Storms of Assiral

By Annie Morecambe, Keira Moon and Jacqueline Dyer

Storms of Assiral

Book 5

Fiera, Carena, Jada, Lexa, and Arial must now part ways if they are to have any chance of fulfilling the prophecy. Each is challenged in a different way and must overcome her adversity if their world is to survive.

Not only that, they are still missing the seventh key a

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lake 'n Moor Ltd
• Release date: Aug 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781936748143

Annie Morecambe

Ann Jagger (Annie Morecambe) From directing and producing children's plays to choreography and costume-making, to PTA President and Girl Scout Leader, Annie engaged children. Spending time as a mentor, ESL tutor, and volunteering for Special Olympics constantly put her face-to-face with youngsters of all ages. Annie noticed that many young girls had lost their light-their personal power. Without intending to, she began writing-not only one book but a five-book series. She wanted to thank those who had supported her by doing the same for young women who were not as fortunate as she was. Books were simply another way Ms. Morecambe chose to shine her own light on the world. Today, Annie is a speaker and author. Her life is dedicated to guiding young women in their search for personal power, self-confidence, and self-esteem. She currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. You can learn more about her at: www.anniemorecambe.com and www.greywinds.com.

Book preview

Jada & Jeti on their way to Heming’s cave.

Chapter 1

Leaving Zaria

Jeti, I must tell you that I have no idea where we are going. I only know that with us going to Assiral, Fiera will be forced to go to Edana in my stead. Does that not make sense? Is she not more capable of flying on the back of her beast? Do you think she will be angry with me?

Jeti snorted, stopping Jada in her tracks.

What a silly question. Of course Fiera will be angry. It matters not. She and Carena are the Chosen Ones and I will not allow them to take unreasonable risks. I love them too much.

Jada and Jeti resumed their trek along the road leading away from the Valley of the Moons and the Festival of Peace. Although she was frightened by the thought of the unknown that lay ahead for them both, she knew that this was the right thing to do. Besides, she had Jeti by her side—a powerful Spirit Warrior. Arial and Garam had recently witnessed Jeti’s power. Jada hoped they would be able to convince Fiera, Carena, and Lexa that she was in good hands.

Suddenly the fear of the Assiral Plains sent a cold chill through her body. The hair on her neck, arms, and legs stood on end. She was scared. There was no doubt about that. She prayed silently to the grey winds for guidance and protection. A light wind at her back urged her on. As she walked, she began to sing and dance to keep her mind on something positive.

Jada had no idea what she was walking into that evening. The one thing she did know deep within her soul was that this was where she was supposed to be. And having Jeti by her side was immensely comforting.

She questioned Jeti for hours as they traversed the open meadow beyond the valley. The night sky was bright, yet there was little sound as they travelled. Most Zarians were still at the Festival of Peace. Jada was pleased. She knew the silence of this night gave her an advantage. It would truly make it more difficult for Fiera and Rayn to locate her and Jeti. Jada and her companion had devised various plans of action should the sound of a galloping horse or the flapping of dragon wings fill the air around them.

Do you know where the City of Peace lies in the Plains? asked the Echo.

Jeti shook his head. He spoke the language of the Cheveyo, a language that only a handful of Zarians and this Echo could understand.

Jada laughed. You silly unicorn, she answered. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave a loving hug. Will you stay with me forever? From where do those images on your wings come? What else can you do?

These questions sparked a rather long conversation between these two. Hours passed as Jada hungered for more details and Jeti did his best to fill her needs. The moons were falling from above. As Jada glanced up into the sky, the sight of Arianrhod brought a tear to her eyes as she pondered the loss of Naia. Oddly enough, at that same moment, she witnessed what appeared to be a red orb jutting from the reddish moon, bobbing about for just a moment against the black canopy of night then returning to its home.

I love you too, Naia, shouted the Listener. She knew her little friend was in a very good place. That made Jada’s heart sing, which in turn made her think of dancing. She simply stopped right there and pulled out her scarf. She would do the Tari right here, right now, in honor of her friend Naia, the water sprite.

Jeti stood by and watched—this Echo’s performance always impressed those fortunate enough to witness her in action. When she had accomplished her task, she made her way to Jeti. He bowed to her. She curtsied back, then carefully folded her scarf and placed it back in one of the pockets of her blue robe.

They walked for another hour or so. The moons were oftentimes out of view now as they hid behind thickets of faes. Once the duo ventured away from a thicket, the red- and blue-hazed moons appeared again; each time a little closer to respite as the light from the first sun overshadowed them as it forced its way into the new dawn.

Jeti, I am in need of rest, she remarked as she moved ahead of the unicorn. It has been a long night. We need a place where I can be confident that Fiera will not find us. I am a bit bewildered that she has not attempted a search as of yet. Is it possible that they do not know I am gone? Was my letter unclear? Do they not care whether I am gone?

Jeti, with head bent and horn at Jada’s backside, pushed her off balance making her stumble and stop asking questions. Then he snorted loudly.

What are you doing? asked the Listener with the slightest bit of irritation in her voice.

She listened as Jeti spoke in her mind.

Alright, alright. I will concede that these questions are ridiculous under the circumstances. My letter was very clear. It has been what, nearly eight or so hours since we left? They must know I am gone by now. Carena, Lexa, Arial, and Garam all love me and surely care about me. And although I seem to irritate Fiera at times—alright, a lot—I really believe I am starting to grow on her. Perhaps they have confidence in me after all and realize I am really the best one to travel to Assiral. Yes, that must be it! They believe in me!

Jeti simply let Jada converse with herself as he led the way to a cave-like opening in a small hill hidden by a thicket of small faes and butterfly bushes. As they approached, the butterflies all flew from their branches and lined up on either side of Jeti as he led Jada closer to the opening. They were showing respect.

Jada was so preoccupied with her internal conversation that she nearly missed this stunning display of beauty and reverence. As soon as her mind took a break from the quest, she was able to be in the moment, a moment that touched her heart.

She followed her friend into the cave. It was opulent in a simple sort of way. The walls were covered in mother of pearl. Lightning bugs rested inside peridot sconces on the walls. An emerald table stood near the most inner wall of this cave. On it sat bowls made of sapphire, ruby decanters, and large garnet chargers. Small piles of various gems were strewn around the perimeter of this place.

Jeti, who lives here? Jada waited for his response. Heming. Is he a dwarf? Again she waited for her answer. He is Nabbit’s brother? How exciting! Is he nearby? I would so love to meet him. The Cheveyo’s answer was brief. Of course, how silly of me. He too is at the Festival of Peace. Perhaps another time.

Jeti motioned to a place a bit recessed into one of the walls. She would sleep there without interruption and would definitely be hidden from anyone’s view.

Jada thanked her friend and within moments of resting her head on a tuft of grass, she was asleep.

A letter from Jada is great cause for concern.

Chapter 2

Parting Ways

The Festival of Peace was winding down. Many faeries were making their way to their sleeping quarters. We, however, were still in deep discussion about our assignments.

Lexa, what sort of greater protection do you suggest I take along with me into the Assiral Plains? questioned an uneasy Fiera. She had already made her decision. Why did everyone think she needed more help? She was Gelsey—a Protector—trained in illusion and weaponry. She was fit and was frightened of nothing. She did not need assistance.

The image of Lexa flickered as the light of the moons began to descend from their apex in the night sky. None of us were comfortable with this version of Lexa, though we were all quite fascinated with her new-found ability.

First of all, Siden’s vision of who was to go where is different from what you just told me, said the Whisperer with a look of bewilderment aimed at our Protector. Why have you deviated from that?

Fiera’s response was immediate. Arial was badly injured and we all agreed that she would be the one to gather forces in Zaria. Since she and Jada were the ones to find a way to remove the ghouls from this land of winds, I would imagine everyone here will be more than willing to help. This will give her plenty of time to recuperate and meet us at the appointed time and place.

Lexa was very attentive to Fiera’s words. Within a few moments, the Celie slowly nodded her head in agreement.

We have an appointed time and place to meet? I asked, thinking I had not paid attention to some important discussion.

Not yet, but before the night is through, we will, Fiera stated with utter certainty.

That meant we would shortly be parting ways. I grew more anxious with every passing moment. Getting the good people of Meena to join me was going to be easy compared to finding a way to get there from Zaria without crossing the Assiral Plains. Hopelessness began to creep into my being. It took all my concentration to force it away from me. I had to remain positive—our lives depended on all of us succeeding.

The moons were nearing the horizon by the time all discussions were done, suggestions were made, and the appointed time and meeting place had been decided.

Now that we have worked everything out, let us review our plan one more time. If no one has any questions, we will part ways immediately. Fiera looked anxious to leave us. Why would she be anxious to go to the Assiral Plains? I surmised there were two possibilities. The first was to finish this quest and the second was to prove that she could indeed make it through the Assiral Plains by herself and emerge unscathed. She would be the first. I decided that both possibilities were her impetus. If anyone could do it, I believed she could.

Jada, get over here, called Fiera. I need to go over a few things with you regarding Rayn.

There was no answer and no Jada.

I could see the frustration building in Fiera so I interjected immediately. Jada, please hurry. We must all leave soon and we want to be sure that your journey with Rayn goes smoothly. Please come closer, I asked gently.

Again, no response.

Did you not say she went for supplies? questioned Lexa, her image appearing more transparent as the darkness faded.

That was hours ago according to the moons, chimed Arial as she desperately looked around for the Echo.

Garam spoke and Arial nodded to him. He left the group and headed for the lean-to. Perhaps Jada had decided to sleep for a while. They were all exhausted, having stayed up the entire night devising their plans. No one could recall whether Jada had participated in any of the discussions that had taken place throughout the night.

Moments later the galuu returned. He was speaking to Arial as he made his way back to the troupe, running as quickly as his little legs would take him.

Arial, although still weak, managed to rise on her own. She heard the concern in Garam’s voice and headed in his direction.

The rest of us were attending to details when Arial interrupted. We have a grave problem.

What do you mean? asked Fiera, stopping mid-sentence in our discussion.

Jada is gone.

What? Gone where? I asked.

To the Assiral Plains, answered Arial choking back a tear.

I gently pulled the paper from the Blossom’s hand as she stood there staring at Fiera.

What does it say? questioned Fiera.

"Dearest Carena,

"I have your walking stick. Please accept my apologies for removing it without your permission. I will return it when we meet again at the City of Peace. I overheard Lexa saying that Fiera was ill-equipped to deal with the magic of Assiral. You and Fiera are the Chosen Ones and as such should not take unnecessary risks if we are to save our world. Fortunately for me, Jeti agreed to accompany me and we all know that the Cheveyo are the greatest protection Zaria has to offer. They are the Spirit Warriors that were brought to Zaria by Wizard Celie. With your walking stick and Jeti by my side, I am better equipped than Fiera, so I hope you understand why I am the one that is going to the Assiral Plains.

"I promise you I will find the Sword of Dryn. Just do not leave me alone out there for too long. I know you will find a way to get to Meena. After seeing what Lexa can do, I have no doubt she will be able to find a way to our homeland. Arial should find it easy to enlist the help of the Zarians. And Fiera, well… Fiera and Rayn are meant to be together. Serafina, the Sentinels, the firehorses, and the cave people in Edana will follow Fiera without question. We saw it for ourselves in the land of fire.

"There is nothing left to say, except ‘may the grey winds guide you and keep you all safe as you find your way to me in the City of Peace.’

"Twiddles my friends,

Jada

She is out of her mind. Is she trying to get herself killed?

Fiera, we will all wind up making our way onto the Plains. She will simply arrive sooner rather than later. I am very concerned about her safety, yet with her friend, Jeti, she has a real chance of surviving, I answered cautiously.

What do we do now? asked Arial. It appears that Jada is headed straight for Assiral and its largest city. We need to revisit our plan and make serious adjustments.

How does she know where to find the City of Peace? asked the Whisperer.

Fiera thought for a moment then answered. Jada stood right here when I drew the map in the dirt earlier this evening. Come to think of it that was the last time I saw her. Her furrowed brow relaxed as she posed her next question. Can any of you remember if you saw Jada after our session with the map? From the preponderance of shaking heads it became painfully clear that Jada had vacated the festival nearly eight hours earlier.

It appears she has quite a head start. We have no way of knowing which way she went. At that point I had a fleeting thought about how I should have shown Jada a basic healing. Why had I not done that?

Rayn and I will search for her. She may have left hours ago, but we should be able to locate her from the air. Lexa, please tell the other Cheveyo that Jeti went with Jada and we are sorry that he will not be at the side of their priestess. Do the best you can to explain that Jada had no idea Jeti was to remain here.

I shall do as you ask, Fiera. I cannot hold this form much longer. I grow weary. As Arial mentioned earlier, we need to revisit our plan and make adjustments. We should do that now so we can all part ways as soon as possible.

"Fiera, if you cannot find Jada by the time the suns are at their peaks in the sky then you must relinquish the Plains to Jada and make your