Ruler of the Skies

Daarook

Another bunch of first year students had arrived and the first floor of building A was starting to feel like a dorm. The noise level had gone up with all the chatter. There was still room for one more student in Ava’s room with no one assigned to the last bed yet. Ava was down in the library again, it was good to get away from all the noise. Everyone so far was treating her just like any other student which suited her. Her relationship with Lorilee and Macee was going well, though she was starting to notice that they acted a bit uppity around the new arrivals.

Ava packed up her books and headed for her room. Lunch would be servers shortly and she didn’t want to carry all her books to the hall. As she approach her room she heard giggling and laughter. Macee and Lorilee were enjoying themselves. Then the two girls came running out of the room, still giggling.

"Oh. Ava." Macee nearly bumped into her. "We’re going to lunch. You coming?"

"I just need to put these books away. You go on. I won’t be long." Ava stepped aside to let them pass.

"See you soon." Lorilee called out over her shoulder as they dashed off.

Ava turned and entered her room. Immediately she heard sobbing and to her surprise there was another girl in the room. She was sitting on the floor by the window.

"Hello. What’s the matter?" Ava asked as she placed her books on her bed.

"Oh. It’s nothing." The girl wiped her face with a handkerchief. "I’m Chereen." She said as she stood up.

"Hi. I’m Ava. Are you our new roommate?"

"Yes. Just arrived."

"Well, you have the bunk above me." Ava indicated. "Can I help you with your things?"

"Thanks. It’s okay, I don’t have much. Left home in a bit of a rush." Chereen bent down and picked up her nap sack.

"Where are you from?" Ava moved out of the way so Chereen could access the bunk.

"I’m from Luckora, a small village near Kaemoora."

"I’m from Tamplina."

"I know. The other girls told me you were a Princess from Tamplina."

"Here I’m just Ava, a student like everyone else." Ava then asked. "What else did they say?"

"Nothing. Really its nothing" Chereen didn’t want to talk anymore about what Lorilee and Macee had said. Ava got the hint and didn’t push it.

"Come on. Lunch is about to be served. I’ll show you the way." Ava indicated to the door for Chereen to lead the way. The two girls left the room and head for the hall.

When they arrived, the hall was less than half full. There was still a few days of winter left. Once the winter dark was over then the rest would arrive. Ava and Chereen sat at one of the tables which was empty. Immediately, Lorilee approached them and said. "Why don’t you come over and sit with us?" She indicated to a table where Macee was seated with a couple of other second year girls.

"No thanks. We are fine here." Ava responded.

"Oh." Was all Lorilee could say. After an awkward moment she left them and returned to her seat at the other table.

"You don’t have to sit with me." Chereen commented. "I don’t want to upset your friends."

"It’s no trouble. We will be seeing a lot of those two, being roommates and all. Its only lunch. They will get over it. Oh. I forgot to ask, what elemental powers do you command?"

"Just Earth. The test was a bit rushed. I don’t think I have any others. What about you?"

"Fire and Air. I was very nervous when they performed the test, so I’m not really sure about Fire."

"Two elements. That means you could become a Centurion, doesn’t it?"

"My father would be very disappointed if that happened. He doesn’t trust Centurions."

Ava changed the topic. "They have started serving the food. We need to go and get in the queue."

"What’s the food like?" Chereen asked as they got up from their table and headed for the end of the queue.

"Not bad. But then there hasn’t been a lot of students to cater for until recently. I image that once the school is full, things might be different." Ava laughed and Chereen smiled.

After lunch, Ava suggested they go to the library at least there they could have a quiet chat. The girls settled down and then Ava asked. “You mentioned that you left home in a bit of a rush. Was that after the test?”

Chereen hesitated and Ava got the impression she didn’t want to talk about it.

“It’s okay. If you don’t want to talk about it, I understand.” Ava opened one of the books that had been left on the table looking for something to change the topic.

“No, talking might help me process what has happened since it has all happened so quickly.” Chereen started to open up. “My mother died when I was young and I took over her role in the family, even though I had an older brother and younger sister, my father relied on me to do all the chores around the house, look after my sister and cook the meals. About a year ago, my father brought home a woman and she started living with us. She treated us badly and my father couldn’t see it. She didn’t lift a finger to help with chores, cooking or anything.”

“Sounds awful.” Ava tried to sound sympathetic.

“The worst part was that my father started to get abusive and was angry all the time. So when it came to my Elemental test, he didn’t want me to take it. But I did anyway.”

“What happened?”

“Once the result was confirmed by the Elemental, dad was very angry and tossed me out of our home.” Chereen started to sob and Ava put her arm around her shoulders to try and console her.

“I had nowhere to go. So I left and came straight to Daarook.”

“On your own?” Ava was surprised.

Chereen stopped sobbing and Ava removed her arm. “The Elemental that tested me was travelling to Sweetsprings. So, I joined his travelling party, but I came up from Sweetsprings on my own.”

“That was brave. You got no Elemental coaching?” Ava asked.

“No. The Elemental I travelled with wasn’t helpful and hardly spoke to me on the way.”

Ava was curious and asked. “You don’t feel dizzy at all? Not nauseous?”

“No. Why?”

“Well, my understanding is that for us novice Elementals, who haven’t mastered proper control of our minds, the Elemental power causes dizzy spells and if powerful Elementals are close by, like a Centurion, it can cause us to be very unwell.”

“I had no idea and feel fine. How did you cope?” Chereen responded.

“I travelled here with a couple of Centurions, but it wasn’t till I got closer to Daarook that it really started to affect me. One of them gave me a potion. You sip it every so often and it helps ease the dizziness. Now that I have been practising mind control I haven’t needed to take it anymore.” After a short pause, Ava went back to Chereen’s leaving home. “What about your sister and brother?”

“My brother will be fine. He is going into the local militia. I am worried for my sister though. I’m not sure how she is coping and I regret not being able to say a proper goodbye.”

The two girls fell silent for a while.

Chereen then spoke again. “Thanks for listening. I do feel better for talking about it. What about you? You said that your father would be very disappointed if you became a Centurion.”

"Well, it goes back a long way. My great, great, great grandfather was a cousin to the then Prince of Tamplina. It was during the Animoid Uprising. My ancestor was a great warrior and general and he fought in many battles. However, the thing that frustrated him was the reluctance of the Centurion Order to join the fight and help defeat the Animoid army. Many cities were destroyed and thousands of civilians killed. Finally, when the High Centurion did decide to help and let his Centurions fight. The war came to a quick and decisive end. The Prince of Tamplina was killed along with the High Prince of the East during those wars and my family and many others blame the Centurions for not acting earlier. Since that time my family have discouraged Centurions from establishing a position in Tamplina and my father is adamant he will not have any Centurion interfere of his realm."

"I see. So how come you are even here?" Chereen asked.

"I was escorted here by two Centurions to be tested, but my mother and father never thought I would be held here after the test."

"What, like some prisoner?" Chereen was shocked.

"Not exactly, but the High Centurion made it very clear he was not letting me leave, especially when I tested for two elements. My mother was here with me, but they sent her home, just before winter." Ava was trying hard to hold back tears.

Chereen tried to console her. "Well, it seems we both have something to be miserable about, but let’s put that behind us and make the most of our time here." She smiled at Ava who returned the smile.

Before they knew it, the afternoon had passed and it was time for the evening meal. So they packed away some of the books they had out and headed for the hall.

Behind Daarook

Cargan had guided Ambrose and Jaymar to what seemed to be a cave behind a waterfall. They were deep in the back and could only smell and hear the water falling. Ambrose said he would explore the cave and asked Jaymar to stay with Cargan. When Ambrose returned he confirmed it was the waterfall that formed the head waters of the Sweetsprings River. It was located on the east side of Daarook. He seemed puzzled on his return.

"The message I got was that the Head Master used a secret rock ledge and concealed entrance to access the tunnels. I don’t think we are at the right place." He confided in Jaymar. He turned to Cargan and asked. "Is there a junction or branch nearby that leads to a dead end?"

"Explain ‘dead end’?" Cargan maintained a blank look.

"The tunnel stopped at a wall." Ambrose tried his best to indicate with his hands, what he meant.

"I shall look. Come." Cargan headed back along the tunnel away from the cave. Soon they came across a junction and Cargan turned into the connecting tunnel. They only proceed what felt like a couple of metres before Cargan came to a halt.

"Dead end." He pointed ahead.

"Yes." Ambrose walked around Cargan and walked right up to the rock wall that blocked the tunnel. He called for fire and held a small fireball in his hand as he explored the rock face.

"What are you looking for?" Asked Jaymar.

"Some trigger mechanism that opens the entrance."

Cargan moved up next to Ambrose, looked closely at a particular part of the wall, and then placed his finger on a spot and the rock slid aside opening the entrance. Cold air rushed in to the tunnel from outside.

"How did you know where to touch?" Asked Ambrose.

"The surface is different." Cargan stepped back. Ambrose had another close look at the spot.

"Well. How about that? Once you see it it’s obvious. Look Jaymar." Ambrose indicated to Jaymar for him to have a look for himself. Jaymar ran his hand over it and looked closer.

"Sorry, but it all looks and feels the same to me."

Ambrose pressed the spot again and the rock door slid back into place closing the entrance.

"Ambrose. What do we do now? You said you wanted to block the tunnel." Jaymar commented.

"Yes. I want to stop whoever it is that is using this tunnel to get to the Animoid army deep in the mountains."

Cargan interrupted. "I can bring down the ceiling and fill this place with rock."

"That is what I had in mind. But the noise and dust created by the rock fall may alert those on the outside. I’m not sure yet. Let’s move back to the junction and I will think about it." The others followed as Ambrose walked back along the tunnel.

The Head Master had left his office with Elbert not far behind. He went down to the ground floor and exited the building at the back. He walked along a narrow path between the back of building C and the rock wall. The path stopped at a sheer drop where there was a small gap between the wall that surrounds the High School and the mountain face. On the mountain face, was a thin ledge that lead away from the school. The Head Master stepped confidently on to the ledge and proceeded on his way. Elbert flew out through the gap. The Head Master didn’t have to go far before the ledge came to a break in the mountain face and he turned into a narrow passage way. Elbert landed just behind him and followed, hopping as he went. There was a turn in the path before finally the Head Master stood in front of a dead end.

He hesitated. "Elbert, I think I can feel another Elemental and it’s not you."

Suddenly Ambrose was on edge. "Quick an Elemental is on the other side of that rock." He pointed down the tunnel towards the dead end. "Jaymar cloak your powers. Cargan bring down the ceiling." He surged the Ancient one.

Cargan took two steps into the tunnel and then reached up and grabbed part of the ceiling. His fingers bit into the rock and then he pulled down. A couple of large pieces of rock fell to the floor.

The Head Master reached out and pressed the part of the rock that opened the door. He was greeted by a loud crashing noise and a cloud of dust. He roared with anger. Produced two fireballs and threw them into the tunnel. He stepped into the tunnel peering into the dust.

Ambrose saw the fireballs coming through the dust cloud. One hit a rock in front of Cargan and the other glance of the wall past Cargan and hit the wall of the connecting tunnel near Jaymar. Jaymar screamed as he dodged out of the way. Ambrose responded with two of his own fireballs. Throwing them past Cargan as the Ancient continued to pull more rocks down. The noise was defending, but Tahmore heard the boyish scream. He pushed on but had to take quick action to evade the two fireballs that came out of the dust. He couldn’t see anything and pulled his mask off, choking in the dust.

"Tell me who you are? I will kill you?" He yelled in a rage. He voice was drowned out by the noise. Cargan stepped back as he lifted a large rock in place to finally seal the tunnel. Ambrose and Jaymar were both coughing in the dark. Ambrose created another fireball and looked around for Jaymar. "Are you okay?" He called out.

Jaymar saw the fireball and stepped towards Ambrose. "I’m fine. Just finding hard to breathe."

"Yes. Let’s go." Ambrose looked at Cargan and indicated for him to lead the way.

Tahmore was forced back to the tunnel entrance. Back out into the fresh air. He was very angry. Elbert was sitting on the ground just outside the entrance.

"There was an Ancient in there. It pulled down the ceiling. Also, a fire Elemental. I think I heard a scream from a boy or girl. How did they know which tunnel lead to this entrance? I will not rest until I find out who did this." Tahmore looked back one more time at the tunnel entrance. He pressed the lever that closed the entrance. It slowly closed grating due to the amount of rumble on the floor.

"How will you communicate with your generals now?" Elbert asked.

"You will be doing a lot of flying." The Head Master stormed off, placing his mask back over his face.

"Cargan, can we stop in the other tunnel behind the waterfall. We could both do with a drink of water to clear our throats." Ambrose was coughing as he spoke. Cargan lead them back to the cave. Ambrose took Jaymar out into the cave to where there was running water. They both drank eagerly. Ambrose sat back on a rock and said. "It’s lucky we found this cave and that the tunnels come to this place. It means I have a way of getting directly to Daarook. This could be very advantageous in the future."

"Who was it on the other side of the rocks?" Jaymar asked.

"I would have a guess, and say it was Tahmore. Bad timing for him to be coming down the tunnel. But there is no way now, he doesn’t know his line of communications has been blocked. Come on. I had better be getting you home. Grimhilda will waiting anxiously." Ambrose dreaded that last thought.

They walked back to the tunnel and found Cargan sitting with his back against the wall. He stood up as they approached.

"Thank you Cargan. I have achieved what I set out to do. Please take us back." The ancient just nodded and walked off down the tunnel. Jaymar and Ambrose looked at each other and started to jog after him.

They hadn’t gone far when Cargan stopped at a junction with another tunnel. He was looking closely at the wall. He made a low rumbling noise that echoed through the tunnels. "The Dark one has made these marks." He pointed at a series of scratches on the wall. Ambrose stepped closer and ran his hand over them.

"He must have made marks on the wall to guide his way. That’s interesting, he really doesn’t know how to navigate the maze. He was just following us and leaving a trail behind him."

Cargan rumbled again and the set off. Along the way Cargan stopped at every mark he found and showed Ambrose. Ambrose could sense he was getting angrier the further they went. Finally, they reached the back of the cave dwelling. Ambrose was unsure what Cargan was going to do. The hole was not big enough for Cargan to fit through. Cargan was about to enlarge the hole when Ambrose stopped him. "Cargan. You are too big to search in all the caves. You would have to break most of the walls to move around. Can I suggest, that I go and find the Dark one and bring him to you."

Cargan looked at Ambrose and then at Jaymar. "Can the little human stay with me?"

"That would be safer. Yes. Jaymar will stay with you." Ambrose nodded to Jaymar and then left them, passing through the hole and out into the cave dwelling.

Ambrose had already searched most of the caves, so he knew that the Dark one must be in the deepest part of the cave system. He first walked to the outside entrance and looked out. It was late in the day. A very week sun was low on the horizon and shrouded in clouds. This led him to believe that the Dark one would be still hiding in the cave system. He re-entered the caves and headed for the deepest chamber. He created a fireball to light his way.

Demarco had returned the way he had come, following his marks as he travelled the tunnels. He was now back with his small group. He had told them about his journey through the tunnels and that he may have been discovered. They were in deep discussions as to what to do, when Demarco told them to be quiet. They all heard it. Steps coming their way. Then they saw the glow.

"Move to the back wall and close your eyes." Demarco ordered the others. He stepped to the side of the entrance and drew out his short sword.

Ambrose heard a faint noise and stopped just outside one of the last cave entrances. He let the fireball grow larger to produce more light.

"I know you are in there. My name is Ambrose and I mean you no harm." He waited for an answer.

"Leave and you will not be harmed." It was a low rasping voice that replied.

"You know about the Ancient. He will come and harm you if you do not present yourself to him. You have violated his network of tunnels." Ambrose countered.

Ishant couldn’t contain himself. "It is Ambrose, the Day Walker I spoke of."

Demarco hissed and spat at him.

Ambrose heard the exchange. "Ishant. Is that you? Tell the others that I am a friend."

"Day Walkers are not friends of our kind. Leave us." Demarco persisted.

"You have a necklace of wolf teeth that belonged to a friend of mine. It is dear to me and I would like it returned." Ambrose was taking a gamble.

"You lie. An Ancient disposed of it."

Ambrose was puzzled. "Then how do you come to have it?"

Demarco waited, he was getting impatient with this conversation. "Leave us."

"You don’t know what you are dealing with. The necklace will torment you as it did the Ancient One." Ambrose suddenly felt a presence behind him and turned quickly lighting up the tunnel. Fineen stopped and raised a finger to her limps in a gesture for Ambrose to be quiet. He nodded his head in acknowledgement and she walked the last few steps to join him.

Ambrose decided on a different approach with the Dark One. "I know you fled the Well to escape from your leader. There is no going back. This is a very barren land and you will need help to survive."

"What do you care? Day Walkers despise us. You would trick us and then kill us." Demarco finally replied.

"I didn’t harm Ishant when I caught him. I have no reason to harm you. However, I cannot say what the Ancient one, will do if you don’t come forward and appease him."

Demarco finally saw the futility of arguing. "Withdraw from the tunnel and I will come forward."

"I will move back to the entrance, to the cave where the Ancient one is waiting, no further." Ambrose turned and motioned to Fineen to follow him. They walked quickly back through the series of tunnels until they came to the cave where Cargan and Jaymar were waiting.

"Go outside and wait. I don’t want to scare the Dark One." Whispered Ambrose. Fineen agreed and quickly left. Ambrose entered the cave and spoke to Cargan. "The Dark One is coming. I will wait just outside. Jaymar keep back behind Cargan." Ambrose left and took up a position just past the entrance to the cave. A fireball still burning in his hand as he waited.

He first saw the two red eyes, then as Demarco came closer he started to see his dark outline. Demarco stopped at the entrance to the cave and stared at Ambrose for a moment. Without saying a word he signalled for Ambrose to enter. Ambrose edged his way into the cave keeping a watch on Demarco. His fireball now lit up the cave. Cargan was standing in the centre. Demarco finally entered the cave, but stood just inside the entrance.

"You have navigated the maze without permission. Why?" Cargan’s booming voice echoed around the chamber.

Demarco looked at both Ambrose and the Ancient before answering. "We are exiled from our home. Ambrose had offered us assistance if we needed it. I saw him enter the tunnels and was curious. So I followed." Ambrose realised that Demarco had come up with a clever answer. He waited to see how Cargan would react.

"You have no other reason?" Cargan questioned him.

"None."

"Ambrose, did you offer assistance?" Cargan had turned slightly toward Ambrose.

"Yes. I found out that Demarco and his small family group were in danger and offered them help if they needed it." What he said was true and Cargan would have no reason to doubt him.

"Don’t enter the maze again unless I allow it." Cargan paused then added. "Show me the necklace."

Demarco was caught off guard. He hesitated for a moment, then reached into a pouch on his belt and produced the necklace. Ambrose could hardly contain himself, but he did, as he was unsure what Cargan would do. He didn’t want to lose the necklace now that it was within reach.

Cargan spat at the floor. "The old father wore this for a long time, but it tormented him. It has magic surrounding it, but I know what it is. It is an ancient stone, one of four taken from the Well. Ambrose also has one." Once again Cargan turned slightly to Ambrose and asked. "Why does it not torment you?"

Ambrose was totally unprepared and surprised by Cargan’s insight. Why had he not confronted him before? Perhaps, Ambrose now understood the reason why, Cargan had grabbed him on their first meeting. Was it because of the gem stone? He cleared his mind and answered.

"I am strong and my stone is dormant. The necklace lost its owner a long time ago. Perhaps it is looking for a new one." Cargan let out a low rumble. "I will not take it. The Dark One cannot keep it either. It will destroy him. A new owner must be found."

Ambrose interrupted. "I can hold it until a new owner is found. I have a feeling it will chose one soon."

But Demarco had other ideas and places the necklace back in his pouch. "I will keep it as my protection." Cargan growled and started to move towards Demarco, but Ambrose interrupted. "Stop. Please Cargan. Maybe there is another way to settle this. I need time to think."

Cargan seemed to agree. "You have one moon cycle. Meet me here." He then turned and walked back through the hole and disappeared into the maze. Jaymar stood still as Demarco stared at him for the first time. An eerie silence came over the group. Jaymar was holding his breath for what seemed like a long time. He slowly began to breathe again and looked at Ambrose for some sort of sign. He was shaking and felt very uncomfortable under the prolonged gaze of Demarco. Ambrose was about to speak when Demarco broke the impasse.

"I sense something in the little Day Walker. He has an earth bond." He turned to Ambrose. "In one moon cycle we will meet again." He walked out of the cave and disappeared into the dark.

Jaymar was still shaking as Ambrose quickly moved across the cave. He took Jaymar by the shoulders. "Are you alright?"

"That was scary. What did he mean when he said I have an earth bond?"

"I think he just sensed your Elemental powers. I am not sure. Let’s get out of here. Fineen is waiting outside."

“Ambrose. Cargan said that you have a gem stone. Where is it?”

“Keep that to yourself. I will try and explain later.” Ambrose helped support Jaymar as they headed towards the cave entrance and through the tunnels to the exit. When they made it outside, Jaymar took a deep breath and started to feel better. All of a sudden he was in his father’s arms and he fell into his father’s warm embrace.

Fineen, Udolf and Raum had been searching the coast line when Jalen found them. They were relieved to hear Jaymar had been found and was okay. Immediately they headed to the cave dwellings. They reached the caves as the last light faded. Raum wanted to rush into the caves, but Fineen cautioned against it. They didn’t know what to expect. She volunteered to go and search around inside first as her eyes would be able to see in the dark. Raum reluctantly agreed, so he waited outside with Udolf and Jalen.

Fineen had only gone a short distance inside when she saw the glow from Ambrose’s fire. She followed the light source and finally found Ambrose in the deepest part of the cave network. He was talking to someone. Fineen crept up behind him as quietly as she could. She was nearly within touching distance when he turned. She immediately signalled him to be silent and not let the person he was talking to know she was there. When she returned to the others outside, she told them they needed to wait. Ambrose was dealing with a Dark One. Udolf had to restrain Raum from racing into the caves. Udolf held him in a vice like grip until finally Ambrose and Jaymar appeared. Raum rushed forward and embraced his son. He was over joyed to see him alive.

The others waited in silence as father and son held each other. Finally they drew apart. Raum immediately confronted Ambrose. He grabbed Ambrose’s coat by the lapels and pulled him close. The two men were face to face, only millimetres apart. "You put him in danger. I should smash you." He was so angry. Udolf growled and bared his teeth. Ambrose raised his hand to calm Udolf. "It’s okay. Raum has every right to be angry."

The tension slowly subsided and Raum let Ambrose go. It was Jaymar that spoke next. "Dad. Please, it’s not Ambrose’s fault. He had nothing to do with my getting caught up in the clouds. When Jalen found me, I was the one that wanted to come to the caves, once I knew we were so close. It was the Ancient One that told Ambrose I had to go with them. Please don’t be angry with Ambrose. We’re alive and safe." He took his father’s hand. Raum looked down at his son and smiled. "I suppose your right, but I cannot begin to imagine what your mother and I would do if we lost you."

Ambrose interrupted. "Raum, I am sorry that Jaymar got caught up in these events. It was not intended. However, you must accept, that as Jaymar develops his skills, he will be confronted by many things. My friends and I will do whatever we can to protect him, as I’m sure you will, but we are entering a dangerous period full of uncertainty."

"Ambrose, I am sorry I lost it. I know you wouldn’t intentionally put Jaymar in harms way. It’s just I’m not convinced about all this ‘Keeper’ stuff and your anti Centurion sentiment."

Udolf interrupted. "We could talk about this all night. I would prefer to have something to eat rather than stand around listening to you two rabbit on."

"Sure. It’s too late to head for Pukavan. Let’s camp here overnight." Ambrose agreed.

They setup camp and cooked a light meal. Later, as they sat resting around the camp fire, Ambrose recounted what happened inside the tunnels. As he summarised their journey, through the maze with Cargan and their encounter with the Dark One, the others asked questions until they were all satisfied that they had the full story. Ambrose didn’t mention that Cargan know he holds a gem.

"The two main things to come out of this, are; the tunnel behind Daarook is now blocked and the necklace of Walto’s teeth has been found."

Fineen asked. "So, the necklace truly does contain one of the hidden gems?"

"Yes. The thing that puzzles me is why it tormented the Ancient One and he thought he had to finally get rid of it. Plus, Cargan is convinced that it will do the same to the Dark One."

Raum asked. "How are you going to get it off the Dark One?"

"I will have to offer him a trade."

Udolf growled before stating. "What do you have that a Dark One would want?"

"Well, I have a moon cycle to come up with something."

Fineen changed topic. "Any idea who the Elemental was in the tunnel at Daarook?"

"What I sensed was a powerful Elemental, that is for sure. I will send a message to my spies in Daarook, confirming the tunnel is blocked. I will urge them to keep an eye out for anyone who changes their behaviour as a result. Plus, see if they can intercept any messages meant for the Animoid army."

On the coast near Lockmort

Pryborg was making good progress and had made camp on the coast for the night. He knew he was getting closer to Lockmort, so he didn’t made a fire. He was eating some cold rations when he was surprised by four Lizard soldiers. They were on foot and came out of the dark with weapons drawn. Pryborg stayed still.

"What are you doing here Centurion?" Asked one of the Lizard soldiers.

"I am an emissary of the High Centurion and I am travelling to Pukavan. I have business with Princess Sienna."

"You are travelling alone?"

"Yes, but I think you already know that."

"This is Lizard territory and you are not welcome here."

"I understood that your leader was negotiating a treat with your neighbours."

"That doesn’t change anything. You are still not welcome. You will have to come with us to Lockmort. They can make a decision on what to do with you."

Pryborg stood up. "I would rather continue on my way and Lockmort is out of my way."

The Lizard soldier interrupted. "You have no choice or you die here."

Pryborg considered his limited options. "Well, if you insist. The sooner we go the better."

Pryborg quickly packed up his things, checked his saddle and was ready. One of the Lizard soldiers indicated for him to follow. They walked a short distance, then came upon the Lizard soldiers beasts that had been left while they snuck up on Pryborg. The Lizardmen mounted their beast and the group all set off for Lockmort.

The Cave Dwelling

The next morning Ambrose and his friends woke to a rising sun and thinning clouds. The Dark Winter was over. Jalen stretched his wings. "This will make flying easier. Aark. Jaymar, will you be flying your kite?"

Jaymar sat up from his bed, rubbed his eyes and looked at Ambrose. "Can I fly home?"

Raum was already packing his things. "Not sure if that’s a good idea son. You have been in enough trouble already. Don’t forget your mother will be anxious and still pretty worried. If you turn up without us. Well let’s just say it will be better if we all face her wrath together." He smiled at Jaymar and Ambrose just shrugged his shoulders in agreement.

Once they were all packed. It was decided that Udolf and Raum should carry the kite. Fineen and Jalen would scout ahead. If all went well, it would take them about two days to get back to Pukavan.

Tamplina

The Dark Winter was over and Prince Melville ordered that it was time for him and his wife to go. All the preparations had been in order for several days. After a light breakfast the travelling party assembled at one of the palace gates. Prince Theodor, Elemental Seaghan and Captain Liam were there with many others to bid them farewell.

Seaghan approached Prince Melville once he was mounted on his horse. "Your Highness, since you are not taking any Elementals with you, I suggest you engage the services of Elemental Dianna once you reach Conaldra. She is a colleague of mine and is only temporarily assigned to Conaldra. I recommend her and believe she would serve you well."

"Thank you. Seaghan. We will look her up." Melville turned to his son. "Theodor, you are well prepared and I have every confidence in you. Remember to keep messages to a minimum. Good luck." He reach down and shook his son’s hand. Princess Isabella approached her son and they embraced. She kissed him on the cheek. "You will do us proud."

"By the Elements. Bring Ava home." He smiled as they drew apart. Theodor then helped his mother mount her horse. Everyone was ready, so Melville ordered the gates be opened and then he led the way. Theodor watched until the last rider was through the gate, then he order them be closed. He turned to Seaghan. "Come on. We have work to do." Together they marched back into the palace.

Daarook

The Head Master had been very angry since the blocking of the tunnel. With the dawning of the first day of spring he had a lot on his mind. He was sitting at his desk working on some paperwork for the start of the new school year.

"You are in my mind." He said as Elbert cocked his head to one side.

"I’m only searching for your next command. Is it not time to start the attacks in the East?"

Tahmore looked up from the paper he had been reading. "Very well. Yes. You can go and carry my messages to Centurions Santina & Santos and then onto General Loktah. So, there is no mistake, I have written them down." He picked up three scrolls that had been lying to one side. The vulture hopped off his perch and hopped over to the Head Master. He opened a large window and Elbert hopped onto the ledge. Then the Head Master gave the vulture the scrolls which he grasped in his large talons. Elbert didn’t hesitate and took off into the clear morning sky.

Earlier Tahmore had requested that Centurion Graguut come to his office. Graguut knocked on the Head Masters door and Tahmore called him in.

“Come in. I have need of your assistance.”

“As you know, Head Master, I am always ready to server.” Graguut eased his huge frame into a chair.

“I have some work for an Earth Elemental and was wondering if you could suggest one of your Centurions. It requires the person to be discreet.”

“May I ask what is required?”

“I need someone to shift some dirt for me.” The Head Master was deliberately vague.

“That should not be a problem. But a Centurion, Head Master?” Graguut was puzzled.

“As I said, discretion is required in this matter.” Tahmore paused and looked into Graguut’s mind. “You’re thinking of Centurion Zico?”

Graguut shifted uncomfortably in his chair and he tried to resist the Head Masters probe.

“Centurion Zico is showing signs of potential and would suit your needs.”

“Good. Have him report to me today.”

“As you wish Head Master. Is there anything else?”

“No. You may go.” The Head Master was dismissive. Graguut slowly got up out of the chair gave Tahmore a bow of the head and left.