Ruler of the Skies

Tamplina

Prince Melville and Princess Isabella were preparing for their journey to Conaldra. It was now less than a moon cycle to the end of the Dark winter and many things had to be arranged. Their son, Prince Theodor would rule in their absences. Prince Melville had spent many hours with his son and his key advisors going over procedures, discussing military matters, signing required documents and ensuring Theodor was as prepared as possible for his role. It would be the first time that both Prince Melville and Princess Isabella are away from Tamplina leaving Theodor in charge.

Melville and his wife would be away at least a full moon cycle, because they planned to attend the meeting of the High Council of Mikaia which is made up from the rulers of the five most important Princedoms and the two Federations of Islands. The Council met every two years just before the Festival of Light. They then intended to travel to Daarook to retrieve their daughter Ava and bring her home.

Theodor was now eighteen and all his training and schooling had prepared him well. His father was feeling confident in his son’s ability to perform all the required duties as a ruling Prince.

Father and son were meeting in one of the smaller rooms within the palace.

“We will take a small force of sixteen Rangers as an escort.” Melville was shuffling papers on a desk.

“Will sixteen be enough, considering all the Animoid and Dark Terror raids?” Questioned Theodor.

“It will have to do. I don’t want to take anymore away from Tamplina in case you are attacked. You will need every man.”

“Our defences are fully prepared and we have additional militiamen in training as we speak. We are ready for any attack.”

“I am glad you are confident, but don’t underestimate what may be to come. Reports are changing every day and there is a lot of uncertainty. So keep your network of spies and outriders on full alert.” Melville paused while he finished reading one of the daily reports.

“Son, retrieving your sister from Daarook will be no easy matter. Only once we have her with us and we are on our way home, then we will send word. I don’t want any messages getting into the wrong hands. The same goes for you. Only send me messages if it is absolutely necessary and then I would send a couple of Rangers to carry the message safely.”

“I understand father.”

Melville gave his son a smile. “I am proud of you and I know you will perform your duties well. Now I must go and attend to some matters with your mother.” He slapped Theodor on the shoulder and then walked out of the room. Theodor took a deep breath, happy with his father’s praise. He looked down at the table and picked up one of the latest reports to read it one more time.

Pukavan

Jaymar and the Elemental Rosalina had been practicing flying together for most of the afternoon. Jaymar finally decided it was time. “Rosalina, can I go on my own now?”

She looked at him and thought for a moment. “It’s getting a bit late.”

“Please, I will only go for a short flight. I know I can do it on my own.”

“I agree you should be ok on your own, but the clouds are a bit lower today. I am not sure, maybe tomorrow.” She was not happy with the current conditions. Jaymar was persistent.

“Come on. Yesterday you said I could fly solo today. Please, I will be extra careful.”

He gave her a cheeky smile and she reluctantly nodded her head.

“Ok. But only a short flight and stay within eyesight of this launching spot.”

Jaymar gave her a surprising hug and then climbed into the harness. She helped him with the straps and performed a last minute check of the guy ropes. She stepped back and said.

“Looks like you’re already. It’s in your hands now. Take off in your own time.” She gave him a big smile of confidence.

“Thanks Rosa. I’ll be back before you know it.” He released the brake and pushed off into the air.

Jaymar quickly got his legs in the straps and called the wind and the kite levelled just as he had practiced with Rosalina. All was going well. He banked to the right and turned back to the launch area. Rosalina was on the wall waving and smiling at his success so far. He called the wind again to climb higher and kept on turning. He needed the height in order to fly in over the wall to land in their usual place. He was now close to the clouds and he levelled out. Then he felt something, it was a cross wind. It hit him suddenly and pushed the kite away from where he wanted to be. He turned into the cross wind and tried to descend to gain more speed so he could work against the wind, but the wind was stronger now and in fact pushed the nose of the kite up. He quickly realised he was heading into the clouds and turned away and tried in vain to force the kite back down. Then everything went white. He was in the clouds and unable to see anything but white.

He tried not to panic. Thinking he must go down and get out of the clouds. Then he was hit by a strong gust and the kite was pushed out of control. Jaymar didn’t know in what direction he was going, up, sideways or down. It took all his strength just to hang on.

Rosalina saw Jaymar disappear. She waited. Where is he? See scanned the layer of clouds hoping to see him reappear or even to see his shadow. But nothing. She waited a little longer and then ran. She needed someone with wings. Jalen was all she could think of.

On the road to the Cave Dwelling

Ambrose was making good ground and he was thinking of not stopping and continue through the night. He wanted to get to the caves as soon as possible. The land was deserted and there was an eerie hush. The thick cloud and low light had a muffling effect on sound. He was used to it and pressed his horse onward.

Pukavan

Rosalina burst into the Inn. She shouted at the Inn Keeper. “Where are they?”

The Inn Keeper looked up from pouring an ale for one of the locals. “Who are you after?”

“Ambrose’s friends. The birdman specifically.” She was moving through the Inn heading for their rooms.

“They’re upstairs in the small dining room.” The Inn Keeper said.

“Thanks.” Then Rosalina was gone. Racing up the stairs a couple of steps at a time.

Rafeeq was doing his best to entertain the group, always eager for a laugh. Most of the others were trying to ignore him. The door burst open and Udolf and Fineen were quick to their feet. Udolf having drawn his weapon in a flash.

“Wait. It’s me.” Rosalina yelled in alarm.

Fineen quickly resumed her seat, but Udolf took his time putting his weapon away.

“Jalen. Please, you must come quickly.”

“Aark. What’s the hurry?” Jalen blinked his large eyes. He was in no hurry to stand up.

“It’s Jaymar. He is flying solo and he has gone into the clouds. Please come quickly.” She was getting exasperated.

Immediately the group stood up, she had gotten their attention.

“Come on, follow me.” Rosalina disappeared out the door. In confined spaces, it took Jalen a bit of time to get moving as he needed to be careful of his wings. He was the last out of the room. When he got outside the rest of the group were all waiting. Rosalina had been explaining to them what had happened. Now she turned to Jalen.

“Jalen, I need you to fly out and search for Jaymar.” She pointed to the palace wall closest to the sea. “He entered the clouds over there. He could be anywhere now.”

“It’s dangerous up there. Aark. But I will try my best.” Jalen whistled up some wind, ran a few steps and flew up into the dim sky.

“It’s going to get even darker soon. I will go and inform Jaymar’s parents.” Fineen was off and running.

Jalen was a skilled flyer, but he knew the dangers of flying into thick cloud. Plus, he also had to be careful that he didn’t crash into Jaymar. He skimmed along just under the clouds getting a feel for the prevailing wind until he reached the spot just out from the palace wall that Rosalina had indicated. He circled around then entered the cloud just for a moment, and then he was out again. He was still trying to get a feel for the wind and which way it might have pushed Jaymar. The others on the ground watched with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety.

Jalen finally got a sense of which way the wind was blowing. It was blowing south east across the bay. Jalen did a quick estimate and felt that Jaymar could well be on the other side of the bay by now, but at what height. That was the issue. The turbulence in clouds could push you up very quickly.

Jalen decided to stay under the clouds and head quickly across the bay, and then he would resume his search into the clouds.

“Where’s he going?” Called out Rafeeq.

“He has worked out; that the wind is blowing across the bay. See, he has re-entered the clouds.” Rosalina continued. “Let’s head for the wharf area. We will have a better view from there.”

The group set off at a run.

Jaymar was freezing, his hands had gone numb and he couldn’t feel his ears. The whiteness was affecting his eyes. So he was squinting hard, trying to stop them from hurting as well. He still had no idea which direction he was flying. Occasionally he would be bumped around by turbulence. Sometime his weight would be pushed hard down on the supports and other times he felt he may have even been upside down. The clouds sometimes looked to thin out and he hoped to see something below, but then the clouds would close in again. He was exhausted and starting to lose hope.

He felt another strong push from above and tried again to push with all his remaining strength to get the nose pointing down. At least he hoped it was down. All of a sudden he broke free.

“Woohoo.” He shouted with joy. He quickly realised he was descending rapidly toward the sea and called for the wind and he pushed once again with all his strength to level the kite. At first, it didn’t react. He called the wind again and this time a gust hit the nose from below and the kite levelled out for him just in time. He was now skimming fast a metre above the water.

Slowly he pushed the kite higher until he thought he could relax and look around. He had no idea where he was. He scanned the horizon. It was darker now and what little light there was; was fading fast. He put the kite through several turned. Then he spotted land. It was a thin dark line on the horizon, but he knew it was land and swung the kite towards it. He also descended again to pick up speed so he could hopefully get there before it was completely dark.

Jalen had repeatedly popped in and out of the clouds, but always staying just in the lower levels of the clouds. He didn’t want to be swept up into the clouds. He was mostly looking for a shadow. He knew he wouldn’t be able to see Jaymar unless they were very close. He was hoping to see the kites shadow amongst the white.

He dipped out the cloud again when suddenly he thought he heard a noise. It was muffled, but it sounded like a “Wow”. He scanned the sky in what he thought was the direction of the noise. Nothing. It was further out to sea than he had been searching. He immediately headed in the direction, hoping to find Jaymar.

Jaymar was approaching the land fast and none too soon as it was getting very dark. He swept in over the land and then called for some wind and he eased the nose of the kite up to slow his speed. All the practice with Rosalina paid off. He got his legs out of the straps and prepared to land. Below him it was very flat and looked rough, but he had no choice he had to get it down.

Bang. He hit the ground, scrapping his knees and the nose of the kite hit the ground hard, but it didn’t seem to break. He scrambled out of the supports and got to his feet. His body ached all over, but he was down and on land again.

He looked around. It was a barren place. There was no cover that he could see. Well, at least he could sit under the kite which would provide some cover until morning. He was about to climb under the front of the kite when he heard a faint high pitched whistle. He immediately thought that it was familiar. He was still not very good at whistling himself, but he knew Jalen was out there somewhere and he had to try and contact him. He wet his lips and then whistled as loudly as he could, then he waited and listened.

Jalen had almost given up as it was now dark and very dangerous to still be flying. In one last desperate attempt, he whistled as loudly as he could. He was so surprised when he heard a very faint reply. He immediately turned in the direction of the sound. He whistled again in response. Jaymar was overjoyed when he heard Jalen respond again.

He yelled out. “I’m down here.” Followed by another whistle.

Jalen was nearing the dark line of the coast when he heard Jaymar’s calls and he descended close to the ground so he would have a better chance of seeing in the dark.

Jaymar was staring into the dark when suddenly the large shape of Jalen wings came into view. The birdman landed gracefully in front of him and Jaymar quickly embraced him.

“Thank you. I had no idea you were searching for me.”

“Aark. Rosalina came and told me what happened.” Jalen blinked his large eyes as Jaymar stepped back.

“How did you know where to look?”

“I just felt which way the wind was blowing. Aark. It was a fluke really.”

“Well, I am so happy to see you.” Jaymar gave him another hug.

Jalen thought that was a bit awkward.

Jaymar released him and asked. “Do you know where we are?”

“South east from Pukavan and along way down the coast. We are close to Lizard territory. Aark.” Jalen was now looking a bit scared.

“We can’t fly tonight, so I was going to shelter under the kite until morning, as there is nothing else around.”

“Yes. I agree. Aark. The kite is better than nothing.”

The two of them then climbed in under the kite. Jalen awkwardly settled himself down, tucking the end of his wings under himself. Jaymar sat a close as he could. It was going to be a cold night.

The Cave Dwelling

Ambrose had managed to make the cave entrance just after it had gone dark. He was tired and decided he would rest before calling the Ancient one. As he was making his way to the back of the caves he heard something. He immediately enlarged the small fireball he was holding to light up the whole cave. He looked around, but there was nothing. He walked over to the back wall and sat down with his back against the wall. He placed the fireball on the ground in front of him. It would burn for a little while with no fuel, so Ambrose would have to create another once it had gone out. He sat back and closed his eyes to rest. He started thinking about how he would persuade the Ancient one to help him.

Under the Kite

“Did you see that?” Asked Jaymar.

“What?” Jalen had his eyes closed.

“There was a flash of light over in that direction.” Jaymar pointed inland and further south.

“Could have been lightning. Aark, a storm in the mountains.”

“I didn’t hear any thunder, plus it didn’t look like lightning. It was reddish, like fire.” Jaymar observed.

“Aark. We are not going anywhere tonight. Too dark. Besides, there has been talk of some Dark Terror attacks. I’m staying put.” Jalen was trying to be a firm as he could.

Jaymar just smiled. “We’ll go and explore in the morning. Good night.” He cuddled in close to the birdman hoping to get as much warmth from his feathers as he could.

“Aark. Could you make us a fire?” Jalen rustled some of his feathers.

“There is no wood and my fireball will just go out. So give me a cuddle and we can both stay warm.” Jaymar was enjoying teasing Jalen.

Pukavan

Fineen and Jaymar’s parents had joined the others down at the wharf. They had all stayed until it went dark and nothing could be seen of Jalen or Jaymar.

On their way home, they had decided that Udolf, Fineen and Raum would set out at first light in search for the pair. The rest would go back to the wharf and keep an eye out in case Jalen or both of them returned. Raum and Grimhilda were thankful of everyone’s concern for Jaymar and they told Rosalina not to blame herself.

The Cave Dwelling

Demarco and his small group of followers had heard Ambrose enter the cave and they had seen the glow from his fireball. The glow had gone out now. Dark Ones had red eyes and could see very well in the dark.

“Do you think he has left?” Asked Ishant, Demarco’s nephew.

“Hush. Keep your voice down. He is still there.” Demarco snarled.

“There will be no hunting tonight.” Said Alikara. “We dare not go out as he may hear or even see us.”

“We could overpower him. He is just one day walker.” Ishant commented.

“No. We will wait. He will go when the sky lightens. We must remain quiet.” Ordered Demarco.

Ambrose woke with a start. He was sure he could hear some faint noises. His fireball had gone out so he created another one. He let it grow to the size of a melon and then placed it on the floor in front of him. He strained his ears trying to pick up any more sounds. He kept thinking it sounded like whispers. It was going to be a long slow night. He closed his eyes again and just listened.

Under the Kite

Jaymar and Jalen had a cold and restless night. The dark had finally given way to a dim light. Jaymar was awake and climbed out from under the kite. Jalen still seemed to be asleep. Jaymar surveyed their surroundings and in particular looked in the direction he thought was where the flash of fire had come from. It was too dark to make out any details. All he could make out was the land rising up to some hills or even mountains.

“Come on Jalen. Time to get up. My parents and the others will all be worried about us. You could fly back and tell them I’m ok and send someone out to help get this kite back to Pukavan. Orrr. We could carry the kite over there to some higher ground and I could try and launch it. That way we could fly back together. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Jalen blinked his eyes a couple of times, then slowly crawled out from under the kite. Once he was on his feet, he stretched his wings and ruffled his feathers.

“Aark. That feels better.” He paused, gave Jaymar a glare and then added. “You want me to help you carry that thing. Aark. How far?”

“I don’t know. It’s hard to judge the distance in this dim light. I don’t think it’s that far. Come on, I can’t carry this thing on my own.” Jaymar walked around the other side of the kite and took hold of one of the wing supports. Jalen was not happy, but he grabbed the wing support on his side and together they lifted the kite just a little off the ground so that they could walk with it.

They made slow progress. Walking half sideways and bumping the kite on the ground every so often made for difficult work.

“Aark. This is not easy.” Complained Jalen as the kite bumped on the ground again, jarring his arms.

“Stop complaining. The ridge is just up there.” Jaymar used his head to point ahead.

“Besides, I’m shorter than you and I’m not complaining.” He added as he nearly tripped.

“Aark. Put it down for a moment.” They stopped and Jalen stretched his wings and arms. He looked ahead. “I remember this place.” In the gloom he could see the cave dwelling, away in the distance. “Aark. I don’t think we should be going there. There could be Lizard Soldiers in there.”

“Come on. We only need to get to the ridge, not as far as the caves.” Jaymar picked up his side and waited for Jalen to pick up his.

Pukavan

Raum and Grimhilda were up early. However, Udolf and Fineen were already outside waiting for Raum. He grabbed a light pack and his weapons and then gave Grimhilda a kiss goodbye.

“We’ll find him.”

Grimhilda smiled. “By the Elements. Go with speed and stay safe.”

Raum turned and was gone out the back door. There was no need to say anything. The three took off at a jog for the south gate.

Grimhilda collected her coat and a basket of some food and she too headed out the door. She turned towards the wharf. She was sure she would find Rosalina already there.

The Cave Dwelling

Ambrose had decided to explore the caves when he woke. No hurry in calling the Ancient One just yet. The noises from last night were bothering him. He created a fireball and tossed it in front of him as he walked along one of the passages. Every few metres he would repeat the process. Occasionally he would stop to listen, lighting the area with a fireball and looking around, then he would continue. As he came to each cave, he would throw a larger ball of fire into it and scan the walls.

There were many caves. Some very small, probably used originally as storage, others were large. The passages and caves extend deep into the mountains. So far his search had turned up nothing.

Demarco and the other Dark Ones had made their temporary home in one of the deepest caves. Because of their keen hearing, they knew Ambrose was getting closer.

“What do we do if he comes here?” Asked Ishant

“Silence.” Demarco was angry that Ishant wouldn’t keep quiet.

Ambrose decided he had searched far enough. No sign of anyone. So he turned back. When he reached the cave with the large crack in it, he tossed a large fireball into the middle of the room and then passed through the crack. Once inside the tunnel he put his face close to one of the walls and called to the Ancient One. “Cargan. It is Ambrose. I’m waiting in the cave.”

He then went back out to the cave a sat with his back to one of the walls.

Jaymar and Jalen set the kite down at the top of the ridge. Both were breathing hard. Jaymar turned and looked towards the cave dwellings while he caught his breath and once again he saw the flash of light.

“There it is again. Did you see it?”

“No.” Jalen had been looking the other way and now turned to Jaymar. “Aark. I’m not going to those caves.”

“Come on. If we fly there it will only take a few minutes.” He quickly positioned the kite for take-off. He checked all the ropes, supports and the sheet covering the frame. Everything looked ok. Nothing was broken which was surprising considering his landing.

“I’ll need your help to support the kite and hold it level as I start my run.” He explained to Jalen. Jalen just blinked his large eyes and positioned himself at the rear of the kite.

“Ready.” Jaymar lifted the supports and looked back to see Jalen holding the kite as best he could. Jaymar struggled at first, but finally managed to keep it level.

“Here I go.” He shouted and started to move forward. It was slow going at first, but as they got further down the slope they picked up speed. Jaymar and Jalen both called the wind together and lifted off. Jaymar was away. Jalen was right behind him and together they began to climb.

Jaymar didn’t want to climb too high, he was wary after last time, so he quickly turned his kite towards the cave dwellings. Jalen kept his distance not wanting to get tangled up with the kite.

After just a few minutes, Jaymar began to slow the kite and bring it down for a gentle landing. He was surprised at how easy it was getting. He climbed out from under the kite as Jalen landed beside to the kite.

“Aark. I told you I’m not going in there.”

“That’s Ok. You can stay out here and watch over the kite. I would hate to have it stolen while I was inside.” He gave Jalen a cheeky smile and then climbed up the rocks to the cave entrance. Before he entered he produced a small fireball in his hand. He held it out in front of him as he entered the dark tunnel.

Jaymar had no idea how big the cave system was, so he crept along slowly checking each entrance as he went. He came around a corner and saw a faint glow coming from somewhere further in the caves. Suddenly he got the jitters. He had no idea who might be in here. Jalen could be right, they could be Lizard soldiers. He stopped to consider what to do next. Then out of the dark came a large dark shape and it was heading towards him. Jaymar panicked and threw the fireball along the tunnel, turned and ran, calling another fireball as he fled.

“Wait. It’s me. Ambrose.” Came a call from behind him.

Jaymar stopped immediately and turned to see Ambrose approaching with a fireball lighting his face.

“What are you doing here?” Ambrose sounded annoyed.

“You gave me an awful fright.” Jaymar was still shaking.

“How did you get here? Is anyone else with you?” Ambrose was firing off questions in rapid succession.

“Jalen is outside. I can explain.” Jaymar interrupted Ambrose questioning.

“Alright, come with me. I’m waiting for someone in one of the caves.” Ambrose turned and threw the fireball along the tunnel and set off with Jaymar close behind.

Once inside the cave, they sat down with their backs against the wall and Ambrose created another large fireball and set it on the floor.

“Ok. I’m listening.”

“Late yesterday I was flying solo and I got sucked up into the clouds. I did not know which was up or down and the wind just pushed along until it was almost completely dark. Somehow I managed to come out below the clouds.”

“That must have been very scary. You look as though you have been through an ordeal.” Ambrose was softening his tone.

“It was so dark; I only just managed to find land and nearly crash landed. That’s when Jalen arrived. He had been sent by Rosalina to try and find me.”

“It’s amazing that he found you, in all that sky.”

“Yes. He is an amazing flyer. We took shelter under the kite during the night. That’s when I saw a flash of light coming from this direction.”

“So, you saw my fires.”

“Yes. I knew it was a fire. Jalen thought it might have been lightning, but it looked different. So in the morning I convince Jalen to come and have a look.

“That was pretty stupid. It could have been Lizard soldiers. Then what?” Ambrose added some fire to the fire already on the floor. “Where is the kite?” He asked.

“Jalen is looking after it outside.”

“Can you still fly it?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Come with me and let’s go and see Jalen, and then you can fly home.”

“But who are you waiting for?” Jaymar insisted.

“You’re not staying. It’s too dangerous.” Ambrose stood up to lead Jaymar out of the cave, when an enormous hand came through the crack. It grabbed the side of the opening and pulled a large piece of the wall away. The cave shuddered, and dust went everywhere putting the fire out. When the dust settled a bit, Ambrose created another large fireball and both he and Jaymar looked at the large hole.

“Wow. Who is that?” Whispered Jaymar nervously.

A large face was filling the hole and looking at both of them.

“That is Cargan. He is an Ancient One, a rock person.” Ambrose walked over to the hole. “Hello Cargan.”

The Ancient One made a huffing noise which echoed around the cave and then responded. “You called for me.”

“Yes. I did. Thank you for responding.” Ambrose looked at Jaymar then added. “This is Jaymar my godson. Do you mind waiting for a moment? I want to take Jaymar out of the cave.”

“No. Please Ambrose can I stay.” Jaymar pleaded.

Ambrose was about to say no, when Cargan interrupted.

“I sense something in this little human. I want him to stay.”

Ambrose looked exasperated but conceded. “Okay. Come, let’s go into the tunnel so I can talk with Cargan, but you can keep quiet.” He motioned for Jaymar to follow him. Cargan pulled back from the hole. Ambrose could walk comfortably through now it was that large. Jaymar followed closely behind him.

Once inside the tunnel they found Cargan sitting down with his back up against one of the side walls. His huge body basically blocked the tunnel.

“You called me for a reason?”

“Yes. I would like you to guide me through the tunnels to a place called Daarook.”

“I do not know of such a place.”

Ambrose thought for a moment then added. “On the northeast side of the mountains there is a river called Sweetsprings. The river’s source comes from the mountains behind Daarook. Do you know of the river?”

“I might. Why do you want to go there?” Cargan asked.

Ambrose looked at Jaymar and chose his words carefully. “I believe messages are passing from Daarook to the Well of Darkness. Evil things are happening because of these messages. I believe the messages are passing through the tunnels and I want to stop them.”

“No one but the Ancients knows how to travel the maze. Is the message carrier an Ancient?” Cargan sounded a bit annoyed at the presumption.

“You would know better than I, if that was true. No. I believe it is a human, who somehow knows the path between Daarook and the Well of Darkness.” Ambrose concluded.

There was a long silence as Cargan considered the request. He was watching Jaymar.

“Will the little human come with us?” Cargan finally broke his silence.

Ambrose was a bit annoyed. “I was going to send him home.”

“He will come with us. I like the look of him.”

Jaymar was smiling at Cargan’s response and Ambrose looked at both of them and then conceded.

“I must go and speak with someone outside first. I will only be a few minutes.” Ambrose stood up and went back through the hole.

Jalen was waiting patiently not really aware of how long Jaymar had been in the caves. He was surprised went Ambrose came out alone from the caves.

“Aark. Where is Jaymar?” Blinking his large eyes.

“Inside with the Ancient One. Jalen listen to me carefully. You must get this message to Raum, Grimhilda and the others.”

“Aark. I’m always the messenger.”

“Okay. Tell them Jaymar is fine and that you found him unhurt. Say we had an accidental meeting and that he is with me. Got that so far?”

“Aark. Yes.”

“Now for the hard part. Jaymar and I are going into the tunnels with the Ancient One and I don’t know when we will be back. Ask Fineen and Udolf to come and guard the caves until we return.”

“Aark. Jaymar’s parents will not like that.” Jalen said with some apprehension.

“I know, but at this moment I cannot tell them anything else. By the Elements. Go with speed, old friend.” Ambrose patted Jalen on the shoulder and they departed. Ambrose went back into the caves and Jalen took off for Pukavan.

When Ambrose returned to the tunnel, he found Jaymar touching Cargan on the arm.

“Are you really made of rock?” Jaymar was asking. “Can you feel me touching you?”

Ambrose was about to tell Jamar to leave Cargan alone, but hesitated.

“Your touch is soft. We are made from mother earth.”

“What do you eat?” Jaymar was very inquisitive.

Cargan noticed Ambrose return and started to stand up. Jaymar quickly stepped back.

“Ready to go?” Asked Ambrose.

“You must not turn off the path I take. The maze will swallow you.” Cargan turned and set off along the tunnel.

“We will have to run to keep up. Come on.” Ambrose urged Jaymar into a run.

Jaymar found it easy going at first as he was fit and a good runner, but as time went on, even he was starting to feel the strain. Ambrose called out. “Cargan. We must rest.” The Ancient One came to a quick halt. Both Ambrose and Jaymar threw themselves on the floor, gasping for breath. After a few minutes they sat up and started to feel a little better. The air was very still and thick inside the tunnels.

Ambrose spoke to Jaymar. “Use your earth powers to restore your strength and then you can help me.” Jaymar remembered doing this before. He sat up and placed his hands on his wall. He cleared his mind and concentrated on his Elemental powers. He started to feel better. Ambrose was watching and then asked. “Jaymar. Place one of your hands on my forehead.” He moved a bit closer. Jaymar did as he was asked. The sensation felt strange to Jaymar, as if a force or current was flowing through his body from the wall to Ambrose.

Ambrose moved back and the connection was broken. “Thanks. That was a great help. You are getting much better with your control.” Ambrose praised him.

Cargan had been curiously watching the two of them as they recovered. He then said. “The little human can join with mother earth.” He reached his hand out and indicated to Jaymar to place his hand on his. Jaymar looked at Ambrose for advice and Ambrose just nodded. So he reached over and placed his hand on Cargan’s. He cleared his mind again and then he felt a jolt through his body. It was like nothing he had experienced before. His inner glow was so bright and intense it was almost too much.

“Keep control of the glow Jaymar, don’t let it consume you.” Ambrose whispered as he watched on in amazement. Cargan withdrew his hand and the connection was broken, Jaymar fell back and Ambrose quick came to his side. “How do you feel?”

“Wow. That was amazing. I feel so strong and fresh. I also saw something. A tooth necklace.”

“Where?” Ambrose was surprised and excited.

“The one that follows us.” Cargan said in a whisper which still rumbled against the walls.

Ambrose quickly took a defensive stance. “Who is it? Are they close?”

“No. But I can see their red eyes.” Cargan was almost snarling.

“A Dark One?” Ambrose asked.

“If that is what you call it. Yes.” Cargan added.

“Is it the tooth necklace that Halvor had?” Ambrose turned to look at Cargan.

“The old father, Halvor wore it.” Cargan confirmed.

“This is unexpected, but great news.” Ambrose smiled at Jaymar. “The earth gem is not lost.”

Cargan interrupted. “I will take you to this, Daarook. Then I will deal with it.”

“No. Please Cargan. I must have the necklace.” Ambrose paused trying to think what to do.

His mind was racing. ‘What was a Dark One doing in the tunnels? Could they navigate their way through the maze? Why was a Dark One so far from the Well? How did it get the necklace?’

Demarco had decided to investigate the crashing noise from the cave Ambrose was in. He had seen Ambrose go out and come back in and decided to follow Ambrose, to have a closer look. The cave was empty when he had a quick glance inside. So he entered the cave and noticed the large hole, and then he heard voices. He was about to leave when he heard running noises coming from the other side of the hole. In an instant Demarco decided to follow.

Now he stood perfectly still listening as hard as he could to what was happening ahead. He knew that they had stopped and could just make out a large dark shape ahead, in the dark. He could hear a low rumble occasionally, but could not understand what was being said. As a precaution, he had made scratch marks on the walls at corners and junctions as he travelled through the maze. He knew the maze was dangerous and he would need them as a guide to return to the cave dwelling. He suddenly got the feeling that he had been discovered. He didn’t hesitate, but turned a fled back the way he had come.

Ambrose was still considering his options when Cargan spoke. “It is gone.”

“What?” Ambrose was tempted to run after it, but stopped.

“It is retreating back through the maze. But I will find it.” Cargan started to move back the way they had come. Ambrose stood in his way. “No, Cargan. Please, let us deal with the Dark One later. Can we go on to Daarook?” Cargan was about to brush Ambrose aside when Jaymar stepped close to Cargan and took his massive hand in his. The amazing feel returned and Cargan stopped and looked at Jaymar. “What does the little human want?”

Ambrose looked at Jaymar and nodded.

“Let’s go to Daarook first.” Jaymar said. He released Cargan’s hand and the ancient turned and set off again in the direction of Daarook. Ambrose and Jaymar jogged after him both feeling a lot better.

Pukavan

Grimhilda & Rosalina had been waiting and watching at the wharf all day. Others had come and gone, but the two ladies had not budged. The cloud cover was equally as stubborn. Nothing had changed. They passed the time with some idle chat, but that never amounted to any serious discussion.

Suddenly there was hope. “Look.” Rosalina pointed. There was a dark speck coming towards them just below the layer of clouds. Hope turned to anxiety as there wasn’t a second speck.

“Who is it?” Asked Grimhilda squinting her eyes.

“It’s Jalen. It’s not the kite.” Rosalina tried to hide her disappointment.

“Well, at least something is happening. He will have news.” Grimhilda remained optimistic.

The birdman finally came swooping down and land next to the couple.

“Aark. He is okay.” He burst out with the news. “I found him last night before it got totally dark.”

“What happened?” “Where is he?”

They both fired questions at him at the same time.

“Aark. Let me speak.” Jalen blinked his large eyes before continuing.

“Jaymar got blown way down the coast. Aark. He was lucky to eventually force the kite down just before total darkness. I was also lucky to spot him. Aark. It’s a big sky up there. He made it to land and we spent the night under the kite.”

“Is the kite still able to be flown?” Asked Rosalina.

“Aark. Yes. Not damaged.”

“So why isn’t he here with you?” Grimhilda was getting impatient.

“Aark. Aark.” Jalen was finding hard to get the next words out.

“We had a chance meeting with Ambrose. Aark. In the morning, Jaymar insisted on going inland.”

“What. Where was Ambrose?” Grimhilda was getting angry.

“Aark. Ambrose was investigating the caves. We met and now he and Jaymar have gone into the tunnel system with an Ancient One.”

“I’ll kill him. He is always going off on some mysterious mission and now he has taken my son into god knows what.” Grimhilda was now really cross.

“Grimhilda. I know it’s of little consolation, but your son was found and he is unharmed. There must be some reason for Ambrose to take Jaymar with him. Ambrose will not let anything happen to your son.”

“Your words give me some comfort, but when I see Ambrose next he is getting a good piece of my mind.” Grimhilda was starting to calm down.

“Aark. I have to go and find Fineen and Udolf. Ambrose wants them to guard the cave until they return.”

“Thank you Jalen. You were very courageous flying into those clouds searching for Jaymar.”

“I agree. Sorry Jalen. I am not angry with you.” Grimhilda walked up to the birdman and gave him a hug. Jalen’s large eyes were blinking more than normal as he didn’t know how to respond.

They broke apart and he said. “Aark. I must be going.” He whistled up some wind and took off.

The two ladies gathered their things and headed back to Grimhilda’s home.