Ruler of the Skies

The Well of Darkness

Calzar and his followers had returned to their home. There was little fanfare on their arrival. Calzar’s people were restless. Many had doubts as to the path their leader was taking them. The traitor Demarco still had not been found and many of their warriors were not returning after each raid. Calzar sensed their mood and called for a council of all the family heads. They assembled in Calzar’s cave. He waited for them to settle and slowly a hush fell over the group.

“We have returned from a successful raid. We are spreading fear amongst the Day Walkers. Our rewards will come soon.” Calzar started.

“What rewards?” Mumbled one in the crowd.

“Once the Day Walkers have descended into chaos, we will rule the skies.”

“Their cities will still have walls.” Called out one from the back.

“But with no one to defend them. The high and mighty princes will be gone. Their militias will be destroyed. We will continue to use the Elemental Day Walkers. They will darken the sky when we need it.”

Many within the crowd turned to their neighbour. Conferring, arguing, expressing concerns or pointing out the benefits. Calzar let them talk. Eventually, the noise subsided. One of the oldest family representatives stepped forward. “What of Demarco? The traitor has not been brought to face his punishment.”

Calzar snarled. “He and his family will be found. I promise you. Revenge will be mine.”

Everyone standing before him could not mistake his anger.

The Gap

The sun was up, and Captain Diego was standing on the lookout tower above Bundamook. He had a clear view across the low land to the Animoid Army camp which was still growing. More and more were arriving as the morning progressed. He wondered, how long it would be before they tested his defences.

A cave between Volkmire and the Well

Darwah and his group were resting. One more night and they would be back in the Well. He sat directly opposite Jaymar who was still bound and gagged. They had only removed the gag to give Jaymar a drink. Darwah was very cautious of Jaymar’s Elemental power.

Jaymar was scared, hungry and tired. The bindings were uncomfortable, and the gag made swallowing difficult. He had his eyes half-closed but was acutely aware of Darwah watching him. He wriggled his hands so that he could make contact with the ground. Earth energy started to restore his strength. He closed his eyes, thinking, “what will happen when we get to the Well?”

Conaldra

Princes Anastas, Melville and Pelliman had just received the latest report from the Gap.

“The Animoid Army camp is growing by the hour. We may have underestimated how large this army has grown.” Anastas voiced his concern.

“Tolgarn’s militia have bolstered their numbers. I’m surprised he has so many. He must have been planning this for some time.” Commented Melville.

“Well, Captain Diego is as prepared as he can be. The extra platoon I sent to reinforce him, should be there tomorrow.”

Pelliman changed the topic. “There has been no word from the other cities across the East. What about Prince Levan? His Aerie Eagles are quality troops.”

“My spies inform me that Tolgarn has bottled them up. I imagine all the other cities have had their militia pressed into Tolgarn’s army. I am not expecting any help from them.” Anastas slumped into his chair disheartened.

“You should establish a command centre in the town of Sweetsprings.” Melville suggested. “You will be closer to the action and receive reports quicker.”

“Alright. I’ll order a contingent to leave this afternoon. I hope you will both join me.” Anastas stood up and called for a guard.

“Of course.” Pelliman responded.

“I wish to take Isabella with me. We will be closer to Daarook. With your leave, we can go and get our daughter once we know the fate of the Gap.” Melville had not forgotten his daughter.

“Yes. Yes. Once we are settled in Sweetsprings you can go.” Anastas conceded. He issued the guard with orders. The group then broke up and went their separate ways to prepare for the journey to Sweetsprings.

Between the Cave Dwelling and Pukavan

Ambrose and his friends were having a short rest. They had been travelling as fast as they could. Jalen had flown ahead and now returned. Landing amongst the group.

“Aark. The land ahead is empty as expected. No one is at the cave.”

Daarook

The entrance to the maze tunnels had finally been cleared. Centurion Zico had informed the Head Master first thing that morning. Tahmore was now approaching the hidden entrance. He placed his hand on the wall and the trigger mechanism worked, opening the entrance. Zico had done well to fix the entrance as well as clear the tunnel.

Tahmore entered and the door closed behind him. He was going to give Calzar his next assignment and check on the remainder of his army.

The Well of Darkness

Calzar was brooding in his cave when a guard came and grovelled in front of him.

“Master. The Day Walker summons you.”

Calzar snarled and dismiss the guard. He was not looking forward to this meeting.

It was daytime, so Tahmore decided to descend the steps into the Well. He stopped a couple of steps up from the floor. Calzar approached with a couple of Dark Ones by his side. There was an uneasy pause between them.

“You continue to disappoint me. Your raid on Aerie proved pointless and I find you here licking your wounds.” Tahmore was waiting for an angry response.

“Your words mean nothing to me.” Calzar wasn’t going to be bated.

“Well, you had better take note of my next order.” Tahmore continued with no hint of emotion. “Tonight, you are to take a medium-sized contingent and position yourself near the Gap. The attack will start very soon. Centurion Santos will give you your final instructions. Don’t disappoint me again.” Tahmore didn’t wait for any response. He started his ascent to the top of the Well. Calzar didn’t watch him leave. He returned to his cave and ordered his followers to prepare to leave that night.

The Cave Dwellings

Ambrose and the group arrived late in the afternoon. They tethered the horses and then Ambrose gathered them around.

“This is going to be very dangerous. Our knowledge of the Well is limited. We will be relying on Demarco once we make contact. I am not going to force any of you to come with me. I do need someone to cover our backs and remain here to guard the caves.” He looked around the group.

“Eeek. I’ll stay.” Rafeeq shoulders slumped as he volunteered.

“Thank you, Rafeeq. Jalen you can also stay if you wish, but I would prefer you joined us. Carrying messages back and forth will be of great assistance as always. Raum, Jaymar is your son and I wouldn’t attempt to stop you.”

“I’m ready.” Raum was thinking of only one thing. Getting his son back.

There was no question about Udolf and Fineen. Ambrose would need their abilities.

“Okay, let’s go and call Cargan.” They quickly said goodbye to Rafeeq before Ambrose led the group into the caves. Once they were gathered inside the tunnel, Ambrose moved close to one of the walls and called Cargan’s name.

They waited for about an hour. Fineen was the first to see him lumbering towards them.

“Ambrose. You are making this a habit. What do you want now?” Cargan’s voice made the walls rumble.

“Thank you Cargan, for answering my call. Jaymar, the little human, you met before has been captured by the Dark Ones. They are taking him to the Well.”

Cargan uttered a low growl which shook the walls.

Ambrose continued. “Can you please take us through the tunnels. We must try and rescue him.”

Raum, initially dumbfounded by Cargan’s size and appearance, stepped forward. “He is my son.” He pleaded with the rock man.

Cargan nodded his head. “Follow me. Don’t stray from my path.” Cargan set off. The group had to jog to keep up with him.

A cave between Volkmire and the Well

The sun was setting and Darwah and his group were waiting at the entrance to the cave. It was time to go. Darwah gave the signal and they took to the sky. Jaymar was being carried once more by a couple of Dark Ones.

Not far away, from another small cave, Demarco and Ishant watched them leave. They waited until the last of the group had circled the area, checking to see that no one was following.

When Demarco felt the timing was right, he sprang into the air, climbing quickly into the night sky. Ishant was close behind. Demarco knew they would be in the Well before morning.

Aerie

Things had been tense in the city since the Animoids took Prince Levan’s children as hostage. Commander Roxy had her spies searching and finally, they had located where the children were being held.

As night was falling, Prince Levan and Commander Roxy were standing on the palace balcony high above the city.

“Your Highness, I can rescue them anytime. Just give me the order.” Roxy was eager to exact revenge on the Animoids and return the children to their parents.

Prince Levan had his doubts. “I’m not sure. Can you guarantee they won’t be hurt in the attempted rescue?”

“Your Highness, I can’t promise you that. But surely it’s a risk we must take.”

“Well, I’m sorry it’s a risk I will not take. Not yet.” Levan was deep in thought.

“As you wish, my Lord.” Roxy was clearly disappointed. She turned and left her Prince to his thoughts.

Levan’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice in his head. “Your Highness. It is Solana. Meet me in the wind House of Worship.”

When Prince Levan arrived at the wind House of Worship, Solana was standing in the central hall on her own.

“May an eagle always soar above your head, Your Highness.” Solana greeted Levan as he approached. Levan stopped in front of her and bowed low. “May there always be wind under your wings. My Lady. Do you have news for me?” He asked.

“The Dark devils and the Lizards are gone. My eagle scouts have returned once they left our territory. Prince Tolgarn has moved his army beyond Kaemoora, heading for the Gap. That scout has also returned. There is nothing more we can do for you.”

“We thank you for your assistance. All I ask is that the eagles continue to keep a watch for any new developments.”

“The eagles are always watchful.” Solana stated the obvious. “There are Animoids still within your city. Why are they there?”

“They want to keep us within the city. I imagine, to stop my troops from interfering in whatever they are up to.” Levan paused.

“Your children are held captive.” Solana had read his mind.

“Yes. I must protect them at all costs.” Silence fell between them. Levan didn’t know what else to say.

Solana rustled her feathers. “We will talk again.” She whistled up some wind and took to the sky. Levan watched her disappear into the night. With a heavy heart, he headed back to the palace.

The Well of Darkness

Calzar was standing in front of an assembled crowd. Many were to fly with him to the Gap. He addressed the crowd. “We will return soon, triumphant again. A major Day Walker war is about to start. We will prosper. We will be stronger, once this war is over. We will rule the skies.”

A roar boomed out from the crowd which echoed around the Well. Some in the crowd were not so sure, but they reluctantly cheered anyway.

Calzar took one last look around the Well and then he took the horn hanging at his side and blew the signal to fly. As one, the Dark Ones launched into the air and up the Well.

Tahmore was returning to the Well after seeing his Animoid Army camp. He had spoken with General Galdarn. Galdarn reported that his army was impatient as ever. Feeling they were missing out on the war and the spoils. Uparta and the Lizard soldiers had not yet returned. Tahmore instructed Galdarn to keep his army under control and that they too would soon be called on to enter the war. He also instructed the General to send a message to him once Uparta had returned.

As Tahmore neared the rim of the Well, Calzar and his Dark Ones emerged climbing rapidly into the night sky. He didn’t stop to watch but descended the stairs to the tunnel that would lead him back to Daarook. His pieces were falling into place.

A couple of hours later, another group of Dark Ones arrived at the Well. Darwah and his group descended to the cavern below. They were welcomed with jubilant cheers. Soon their family members had gathered around the returning Dark Ones, eager to see what they had brought back with them.

Jaymar was dumped on the cavern floor and left while the Dark Ones rejoiced. His eyes were stinging from the thick air fuelled by the lava pool. He was also finding it hard to breathe with the gag over his mouth. Eventually, Darwah turned his attention back to Jaymar. He ordered a couple of Dark Ones to carry the Day Walker to his cave. Reluctantly, he then asked another, where Calzar was. He hoped, by delivering the boy Day Walker, it would out way the bad news about Demarco. To his relief, he was told that Calzar had only recently left to join the Day Walker war. He was glad for not having to confront his leader for now. He now had time to think of what to do next.

The Maze

Ambrose had asked Cargan to stop for a moment and let his group rest. It was hard work for some of them keeping up with the Ancient One. Raum slumped down next to Ambrose as they regained their breath.

“What do you think they will do with Jaymar?” The question had been eating away at Raum ever since they entered the maze.

“I would only be guessing, but if they discover he is an Elemental, I imagine Calzar, their leader may use him to bargain with Tahmore.” Ambrose was very concerned.

“What if they don’t realise he is an Elemental?”

“I don’t want to consider that.” Ambrose scrambled to his feet. “It’s time to get moving.” He offered his hand to Raum. They clasped hands and Ambrose pulled him to his feet. Cargan was already on the move. The group jogged after him. Jalen was struggling and languished at the back of the group. He was not built for running.

The Well of Darkness

Demarco and Ishant landed a short distance away from the rim of the Well. They needed to be careful that a guard didn’t discover them. They would wait until a guard had done their normal patrol before venturing into the Well.

They didn’t have to wait long. A Dark One flew out of the Well, did one circle over the rim and then dived back into the chasm.

“Take me to the tunnel where you first met Ambrose.” Demarco ordered his nephew. Ishant led the way, descending into the Well. Once they landed in the tunnel, Demarco spoke to his nephew.

“I will wait here for Ambrose. You must go below and make contact with Umbooka. If you can, bring him back to me. If not, then find out where the boy Day Walker is being kept.” Demarco paused before adding. “Don’t get caught.”

Ishant was already nervous and his uncle’s warning didn’t help. He just nodded his understanding and flew back out into the Well. He did a quick circle and then started his descent. Demarco watched from the tunnel entrance and then moved back inside to wait for Ambrose.

Ishant landed on the steps. He knew where the guard was normally stationed, so he had landed some distance up from his position. He would cling to the wall and shield his eyes hoping the next patrol would fly pass and not see him. It was now a dangerous wait. He heard the flutter of wings and lay as flat as he could against the wall. He was relieved when the beat of wings slowly faded up the Well. Time was now of the essence, he had to be quick.

Ishant flew down to the last few steps. Quickly he made his way to the second cavern where most of the family caves were. Luckily there were few Dark Ones in the lava pool cavern. As he moved carefully around a ledge in the second cavern he noticed a Dark One coming the other way. What would he do if recognised? To avoid a face to face encounter he prepared to fly off the ledge and find another way around to Umbooka’s family cave.

“Ishant. Is that you?” Ishant froze. Umbooka quickened his stride towards Ishant. “It’s me, Umbooka.” Ishant was so nervous he didn’t reply but remained frozen on the ledge. When Umbooka reached Ishant, he immediately threw his wings around Ishant and pressed him against the wall, just as another Dark One flew past.

“Quick. Follow me.” Umbooka turned and Ishant followed.

They made it to Umbooka’s cave without any further incident.

“What are you doing here? You cannot stay here. If you are discovered, we are all dead.” Umbooka was shaking.

“Demarco is in the Well. You must come with me to see him. We have come for the boy Day Walker.” Ishant kept his voice to a whisper.

Umbooka was uncertain. He paced back and forth.

“Time is wasting.” Ishant insisted.

“Come.” Umbooka led the way out of the cave. “How did you slip past the guard?” He asked as they hurried along a ledge.

“They are lazy. Timing is the key.”

They stopped a short way from the bottom of the stairs and saw the guard return from his patrol. They were exposed on the ledge, huddled close together with Ishant facing the wall, hoping he would not be recognized. The guard didn’t look at them and seemed content to stay at his post. Time passed so slowly as they waited. Eventually, the guard stretched, had a quick look around then sprang into the air. Umbooka held Ishant back for just a moment longer, then they both lept into the air. They kept their distance not wanting to alert the guard.

Demarco heard a noise and braced himself. Two figures approached from the Well. He moved forward to meet them, embracing Umbooka when they came together.

“Are you well?” Demarco asked.

“Yes. Your return is a surprise.”

“I have come for a boy Day Walker, captured by a search party. Is Calzar here?”

“Calzar left earlier. He has gone to a place called the Gap. The Day Walker war is starting.” Umbooka paused then asked. “Why do you want the Day Walker?”

“He saved my life. Where is he?”

“Darwah has him in his cave. They returned just after Calzar left.”

“So, Calzar doesn’t know about the boy.” This was welcome news. The Dark Ones then heard a noise coming from the tunnel. They turned and waited. Umbooka was on edge but Demarco calmed him. “It’s a friend.”

First to appear out of the dark was Cargan, his huge figure filling the tunnel. Umbooka took a step back. Cargan stopped just short of the Dark Ones. He gave them a glare. Slowly Ambrose and his friends edged past the rock man.

“By the Elements. You made it safely.” Ambrose was still catching his breath.

“This is Umbooka, a friend.” Demarco gestured towards the other Dark One.

“Is Jaymar here?” Ambrose looked at Demarco for reassurance.

“Yes. Also, we are fortunate that Calzar is not here.”

“That is welcome news. Do you have a plan on how we can get him out?”

“No.” Demarco hadn’t thought that far ahead.

“How much time do we have? Is Calzar due back anytime soon?”

Umbooka stepped forward and joined the discussion.

“He has taken a medium-sized force to the Gap. He wants to join your Day Walker war.”

“What will they do with Jaymar, if Calzar is not here?” Ambrose asked.

“Darwah has the boy in his family cave. The boy will be a great prize for Darwah. I think Darwah will want to take the boy to Calzar.” Demarco surmised.

“I can’t let that happen. We have to move fast and get him out of here.” Ambrose looked at Raum and his friends.

“Darwah’s cave is deep in the main family cavern. You will not be able to enter without being noticed.” Umbooka added.

“Jaymar is my son. You must help us.” Raum pleaded.

Darwah had made up his mind. He would take a small group, enough to carry the Day Walker, and go to Calzar. He would leave immediately. There was still enough of the night left for them to get part of the way to the Gap. He called some of his family members together and prepared to leave.

Jaymar had been concentrating on his inner self. He was keeping his energy up because if an opportunity presented itself, he would fight and try to escape. He watched Darwah as he talked to the other Dark Ones. Darwah then turned and approach Jaymar.

“I am taking you to our leader. Soon you will know your fate.” He signalled the others to pick Jaymar up. They then headed out of the cave.

Ambrose had convinced Umbooka to take him down into the Well.

“You will be seen.” Both Demarco and Umbooka had warned him.

“I have certain skills. Just show me the cave.” Ambrose signalled to the others to wait. Raum was reluctant, but he knew he couldn’t help.

“Bring him back safely.” He embraced Ambrose before he left with Umbooka.

Umbooka would fly down ahead of Ambrose, as he descended the stairs, and distract the guard or any other Dark Ones he met in the Well while Ambrose made his way to the bottom.

The guard flew up past Umbooka without concern. Ambrose drew on some magic and his Elemental powers to cloak himself. The guard didn’t see him. Umbooka landed at the bottom of the stairs and waited for Ambrose. Suddenly he noticed Darwah and a small group coming across the floor of the cavern. They were carrying the boy with them. He didn’t know what to do. He looked for Ambrose back up the steps, but there was no sign of him.

“Umbooka. What are you doing here?” Darwah snarled as the group reach the stairs.

“Minding my own business.” Umbooka snarled back. “While you and Calzar are off. The rest of us are rotting in our caves. What are you doing with this Day Walker?” He quickly changed the topic.

“None of your concern, but Calzar will be pleased to see him. I know of your allegiance to Demarco. Watch yourself, we will catch him soon.” Darwah signalled to his followers and they sprang into the air, flying together up the Well.

Ambrose had been just a few steps away when Darwah confronted Umbooka. His heart sank as he watched Jaymar being carried up out of sight.

“I must return to the tunnel.” He whispered to Umbooka, who was surprised at how close Ambrose was. Umbooka sprang into the air as Ambrose raced back up the stairs.

Demarco warned everyone in the tunnel as he heard the flapping of many wings. He cautiously edged his way to the entrance and saw Darwah’s group fly past. Umbooka landed next to him.

“They are taking the Day Walker to Calzar.” Umbooka confirmed.

“What? No!” Raum had overheard and had rushed forward. He strained his eyes looking up the Well, trying to see his son.

Ambrose came bounding up the stairs and joined them.

“I was too late.” He was breathing hard.

Demarco quickly made a decision. “Ishant and I will follow them. Have your rock man find us.” He called to Ishant and before Ambrose could think of any other option, the two Dark Ones were gone.

“How will we find them?” Asked Raum in despair.

“The Gap. Let’s hope there is a tunnel that will lead us there.” Ambrose looked at Cargan.

“I must go.” Umbooka had done his best.

“Thank you.” Raum waved as the Dark One leapt into the Well and disappeared.

Ambrose approached Cargan. “Do you know of a narrow strip of land between the mountains and the sea, East of Daarook?”

“There are many tunnels in the maze. We will go where they lead us.” The rock man turned and lumbered off. Ambrose and the group set off after him.