Ruler of the Skies

Mountains behind Aerie

Jaymar had a restless night, thinking about everything that had happened. Solana stayed with him all night. As dawn was breaking outside he raised his head, Solana spoke to him. “I will leave you now, as I must go and prepare. You can relax a while longer until you are summoned.”

Jaymar just nodded his understanding. Solana left him to dose. Lord Aaron and Lord Argo were standing at the entrance when Solana appeared. They gave her a greeting chirp. Solana noticed Aria approaching with another Apex Eagle.

“Daughter, did Lord Jaymar get any rest?” Aria asked once she had joined them.

“Not much. He has a lot on his mind.”

“Lord Aaron and Lord Argo you may go and prepare. We will watch over the boy until it is time.” Aria suggested as she and the other Eagle took up their positions guarding the entrance. The two Lords and Solana peeped and then they left.

Jaymar sat up unable to sleep. He felt the feathers on the vest as he looked around the cave. Feeling weary he touched the wall to draw on the Earth Element and return his strength. It all seemed so easy and he was quickly revitalised.

Aerie

Ambrose was up early. He also had had a restless night. Could he trust the Apex Eagles and Solana. His mind also turned to the Gap. ’What should I do?’ Udolf had been standing guard all night and now came an sat next to Ambrose.

“Do we fight?” He had a slight grin on his face.

“We might make a difference, but what about Jaymar?” Ambrose was conflicted.

Fineen approached. “I get a good feeling about Solana. Besides didn’t Wanda think she was okay.”

“Well, they did meet but I’m not sure Wanda would have gauged what level of trust she would give her from their short meeting.”

Fineen added. “The Apex Eagles seem to know of your cause. Are they Mediums?”

“Apparently Solana is, but the others I don’t know. They are an ancient race and I know little about them.”

Commander Roxy entered the room. “Good morning. Prince Levan wishes for you to join him for breakfast.” She signalled for the group to follow her. Fineen went and woke both Jalen and Rafeeq. “Time for breakfast.”

“Eeek. Great, I’m hungry.” Rafeeq jumped up. Once Jalen had roused himself and ruffled his feathers the group was ready. Roxy led them to the balcony overlooking the city below.

Prince Levan and Princess Pipa were already seated with Elemental Loretta.

“Good Morning. Come and join us.” Levan signalled some attendants to bring out food for his guests. Once they were all seated including Jalen, he spoke to Ambrose.

“Master Ambrose, your secret is safe with me and my loyal subjects.” He shot a quick glance in Loretta’s direction. “Lord Jaymar’s appearance is a good omen for Aerie. What have you decided to do?”

“Your Highness Prince Levan, do you know Solana well?” He was still a little wary of Levan.

“We meet regularly. She maintains a keen interest in our affairs and keeps a constant watch over the surrounding territory. She is a trusted ally.” Ambrose felt that Levan was genuine in his response.

“The bonding of Jaymar with the vest has certainly changed my thoughts about the future. I am torn between remaining here, waiting for his return or leaving.”

Levan interrupted. “Leaving for where? The Gap?”

“That seems to be the option presenting itself to me at the moment.” Ambrose paused and glanced towards Commander Roxy. “Your Highness, would you consider sending a contingent of troops to aid in the defence?”

Levan also flashed a glance at Roxy. “My Commander has suggested it. I am not convinced as yet.”

“What would be required to convince you?” Ambrose asked.

“Your involvement. I would also then send Elemental Loretta as I think her Fire skills would help.” Levan smiled at Loretta.

Loretta responded. “Thank you, Your Highness. Master Ambrose, I am at your service.” She was trying hard to conceal her excitement.

Ambrose bowed his head slightly to acknowledge her support. “It seems the decision has been made. How quickly can you assemble your forces?” He directed his question to Commander Roxy.

“Master Ambrose, I can have my troops ready by this afternoon. If His Highness will allow, I would like to lead the contingent.”

“I agree, Commander. Go and prepare your troops.” Roxy bowed to her Prince and left.

Ambrose then asked. “The Gap is still likely to fall. When that happens, may we return here to Aerie with your troops?”

“You are most welcome. Now I must attend to other matters. Feel free to finish your breakfast.” Levan and Princess Pipa stood and left Ambrose and his friends with Elemental Loretta.

“This will be dangerous. Have you fought in any battles before?” Fineen asked Loretta.

“I have been trained in how to fight. I can hold my own.” She appeared defensive at the question.

Ambrose stood and asked. “Elemental, can you show us to your armoury? We could do with some more weapons.”

“Yes, follow me.” Loretta led the way.

Calzar’s Cave

The search parties had returned with nothing. Calzar was angry as ever. He knew, he now had to commit to attacking Bundamook. He met Centurion Santos at the entrance to the cave.

“Are your warriors ready?” Santos asked.

“Start your work.” Calzar snarled.

“We will be in place within the hour. Wait for the storm to fully form.” Santos turned and marched away, not waiting for a reply. Calzar told his lieutenants to ready their forces.

Mountains behind Aerie

Aria entered the cave and called to Jaymar. “Lord Jaymar we are ready to begin the ceremony. Please follow me.”

Jaymar was thinking what the ceremony would be like as he followed the Apex Eagle out of the cave. He could hear a buzzing noise of screeching, squawking and peeping. To his surprise, the amphitheatre was full, not only of Apex Eagles but with many other types of eagle. The noise level lifted as he appeared. Aria led Jaymar through the crowd to the other side of the amphitheatre, where Lord Aaron and Lord Argo stood behind a stone altar. The two Lord’s wore elaborate helms on their heads. They perfectly fitted their heads with a beak, ear holes and a crest of feathers on top. The helms appeared to be made of gold and they gleamed in the early sunlight. Aria signalled for Jaymar to stand in front of the altar opposite the Lords. She then walked to the side and stood next to Solana.

Jaymar looked at the objects laid out on the altar. There was a bowl which contained a clear liquid. A small sword sheathed in an ornate scabbard was laying next to it and there was what seemed to be a thin gold metal band.

Lord Aaron raise one of his wings to signal for quiet. The assembled eagles fell silent.

“Our ancestors foretold of a day when a new wearer of the vest would come. The race of Apex Eagles and all that surrounds us would prosper from this coming. Lord Jaymar has come amongst us.” A deafening cheer echoed around the amphitheatre. Lord Aaron waited for the noise to subside before continuing.

“Lord Jaymar is a powerful Elemental and will one day reach his full potential. We vow to protect him as one of our own. His coming will see a return to a balance in nature.” Once again there was a roar from the crowd. Lord Aaron raise one of his wings again.

“Lord Jaymar, bring forth your wings.” Lord Argo commanded.

There was a hush as everyone waited. Jaymar felt the pressure on his shoulders but calmed himself and started his mind control routine. He looked within and found his inner glow easily, then he looked deeper and found the other brighter glow. Immediately the wings appeared out of the vest. He ruffled and stretched them as the crowd cheered.

Lord Aaron walked around the altar and picked up the small sword. He then presented it to Jaymar. “This is no ordinary sword. Use it wisely.” He handed it to Jaymar, who fixed it to his belt before drawing the sword to examine the blade. It gleamed in the sun and he felt a tingling in his arm. There was an ancient inscription on the blade.

“Lord Aaron, what does it say?” He asked.

“The script is too old even for us to understand. I am sorry I cannot tell you.” Lord Aaron then dipped one of his finger feathers into the bowl of liquid and ran it across Jaymar’s forehead.

“I anoint you Lord Jaymar, lord of the Apex Eagles. By the Elements. May there always be wind under your wings.” He bowed to Jaymar. Jaymar bowed his head in return.

Then Lord Argo walked around the altar and picked up the gold band. He placed it on Jaymar’s head. “I also anoint you Lord Jaymar. This headband will enhance your mind communication. By the Elements. May there always be wind under your wings.”

Jaymar felt a surge of power in his mind and felt weak at the knees, almost stumbling. Lord Argo reached out and offered him support. Jaymar steadied himself and stood up straight. His mind was all of a sudden full of voices. Many of the surrounding eagles were trying to talk to him. Lord Argo raise one of his wings and addressed the crowd. “Do not all talk at once. It will take Lord Jaymar some time to become familiar with his new power.” The voices started to fade away.

Lord Aaron spoke again. “Lord Jaymar, we welcome you into our family. You are our equal and we will respect your wishes. You are free to come and go. We will not hold you here. However, we ask that you return here twice a year on the days of the equinox. Also, that an Apex Eagle accompanies you wherever you go.”

Jaymar looked around at all the eagles watching him. “By the Elements. I accept.”

The crowd erupted in joyous whistles, squawks and peeps.

South of Bundamook

Centurion Santos and his Elementals were in place and had started their work. They started by drawing moisture from the ocean across the Gap and cold air down from the mountains. Clouds started to rapidly form.

Prince Tolgarn and General Loktah were in their positions and their army was formed up ready to advance. As the clouds started to form overhead, Tolgarn gave the order for the advance. He was not committing all his forces but knew he had to make a showing for Calzar.

The morning sun was soon blocked out, and a shadow fell over Bundamook and the Gap. Captain Diego surveyed his troops as many looked to the sky. He issued his orders to prepare for the attack.

Calzar watched from the entrance of the cave. Once the cloud cover seemed adequate he gave the order to fly. His Dark Ones quickly formed up into their battle formations and began heading for Bundamook. Calzar was watching the movements on the ground carefully. He wanted to make sure Tolgarn kept his word.

Defenders on the walls of Bundamook were the first to notice the wave of Dark Ones heading towards the city. The alarm was sounded all along the walls. However, the attack came from the ground first. A barrage of arrows came from the advancing troops. The defenders returned fire.

Prince Tolgarn saw the Dark Ones approaching and smiled. “Tonight, we will be in Bundamook.” He yelled out to his surrounding troops. They responded with cheers as they saw the Dark Ones begin their attack.

Lava pots rained down on the city and spot fires sprang up everywhere. But the defenders were equal to the task and in most cases had the fires quickly under control. The Dark Ones were met with a wave of arrows, but they tended to stay up high enough to avoid them in the beginning. Then Calzar sounded his horn and his Dark Ones responded. Many flew down and attempted to land on the walls. Hand to hand combat ensued.

Tolgarn was satisfied that Calzar had kept to his word. So, he ordered a full attack, not only on Bundamook but the Gap as well. General Loktah ordered his Animoids to attack. Wave upon wave of Animoids threw themselves against the bulwarks. Captain Diego’s forces responded with deadly firepower. The Elementals in his army used their Elements were they could to support the defenders.

Aerie

Ambrose and his group were ready to depart. They said farewell to the royal couple and assembled at the Maze entrance. Elemental Loretta was with them. Commander Roxy arrived with a platoon numbering forty troops. They consisted of ten Aerie Eagles and thirty militiamen mostly archers.

Ambrose entered the Maze and found Cargan sitting quietly against the wall.

“You return. Is the boy human with you?” Cargan asked.

“No, Jaymar has joined the Apex Eagles for now. However, I do believe he will return.” Ambrose tried to gauge Cargan’s response. “Cargan will you please lead us again back to the entrance above Pinemarsh?”

“Yes. I will then return here and wait for Jaymar.” He pulled his huge frame-up off the floor.

“Cargan, there is a platoon of Aerie troops coming with us.” Ambrose hoped Cargan wouldn’t mind. The Ancient just shrugged his shoulders. “They must keep to my path.” He warned.

“Agreed.” Ambrose quickly exited the Maze and signalled for everyone to follow him. As they began to enter the Maze, Cargan turned and headed along the tunnel.

Ambrose called out over his shoulder. “You will have to move quickly to keep up and whatever you do, don’t turn off the path the Cargan takes.”

Sweetsprings

Reports were flowing in about the attack on the Gap. Prince Anastas and the others were in his command tent.

“Your Highness Prince Anastas, Bundamook and the Gap are holding.” A messenger passed on the latest from Captain Diego.

“What of the thunderstorm?” Asked Prince Melville.

“It’s as dark as ever and holding.” Came the reply. Anastas signalled that the messenger could leave.

“The Dark Terror will be able to continue into the night if the thunderstorm holds. Can we send some scouts to ferret out these Elementals?” Melville was frustrated.

“It’s probably too late now.” Anastas conceded.

“It’s never too late. What about tomorrow?” Melville countered.

“Okay.” Anastas turned to one of his lieutenants. “Take a squad of your best archers and head up into the hills behind Bundamook. Surely the Elementals must be close to the city.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The lieutenant bowed and left the tent.

At that very moment, Centurion Santina and Centurion Riley entered the tent. Riley was an Air and Earth Elemental. Santina quickly glanced around the tent before bowing to Anastas. “Your Highness, High Prince Anastas. We have been sent by the High Centurion to assist. We are at your service.”

“Your Eminence. Welcome.” Anastas came straight to the point. “Are you offering your Elemental powers?”

“Your Highness. I am here as an advisor. The High Centurion has not given me leave to join the fight.” She half-smiled.

“Well Centurion, I think you and your colleague can leave us. I already have all the advisors I need. Go and report back to the High Centurion. I would be more than happy to accept Centurion assistance to fight against our enemies.” Anastas waved his hand dismissing the Centurions.

Santina was furious. “Very well. Your Highness.” She didn’t bow, just turned and stormed out of the tent, quickly followed by Riley.

“The Centurion Order will not lift a finger to help us.” Observed Melville.

“We shall see.” Anastas replied.

Prince Pelliman decided to change the topic. “What will you do when the Gap is breached?”

Anastas turned his attention back to the Gap. “I will fall back to Conaldra, but I will send reinforcements to defend the river.”

Melville commented. “It’s a long way from Daarook to the sea.”

“We will counter them wherever they try to cross.” Anastas replied bluntly.

Mountains behind Aerie

Jaymar had returned to his cave. He was exhausted. The band on his head and all the voices had given him a headache. Solana was with him and offered him a cup of water.

“Here drink. Remember you can restore your strength through your Earth powers.” She commented.

“Yes. Thank you.” Jaymar downed the cup and then walked over to the wall and place both his hand on the wall. The energy flowed easily, and he felt refreshed. He returned to the bed, sat down and asked Solana. “How far will I be able to mind communicate, now I wear the headband?”

“I don’t know. Try it. Do you know a Medium that is some distance from here?” She asked.

“I do, but he is such a long way away.” Jaymar was thinking of Dallas in Kyeamba.

“Find your deeper inner glow and concentrate on your friend.” Solana suggested.

Jaymar started his mind control routine and found the deeper glow. With his mind, he called to his old teacher. “Dallas. It is Jaymar. Can you hear me.”

Jaymar sat up in surprise as Dallas responded clearly in his mind.

“Jaymar, where are you?” Dallas sounded surprised.

“He answered me.” Jaymar excitedly told Solana.

“I’m in the mountains behind Aerie with the Apex Eagles. Have you heard of them?” Jaymar replied to Dallas.

“Only in folklore. How are you communicating over such a distance?”

“They have given me a headband that increases my Elemental powers.”

“That is amazing. Use it wisely. Is Ambrose with you? I have important news.” Dallas changed the topic.

“No. He is in Aerie. What is the news? I can take it to him.”

“I found a chronicle hidden between some others, which outlines a journey that Dahlmor took just after his father died. He went deep into the mountains in the South via Volkmire. He took a small escort and one of them wrote down the details of the journey. Tell Ambrose, they found a large sheltered valley which Dahlmor showed a lot of interest in. Plus, they visited the Well of Darkness.”

“Is that all?” Asked Jaymar.

“Yes, but I think Ambrose will find the news very interesting.”

“Dallas, do you know if Runeako, my horse, made it back to the Stag Inn?” Jaymar asked one last question.

“Yes, I believe the Innkeeper has him.” Dallas confirmed.

“Thank you. I will go now. Bye.” Jaymar concluded the conversation.

Suddenly there was another voice. “Who are you? You dare speak my name.”

“By the Elements. Be careful.” Dallas immediately faded from Jaymar’s mind.

Jaymar tried to block the other voice and quickly removed the band from his head.

“What is it?” Solana was concerned.

“I think my conversation with my friend was overheard.” Jaymar was visibly shaken.

“By whom?”

“I don’t know, but they sounded evil.” Jaymar was looking at the band in his hands.

“You seemed to have mastered mind communication already.” Commented Solana.

“It’s amazing to think that I can now talk to other Mediums so far away.” Jaymar was apprehensive. “But it seems that other Mediums can listen in.”

They both heard a flutter of wings and turned to see the sentinel, Ella enter the cave. She approached them and whistled a greeting. “Chieftain, I have news. The attack on the Gap has started. A large thunderstorm has developed over the land. The Dark devils are using the cloud cover to attack during the day.”

“Thank you, Ella. Ambrose had suggested this would happen.” Solana thought.

“I must return to Ambrose.” Jaymar interrupted them using his mind.

“As you wish. I will accompany you.” Solana spoke aloud. Jaymar reluctantly placed the band back on his head. He was relieved when no one spoke to him.

As they exited the cave, Lord Aaron and another Apex Eagle were approaching.

Solana spoke first. “Lord Jaymar has decided to return to Aerie. News has come to him and he wishes to inform Ambrose.”

“As you wish, Lord Jaymar.” Lord Aaron motioned to the other Apex Eagle. “This is Anita, she will be your companion. As I stated before one of us will be with you always.”

Anita bowed to Jaymar and whistled her greeting. “I am at your service, Lord Jaymar.”

“By the Elements. Thank you for everything.” Jaymar bowed to Lord Aaron. He then turned to Solana. “Please lead the way.” Jaymar activated his wings and they took to the air. Ella and Solana leading the way. Anita was at Jaymar’s side.

Daarook

The Head Master was standing at his window which overlooked the valley towards Sweetsprings. What had he just heard? What was the meaning of the conversation? Had someone uncovered his identity? He reached out with his mind.

“Elbert. Where are you?”

“I’ve seen Calzar. He has launched his attack. No sign of any others. I will keep an eye on Calzar.” Elbert responded.

“Something strange has happened. Keep your mind open at all times.” The Head Master finished the conversation. His mind was racing. ’Who are Dallas and Jaymar?’