Chapter 9
Beneath the dungeons of the castle, Arnath sat upon a black throne. A beady-eyed man paced before him. His long, greasy black hair whipped behind him with each turn. His long nose gave him the appearance of a bird. Arnath hated being in the sorcerer's chambers. It was always so cold and dark. Only a few black candles with flames of different colors lit the room. He didn't understand the magic this dark magician used, but his stomach twisted into knots every time he entered the room.
"Seth is in Ashenland by now, it's too late to stop that," the beady eyed man's voice screeched.
"Garandol is on his way to Kushen with the twins. We may still have time to stop them."
"Broc is taking care of that as we speak, Engard." Engard stopped and faced Arnath. His eyes, like small black marbles, narrowing so much that all Arnath could see was black. "Is he? I haven't believed for a moment that he has come back the same man you sent out before. Garandol has done something to his mind. I just haven't figured out what."
"Are you suggesting Garandol is the better wizard?" Arnath subtly mocked.
A fire erupted in Engard's eyes, "That young fool? He hasn't lived nearly as long as I have. He doesn't know the first thing about real magic."
"You mean your dark magic?" Arnath suggested.
"It's the only true power," Engard answered; evil seeped from his voice.
Arnath let Engard have his small outburst. Even though Arnath believed himself to be the ultimate power in Eranithia, there was something in Engard that scared him. If he didn't let Engard speak freely like this in private, then he may use that power against him one day.
"Don't forget who it was who truly put you on the throne, Arnath. Without me you never would have defeated your brother. He was much stronger than you."
Arnath clenched his jaw shut. It was all he could do to keep himself from leaping at the sorcerer.
"Remember, I am stronger than you still. Age means nothing when you are supported by magic."
Anger boiled inside of Arnath, but there was nothing he could do to Engard. He was right, he was much too powerful. Arnath decided he would take some of his anger out on Serina later.
Engard interrupted his thoughts and said, "Send a regiment to kill the twins."
"No! I want them brought here to kill them myself! Broc will bring them to me."
"Do you not listen to me? I am telling you Broc is not your man. He's working against you. Garandol poisoned his mind. More like he healed his mind from your poison."
Arnath had heard enough. He stood up and started for the door. Engard grabbed his arm with a vice-like grip. His bony hands cut off the circulation in Arnath's arm. He was shocked by Engard's strength.
"Kill them," he insisted with his crow-like voice.
Arnath wrenched his arm from Engard's grip and left the room. As soon as he was to the dungeon level he leaned against a stone wall, chest heaving, forehead soaked with sweat. Engard had unsettled him more than usual. He needed his harpist to calm him. The boy's magical song would help him sleep.
They came to a crossroad at the southern most part of the Gar Mountains. Garandol and the twins had been traveling for four days now. They were finally to the road that led to Kushen.
"Here we are at last," Garandol said. "And in good time too. Four days. Very good, both of you. You're in much better shape than when you first came to Eranithia."
The twins both grinned as they panted. Mark's legs burned with fatigue from walking for almost four days straight. Jennifer's legs had to have been feeling just as tired as his. They dropped their packs and sank to the ground back to back.
"I'll make dinner before we camp for the night," Garandol said and soonl had a fire burning and began cooking their meal.
Mark stared at the small fire as he let his legs rest. Jennifer's head slipped from the back of his and onto his right shoulder. He looked out of the corner of his eye and smiled. He was glad to have his sister with him again. The week they had been separated was one of the longest of his life, even though he was constantly training and learning more about the land. Mark would have preferred to have Jennifer there with him as he studied and trained.
He looked towards the Northeast, in the direction of Ashenland. Dusk was settling over the land, night was coming quicker everyday as they grew closer to the winter months. What month were they in? It was September when he was pulled out of his world. Which meant it was.... He couldn't remember the months of the year for Eranithia. They were much more difficult words than the ones from his home. There was a pattern to the months. They followed a story somewhat. The story had a warrior, but he fought for righteous reason. Suddenly it came to him. Fireanta, which meant righteous in Elfish. The Elves were the ones who named the months of the year. Some changed based on history over the years, but they were still the ones to name them even if they changed.
"I wonder how things are going with Seth and Arland," Jennifer said, interrupting Mark as he remembered the name of the month they were in.
"I'm sure if something went wrong we'd hear from them. They're probably meeting with the Elf King right now.”
"The Ri," Garandol corrected.
"Huh?" Mark said, looking at him, confused.
"The Elf King is called the Ri."
Mentally kicking himself for forgetting, he said, “Right, Ri. I forgot. What about the Centaurs? What was their name for their king?"
"Rey."
"That's Spanish for king," Jennifer said, sounding sleepy, her head still resting on Mark's shoulder.
"Excuse me?" Garandol asked, looking up from the growing campfire.
"In our world, the same word is used in Spanish speaking cultures."
"So, languages are related between our worlds. You and I speak the same language."
"What is it called here?" Jennifer asked sitting up and turning around. She sat next to Mark instead of leaning against his back. He wished she hadn't. Leaning against her was much easier than holding himself up.
"Basik, from the first human settlers from Barsnich. It's a country from across the sea, ruled by the Cathians. They escaped a corrupt country to come here to live freely and worship Sol the way they should."
"That's like the pilgrims of our world,” Jennifer interrupted. “They left Europe to be able to worship God freely and not be a part of the Church of England," she finished excitedly. She'd always done well in history.
Mark grinned as he watched his sister grow more and more excited about the history of Eranithia. She wore a wide smile and her eyes were wide. A small smudge of dirt under her left eye covered the light dusting of freckles on her cheek. "I'm sure many worlds have similar histories. Now, when these, we'll call them pilgrims as well, landed on the shores of Kushen, they were greeted by the Centaurs and Elves. But most importantly, Sol was with them. At the time there weren't the borders we have now. Every race was meant to live in peace. The Centaurs tend to keep more to the west along the coast and the Elves in the woods to the east but there was no definition of ownership of territories. It wasn't until there was a selfish king that borders were made. You'll see that when there is a good king Centaurs, Elves, and humans travel from nation to nation more freely. It is likely Seth and Arland were stopped by the forest guard before being taken into Cathair Aureus."
"They weren't hurt were they?" Jennifer asked, concerned.
"Most likely not. Seth is too strong and they wouldn't harm Arland. Most of the Elves know him well."
"But what if they find about his past being a Wood Elf?" Jennifer asked sitting up straight and stiffening.
"You're forgetting the story Arland told you. Sol made Arland different than the rest of the Wood Elves. The Elves of Ashenland know he's different. It's why he has a home so close to the border. He's one of them."
Jennifer let her shoulders slump again, comforted by Garandol's reminder. Then she stood up suddenly. Mark looked up at her squinting at the setting sun breaking through the trees.
"I think I'm gonna go for a walk. Take a look around."
"Want me to come with you?" Mark asked.
"No, I think I'll go alone. I'll call for help if I need it."
"Okay," Mark said as he watched her walk away.
They had just reunited and he didn't want to be away from her, especially knowing they were also being hunted by Arnath's men. Regardless if Broc was helping them or not, he didn't feel safe with her going off into the woods alone. "No need to worry, Mark," Garandol said.
Mark snapped his head around, looking at Garandol with wide eyes.
"I don't need to read your thoughts to know what you're thinking. I'm keeping an eye on her, so there's no need to worry about her. Let her have time to herself."
Mark looked away moodily and watched Jennifer disappear into the forest.
Jennifer wandered through the woods alone, the sun was beginning to set behind the Gar Mountains, the peak's long shadow cast an early twilight over the land. She crossed her arms across her chest and stared at the ground as she walked. Reaching out with her mind she could hear the thoughts of birds settling down for the evening, and the waking thoughts of the nocturnal wildlife. All thoughts were simple; protection and provision for their young.
"Good evening, Jennifer," the gentle voice of a man said.
She spun around in search of the voice, her heart pounding a thousand beats a minute. Then she saw him, a transparent man sitting on a fallen tree, ten yards in front of her. She stared at him, frozen in place. Her legs couldn't move if her life depended on it.
"Peace, child, you know me. We've met before."
She opened her mouth and whispered, "Sol?"
Sol nodded. His smile was so sincere, love seemed to radiate from him.
"But you were a deer when we met."
Sol chuckled then said, "I was, indeed, but I take many forms. Typically in the shape of something to invoke a certain emotion with whom I'm meeting. I wanted you to feel at peace so I came as a deer. I, however, am the Spirit form of Sol."
Jennifer didn't know what to say. She was standing before Sol in one of his true forms. Not only was she speechless, but she still couldn't move either. It was as if her feet were cemented to the forest floor. Then Sol walked up to her and took her hand. Any fear she had disappeared. She felt peace come over her like she'd never felt before.
"Come with me," he said.
Jennifer did as he asked. She knew she could follow him anywhere. His hand felt warm in hers. The warmth was pure love from Sol that only he could give.
"Where are we going?" she asked curiously.
He didn't answer right away, but when he did, his voice was grave as if to give her a warning, "I am going to take you somewhere to reveal to you a piece of the future. It may be shocking, but know that I will be with you always."
"Okay," she said, holding back tears. She didn't know where the emotion was coming from, but it was strong. Stronger than any other emotion she'd felt before. She never wanted to let go of His hand.
Soon they came to a cave in the side of the mountain. Sol stopped and turned towards Jennifer. There was sadness in his eyes as he searched hers.
"Are you ready?" He asked.
"Are you coming with me?"
He smiled and warmth surged through his hand into hers. She looked down and saw her own hand glowing as if light radiated from it. Sol's hand looked so unreal to her with his bluish, transparent skin. She could see straight through to her own palm. At the same time she'd never felt something more real in her life. His hand was not only touching hers but was within her own skin; like he was becoming a part of her.
"I won't leave your side. Only by my light will you be able to see the truth. Without my sight all you can truly see is lies. I will light the way for you."
He led her into the dark cave. The sun was fully set, no light was left in Eranithia but for the moon and stars.
They walked for about thirty yards before Sol finally stopped and turned towards the wall to their left. He held up his free hand and a small flame ignited in his palm, lighting the wall. Jennifer saw pictures painted on the wall of the cave. Pictures of kings and knights in battle. A little to the right she saw men four times larger than the others they were battling.
"The Geoth," she whispered as she touched the painting. She looked at Sol and he nodded towards the wall for her to continue studying the paintings.
She saw the story of the squire and Krune, the mighty horse, racing through Eranithia to warn King Thorum of what had happened to his family. Then the battle as the Elves and Centaurs joined in. Mirgol, the red dragon, and her army of phoenixes and griffins destroying the Geoth. The blood turning the soil red.
"Come, now that you know this cave shows the history of Eranithia, there is something you must see."
Sol led her deeper into the cave. The stories of Eranithia passing by her eyes like a movie in fast forward. After about fifty more yards he stopped her and pointed the fire in his hand at the wall. She stepped forward and saw two teenagers laying in a meadow in the woods. Jennifer gasped when she realized who they were.
"It's me and Mark!" she said and covered her mouth. She looked at Sol, not knowing what to make of what she was seeing. She and Mark were already a part of Eranithian history.
Sol nodded at the wall. The next scene was an explosion caused by Garandol. After that, Mark was carrying her as he ran after the wizard. After that scene came the moment they met Arland. She touched the face of the Elf on the wall. Tears swelled up in her eyes as her longing to see him again struck her heart. Next to their meeting Arland was a giant. Timberfoot! She laughed as she thought of that brave and gentle giant. She missed him as well. Then, she saw Mark walking across an invisible bridge. He looked like he was walking on air; the Leap of Faith. After that, they were running from the Imps, the ugly demonic beings who thirsted for blood.
She looked at Sol with a hatred in her eyes, "Will we have to face them again?"
Sol gave her no response, He only nodded at the wall for her to continue. Next she saw Arland giving Mark his own sword. Her heart swelled with pride for her brother. She remembered exactly how she had felt in that moment.
After that was the battle against Arnath's men, then her separation from her brother and it continued until it showed the moment she was reading the cave wall. She spun and faced Sol, her heart beating rapidly.
"Does this paint the future?"
Silently, he nodded at the wall again; he wanted her to see for herself.
Jennifer turned back to see them meeting Thern in Kushen; then Seth and Arland handing themselves over to Arnath; then Broc running a sword through the back of a man dressed in all black.
"Oh!" she cried covering her mouth again. Tears flooded her eyes at the final scene. She turned to Sol as her tears spilled down her cheek. He matched her tear for tear.
"You see what must happen," he said so quietly she could barely hear him.
She looked at the wall again, then back at Sol with pleading eyes.
"Do you see the sacrifice I ask of you?" He asked her.
"It's too much," she cried.
"I will never give you more than you can handle. Remember, I will always be with you, and you can do all things by my strength. I will never leave you nor forsake you. The only warning I give you is, do not let this," he pointed at the painting, “consume you. Don't ever forget yourself.”
Jennifer was even more terrified now. Sol was asking her to put herself in a situation where she might forget who she was, and let something completely consumer her!
“How do I keep it from consuming me?”
“Remember me. Hold onto something dear to you. Keep it locked inside your mind where no one can reach it, only me.” She fell into Sol, wrapping her arms around him, weeping into his chest. He squeezed her in his embrace and wept with her.
The cave grew dark as the light from Sol faded. Jennifer opened her eyes and saw Sol fade away from her sight. But she could still feel him holding her. She dropped her arms to her side and looked around. She could still feel him, but from within. Looking around the cave, she could see everything as if it were lit up with torches, but there were no sources of fire lining the walls. Sol's light was in her eyes, showing her the way.
She looked back at the last scene on the cave wall before leaving the cave. She touched Mark's face in the painting as he was dragged from the throne room, trying to get back in for something. Jennifer. In Arnath's clutches. She looked and saw a beautiful girl with Seth and Arland, trying to help take Mark with them. Serina. Jennifer had to sacrifice herself for Serina's freedom.
She walked out of the cave, head down, tears flowing. When she came out of the cave she found Garandol standing a few feet away. Her tear stained face shimmered in the moonlight as she and the old man stared at each other for a few moments.
"Dinner is ready," he said and started to lead her back to camp.
She walked alongside him in silence.
"I know whatever you saw in there was difficult to see, but you must keep it to yourself. You can't tell Mark anything."
"I know," she said in little more than a whisper.
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