Ruler of the Skies

North of Pukavan

Ambrose had travelled quickly on his own, staying close to the coast as he headed towards Utway. This part of the peninsula was under the control of the Pukavan Lancers. Farms and small villages dotted the coastline between Pukavan and Utway. He had camped overnight in a small cove and now broke camp as the weak sun was barely rising on another dark day.

The arranged meeting place was not actually in Utway but a short distance from the town and it was on the Pukavan side, so Ambrose was nearly there. Tallulah had spent many weeks working with the dolphins to get a message to Wanda. Most of the time Wanda spent her time in the oceans of the far north, near the frozen wasteland. It was only during the Dark Winter that she ventured south to the waters off Auroras Major.

Ambrose arrived at the arranged meeting place about mid-day. Once again, it was a small cove with cliffs surrounding the cove. There was a large flat rock ledge that protruded out into the sea and Ambrose setup his camp a little way back from the rock. The occasional wave crashed up over the rocks.

Mid-afternoon, Ambrose was resting his eyes as he sat leaning against a rock, when he heard a splash and a squawk. He opened his eyes to see Wanda, a large penguin waddling along the flat rock towards him. He stood up and walked to greet her.

Wanda stopped just in front of Ambrose. She cooed and squawked a couple of times, raising and lowering her head before speaking.

“By the Elements. Ambrose, you look the same as ever.”

Ambrose knelt down and gave her a hug. While they were embracing a couple of other penguins landed on the ledge.

“You have brought some friends.” He said as he stood up.

“Yes, these are two of my daughters, Aarushi and Mika. They decided to accompany me to see you.”

Ambrose bowed his head to her two daughters and then walked Wanda back to his camp. “We have a lot to talk about.”

The two old friends sat and talked all afternoon about recent events. Wanda was excited to hear about Jaymar, but she was very concerned when she heard about the Dark Terror attacks.

“You really believe he is a class three Elemental?”

“Yes. Fire, Air and Water definitely.”

Ambrose also told her about his meeting with an Ancient One.

“A Rock person, that would have been amazing.” She commented.

“Yes, but unfortunately I think one of the gems may be lost.”

“That is a major blow.” She lowered head in despair.

“An Ancient One fell into the Well of Darkness and I am sure he had a necklace which contained Walto’s tooth.”

Wanda added. “We never did find Margot’s body, so that leaves just our two gems. The Council will never be reformed with only two gems. What are we to do?” She squawked in frustration.

Ambrose paused to reflect on Wanda’s comments.

“I still hold out hope. The gems are indestructible and must be found. I still have one of my spies in Daarook researching into Margot’s disappearance. We know she was captured by a Centurion, so there must be some record of her capture in the Daarook archives. Once that is found then we will have something to follow and maybe discover her fate.”

“But what about the Well of Darkness. If the gem went into a lava pool how could you possibly recover it?” She stretched her neck and flapped her flippers.

“I don’t have an answer for that one. I may have to go back there myself and investigate further.”

Wanda changed the topic. “Ambrose, I have found another bird Animoid. Jalen is not the only one.”

Ambrose was excited. “Let me make a small fire, as it’s getting cold. Then you can tell me all about it.” He stood up and started assembling sticks and dry grass, he had already collected into a pile and then he snapped his fingers which started the fire.

Once they had settled down again Wanda started. “It was a just before the beginning of the Dark Winter. My daughters and I headed for the waters off Council Rock. There is good fishing off the peninsula at that time of year. We were basking on a rock one afternoon when a large shadow passed overhead. Looking up we saw a large eagle soaring above us on the thermals, which is nothing unusual, but then we saw a much larger shape circling with it. The larger birds body shape looked different from the other and it reminded me of Jalen. So I whistled, like you do to call Jalen down to the ground and the larger bird creature responded. Within a few minutes, the creature had landed nearby and approached us.”

“That sounds amazing. What happened?”

“Her name is Solana and she is a magnificent creature. She told us that she lives with many other eagles in the mountains behind Aerie. She was curious as to why I whistled her. So I explained that there was another bird Animoid. She was very interested to hear more. She also went on to explain that she was an Air Elemental, just like Jalen and widely revered as a leader amongst the eagles. She is also a Medium.”

“I would really like to meet her, but Aerie is such a long way away and I have Jaymar to think about right now.” Ambrose observed.

“Well, I have made contact now and she will remember my name. If you ever get over there and find her then say you are an acquaintance of mine.”

“Ok, now let’s turn our attention to the main issues at hand. Firstly, the Dark Terror attacks.”

Wanda asked. “The thunderstorms were definitely controlled by Elementals?”

“Yes, Fineen believes at least three and I would say there must have been a Centurion.”

“Well, they must be taking orders from someone in Daarook. It would take considerable practice and co-ordination to create and maintain a large thunderstorm for any length of time.”

“It was confirmed that the Head Master entered a secret passage behind the High School of Elementals. I believe that could be an entrance into the maze of tunnels.” They both pondered that for a moment and then Ambrose added. “The other disturbing event was the assassination attempts on Prince Anastas. My spies are now keeping a close watch over him to try and protect Anastas from any new attempts. We know that these are being co-ordinated by the High Centurion, but at whose request?”

Wanda shook her head. “If he were to be killed, it would throw the High Council of Mikaia into chaos. What about Prince Xavier? He has always been resentful of his older brother.”

Ambrose pondered Wanda’s question. “True, but he is not bold enough to actually try and kill his brother. Once again Daarook is at the centre of the issue. Finally, the Animoid build up in the mountains and the attacks in the East, they also point to some serious influence. The name Tahmore, have you come across it before?”

Wanda shook her head again. “No. I’m too far removed to know what happens on land. Get your spies in Daarook to search the library.”

“I already have. I’m hungry. How about something to eat?”

“You go ahead Ambrose, my belly is still full.” Wanda squawked.

Ambrose opened his pack and brought out a number of food items. Wanda waddled over to her daughters and the three of them cooed and squawked to each other while Ambrose ate.

The Well of Darkness

Calzar and the Dark Ones were returning in small groups, many of them were wounded. A crowd had gathered and many were angry, their warriors were returning defeated again.

Calzar landed at the base of the steps and looked around at the group. A couple in the crowd shouted angrily at him and he just roared in response. The crowd fell silent.

“I am leading you to a new future. We have had some minor setbacks but we have more food than ever before. We will grow stronger. We will rule the skies.” He marched angrily through the crowd heading for his cave.

Near Utway

Wanda and Ambrose had continued their discussions late into the night. The next morning, Ambrose woke to see Wanda and her daughters swimming off the rocks. He signalled Wanda and she swam over and leapt out onto the rock ledge.

“Good morning. How is the fishing?”

Wanda squawked and flapped her flippers. “There are plenty of fish here, but not the type we prefer. I’ve been thinking, a senior Centurion or the Head Master could be using the tunnel system through the mountains to get between Daarook and the Animoid army. I thought only the ancients, the Rock people, knew how to navigate through the tunnels?”

“Yes, that is what I had thought. The Rock man, I met certainly knew his way through the tunnels.”

“Is Tahmore a Centurion or the Head Master? Whatever the case, we must disrupt their activities. Do you think you could find this Rock person again?”

“I believe so.”

“Well, I suggest you ask him to find the tunnel that leads to Daarook. Maybe together, you could block it somehow to prevent whoever it is in Daarook from communicating with the Animoid army.”

Ambrose considered Wanda’s suggestion for a moment before replying. “It would be very dangerous, but I think you’re right. We need to do something to disrupt their plans, but also to find out who it is and what their motives are.”

Ambrose wandered back to his camp and started packing.

Wanda followed him. “You are leaving?”

“Yes, I have to get back to Jaymar and the others. We have some serious planning to do.”

Ambrose turned and knelt in front of Wanda. “We will need to meet more regularly now. Where can I reach you?”

“During your summer, I will return to Jermaine Island once every moon cycle. Tallulah and her friends can find me there.”

Ambrose gave her a hug. “By the Elements. Keep safe.”

She cooed in response. They separated, and Wanda waddled back to the edge of the rock ledge. She dived into the sea and joined her daughters, and then they were gone. Ambrose picked up his pack and left for Pukavan.

Pukavan

Jaymar had spent the morning with his friends as usual just outside the city. He had returned home for breakfast and then did some chores for his mother. It was now after lunch and he was on his way to the palace for a meeting with Elemental Rosalina. Their meetings until now had been spent practising mind control and some simple air commands. Rosalina had commented on how well he was progressing. Today Rosalina had something special to show Jaymar.

“Follow me.” She said when he arrived. Jaymar followed her up some stairs to one of the palace towers. The palace backed onto the ocean and the tower they were on was closest to the coast.

Once outside Rosalina guided Jaymar to a section further along the wall. In front of them was a ramp sloping out over the wall. Sitting on the ramp was a kite looking structure. It was shaped like a large V with a wooden frame and cloth stretched across the V frame. Under the frame was a wooden supporting structure with ropes attached.

“Is it a kite?” Jaymar was excited.

“Yes, but a special kite. Ambrose and I have been experimenting with different constructions, materials and shapes. This is our latest prototype. The objective is to use it to fly using my air Elemental powers.”

“Can I try?” Jaymar couldn’t contain himself.

“Well, I have only taken it for one test flight so far. You and I are light enough; we may be able to go in tandem until you able to fly it on your own.”

“Wow. I cannot wait. How do you control it?” He started walking around the kite to get a better look.

Rosalina spent the next few minutes explaining how to position yourself and hold the main bar under the kite. She explained that by moving your body weight, you could turn left or right, ascend or descend.

“Using the Air Element, of course, will help when gliding and turning. However, that takes a bit of practice, but I am starting to get the hang of it.”

“Can we have a go now?” Jaymar was eager.

“Sure, why not.” She smiled.

Rosalina climbed into position first and then told Jaymar to climb in next to her on the right. “When we are flying you need to extend your legs back behind you and hook them into those ropes.” She pointed at loops hanging just behind them.

“When flying keep your chest level with this main bar. I will control the air to start with, we don’t want to be competing against each other and besides, I probably have more control than you.” She added with a smile.

Jaymar just nodded in agreement. He was starting to get a bit nervous.

“When you are ready, I will pull this lever and the kite will be released from the brake, then we will both have to support it. Once we have it balanced, we then move down the ramp and take off.” She had a big smile on her face.

It sounded simple enough, so Jaymar just nodded his head in agreement. Rosalina gave him one last look for confirmation and then pulled the lever to release the brake. The kite immediately tipped a bit to Jaymar’s side.

“Hold it up.” Rosalina ordered. “Keep it level.”

“Okay.” Jaymar pulled the bar up. The kite levelled and Rosalina gave Jaymar a reassuring smile.

“Let’s go.” She started pushing forward and Jaymar followed. They took about three steps along the ramp, and then leapt into the air.

Rosalina whistled and a gust of air rushed at them. The kite was dropping and Jaymar looked down to see the rocks and water below. Rosalina had got her legs into position, but Jaymar was struggling.

“Come on; get your legs back and in the loops. Plus, lean towards me.” The air was rushing past them. Jaymar finally got his legs into the loops and looked ahead. Rosalina whistled again and more wind hit them. The nose of the kite lifted up and the kite flew out over the water levelling out only a metre or so above the water.

“Wow.” Jaymar couldn’t believe it, they were flying.

“Push the bar forward a bit more and we will go higher.” She whistled again as they pushed together. The kite soared up on the new gust of air. They flew further out over the sea as the kite steadily climbed.

“We will stay out over the ocean just in case we crash. If we ditch in the water, at least we can swim back.” This didn’t instil Jaymar with a lot of confidence.

Rosalina added. “To turn the kite, we need to lean and shift our weight either left or right. So let’s turn right. I need you to move to the right along the bar and lean on your right arm.”

Jaymar did as he was told and Rosalina shifted along with him. The kite reacted immediately and they started a sweeping turn to the right. They also began to descend at the same time. Rosalina whistled again and the wind pushed them back up and the kite started to level out. They both shifted their weight back into the centre.

Due to the Dark Winter, there was a heavy cloud cover and Rosalina warned Jaymar that they would not go too high or enter the clouds as it would be too dangerous. So they practised turning several more times, going left and then right. Rosalina even gave Jaymar the opportunity to call the wind himself. His wind gust wasn’t as controlled as when she did it, but it was still effective in keeping them airborne.

Jaymar was getting tired and asked. “How do we land?”

“On the north side of the palace is a garden with an open space in the middle. That’s where I landed last time.” She instructed Jaymar to turn left and head back toward the palace.

“Now we don’t want to come in too fast. So the best way is to come in close to the top of the palace wall, then get the kite to climb a bit too slow it down, then dip back down and land. We have to unhook our legs just before we land. Remember to keep your side up and level.”

She smiled at Jaymar to try and reassure him she knew what she was doing.

It all happened so fast in the end that Jaymar couldn’t recall what he actually did, but they landed and the kite survived intact.

“That was amazing. The feeling is so wonderful with the air rushing past.” Jaymar was so happy. Rosalina smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Tomorrow we will go again and you can control the wind a bit more.”

Jaymar asked. “Can we fly out over the Golden Swan?”

“I would rather we keep away from any people for the time being. Let’s keep it a secret for a while.” She didn’t want to dampen Jaymar’s enthusiasm too much.

“Now we have to carry the kite back up to the ramp and set it up for tomorrow.” She started to pick up her side of the kite. Jaymar followed suit and they slowly managed to manoeuvre the kite through some passages and up the stairs to the ramp. Once it was secured back in place, Jaymar said goodbye and headed home.

On returning home, he said hi to his mum, but went straight to his room and collapsed on his bed. He was exhausted, but so excited. Flying was so much fun.

Daarook

It was snowing and everybody was staying inside out of the cold. Ava was in her usual spot in front of the fire. Elemental Tobias was also in the library and had been searching the shelves for something. Ava had been watching him for some time.

Tobias noticed her watching him and walked over. “What are you reading today?” He asked as he sat down next to her.

“I have been struggling to get through this book on Centurion Melfor.”

“Ah. That’s one of the books I have been looking for. Do you mind?” He reached across and Ava passed him the book.

“Where have you got up to?” He asked.

“I was reading about when Melfor and Centurion Sullikana finally came face to face. It sounds like it was a terrible battle.” She observed.

“Yes. It was a decisive moment in the Animoid Uprising. If Sullikana had won, our world would have been a much different place.”

Ava asked. “Why are you looking for that book?”

Tobias paused before answering. “I am researching something for the final year students.” Ava got the hint that he was being evasive. Changing the topic, Ava asked. “I noticed Prince Tolgarn was here the other day. Do you know why he came here, especially why he travelled during the Dark Winter?”

“Sorry, I was not privy to his meeting with the High Centurion." Tobias immediately realised he had said too much. He stood up and asked. “Do you mind if I have this book for today? I will return it tomorrow.”

Ava just nodded her head in agreement and Tobias bowed his head slightly then left.

She pondered why Tobias was being evasive for a while, and then picked up another book. This was more interesting, it was about Animal Communications. Ava couldn’t wait to find out what animals she was going to be able to talk to.

Her mind then turned to the start of the school year. It was now less than a moon cycle away. She started thinking about what her roommates would be like. Would she make friends? How will they treat her? Will they know she’s a Princess? What would the lessons be like? So many questions.

The Well of Darkness

Calzar walked out of his cave and headed for another set of stairs. These led down below the main living chamber of the Dark Ones. At the base of the stairs, the light was much darker. Many of the wounded from his returning army were lying on the floor. Also, they have managed to carry back some of their dead. These bodies were laid out close to a small pool in the floor.

Instead of a lava pool, it was a hot mud pool. The occasional noxious bubble popped as two Dark Ones stirred the pool with long wooden paddles. Another Dark One was tending the bodies. It picked up one of the dead and carried it over to the pool. He then gently lowered it into the mud. The body was slowly engulfed by the mud as it slipped below the surface.

They all watched on until suddenly a hand broke the surface and grabbed hold of one of the wooden paddles. A second hand grabbed the paddle and slowly the Dark One reappeared out of the mud pulling itself hand over hand up along the paddle until one of the other Dark Ones in attendance reached in and helped it out of the pool.

The new arrival blinked its red eyes getting accustomed to what little light there was. The mud slowly slipping off its body. Calzar walked forward and embraced it. “Welcome back. You died well, but you are now reborn. Go to your family.”

They drew apart and the new arrival walked away from the pool and up the stairs.

The attendant was now helping one of the wounded. The wounded Dark One had lost an arm in the battle. He too was lowered into the pool, but didn’t submerge his head. After a short time, he walked out of the pool hole again, his arm had regrown.

Calzar also embraced him before the heeled one left and climbed the stairs. This process continued until all the wounded and the dead had been healed or reborn. Calzar then left the attendants and returned to his cave.

Pukavan

Elemental Rosalina and Jaymar had spent their afternoons flying over the ocean near the palace. Practising their turns; then descending right down to the water’s edge and climbing back up to just below the clouds. They did go through the occasional cloud, but they were very thin. More and more Rosalina was allowing Jaymar to command the wind and he was getting better each time.

After landing, they both lay on the grass exhausted, but with big smiles on their faces. They both heard someone coming and sat up together to see Ambrose striding towards them. Jaymar found some extra energy, jumped up and ran into his arms.

“You’re back. Rosa and I have been flying.” He was so excited.

“Sounds wonderful, I thought I would find you here.” Ambrose returned Jaymar’s embrace.

Rosalina stood up and greeted Ambrose. “When did you return?”

“Just now. I came straight to the palace, hoping to find Jaymar still here. I see you haven’t broken the kite yet.”

Rosalina laughed. “Jaymar and I are getting better each time we fly.”

Jaymar interrupted. “I can control the kite by commanding the wind. It’s amazing; we have flown right out over the sea and up to the clouds.”

“Wow, but you need to be a careful flying into clouds.” Ambrose expressed his concern.

Rosalina added. “We didn’t fly into the main bank of clouds, only the edge and they were thin clouds.” She smiled again at Ambrose. “Jaymar, come and help me put the kite back on the ramp. Then you can go home with Ambrose. I am sure the others will want to hear about your trip.”

They all picked up the kite and with Ambrose helps it didn’t take long before the kite was back in position, on the ramp ready for the next day. Ambrose and Jaymar said goodbye and headed for the Inn.

Once they left the palace Jaymar asked. “Did you meet Wanda?”

“Yes. We met at the agreed location and talked about all sorts of things.”

“About me?” Jaymar looked sideways at Ambrose.

“Wanda was very interested to hear about you.” Ambrose smiled. “On a more serious note, we spent most of the time discussing the other recent events. I need to see the Ancient One again.”

Kaemoora

Prince Tolgarn had arrived back in his father’s city. The city was overcrowded with refugees because of the attacks on both Pinemarsh and Bundamook. He was still very angry at the lack of cooperation he had received from Daarook.

He marched into a meeting room where his father was with Centurion Fenzio, she was an Air and Earth Elemental and Captain Rawslee was also there.

He interrupted them. “Have any troops arrived from Conaldra?”

“No, Your Highness.” Rawslee replied.

“Damn Anastas. He sits in Conaldra dithering over what to do, while we bear the brunt of the attacks.” Tolgarn’s temper was not easing.

Centurion Fenzio commented. “Your Highness, I was just informing your father that the Lizards have left. However, the Animoid attacks continue, but nothing like the attack on Pinemarsh. They seem to be small raiding parties.”

“Captain, why have you not destroyed these raiders?” Tolgarn was clearly frustrated.

“Your Highness, they strike and then disappear back into the mountains. I don’t have enough men to cover the whole area. I will send another request to Conaldra and re-state the urgency.”

“Yes, you do that. I’m going to freshen up.” Tolgarn stormed out of the room. Totally ignoring his father.

Prince Xavier asked Fenzio. “What are your contacts in Daarook doing?”

“Your Highness, I have recently heard that Centurion Santina is coming here, but I don’t know why.”

“Well, she had better be coming to sort out this Animoid mess.”

“As soon as she arrives, Your Highness, I will arrange a meeting.”

Prince Xavier nodded in acknowledgment, then left the Centurion and the Captain to review the situation.

Pukavan

Ambrose had gathered all his friends at the Inn to update them on his visit with Wanda and what he planned to do next. He had not invited Jaymar or his parents. He would talk to them separately. The Innkeeper had allowed them to use one of the dining rooms and had supplied them with ale, bread and cheese.

When everyone was comfortable Ambrose started. “As you all know, I went and had a meeting with Wanda, a leader in the ‘Keepers’ organisation.” He had not fully confided with his friends that in fact Wanda and he were two of the original ‘Keepers’.

“I told Wanda about all the events related to Jaymar, the Animoid army and Dark Terror attacks, Lockmort and the meeting with the Ancient One. We spent many hours in discussion. One thing we both agreed on is that a senior Centurion is behind the daring Dark Terror attacks and it may even be the Head Master. I do have friends in Daarook and they have confirmed suspicious movements by the Head Master, which coincided with the Dark Terror activities. Also, it could be related to the Animoids gathering in the mountains and the subsequent raids in the area around Kaemoora. The name Tahmore is unknown to us, but once again, my friends are searching for any information that might reveal him to us.”

“What does Wanda suggest you do?” Udolf asked.

“I want to find and speak to the Ancient One again. Wanda has suggested finding the tunnel that leads from Daarook to the mountain camp and blocking it. We are hoping that this will disrupt any communications between Daarook and the Animoid army. Plus, I want to go back to the Well of Darkness and find out more about what the Dark Terror is planning once the winter is over.”

Jalen expressed his concerns. “It all sounds very dangerous to me. Aark.”

“I’m not going down into that dark place again.” Fineen added.

“I will not be asking anyone to do this. I will be going alone.”

Udolf commented. “I will go where you go.”

Ambrose continued. “Thank you Udolf. Whatever happens, Jaymar must be protected and allowed to continue learning and improving his skills.”

Fineen asked. “When do you plan to leave?”

“There is another meeting, due in a day or so, with representatives of Lockmort. I want to attend and get a reading on how negotiations are going. Besides Prince Aravin’s birthday dinner is tomorrow, I wouldn’t miss that this time around. Then I will go to the old cave dwellings and call to the Ancient One.”

Silence fell over the group as they each thought about Ambrose plans.

“One more thing. Gymbala was attacked again. I was briefed by Command Prahid. The city was successful in turning back the attack. I don’t have a lot of details. There are discussions about sending a squad of Pukavan Archers to replace the group left behind. But this is not our concern right now.”