The Secret of the Realms

By S. T. Sanchez

If you like Fablehaven and The Chronicles of Narnia, you'll love The Keeper Archives!

Despite their heroic deeds, the refugees from the portal have not found a welcoming home in Rastella. Instead, the kingdom teeters on the brink of dis

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Pampered Cat Press
• Release date: Nov 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959872023

Book preview

For Kiora

For telling me the truth, even if it requires extensive rewrites.

chapter I

Ajax

T

he snow crunched beneath Ajax Maxwell’s feet. Six inches of fresh powder had accumulated overnight, in addition to the two feet already covering the forest floor.

As he looked across at the fresh, clean snow, taking in the beauty of the forest, he could almost pretend for a moment that nothing had changed, and all was right with the world.

Almost…

A few months prior he had been a nervous boy, taking on a responsibility that he thought should never have been his. He had just been a normal thirteen-year-old, focused more on fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors than on any of the comings and goings of the kingdom. Back then he would have laughed if someone had told him magic existed.

But a medallion had changed his entire world. It had awoken something sleeping inside his blood. A power he never imagined he could possess.

That magic had brought him trouble, too. It had sent Blake through a portal to a new world, causing Ajax and his friend Nivara to follow. This power that awoke inside him brought all of his misfortune. But it had also brought his brother Axel back. The brother that his family had thought deserted them. For years, Ajax and his parents believed that Axel, who had been the previous portal keeper, had abandoned his post, bringing disgrace upon their entire family, causing Ajax to take his place as the new keeper.

If not for the adventure through the portal, he would never have found Axel. He also would have never made the new friends he had in the strange world on the other side of the portal.

Now he couldn’t imagine his life without magic. It filled a hole inside of him that he never knew existed. His only problem now was knowing when to use it. As a new sorcerer, Ajax wondered if time would help him become wiser. As of late, his decisions hadn’t always been the best.

It had been eight weeks since Ajax had flown a massive green dragon into the woods surrounding the kingdom of Rastella and had been surprised to find an army surrounding the magical portal separating the two worlds. He had been the last to come through the portal, wanting to ensure all his family and friends made it home. To his astonishment, a year had passed since he and Niv had first entered the portal, rather than the span of days he had spent in the strange land on the other side.

Instead of finding his friends and family waiting anxiously for his return, Ajax had been greeted with spears and arrows, his companions, along with his sister-in-law and his niece and nephew, imprisoned.

What had been their crimes? They were different. The unknown creatures were dangerous, untrustworthy. At least the king thought so.

Prince Blake had assured Ajax that, given time, he would resolve things with his father, the king, and everyone would be free. But as the days and weeks piled up, Ajax found it harder and harder not to resort to magic. It would be so easy to free his friends.

Only at the behest of Sliver, the green dragon he had flown, also known as the seer Nogard, and the urgings of his brother Axel, did Ajax stay his hand. It would be simple to use magic to tear down the castle walls and rescue the friends that had come through the portal with him. Ajax owed them all, especially Spots, a giant ladybug who saved his life when he first arrived in their strange new world. The kingdom, however, would most likely react in fear if Ajax unleashed the full might of his power. It frustrated him to no end, sitting by and doing nothing. Sky was the only one who really kept Ajax sane.

The furry, blue creature was a hoosula, something akin to a ferret, who could shift into three sizes. While they were in the other world, Ajax had only witnessed two of these. However, as of late, Sky had been taking advantage of his third, and smallest, size, which proved to be of great use.

At his tiniest size, Sky equaled that of a big cockroach. At first

Ajax worried Sky would be squashed, but the fuzzy animal had proved to be quite agile in this state. He snuck into the castle often, visiting the others and sending messages from Ajax to his friends and vice versa. Sky also visited Nivara, Ajax’s childhood friend and betrothed to Prince Blake. Sky and Niv shared a special bond they had developed over their journey together in the other world.

A gust of wind swept through the forest, almost knocking Ajax off his feet. Sliver was ready for another training session. How long could they endlessly train like this? What he really needed was not practice, but more power. And the fastest way to get that power was by adding Maxwell family blood to his medallion.

You have more than enough power, the dragon scolded Ajax as they journeyed deep into the forest for their training session. You don’t need to add your father’s blood to the medallion.

But you said the more Maxwells the better. I need to be prepared, Ajax insisted. He felt like they were on the verge of something happening, although he didn’t know why. The past few days his sense of uneasiness had grown.

The dragon growled. The more power you have, the more you will seek, Sliver warned. Be careful that you desire it for the right reason.

Ajax sighed in frustration. Isn’t saving my family and friends a worthy enough reason? he argued, although he knew the dragon’s point was valid. The power surged inside of him. Who wouldn’t want more? It felt good, knowing he could do things no one else could.

The seer stopped walking. They were well concealed in the farthest reaches of the forest. Sliver didn’t want Ajax to let others know of his power yet. Fear spread fast and easy like wildfire—it only took a spark.

The dragon worried what problems might arise if the king knew of Ajax’s ability. Or worse, how he might try to control him.

The seer could take two forms; his natural form as the wild, ferocious fire-breathing beast, or he could appear as a docile human. In the wild he took his true form—a majestic green dragon.

The creature swung his tail down with such force that it caused the ground to shake. I can see the magic in you, Ajax. You are fighting the urge to use it. I fear adding more power would only weaken your resolve.

The young sorcerer sighed. Why have magic if you can’t use it? he complained, turning away, kicking a small rock out of his vicinity.

The wise wizard only uses—

Only uses his power as a last resort, Ajax repeated in a mocking tone, rolling his eyes.

Sliver swung his tail at the sorcerer, causing him to duck.

Hey! Ajax said.

Sliver leaned back on his rear haunches and made himself as tall as possible, towering over Ajax. We know everyone is well, albeit bored. He stretched his wings and arched his back. But your brother is right, boredom isn’t a good enough reason to start a war. Besides, we have other matters to discuss, he said, falling back down on all fours.

Such as? What is more important than seeing our friends set free?

I have been feeling uneasy of late. A shadow creeps across my mind, and I feel that we have not seen the end of Striker. The ruler of the elves does not give up easy. Time won’t deter him either. He has learned patience.

A shudder went down Ajax’s spine, as Sliver’s thoughts echoed his own recent feelings. He tried to chalk it up to the fact that he worried for his friends but he knew in his heart a darker threat loomed on the horizon. But how could Striker find them?

Last time he came face to face with the leader of the elves, Nivara had almost been killed. Ajax had used so much magic, not knowing what he was doing, that it had almost cost his own life as well. If Striker did make his way to Rastella, the people here would be defenseless. Most Rastellians farmed or had shops; they had no battle training and no idea what lay beyond the mountains, let alone what might come through a mystical portal.

We hid the portal, Ajax said, trying to reassure himself as much as the dragon. We went through great lengths to reach the portal and we knew the location. How can the elves ever find it? Miles down a cavern, hovering in mid-air? It’s not visible from the cliffs. Impossible. Ajax waved a dismissive hand.

A memory flashed through Ajax’s mind. As they departed the other realm to go home, Ajax remembered getting the feeling that someone was watching him. He looked and saw no one. But the feeling had not been easy to shake. Ajax never mentioned it to anyone. It was impossible for anyone to have seen the portal from the top of the cavern, but what if someone had seen them dive down into the chasm and never return?

Impossible or not, don’t underestimate Striker, Sliver said.

Can’t you just peer into the future?

You know it’s not that simple. I need to prepare myself and I can’t just tune into what I want to see. I have no control. Sometimes I only see flashes, other times I see entire scenes unfold. But I think it’s time I tried, although I am quite certain we will not like what I see, Sliver said, then asked, When do you next go before your king?

Ajax scratched his head. If the appointment isn’t delayed again, we go back on the morrow.

A brief shimmer flashed before Ajax and Sliver shifted again into the shape of a man. I shall accompany you. Then after we’ve spoken to the king, I’ll take my leave and prepare myself to see into the future.

I wouldn’t go holding your breath. Chances are the meeting shall be postponed again. Ajax bent down and scooped up a handful of snow. It floated slowly out of his hand and formed into a perfectly round ball.

A snort came from Sliver. Don’t even consider it. This isn’t a fight you can win, he said, eyeing the snowball.

A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. Alright, Ajax said, holding up his hands. I suppose I ought to go check on Axel. Ajax turned to head back home. He feigned lowering his snowball before it jerked in a new direction, soaring straight towards Sliver and smacking him square in the face.

Ajax doubled over laughing, holding his stomach.

The seer wiped the snow from his cheek. He clicked his tongue once and a mountain of snow landed on top of Ajax, covering every inch of him.

A moment later the entire pile of snow floated off him, as Ajax magically waved it to the side, sputtering and coughing. A little excessive, don’t you think? he asked, brushing snow off himself.

Sliver smirked as he passed him, ignoring his young apprentice.

Oh, and by the way, Ajax called after him, cupping his hand around his mouth so that the sound would carry farther, perhaps you ought to conjure up some gloves and a cloak; you don’t look suspicious at all walking in two feet of snow in sandals and a thin shirt!

The dragon didn’t respond, but Ajax noted a change in the seer’s clothing by the time he arrived back at his house.

Sliver assisted Edwin, Ajax’s father, with chores. He wondered if his father would be so glad to have the assistance of the seer if he knew Sliver’s true form.

The sight of his house brought on a flash of anger and resentment. The emotion hadn’t faded in the two months since he had returned home; if anything it had grown stronger.

While to Ajax, he had only been gone a short time, weeks at most, the time had passed much faster here in Rastella. A year had gone by. Four seasons in which the king believed Edwin’s sons to be traitors, oath breakers, cowards. Because of that, his father had lost favor with the king, been dismissed from his position, and left without an income.

The once-beautiful homestead nestled between two small rolling hills now stood in disarray, needing significant work to return the house to its former glory. Much had been fixed since he and his brother had returned home, but there were still reminders. The roof still leaked, and there were weeds scattered throughout their land. But what pained Ajax the most had been his parents’ clothing.

Although the townspeople were unaware of the portal, they were not kept in the dark about Edwin’s sudden disfavor with the king.

Whispers were heard in every corner of Rastella. His father had been taken off of the king’s council. Shop owners refused to serve them. So, his mother had stopped going into town. They had their animals and garden for food, but his mother could no longer purchase material to make their clothing.

Fury flared up again at the memory. Ajax pushed it down hastily, not wanting to upset his mother with his countenance.

He opened the front door to his home and headed to his room. He felt invisible. Of course, he knew his parents loved him, but they were so overjoyed with the return of his brother, he felt neglected. After all, he had been gone a year too.

It was selfish of him and Ajax hated that he resented his brother for it. Ajax longed to show them what he could do, but had been advised against it more than once and by more than one person.

His father had magic running in his blood too. It had run dormant in their family line for so long, he wondered if it would ever awaken. It had taken the medallion to awaken it in Ajax, and as far as he knew, no other medallion existed.

A hand touched Ajax’s shoulder as he started to enter his room.

I received word that the king— Axel began.

Ajax looked at his brother and sighed, finishing Axel’s sentence.

—is too preoccupied with matters of the kingdom to entertain an audience with us on the morrow.

There was silence for a moment as Axel’s face fell. No, brother. I wish the message conveyed nothing more than his flimsy excuses, but it contains something else...something worse...

Ajax shook his head in confusion. I don’t understand. You haven’t laid eyes on your wife and children for two months. This is—

The king is going to execute Squeak, his brother interrupted.

Ajax couldn’t allow that to happen. Squeak was Sky’s brother, a cambriar who resided in the shape of a big red and black dragon. He helped them escape back through the portal. They were home in a big part due to him.

But we haven’t even been able to clarify things, Ajax said, brushing past his brother. I am going to the castle now. I will demand an audience with the king, and I shall not accept no for an answer. We have to put a stop to this.

Sliver stepped from around the corner, barring Ajax’s path.

Out of my way, dragon, Ajax said, not in the mood for the seer’s stalling tactics.

In my dragon form, I could at least knock some sense into you, Sliver growled. Let’s discuss this for a moment before you go barreling in, magic blazing, when there may be a simpler solution. Your parents are just outside, so keep your voice down.

What solution? Ajax asked. If the king won’t listen to reason, then it’s time to break them out.

Sliver pushed Ajax back a couple of feet with his hands. Squeak’s a cambriar, right? So, we convince him to shift forms and then he can escape. Sky moves in and out of the castle without notice on a daily basis. Why not his brother?

Because we don’t know what he can shift into. Who knows what Squeak has or hasn’t been?

Hang on, Sliver may be onto something, Axel interjected. If we can deliver a drawing to the dragon, he can change into it, even if it’s made up. I think he only has to believe it’s real.

Sliver and Ajax both turned with questioning looks to Axel.

Prince Blake told me when he escaped Striker’s prison, he made up an elephant-like creature, and Squeak, a mouse at the time, transformed into it. So, we require something small and inconspicuous.

Ajax shrugged. I guess it could work.

Sliver smiled. Time to invent a new animal.

Since Axel had the best skill when it came to drawing, they voted him to be the artist. They wanted the creature to be small, around the same size Sky could shift into, but also hardy and tough, as the dragon tended to be a little more skittish than his brother. Ajax didn’t want anyone stepping on him.

After much deliberation, they decided on a small mouse with a hard shell covering, similar to a pill bug. Axel couldn’t promise this invented creature could roll up into a ball like the bug, as he didn’t understand the mechanics enough to know if his drawing would be accurate.

Always an adventure, right brother? he said as he drew.

We may have another problem as well, Ajax said.

Axel waited for him to continue.

Sliver thinks the elves will find a way through the portal. He doesn’t know when but he believes it’s only a matter of time. Striker doesn’t give up.

Axel turned to the dragon, who nodded in confirmation.

How long do you think we have? Axel asked.

It is impossible to know, Sliver said. Let us focus on one problem at a time. Striker may not enter for fifty years. But tomorrow Squeak will be executed if we fail.

You’re right. Sky’s brother comes first. Let’s keep the elves to ourselves until we know more. We don’t need to burden the others with what-ifs until Sliver has more information to give us, Axel said.

After drawing several sketches, Axel settled on one.

When shall Sky return from the castle? Sliver asked.

Ajax looked outside. The sun dropped fast on the horizon. Any time now. He doesn’t like to be out there past dark. But he also likes to spend as much time with Niv as he can, so he pushes the limit daily.

Well, he shall have to overcome that, Axel said sullenly. He needs to bring this drawing to his brother as soon as possible. We can’t risk waiting until morning. I do not know what time the execution shall occur.

Ahh!

The two brothers rushed outside at the sound of their mother’s cry. Bursting out the front door, they found their mother panting, holding her hand over her heart, looking more embarrassed than anything.

I’m sorry. Sky startled me.

Little by little they had been filling