The Legend of the Seven Sages: The Blade of Origin Read online

  “Haha, no, we’re not dead,” said Gabrel as the surrounding Skaelar inched inward curiously, lowering their weapons. “We had to know if you were still alive. This, apparently, was the fastest way to do it.”

  “Yeah, I’m still here,” said Dareic.

  “You look rough,” Gabrel said. “Got a nice a scar on your face, I see.”

  “Oh, um, Nemesi beast,” Dareic said. “From the Corren’dai. How are you guys here right now? How is this possible?”

  “We’re with the Erygian Sage—Kade Amirraden,” said Kaven. “She showed us how. But we shouldn’t stay long, Dareic.” Kaven eyed the bonfire from which they’d emerged, checking to ensure it wouldn’t burn out any time soon.

  “Kade Amirraden, the Enchantress?” asked Ralian, entering the conversation. “She is the next Erygian Sage?”

  “Yes,” confirmed Gabrel. “And you are...?”

  “Ralian Sheen, Sage of the Skaelar,” Ralian said with a hand-hearting.

  “Gabrel and Kaven Caladen,” said Gabrel. “Ambassadors to the Queen.”

  “And you remember Treäbu and Vega,” Dareic said, motioning to the Skaelar and Aerolus beside him.

  “Quite the reunion,” said Gabrel. “Dareic, where are you right now? Is this Skaelwood?”

  “Yeah,” said Dareic. “I fought at Caleton, then returned here with the army. Where are the two of you?”

  “You’re not gonna believe this,” said Gabrel. “We’re in Avenalora.”

  Dareic’s jaw dropped. Ralian put his hand to his heart. All around the camp, gasps echoed through the trees.

  “Are you serious?” Treäbu asked.

  “Yeah,” said Gabrel. “But we’ll be leaving in the morning. We have to get Ayden Mercer to Benevar.”

  “Gabrel,” said Dareic. “Did I hear you right? Are you saying that Avenalora has been found?”

  “Yes,” Gabrel spoke.

  “Do you have any idea what this means!?” Dareic asked, barely able to contain himself. “It means that we can fight Lord Daro. That we actually have a chance now.”

  “I don’t understand,” said Gabrel.

  “When Daro attacked Caleton, our weapons were useless, Gabe,” said Dareic. “Nothing could harm him. But one thing can—the Blade of Origin.”

  “There’s just one catch,” Treäbu chimed in. “To use it, someone first has to drink from the Fountain of the Avenflame.”

  Gabrel and Kaven looked at each other and smiled.

  “What?” Dareic asked, recognizing a shared thought when he saw one. “What are you two—oh, bloody hell, there’s a Sage with you, isn’t there?! Has she drunk from it already? Does she have the Celestial Blaze?!”

  “Not just her,” said Kaven. Dareic looked confused.

  “I don’t understand,” he said.

  “There’s so much we have to tell you,” said Gabrel.

  “I bet,” Dareic responded. “What happened with the Erygians? Did you save Adelyne?”

  “No,” Gabrel said somberly. “I wasn’t fast enough. And we weren’t able to bring the Erygian army back with us either.”

  “Daro showed his strength at Caleton,” said Ralian. “Any nation that stands alone will surely perish. After seeing what he’s capable of, those who would not fight with you before might be more keen to it now. And if Avenalora has indeed been found, what better rallying point could there possibly be?”

  “King Mercer already tried to unite our world,” Gabrel argued. “He sent messengers to every corner of Adoran, and you see how well that worked out.”

  “I would not have what happened to Caleton happen to Skaelwood,” Ralian told him. “I’m sure the other nations now share that very same fear. In misfortune’s wake, we find opportunity.”

  “What are you gettin’ at?” Gabrel asked.

  “The allure of an alliance is greater now than ever before. Mercer’s attempt failed, yes. But your work, ambassadors, is yet unfinished.”

  “Can the Skaelar march to Avenalora?” asked Kaven.

  “That would leave our realm unprotected,” said the Sage.

  “Well then why’d you propose rallying there in the first place?” Kaven asked.

  “Attacking Daro won’t do any good without the Blade of Origin,” Dareic interrupted agitatedly. “We need to get that first. Weren’t you listening?”

  “Right,” said Gabrel. “So, am I to understand that the Skaelar have pledged their forces, but only after we’ve found the most elusive sacred weapon in the history of our world? I don’t suppose anyone alive today has any idea where it is?”

  “The Goddess of Fortune told me it’s with her sister in Valea.”

  “The Goddess of Fortune?” Kaven asked.

  “I’ve a lot to catch you up on as well,” Dareic said.

  “Okay,” Gabrel said. “So, Kaven and I have to get Queen Mercer to Benevar. After that, we can go to Valea, where we’ll look for the Blade and ask the Aeroli to unite in Avenalora.”

  “And what about the other nations?” Ralian asked. “As much as you’d prefer not to leave each other’s sides, dividing your efforts would be a better course of action. Kaven, you could go to the Boreans. And perhaps your Queen can speak with the Marineans. Benevar is not far from their realm.”

  “Alright, wait just a minute,” Dareic said. “I think we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here. Telling my brothers to go marching off to foreign nations—I mean, we’re not the only ambassadors in this world.”

  “I don’t see any others before me,” said Ralian. “Much less, two already strategically positioned to engage the western nations.”

  “He’s right, Dareic,” said Kaven. “We may not like it—I mean, we already tried with the Erygians and it didn’t turn out too well. Their armies were dispersed.”

  “And I don’t think they liked us very much,” Gabrel mumbled.

  “But what King or Sage or Lord from any other nation has sought an alliance?” Kaven continued. “Somebody has to try.”

  “Someone else will,” Dareic said. “We can’t be the only ones having a conversation like this.”

  “What if we are?” Gabrel asked.

  Kaven studied Dareic’s obstinate eyes, trying to understand his brother’s stance.

  “Why are you so opposed?” he asked. “This isn’t like you, Dare.”

  “After Caleton,” said Dareic, “I didn’t know if you two were still alive. And now that I do, it feels like you’re headed right back into the thick of it. I just don’t want you guys to get yourselves killed, trying to be—” he shook his head, “noble. Honorable. Whatever you wanna call it.”

  “Dareic,” Gabrel spoke thoughtfully, “if we don’t do this, we’re all dead men.”

  “And I hate to say it,” said Kaven, “but there’s still one more problem. We need someone to go to the Incinians. We’re still one ambassador short.”

  “The Incinian realm of Kallenshar will be on the other side of Adoran from you,” said Ralian.

  Slowly, everyone’s gaze turned to Dareic.

  “Ohhhh no,” Dareic said, already knowing what was about to be asked of him.

  “Dareic,” said Gabrel.

  “I can’t go, Gabe. I’ve got to stay here. I’ve an obligation to the Skaelar—a promise to keep.”

  “What promise?” inquired Gabrel.

  “Ambassador,” Ralian addressed Dareic. “There are no reports of Daro’s forces moving on Skaelwood at this time. I believe they will come soon—like angry wasps chasing after us for prodding their hive. But in the time it takes for them to march, you may be able to get to Kallenshar and back.”

  “Really?” Dareic said, cocking his head at Ralian. “Bloody hell. Kaven, you’re alright with this?” he asked. "You, of all people—you kept your boot on my tail for years. Always tried to keep me out of trouble. Now, you’re sending me straight into it?”

  “I’m surprised, Dareic,” Kaven said. “The last time something like this happened, you leapt at the opportunity. You b
olted off toward Skaelwood like a freed prisoner.”

  “A lot’s happened since then. I realized I don’t like almost dying every other day.” Dareic’s head dropped as he sighed. “Alright,” he conceded with a shrugging of his shoulders. “I’ll do it. I’ll go. But let’s just say I succeed. How are the Incinians supposed to get to Avenalora?”

  “I have no idea,” said Gabrel. “Right now, just worry about convincing them to fight with us. That should be hard enough.”

  “Marvelous,” said Dareic.

  “You won’t have to go it alone,” Treäbu said, stepping up next to him.

  “We’ll journey with you, ambassador,” Vega added.

  “Then your courses are set,” said Ralian.

  Kaven glanced at the bonfire once more. “Gabrel, we should be getting back,” he said.

  Gabrel nodded. “Dareic, I don’t know when we’ll be able to speak again. But until we do, good luck.”

  “Take care of yourself,” Kaven added.

  “I’ll do my best,” Dareic said. “And good luck finding the Blade of Origin. It’s our only hope, Gabrel. Without it, even a world united won’t be enough to fight Daro.”

  “Well then, I’d better not let you down,” said Gabrel.

  Kaven entered the bonfire, but before Gabrel did, he turned back to Dareic. “One last thing,” he said. “Kaven and I can wield magic.”

  “What!?” Dareic belted.

  Just as Gabrel stepped back into the bonfire, he heard Dareic’s voice, “So can I.”

  The next thing Gabrel saw was the kiva in Avenalora. Kaven caught him as he stepped from the fire.

  “You were gone so long!” Kade immediately berated them. “We thought something might’ve happened to you! You were just supposed to see if he was alive, then come right back.”

  “Sorry,” said Gabrel.

  “Why did you take so long?” Ayden added to the scolding. “What happened?”

  With determination in his eyes, Gabrel spoke, “We have to talk.”

  Chapter 4: The Fadenward Canyon

  Hadaan and Dexius walked hurriedly through the grey stone hallways of the Adorcenn Tower. They passed from corridor to corridor, intent on arriving at their father’s chambers as quickly as possible.

  “Why would he send for us at this late hour?” Dexius asked Hadaan.

  “He sent for me, Dexius. You have no business here.”

  “I’m his bloodson too!” Dexius spat. “I’ve as much business hearing what he has to say as you do.”

  When they arrived at Daro’s chamber doors, Hadaan knocked, and the doors swung open. Hadaan and Dexius entered to find their father gazing out upon the plains, where construction of the Tower’s outer wall neared completion.

  “Father,” Hadaan said, then knelt in the center of Daro’s chamber.

  “Father,” Dexius spoke also, then walked around his brother’s great black wings, and knelt as well.

  Daro turned. “Dexius?” he said. “I did not send for you. Why are you here?”

  “I am eager to begin proving myself to you, Father,” said Dexius. “If you would allow me, I’d be grateful to partake in your discussions.”

  “Your adamancy is a great asset to our family, Dexius,” said Daro. “You may stay. But in the future, do not come unless called for.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Dexius said, then cast a sideways glance at his brother, who bore a dissatisfied scowl.

  “Rise, my sons,” Daro said. “We’ve received news from Caleton. Our occupying forces report that rebuilding is underway. The city lies in devastation. It will take time to clear away the rubble. The dead. And all the earthen ruin. But progress is proceeding.

  Now, in the wake of our victory at Caleton, we must anticipate the likelihood of a counter attack, however foolish that may seem. Even the possibility of an alliance against us. The nations of Adoran may find new peace in sharing a common enemy.”

  “How do we keep them divided?” asked Hadaan.

  “By suppressing the movement before it can take form. The Skaelar and Aeroli aided the Humans at Caleton. Currently, they stand as our strongest threats. When more of my children arrive from the north, I will send Fated to Valea. You, Hadaan, will lead our forces to Skaelwood, and engage the Skaelar.”

  “Me, Father?” asked Hadaan. “But surely, you would lead the armies into battle. No one can contest your magic. Not even Sages.”

  “You have already proven yourself on the battlefield, my son,” said Daro. “I trust you to this task. I will remain here, where I can more effectively oversee our operations. Reports are coming in daily, and my absence would only delay progress. In the time before you depart, we will discuss your strategy.”

  “Your trust is the highest honor I could ever hope to attain, Father,” Hadaan said with a bow of his head. “Your will be done. Skaelwood will burn.”

  “But Father, you have the Amulet of Oblivion,” said Dexius. “Why not just give it to one of the Fated? Send the Fated to Skaelwood, and have it unleash the power of the Amulet upon the Skaelar. There’s no need to send an army—”

  “Absolutely not!” Daro snapped. “The Amulet is priceless, Dexius! I will not chance losing it, nor will I entrust it to another. What assurances would I have that the Fated would succeed before it was killed? I’ll not squander centuries of planning for some foolish scheme that just might hand one of the most powerful furenti ever forged over to our opposition!”

  “Forgive me, Father,” Dexius said, cowering to one knee. “At least—please, let me accompany Hadaan to Skaelwood. I am eager to prove myself in battle as well.”

  “No, Dexius,” said Daro, calming his rage. “Your skills are yet unrefined. I’ll not send you into battle until such time that I believe no man nor beast can best you.”

  “But Father,” Dexius protested. “My skills are—”

  “Do not question me, Dexius!” Daro commanded. “Or presume to know my own plans better than I do.”

  “Forgive me,” Dexius said, bowing lower. Daro studied him with a wary eye.

  “Your time will come, my son,” said the Dark Lord. “You will prove your worth.”

  “I pray that day comes soon,” Dexius spoke.

  “When I feel you’re ready,” said Daro sternly. “Now, both of you may return to your resting. We’ve nothing more to discuss tonight.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Hadaan and Dexius both said with a bow, then exited Daro’s chamber.

  The Dark Lord stood in silence, and turned to gaze once again upon the moonlit fields. His demons blanketed the plains like a great shadow, ever growing by the hour. Daro reached into a pouch at his belt, and pulled from it the Amulet of Oblivion. After eyeing it cautiously for a few moments, he walked to a shrine-like mantel that bore upon it three additional amulets, each silver with a red Alluvian jewel in its center— all similar to the one that hung around Hadaan’s neck. Below the amulets, Daro’s dark mask was also placed.

  The Dark Lord hung the Amulet of Oblivion upon the mantel, then departed his chamber.

  * * * * *

  Gabrel, Kaven, Kade and Ayden passed through the western gates of Avenalora and into the dense jungle. All had donned their armor and traveling cloaks.

  Kaven looked back over his shoulder to catch one last glimpse of the grand city. As he eyed the marvelous golden towers, astonishment filled him when they suddenly vanished from sight.

  “Good glory!” he exclaimed, stopping dead in his tracks. “It’s gone!”

  “We’ve passed beyond the boundary of the veil spell,” said Kade. “Avenalora is hidden from our eyes once more.”

  “Will we ever be able to find it again?” Kaven asked.

  “Cross the threshold,” said Kade, “and discover for yourself.”

  Kaven took a few steps toward the city, and was relieved to see Avenalora’s golden towers reappear in the distance, as though they’d simply blinked into existence.

  “I see the city!” he remarked joyfully. “Can you?�
��

  “Yes,” said Kade, her face contemplative.

  “Is it curious to anyone else,” Gabrel said, “that we can see the city, even though only Kaven passed the boundary?”

  “Curious indeed,” Kade agreed. “But we must be on our way.”

  The group walked through the mountainous jungles for much of the morning, until coming to a pair of stone warrior statues that guarded the entrance to a wide canyon trail.

  “Does this road lead over the mountains?” asked Gabrel.

  “No,” said Kade. “It leads through them. This is the Fadenward Canyon. It is the fastest road to the Erygians of Estimus, but we must be cautious. Who knows what creatures might be lurking within the high cliff walls? There could be eyes upon us.”

  “Fantastic,” Gabrel muttered as they entered the canyon. His eyes darted to the steep, rocky walls, suspicious of every shadow that fluttered in the afternoon breeze. “Ayden, what do you plan to do when we get you to Benevar?” Gabrel asked the Queen, hoping to ease the group’s paranoia.

  “I don’t know,” Ayden said. “After the fall of Caleton, fear will have surely gripped the hearts of our people. I’ll speak with the High Steward, Lord Lirian, and see how Benevar has fared thus far.”

  “Lord Lirian?” Kaven asked. “A relative?”

  “No,” answered Ayden. “He is from one of the highest houses, appointed by my father to oversee Benevar when he could not be present.”

  “Well, should you need anything, we’ll do whatever is in our power to help you,” Gabrel added.

  “But you and Kaven are leaving me once we get there,” Ayden argued. “And Kade, surely you would return to your people afterward?”

  “I should,” said Kade. “But you, Gabrel and Kaven all face an incredible task. I have half a mind to accompany one of you on your journey.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that,” said Ayden. “But what about your people? They’ll need their Sage.”

  “I know,” said Kade. “But the Marineans might drown you for setting foot on their shores, the passage to the Aeroli is not for the faint of heart, and the Boreans, well—”