeeq decided to tag along. They had only gone a few blocks into town when they met Arkana and the commander coming the other way.

“By the Elements. Good to see you again.” Arkana shook Raum’s hand.

“Hello, Arkana and Commander. Commander, I have brought the replacements to relieve your men. My lead hand is having them disembark as we speak.”

The Commander nodded and left to oversee the changeover.

“The mayor will want to see you. Come this way.” Arkana led them back towards the city centre.

Mayor Vlaghim was having breakfast when they arrived. He was surprised but glad to see Raum and Rafeeq.

“Master Raum, welcome back. Did you hear we had another attack? Luckily we had two Centurions here to help fight off the Dark Ones.”

“Yes, we had heard of the attack, but no, I didn’t know about the Centurions.” Raum looked worried.

Arkana assured him. “The Centurions have gone. One left for Tamplina and the other headed for Pukavan. We cautioned him, but he still went alone.”

“What? He is going overland through Lizard territory.” Raum asked.

“Yes.” Vlaghim confirmed. “If he was successful. I would have thought he might be in Pukavan by now.”

“The Centurion had not arrived by the time we left. Maybe he didn’t make it.” Raum was hopeful. He didn’t like the idea of a Centurion turning up in Pukavan with his son there.

Changing the topic, Vlaghim asked. “What brings you back to my fair city?”

“I have brought a relieve platoon of archers. Princess Sienna sends her greetings and thought her men needed replacing after the attack.”

“The Pukavan archers are most welcome. I will make sure a message of gratitude goes back with the returning archers.”

Raum nodded his acknowledgement. “I am also interested in doing business with some of your merchants. Any assistance would be most welcome.” He added with a grin.

“Arkana, I’m sure can do the introductions. Hope to see you before you leave.” He waved a hand to indicate their meeting was over. Raum bowed his head slightly and then he and Rafeeq followed Arkana outside. Arkana suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“Oh. I nearly forgot. A supposed friend of Ambrose is here. Did you want to see her?”

“Eeek. Who is it?” Rafeeq was eager to know who it might be.

“Tabitha. She arrived this morning, but hasn’t told me where she was going.”

Rafeeq couldn’t contain himself. “Where is she? Where is she?”

“Okay. I’ll take you to her.” Arkana set off in the direction of the stables.

“Who is Tabitha?” Asked Raum.

“Eeek. You’ll see.” Rafeeq skipped and jogged after Arkana. Raum reluctantly followed.

Tabitha was resting her eyes when Arkana led them into the stables. The boy was also nodding off and was startled when they arrived.

“Tabitha. I’ve brought some visitors to meet you.” Arkana called out and Tabitha’s eyes shot open. She immediately tried scanning her visitor’s minds. She recognised one. Rafeeq was leaping on to her back before she knew what was happening.

“Eeek. Tabitha, it’s great to see you. Where had you been?” He was chattering with excitement.

“Good to see you Rafeeq.” She began to relax.

Arkana and Raum watched on as Rafeeq hugged Tabitha’s neck. She looked warily at Raum.

“Who are you?” Raum immediately tried to block out any thoughts. He knew he was looking at a Medium.

“My name is Raum. I am from Little Haven on Auroras Minor.” He replied.

“Ambrose has mentioned you on the odd occasion. Nice to finally meet you. What brings you and Rafeeq to Gymbala.”

“Eeek. We were about to ask you the same question. Ambrose has been worried about you.”

“It’s a long story, for another time. Raum, you are commander of the Golder Swan? Is your ship here?” She changed the topic.

“Yes. I have brought relieve troops from Pukavan.”

“Pukavan is a long way from Little Haven.” She was probing his mind for more information.

“Would you like me to open my mind. That way we might save some time.” Raum suggested.

“That would help.” She replied.

Arkana watched on as the pair stared at each other for several minutes. Eventually, Tabitha spoke.

“How interesting. Your son Jaymar, is a class two Elemental. Ambrose must be very excited. Thank you for allowing me to read your mind. I have very important news, I must get to Ambrose. This sling around my neck holds a message and a scroll from Prince Theodor of Tamplina.”

Arkana interrupted. “What’s in the message?”

“I don’t know, but it is very important.”

“Will you let me read it?” Arkana was very interested.

“No.” Interrupted Raum. “Sorry, but the message came from the Prince for Ambrose. I think we should respect that it is meant for him only. If he wishes to share it then that is his decision.”

Tabitha nodded her head. Arkana was not that happy at first but he agreed.

Raum broke the silence. “Well, Tabitha. What are your sea legs like?”

“You want me to sail on your ship?”

“It will be the quickest and safest way.” Raum confirmed.

Rafeeq jumped down from Tabitha’s back. “Eeek. Ambrose will be so surprised.”

“Come let’s see how the transfer of troops is going.” Raum indicated to them all that they should leave.

The Cave Dwelling

After finding members from the other search parties, Darwah returned to their cave. By the time they arrived, it was nearly dawn. Darwah was angry that they would lose another day, as the sun was beginning to rise. He desperately wanted to find Demarco.

Between the Cave Dwelling and Pukavan

Ambrose and his friends had travelled most of the night, making camp a few hours before dawn. They would rest only for a short while before heading off again once the sun was up.

They were now on the move again. Udolf, as usual, was scouting ahead. Jalen was flying overhead. He whistled and then landed next to Ambrose. He and Jaymar brought their horses to a stop. “What is it?”

“Udolf returns. Aark, but he is not alone.”

They all looked ahead trying to identify who might be coming. They saw what looked like a couple of people on horseback with Udolf jogging at their side. As they got closer, Jaymar started to feel excited and apprehensive as he recognised his mother.

“It’s my mum. What’s she doing out here?” Jaymar took off to greet his mother.

“We’ll find out soon enough.” Ambrose urged his horse forward leaving Jalen wondering what he should do. He eventually started jogging after them.

Jaymar and Grimhilda came together and Jaymar threw himself into her arms. They nearly fell off the horse, but Grimhilda managed to control her horse and then she let Jaymar down and dismounted to hug him again.

“What are you doing here? We fought some Dark Ones. I have the Earth gem. ” Jaymar couldn’t contain himself.

“Sounds dangerous.” Grimhilda was watching Ambrose approach.

He dismounted and glanced at Grimhilda’s escort and then gave Udolf a sideways look. Udolf said nothing. “Hello, Grimhilda. Didn’t expect to see you out here.” Ambrose was a bit apprehensive.

“Jaymar tells me you have been fighting Dark Ones.” She gave him a cold stare.

“Yes. Well, there was a little altercation, but we are all safe.” He didn’t want to elaborate too much, so he changed the topic. “Tell us. What’s the news?”

Grimhilda released her son. “I came to warn you that there is a Centurion in Pukavan. It’s Pryborg and he arrived last night.”

“Pryborg here?” Ambrose was surprised. “Thank you for coming to warn us. Has Fineen returned?”

“No. I haven’t seen her. Nasrald arrived with the Lockmort negotiating party and had the Centurion with him. Nasrald came into the city alone to warn the Princess and you. He found me instead and so that’s why I’m here.”

Ambrose looked around. “We need to find a place to sit and talk. We’re too exposed here. Jalen, could you fly out and find us a place?”

“Aark. Okay.” He whistled up some wind and took to the air.

“There is nothing back that way.” Grimhilda indicated in the direction she had come.

“So, Pryborg was with the party from Lockmort. Do you know if he came via Lockmort?”

“Yes. Nasrald said that he was detained trying to cross Lizard territory and taken to Lockmort.”

“He must have come from Gymbala. I wonder what he is up to.”

They heard a whistle from above and watched as Jalen returned.

“Aark. There is an abandoned farm over those hills.” He pointed in a westerly direction.

“Good, let’s go and check it out.” Before Ambrose could finish, Udolf had already set off in the direction Jalen pointed. The rest mounted up and followed. Jalen took to the air again.

Pukavan

Pryborg started early. He had been given a room to conduct his interviews. He interviewed each archer separately and always asked the same questions. Commander Prahid and Rosalina stood by in silence.

“How many Elementals travelled on the Golden Swan? Was there a boy on the ship? How many days did it take you to get to Gymbala? Describe the battle. Who was in charge of the defence? Did you see Elemental powers being used? Did the boy save the ship?”

Many of the answers were the same. Two Elementals were on the ship. Not sure about a boy. Seemed like a couple of days to get to Gymbala. They were confused as to who was in charge. Some said they saw the Elementals using wind powers. Some also saw a local Elemental healing the wounded. None of them knew anything about a boy saving the ship.

Pryborg showed no emotion during the interviews. He was very methodical. They had a short break at midday and then the questioning continued.

Abandoned farm outside Pukavan

Udolf had done a sweep of the old buildings by the time the rest arrived. They all settled into what was the main building after securing their horses. However, Ambrose didn’t let Jalen rest. He immediately asked his friend to fly out and find Fineen. He was to warn her about the Centurion and bring her back to the abandoned farm. Jalen didn’t complain, he was used to being Ambrose messenger. Jaymar and his mother sat together and Jaymar told her about what had happened and he showed her the tooth. Ambrose kept his distance and sat apart with Udolf. He kept thinking about Pryborg and what he was up to.

Shortly after midday, while they were having a light snack. Jalen returned with Fineen close behind. She gave Udolf, Ambrose and even Grimhilda her usual greeting, which consisted of a warm embrace and a lick of the ear. Jaymar was too embarrassed and shied away from a hug. After they settled down again, Ambrose retold what happened at the cave-dwelling, when Demarco and Jalen had returned.

“The Dark One search parties will no doubt be out to find Demarco and his family.” Fineen commented.

“Yes. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to help. We have given Demarco a new home and let’s hope it is far enough away that they won’t be found.”

“How long do you think the Centurion will be in Pukavan?” Fineen asked.

“Who knows? I would have thought he should be on his way to Daarook for the Duma.” Ambrose was now deep in thought.

“Will he find out about me?” Jaymar was anxious. “I mean using Elemental powers on the ship.”

“No idea, Jaymar, but he has come all this way for something.”

“So, do we just sit here and wait?” Jaymar asked.

“Yes, for the moment. However, I will ask Fineen to go in after dark and see what she can find out.” Ambrose looked at Fineen and she just nodded her head. “Also, Jalen I want you to fly out and find The Golden Swan and warn Raum. We don’t want him sailing back into Pukavan with Pryborg still there.”

“Aark. Here I go again.” He whistled and was gone.

Pukavan

The afternoon was dragging on. Pryborg’s questioning continued. Finally, the last archer had given his answers and was dismissed. Pryborg then turned to Rosalina. “I have some questions for you. Come and sit.” He indicated to the chair opposite him. She did as he asked.

“Why did you use your Elemental powers on the Golden Swan?” Pryborg started his line of questioning.

“We received an urgent request from Gymbala for assistance.”

“Who was the other Elemental that went with you?

“It was Elemental Watson.” She didn’t hesitate.

“Where is he now? I want to speak to him.”

“He went to Conaldra to represent Prince Sienna at the High Council of Mikaia.”

Pryborg paused and made a note in his papers.

“Who was the boy that helped save the Golden Swan from the Dark Ones?”

“I’m sorry, Your Eminence, but I was fighting in the city. I don’t know of such a boy.”

“I find that odd. Rumours abound, both in Gymbala and from the archers, that a boy used Elemental powers to save the ship.”

“Your Eminence, I have heard all the testimonies from the archers and I don’t recall any of them saying, they knew anything about a boy.”

Pryborg abruptly stood up and leaned towards Rosalina. “You are testing my patience, Elemental.” Commander Prahid took one step forward.

Pryborg gave him a quick glance. “Today’s interviews are over. I will reconvene tomorrow.”

He picked up his papers and stormed out of the room.

Gymbala

Raum had successfully obtained enough cargo to make his trip worthwhile. The cargo was stowed and all the returning Pukavan archers were on board. All that needed to be done was to load Tabitha. Rafeeq was trying to convince her that the gangway was secure and wide enough for her to climb aboard. She was not convinced at all.

Raum called out from the railing. “What’s the hold-up?”

“Eeek. She doesn’t want to walk the gangplank.”

“I’ll come down.” Raum hurried down to see what could be done.

Arkana was quite amused, standing there watching Tabitha and Rafeeq arguing about the best way to get her safely on board.

Tabitha looked over the edge of the wharf. “It’s a long way down. I’d prefer not to end up in the water.” She was standing firm at the end of the gangplank refusing to budge.

“Eeek. I know horses can be stubborn, but you’re a Medium. Come on, a couple of steps and you be there.” Tabitha was shaking her head.

Raum interrupted. “Tabitha, either you walk across with some dignity or I will put a harness on you and we will lift you on to the ship.”

She paused a moment to reflect and then stepped gingerly onto the gangplank. Slowly one step at a time she moved across. Rafeeq came quietly up behind her and then slapped her on the rump. She quickly clattered across the last few steps and was safely on board.

“You horrible little beast. I could have fallen in.” She turned and glared at Rafeeq who was now sitting on the railing chattering in delight. “But you didn’t. Eeek. I told you it was safe.”

Raum shook Arkana’s hand. “We will cast off straight away.”

“By the Elements. Take my greetings back to Ambrose and the crew. Come back soon. Bye.” Arkana called out to the others and waved them goodbye. Raum was quickly onboard the Golden Swan and the gangplank was pulled in. He started yelling orders to the crew and they all sprang into action.

“Tabitha. The best place for you will be mid-ships, near the mainmast. I can rig up some ropes to support you if you wish?”

“That might be a good idea. How rough do you think it will be?” She followed him towards the mid-ships. “Who knows what tomorrow will bring.”

She was starting to dread the idea of sailing to Pukavan.

Trameal

Mayor Boniface, Centurion Freya and Elemental Tomlond were surveying the damage. The thunderstorm had grown quickly and before the Mayor could coordinate his defences the Dark Ones were upon them. Luckily, they didn’t seem to attack with any purpose. It was not a full-scale attack. Finally, the militia got themselves organised and repelled the attackers.

“Will they return?” Boniface asked.

“The clouds are dispersing. I doubt they would come back before dark.” Commented Freya. The Centurion wore the colours of blue for Water and green for Earth.

“Surely we dealt them a blow?” Tomlond was a Water Elemental.

“I doubt it. I think this was just a demonstration to strike fear in the city. As you can see the damage is minimal.” Freya pointed at several buildings that had minor damage.

The Mayor was not so sure. “I want more reinforcements from the local towns.”

“They are all too scared to give up any of their militia. News is that Prince Tolgarn is leading a major army and they are heading this way.”

“Send a messenger to Prince Tolgarn immediately and let’s hope he brings us reinforcements.” The Mayor paused. “I’m heading back to my office.” Elemental Tomlond followed the Mayor but Freya stayed, she would send the message and also check one of the net slings damaged in the attack.

Not far south of Trameal, Centurion Santos and his group of Elementals were riding hard towards a small range of hills. The light was starting to fade, and he wanted to get to Calzar’s hiding place as quickly as he could.

Calzar and his Dark Ones had found a large enough cave for them to rest. There were a few with wounds, so they took the time to dress their wounds and prepare for the nights’ flight. A guard from the entrance of the cave came and told Calzar that the Day Walker had arrived.

Santos waited just inside the entrance to the cave. He saw Calzar’s red eyes before he could make out the outline of the approaching Dark Terror leader.

“You could have inflicted more damage. There was hardly any fire.” Santos admonished Calzar when he came to a halt in front of him.

“What do you want?” Calzar didn’t react.

“You are meant to be spreading fear.” Santos looked back out of the entrance. “The sun has gone down. You will need all of tonight to get close to Aerie. So, don’t delay. I will see you in two days with your next orders.” Santos turned and marched out of the cave. Calzar waited a short while before grabbing the horn at his side and blowing a high-pitched sound.

He ran out of the cave entrance and launched into the darkening sky. His Dark Ones spewed out of the cave behind him.

Mountains near Aerie

Uparta and his Lizard soldiers had made camp less than a day’s ride from Aerie. Still, they had not been challenged. The day before they had seen a small scouting party of militia, which fled towards Aerie and Uparta didn’t bother sending some of his men after them.

It was now dark and Uparta had given orders to break camp. He wanted to be in position outside Aerie when the sun came up. He hoped this would result in the desired effect of surprising and scaring the inhabitants.