Haze of Dusk (A trilogy) Page 26

  “How did you find me?” I manage to say.

  “Wherever you are, I will find you. You still do not get it. Spellbound is with you. Even from afar I will know of you. I felt it here,” he obtains my hand and places it on his beating chest. With me, all this time, it’s with me. “If something were to happen to you, know this…I will know. Just like I found you years ago. I will always know where you are.” Found me years ago? What does he mean by that? Adenena begins to whir. I smile at her. “It’s all-right. He's a friend.” I give her a hand. She takes my arm and fearfully hugs me. Khysso stares at me in dismay. “I understand them. You were right. I think my mother or someone in my family was an arclaw.” I concede. His lips rise from a side.

  “We have to get you back, before the arclaws find us,” I grimace.

  “But they're not bad. They’re only trying to go back home to Ecksoll,” Khysso chuckles. “I know that,” his words shock me. He knows. Of course, he’s one of them.

  “Still, some of them are not merciful. They do not care if you and I can understand them. They will kill us both for being humans. You understand me?” I miserably nod, and meet with Adenena. I gently draw her away from me. “Adenena, I have to go, but I’ll hide you b—” a loud growling interrupts me. We move our sight to the enrage arclaw, but I fall at peace to see it is Adelena. She's alarm by Khysso. Khysso stands straight and growls, demonstrating his arclaw fangs. His overprotecting roar relaxes her. “Who are you?” She asks him.

  “He’s my friend, Adelena. He came for me.” She stretches her arms to her daughter. Adenena sprints to her mother and they embrace. “If you escape, escape now,” she tells Khysso. He nods and turns to me. Khysso takes me in his arm with no difficulty.“If you want to help end this war, locate Oracle Sepias. She will give answers…but she is dangerous. She trusts no one, not even arclaws. But you…” she points at Khysso, “you smell like her…” she says repel. Khysso narrows his eyes.

  “What do you mean by that?” Adelena quivers her head.

  “She is rare arclaw to ever exist. She is different… I see her once. She kills our kind…she trusts no one…” she repeats. “But you smell like her, like a child’s blood smells like its mother…” Khysso’s eyes widen, then darken. I gasp. I understand what she’s implying. “Where can I find her?” His voice roughens.

  “Heels Mountain…” I gust out a breath. Heels Mountain is far southeast, a wasteland— a place where the heat of the suns burns life, no human has ever entered.

  “Now go, my brothers and sisters come, go now!” she commands. Khysso walks in a severe silence. As for me, I sentimentally wave goodbye to my new allies.

  Khysso walks me a dark path. I enfold my arms around his neck. The closeness between us heats up my body, but my weakness also plays a part. It brings me exhaustion. I can feel his heart beating. He breathes strong, for he climbs hills and cliffs, in addition, he holds me. I’m feeling incompetent, wishing to have at least the movement of my legs that way I can assist him.

  The fragile night shifts away, giving us a tad of radiance, the dim light gives away our surrounding. I slam a hand on my mouth— the path is filled with bodies and blood. There are many humans, and also dead arclaws, but what breaks my heart is a young magician boy, dead on the floor, a magician who could’ve been my brother. My heart tightens to see such dynamic atmosphere. The stench of blood nauseates me. I press my face on Khysso’s shoulder. “Worry not, it’s almost over,” he whispers as I hold him closely. I can tell he’s concern of my thoughts, but he’s also concern with what Adelena said about Sepias. I can’t ask him about it, not when he closes his sentiments. “Where are you taking me?” I ask, breaking the silence that has taken over us for quite some time. He walks up a nonviolent hill, with no dead-bodies. “I’m taking you to the portal. You’re going back to the castle,” I raise my eyebrows. “Are you mad? Why would I go back? The war is on, and I’m in the lowest rank. I have to go back and at least pretend I’m fighting. I will be penalized if I return,” he shakes his head as he continues walking. His eyes still on the path.

  “Because of what you did, a field that would take months to empty out is almost vacant. Do you know what impression this gives the leaders? They want to keep you safe. You’re going to be sent back,” I scoff. Oh yes, perfect. I let out too much power. Now I’m going to get scolded for doing so. My stomach hurts just thinking about it.

  “Well, I assume it’s best if I return. That way I can tell everyone about the arclaw's need to return home.” I say somewhat eagerly. Khysso stops moving. He seems paralyzed by my words. He lazily looks at me, and softly rests me down in an isolated hill. He takes out a water pouch from his weapon belt and gives it to me. His indifference mood startles me. “Drink,” he commands. I take a sip of the bittersweet water. I scowl. Sickened by it, I hand it back to him, “drink more. It will give you energy. You’re dehydrated,” he wipes the sweat off my forehead. I frown, and quickly swallow some more of the bitter-water. “Judyala…” he starts. His severe voice gives me chills. I give him all my attention. “You are impulsive, capricious, thoughtless, and careless,” I bite my bottom lip. I just knew he was going to reproach.

  “Your insensitive acts are not helping me. For years, I have lived knowing the truth about the arclaws, and for years, I have tried to figure out a solution to all this, but with these interruptions I will not be able to do anything.”

  “What do you mean by interruptions?” I say sensitive by his words.

  “It is spellbound. If you are in danger, I will know. And I can’t be in peace until I know you are secure. It’s the way of spellbound, since you are my…” he hesitates, I blush. Is he trying to say soul-mate? I can’t believe it. It’s with me after all, although I always felt it in me, no wonder. “Spellbound brought me to you years ago. I felt and saw the danger you were going to encounter. It was not pretty by the way. It is why…I found you in that field seven years ago,” he says staring down the ground.

  “Then, you didn’t run away? You went to that place to save me— and the dragon. The attack of the arclaws, my fall in the arena…all of it… you, saw me die…” he strains a smile and rushes a nod. My cheeks burn. All this time he has known about me, and I have rejected him, no wonder he’s angry…no wonder his approach towards me. He’s really everything Casandree mentioned an arclaw is. But why is spellbound with me? I’m not an arclaw, and if my mother was one, then why can’t I turn into one like Khysso.

  “Wow, then danger does find me,” I joke, but he's not amused by it.

  “You are trouble and very difficult to handle. I never thought it would be so difficult to have you here. You’ve given me much work.” He says it as if I’m a bother. I wretchedly bow down my head. He holds my chin and lifts my head, our eyes meet. “Yet, it’s lovely… to have you near,” he continues, bringing out my smile.

  “Judyala, we are a team. And as a team we need to keep our powers to ourselves. You cannot tell anyone about this. If you do, our lives will be in danger. It’s best our secrets are kept secrets until I figure out an end to all this. You have to promise me you will speak nothing of our gifts.” How can I do that? The world needs to know of these issues. “But Khysso we—”

  “You have too!” he cuts in. “Judyala, you have to work with me. No more thoughtless acts. I need you to stay calm and when the time comes, and we find a way to send the arclaws back home, we will. Meanwhile, you and I will keep this away from everyone, you understand.” He’s serious about this. The obscurity in his eyes defines truth. I groan in disenchantment— but if he is saying this, it must be for a reason. I push a nod agreeing with him. He smiles, and strokes my cheek.

  “Thank you,” he whispers and presses his lips on my forehead.

  Our journey continues, and Khysso takes me a path with a hill. We reach a noisy field with loud thunders and dark summoning creatures. The field has warriors whom wear a mustard cloak, “JUDYALA!” I hear my name shout in union. I view to my front to see a group of hundreds
, but running my way is Corr, Ikumus, Ramuso, Osys, and Onnet. Joy embarks in me to see we've reached the sway grassland.

  “You found her, thank you.” Corr grabs my hand and intends to kiss it but Khysso yanks me away from him. “She is weak. She needs rest.” I scowl. There’s anger in him, or more like jealousy. I giggle. I’m entertained by his foolish jealousy towards my friend. Only if he knows how my heart falls out my chest for him.

  “I’m well, thank you.” I whisper holding Corr’s fingers. He smiles.

  “We looked for you everywhere. You gave us a scare…again.” Ramuso says getting close to me, but Khysso begins to walk. “You can all talk later." He leaves my friends behind. I wave at them, loving them for caring and worrying. I thought I was alone when Srogeri left, but now I know I’m not. Besides my great friends I have Khysso now, who although is spiteful, he too cares for me; his caring behavior makes me feel secure, and helps me anticipate a better future.

  We reach the area of the instructors. A high mount, where the most powerful wizards, priestesses, and sorcerers remain, combining their strongest powers from afar, to darken the skies, and bring out a chilling weather. It’s there I would’ve been if I had not changed my rank. But I don't regret changing ranks. In me, I know I made the right decision because if I wouldn’t, I would’ve never met my new allies, and I would’ve never found out the truth about the arclaws.

  Ronneto and Vaniele hurry to me, both look distress. “Well done, Sorcerer Shorewen, well done.” Vaniele reaches out a hand to feel my cheek, but I jerk away from her. My hatred towards her is conspicuous. Especially now that I know she stands by that witch’s side. I wanted to confront Vaniele about Srogeri’s death, but she has kept her distance away from me, up until now.

  “We can take her’r from here,” Ronneto obtains me in his arms. The protection I sense with Khysso instantly vanishes. Khysso’s eyes meet mine. I'm miserable by our separation, and I can tell he too feels odd about it. “Thank you,” I whisper to him one last time before Ronneto shifts me to a side, taking me to a lightning portal. Standing next to the gateway is she, the black widow. She’s wearing her hood, staring acutely. There’s no emotion from her part. Just a reverie stare that makes me question her thoughts. I look away from her. I can’t confront her, for I know from my mouth will come out unpleasant words that might bring me to my doom.

  “Both of you are done here. You can take her, and please, conduct her.” She says staring at Vaniele, who nods. “Thank you Madam, for everything.” Vaniele thanks her, and at the same time as us, Vaniele steps inside the portal—a wobbly light takes us back to Doomsvell. “Ye is a courageous girr’l. Nonetheless, if this continues I believe our-r plans will fail,” Ronneto says laying me on my bed. I glare at Vaniele, she stands next to him. “Judyala, you have to stop doing this. If we brought you to rank highest, a place only the instructors reside in, then it’s because we needed your assistance. Now because of your foolish act the exchanges of any rank tickets are strictly forbidden.” Vaniele reproaches. I scoff, and roll my eyes at her.

  “And you dare to look at me. After you betray me and killed Srogeri,” I hiss. Ronneto’s and Vaniele’s eyes expand. Their eye sight conjoins. They are obviously impacted by my accusation. “How did ye, find out?” I gasp, my eyes briskly water.

  “You knew, and you…you didn’t say anything. Ronneto…are you also a collaborator.” Ronneto shakes his head. “He told us explaining it to ye is ridiculous. Ye is a bad temper’r, hot-headed girr’l, consequently, he left ye a letter to read.” Ronneto waves a hand on the air, a letter appears on my lap. “Let us leave her. I will be back in a few with a relaxing-tea that will help you construct the loss of energy, come Ronneto,” they leave me alone to face my own demons. With shaky hands I take the letter. I'm frightened by my old man’s last words. A smile grows in me to see my old teacher’s handwriting.

  Dear Judyala:

  If you are reading this letter it is because you now know about my death. Do not distress, and do not be angry with those around you, they’ve only tried to help. The headmistress is kind and attempted to make things better. She begged the great lord for my life, but he as the Lord rejected it, and sentence me to immediate death. I begged her to lie to you. To tell you I was going to be suspended, that way you did not hurt. I apologize for I deceived you. You know you mean the world to me. You are that daughter I always wished for. Nevertheless, do not think I leave you alone. There are people who will protect you. People you should trust, like my good friend, Ronneto. I know I said not to rely on Gemma, but after comprehending her desires, and speaking to her, I now comprehend her tactics. I was mad with my family’s death I forgot of all of our duties, to return the world to peace. I ran away from all troubles, ignoring our journey to liberate the world. It has been our objective for years, and because of my hatred, I had forgotten. I began caring for you as the future to the end of all this, as the key to our planet’s harmony. It is why I trained you well, but during time I see you no more as the future, but as my grandchild. At last, do not harass the world with your displeasure. I wish I could've educated your hot temper, but that involuntarily comes from your father. My child, take care, and do know this, I dearly love you.

  Forever yours, Vin Srogeri,

  My tears drop down the sheet, smudging my old man’s handwriting. I fold the letter before any more damage occurs. I set it under my pillow. It hurts me to know he’s gone. And even though he says that woman seeks to help, I still hate her with a passion. Because in the end, she’s responsible for my father’s death, and for hurting the only family I have left, Morgan. Vaniele enters the room with a cup of tea. I stare at her sorrowfully. She sits next to me. “Are you well?” I bow down my head.

  “Why… why was Srogeri angry with you?” She hands me the mug of tea.

  “It is good for you. It will get you drowsy, but when you wake it will grant you energy.” She says in a low tone. I grab the mug. “A few days after Willow’s death…” she starts in a whisper, “the lord of all war castles came to our small town with his followers, to collect new warriors, and old heroes who allegedly were liberated from battles due to harm, among them was Vin. It was then your father joined the war. He did it to protect Vin. He volunteered and took his place, but Lord Zorganther did not want Vin at a distance, for Vin had discovered and created potions that not even the strongest sorcerers or wizards ever made. Vin had knowledge, and Zorganther wanted that and much more for himself. He demanded Vin to return, but Vin declined, and dared to lift his staff to fight them, and for disrespecting the lord… Vin’s wife, his daughter and her husband were killed…in front of us all.” Vaniele shuts her watery eyes. I can tell that horrific memory causes her pain.

  “There was a child left… his grandson—Vahn Srogeri. Lord kept and misused this child to force Srogeri back to Doomsvell. Because of this, I wished to help, therefore I joined Madam Sandrine, and together we aimed to find Vin’s grandchild. Nevertheless, my old friend did not believe in her, for she’s a Srovio, most terrible, she is the daughter of the man who took his family. Vin asked me to leave her, but… I learned to trust her. I saw kindness in her, so I rejected leaving her side, and because of that, my old friend broke our friendship. And once the lord wanted him no more… Vin vanished from our sights. Fortunately, before leaving this world, he saw Sandrine's warm-heartedness, and he saw although she shares the same blood of Zorganther, they are not equal.”

  “If you think by telling me this I will be kind to that…woman, you are mistaking. No matter what you say or do I will always hate her for being my father’s mistress, for killing him,” I try to say calmly, yet my eyes are on fire. She bows down her head. “Very well, I won’t ask you to forgive her. But I do ask you to take away that anger from your heart. Right now, we need a strong pure heart,” she says putting the hair that falls on my face behind my ear. Her touch is soft, and her stare is sweet. It’s difficult to hold rancor against her. “Now drink. It will make you better,” she insists, an
d I obey her. I gulp down the tea, and hand her the empty mug.

  “What happened to Srogeri’s grandson?” Vaniele moves her head from side to side. “Nobody but Zorganther knows. Many say he killed him. Raised him, and once old enough, he cast him to the war, no one knows," Vaniele says anguished. “Now, I shall let you slumber. Good sleep, my dear.” Vaniele’s warm lips press down my forehead. As I rest my head on my pillow, she leaves me, but I’m not at still. For now, I know my old man's wish. It's his grandson he cherished. It’s sad he didn’t get to see his grandson one last time before he passed on to the other side.

  I gradually plunge into a deep soundless sleep that brings me a dream I wish was part of my life. I dreamed of her, my mother… a dream that feels reality. She lies next to me, soothingly caressing my hair, just like Adelena caressed her daughter. My mother hums, and sings that song I know by heart, and when she’s done, my mother’s warm lips meet my cheek many times, her gentle words of love sweetening my life.

  “I love you my sweet child. I'll always love you,” she whispers, stroking my cheek. “I love you too…mommy,” it’s what I mumble before my eyes open and I realize I’m alone in my room—seeking for a love I’ve never felt, the heat of my mother. The motherly need suppresses the loneliness within me, so I close my eyes and continue doing the only activity that makes me experience her tender love.

  -27-

  At Long last

  The days gradually pass by and I remain in the castle isolated from the war, waiting for all the others to arrive from the battlefield. Who will return and who will lose their lives to the war? Please don’t let it be my friends. I want them all by my side. I dislike mourning. I suffered too much with Papa’s death, and with Srogeri’s depart. It hurts like hell to lose your loved ones. My heart can’t take another loss.

  Knowledge brings boredom, although it’s great to gain, it’s a pain in the neck. Especially if it’s taught by mean-scolding Wizard Ronneto, who takes turns with understanding, kind Vaniele, teaching me the everyday lecture on many distinctive subjects, mainly—DO NOT OVERUSE MAGIC. I heard it all; from how I lack intelligence to, ye is a dim-witted, dumb, unsophisticated-brutal moron—all said by Ronneto. How I missed my old man. He would’ve never called me names even though I make the stupidest mistakes. But, as cruel and mean as Ronneto is, he fills me in with knowledge my old man would’ve done so if alive. Ronneto, a great wizard brings to me a never-ending comprehension on sorcery. As for Vaniele, she helps me improve my healing abilities, teaching me stronger and more powerful potions that will boost my skills; therefore, I can assist several injuries, and even heal my own body, something unreachable for a young one as myself.