The Barrier: The Teorran of Time: Teen Fantasy Action Adventure Novel (27 page)

Meanwhile back at the Castle

The tiny woman hovered over to the blank wall, at the end of the room and held her palms out. Dust fell from the stone header that wasn’t there seconds ago. A large door emerged from the stone. She threw her arms out and the door parted down the center, retreating into the stone wall.  A spacious room brightened with crystal chandeliers, glistening in the sunlight from the skylights high the ceiling. A gorgeous gold-spun comforter spread the length of a majestic, deep redwood, bed frame that sat in the center of the room. All around the room the scent of fresh roses filled their noses.

Serin ran her finger along the thin table at the side of the entrance. Not a single speck of dust was on any surface. Even though it had been over two hundred years since anyone had lived there. Turkill and Ladtwig gaped in disbelief, standing paralyzed by the beauty and sparkle throughout the room. A long sofa sat at the front of the room and faced the bed. Large gold and silver vases filled with fresh flowers in bloom, sat on side tables. Large scale paintings hung on the walls depicting delicate scenes of landscapes he had never seen.

Serin stared at her reflection in front of a large silver framed mirror. Displeased, she picked at the boils on her skin. She noticed a soft lavender mark at her temple where the High Priestess had touched her. It was the same as the delicate swirls on her hands and she looked at the marks. Shaz picked up a small wood picture frame with delicate carved vines surrounding two figures.

"Your parents." the Wispmother sung in his ear.

Shaz studied it for a moment then sat it back on the table’s glass surface.

"This is amazing" Serin said.

"Yes it is." He agreed "What happened here?"

"It was destroyed by the Velsharoon. Your father died protecting you and your mother, who escaped with the Dodjen. His dying breath was commanding us to protect this place until you returned." Serin put a soft hand on his arm as she listened to the sad news. "And this," she continued, floating over to another large door. An armoire cracked open, letting the door slide to one side. On the inside hung the black armor from the mural.

"Where is the sheath?" He asked touching the metal hooks.

"Taken by the Dodjen for protection, one was taken with you the other I know not" she answered.

"Bairr Tiornect." he said.

"Ah, yes that would make sense." the Wispmother said.

"Why is that?"

"Because that is its place of origin, and if it is to be destroyed it must be done with both pieces and the tools that created it."

"I have to destroy them all in their places of creation too?" he muttered.

"Yes, or bind them together as one."

"Bind them together?" Serin asked.

"Yes, and become like the Gods." she said.

"What will happen if I do that?"

"You will draw the powers of the universe and become as the creator of this world. None can overpower you. But you must decide what kind of God you will become."

"What kinds are there?"

Serin jabbed him in the ribs, "You’re supposed to destroy them not evoke them" she said.

"That was because that was what I was told. How do I know if that is what is really supposed to happen?" he said rubbing his ribs.

"There are many Gods, but you are either Good and serve the Light or Evil and serve the Shadow." the Wispmother said.

"Can't there be both? I mean, can't a God be both Good and Evil?"

"I should think so, but what would be the point?" She asked "If one is good, then he does good and one is evil he does evil."

Shaz didn’t want to believe it had to be one or the other,
What about me, I am both, so what does that make me
. His reflection in the shiny black armor stared back at him. The only thing he saw was himself. They were interrupted by the sounds of coins clinking and jingling in pockets. Some hit the floor and rolled to a stop on the smooth polished floor.

"What are you two doing?" Serin snapped.

"Hurry" said Tukill.

He held up his clothes from falling off with the weight of silver and gold coins.

"Stop right there." shouted the Wispmother.

Her voice loud and sharp, she signaled her army to attack.

"No, it's ok, they won't get far, plus I can share."

"You little rascals" Serin chided. Their cheeks reddened sheepishly and slowly let down their clothes. "Put it back." she demanded pointing her arm outstretched.

Hanging their heads low, they slunk back over to the chest at the head of the bed and dumped the coins. It took a moment for them to put it all back and Serin tapped her foot on the floor with a tat-tat-tat. Shaz laughed while sitting in a tall winged back chair, covered in cream velvet fabric that sat next to the sofa.

While bending over his arm in a highly distressed fashion, Ladtwig managed to say “I’m starving.” the numbness in his mouth had now worn off.

"Me too." Turkill said.

"I'm kind of hungry too." Serin said, "But we don't have much left."

"Do not fret." the Wispmother said, “We will return to the dining room where food will be ready." she said floating toward the door.

Shaz and Serin shared confused faces.

"How, the castle is in ruins, and there are no stairs." He asked.

"Come."

Shaz rose and they all left the room. To their amazement, the castle was now in impeccable appearance. Where he had run on the wall, jumped and leapt to the top, were now smooth stone steps. Complete with a deep blue rug caressing each step all the way to the bottom. The stone walls shone in the light reflected by three large chandeliers hanging in the room. Large silver vases with fresh flowers decorated tables around the room. The floor that was once filled with stone, ruble and debris, now had a clean, brand new shine.

"How did you do this?" Shaz asked.

"Because you have returned, we are allowed to rebuild the castle." said the Wispmother.

"I can't stay."

"We will continue to keep the Senate Sanctum Secure. Your mother’s protection spell is now complete."

“Senate Sanctum? My mother’s protection spell?"

Serin ran her finger along the crystal railing as they walked down the stairs. Jagwynn swaggered up the stairs and met them half way.

"Your parents were part of an organization that held senate meetings here for the Teorran Travelers. An unknown group within the Dodjen." she said floating next to him. "Your mother gave me all her magic to keep you safe from the Jaduuk who hunted you."

"Jaduuk?" Serin asked.

"Two legged beasts that hunt like wolves in packs, brought from the underworld by the necromancer to be his foot soldiers. Most have returned to the underworld, but we have felt them near the castle from time to time, searching for you I'm sure." She said.

"They must have been what I heard in the forest." Shaz said.

"What are they exactly?" Serin asked.

Her imagination took her to something awful.

"I suppose they wouldn't be far behind." the Wispmother said,

Shaz and Serin grimaced. She led them to the dining room where they found beautiful tables and chairs finely decorated in bright golds, blues and soft cream colors. The soft colors and sparkling crystals, everywhere from vases to lighting fixtures, made her feel welcome. They didn't have torches or flames in them and she wondered how they illuminated light. Shaz on one side while Serin and the Minca on the other.

"Sit." the Wispmother said.

They sat at the table. Ladtwig and Turkill had to climb onto the chairs, the table’s surface being even with their necks. Food, plates, goblets and silver utensils appeared on the table. The aroma of cooked meat and steamed vegetables wafted from the center.

"This is magic" Turkill said smacking Ladtwig's hand as he reached for the drumstick of the golden brown roasted turkey that was sitting in front of him.

"So, I'm starving, it's been months since we have eaten this good, and I'm tired of dried bread."

He argued back, smacking Turkill's hand away from his and stuck his tongue out. Gripped the juicy bone and ripped it from the body with a sucking sound. Turkill crossed his arms and huffed. Ladtwig took a big bite and tore the meat off the leg. Turkill licked his lips in eagerness and gave in to the rather large grumbling in his stomach. Shaz and Serin filled their plates with mashed potatoes, gravy's, vegetables and roasted meats. Shaz popped a bite of a stuffed mushroom into his mouth.

"We have much to discuss Master Shaz, when you are finished we will meet in the parlor" the Wispmother said.

She floated out of the room, hovering above them, and then was gone.

"This really tastes good." Shaz said.

"Yeah it does." Serin agreed.

The Minca agreed vigorously and shoved more food into their mouths.

Serin sipped sparkling cider from her goblet.

"What do you suppose the Wispmother needs to talk about?"

"Not sure, I guess things about the castle. I wonder if this castle has an armory." Shaz asked.

"Armory, for what?" Serin asked.

"Weapons, those things that are chasing us won’t give up. They'll just keep coming until they find us, and I don't want to be unprepared."

Serin shivered and thought about the night they had woken to the sounds of hooves beating against the ground. Shaz said that it wasn't horses but more like a beast that stood on hind legs. Either way, she didn't want to ever meet them however, she knew it was inevitable. Several minutes later Serin finished and took the soft silk napkin and dabbed at the corners of her mouth.

"Turkill, Ladtwig, why don't you make yourselves busy while Serin and I talk with the Wispmother." Shaz said.

He scooted his chair in.

"Why can't we come?" Ladtwig asked.

"Because you numskull, it's about magic." Turkill interrupted.

"Fine. But I'm not a numskull, you are." Ladtwig said shoving another piece of food into his already-half-f mouth.

Serin tucked in her chair and left the dining room. The brothers ensued another argument over who was more of a numskull and why.

"I can't believe they can eat so much." she said as she met Shaz at the end of the table.

"I heard that." Turkill called.

Shaz and Serin chuckled and left the room. They crossed the entry way and chose the first hall on the left, and went down a wide open corridor. Several large hand-painted pictures protected by intricate carved frames hung top to bottom. The faces that peered back at them had similar features. They were obviously the family members from long ago. The end of the hall opened into another large room. Several chairs and small desks lined the rounded walls all facing the center of the room. Tall walls vaulted at the ceiling, with several arches and some windows toward the upper part.

"What is this room for?" Serin asked.

"Maybe the senate room" Shaz said.

They continued through the castle and found another room.

"I guess we found the armory" she said.

They wondered through the vast room, admiring the weapons of superior craftsmanship that rested, in cradles on the walls and in isles through the room.

"This one would be perfect for you" Shaz said holding out a deep blue bow. "It's a Whisperwood" Shaz said tapping the engraved sign under the hooks it sat on. Seeing her perplexed look he said, "It just felt like you."

She took the bow, her finger brushing against his. She faced the other way and twisted her wrist back and forth in order to cover her embarrassment. She understood his intentions and on occasion his next thoughts.
Why does he make me feel this way,
she asked,
what feeling is this any way
.

"Yes, I think it’s a fine bow, and I like the name too."

Shaz rummaged around for some leather straps and tethers, to strap it on her back and helped her secure it to her comfortably.

"What about you?" she asked, as he fastened the last buckle.

"I have my sword and bow already, but I did stock up on some short blades and a couple daggers."

He patted his body where he had hid them under his clothes. Shaz gave her a few daggers to pick from and she tied one on.

"I guess we need to find the parlor still. I wonder if the Wispmother knows where we are?" Serin said.

"She does, we’ve had little escorts following us since we left the dining room." He said

"Where?"

"They're pretty good at blending in, but I can sense them and every once in a while I see one."

History Lesson

They left the room and climbed the stairs. A few more halls and then they came to the parlor. It was a square room with chairs and sofas surrounding a large fireplace on one wall. The Wispmother hovered at the front of the fireplace and welcomed them to the room.

"We have much to discuss please sit" the Wispmother said.

Serin eased the bow off her back and sat on a soft orange chair. Shaz tossed one leg onto the other. Propped his ankle onto his knee and sat back into the sofa. Jagwynn curled up next to the fireplace and rested on her paws.

"So what do you want to discuss?" he asked.

"Is the senate going to resume its meetings?" she asked.

"I don't know. Tell me what you know about the senate" he said.

"Our world began with the God of Glory, who desired to be mortal for a time. He gave up his deity and dwelt on an earth creating a fair maiden whom he took to wife. She bore three sons and a daughter. When the God's time was up to live on Edenocht, he left the third born son, later known as the Tooatha De Danann, as the leader. The other two were angry, saying they had been cheated out of their inheritance. The mother tried in vain to get them to get along, but they separated from each other, going their separate ways. The daughter remained to care for the aging mother, and when the mother died she was lifted up as the Sun Goddess. The brothers never returned." She paused.

"Go on." he said.

"The Tooatha De Danann, from the third son, being in favor of the father, was a race of supernaturally gifted people who lived in the North Country of the world. They made it their priority to study occult lore and sorcery, druidic arts, witchcraft and magical skill. Eventually they became the sages of the elements. Four cities were dedicated to these studies, Srinna Vossa in the sky, Akraven on land, Loig Na Tine in the volcanic mountains, and Bairr Tiornect deep in the earth."

Shaz felt for the tablet under his shirt as she said this.

"Ah I see you already know." she said.

"Yes, we found this in the ruins in the forest." he said pulling out the gold plate.

"Another Senate Sanctum." She said.

"Why did it just appear when I came through the Teorran of Time?"

"All of them returned to their original existence."

"How many are there?"

"Twelve."

Whistling in astonishment he shifted in his seat.

"Then you know each city’s legacy?" she asked.

"Yes, from Srinna Vossa came the ‘Binding of the Crypt’ scroll which defies death. The earth city created the spear which no battle was ever won against the man who held it. From the Volcano came the Cauldron of the Gods, which no company ever went away from unsatisfied. It usurps power over them for its payment of total satisfaction. The city in the mountains brought the Honor Blade, a sword which no-one ever escaped. Once it was drawn from its deadly sheath, no one could resist it." He repeated from memory.

"Correct, and the Velsharoon?" she asked.

"An over-zealous group of chosen elemental mages that became greedy and fell under the control of Gavin Rhill."

"What about the daughter?" Serin asked "What happened to her?"

"It is unknown what happened to her. Her mother, The Sun Goddess, was angry and formed a secret organization of Tooatha De Danann calling them, ‘Agents of Light’ or the Dodjen. It was their purpose to supervise the Velsharoon to know what the Shadow was up to."

"It was under the rule of Ar-ti-bus that the Velsharoon began stirring up the hearts of the Tooatha De Danann to go to war against the descendants of the second son, known as the Fir Bolg. They were the most hostile and become a ravaged race. Though they had much gold, precious metal and land. The leader of the Tooatha De Danann, at the time was week minded. Under the advice of his trusted adviser, Arti-bus, he feared they would not be strong enough to go against the Fir. So he sent Ar-ti-bus to make arrangements to marry the daughter of the ruler of the Muintir, or the first privileged of the Gods, to unite forces to take over the Fir Bolg."

"What happened?" Shaz asked.

"The union was made, and the Tooatha De Danann and the Muintir took fleets to the land of the Fir Bolg, to it take by force. The leader of the Tooatha De, however, was convinced that his own men would retreat after seeing how strong and powerful Fir Bolg was. So he commanded to have all of their own ships burned once they made port, to keep them from retreating. Fir Bolg being a highly superstitious people, believed the Tooatha De had come in on mists of the sea because of all the smoke. This created fear, confusing them, which gave the Tooatha De the advantage and they were able to defeat them."

"That's quite a story" Shaz said.

"It's no story, it’s our history." The Wispmother said sharply, "After the great and terrible battle, the Fir Bolg surrendered and entered a pact. They would never go to battle against the Tooatha De Danann and would forever be subject to them. This wasn't enough for Ar-ti-bus who convinced the Tooatha De to force the Fir to give up their supernatural abilities and be subject to being completely mortal, like their mother who GOG made of the earth."

"Where are they now?" Serin asked.

"They are the human race, they were forced out of the North lands and settled in the middle part of our world, here." she said.

"That makes sense" Shaz said.

"There’s more." The Wispmother said again.

"More?" Shaz asked, combing through his hair.

"The God of Glory returned after his affairs were finished to see what his sons had done and cursed the land with all kinds of wild creatures with powers to overpower the sons. The sons, however, with stood them. And after another war, the creatures and the sons made alliances in order to stop the bloodshed and have peace." The Wispmother said. She sagged slightly, sitting lower in the air than before. "That is when the Teorran of Time was created, to give each race a chance to live within their dominion without strife. Yet this did not keep the Velsharoon from tainting the minds of the people and evil continued to creep into their hearts. The Teorran Travelers moved through the time realms keeping things in order and securing ancient artifacts."

“It is true then.” Shaz said rubbing his face.

Two little soldiers floated down from the wood moldings near the ceiling and held the Wispmother’s arms to keep her floating.

"We can finish later." Serin said, concerned for the Wispmother.

"There's not much left." she said thanking her guards, "Upon his return GOG, seeing the destruction from his family, made a prophesy. He would send a boy-child to bring balance back to the world. He would possess all powers needed to correct the imbalance that greed and evil has wreaked on this world."

A knot formed in Shaz’s stomach, he knew what she was about to say. He rested his elbows on his knees with his chin sitting in his palms. Serin looked between the Wispmother and Shaz.

"That boy child is you Shaz." the Wispmother said.

"I don't even know what powers I have, how can I save this world from Gavin Rhill who clearly knows a great deal more than me?" Shaz blurted.

It was on his mind and had been for some time. Serin had sympathy for him and the Wispmother. With a slight swish of her finger, she sent a gentle serge of air to hold the queen up. The Wispmother was surprised.

"I'm sorry was I not supposed to do that?" Serin asked.

"You are an elemental of air?"

"Yes."

"And water and healing. You should see her healing magic.” Shaz interjected excitedly.

"Of course. Why didn't I see that?"

"See what?"

"Yes, the lost heir.” the Wispmother said.

“What are you talking about?”

“That is why you have been chosen to be bonded, to unite against Gavin Rhill an heir of Muintir."

“What do you mean lost heir?” Serin asked.

"What does that do? What is this bonding?" Shaz asked.

Serin was aggravated with the lack of answers.
Was she not important enough as Shaz, why did she answer all of his questions and not mine,
she thought.

"Please, I have extended myself too much. I must rest, we can talk more later." she said, motioning to her guards to escort her to her quarters.

They floated through the parlor door and disappeared into the lights shining in from nearby windows.

Shaz paced around the room.

"What are you thinking?" Serin asked.

"Nothing" he replied his hands in his pockets.

Serin knew that wasn't true, but she knew enough to let it go. Plus she wasn’t in the mood either.

"I'm going to go find the Minca." she said.

At the door she hesitated, then left quietly.

***************************************

Shaz woke with a start, sweat dripped down his bare chest. The pelting rain beat against the tall window in his room. Nothing was there, nothing but the coals crackling in the fireplace and the bedside table. He pulled off the covers and rested his feet on the cold floor. He rubbed his eyes and pulled the disheveled mess of hair out of his face.

It was just a dream,
he said to himself in an effort to convince himself, but it didn’t help, he knew it wasn't just a dream. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled sending shivers down his spine. Standing at a polished table across the room he watched out the window. Jagwynn stirred but didn’t wake. The darkness covered the hills and mountains. It was only when a bolt of lightning struck that the sky illuminated the land’s features. Shaz listened to the rhythm of the rain hitting the stone walls and glass, coming in waves as the winds thrust it around the sky. His body ached from the wear of the night terror and the image of the shadow man form his dream stuck in his mind.

He pulled out a shirt and slipped the soft silk on and opened the door into the dimly lit hall. His bare feet silent on the polished stone made only the sounds of his trousers brushing in the silent night.

He scaled the long rounded staircase and into the kitchen for a drink of water. Setting his glass on the glossy counter he leaned against it.

       His mind raced through the images again, until he decided to try going back to bed. At the bottom of the stairs, a thought from the back of his mind emerged. There was nothing or no one in the impressive entrance hall. The hairs on his neck prickled, but he didn't get the dread in his stomach that always accompanies the shadow magic.

He entered the dim walkway. At the end he went left, obeying the instructions in his ears. He rounded a few more corners and ended at a set of downward stairs. The wood railing was warm on his skin unlike the cold stone. The aroma of mint and musk filled his nose. His mind whirled around what could be memories. At the bottom, the carved walls faded into the eroded effects of a stone cavern. It wasn't particularly large, but enough that he could stand comfortably. At the far side a flat wall sat surrounded by the uneven chiseled rock of time.

"That’s odd." He said breaking the silence.

"It's an earth portal." An old and weak voice came from behind him. Shaz jumped and wished he had his sword. An old man walk with a slight hobble toward him. "Do you see the face in the rock?" he asked.

"Yes" Shaz said.

He couldn't help but stare at the old man.

"It has been a long time. You don't remember me, do you?"

"No, I'm sorry. But you look just like Grandfather."

The old man chuckled.

"Mathieu is my brother. My name is Inelius."

Shaz felt a tingle of magic in his touch as they shook hands.

"You have grown strong. Mathieu has done well." Inelius said, "This earth portal is only activated with magic. The energy the portal emits is so subtle that only those with magic, who have trained themselves to recognize them, can find them."

"What are theese for?" Shaz asked, pointing to symbols that surrounded the face.

"I don't see anything?"