Ruler of the Skies

Hills behind Pinemarsh

Uparta was standing on a ridge overlooking the town of Pinemarsh. He wasn’t looking at the town; he was watching the approach of a Centurion on horseback. He had been waiting for the order to begin his attacks. Something else caught his eye. It was a large bird circling high above the Centurions head.

Centurion Santina made her way up the slope to Uparta’s position. Shortly after she arrived Elbert landed close to them and hopped over.

After a casual nod of the heads in greeting, Santina asked. “Uparta, are your men ready?”

“We had been waiting for several days. They are getting impatient.”

“Good. Elbert has brought word from Tahmore. You can commence your sweep as planned. Where is General Loktah?” She surveyed the hills behind the ridge.

“He is on the next ridge.” Uparta pointed to a ridge further south. “He wanted to stay upwind.” Uparta snarled.

Elbert croaked. “I will go and give him his orders.” The vulture took a couple of hops and took off. Santina turned her horse to leave. “Elbert will track you advance and report back to me. Once you reach Aerie I will have new orders for you.” She spurred her horse back down the slope.

Uparta immediately turned his lizard beast and trotted back to his waiting men. He gave the order to mount up. His Lizard soldiers were well drilled and mounted their lizard beasts as one. Uparta surveyed his troops. They were ready, so he signalled the advance. It didn’t take them long to descend into the valley. Pinemarsh was directly ahead, but Uparta’s orders were clear. He was not to directly attack any of the larger cities. He was to sweep through the countryside, spreading fear. Besides Pinemarsh had already been gutted. He was to attack smaller villages and farms along the way, but his main target was Aerie.

Elbert had landed next to General Loktah and conveyed to him his orders. Loktah was to move his troops under the cover of darkness and meet Prince Tolgarn on the north side of Pinemarsh. His troops would be given livery to make them look like Kaemoora militia. Then they would start their mock chase after the Lizard soldiers. Loktah acknowledges his orders and Elbert took off in the direction of Daarook.

Tamplina

Wilton was a bundle of nerves. The guard that had come to get him had not explained why. All he knew was that the young, Prince Theodor had ordered he be brought to Tamplina. Wilton was standing alone in a room within the Palace. It had ornate decorations and a large wooden desk situation to one side. He jumped when the door opened and Theodor walked in. Wilton bowed as Theodor walked around the desk and sat down. The Prince then indicated that Wilton could sit on the seat opposite. Wilton felt uncomfortable, but slowly lowered himself into the seat.

“Wilton. Thank you for coming at short notice.”

“Your Highness, I am at your service.”

Theodor placed his hand on a scroll that was lying on the desk. “I have a scroll here that I want Master Ambrose to see. I was hoping you would know how I might get it to him.”

Wilton scratched his head as he thought. “I don’t know, Your Highness. Maybe Master Dallas would know.”

“Who is Master Dallas?”

“Ah. A close friend of Master Ambrose. He lives in Kyeamba.” Wilton covered his mouth. Perhaps he shouldn’t have said that.

“You seem cautious, Wilton. Is this to do with the ‘Keepers’? You need not fear. I know about Master Ambrose. Could you persuade this Master Dallas to come here?”

Wilton half chuckled. “Sorry, Your Highness, but that would be very difficult.”

“What then? Must I go to him?” Theodor seemed to be a bit perturbed at the thought.

Wilton hesitated. “Your Highness, Master Dallas is a, is a Medium.” He finally blurted it out.

“There is something else, isn’t there?”

“He cannot walk very far on land. He is a walrus creature.” Wilton finally got it out.

“I see. Well, you had better take me to him. Guard.” He called for one of the sentries outside. A guard entered and bowed to the Prince. “Ready my horse. I’m going on a short trip.”

“Yes. Your Highness.” The guard quickly exited.

“I will go and change into some riding clothes and meet you in the stables. The other guard outside will take you.” Theodor led Wilton out of the room.

It wasn’t long before Theodor joined Wilton in the stables. The horses were ready. The guard asked. “Your Highness. You are going alone.”

“Yes. Inform Elemental Seaghan I have gone to visit one of Master Ambrose’s friends and should be back in a couple of days.” He mounted his horse and led the way out the palace gate. Wilton followed closely behind.

Pukavan

Jaymar was flying high in the clear skies over Pukavan. Jalen was close by. He and Jaymar had become very good at flying in formation and mirroring each other moves. However, the kite did have its limitations and when Jalen did a spiral, Jaymar was unable to follow. Jalen signalled a return to the palace and they both turned in a tight circle towards the palace wall.

They landed in the garden as usual and Rosalina was there to meet them.

“You look incredible up there. Jaymar you have improved so much.”

“Thanks. It really helps, having Jalen with me. It’s a pity there wasn’t another kite, then you could join us.” He smiled at both Rosalina and Jalen.

“Aark. It’s hard enough keeping up with just one.” Jalen added.

“Sure, but I am busy trying to make a new set of wings for you. Hopefully, much better than the kite. Ambrose is waiting for us.” She helped Jaymar pick up the kite and they proceeded to make their way back up to the launch ramp. Once the kite was in position they headed for Rosalina’s rooms.

As expected Ambrose was there seated at a table reading a scroll.

“Ah. You have come back down to earth. Looks like it is a great out there today.” Ambrose greeted them as they gathered around the table.

“Aark. Jaymar is really improving. Sometimes I cannot keep up.” Jalen blinked his large eyes.

“Until you put in a tight turn.” Jaymar smiled.

“Rosalina and I have been trying a few different designs and now I think we need to build one. So, we need some measurements. Jaymar, come over here.” Ambrose stood up and produced a length of twine.

“Put your arms out.” Ambrose then measured the length of Jaymar’s left arm, followed by his right arm. Next, he measured from the top of Jaymar’s head to his waist.

“The only other thing we need is your weight. I think we can estimate that. I estimate 55 kilos. What do you think Rosalina?”

“He has filled out a bit over the last moon cycle. Maybe 58 kilos.” She smiled at Jaymar.

“What’s this all mean?” Jaymar asked.

“The measurements will allow us to build a backpack and wing combination for you. The design is ready, we just need to build it.” Ambrose passed a scroll over to Jaymar. It contained a basic sketch of their prototype.

“How long will it take?” Jaymar couldn’t contain his excitement.

“Can’t say, it is our first attempt, but not long.” Ambrose smiled at Jaymar.

The group spent the rest of the afternoon discussing the design and the materials they would need to build it.

Daarook

Elbert was circling above the High School for Elementals. Using his mind, he informed the Head Master that he had returned. The Head Master communicated back, that the window to his office was open and that he could fly in. Elbert landed on the ledge and then hopped through the open window. The Head Master was seated at his table. The vulture hopped across the room and jumped up onto his perch.

“All in order?” The Head Master asked without looking up from his papers.

“The Lizards begin their raids.” Croaked the vulture.

“Something is bothering you. I sense it.” The Head Master looked up from his desk.

“Why did you not sense the Elemental in the tunnel?” Elbert rustled his feathers.

“Did You?” The Head Master countered. “Your feelings are not what they use to be. I did feel something minor but didn’t associate it with the Elemental in the tunnel. The time will come when they will reveal themselves and then I will deal with them.”

“I felt something very old, not an Elemental, something long forgotten. An Ancient.”

“What? Another Rock man?” The Head Master was surprised he hadn’t felt it.

“I am certain. It was the one that destroyed the tunnel.” Elbert confirmed.

“Why didn’t you say something before?”

“Your mind has been on other things, Head Master.”

“My mind is quite clear. Is yours?” The Head Master was getting tired of this conversation. “I have arranged for a Centurion to clear the tunnel. Go and make sure Calzar and his Dark Ones are ready to move. I would have thought Santos would be in position by now. Tell Santos, I want no mistakes.” The Head Master returned to his papers.

Elbert croaked in response, hopped to the window ledge and took off.

Kyeamba

Master Dallas was lying on the ledge at the back of his pool. His students were seated or standing in front of him. They were all excited as one of Dallas old students had joined them. Mylita, the panther, had found her and brought her back to Dallas.

Mylita was explaining what happened. “Tabitha was running with a herd near the foothills south of Middleton. When I saw her, I couldn’t believe it. We haven’t heard from her in such a long time. I tried several times to mind communicate with her, but she was ignoring me or had forgotten how to.”

Tabitha was a horse medium. She was a dark chestnut mare with a black mane and tail. She was standing next to Wyclef, the bear.

Tabitha interrupted Mylita to explain herself. “I had lost myself in the herd. I didn’t need to mind communicate with them. So, I am a little rusty.”

Dallas asked. “Where have you been all this time?”

“Oh, I’ve had such a wonderful time. I fell in love. However, recently I have been desperately searching for my son.”

“You have a son?” Wyclef queried.

“What’s so unusual about that? I am a fully-grown mare and can do as I please.” Tabitha tossed her heard flicking her mane.

“How about you start at the beginning?” Suggested Dallas. “I believe, last we knew of your whereabouts, you were scouting for Ambrose.”

“Oh. Yes. Ambrose. He must be so worried.” She paused then started at the beginning.

Ambrose had sent her and Fineen on a mission to search the plains and mountains South of Falsbrook. Fineen would search the mountains and Tabitha would roam the plains between the mountains and the sea. They parted near Volkmire. Tabitha ventured past Gymbala almost as far as Lockmort before turning back. Near the foothills behind Gymbala, she came across a small herd of mares. A couple of the mares had foals. Tabitha used her mind at first to communicate and gained their trust, but as time went on she used her mental powers less and less.

The herd grazed the lush grasslands at the foot of the mountains. They were travelling East towards Volkmire when a stallion found them. He was a magnificent beast, jet black and strong. Tabitha said, she had mixed with a couple of stallions before, but never like this. She was in love. Before long she was pregnant. The stallion led them to a sheltered valley where they stayed through the Dark Winter. When the Dark Winter was over she had her foal. He was jet black like his father. The herd grew under the stallion’s protection and they roamed as far North as Ravenshowl. Only to return to the sheltered valley for the next Dark Winter.

The next spring the stallion left. Tabitha was heartbroken, she was eager for another foal, but the stallion was gone. Her foal was now a yearling and very boisterous. Then one day she was separated from him. It was between Volkmire and Falsbrook. Apparently, humans had caught him. Tabitha searched and searched for him to no avail. She was alone now and heading north. She joined another herd that was heading in the same direction. They wintered midway between Ravenshowl and Middleton. Tabitha had almost forgotten her foal and was just another mare in the herd. When Mylita found her and here she was.

“Well, it is wonderful to have you back. There has been a lot happening. Let’s get some food and then I will fill you in on all the news.” Dallas called for his servants.

They had not expected Tabitha, so a servant had to go and get some hay. Once they returned, the servants brought out food for everyone and Dallas began. They talked for hours, then Dallas stopped suddenly. He had felt someone approaching.

“We have guests.” Just then the old maid entered the pool room and told Dallas that Wilton the Innkeeper had arrived with another.

“Let them in.” The maid immediately left to fetch the pair.

“Wilton has brought the young Prince Theodor. It must be important. I suggest you all stay.” Dallas told the others.

Prince Theodor and Wilton were shown in by the maid.

“Please come and join us.” Dallas signalled them to come to the end of the pool.

“Your Highness. Welcome, I am Master Dallas. Wilton has brought you to our secret home. I hope you will keep it that way.” Dallas was giving Wilton a long stare.

“Master Dallas, I have no intention of betraying you or your friends. I have important news that I must get to Ambrose. I convinced Wilton to put me in touch with his ‘Keeper’ friends.” Theodor surveyed the interesting group assembled.

“Prince Theodor, we are not officially part of the ‘Keeper’ organisation, but we are friends of Ambrose. We are all mediums. I hope that doesn’t frighten you?” Dallas ruffled his moustache.

Theodor returned a smile. “I believe it’s only the week minded that should worry about Mediums. I have nothing to fear.”

“So, you have a scroll that needs to get to Ambrose.” Dallas smiled under his thick moustache.

Theodor was a bit surprised. He reached in and produced the scroll out of a pocket in his robe.

“This scroll contains the family tree of Princess Aliyah and it holds some interesting information.” He held the scroll out for Dallas.

“Sir Prince, could you open it for me and hold it up so I can read it.” Theodor did as he was asked. Dallas slowly scanned the scroll, sometimes puffing his moustache out as he read.

“What do you think is so interesting?” He finally asked.

“It finished with Dahlmor, but look closely at the name. I will hold it at different angles for you.” Dallas stared intently at Dahlmor’s name on the page. Suddenly his eyes lit up with recognition. “Ah. I see it now. Talimor’s name seems to have been mistakenly written in first.”

Theodor added. “Together the two names could spell out Tahmore without the ‘e’. What do you think?” Dallas had another closer look.

“Maybe. However, my eyesight is not the best. Show Mylita, hers are excellent.”

Mylita stood up from her position on the grass and walked forward. Theodor held the scroll at a height so she could read it.

“I agree.” She said immediately. “Ambrose will be very interested in this.”

“I was wondering Master Dallas. How can we get this scroll to Ambrose?” The Prince turned back towards Dallas.

“That will not be easy. It needs to be kept secret and not damaged in the journey. I will have to think about it. Are you prepared to leave it here with me?” Dallas gave Theodor a sideways glance.

“I don’t see why not. All I ask, Master Dallas, is that you inform me, once you find a way to get it to him and also let me know if and when Ambrose sends a reply.”

“Deal.” Dallas then bowed his large head to acknowledge the Prince’s wishes. As he straightened he asked. “Sir Prince, would like to stay and eat with us?”

Theodor looked around the room. “I would be delighted. However, I cannot stay long. Royal business always needs attending to.”

Everyone in the room seemed to relax. Dallas called the maid to bring food and ale for the Prince and Wilton. Dallas then introduced all of his students to the Prince. Once the two humans were settled at a table, they all ate their meals and enjoyed some light conversation. Theodor asked most of the questions. He was fascinated by the group of Mediums and how they communicated with their mind. Eventually, it was time for Theodor to leave.

“Thank you, Master Dallas and all your students for being open with me. I have enjoyed your company, but as I said, I must get back to Tamplina. Keep me informed. Goodbye.”

“Farwell young Prince. By the Elements. Travel safely and live well.” Dallas said as Theodor and Wilton left the pool room. The old maid showed them out.

Outside the house, Theodor said goodbye to Wilton. “Thank you, Master Wilton. You can return to your Inn. I may call upon you again someday.”

Theodor mounted his horse and trotted up the street heading for Tamplina. Wilton walked his horse, back to the Inn. He was happy to get away from Mediums and royalty.

Dallas and the group remained by the pool. Dallas was deep in thought about how to get the scroll to Ambrose. It would be a long and at times perilous journey.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Tabitha broke the silence. “I’m built for speed and endurance. I am the logical choice for this mission.”

“You will have to pass through Lizard territory.” Wyclef commented.

“I know, but I am faster than those Lizard beasts. I can outrun them if I have too.”

“Thank you, Tabitha for your offer. The issue is transporting the scroll. If it was only a message then we could rely on the animal network. You’re right, speed and endurance will be needed. However, I don’t want to lay this burden on you.”

Tabitha interrupted Dallas. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m sure Ambrose will be happy to see me again.”

“How will she carry the scroll securely?” Asked Mylita. She knew running on all four legs meant Tabitha had no way of holding the scroll.

“We need to find something that will go around her neck, be comfortable and not impede her movements.” Said Wyclef. He often carried a bag hung on a strap across his shoulders.

“I will ask my servants to find something. So, we agree, Tabitha will go. I will have another message written to explain what Prince Theodor has discovered.” He used his mind to call for one of his servants.

“I will leave early tomorrow morning and when the opportunity arises I will also travel by night. I should be there in a moon cycle.” Tabitha was sounding confident.

“Remember the animal network will always be there if in need.” Dallas remaindered Tabitha.

“I will keep you up to date as I go. Now, I will go and get some more food and then rest. I will see you again before I go.” She walked around the pool and out of the room.

Pukavan

Ambrose was reasonably pleased with the flying backpack he and Rosalina had built. Jaymar had been continuing his flying practice with the kite, but now they were ready to trial the new flying machine. They had decided to go outside the city and find a hill with a reasonable slope, to trial taking off and gliding short distances. Jalen would be there to assist, plus Ambrose and Rosalina would be able to use their Elemental powers to provide extra wind.

Early in the morning, they found a suitable hill not far from the North West gate. They carried the different parts of the pack and wings, to assemble it on site. Jaymar was both excited and nervous. There were several issues that they hoped to sort out. One would be the weight of the assembled flying machine and whether Jaymar would be able to carry it. Another was the wings would not fully retract, meaning that they were fitted to the backpack when ready to fly. There were handles on each wing that would allow Jaymar to pull the wings in slightly. It was hoped this would make it easier to descend and faster flying. Otherwise the wings stayed full extended for guiding and take-off.

The wings were covered with hundreds of feathers they had collected. They were attached in three rows to a very lightweight frame made of hollow wood. With the wings fully extended, Jaymar would be able to fly hands-free. However, for the initial trials, Ambrose had recommended Jaymar hold onto the handles at all times.

“There, I think you are ready.” Ambrose tightened the last strap around Jaymar’s waist. Jaymar’s parents were there and so were Jaymar’s friends. This didn’t make him feel any better. Some had stationed themselves half down the hill with Rosalina and some at the bottom. All were full of encouragement, reassuring Jaymar he would be fine.

“Remember to be careful about how much wind you call.” Ambrose offered advice. “Rosalina and I will give you a slow underlying flow of air but you will still need to provide the main flow for lift. For this first run, all you need to do is glide just above the surface to the bottom of the hill. You don’t have leg straps as on the kite, so your legs will hang down. But this should only be at low speeds. Once you learn to fly at faster speeds, because of the positioning of the wings, we are hoping your body will become more streamlined and your legs will trail out behind you. Are you totally confused now?” Ambrose gave him a reassuring smile.

“No. I understand. Let’s hope it works.” Jaymar returned a nervous smile.

Ambrose walked away a few paces and gave Jaymar a final reassuring look. Everything looked okay. “Whenever you are ready. It’s now up to you.” Jaymar nodded in acknowledgement.

Jalen called out from further down the hill. “Go Jaymar. Aark. Show them how you can fly.”

Jaymar took a deep breath, called for some wind and started slowly down the hill. The wings bounce awkwardly as he jogged. Ambrose added some wind, as he jogged alongside Jaymar. Suddenly, Jaymar felt a slight lift. He jogged a bit faster and felt his feet come off the ground. Then he feet hit the ground and he was jogging again, trying to keep up the pace. He called for more wind and again he lifted off the ground. The pressure on his arms was great, but he held on tightly as he glided past Rosalina. She added some more wind and he felt a bit more lift. He started to panic as he was gaining speed. He heard Ambrose shouting. “Slow down. Slow down.” He pulled on the handles, trying to adjust the wings to slow himself down but the air pressure was too strong. The wings refused to adjust. He started to lose control and one of the wings dipped and the end hit the ground. It swung him to the side and he crashed on his knees. He thrust his hands forward to break his fall, gracing them and he slid to an abrupt halt. His father, Raum, was quickly there to pick him up.

“You okay.”

“I don’t think I’ve broken anything.” Jaymar was checking himself out.

“Ah. Well. You did break the wing.” Raum commented.

The right wing was lying on the ground. It had broken off from the backpack. The left wing looked okay except it had lost a lot of feathers. Rosalina came running down the hill to join them. She quickly noticed Jaymar’s hands.

“They look at bit sore. Remember you can use your Earth powers to heal them.”

“Sorry, I broke a wing.” Jaymar was crestfallen.

“That’s okay. It can be fixed.” All the others had now gathered around Jaymar.

“You were flying so well. The pack worked really well until you went too fast.” Ambrose commented. “We have to work out how to allow you to pitch the wings and create more draft to slow you down.”

“Ambrose, I think I have an idea for that.” Commented Rosalina.

“You were very brave son.” Added Grimhilda. She was giving her son a hug.

There was a collective sigh of relief as they all realised Jaymar was going to be okay. They collected all the parts of the flying machine. Picking up as many feathers that could be used again. Then the group headed back to the city.

Lockmort

“You cannot keep me here any longer.” Pryborg was appealing once again to Kamboro. “I must get to Pukavan and then I have to go all the way back to Daarook to attend the Centurion Duma. You leave me very little time.”

Kamboro was considering Pryborg’s latest request as he sat behind a large desk. Nasrald was standing nearby.

“Very well then. My negotiators, in the peace process, are due to go to Pukavan to resume talks. I am sending Nasrald with them this time and you can go with them. Nasrald will send you word when they are ready to depart.” Pryborg bowed and Kamboro shifted in his seat. “I have enjoyed your company during your short stay with us. Please present my best wishes to the High Centurion on your return to Daarook. One day I may venture all the way to Daarook and meet him myself. Goodbye Centurion.” Kamboro stood up and left the room.

Pryborg looked at Nasrald. “When do you plan to leave.”

“The negotiators will receive their final instructions tomorrow morning. We may be ready to leave that afternoon. I will let you know.” Nasrald turned and left. Finally, Pryborg would be on his way to Pukavan and hopefully find out more about this Elemental boy. He headed for his room to pack.

Kyeamba

Tabitha was ready to leave. She had been ready early in the morning but needed something to carry her message in. The servants had made a sling to hang around her neck. A pouch was attached and it would carry the note and scroll, hanging against her chest. They eventually had it ready and slung it over her head. It didn’t restrict her movements and she said it felt comfortable enough.

Dallas and his students were all there to see her leave. Mylita said she would travel with Tabitha for a couple of days to see her past Wycarba.

“I again warn you to be very careful passing through the Lizard territory. The young Prince Theodor believes this scroll to be very important. By the Elements. Go with speed and all our hopes.” Dallas expressed all their concerns. Tabitha nodded her head, then signalled to Mylita that they should go. The pair left through a secret passage that led out into a creek bed a short distance away from Dallas’s house. It was still early and the light was dim as they made quick progress to the city gate. Surprisingly, no one was on guard when they slipped through. Once out of the city, Tabitha took off at a nice even canter with Mylita lopping alongside her.

The Well of Darkness

Calzar gave strict instructions to his new second, Darwah. Extend the search for Demarco and his family. He wanted them found. His command over the Dark Ones was waning and he needed to assert his authority.

Calzar had assembled a medium-sized raiding party of sixty and they were now all ready to go. Centurion Santos had given him instructions earlier. They were to meet near Pinemarsh. It would take Calzar and his group a couple of nights to fly there. The sun was just setting above and he gave the command to fly.

Once Calzar was gone, Darwah ordered his search parties to head out again. He would lead one of the groups out past Lockmort. They would have to shelter in caves on the way across.