The Other Side of Midnight - The Journey

By Karen Rivello

(Book two)The Elvin warriors had traveled the cursed land of Midnight many times before, but never with two inexperienced girls to hinder their journey. Now they must escort April and Rebecca through the dark realm with hopes of making it to Waters Edge before the Elvin lord of this world, and his army, discover them. However, Legña has sensed the presence of the ‘Chosen One’ and is desperately trying to find her before she can escape, for he envisions himself as the prince to fulfill the prophecy with her. More of the prophecy will be revealed though as they encounter the ‘Specter’, and Death makes a demanding request of the ‘Chosen One’ before she can leave the forsaken valley. With war the only possible outcome for the Elvin world, they now also have to battle the world of men, but the human king will meet them with an unexpected power that could alter the outcome of both worlds. Can the Chosen One fulfill the prophecy before it’s too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312923553

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The Other Side of Midnight - The Journey

The Other Side of Midnight

The Journey

By Karen Rivello

Copyright Claimant:

Karen G. Rivello, 1961-

Date of Creation: 2010

Type of Work: Text

Registration Number / Date:  TXu 1-691-873

2010

Title:  The Other Side of Midnight – The Journey

Description: 1v

Standard copyright

ISBN: 978-1-312-92355-3

2011

Cover photography by Ilker

Cover design work by George and Karen Rivello

You can find Karen’s other books at her website www.karenrivello.com

The Other Side of Midnight

‘A hundred years shall pass away ‘til the harvest moon shines bright, to lead her back to Waters Edge to the other side of Midnight.

Now Spring and Summer have come as one, darkness rears yet trembles. Then Autumn brings the Lily home and the armies stand assembled.

Life will be decided in the throws of wars fought hard, so the heart will be the keeper of the gate the light will guard.

To turn back now will seal the pool and never more rise the mist. The worlds to be divided for the fate of loves first kiss.

To restore the pool the heart must sink deep within its depths, and then the One will be revealed atop the thousand steps.

The prophecy has been foretold of They with Elvin blood. To bear alone the heart of light until the waters flood.

Those who come to see the truth will be as once before, Then Darkness shall be taken and the valley be restored.

The mist will once again arise and the trees shall all take flight, taking back the land they left in the darkest vales of Midnight.

Once the heart has fallen the gate will close to all, to the other side of Midnight no more shall come to fall.

One will stand, the other will fall; the heart will take its rest. It brought them back to the land of lore, the land that bore their quest.

An Elvin Prophecy

CHAPTER ONE

The dragon’s wings beat heavily as it flew over the mountaintop searching for the source of power it felt only an hour ago.  Legña knew the chosen one was somewhere close by, but the dark valley below did not welcome him. He would not land unless she was located, and then it would be only to pick her up. That meant only a few seconds close to the ground; he wouldn’t even touch it. He knew the specter waited for the day that he would come to its valley.

The Nel’laf had quickened their pace and were half-way across the valley floor when the darkness started to descend once again. They quickly gathered dead branches and started a fire in a large circle, with themselves in the middle so the other vile creatures of Midnight could not harass or pick off the unfortunate ones. Legña would not stay in the open air or on the ground; he would fly to the outer regions, just before the valley entrance and wait out the evening darkness there, in his own dark realm where he was king.

A’lior and the small band of warriors that followed had to make a quick decision, would they stay in the outer darkness and risk contact with the Cursed Ones, or continue on. A’lior was certain now that the chosen one must be headed for the last safe haven at the top of the mountain peak, and though the Nel’laf knew of the existence of them, they didn’t know exactly where they were or how to get in.

Since we have come this far I feel certain that we are headed for the top of the Mountain of Death, the last safe haven before the descent. They must be trying to escape into the outer corridors of Waters Edge; that would explain the route we have followed. The dragon has not been seen or heard from since nightfall so our only chance of survival in the open is to continue on through the night. It will be difficult, but once we get far enough away we will be able to use the light of A’lōin to guide us. Are we in agreement? A’lior asked sternly.

Aye, we will follow you in light or darkness. Jeru stated.

As will the rest of us, Ha’non stated; and each elf nodded silently in agreement.

A’lior acknowledged the decision with a nod and a grim look of determination, then with a tight set jaw, he turned and set a fast pace for the mountain. They had to make a wide gap around the Nel’lafs’ campfire. Even though they might be mistaken for the Cursed Ones, he didn’t want to make a sound that would possibly give away their position.

A good half hour past their enemies’ camp, A’lior stopped and felt for the pouch that contained the heart and pulled it out of his shirt. He opened it slowly and wasn’t surprised by the radiance that flooded out of the small opening. He carefully took the pendant out, whispered an Elvin prayer, and placed it around his neck; continuing on at a much faster pace given the light they now had.

It didn’t take them much longer to reach the base of the mountain; where the journey would now become more difficult. He was sure that the light would also expose them being higher up as it would act like a beacon in a darkened world and every eye below would be drawn to it. Their only hope now was to push on even harder, if possible, and not stop until they reached their destination.

His hopes were short lived though for no sooner had they started up the slope, a faint roar was heard across the plains, and all knew their position was now compromised. They moved with more urgency now, cutting their hands as they grabbed anything to be used as leverage. No one knew how long it would take the dragon to reach the mountain. For your lives and for your king, A’lior shouted as the heart of the pendant beat steadily.

*

Legña had raised his head and peered deep into the darkness, something stirred on the plains. He could see the fire that the Nel’laf burned, but something beyond that moved with an eerie glow up the side of the mountain. He stood up quickly and roared in anger. How could anything have slipped by the Nel’laf, or himself? He spread his great wings and beat the air, lifting his massive body off the ground and in the direction of the light. He flew high and fast, gauging the distance back to the mountain to only take him a short amount of time. He kept his eyes focused on the light, and the closer he came the brighter the light shone. It was not the light of a torch though, or that of a wildfire, for it neither danced about nor flickered, but shone steady and bright, unwavering as it continued to move up the mountain. It had to be the source of power he had felt earlier, but where had it been and how had it slipped by. What nagged at him more was who now carried it?

He roared in anger and frustration, not realizing his own error. The sound thundered and carried towards the very mountain he faced, giving away the advantage of the darkness that concealed his coming, but only seconds later A’lior and his warriors had burst through the entrance of the cave and the light on the mountain disappeared. Legña roared again, shaking the earth and mountain that was now below him.

*

April was stirred from her dreams by a strong pounding in her head. She looked around to see if anyone else had heard it and assumed they had not by the soft sleeping noises that still surrounded her and the lying silhouettes she could make out in the firelight. Rebecca was just to her left, and the two elves that had become dear to her, were to the right, closer to the cave entrance. The fire seemed bright enough should anything happen, but April felt a chill and strangely uneasy. Something was coming.

She briefly reflected on the sequence of events that had brought them all together; eventually leading them on this long journey to which the end was clearly obscured. The Prophecy must be fulfilled or the Elvin world would perish, and maybe even the world of men, ‘but why must it be her’, she lamented.

She sat up as quietly as she could and listened to the stillness of the night. Though the only thing she heard was the soft crackle of the fire. She wanted to wake up Braechen but couldn’t force herself to move. She’d never been afraid of the dark before, but in this world, darkness took on a whole new meaning. ‘What lurked in the outer edges of the cave?’ she wondered. She could sense something though she wasn’t quite sure if it was evil or good, but it was powerful.

She could stand it no longer, Braechen, are you awake? she whispered.

Yes. I sense it too. Something is coming.

And I, K’niwdooh acknowledged himself.

April sighed a quiet breath of relief. Then I am not the only one to feel it. But do you hear the pounding. It sounds close, yet distant; deep.

I do not hear any pounding. Braechen answered, trying to see April’s face in the glow of the fire.

Nor do I, if it’s any consolation, K’niwdooh offered. It wasn’t, but April didn’t say so.

Rebecca stirred and rolled over in her bed but didn’t wake up. She had been pushed beyond her physical boundaries and was absolutely exhausted. It would take much more to wake her from this needed slumber. The journey they had embarked on was clearly more than any of them had bargained for and it was not even close to being over. Midnight was proving to be every bit of the curse to those who were not of this world and Rebecca wished only to go home, even in her dreams for that’s what plagued them every sleeping moment.

Braechen stood up, walked over to the cave entrance and stood as close as he dared without going outside then listened carefully, but there was nothing to suggest they were in any danger. He paused then took a small pipe out of his shirt pocket and lit it; drawing in a small puff and then released the fragrant smoke into the air. He looked thoughtful as he stood there smoking. April wanted to ask him what he was thinking but decided not to spoil his moment of solitude, even if it was for a moment and only in his thoughts.

*

The ascent up the mountain was difficult at best and A’lior wasn’t sure if the light was helping or was more of a hindrance; it shone brightly in his eyes and blinded him when it swung up closer to his face when he lunged forward. He stopped and took off the pendant and slipped it back into the leather pouch that hung about his neck and was surprised when it didn’t stop glowing. They must be closer than he thought to the cave. He looked back and saw what he feared would happen; the fire from the Nel’lafs’ camp had become torches that formed a single line across the valley floor. They must have known the light wasn’t something they needed to fear and would be heading straight for them. His main concern though was Legña. Where was the dragon now?

Faster warriors of Waters Edge, we must not fail our king! He shouted.

They moved swiftly, following the eerie glow of the now covered pendant. A’lior knew the cave wasn’t much farther. He had traveled this road many times in the gray light of day and now still had the confidence to find the entrance even in this milky blackness that surrounded them. He made the last turn before he would lose sight of the valley floor and turned once more to see where his enemy now lagged behind, and it wasn’t far. They had already started their ascent. A’lior was astonished at their speed and turned with a bit of apprehension now gnawing at him. Was it some sort of dark powers that the dragon had bestowed upon them? He could only guess, but now they must flee; it wasn’t the time for battle, not yet.  Quickly, our enemy follows us at a great speed.

The elves were now running, stumbling, and scrapping their hands on jagged rocks as they put them out to brace themselves. They were up on the last slope to the cave when the heart started to pulsate in a rhythmic beat. It startled A’lior at first but he kept running forward with only about a hundred yards left of twists and turns to the cave entrance. Suddenly a roar penetrated the darkness.

*

April grabbed her chest; the burning sensation was almost unbearable as she gasped.

What is it? Braechen jumped up and rushed towards her, kneeling next to the small bed she was on. April slowly lay back as the others surrounded her, even Rebecca who had woken from her sound sleep.

My chest burns with a strange fire, and I can hardly breathe. she managed to gasp out. They all looked concerned but none knew what to do; and Braechen couldn’t even give her an answer as to the cause. If it were Legña, what would happen next? Was it some other manifestation of her quickening? Rebecca screamed as the ground started to slightly shake. Then they heard the sound of what seemed like many footsteps running, and it was getting louder.

They all shielded their eyes as an explosive light burst through the entrance, followed by the sound of running. Braechen and K’niwdooh had no time to even draw their swords when they heard a familiar voice. Stay your swords my fellow elves. The light diminished somewhat as A’lior put the pouch inside his shirt, though it still gave off enough light that everyone could see plainly.

A’lior’s eyes fell on April and his breath caught in his throat, though he was able to quickly mask his emotions and kept his face stoic. April had the same reaction but wasn’t as good at hiding it; she blushed then composed herself quickly. The small group of warriors gazed intently upon her for in their minds there was no doubt who she must be. There was a moment of awkwardness and then A’lior stepped towards April. That’s when Rebecca stepped forward and the prince saw her for the first time. He was taken off guard at the presence of another female being in the cave and wasn’t’ sure what to make of it.

Lord A’lior, your presence is quite a surprise, but most welcomed. Braechen slightly bowed, as did K’niwdooh.

A’lior looked at Braechen quizzically and then back at the dark haired beauty that stood before him. Her green eyes flashed and a wry smile crossed her face. She knew he was now confused by her presence. Though her hair was not as long as April’s, it was still down to the middle of her back and quite lovely. A’lior looked back at April, whom he still guessed to be the chosen one. May I ask which one of you might be the chosen one? He eyed them both intently and then shifted his gaze to Braechen, who burning inside with guilt, wanted to say something but held his peace as his promise to April.

Rebecca stepped next to April, who feeling compelled to tell the truth had started to say something, but forced herself to hold her tongue to see what would happen. She wanted desperately to know his heart. A’lior looked at Rebecca, So, you are the chosen one? he asked point blank, giving her the opportunity to speak.

Yes. She stated confidently.

A’lior was disappointed in the answer as he nodded slowly but paused to think. Should he believe her or play along with the game he thought was afoot; he was curious though as to why a ruse would be used, especially on him. He had to admit to himself that she could possibly be telling the truth, for she was beautiful; and if she were the one, would he dare call her a liar. No, he would not impugn himself. There was a way to tell though.

He walked over to Rebecca pulling out the pouch and stood within inches from the now intimidated beauty. She paled slightly, but held her composure as best she could, though she could not hold his intense gaze and turned away to look at April, who had also panicked when she saw what she guessed A’lior to be holding. What both women failed to notice A’lior didn’t; the pouch never changed. He smiled now and let the pouch hang freely about his neck then turned and walked towards April. The closer he got to her, the light began to pulsate radiantly and April felt the power draw her. Her breath became labored. When she realized that the heart would give her away she breathed out silently ‘no’ and the light stopped.

A’lior had continued to walk towards April, close enough that their garments almost touched. The pendant inside the pouch felt awkwardly heavy. He was confused at best and his expression showed it, and much more. April touched her chest hoping to quiet the pounding she felt. Had he noticed any change? She suddenly went limp and blackness covered everything. A’lior caught her and carried her over to one of the beds, laying her down gently as everyone else gathered closer. Rebecca took over hoping to keep the prince fooled. She felt April’s forehead, which had gone cold and clammy.

The cave April was now in seemed different somehow, maybe bigger, darker. Then there was an explosion of light and she and another elf were engulfed in a sphere of radiant light for a few brief seconds then the light started to fade until it was completely gone.

The pendant was now on April’s neck and she found A’lior standing in front of her, holding her in his gaze. He didn’t release her but stared deeper into her eyes; boring into her very soul. April’s stomach lurched and she felt a flutter turn her stomach as she felt a strong desire for him to kiss her. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his intense gaze.

A’lior seemed to control the desire April saw in his eyes. She tensed inside, was she feeling his emotions? Somehow she knew she was inside of his thoughts. The blackness swirled around her. His eyes were locked on hers and his heart raced. He saw the self same desire in her deep blue eyes and knew he could sway her whenever he wanted, and this gave him the advantage he sought. Though her beauty was captivating, and indeed that of Kezia’s, he would have to wait for the right moment to express it. Then his old pride stepped up again and he thought of the prophecy. She did have human heritage though you would never have known it. He released her and stepped back. ‘I think we know who the pendant belongs to and that makes you the chosen one, and deceitful.’ April reached up and touched the silver heart as it thumped quietly. She looked at A’lior as the blackness swirled around again, swifter until she was sucked down, and then she woke up gasping.

April opened her eyes and saw everyone staring at her with great concern. She sat up slowly and took a deep breath glancing briefly at Braechen, not wanting to see what was in his eyes. She wondered if being so close to the heart still allowed her to use its power. She determined to find a way to test it.

I’m sorry, I seem to have had another vision, she offered lamely, knowing it was only a half truth if she refused to divulge everything; and pride would not let her reveal what she had seen. How could she tell him she was a liar, and deeply attracted to him. The truth would weigh upon her like a heavy millstone as long as she chose to conceal it.

"So you have the gift of visions. And may we know this vision you have had? A’lior asked, holding back his frustration only to play her game.

It was concerning the Chosen One, and I will only reveal it to my friend, She nodded her head towards Rebecca.

"Well, which one of you happens to be the Chosen One?" he asked a little perturbed.

Rebecca spoke, We have decided to keep it secret since it is necessary for the safety of the One. In case something goes wrong. It wasn’t a total lie, but she still felt a twang of guilt, and she didn’t dare look at Braechen.

A’lior looked defiantly at her. And why would something go wrong with our meeting? his eyes shifted to April’s and they held each other’s gaze. What did you expect from me? he glanced back to Rebecca, who had no answer at first. She certainly wasn’t about to tell him that April was trying to test his heart, to see if he was truly going to love her for who she was, not because he had to follow a prophecy.

Sincerity, Rebecca offered. With all eyes on her she walked over to her friend and stood by her side, If you would be sincere, that’s all.

A’lior was amused and pleased at her defense for her friend, but a little incensed that she thought less of him, even if it was true, though he would never admit it. She was loyal and that was all he could sum up for now. Your loyalty to each other is admirable, yet misguided and foolish.

I thought it was a good idea, especially if we ever came face to face with the dragon. If he thought I was the chosen one, he wouldn’t go after her, or the other way around. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see if the dragon takes one of us.

April looked shocked at Rebecca’s statement. Would she truly put her life on the line for her? It showed a braver side of her friend she never knew existed.

A’lior shook his head, I want you to know that I disagree with this plan. I think its fool hearty and very dangerous. You have no idea what ramifications will come of this.

April felt more confident now and offered her opinion, I think it is the only option we have right now. If Legña does get lucky enough to take one of us, we can always use this doubt as leverage. It’s both worlds now that are in danger from this dragon anyway. If I live through this I would like a home to go back to, whether in this world, or the human one. But to be honest, I hope it doesn’t come to that. She spoke softly and smiled at Rebecca, who held her hand tightly. And even if someone had wanted to say something else they would have been drowned out by the noise that came from just outside the cave.

Shouts of excitement and many footsteps were heard moving about just in front of the entrance. All those inside tensed and the elves drew their swords with quiet stealth.  A’lior had placed himself directly in front of the girls. Though he didn’t expect them to find the entrance, it was possible. April reached up and placed her hand over the pounding in her heart and began reciting the prophecy under her breath.

The ground began to rumble deep inside, while loose rocks from over head fell from the ceiling, making more than a few elves jump aside. April stopped and so did the ground. All was quiet, both inside and out of the cave. She pondered this thoughtfully, had she caused the shaking? She wondered, with the heart of A’lōin so close how much power did she truly possess? Or was it just a coincidence that they both occurred at the same time. She would have to try again.

She found herself still holding her hands over her heart, so she started again to recite the prophecy. This time she focused on the entrance to be completely hidden from whoever was outside. The ground began to rumble again and the shouts returned, excited but muffled. It wasn’t clear as to what they were saying but they seemed to have stopped moving. April stopped, and again so did the shaking.

As A’lior peered intently at the cave’s entrance there was something different looking about the rocks in front of him. Reaching slowly, he stretched out his hand until he touched cold stone. The entrance had disappeared altogether. He whirled around, his eyes trying to conceal a welling up of panic. What new devilry is this? They’ve blocked us in.

April caught Rebecca’s eye and nodded for her to remain calm, and as everyone else rushed forward and ran their hands over the walled entrance, April whispered something into Rebecca’s ear as they approached last, and slowly, to examine the wall. Indeed the entrance had vanished.

I don’t think it was our visitors that sealed the cave. She clutched Rebecca’s hand as she looked at Braechen.

What do you mean, A’lior spat out.

"We started to recite the prophecy and both times the ground shook. And…we wanted the cave entrance completely hidden from our enemies outside." With the last statement she nodded towards the now closed up entrance.

A’lior squinted at April, "You mean you did this?"

"I think we did."

Well undo it or do you wish us to parish in this tomb. His voice was impatient and reverberated off of the cave walls.

Well if we undo it right now why don’t you just invite whoever it is out there in for tea! she spat back. There was a moment of silence as the two stood and assessed the other.

Looking for the upper hand here he asked, "Do you even know how you did it, and how you’re going to undo it?" He didn’t think she could possibly have an answer. And whoever the Chosen One was, how could they have learned so quickly, the power of the heart. It had taken A’lōin a long time to harness its full power.

April’s own pride reared its ugly head. She had no idea what to say and just blurted out the first thing that came to her. Of course I know how we did it, and yes to your last question.

Rebecca jumped when a ‘clank’ sounded on the other side of the cave entrance. Then there were more, as if someone were trying to dig their way in.  A’lior whispered a chastisement, They must have heard your voice.

My voice…

But they can’t get in, right? Rebecca’s voice was barely audible as she cut April off.

We can just wait them out, April offered.

You seem to have forgotten the urgency of our quest. Or do you not know that with each passing moment our king grows weaker and Legña grows ever stronger, inching his way closer to the throne. A’lior’s face and voice held no compassion for her ignorance, but only contempt. I will do whatever it takes to save my king. He fumed as he walked away.

She didn’t know what he meant by that last comment, but she didn’t like the accusatory tone he used with her.

Braechen interrupted at this point hoping to dissuade the mood that seemed to be building. I think it would serve us better to try and think of a way to get out of here without getting caught.

I am sorry. I didn’t know the king’s health was failing. Of course I want to help in any way I can. April was deeply sincere and started to say something else but the familiar roar of the dragon sent a cold chill up her spine.

By the heart of A’lōin, how could he… A’lior never finished his sentence. The second roar seemed to come from directly overhead, and the walls shook sending another cascade of loose rock crashing down on their heads. Everyone dove for cover, Rebecca and April under the table.

When the silence returned the warriors stood up slowly with each wondering the same thing, but Jeru voiced it first. He has never come into the valley before, why now?

Everyone looked at Rebecca, and then April and her blood ran cold. If he has somehow sensed your presence, it could only mean that our king’s health grows worse. A’lior looked at the pendant around his neck, or he senses the power of the heart, which means every time it is used he feels it.

April started to reach up to touch it but changed her mind. Then how are we supposed to use it without bringing more danger to us?

That I do not know. A’lior admitted with