Secret of Omordion: Book One of the Omordion Trilogy

By Nande Orcel

The Dokami clan has blended in with Omordions for three hundred years in order to keep their secret closely protected. But when a tyrannical king from the East rises to threaten their very existence, the clan allows five children to develop their psychokinetic abilities with the hope that one day they will be able to help to defeat the menace.

Five teenagers, collectively called Omordion’s Hope—Atakos, Fajha, Cristaden, and twins Zimi and Zadeia—attend a boarding school where they have been taught for ten years by Hamilda Shing, who has been like a mother to them. When Hamilda is suddenly kidnapped, however, the group must set out on a perilous journey to save her—realizing along the way that Omordion holds many deadly secrets.

Meanwhile, King Tholenod desperately tries to find ways to rule the world, while his son, Aillios, valiantly attempts to save his people from his father’s brutality. All seems lost until a shocking discovery forces Prince Aillios to reevaluate his beliefs.

In this exciting young adult tale, five gifted teenagers struggle to survive in a world where nothing is as it appears, a battle rages to save humanity from a vicious tyrant, and a secret waits to be revealed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781619846494

Book preview

guys!

Prologue

I f we get caught—

We won’t! I promise.

A teenaged boy walked quickly with his friend through their village and into the forest. The moon was shining brightly through the trees and they could hear crickets waking up all around them.

After stepping on a branch, which made a loud noise when it broke in half, the boy froze to listen for any sounds from the village.

His friend stopped and rolled his eyes. Are you serious? he said. "They can’t hear us."

You don’t understand, the boy said. "If I get caught, it’ll be chores every day for the next millennium!"

Come on. They won’t even know we did it. We’ll be home before you know it.

The boy hesitated but followed his friend through the darkened forest, being careful not to follow the commonly used paths to avoid being seen. They heard the sound of the rushing water before they could make out the banks of the Hechi River, which separated their country, Mituwa from the Srepan border. The boy’s father had promised to take him to visit the ancient ruins in Srepas. He was looking forward to the trip but didn’t know if he would still be able to go if he and his friend were caught.

His friend suddenly laughed out loud, interrupting his thoughts. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to see the look on the old seer’s face when his boat starts to sink.

The boy gave a nervous laugh. He won’t even know what’s happening until it’s too late.

It’ll be the first time he’d get a good wash, I bet!

Maybe the smell will go away for a while. We won’t have to hold our noses at the village meetings.

‘The trees!’ his friend shouted, mimicking the seer in a high pitched voice. "‘The animals! You must be one with nature!’"

Keep it down, the boy said, laughing. You don’t want them to hear us.

The two boys found the wooden boat they were looking for, the only one tied to the dock with a makeshift bed made out of leaves, sticks, and manure. ‘For warmth’ on cold nights, the seer always explained. Except this night, the seer was resting in the village as part of his yearly ritual to welcome the changing season.

Did you bring it? his friend said.

Yes, of course. The boy reached out and handed his friend the cork screw he was holding. Should be enough to make a small ho— He froze, his heart doing a small flip-flop in his chest. Do you smell that?

His friend sniffed the air. "It smells like smoke."

Both boys looked up into the sky and saw it. A huge plume of smoke rising from the direction of their village. They then heard the screams, carried towards them with the wind. Without so much as glancing at each other, they ran back towards the village. In the forest, the smoke was much denser, making it harder to see, but they knew where they were going. It was their forest, they knew each tree, each and every path made by their families and the generations before them.

Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw when they came out of the forest. Their whole village was on fire. Every home. Every stable. Every wagon. The animals could be heard bellowing for someone to release them from their burning quarters. But it wasn’t the fires that shocked the two boys the most.

It was the soldiers. King Tholenod’s soldiers. They were rounding up the villagers, linking them together with chains, beating or killing anyone who resisted.

Why are they doing this? the boy thought. What wrong have we done to upset the king? His mind was racing. It just did not make any sense.

His worst fears were realized when he spotted his parents among the captured. His mother was screaming and crying, leaning against his father who was holding her up, trying to calm her down. In that moment, his eyes locked with that of his son’s and he looked frightened. His mother stopped screaming when she saw him too and she looked around fearfully. Then his parents began gesturing for him to leave, to run away.

We have to get out of here! the boy told his friend.

Before they had a chance to run, two soldiers grabbed his friend, who started screaming, trying hard to fight back. The boy turned to run but was tackled by two other soldiers. Knowing he might have a chance to lose them in the forest, he struggled, hoping they would release him for a moment. Only one moment. That’s all he needed. When the soldiers picked him up off the ground, he kicked one soldier hard in the groin and bit the other one’s hand. As the soldiers released him, he took off running towards the forest. He hadn’t realized they had already clamped a chain to his ankle when they tackled him. He fell to the ground when one of the soldiers grabbed the chain. He was then dragged back towards them. He tried to pull himself free, to prevent the soldiers from grabbing him again, but his efforts were useless. They were simply too strong for him.

Roughly, the soldier, whose hand he had bitten, stood him up and yanked his hair back hard so his neck was exposed. The other soldier pulled out his sword. We don’t need this one, he said. We’ve got plenty.

Part One

:

Lochenby

Chapter 1

A re you okay?

Hamilda Shing snapped back into focus after opening an official letter sent to her from the Western Army. She was sitting at her kitchen table, next to her husband, Captain Jogesh Shing. He was staring at her, his brown eyes questioning. The letter told her of a mission she was offered with no option for refusal. She had read the first few sentences and could not bring herself to continue.

They can’t be serious, Hamilda said, but she knew they were. The fate of the entire planet had been dropped in her lap.

But this is what you’ve been waiting for, Jogesh said. You have an opportunity to use your abilities to help people.

Yes, but I did not expect this to happen–at least not in my lifetime. She lowered her green eyes and refolded the letter. I don’t think I can handle it.

You are the best person for this job. Could you see anyone else doing it better than you?

Hamilda contemplated her husband’s question for a moment before responding. No, but—

Hamilda. Things will work out just fine. Jogesh squeezed her hand, giving her a comforting smile. What else does the letter say?

Here. You finish it. Hamilda handed the letter to Jogesh, suddenly not in the mood to continue, and he eagerly took it from her. He was always jumping at the opportunity to be her support system when she’d been given a task to do, always staying so positive about everything. She wished she could be more like him.

Bontihm suggested that you be the one to carry out this mission. You will meet with the chosen five children tomorrow morning. These children come from the free lands of Laspitu, Pontotoma, Saiyut, and Udnaruk. Jogesh finished reading the letter and frowned. Also . . .

Hamilda started to feel slightly nauseous. She knew by his tone that it was not going to be good. What is it?

Jogesh looked at her sadly, as if he wished he could take back the words he was about to say. You are to teach them for thirteen years at . . . Lochenby.

Lochenby.

Of course it had to be there. The boarding school she had attended when she was little. Until the . . . ‘accident’. Fear rose in Hamilda’s heart. How could she go back there? She told herself she would never return, that she would never go back to those dreadful memories. But they came flooding back to her like a bad dream. The screaming. The hallucinations. The realization that she was never going to be the same again.

An explosion of words erupted from Hamilda’s mouth. What? Why would Bontihm agree to this? What could he have been thinking? Do you think I could convince them to do it at another school? There’s this wonderful school located not too far from here. Oh, what’s the name of it . . . ?

Hearing the fear in her voice, Jogesh leaned over and pulled her into a loving embrace. You can do this, Hamilda. You are being put there for a reason. You can’t run from your past. Maybe, by teaching those children, you could finally put your past behind you and accomplish your dreams. You’d make an excellent teacher.

Hamilda studied Jogesh, down to his similar olive complexion and his short, curly, black hair. This mission meant she would have to leave her home and be away from his army base. To be away from him. She buried her head in his chest and sighed heavily. She had a strong feeling it wasn’t going to be as simple as he thought.

Lochenby: School of Knowledge. It loomed in front of her. As Hamilda stepped through the tall, wrought-iron gate, she took a moment to remember the fine details of the school and how it had been fifteen years prior, when she was seven years old.

The school used to be a castle, constructed over three hundred years ago. The old, gray-brick school was five stories high and U shaped with a beautiful garden in the courtyard. The grounds were extensive, with paths going to the dormitories to the left and the cafeteria and gymnasium down the paths to the right. She remembered the big lake that rested beyond the gardens behind the school. And even further beyond that–the woods.

Hamilda inhaled sharply and squeezed her tearstained eyes shut. Her hands felt clammy and beads of sweat rose at her temples. She reached for her handkerchief in the right breast pocket of her navy blazer and dabbed at her green eyes. She then straightened out her navy skirt, patted down her long, curly, black hair, and cleared her throat, while trying hard to maintain her composure.

I have to get it together, she said to herself, as she walked down the driveway leading up to the massive entry doors of Lochenby, dragging her suitcase behind her. I can’t let this place affect me.

Mrs. Shing? the man, who welcomed her at the door, asked. He was a tall, slightly balding man with wide eyes and a thick bushy beard and mustache.

Hamilda cleared her throat. Yes, she replied.

I’m so happy to finally meet you. The man shook her hand. My name is R. T. Rohjees and I am the principal at this school. Please follow me. They are waiting for you.

Oh great, I’m late, Hamilda thought with a sigh and then nervously walked through the doors. After instructing her to leave her suitcase by the entryway, Rohjees directed Hamilda to an elevator and then to the fifth floor. Until the elevator came to a stop, Hamilda kept rubbing her hands together and taking deep breaths, letting them out slowly to calm her nerves.

The fifth floor was a very colorful nursery arranged with an amazing amount of vibrant playthings. Separated rooms lined the right wall where students between the ages of two and five were taught, the youngest ones being the children of the faculty.

Rohjees gestured to the second largest classroom. Right in here, madam. Room 5B.

Taking a deep breath again, Hamilda willed herself to take a few steps into the brightly colored room. She was the last to arrive. The children and their parents were there, along with an army general and four adults she did not recognize. They stopped chatting when she walked in and looked her way.

Hamilda suddenly felt very self-conscious.

The general walked over to her and shook her hand. It’s nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Shing. I am General Komuh of the Western Army branch, located in Sheidem City.

Nice to meet you, Hamilda said, astonished by his appearance. He was a massive man with broad shoulders, bushy eyebrows, and a mustache that extended down the sides of his mouth. The fierce and determined look in his eyes was appalling, almost frightening, causing Hamilda to hold her breath. She sensed something strange about him, but she could not pinpoint what it was.

Please come with me. Komuh guided her away from the children and their parents and toward the four people at the front of the room. Gentlemen . . . and Lady, he began with a friendly smile, nodding at the only woman within the group of four, I would like to introduce you to Mrs. Hamilda Shing. Turning to Hamilda, he said, Mrs. Shing, these are the emperors of our beloved countries.

Hamilda was shocked. She had not anticipated meeting any of them. Her stomach dropped to her knees and her cheeks flushed so quickly, she was sure her face was turning beet red as she stood there. She smiled. It was all she could do besides running out of the room and not looking back.

Standing next to General Komuh was a brown-haired woman, who seemed to be in her early forties. She introduced herself as Emperor Kolhi, leader of Laspitu, the coldest country in the far north. It’s so nice to meet you! she said, beaming.

Likewise, Hamilda said, almost forgetting to breathe.

Next, Hamilda was introduced to the leader of Saiyut–Emperor Vermu–a short man with white hair and a beige complexion. Saiyut was south of the large island of Sheidem. An older, light-skinned, gray haired man introduced himself as Emperor Mashie, leader of Pontotoma, the country east of Saiyut. Finally, Hamilda was introduced to Emperor Trusa, a dark-haired, dark-skinned man from the southernmost country of Udnaruk.

After the introductions were made, General Komuh directed their attention to the children and their families, seated at the other end of the colorful room. As you are well aware, ladies and gentlemen, the Alliance of Eastern Omordion has been relentlessly attacking us and will stop at nothing to gain control of our resources and enslave us all. These children are our hope for the future. The fate of our children’s children lies in their hands. We cannot predict what will happen in the next thirteen years, but we can only hope for the best. In the meantime, our army will fight as hard as they can to keep the Eastern Alliance from breaching our borders. The general placed his hand on Hamilda’s shoulder. Mrs. Shing has been given the opportunity to mold these children into great leaders and fighters and to teach them everything . . . well, whatever it is she knows. He cleared his throat. I will instruct them in the art of war when the time is right. For now, it is up to you, Mrs. Shing, to raise them to be fine, outstanding individuals.

Feeling heat rising to her ears again, Hamilda nodded her head. I’ll try my best, sir.

Good. Now let me introduce you to the children. Komuh took her by the arm, excused himself from the emperors, and led her to the other side of the room.

The children, Hamilda observed, were no more than five years old. There were five of them, like the letter had promised. Two boys, one girl, and a girl and boy pair who appeared to be twins.

Komuh turned to look at her. As you can see, there are five of them, he said, as if reading her mind. "The Dokeemi Council counted the twins as one unit because they are from the same country."

Hamilda frowned at the notion that he would ignorantly get the name Dokami incorrect. One would think he would take the time to get that minor detail right when dealing with such an important mission.

The Dokeemi Council couldn’t be here today, which is unfortunate, Komuh said.

Hamilda nodded. No one had actually been in the presence of the Dokami Council or knew who they were. The only person in Western Omordion who could get in contact with them was the current Dokami Wise Man, Bontihm Fhakaemeli, who was also Hamilda’s mentor. Bontihm was the one who suggested giving away their secret to the leaders of the West in order to help save their planet. A secret that had been uncompromised for three hundred years. Hamilda hoped his decision was a sensible one.

As they walked over to the children and their parents, the families stood up. The first family, on their left, smiled and bowed their heads as the general and Hamilda approached. They were dressed in splendid costumes of bright colors and sparkling gold. Their complexion was the color of cream and they had straight black hair and almond shaped brown eyes. It was obvious they were very prolific by their clothes and their manner of speech. Their son, who was five years old, had shoulder length hair, tied together to resemble his father.

This is the very prestigious Bayaht family of Saiyut. General Komuh gave a little bow to them, prompting Hamilda to do the same. Keshi Bayaht, he gestured to the mother, is the daughter of Emperor Vermu.

Hamilda glanced at the Emperor, who was busy having an imperative discussion with the other leaders. She had no idea that Emperor Vermu was of Dokami descent.

Surprisingly, their son was not chosen because he was the Emperor’s grandson.

Keshi offered her hand to Hamilda. How do you do? she asked.

Feeling small and intimidated again, Hamilda shook her hand. Very well, thank you, she replied in a small voice.

This is our son, Fajha. Raising her voice and speaking slowly, Keshi touched the boy’s shoulder. Fajha, this is going to be your new teacher.

Hi! Fajha boldly stuck out his hand for Hamilda to shake.

She promptly shook it. Hi—

One day, I’m going to be as big and powerful as my puppa is, he interrupted.

Right you are, Hamilda agreed.

He’s an em, uh, emper, you know? But does that mean I have to live in his house?

Hamilda giggled. Probably not.

Fajha made a face and wrinkled his nose. "Good, because it doesn’t smell right."

His mother gave him a quick tap to silence him. That’s enough Fajha, she whispered.

Yes, mam, he said softly, looking down at his feet.

General Komuh took the opportunity to introduce her to the next family standing to the right of the Bayahts. Mr. and Mrs. Croit of Pontotoma, I would like to introduce you to your son’s teacher, Mrs. Hamilda Shing.

Hamilda couldn’t help noticing how beautiful the family was. They were dressed as if they were attending a dinner party. The mother wore a short, purple cocktail dress and the father and son wore black suits with purple and black striped ties. All three had caramel-toned features. The father was tall and well built, possibly in his late twenties and the mother was of medium height with light brown, curly hair and hazel eyes. Their son was astonishingly beautiful also. He had his father’s features, but his eyes and hair color were taken from his mother.

Mr. Croit greeted her. It’s very nice to finally meet you, he said. This is our son, Atakos. Our ancestors were very strong Dokami. We have not inherited any of their traits, but our son here has already shown remarkable strength at the age of five. He was chosen over a hundred children his age because of his amazing talent. Feeling proud, he put his hand on his son’s head. You will find him to be a very willing participant and an easy learner. We have not been able to teach him much, but I’m sure you can teach him a great deal.

I promise I will teach him all I know. Hamilda bent down and shook Atakos’ hand. Strong grip you have there, pal.

I don’t want to leave my family, Atakos abruptly told her. Tears sprung up in the eyes of his mother, who quickly looked away to wipe them, hoping he would not see her cry.

Hamilda dropped her voice down to a whisper and touched the boy’s face. You have to be brave Atakos. Everything will be alright. Before long, you’ll see your parents again, ok?

Promise? sniffed Atakos.

I promise. She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze and stood up. Mrs. Croit mouthed the words ‘thank you’ after wiping her tearful eyes once again.

General Komuh directed Hamilda to the next group of people standing behind the Croit family. I would like to introduce you to the Emyu family from Udnaruk.

This was the family who had the twin boy and girl. All of them had dark, reddish-brown features, with black wavy hair and beautiful big, brown eyes. The father, who was obviously in the military, was dressed in the black Western Army uniform, hat included, and his children were in military-like uniforms, also. Their mother wore a similar uniform, but it was a long dress with buttons going down the side.

Hamilda found it very odd for the entire family to be wearing uniforms because the father was the only one actually in the army, but it was rumored that Udnaruk military men preferred their houses to be run as if they were preparing for battle. It raised their morale among fellow soldiers and boosted their ego when people took notice.

The Emyu twins were very quiet and spoke only when spoken to. The boy’s name was Zimi. He had a fairly short, military-styled haircut, while the girl, whose name was Zadeia, had long hair with the front cut just above her eyes, covering her small forehead. In their uniforms, they resembled little porcelain dolls, very pretty but staring quietly, as if they knew all there was to know in the world at such a young age.

Delighted to meet all of you, Hamilda said, after introductions were made. In sync, the Emyu family smiled and bowed their heads quickly as if they were royalty dismissing a subject.

Charming, Hamilda thought sarcastically.

Finally, General Komuh introduced the last three people standing next to the Emyu family. They were the Feriau family who derived from Laspitu. The parents were dressed casually, the mother wearing a light blue sweater and black pants and the father wearing a long-sleeved, buttoned-up gray shirt tucked into his navy blue pants. Hamilda held her breath and her heart skipped a beat when she looked at their little girl. The girl’s parents had brown hair, brown eyes, and tanned features, while their daughter was pale with white-blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Her hair was tied together in two ponytails and she wore a white cloak over a pretty white dress and white shoes. She looked positively angelic with a little pink on her cheeks and lips. Hamilda thought for an instant that she had seen her before. It wasn’t possible, considering the girl’s age and the fact that she had come from Laspitu, a country in the far north–which Hamilda had never visited. But still something seemed oddly familiar about her.

General Komuh explained that the Feriau family were the only ones of Dokami origin, in all of Laspitu, that came forward, and that their daughter, Cristaden, was only four years old and was going to turn five in a couple of months. Mrs. Feriau told Hamilda that from the moment Cristaden could say sentences, she spoke of having a higher purpose in life. When they heard of the secret mission, they mutually agreed that their daughter was meant for something bigger and allowed her to participate. With Cristaden having no abilities, her mother continued to explain, if she was judged against other children, the Dokami Council would not have chosen her. They were astonished when no one else wanted to participate and took it as a sign.

Strange, Hamilda frowned. What are the odds that out of a whole country, a country full of Dokami, not one family came forward? Cristaden was shyly looking up at her with an awkward smile. You have a great amount of power, little girl, Hamilda thought, you just don’t know it yet.

General Komuh bowed to all the families and then turned to Hamilda. Now that the introductions have been made, the families will stay together for the night at Hotel Ramoul, in the heart of Sheidem City. In the morning, your lessons with the children will begin. Lochenby is not open for the season yet, but we must get started with them right away.

Komuh then guided her away from the children and their families and dropped his voice to a whisper. Mrs. Shing, these children are our only hope for a secure future. Separating them from all they know at such a young age, for long periods of time, could be truly traumatic. I do not believe they realize what is in store for them. We understand that, in order to achieve our goals, they have to start young and be away from distractions at home. Therefore, you will have to be their mother and father when they are here. You are all they will have when they need love and guidance. When there is a major crisis, you will be the one to deal with it. Since this is a secret mission, there will be no one else. This is our last hope in putting an end to this war. I’m placing a tremendous responsibility in your hands. Are you sure you can handle this? Let me know if you cannot and I will postpone the mission. And find someone else.

Hamilda could feel the heat rising at the back of her neck where the hairs were standing on end. She was terrified as her heart began to beat fast again. What was wrong with her? It was such a simple question. It would be so easy to say ‘no’ and leave Lochenby, a place she detested. She was about to give her response but a thought occurred to her. She suddenly found herself sitting in her kitchen with her husband, Jogesh, staring intensely into her eyes and asking her ‘Could you see anyone else doing it better than you?’ Hamilda knew the answer to that question. No. Those children needed her. She had more skills than any other member of the Dokami clan because she was taught and raised by the Wise Man himself, the Master of their clan. Bontihm once told her she was pure of heart, a trait that many people cannot possess for they can easily fall into the traps of greediness, temptation, and jealousy. She was not one of those people.

It’s for the best, Hamilda told herself. I have to do this. There is no turning back.

I can handle it, sir, she said, determination rising in her voice with every syllable. I know I can.

Whew, that’s a relief, General Komuh said. I didn’t know how I was going to tell the leaders of Western Omordion that we needed to find someone else or that this mission was already a failure. Looking her directly into her eyes, he then said, Good luck and take care. With that he gathered everyone else and led them out of the room, laughing heartily at something one of the emperors said.

Still having trouble breathing and feeling faint, Hamilda struggled to get some air back into her lungs.

Suddenly, a hand tapped Hamilda’s shoulder, causing her to jump and stifle a scream with her hand. She hadn’t even noticed that Principal Rohjees had come back in.

Come with me, Rohjees said, barely acknowledging that he had startled her. Once they stepped outside of the school, he stopped for a moment. The living quarters are in the buildings to the left. The first building is where you and the children will reside. Boys on the left, girls on the right, and the teachers live in the grand tower, floors six to ten. He pointed to the top of the building nearest to the school where Hamilda could see the tower.

Hamilda nodded, but she knew the living quarters all too well, especially since not much had changed in fifteen years. The haunting memories of her parents came back to her, memories of them eating dinner together every night in the teachers’ lounge and the laughter and love they had shared.

I cannot allow myself to breakdown. I will get through this, she assured herself, fighting back tears that threatened to fall.

Hamilda and Rohjees entered the dormitory and took the elevator to the tenth floor. Hamilda’s apartment was at the end of the hallway, marked 1013. It had one bedroom, a small kitchen connected to a furnished living room, and a tiny bathroom. The couch in the living room was navy and yellow striped with one brown end table and a tall lamp standing next to it. A plain, brown coffee table stood in the middle of the floor. The bedroom had one brown nightstand on the right side of the bed with a yellow lamp on it. Her suitcase had been placed on a blue armchair resting in-between two big windows with seats overlooking the roof of the fifth floor. Everything else was white. White walls, white sheets, white carpet. Relatively boring.

Whoever decorated this place had a horrible taste in furniture, Hamilda thought, sighing deeply while looking around.

This will be your living quarters during the semester, Rohjees said. The lounge and conference room are on the sixth floor if you would like to relax and socialize with the other faculty . . .

He went on about where everything was and how to turn things on, but Hamilda was not paying attention to him. She was looking out of the bedroom window and missing her husband very much. She smiled, recalling the way he would gaze into her eyes and how his dimples would appear whenever he smiled and told her that he loved her. Hamilda took a deep breath in and slowly released it. Jogesh was coming to visit her at the end of the week, but it seemed so far away. For now, she would have to do what was asked of her. Pulling her eyes away from the window, Hamilda redirected her focus to Principal Rohjees, who was just about done with his explanations.

. . . and if you have any questions, please feel free to call me. I will most likely be in my office, Rohjees said.

Will do. Hamilda walked him out of the apartment and, after saying goodbye, shut the door behind him and leaned up against it, thinking how dreadfully long her first week was going to be.

Chapter 2

Drums were pounding.

Fires raged out of control.

The putrid smell of decaying flesh enveloped the air, which was thick with smoke.

Hamilda instinctively put a blackened hand over her dry mouth to keep from vomiting. Shouts were heard all around her as people ran to and fro, trying to tend to the wounded and move the dead. Her heart wrenched as she looked around at the devastation and the desperation of the horrified population. Many people were screaming and crying. The screams were deafening, making Hamilda want to curl up in a ball and press her hands against her ears. But she knew she couldn’t stay there. She was in danger. Whoever did it was coming back.

She could sense it.

Fear gripped her, seizing her, and refusing to let go. She had to fight against her frozen body and will it to move. It was coming closer. With every ounce of whatever energy she had left, she stood up and took a few steps towards the forest.

And stopped.

It was behind her now. She didn’t have to turn around to know. It was too late. She could sense the presence of pure evil. Looking towards the forest she thought maybe she could make it. Maybe she would have enough time to escape.

With an act of sheer courage, she tried to run away from the carnage, but tripped over something on the ground. Falling into the mud mingled with blood, she braced herself for the attack. But it never came. Could it possibly be letting her escape? No. It wanted her to see something. She knew that now.

Rising to her knees, she hesitantly turned to see what tripped her.

It was a man. He was lying on his back, his face twisted in fear. He was long dead. Already decomposing. It was not as if she could save him. But something drew her to him. Ignoring the horrible stench coming off his body, Hamilda focused hard on his face. Why did he look so familiar?

The overwhelming sadness came as a shock when she realized who it was. Tears sprang up in her eyes and she leaned to the side to vomit on the muddy ground. Reluctantly, she looked back at the dead body. Perhaps hoping it was not true. She wanted to break away and scream but, before any sound could come out, she felt the evil presence coming towards her. Daring herself to look, she slowly lifted her eyes. The paralyzing fear suddenly came back. Looking up at an evil and twisted face, she immediately noticed the eyes. It sparkled red in the light of the raging fires. It was those eyes that caused her body to completely freeze when the evil being suddenly lunged at her with a shriek so loud and terrifying, she felt her eardrums burst and the blood pour out of them and onto the muddy ground.

Hamilda opened her eyes and realized she had been screaming. When had she fallen asleep? Sweat was pouring down her face. She inhaled sharply to bring some air back into her lungs. It was just a dream, she said, trying to steady her shaking hands and checking her ears for any sign of blood. "But it seemed so real."

Hamilda had visions before, but this one was unlike anything she had experienced in a really long time. She reviewed it in her mind over and over again, trying to interpret it, but it did not make any sense.

It’s this place.

Shaking her head and sitting up, Hamilda looked around the small bedroom. I can’t let this school get to me. So many awful memories. She didn’t know how she was going to get used to Lochenby. It was unfathomable.

Remembering her mission, Hamilda forced herself to get up. There was nothing she could do about it now. She had no choice but to stay. After washing her face in the bathroom, she brushed aside the ghastly dream and finished unpacking, thinking it was going to be a long thirteen years.

Chapter 3

It was a brisk autumn morning, ten years after the children were taken to Lochenby. The school remained the same over the years, still looming dark and mysterious over the students that came through her doors, fresh from summer vacation each year. Laughing as they climbed up the stairs, the students of Lochenby never realized that, for ten years, their school had housed extraordinary beings that had become much stronger over the years since they had first entered the school at the ages of four and five. Those beings were called Omordion’s Hope but, over the years, began to be known more as Omordion’s Doubt to the leaders of Western Omordion who did not believe that their plan was, in fact, going to work. Only time would tell and a lot of time was not what the innocent people of Omordion had.

Many battles were fought along the borders of Western Omordion. The Eastern Alliance was growing more and more impatient with the outcomes of the battles, but they knew the Western Alliance was growing weaker each passing year, so they continued their relentless attacks. Young men, when they became of age, were taught to fight to protect their countries. Those who had not fought a battle in years were being asked to fight again and the cries of orphaned children and widowed spouses were heard throughout all of Western Omordion. The great island of Sheidem and other nearby islands remained unscathed by the attacks on the major countries. The Western Army even took the liberty of moving their headquarters to the island to compensate for the lack of stability and security everywhere else.

Hope, for all, was slowly fading away.

I’m so happy to be back here, said Rhokh Grouseli, away from the chaos of my aunts, uncles, and cousins in the city. I don’t know how my parents deal with them in that big house when I’m gone. I’m glad I don’t have to be in that mess all the time. Rhokh was walking into Lochenby with a very good friend of his. How was your vacation, Atakos?

Atakos Croit glanced at his friend and realized how much he had changed over the past few months. Rhokh was slightly taller than he had remembered and his hair, which was usually a sandy blonde color, had become lighter, clearly bleached from the long days spent out in the sun. He was also not as scrawny in his school uniform as he had been a few months before.

My vacation was . . . relatively boring. Atakos couldn’t tell his friend what he really did all summer so he usually made up an excuse or avoided answering the question. I’m just glad to be back.

Are you going to participate in the sword fight competition between Lochenby and the Holawal School of Arts this year?

"Oh, yeah, Hole-in-a-wall? Wouldn’t miss it for the world. We’re going to rip them to shreds this time."

The boys looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Yeah, last year was embarrassing, Rhokh said. Have you been practicing?

Every day. How about you?

Rhokh flexed a muscle. Why, can’t you tell?

Atakos shot him a look and shook his head. Try not to embarrass yourself this year.

The two friends laughed as they walked up the front steps and entered the school. They then noticed a couple of Lochenby’s star athletes walking down the hall ahead of them. Bho and Len were a couple of years older than them and the most popular boys at Lochenby. Bho was tall and very muscular and Len was only slightly smaller than his friend. They both had the same olive skin and black hair. If you did not know them, you would assume they were brothers, but they were not even related. Groups of students standing at their lockers turned to greet them as they walked by.

The two boys passed a couple of pretty girls who turned and smiled. Hi, Bho and Len, they said in unison, practically drooling.

Hi, ladies, they replied, flashing them their award-winning smiles. The girls quickly walked away, giggling.

Rhokh turned to Atakos. Why can’t we ever get that kind of attention?

First of all, we have to grow a few more inches and be the best at all the sports, Atakos said.

You mean to tell me that my charming good looks and great sense of humor won’t do the trick?

That’s definitely not enough. These girls don’t even know we exist.

They will one day, Rhokh said, defiantly.

Only in your dreams, my friend. Only in your dreams.

Fajha, Zimi, and Zadeia met each other at the twins’ lockers on the second floor of the school, wearing their school uniforms. Their pleated pants and skirt were black with green lining, while their shirts were white with the school emblem on the left breast pocket. The Lochenby emblem was that of a green phoenix inside a circle with two black swords crossed behind it. The swords represented a battle once fought on Sheidem Island over a century ago and the phoenix represented the peace since that fatal battle.

Fajha, against his mother’s wishes, had cut his straight, black hair to shoulder length and liked to leave it wild most of the time. He wore glasses, a trait he detested getting from his mother’s side of the family. Zimi still had a military-styled haircut he received every time he went home for the summer. Throughout the school year, he liked to grow it out as his way of rebelling against his father’s rules and regulations, which, according to his father, was dishonorable. Zadeia was slightly shorter than her brother and