The Corin Chronicles Volume I: The Light and the Dark (48 page)

The room slowly returned to order, as everyone went back to their seats.

“So tell me about the human,” said Oncelot. “What do we know about him?”

“We know that he is a very young man,” replied Corinthus. “About the age of your daughter, Alexis. But we do not yet know exactly where he is or the name he answers to.”

“So this is pure speculation,” said Lady Isabel. The irritation on her face was clear for all to see. “The truth is, we are in the same position we were always in, except we are now looking at a much larger planet with billions of people, making it a far more difficult task.”

“I see that faith is weak with this generation,” said Copelcius, glaring at Lady Isabel. “The prophecy is that this boy exists on Earth and is the only living thing in the galaxy that can bond with Diavos. Make no mistake, we will find him within the next few months. And when we do, we will bring him here, directly at the mercy of your king.”

The chamber soon descended into chaos, as everyone began speaking simultaneously. King Oncelot looked on, as uncertainty filled the room. “Enough of this!” he shouted. “The Philosophers have spoken, so we will wait and keep the faith. That will be all.”

Maintaining the grace and dignity of his throne, the king took the hands of the three Philosophers and made his exit, followed closely by his wife.

A mass exodus of the room shortly followed, leaving only Prince Ramon and Abaros. As the prince started to leave, Abaros called out to him. “Please accept my apologies for not finding the opportunity to speak with you personally since your return, young prince.”

“That is quite all right, Lord Abaros,” Ramon said, smiling. “I am sure you have many pressing matters. I still owe you a great debt for changing my father’s mind in the final hour.”

“You owe me nothing.” Abaros placed his hands on Ramon’s shoulders. “I could not stand by and see one of the best warriors of Corin die. I also know that in the midst of the great things we are trying to achieve here, not enough people have acknowledged the magnificent feats you accomplished in the Dark World.”

“My lord, I do nothing for personal benefit, but only what is necessary for my people.”

“It is those very sentiments that make me proud to be from this great planet. Your sacrifices are not going unnoticed, young prince—just remember that.”

“Thank you, my lord. I do appreciate the gesture.”

They both bowed slightly to one another. Then Ramon took his leave, allowing Abaros to continue pondering his next course of action. The future had started writing itself, and he knew his time was yet to come.

The days passed, and not even a whisper was heard from Abaros. His usual seat within the council meetings remained uncharacteristically empty, and very few saw him walking around the castle. On one of the few occasions he ventured out of his quarters, anxiety plagued his thoughts, as it had ever since the return of Prince Ramon. The private confrontation within his mind was abruptly interrupted by the emerging figures of the three Philosophers, who approached with a sense of purpose.

“Abaros,” said Smina in a stern voice. “We feel like you have been avoiding us.”

“No, my lord.” Abaros stood motionless. “I appreciate that you have been away for a long time, longer than I could ever imagine. I have been waiting for the correct time.”

“Nonsense!” shouted Corinthus. “A pact is a pact, and you have lived up to your end of the bargain. It is now our turn to fulfill ours.”

“Not here,” Abaros said. “Too many ears roam these corridors. Let us talk in my chambers.” Abaros continued walking toward his quarters, with the wise men close behind.

Within Abaros’s chambers, the wise men marveled at the great array of books that filled the shelves lining his walls. “Magnificent, truly magnificent,” said Copelcius. He continuously flipped through a large, gray book. “I have always admired the writings of Wimni Prichat. It is marvelous to see that, even now, his vision is still appreciated.”

“Thank you, Lord Copelcius,” Abaros spoke softly. “I believe in the wisdom of his words. It has enlightened me on a great many things.”

“I see you enjoy the pleasure of acquiring antiques,” said Smina. “I have noticed, however, that you did not get the honor of acquiring the Sword of Corin.”

“Unfortunately, the ruler of Corin has always had the rights to such exquisite objects,” Abaros’s gaze drifted to the floor.

“A title you would want one day, I take it?” Corinthus spoke, with a brief smile across his face.

“Why do you not tell me what you want from me?” asked Abaros. “Your allegiances seem to lie with the king these days.”

“On the contrary, Abaros. The king is merely the voice we sit behind. We want him to use his newfound favor among the people to fulfill our plan. We know he does not have the courage to do what is necessary.” Corinthus sat.

“I see,” said Abaros calmly. “So you are telling me that once Diavos and Eclipse are revived, you will uphold your original promise?”

“But of course we will,” said Smina. “You said you would rescue us from our solitude, and you did. Whilst the whole planet praises King Oncelot, we know where our gratitude lies.”

“So, as promised, you will have the kingdom. All of it,” said Copelcius. “We know you want the king as your prisoner, but what do you want to do with the rest of the family?”

Abaros ran his hand through his beard. “If Eclipse permits it, I was hoping to take the hand of Princess Alexis in marriage.”

“Alexis? But she is just a child.” Smina bore a bewildered expression.

“But with the correct adjustments and time, she could make a magnificent queen. My very own queen.”

“Your wish is our command, Abaros. What about the wife and son?” asked Copelcius. He continued looking through random books on the wall.

“Mariam has absolutely no use to me. She can perish with her husband. Ramon, however, is a fabulous warrior. It would be a huge shame for his talents to go to waste.”

“But do you think he will loyally serve you, knowing that you have condemned his parents?” Smina asked.

“I think, if handled properly, the prince will realize that my actions are for the good of Corin. He is a very patriotic young man. He will always put the planet over his own will, and if it is a choice of serving either his father or our great god Eclipse, his allegiance will always lie with his god.”

“Let us hope so, Abaros.” Copelcius took on a more serious tone. “Because I see a fire in that young man. He could cause problems if he is not controlled.”

“Do not worry. He will be,” said Abaros, crossing to the window. “I have great plans for our young prince.” Abaros stared out at the brightness of the sky, immersed in thoughts of his own ascension. The throne of Corin would finally be his.

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OLUME 1

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The Corin Chronicles Volume 2:

The Transformation of Adam Higgins

T
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C
hewing on a muffin, Monica Higgins couldn’t lose the glum look on her face as she stared at her son, Adam. The seventeen-year-old seemed lost in thought, his brooding blue eyes practically piercing the window he appeared to be fixated on.

Although very focused on whatever he gazed at, she did notice him occasionally squinting for no apparent reason, while hunching his broad shoulders. She had become accustomed to odd behavior from her only son, but longed to understand his motivations.

The rain poured down, uncharacteristic for early summer, bringing with it the occasional spell of hail stones. It made things incredibly confusing for mother and son, who, as with all citizens of Valencia, California, hardly ever experienced such adverse weather.

“So are you excited to see your sister?” asked Monica.

The question jolted Adam from his temporary trance. He seemed shocked that his mother actually spoke to him.

“I guess so,” he mumbled. “But she’s only been gone a month, and to be honest, it’s been quite peaceful with her away.”

“You two still fighting then?” Monica sipped her coffee, leaving the cup to her mouth for a few seconds.

“I wouldn’t really call it fighting,” said Adam, facing his mother. “She’s just trying to make me something I’m not.”

Monica placed her hand on his shoulder. “She loves you, Adam,” she said. “That’s all. She hates to see you unhappy all the time.”

“But how am I unhappy? Why do all of you think I’m unhappy? Because I don’t do the same stuff she does?”

Monica’s eyes widened slightly, surprised at the aggressive tone in Adam’s voice. “I suppose it won’t hurt to sometimes be a part of her life.” She placed her coffee on the table. “You know, do something, anything. I think it’s great that you’re doing so well, and you’re trying to learn all these different languages, but you don’t have to be your father. Why don’t you try playing football, or any sport you like? Just so you can feel part of something different.”

“But I don’t want to be part of any stupid club, Mom.” Adam slammed his hand on the table, spilling some of his coffee in the process. Monica flinched. She looked straight at him, mouth slightly open.

“What’s so wrong with just being supportive toward your sister?” Monica spoke, almost in a whisper. “She feels like you just don’t care about her. You never talk to her at school. You always lock yourself away in your room when her friends come round. Maybe just once or twice, you could try and get to know her.”

“I can’t have this conversation anymore.” Adam’s face tensed, and he put his headphones on, turning the volume up until it hit the peak.

The day continued to march ahead amid the many flight announcements, with Adam continuously ignoring his mother. As the time neared 6 p.m., a flurry of updates appeared, including flight BA269 from London to LAX.

“That’s their flight,” said Monica, gently shaking Adam. “We need to get going.”

“Can’t you get them?” Adam said. “I’ll just wait here for you.” He continued to lean against the arrivals entrance, gazing at the gate without taking notice of a single piece of information.

“No, Adam,” she hissed. “For once, you will make a damn effort, or you can forget your birthday present.”

Glumly, Adam turned his MP3 player off and strolled behind his mother, his head down.

The arrivals gate got busier with each passing minute, but Monica managed to get to the front of the large group of people awaiting their friends and family. Standing a few yards from his mother, Adam continuously sighed and groaned, such was his reluctance to be there in the first place. A few minutes passed before the flight information updated to “Landed,” and a huge smile covered Monica’s face.

Still scowling, Adam walked toward his mother, when he saw the cheerful face of his twin sister, Jessica, who walked alongside their dad, Bruce. “Great—can we go now please?” he asked his mother.

Ignoring her son, Monica ran toward the five-foot-eight frame of her daughter. Jessica’s jet black hair and emerald green eyes bore significant similarities to her own long, dark hair, a result of her Italian origins.

“Hey, honey,” said Monica. “Did you have a good time?” She squeezed her daughter’s cheeks as she hugged her.

Smiling broadly, Jessica spoke excitedly. “Oh my god, Mom, it was amazing,” she said. “I think I want to move to London, it was so good. The weather was odd though.”

“I’m afraid that’s London for you,” said Bruce, setting down the luggage. “Unpredictable weather.” He kissed his wife, with his hands resting on her waist.

“So how have you been, Adam?” asked Jessica. She cast a frown toward her brother. His tightly curled, exceptionally bright blond hair—almost as if bleached, she constantly thought—and high cheekbones stood out, as they always had. “Did you miss me?”

“Yea, of course I did,” said Adam. He glanced at her briefly, concentrating more on the numerous ads on the many billboards around him. “I couldn’t handle not hearing you and your friends talking about shopping and sex.”

“Behave yourself, Adam,” snapped Bruce. “Your sister has just got off a ten-hour flight, and doesn’t need your attitude right now.”

“Sorry, Dad.” He gave his father all of his attention. “I didn’t mean it.”

“That’s fine.” Bruce smiled. “Now come here and give your old man a hug.”

Smiling, Adam embraced his father, before they were joined by the rest of the family in a group hug.

“Right. I’m starving,” said Bruce, taking a step back. “What do you say we grab a bite before we go home?”

“Yay, I’m starving,” said Jessica.

“It’s a deal then. Let’s go.” Bruce pulled out his cell phone, as he organized the luggage.

“Can I use the john first?” interrupted Adam. “I really need to go.”

“Yeah, sure, Son.” Bruce scrolled through his phone as he spoke. “We’ll meet you outside.” Holding on to wife and daughter, he walked toward the exit of the airport, as Adam continued toward the bathroom.

In contrast to the extremely busy airport, the bathroom Adam went into seemed eerily quiet, with a very dim light and pitch-black doors. As he walked out of the stall, getting ready to wash his hands, the door flew open, causing him to flinch. At first, he didn’t see anyone, but noticed small specks of fresh blood on the floor. Within a few more seconds, the scared face of a young man appeared at the doorway.