The Awakening (Book 1 The Destiny Chronicles) Page 7

  ‘This had better be good,’ he snapped. ‘You’ve interrupted me.’ Deception crept forward silently but definite victory was engraved upon his ugly face.

  ‘Yes Master, it is news of the best kind,’ he gleefully said. ‘I’ve found something extremely precious to the Great One.’

  ‘Well what is it?’ he snarled. ‘Don’t keep me in suspense, spit it out!’

  ‘Before I do, I want your word that you will make me your chief advisor if this information proves valuable enough?’ Deception wanted assurance that he would receive his reward. He knew the lying nature of his Master.

  ‘You know very well Drogus is my chief advisor,’ Legion replied annoyed.

  ‘Well then Master, I have to decide whether it is in my best interest to share this information with you. Perhaps someone else will find greater use for it.’ he challenged.

  ‘Silence, you impertinent fool! This information is obviously as precious as you say since you are overly confident in your demands. You will be given much influence if that is the case, I assure you. Now, tell me what you have discovered?’

  ‘Did you know the Great One has a son?’ he asked dramatically, waiting for his words to sink in. He enjoyed seeing his master at a loss for words, but even more the sense of power he felt momentarily. Legion mulled over this piece of information. Of course the Great One would have an heir. It made complete sense if he wanted his kingdom to continue into the future. Still he felt shocked at this revelation and somehow even betrayed by it. He had not been good enough for the Great One even though he had tried everything to please him – he had been replaced by a son. Well that beloved son would be the old fool’s downfall. He smiled wickedly which turned into a wicked laugh and Deception knew he had hit the jackpot. He would be well rewarded.

  ‘This is truly good work Deception. Welcome to life as an advisor in my court - this is priceless information indeed. All morning I’ve had fools at my door bringing me irrelevant, worthless information. At last something of value,’ he smirked.’ This would be the beginning of the end of the Great One and his kingdom. He would make certain of that. For now, Legion put aside thoughts of the scroll and using it to torment the Hamilton children. He had more pressing business to attend to. Rejection had been right - it was a brilliant plan. He would exchange the Hamilton children for the Great One’s son. He knew the Great One would never allow the innocent Hamilton children to suffer and that he would sacrifice his son for the protection of the children. He could afford to give up the children if this would cripple the Great One. After all, once he was defeated Legion would control everyone, including those children. He called his scribes and had them write a ransom note.

  Four Hamilton children I hold in chains

  Your only Son you must give away

  His life for theirs will be the wager

  Or else their lives are in mortal danger

  Forty-eight hours to make the exchange

  Or else they will all die in pain.

  Legion folded the letter, stamping it with his seal. He then called his fastest Monwing and sent him on his way with instructions not to return until he had delivered the message personally to the Great One. As the monkey creature departed, Legion laughed. ‘Tonight we will feast and celebrate for I feel that victory is close.’

  News travelled fast around the castle that they would be celebrating a certain victory that night. Aislinn gleaned snippets of information as she worked down in the kitchen, and a feeling of unease grew inside her belly. For the Dark Lord to be so confident would mean that he was certain of beating the Great One and that could not be a good thing. She whispered her concerns to the Great One feeling alone and forlorn. As she ironed a large white feather fell in front of her and onto the garment she was pressing. She remembered what Ryder had said to her and how they would be protected while they were here.

  ‘Thank you Ryder,’ she whispered. ‘I know you are here somewhere.’

  CHAPTER 9 - GRIEF

  The Monwing flew as fast as his powerful wings could take him. He had no definite destination in mind as no one really knew where the Great One’s kingdom was. He knew it was fortified against forces of darkness and evil and he had heard that to reach it one had to cross a glass sea. He flew out of the boundaries of Griswold, following Deception’s directions to where he had seen the strangers who knew of the Great One’s son, at their campfire. Of one thing he was certain - to fail to deliver this message would mean his death. The Great One was aware of the message the winged creature was bringing as he knew and saw everything. He knew the creature needed to deliver the message, so he opened a gateway to his kingdom, allowing the Monwing to find his way to the Glass Sea. As the monkey creature swooped over what looked like an ordinary lake a remarkable thing happened. The water that sparkled and glistened as the waves lapped transformed before his eyes into a very still and transparent sheet. It looked like glass and he could see his reflection in the lake as he flew overhead. The Monwing stared at his reflection, captivated by his looks – he had never seen himself in flight before and he quite admired what he saw. Finally it dawned on him that this was no ordinary lake. He did a circular swoop and shouted triumphant, realizing he had found the Glass Sea and his way to the Great One’s kingdom. In the distance he saw what looked like two huge wooden gates and pillars. He had never seen a village like this before – even the Dark Lord’s castle paled in insignificance against this vast and beautiful architecture and yet it was not what he imagined the Great One would live in. He expected jewels, marble and vast wealth displayed. For a moment he doubted he had found the right place. At the entrance to the castle stood two, huge winged warriors waiting for his arrival. His admiration for his own winged strength quickly evaporated at the sight of these two – they were intimidating to say the least as they held swords that gleamed in the brilliant light and reflected in the beautiful sea. He approached tentatively, only his fear of the Dark Lord keeping him moving. Their swords were raised to deter him from entering the gates. The winged creature was extremely curious about what was inside the gates and attempted to see past them.

  ‘You may not enter these gates,’ said the first warrior giant.

  ‘I have a message to deliver to your master from the Dark Lord,’ whined the Monwing, trying not to tremble. He felt dwarfed by their sheer magnitude.

  ‘You may not enter this place,’ said the second warrior more firmly.

  ‘Goodness dwells in this place and if any evil tries to enter there are consequences. That unfortunately excludes you from entering Lionsgate’

  ‘I need to make sure that he gets this message,’ said the monkey uncertainly.

  ‘He is expecting you and this message. You may leave it with us,’ they replied. The Monwing looked unsure. How did the Great One know he was coming? He was used to lies, deceit as everyone distrusted everyone in the Dark Lord’s kingdom. He did not trust or believe these warriors.

  ‘I really need to go in - I have strict instructions to personally deliver this message’ he said with determination.

  ‘All right,’ said the first warrior, ‘but don’t say we didn’t warn you.’

  ‘What do you mean by that?’ the Monwing sounded alarmed.

  ‘Well, first your heart will be revealed as you enter Lionsgate – if there’s no goodness in you, you’ll instantly be changed into a statue of stone. We don’t have a Monwing statue yet do we?’ the one warrior asked the other.

  ‘You mean I will die’ the Monwing squeaked incredulously.

  ‘That’s about it’ they said. ‘Since you insist we’ll open the gates for you now.’

  ‘Wait, wait.’ shouted the monkey in panic. ‘That’s okay, you can deliver the message – I’ll wait here for the answer.’ He didn’t fancy becoming an ornamental statue even if this was the most beautiful place in the world. He handed over the letter reluctantly and made himself comfortable at the gates to await a reply. He didn’t see the wink the one warrior gave to the other as they ma
de sport of him. Everyone was welcome in Lionsgate – no one was ever excluded, but they could not resist toying with the creature.

  The Great One was ready and waiting for the message the warriors brought. He tore open the seal and read the words, even though he knew what it said before he received it. He scanned the pages quickly, his brow furrowed, deep concern on his face. Then he looked up at the warriors and said, ‘Call Ziah please. I need to speak with him.’ Ziah bounded into the room with his usual exuberance and joy. The Great One’s face lit up as he did – his affection for the young man clear. He was always in a good mood and nothing ever got him down. How he loved him!

  ‘Father, you called for me?’

  ‘Yes Ziah, I have something important to discuss with you.’ He told Ziah about the Hamilton children being kept as a ransom and how Sephtis wanted to exchange them for something from their kingdom.

  ‘We must do it father. Nothing in this kingdom is worth more than their lives.’

  ‘Yes Ziah, I see your heart. I too think they are worth fighting for and I love them dearly.’ He stopped, emotion welling up. ‘What is it Father? We can get what they want. We have enough wealth to spare?’

  ‘No son,’ he said earnestly, his heart breaking, ‘he doesn’t want jewels or gold. He wants you in return for the children. Somehow he has found out about you. I have tried to keep you from him because I know how evil he is and how he thinks, but now…’ his words trailed off. Ziah stared into his father’s eyes and knew he was completely serious. He knew that his father loved him, but as the Great One he had no favourites – all were loved equally by him. He would not make him choose between them -it was up to him to make the decision.

  ‘There’s no choice. I love you father, and I love those children too. Their lives are of greater value than mine. They have their whole lives ahead of them. I could not live with myself if anything happened to them. I will take their place in Sephtis’ castle. We will find a way to defeat him. We are stronger than his evil.’ Tears trickled down the Great One’s face - he pulled his son toward him in a fierce embrace.

  ‘I’m proud of you my son – you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. It is your choice and I will honour it.’

  ‘Yes I do– it is the only way to set them free. I will be all right. I have my keys.’

  ‘We’ll be together again soon my son. I love you no matter what.’ The terms of surrender were drafted for the Monwing to take back to Sephtis. Ziah would be transported as far as the castle and then the Hamilton children would be exchanged for him at the gates. His life for theirs! The Great One had no choice but to give Sephtis another opportunity to redeem himself. His word had meant nothing in the past and he only hoped that he would honour his promise to release the Hamilton children. If Sephtis chose to dishonour this agreement it would mean only one thing – war! His heart ached at the thought of losing his son – no one is ever immune to grief – not even the Great One himself.

  CHAPTER 10 - LOYALTY

  Mac, Imogene and Nuada continued their journey toward the Dark Lord’s kingdom, unaware of the turn of events. They were weary and their feet ached from the rough terrain. Their food supply was coming to an end and they desperately hoped for a small village with an inn to get a bath, a full belly and a good night’s sleep. Their relief when they came upon the village of Trenton was tangible and they made their way to the nearest inn. Imogene looked forward to soaking in a hot tub and easing her sore muscles before catching some much needed sleep. Mac and Nuada were hoping for ale to quench their thirst and a good square meal. After settling in, they all sat in the pub area and ate a meal of thick vegetable soup with crusty bread and cheese. It was delicious and they ate till they could eat no more. During their meal the inn progressively filled up with locals and travellers passing through Trenton. One man in particular caught Mac’s attention. He had striking features and was quite unusual in appearance. He must have been well over six foot tall and strong with deep red hair and incredible green eyes. It was this combination that made him so noticeable. His emerald green eyes seemed to sparkle as if they were truly a jewel. His hair resembled flames of fire, but changed as the light danced upon it. He was not the kind of man who would pass unnoticed even though he sat quietly in the corner of the inn. His whole persona had presence. Mac looked away, embarrassed that he had stared so much, feeling awkward that it might be perceived as rudeness. Nuada, noticing Mac’s object of preoccupation, jumped up out of his chair and strode over toward the man. Mac panicked – surely he wasn’t going to pick a fight. His alarm increased and he groaned inwardly at what was about to take place. Nuada approached the man, standing over him like a bear, his hands on his hips. The stranger looked up lazily, his right brow lifted enquiringly and a bored expression on his face.

  ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘can I help you sir?’ Nuada did not reply – he just stared the man down in a silent duel. The stranger stood to his feet and towered over Nuada yet still he did not back down. This was too much for Mac – he dropped his head into his hands – he was too old to be brawling in inns, but it looked like he might have to save Nuada. When he lifted his head the stranger and Nuada were hugging like long lost brothers. They slapped each other on the back laughing and joking with one another. Mac shook his head, relieved at the turn of events though he was still somewhat confused.

  ‘It’s been a long time, Nuada,’ the stranger said. ‘What have you been up to?’

  ‘Oh just wandering to and fro like a lost gypsy, picking up some strays along the way,’ he replied waving to the Hamilton’s as he spoke.

  ‘Come over and meet them.’ The stranger followed him over to Mac and Imogene’s table and looked down at them with electric green eyes and a blaze of red hair.

  ‘This is Aedan,’ Nuada introduced. ‘He’s the other part of the Great One’s gift to you on our journey.’ Mac and Imogene smiled, relieved that this big man with the wild countenance was on their side. They wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of him.

  ‘So good to meet you at last. I’ve heard so much about you and have been following your journey with great interest.’ He bowed low and kissed Imogene on the hand in a gallant gesture. Mac and Imogene looked at one another in amusement. How on earth did this man know what was going on in their lives? Was the Great One connected to everyone? Aedan pulled up a rickety old chair and sat down, his huge frame dwarfing the old chair.

  ‘Another round of ale please,’ he instructed the serving maid. The inn was beginning to empty as men made their way home or off on a pretty young woman’s arm. Only those who had passed out from too much liquor consumption or those staying at the inn remained and Imogene was glad for the less raucous atmosphere.

  ‘So how do you fit into the Great One’s family?’ Mac asked with interest as they sat around the hearth enjoying the warmth of the licking flames. Nuada has told us his story. Did the Great One rescue you too?’ Both Nuada and Aedan let out peals of laughter simultaneously.

  ‘No Mac, the Great One did not rescue me. It’s quite difficult to explain, but we are a very tight team. We work really well together - each of us with our different strengths and personalities makes us a force to be reckoned with. I guess in some ways I have some very unique abilities that come in handy when people need help. I’m the person who visits your part of the world, helping people to find the Great One when they need to. I help those who are hurting and guide those who need guidance. You could say I am a jack of all trades.’

  ‘Well we’re delighted to meet you Aedan,’ said Imogene. ‘I feel as though I have known you forever.’

  ‘Yes, people always tell me that. I guess that’s why the Great One uses me to help people – they feel comfortable with me and in turn I help them through their troubles.’

  ‘Don’t let him sweet talk you Imogene,’ Nuada teased. ‘He can be quite a force to be reckoned with if you cross him. He’s not all sugar and spice.’ Aedan playfully punched Nuada on the arm and the two shared a grin. The f
our of them talked long into the night. Just being in Aedan’s company refreshed them far more than sleep. Mac and Imogene were so grateful to the Great One for sending these amazing people across their path. Confidence kept growing within them to fight this battle.

  As they settled into their comfortable bed that night, fresh after a good soaking in the tub and a full belly, hope stirred in them for the future. Things would work out fine. How could they not with these people fighting with them?

  ***

  Mac woke to the sound of creaking floorboards. He lay as still as he could, listening to Imogene’s even breathing next to him - tuning his ear for other unusual sounds. Something was not right - someone was in the room. The hair on his body prickled, a knot of apprehension gripped his stomach. He had experienced this exact feeling the night of the attack. The creaking came again, the intruder scouting the room for something. Mac opened one eye, trying to see who it could be, without alerting him to the fact that he had been discovered. In the corner of the room, in the dim light of the shadows, he spotted a small goblin with large, pointy ears and a big nose looking through his trouser pockets. When he found nothing there, he pulled at the leather bag containing the gifts the Great One had given them from over the back of the chair. He turned the bag over in his bony hands tugging at the cord, eager to see what was inside. He made little grunting noises as he tugged, his long, spindly fingers struggling with the knot. Mac’s heart sank. They could not lose the glasses, ring and healing oil. They were vital for defeating the Dark Lord. Mac lay still in the bed, mentally planning his surprise attack on the goblin. Suddenly, a gust of wind pushed open their door, rushing into the room like an angry tornado. How was that possible? It sucked and whistled, surrounding the goblin with such force, that the bag was ripped out of his hands as he spun like an out of control top. It was almost comical to watch. Mac sat wide-mouthed watching the spectacle, unsure what was happening before his eyes. It couldn’t possibly be a tornado as the wind did not consume the whole room but rather moved as the goblin moved as though it were chasing the thieving creature around the room.