Drop of Water: A Fantasy Adventure: Quest of the Guardians, #2

By S.R. Olson

Were the Wave Rider's words an invitation...or a warning?

The Guardians are expected in the realm of water, but the

messenger didn't specify what he meant. Now, Jakin and

Malakai embark on the next part of their journey without

a compass or a map—while their people take up arms

against them and their friends suffer in King Faeran's

dungeon.

 

Adrift on the sea with a crew of landlubber gypsy

warriors, they must find Peli Haven: An elusive city

that just might be hidden under the waves...and

Malakai can't swim.

 

But their plans take an unexpected turn when they

stumble upon Queen's Island and discover something

that even King Faeran doesn't know...

 

Join our heroes as they continue their quest to restore

the Te'eta and defeat the evil usurper by venturing into

the realm of water—a world where men ride whales

and monsters lurk in the shadows...

 

Drop of Water is Episode Two in the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.R. Olson
• Release date: Sep 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386867678

S.R. Olson

S.R. Olson has traveled throughout most of the lower-48 and has held many job positions including horse trainer, photographer, columnist, teacher, and snow-plow operator. She is an avid student of ancient history and cultures, as well as an armchair philosopher. All of which she injects into her fiction stories. Disabled by a back injury in 2006, she now lives in rural Minnesota with her two Miniature Pinschers, who keep her around because she has opposable thumbs and can open doors and stuff. She’s also a push-over when it comes to handing out doggy-treats.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Preparations

Malakai choked back tears as Mita spoke the Maaoteo burial words over the grave of his mother, Oceana Jenks. Gabriella had been teaching him the Maaoteo language, but still, he was only able to understand a few of the words. Life...oneness...royalty. It didn’t matter, all he could think about was his mother’s final moments as Hornberry Draw had burned—and the painful lump in his throat that threatened to strangle him.

A gentle hand touched his shoulder. He turned to look at Jakin who had come to stand beside him after placing a polished stone at the head of the grave. Malakai nodded. They had taken a great risk in coming here and the Ba’ats were waiting to carry them back to Ba’aco.

It’s time, Jakin murmured, tipping his head toward the giant bats fidgeting at the bottom of the hill.

I know—, Malakai replied, stooping down to place his hand on his mother’s grave one last time. I wish she knew we made it out, and that I’m okay.

She knows. Jakin gave Malakai’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. C’mon, it isn’t safe for us to be here.

Malakai turned to follow Jakin down the hill, pausing one last time to look across the scorched remains of his village. All that remained was the winery; which looked lost and forlorn surrounded by the ashes and burned beams of the once thriving village. The well where he’d last spoken to Margo still stood. He could see her pitcher—the one with the blue cornflowers painted on its side—lying on the ground nearby. Its stark whiteness stood out against the scorched ground.

Surrounding this bleak scene, the Hornberry bushes were a riot of purple and green. In just a few months, the vines had grown out of control, choking the neat rows into an impassable tangle. They had learned that King Faeran was planning to send new workers to the vineyard in time for harvest, so they had come to pay their respects to Oceana while they still had the chance. They buried her beside Malakai’s father. Malakai took a deep breath and trudged down the hill to where Jakin waited with Mita and his brother Jaya beside the Ba'ats.

Jaya’s Ba’at pricked her ears as Malakai approached. Jaya stroked her face to reassure her as he gestured to Malakai to climb aboard. A low growl rumbled in her throat as Malakai pulled himself up her massive side, but she obeyed her master and allowed the stranger astride her back. In the blink of an eye, Jaya climbed on behind him and clucked his tongue. With a hobbling gait, the giant bat ran on her specially adapted wings, hopped a few times, and then leaped into the air, her massive wings scooping like giant billowing sails and lifting them into the sky to follow Mita and Jakin. Within minutes they had left Hornberry Draw behind and were soaring across the Yellow Valley toward Ba’aco.

# # #

He’s changed, I’m telling you. Lord Ansa of Dai'awin leaned across the table to address the other High Priests in a hushed voice.

Changed how? Lord Otue of Z'lea poured more wine into his empty goblet.

He’s aged, somehow. Ansa stifled a wicked grin. He looks old and wrinkled.

Otue rolled his eyes. Well, what do you expect? The man is three hundred and thirty-three years old. It was bound to start to show eventually.

Ansa smirked.

Lord Saba of Tav'res studied Ansa’s face. What are you trying to say, Ansa?

Ansa pretended to adjust his new hat while he considered Saba’s question. Something is wrong. King Faeran weakens, he whispered, his gaze darting from one man to the other to assess their reactions.

Otue’s face paled as he paused in his wine consumption to consider Ansa’s words. You’re not suggesting—

I’m not suggesting anything! Ansa snapped. It was merely an observation.

A dangerous observation to speak of in Kinsa castle, Ansa. Saba studied the purple Hornberry wine in his goblet.

Ansa stiffened in his seat, then he smiled. You have not yet accepted my invitations to the Coba Culling, can I expect you both to attend? I understand the dragonfly colors are spectacular this year.

The door flew open before anyone could reply. King Faeran strode into the council room, shadowed by Major Garekk. Faeran was still tall. Still frightening. But pale and wrinkled. His eyes glittered like black jewels peering out from beneath eyelids that had begun to sag and black hair that was thinning all across his scalp. He strode across the room to the table as they rose to their feet. Garekk took his place near the door. Faeran snatched the wine decanter from Otue’s hand to fill his goblet, then plopped into his seat at the head of the table. He gestured for them to sit.

Ansa! What have you learned?

Ansa squirmed in his seat. Nothing yet, your Grace. But I have my best researchers combing the Cloud City libraries with instructions to study every document—no matter how obscure or insignificant.

Faeran’s piercing gaze shifted to Saba. Has the boy’s body turned up yet?

No, your Grace. The Wave Riders are searching day and night. All they’ve found is the broken remains of a raft that appears to have been built from Lord Emas’s oar ship.

Where did they find it? Faeran leaned forward.

It was adrift near the Marician Cliffs, your Grace. Not far from Koss.

Why are they searching by Koss? That isn’t where the boy fell into the sea. Faeran curled his lips and scowled at Saba.

Saba hesitated. The currents, your Grace. They would carry his body along the coast...

I see. Faeran looked around the table. Let’s assume the boy is still alive, until his body is found. So, stay alert for any word of Malakai Jenks. Faeran studied Saba for a moment and then turned his attention to the last High Priest.

Otue.

Lord Otue set his empty goblet down with a shaking hand and looked at Faeran. Yes, your Grace?

You can recommence production of Z’lea spheres, but don’t distribute them for trading yet. The need for fire will keep the peasants compliant.

But, your Grace. Otue’s face paled. All the glass blowers joined the Jax Riders. I have no workers!

Faeran glowered. For three hundred years the glass blowers have been passing their skills to their children. Those children can earn their keep for a change. Put them to work at once!

Yes, your Grace. Otue bowed his head, his hand creeping toward the decanter in front of Faeran.

Garekk rescued the teacher priests from the Arh’et Fortress. Faeran paused to scowl at Otue’s hand which Otue snatched back and placed on his lap. I’ve instructed them to return to the schools and carry on as if we still have the Arh’et Trah’ez.

Your Grace? Ansa fidgeted with the jeweled beads dangling from the side of his hat. The earthquake—surely the peasants must know it's been stolen?

We’re telling them the Coward King tried to steal it, but my power repelled him. That's what caused the earthquake.

Ansa’s gaze darted to Saba.

Saba cleared his throat. Will there be a new High Priest of Arh’et then, to keep up the facade?

Faeran’s eyes narrowed. Without explanation of what happened to Lord Emas? I think not!

Yes, of course, your Grace. Saba mumbled. He reached for his goblet and took a sip.

I’ve instructed them to report to Garekk for the time being, Faeran said.

Garekk? Ansa snapped, then thought better of it. His cheeks began to burn and he glanced over at the tall, scar-faced Jax Rider who was staring at him with contempt.

Faeran studied Ansa’s face. Are you questioning my judgment?

Of course not, your Grace. Ansa struggled to recover his composure. I was just surprised, that’s all. And, well, what about the Peace Festival? Lord Emas always hosted the opening ceremony, but now...

I have something special planned for the Peace Festival. Faeran’s thin lips stretched into an evil smirk.

The High Priests looked at each other, then to Faeran, waiting for him to explain.

Faeran didn’t oblige. Instead, he turned to Garekk. Command the Maaoteo gypsies to send their young men to join our army. They are the most skilled warriors in all of Arh’et. Certainly more skilled than any peasant militia.

Garekk flinched. Your Grace. He paused. The Maaoteo, sir, they’ve all vanished.

What do you mean—vanished? Faeran glared at Garekk.

Gone, your Grace. They haven’t been seen since before the Trah’ez was stolen.

So they’re wandering around in those caravans of theirs. Round them up!

No, sir. Garekk took a deep breath, then forged ahead. The clans have vanished. We haven’t seen a single Maaoteo caravan in weeks. Anywhere.

Impossible, Faeran hissed. He turned to Lord Ansa. You must be able to see them from above when you make your rounds to water the crops.

Ansa squirmed in his seat, unwilling to admit he doesn’t pay those worthless gypsies much mind. Uh...I will ask our Coba patrols where they are...your Grace.

See to it they are found at once. I didn’t allow them to play their silly war games all these years for nothing. Faeran rose to his feet, gulped the last of his wine, and then set the goblet on the table. I expect you all to be at the Festival, but command your citizens to stay away. We don’t want to provide the Guardian with any opportunities to escape Arh’et. He gestured to Garekk, who opened the door. That will be all. He spun on his heel and strode out of the room.

Garekk stared at Lord Ansa for a moment and then turned to follow.

Ansa glared at his back as he left the room.

# # #

With two fistfuls of coarse black hair, Jakin held tight to the Ba’at’s neck while Mita guided the furry beast through the air—across the Yellow Valley and along the mountain range, staying close to the rocky ridges so they wouldn’t be silhouetted against the sky. They darted in and out of canyons and gorges, the Ba’at twisting and flipping in the air and causing the world to spin and turn upside down.

Is that really necessary? Jakin mumbled, struggling to hold down the breakfast that was threatening to come up.

Pardon, Your Highness. Mita’s deep voice came from behind his head. I forgot you not accustomed to flight of Ba’at.

The Ba’at’s path steadied into a sedate glide and Jakin breathed a sigh of relief.

Thank you. He smiled at the quiet chuckle that rumbled in Mita’s chest. He looked back over his shoulder. Jaya and Malakai were just behind and a little above them. Malakai grinned from ear to ear as he waved at Jakin. Jakin nodded back and then turned his attention to the ground rushing by beneath them.

The early morning shadows created sharp lines on the rocky and steep terrain scattered with trails that had once been mountain streams. Their flight path avoided all the villages but he saw an occasional peasant leading a donkey. He hoped they wouldn’t look up as they flew by and he was grateful for the wide-brimmed hats they wore that limited the peasants’ view.

Look out! Malakai’s warning scream startled him and his head jerked back just as a spear flew past his face.

Jax! Mita shouted.

Jakin twisted to his right to look for the giant wasps just as the Ba’at did a sideways flip to the left and dropped so fast that Jakin lost his grip. He scrambled to hold on.

Stay low, Your Highness! Mita shouted as he pulled Jakin back to the top of the Ba’at.

Jakin wrapped his arms around the Ba’at’s neck and held his breath as the growling beast spiraled through the air, twisting its wings in ways he didn’t even know was possible as it dived toward the two Jax wasps rising toward them.

The screech of a Jax ripped through Jakin's ears as one of the Riders aimed his spear at Malakai, who wasn’t grinning anymore as he clung to Jaya’s Ba’at, his face frozen in terror.

Malakai, duck! Jakin shouted as the Rider threw the spear.

Jaya’s Ba’at flipped sideways and the spear flew past, missing its target. Mita’s Ba’at crashed into the wasp, grabbing it with the claws on the front of its wings and ripping the Jax’s head off with a single snarling bite. It’s blood spattered Jakin’s face.

The Rider screamed as he plummeted toward the ground, his arms flailing.

The remaining Jax screeched and curled its stinger toward Mita’s Ba’at, but before it could thrust forward Jaya’s Ba’at grabbed it behind its saddle and tore the wasp in half. The Rider tried to jump over to the Ba’at but Jaya smashed him in the face with one powerful punch and then he too, fell.

Side by side, the two Ba’ats swooped toward the ground. The warriors ensured the Riders were dead before they ascended back into the sky, once again resuming their hasty and erratic flight path.

Jakin didn’t complain this time.

# # #

Are you thinking we should send the nomad clans back out onto the plains? Pyet inquired, casting his gaze around the council table at the other Maaoteo Elders.

If Faeran has posted Jax look-outs everywhere, they must be noticing there aren’t any clans moving around, Simeena agreed.

My thoughts, as well. Jakin stood and walked over to the map on the wall. They’re going to start looking for all the missing clans if we don’t send out decoys, and then they may find Ba’aco.

Pyet shifted in his chair to look at Jakin behind him. We called them back because Faeran ordered the citizens of Arh’et to join his new peasant army. If we send the clans out, they’ll take all our warriors and force them to serve.

Jakin turned back to the group. Yes...I’ve thought of that. He moved back to his chair and stood behind it, his hands clasping the plain wood frame. "But all the Maaoteo are skilled warriors, right?"

The group nodded.

What if we send out clans made up of only women and old men? People they won’t try to recruit but who are capable of defending themselves, if necessary.

Yes—. Pyet tapped his finger on the table, nodding thoughtfully. We could have them tell the Jax Riders that all the young warriors ran away scared because their whole lives they were taught to never use their weapons against another person.

"That was the agreement the Maaoteo council made with Faeran, Tao joined in. All Maaoteo be enslaved if warriors ever harm anyone."

Jakin sat down in his chair at the head of the table. This just might work. Pyet, can you arrange this? Tao will be accompanying us to Koss and we’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.

We can start sending out new clans right away.

CHAPTER TWO

Swarm

...and then the Ba’ats swooped down and killed the Jax like they were nothing! Malakai prattled on about their aerial battle while Luka listened with wide eyes. It was amazing! Malakai added.

Maybe you be Ba’at warrior someday. Luka grinned at Malakai as they mounted their gazelles.

Maybe. Malakai grinned back. But then his smile faded. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be going on like this.

Luka scrunched his face in puzzlement. "But you have adventure. I like to hear!"

Yeah, but... Malakai paused. Well, you wanted to be a Ba’at warrior and...

Luka made a face and waved away Malakai’s concerns. Tao say he need good archer in his clan and Master Alastair tell him I the best.

Malakai smiled. That’s great, Luka! He turned his gazelle to follow Jakin and the others. But you won’t—I mean, you and Gabriella—you’ll stay and teach me first, right?

Luka caught up with Malakai. You stuck with me until Te’eta restored. King say I your bodyguard. My job keep you safe. Luka pointed at himself and then Malakai.

Malakai grimaced. I think I’m in trouble.

Luka laughed and made a face.

They had reached the edge of the cliffs where they would begin their journey along the almost vertical rock wall. Malakai looked over the edge where Jakin, Tao, Gabriella, and Levi followed a dozen Maaoteo warriors along a narrow path into the fog-bank of Ba’aco. After his flight on Jaya’s Ba’at, riding a gazelle along the cliff face didn’t seem so scary anymore.

Ready? Luka asked.

Let’s do it. Malakai made sure he was centered on the saddle and then nudged his gazelle who slipped over the edge and slid along the rocky surface until it caught a solid foothold.

Luka followed on Belle who had found her way back to Ba’aco after being released outside the poison forest.

Following the contours of the cliff face, they made their way around Arh’et. The sea crashed against the rocks beneath them. At times they descended low enough to feel the ocean spray, at other times they climbed so near the top that the riders had to duck down to avoid being seen above the ground.

At midday they stopped on a narrow ledge to rest and eat a light meal of nuts and berries.

How are you doing on the gazelle? Jakin approached Malakai. Are you comfortable riding alone?

Good! Malakai replied. After riding the Ba’at yesterday, this is nothing. He shrugged and leaned closer to Jakin. They gave me a really old one, he whispered, gesturing at his gazelle with his thumb.

Jakin chuckled. That was quite the ride on the Ba’ats, huh? He poured some berries into Malakai’s hand from a leather pouch.

Malakai cupped his hands to keep the berries from spilling over. I thought it was great. I think I’d like to ride one by myself someday.

Really? Jakin paused. You liked riding the Ba’at?

Didn’t you? Malakai studied Jakin’s face.

Jakin tugged the string on the pouch to close it. I prefer horses.

Malakai smiled at the irony.

A familiar buzzing hum in the distance drew their attention. All conversation stopped as the warriors rushed to push the gazelles against the cliff wall and then covered their eyes to keep them calm.

Moments later a swarm of Jax appeared above the sea. Four Jax Riders flanked the swarm, herding them along the edge of the rocky cliffs. The swarm dipped and climbed, swerving through the air like a flock of starlings. Their screeches filled the air, competing with the steady hum of their wings.

Malakai’s heart leapt into his throat. He turned to Jakin for guidance.

Don’t move a muscle, Jakin whispered.

Malakai returned his gaze to the approaching swarm, his heart frozen in terror. He’d never felt so vulnerable in his life as he pressed his back against the rock wall behind him.

Visualize the swarm moving away, Jakin whispered.

What? Malakai couldn’t believe his ears.

Just do it, Malakai. Trust me.

Malakai stifled the questions that came into his mind and instead closed his eyes. He imagined the swarm moving away. Unable to resist, he opened one eye. The swarm dipped low toward the water and then veered upwards again when the waves lapped up at them. They were mere seconds away from their ledge on the cliffs.

Trust the image, Malakai, Jakin whispered again. You can do this.

Malakai took a deep breath and dug deep for happy energy to inject into the vision. When the picture in his mind grew clearer, he opened his eyes and imagined he could project it into the mind of the Jax leading the swarm. He stared between the wasp’s eyes.

The Jax seemed to hesitate in the air for a moment so Malakai exhaled and pretended he was blowing the vision toward the Jax.

Good, Jakin whispered. More.

Malakai concentrated harder and was amazed when the leader veered upwards and disappeared over the top of the cliffs. The swarm followed while the Jax Riders shouted to each other to turn the swarm back out to sea. They were too busy chasing them to notice the cluster of Maaoteo and gazelles the swarm was flying over, close enough to make the gazelles fidget. As the last Jax disappeared over the ledge above them, Malakai took a deep breath.

Jax stink, Luka muttered beside him, swiping his hand back and forth across his nose as if he could wipe away the smell.

Yeah they do, Jakin agreed, then turned to look at Malakai. You did well.

What was that? Malakai struggled to comprehend what had just happened.

The Maaoteo concentrated the magic in your blood, Malakai. Jakin studied Malakai’s face. You are more powerful than you know.

Did I really just—? Malakai shook his head in disbelief. No, that was you, Jakin. You did that, not me.

You must learn to believe in your power, Malakai.

# # #

Lord Ansa scurried through the rows of shelves in the great library, casting his gaze from side to side in search of Caius Dio, the Head Researcher of Dai’awin. Level by level, he climbed the golden stairs that encircled the twister at the center of the Cloud City until he found him bent over a scroll laid out on a massive glass-topped table.

My Lord. Caius snapped upright and then bowed when he saw Ansa. Your presence in the library is a great honor!

The scroll, no longer constrained by Caius’s hands, curled up and rolled off the table, bouncing on the floor and coming to rest against an ornate golden table leg.

Have you found anything, yet? Ansa snapped. Anything at all?

My lord...my people have scoured the library from top to bottom. There is nothing about a Prince of Surot.

What about Princess Galiya? There must be something about her?

Caius reached for a scroll on a nearby shelf and unrolled it. Only what we already knew, my lord—that she disappeared the same day as King Jakin and Queen Jessamyne.

Ansa scowled at the scroll. You’ve checked everything? You’re certain of this?

My lord. Caius bowed again. I have been studying in the libraries since I was old enough to read, as did my father, and his father before him. Everything that has anything to do with the royal family is on this level of the library. If there was ever more news of them, it was not brought to these halls.

Ansa went to the outer wall of the library and looked out at the misty city street that matched this level of the library. Citizens dressed in white and gold scurried past a pair of mounted Jax Riders posted outside the window.

Disgusting beasts. Ansa’s nose scrunched. They are an eye-sore in our beautiful city.

Yes, my lord, Caius agreed.

And their stench! Ansa made a face. I don’t know how you can bear to have them in and around the library all day!

Olfactory exhaustion, my lord. Caius lowered his chin in a small bow.

Ansa glared at Caius, unwilling to admit he didn’t have any idea what that meant. Well, keep searching. There has to be something we can give King Faeran to get him off my back!

Yes, my lord. Caius bowed to Ansa’s backside as he flounced away with his nose in the air.

# # #

Faeran tugged a stone from the wall of his bed chamber and reached inside. He felt around for the ancient key he’d hidden there ages ago. The key that opened the door at the end of the passageway in Tation’s castle. His fingers closed around the cold metal. He tucked it in his pocket.

Throwing on his cloak and grabbing an unlit torch, he trotted down the stairs and out through the massive oak doors at the end of the entrance hall. Two Jax Riders snapped to attention when he appeared at the top of the steps.

Your Jax, Faeran said, gesturing to the Rider on his right.

The Rider released the Jax from its hitching post and stepped aside. Faeran leapt into the saddle.

Your Grace, the other Rider said. Should I—?

No. Stay here, Faeran snapped, then he jabbed the Jax with his heels. It leapt into the air.

Moments later he was soaring across Z’lea. Below, he could just make out the homes scattered between the lava flows and fire pits. He nudged the Jax again and she darted forward, her wings buzzing too fast for the eye to see. He soared high into the air, traveling to the center of what had once been the kingdom of Kinsa in mere minutes.

He landed the Jax on a crumbling balcony jutting out from the side of the old castle perched atop a fire-blackened mountain.

Clasping the key in his hand, he blew on the torch and it burst into flame. Then he strode inside and made his way through the corridors of Tation’s Castle to the wall of scorched portraits. Tation himself peered down at him through the smoke-clouded glass. Faeran paused to stare back at the narrow face of his ancestor. A face far kinder than he would have expected considering his legacy of unyielding rulers who demanded absolute obedience. His eyes drifted to the portrait beside him; Tation’s queen. Lecia, Tation’s third cousin, had the same narrow, yet kind, face.

Taking a deep breath, Faeran entered the dark tunnel hidden behind a wall panel. The torch burned away centuries of cobwebs that hung from the walls and ceiling. His footsteps echoed like ancient voices calling out to him as he made his way through the corridor.

When he reached the door he paused, listening to the silence. He hadn’t visited this place since he’d brought them here; two hundred and ninety years ago. He brushed away the spiders and stood back to examine the door. It was still intact. No one had come or gone in all that time. Faeran held his hand out toward the door.

Lae’eru’ov!

The door glowed for a moment and then a keyhole appeared beneath a handle blackened by ancient flames. Faeran stepped forward to slide the key into the slot and then twisted. The click echoed through the corridor. He paused to listen as the silence returned. Then he pushed the door open.

Briefly, he was transported back in time to the day he’d placed them here. Trusting no one else, he had carried them to their final resting place himself. Te’enwey, Mo’ku, Ter’sia, and Lu’nara: the four Yolmar brothers. They were covered with tar and he had shoved them against the wall like discarded lawn ornaments.

With a jolt, Faeran returned to the present and stepped into the room. They were still here; four shiny black statues standing against the wall. He stepped to each one in turn, pausing to hold the torch close and study their faces; serene, content...peaceful. Not the faces of men who had died horrible deaths in the tar pits of Z’lea.

Do you remember, Te’enwey? Faeran glared at the fourth statue. It seemed to smirk back at him. I remember. Over and again you said the Guardian would return and all would be saved. Faeran stepped past the statue, then he turned to face Te’enwey again. For ten long years you said it, but he never came to save any of you.

He backed away from the statues, studying their strange poses. It was as if they had chosen how they would spend eternity. He could still see them in his mind’s eye, being lowered one by one into the tar pits, each smiling as his feet touched the blue flames and their clothes caught on fire.

Well, he’s back now. Faeran lowered his face until he was nose to nose with the shriveled old man. You should have just told me your secrets. Maybe you would still be alive for him to save. Faeran smirked at the statue.

It is written.

Faeran gasped and jumped back. It was as if he could still hear the little man speaking.

Where? Faeran screamed, grabbing the statue by its shoulders and pushing it over. It rocked back and forth a few times and then settled on its side, Te’enwey’s extended right hand stopping it from rolling over. I’ve read everything! Every scroll! Every parchment! There is nothing! Faeran grabbed the hair on either side of his head and pulled in exasperation as the words whispered in his head even as they seemed to echo around the room.

It is written...it is written...it is written...

It’s all gibberish, you old fool! He kicked Te’enwey’s statue and turned to leave the room, pausing just long enough to close and seal the door once again.

He checked the lock twice before striding away.

# # #

If’n I can make it to Nate’s shop I kin steal all the tools we be needin’ but it ain’t gonna be easy...

Malakai paused in his studies to listen as Levi explained his plan to Tao. Levi had said he thought he could make iron tips for their arrows and spears if they could set up a forge in Ba’aco, but he needed tools, so they had agreed to let him travel to Koss with them.

Some o’ them tools is heavy, Levi continued. Could use some help carryin’ ‘em.

You will have help, Tao assured him.

Malakai’s gaze drifted to Luka, who was helping Anin and Nosha groom the gazelles, and then to Gabriella who sat nearby sharpening her knife on a stone. Freed from its braid, her hair shrouded the side of her face like a waterfall of wavy black. Malakai’s mind went blank for a moment as he watched the way the firelight reflected on the shine of her hair. Then he remembered Margo’s golden curls.

Where were they taking all those Jax? Malakai blurted, and then blushed as Gabriella turned her dark brown eyes toward him.

Warriors say they taking Jax to peasant training grounds, to grow their army.

Malakai’s breath caught in his throat. The peasants are becoming Jax riders?

That what warriors think, Gabriella replied, returning her attention to the knife edge.

They herd them along coast so they don’t kill all the flocks and herds, Luka interjected, taking a knee beside Malakai and reaching for a stick to poke the fire.

Malakai scowled. Why would they kill all the flocks and herds?

Luka stabbed the fire with his stick and a log tipped, sending sparks into the air. When Jax sting, venom smell bad, worse than usual. Jax go crazy. Whole swarm attack when they smell fresh venom.

Malakai whistled as he exhaled, imagining a swarm of Jax attacking a herd of cattle. I didn’t know the Jax were meat eaters.

They eat anything they can kill. Gabriella leaned over to turn the sticks that held fish around the fire to cook.

How do the Riders control them, then? I mean, why don’t the Jax just kill and eat everyone in Z’lea? Malakai’s mouth watered as the fish sizzled and popped, releasing an appealing aroma.

Both Luka and Gabriella stared into the fire for a moment, their faces blank.

Not know, Luka admitted with a shrug.

Gabriella turned to face Malakai. Simeena say there’s a Queen Jax somewhere. Maybe Faeran use her to control them?

Oof, Malakai muttered, thinking of the queen honey-bee his father had shown him inside a beehive once. It had been at least three times the size of the worker bees. That must be one big wasp, he added.

Fish ready to eat. Gabriella handed him one of the steaming fish impaled on a stick.

Thank you. Malakai took the stick and then reached for another. He carried it over to Jakin who was sitting on a boulder near the entrance of the shallow cave they’d found in the cliff face.

He held the stick toward Jakin. Hungry?

Startled, Jakin flinched, then rolled up the scroll he’d been studying and reached for the cool end of the stick. Thank you.

What happened today? Malakai asked.

Jakin nodded. I’ll tell you what I know. He gestured toward the scroll now lying on the boulder beside him. Last week I was reading about King Sortia and the binding of the Te’eta, and I found something I had forgotten.

Malakai tore away a chunk of fish and popped it in his mouth while he waited for Jakin to continue.

Te’enwey, my tutor, told the story of how Sortia had the ability to influence animals with his mind. He would visualize what he wanted the animals to do, and they would do it. Jakin shifted on the boulder so he was facing Malakai. Through the ages that ability was lost because the magic in our blood became diluted. But you… Jakin paused. Well, the Maaoteo concentrated the magic in your blood and I remembered the bond you had with Babs—how you seemed to understand her—and well, I wondered if you might have that ability.

Malakai’s hand stopped halfway to his mouth with a piece of fish dangling between his fingers. "You mean, you didn’t know for sure?"

I was hoping, Jakin admitted.

Malakai lowered his hand. "So it was...all me? He gulped. You weren’t helping?"

No, that gift was lost long before I was born.

But, what if— Malakai’s heart began to pound. What if I messed it up? I mean, I could have drawn them toward us instead of sending them away!

It was a gamble, Jakin acknowledged. But at that moment, we were desperate. They would have seen us.

Malakai took a deep breath. Does it work with all animals or just certain ones?

You’ll have to tell me.

CHAPTER THREE

The Marician Cliffs

Malakai watched the waves rolling into shore along the beach and contemplated their upcoming venture into the realm of Tav’res. Their journey around Arh’et on the raft had been frightening enough, but at least they’d had someone to tow them to their destination. Soon they would be traveling away from the safety of shore and searching for a city that no one really knew where to find. A shiver traveled down his spine.

Do you think we see pirates? Luka asked.

Malakai’s head snapped around to look at his two friends who rode beside him along the beach. They’d had to descend to get around a stretch of cliffs so flat and smooth that even the gazelles couldn’t scale their surface. Are…are there still pirates?

Don’t know. Luka shrugged. Tav’res traders visit games in Koss, talk of pirates sometimes.

I heard those stories too, but wasn’t that a long time ago? Malakai leaned forward to look past Luka to Gabriella. Right after the Days of Chaos?

Simeena say there many unknown things outside Arh’et, Gabriella said. And nothing impossible, not even pirates.

Malakai cringed and returned his gaze to the rolling waves that had taken on an ominous darkness that they hadn’t had a few minutes ago. Do you think we’ll be able to trade for one of the Tav’res boats?

Alastair make many friends as Master in Koss, he get us boat, Luka stated. No worry.

Malakai looked ahead to where Jakin and Tao rode side by side in the middle of the group of warriors who accompanied them. They appeared to be deep in conversation. He hoped they knew something he didn’t know because as far as he knew, it was forbidden for citizens of Arh’et to trade for a boat. The Tav’res traders would never violate that rule.

The beach narrowed and was littered by seaweed-covered boulders. It was impossible to ride side by side anymore. The group rode single-file between the rocks, their gazelles hopping over driftwood and other ocean debris.

Malakai watched the sand, noting the array of unusual creatures that occupied the shore when the tide was low. He could only identify a few of them. Crabs scurried away as he passed. Their sideways gait fascinated him. They looked like spiders, but they didn’t move like spiders. One of the larger ones skittered toward him and snapped its larger claw several times. Malakai’s gazelle snorted and hopped sideways before trotting past the crab. Malakai chuckled.

Ahead, something larger lay half buried in the sand and one narrow hoof jutted upwards at a strange angle. As he approached, he realized it was the remains of a gazelle covered with sea birds and other scavengers working to pick the bones clean. The birds scattered as the line of gazelles walked by. As he approached, the smell reached his nose and he gagged as he urged his gazelle past it. A few strides later he saw another, and then another. He looked ahead. The beach was covered with their bodies. He pinched his nose and looked back over his shoulder.

Luka?

Gazelles not swim. Drown when fall in water, Luka said.

But there’s so many! Malakai waved his hand across the scene and then covered his nose again as his stomach spasmed. It’s like a whole herd jumped into the sea. He choked on the words.

Maybe Jax swarm scare them, Luka offered.

Look! Gabriella spoke from behind Luka. She was pointing at a gazelle floating offshore. Is that a Jax stinger?

Malakai looked. It was a stinger. Jutting out of a gazelle’s haunches, it appeared to have broken off as the Jax had attacked. Malakai tried to imagine what it must have been like when the swarm attacked the gazelles. In his mind he could see the gazelles running along the cliffs and then falling into the sea in their desperation to escape. The safety of the cliffs was nothing when faced with a swarm of flying predators. His gaze drifted to the sky as he wondered where the swarm was now.

Luka hopped off his gazelle. I get stinger, maybe still have venom for blow-darts.

No, Luka, wait! But Malakai was too late. Luka bounded through the surf after the floating gazelle. Moments later he was waist deep in the water and pulling on the stinger stuck in the gazelle’s bony haunches.

Malakai looked ahead to the rest of the group. They were disappearing around a bend. Just forget about it, Luka! He tried not to shout too loudly. C’mon, let’s go!

It coming, almost have it! Luka shouted back. He gave one last big pull. The stinger came loose