The Waking: Book Two: The Saviors of Persal

By Margaret Lott

About the Book
Three women from the twenty-first century world have been stranded in an alternate world similar to medieval Europe. On top of that, they've found that their presence is vital to freeing Persal from the dark influence of the evil wizard Barakus. Now, they are frantically searching for anything that can help them achieve their goal. As the women begin relating to the men thrust into their new life, they are also challenged to become more than they dreamed they could be. Everywhere they turn, there are new dangers. Each of the women brings a unique perspective to their new world and each other. The men in the story will soon realize that they should never underestimate a woman on a mission.

About the Author
Margaret Lott was born in Sacramento, California in 1948. She currently resides in Corsicana, Texas with her husband and two dogs. She is the grandmother of seventeen. Margaret is a retired tax accountant. She is finally able to pursue her lifelong yearning to write novels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Jul 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886839166

Book preview

Prologue

Far to the north, beyond the Forbidden Mountains, in the lee of a towering and very temperamental volcano, was a red, limestone palace carved in delicate patterns of leaves and flowers. It hadn’t been built to be a fortress as the strongholds in the south were. It was open to the breezes with gardens throughout, tended carefully by gardeners who knew only too well what would happen should Barakus or the lady Kaleera find a flaw. This was Barakus’ home which he ruled through a strange combination of fear and devotion.

Noooo! came the screech from the highest tower as the messenger relayed the news. Then there was a bright flash of light and all of the windows of the master’s sanctuary shattered and shards fell to the courtyard below. At the same time, the spy from Yves ceased to exist.

Anger radiated from Kaleera as she left the remains of the workroom at the top of the tower and swept down the stairs one level to Barakus’ rooms. He kept a private study and bedroom here and only Kaleera and one maid, made mute by the wizard, were ever allowed inside.

From below, the frightened servants could see her glittering red dress as its long hem swept over the edge of the delicate stairway before disappearing behind his door. With quiet squeaks, the menials scattered to find work elsewhere. As far from the coming storm as possible. There was no doubt Barakus would be emerging soon and none of them wanted to be in his line of fire.

An hour later, when Barakus called his generals together in the audience room, he was as angry as the servants had expected.

Today he was dressed in a deep red velvet robe tied with a gold rope and decorated with golden symbols scattered over it. In his hand was his staff, the head was a baby dragon’s claw that had been dipped in gold and was holding a large, uncut ruby. As usual, his deceptively quiet voice came from deep within his hood. He carefully spaced his words, How? How… did… this… happen?

Continuing, his voice began to rise incrementally, How were they able to take those children from my men? How were they able to capture most of my galleys and sink the others? And last, but not least, WHERE… ARE… THE… CHILDREN… NOW…? Barakus delivered this last question in an infuriated shriek.

Hesitantly, without bothering to look around, the highest-ranking commander stepped forward and bowed stiffly, Lord Barakus, after nearly two thousand years without interference, we were not expecting the rescue attempt, sir.

Not expecting? Not expecting!? he asked quietly before lowering his staff at the man who dropped to his knees on the floor before falling on his face.

Without a pause, Barakus stepped past the dead man to the next officer in line. General Kilinya, can you tell me why we’ve been forming an army for nearly two thousand years?

Sir! Yes, sir! We are to be prepared at all times for an incursion from the south, sir, said the woman in her thirties who stood straight and tall.

Prepared at all times? Did the fleet respond as if they were ‘prepared’? asked Barakus as his steely dark gray gaze bored into Kalinya’s deep brown eyes.

Sir. No, sir.

And why weren’t they ‘prepared’, General Kilinya?

They weren’t drilled in preparation for attack while in port, sir. They also weren’t drilled in the possibility of attack from the sea, sir.

If they weren’t prepared for being attacked this way, who is to blame, General?

Briefly, Kilinya’s eyes flicked to the dead man on the floor before looking straight ahead again, Mine, sir. My staff and I didn’t prepare them because we didn’t consider an attack while in Yves a possibility. It had never happened before.

When I gave orders for my troops to be trained? To be prepared? Did I specify they should only be trained for situations they had faced before?

Sir. No, sir.

Has our army actually faced any threats in the last fifteen hundred years, General?

Sir. No, sir.

You will have one chance to atone for this error, General Kilinya. You are to think of all possible situations and train my men accordingly. Do you understand?

Sir. Yes, sir.

Barakus’ anger had abated somewhat when he turned to his shipbuilder, Cadenyar! They believe they have captured my entire fleet. We’ll soon disabuse them of that notion. I want the shipyards working night and day. Make sure the warships we have and the White Palace are ready to sail at a moment’s notice. Gabriene and his ‘saviors’ have struck the first blows of this war. They’ll soon find out we’re ready to strike back.

You are all dismissed and take this, mess, with you, growled Barakus with a contemptuous glance at the dead man on the floor before he strode away, Send Aytes up to the workroom. It needs cleaning as well, he said over his shoulder as he paused at the door. Then he was gone, returning to his rooms.

Once he was there and the heavy wooden door was closed firmly behind him, he turned to the mirror and asked, All right. The savior’s have arrived and they’re women! Suddenly women are listened to and respected. Well, that’s long overdue. Not only that, the ones we’ve been looking for all these centuries would have been on my longships, I know it! This changes everything. What do we do now? after a long pause, he leaned forward, bracing himself on the table in front of him. I know. We go to war anyway. We won’t have our greatest weapon but we go to war anyway.

Chapter One

Hope Renewed

In the hidden mountain pass, high above Zabir and the city of Yves, Tinkar struggled through the numbing cold, running, running for his life. He was a priest from the house of Barakus. Used to spending his days chanting the sacred words and reading the honored texts, his legs began to cramp as he ran up the hillside, causing him to sink onto a rock to rest. Just before he left Yves behind he reached a space between the trees, where he took one last look at the battle. Just in time to see one ship break free and head north. One ship out of the entire fleet? A dismal defeat, indeed. Sorrowed, he hung his head in despair. They had finally lost their tentative home in Yves.

Yves had never been a city of Barakus. It was only because Yves was so close to Doome that Barakus used the wide bay for his Black Ships at all. The teachings told them a temple had been planned for Yves, just as it had for most of the cities of Persal, but unknown forces had stopped it. For years, Barakus sent great blocks of stone, weighing several tons, from Doome. Painstakingly they were hauled to the top of the cliff to lay the foundation and build the black edifice of his temple, not far from the governor’s keep. When the building began, the architects carefully laid the foundation. When dawn came, the stones were gone. There were no clues, they were just… gone. All of them. More stones were brought and guards were posted but, once more, in the morning they were gone. Barakus sent men to find a place where they could quarry the local green granite, beyond the city, and started once again. The stones continued to vanish. Finally, Barakus had built a house, no bigger than those of the nobles but surrounded by a barracks built into a forbidding wall, and this is where his priests and soldiers had lived.

Tinkar had been one of the first priests to leave the house of Barakus. The first to see that Barakus’ navy was surrounded and there was no way out. Once they had the navy, taking their pathetic house, with its wretched excuses for soldiers, would be easy for the Lohi knights swarming the docks.

Ahead of him were some of those famed soldiers. The first to break ranks and flee while he had stopped for the important things. He was still collecting his meager belongings and the sacred writings when he had seen others taking the road toward Jamben. Undoubtedly, they were heading to Nelas, infamous haven for thieves and cowards. They feared the wrath of Barakus more than the combined armies of Persal. In Tinkar’s opinion, that was a very short-sighted view. One should never underestimate the enemy.

•••

Deep within the Strait of the Claw, between the bluffs north of Yves and Chimera Island, the waves raged against the rocks at the base of the extinct volcano, churning even more than they had the day of the battle in the bay. Something beneath the waves thrashed as if in anger and torment.

Aboard the Mal de Verde, Aenas clutched his head in sudden agony, sinking to his knees as he screamed. Something… something below was in pain, extreme pain and bound, bound to the bottom of the sea.

Alarmed, Captain Sevalian ran to the boy, huddled on the deck. Mister Kinnar! Turn the ship about and head back to port. Flank speed, he called as he scooped up the boy and headed for his cabin. Don’t worry, Aenas, I’ll get you away from here. Maybe with distance it won’t hurt so much.

It’s… not… me… pain…, Cap’n. It’s… not… me… pain…. Aenas ground out. I… have… to… help… him…, he got out just before he sank into oblivion.

The Mal de Verde was halfway back to Yves when Aenas regained his senses. When he opened his eyes, he was in the Captain’s bunk and Captain Sevalian was looking down on him with a worried expression. Are you all right, boy? You seemed to be in a great deal of pain earlier.

It warn’t me pain, Cap’n. It were de pain of a great crabble as is ‘prisoned in de strait. I needs ter hep’ ‘im, said Aenas as his gaze wandered to the ceiling and his brow wrinkled in thought.

He’s kept on the bottom of the ocean you say? How do you expect to free him down there? asked the Captain, shaking his head as he poured the boy a hot cup of tea.

Oh, don’ be worrit. If’n it be ‘neath de sea, I kin gets hep’ from dose as live dere, ye ken?

Ah, well, yes. But how can you free a giant crab?

Don’ ken…, yet. I’ll figger it out. Don’ worrit aboot dat, affirmed the boy with a cocky nod of his head.

Rest awhile longer, Aenas. But I expect you topside by the time we make port, admonished the Captain, shaking his head and smiling as he left the room.

•••

Cheri Gaines, until recently a resident of Seattle, Washington, and now one of the three Saviors of Persal, sat morosely in a large, overstuffed chair in a quiet corner of the inn’s private dining room. An open book lay neglected in her lap and her long, curly, red hair fell loosely around her face. It had been two days since they had sent hang-gliders into the mists of Chimera Island in an attempt to rescue Ebony and there was still no word.

Despondently, she considered all that had happened since she and her two new friends, the petite, blond Faye and tall, black and athletic Ebony, had stepped through the decorative waterfall in the King County courthouse. It seemed a lifetime ago but it was only four months since they had been told they were there to save the continent of Persal from the wizard Barakus. Not only that but their arrival had been predicted two thousand years earlier. Since then they had been chased across the width of the continent while Barakus’ priests tried to kill them. They had overcome the challenges of learning to ride a horse, a most difficult problem for Cheri, as well as the heights of mountains and deep chasms. The depths of valleys, floods, storms at sea and mercenaries couldn’t stop them. Each of them had killed men in self-defense. Now here they were, in Yves, Zabir, waiting for the wizard Gabriene to recover from a cold, unintentionally brought with them from Seattle, that had hit him hard. More importantly, they were waiting for Ebony to return to them from Chimera Island, only accessible by air. She hated waiting; it gave her too much time to think.

Faye, the third woman from Seattle and Cheri’s erstwhile guardian, along with Tasmin and Lili had been tending the wizard Gabriene in four hour shifts even though he was out of danger. He had recovered from pneumonia and only the severe congestion and grumpiness of a cold lingered. For a man who had never been sick before, he was really good at it.

The merchant ship Mal de Verde remained stationed between the mainland and the treacherous coast of Chimera Island, watching for the pilots of the gliders to reappear from the mists. Every other day, a local fishing boat pressed into service, sailed out with fresh supplies and news.

The longer everyone waited, the quieter they were. None of them were good at waiting. When Shik Behnam and Sir Galad had taken to pacing endlessly, an exasperated Cheri had requested they go for a walk instead. Walking together, Behnam's dark skin and hair made a striking contrast to Galad's blond coloring. Since then, the two of them would be gone for hours each day and when they returned their gaze would return to Cheri hopefully, only to realize there was still no word.

Early on, Galad had sent men to take the temple and clean out the last of Barakus’ influence in the city, only to find it abandoned. Apparently, the priests and soldiers had found themselves needed elsewhere.

At the table, Sir Gurmail was doing his best to teach the squire Timnon how to play chess. The sasquatch Ochwatt sat nearby watching the game closely when he wasn’t watching Timnon’s frustration, Cheri couldn’t help but wonder who was learning the most, the squire or the sasquatch.

In one corner, the woodsman, Bass, and the halfling, Jakar, were arguing in hushed tones, as they had been for days. A curious Cheri had moved closer, once, but they had both grown quiet before changing the subject. Now, she tried to ignore them.

The Longship Inn had changed its name to The Refuge and a new sign was being painted. A reminder that life goes on. Cheri watched the changes being made at the inn, wishing it would all wait…. Just wait, until Ebony returned.

•••

Master Gabriene! There’s a messenger here! He’s from the keep at the top of the city. Are you well enough to see him? asked Tasmin, bustling into the wizard’s sick room where he was nearly recovered from his illness.

The old man was sitting in an armchair Ochwatt had hauled up to his room with a beautiful quilt tucked around his legs to keep him warm. Turning from the view of the bay and the sea beyond the breakwater, he smiled, the twinkle in his blue eyes returning. Well, well! I am more than ready to break the monotony of this view, as stunning as it is. Why don’t we see what the governor wants? It’s past time I was up anyway, he groused, tossing the quilt onto the bed and rising to don his brown robe. Tell the man I’ll be right down.

A few minutes later, when Gabriene walked into the private dining room where most of their company were waiting anxiously for word about Ebony, Cheri covered her mouth, trying not to laugh out loud. The messenger was still cooling his heels in the common room. Rising, she went over to tidy the man up. No sense sending that messenger back up the hill saying you looked half dead.

Thank-you, Lady Cheri. By the by, what’s this I hear about your meeting with our friend, the governor, while I was sick? asked the wizard with a fleeting smile.

Uhm, well, Behnam suggested I make him come to me. After all, I am one of the Saviors. He wasn’t too happy about that, she admitted sheepishly.

Ha, ha! Excellent idea. I think it would be a bad precedent to change our position now, don’t you? Send in the messenger, instructed the wizard as he leaned back in a comfortable chair.

His posture stiff, the messenger strode in and handed Jakar a scroll with a red seal and ribbons. Solemnly, officially, Jakar handed it off to the wizard.

Esteemed and Honorable Master Gabriene; wizard of Lohi:

I understand you have recovered from your illness, Please, let me convey how pleased I am.

If you and your companions have the time, I would be most honored if you could join me for a state dinner tomorrow evening. I would be especially pleased if the charming Saviors of Persal were able to join our party.

My messenger awaits your reply.

With all due respect and consideration,

The Honorable Imaland Hambertick

Governor of the Sovereign Realm of Zabir

Well, well. Now, that is an interesting missive, isn’t it? mused the wizard thoughtfully. Young man, would you please wait outside while we consider our reply?

Once the Zabir soldier from the keep had left, Gabriene read the message aloud to everyone else. Well, what do you think? Anyone interested in attending a state dinner?

While we’re waiting for Ebony to return? I don’t think so! replied Cheri dismissively. Besides, I wasn’t impressed by that toad, Hambertick.

I agree about the dinner, even though I never met this governor. We have to get ready to leave, once Ebony is found. We don’t have time for this, nonsense, acknowledged Faye dismissively.

Well, now we all agree, this dinner is a bad idea, but I’ll still have to talk to the man. I think I need to make it clear what the troops we’re leaving behind will be doing and who will be reporting to who. Although, I do think it’s best I follow Cheri’s lead and insist he come to me, pondered the wizard thoughtfully.

Bass and Behnam laughed. Just make sure you keep Ochwatt close. The man was most impressed with our giant friend here, suggested Bass.

•••

Zedel! Zedel, get back here! I done say we goin’ ter see de wizard if’n we kin but ye gots ter wait fer me! called Amilla as the little girl with a bent leg moved crabwise down the steps of Yves in long practiced moves, heading for the docks.

Hurry! I needs ter get there! called the little girl with the mousy brown hair flying in wisps around her head.

I telled ye, he probably won’t e’en see ye. He be busy. Now do be slowin’.

The little girl rounded the corner of the inn where the wizard and the saviors were staying only to bounce off a tall, husky, red-haired young man who barely managed to catch her before she landed on the ground.

Whoa! Slow down there, little one. What’s the hurry? asked Matew with a smile.

I be goin’ ter see de wizard. She replied solemnly.

Well, I know him and he’s a pretty gruff old man. Are you sure you want to do that? he asked seriously.

I’ve been tellin’ ‘er de same tin’ fer a couple month gone. She won’ listen lak. Injected Amilla.

I gots ter. I been dreamin’ o’ ‘im. It be import! she insisted.

Oh well, if that’s the case you’re quite right. Can I tell you a secret? asked the squire.

Solemnly she nodded.

You’re not the only one who has been dreaming and it is very important. The squire whispered with a wink.

Amilla stopped to stare at the squire with her mouth open. Really?

Oh yes, back in Lohi there are several little girls who were dreaming and found their way to Gabriene’s island in Mermaid Bay. He assured her.

A few minutes later, Amilla and Zedel were ushered into the private dining room where Gabriene was waiting for the governor.

Master Gabriene, I hate to bother you but we’ve got another one, said Matew as he led them in.

Gabriene peered at the little girl and her mother for a moment. Another what, Matew?

This is Zedel and her mother Amilla. I think I should let Zedel tell you herself, he said formally.

Suddenly shy, Zedel hesitated and her mother stepped up to prompt her. Well go on den. Ask ‘im. Let ‘im be tellin’ ye it be naught but foolishness. Den we kin gets ‘ome an’ fergets aboot it.

Zedel. That’s a very pretty name. Why don’t you come over here and tell me, what’s on your mind? Suggested Gabriene gently.

Whal, fer several turns of de moon now I be dreamin’. Dreamin’ o’ ye. Dreamin’ I needs ter go wit’ ye, she said, haltingly at first but the last sentence was nearly a demand.

Do you know why you’ve been having this dream, Zedel? he asked.

Hanging her head, she shook it slowly.

You’ve got magic about you child. You’re being called to me so I can teach you how to use it. We’ll have to figure out what your talent is first but whatever it is, it’s important and we may need it when we battle Barakus. Do you know what that means? he explained.

Battle? But I’m lame. I can’t fight in a battle. She objected with a disheartened sigh.

She’s right! She can’t fight in a battle. Even without her leg, she’s too young and just a girl, objected Amilla.

Well, we’re not going to ask her to be in that kind of battle. It will be a magical battle where she can use her talent, once we figure out what it is. It won’t matter if she’s lame, or young, or a girl, answered Gabriene, looking into Zedel’s deep brown eyes.

Matew, fetch Beloria so she can talk to Zedel and her mother about what it’s like to be an Imaldi in Lohi. He instructed.

Amilla, she’ll have to wait until the Mal de Verde heads home. We’re not going directly to Lohi and even if we were I’m afraid such an arduous trip by horseback would be too much for the girl. I’ll introduce you to Captain Sevalian and we’ll get her settled before we leave. He promised.

•••

Nikolas paused at a sharp bend in the cavern wall. There was a nook here he could hide in, should anyone be following him. Hezikiah had been dogging his footsteps like a lost mole since he’d been spending more time alone. He could hardly tell anyone what he was up to when he didn’t understand it himself. Although, he did wish he could talk to Anastacia. If anyone would understand, well not understand exactly, but be sympathetic, it would be her. All he knew was, it was important, somehow.

As soon as he was sure no one was behind him, he trotted up the seldom used tunnel with the bright light at the end. The light that was a hundred times brighter than the glow rocks that hung from the ceilings of the caverns below. Or the blushing glow of lichen growing on the tunnel walls. In the stories Billalobo told, the light was called sunlight. A thing to frighten children with, even though the old dwarf claimed to have traveled in the world above, long ago. Most of the children didn’t really believe that part.

Once at the seldom used rear exit from the caverns of Dwarvenholme, Nikolas squatted in a corner and squinted out into the morning sunlight. Even here, in the shade, the light hurt his eyes. Sitting as still as stone, Nikolas almost resembled the rock cavern behind him with his gray skin and his brown and gray clothes, but his muddy brown eyes never left the wonders of the world outside.

Few of his people ever left the caverns anymore and those who did waited until dusk, when the light was dim. None of them would understand what drew him to the green places, much less in daylight. How could he explain that he yearned for the taste of fresh berries when no one else had ever tasted them? How could he tell them that three hundred varieties of mushrooms and twenty of fungus cooked in thousands of ways were no longer enough for him? Even when supplemented with the root vegetables the gatherers brought and the meat from the hunters? He didn’t understand it himself, but he knew in some strange way he was getting ready for something. Something important. There was a difference about things. It wasn’t a smell, exactly. Nor was it a sound. But there was something in the air, a feeling but more than that, too. Sometimes it seemed to be all around him. Sometimes it seemed to be part of him. Something was coming. Coming for him, and when it got here, he would need to be ready. Ready to go out into the green world before him. Ready to leave behind his home in these familiar caves, deep beneath the Forbidden Mountains.

Just a little farther. As soon as the shadows had moved a little farther, he would be able to reach the berry tangle while staying in the shade. He had tried going into sunlight unprotected only once, but the warmth burned his gray skin. Raising blisters that had been hard to explain. Since then he stayed in the shade while he pieced together a cloak from scrounged leather.

•••

Beyond the southern end of the Yves docks, the River of Tears from Lake Annoura in eastern Zabir terminated at the edge of the city, cascading in a mighty waterfall from the top of the cliffs to the sea below. After crossing the ancient footbridge over the pool formed by the pounding water, one could reach the rocky beach revealed when the tide went out.

Behind the receding tide, water from nearly every nook and cranny fled into the ocean, all that was left behind was the shallow tide pools full of life and the mist from the thundering waterfall. As the water drained away, Aenas, Lili, Zedel and Beloria wandered to the boulder strewn pools past the southern edge of the limestone cliffs Yves was built on.

From the wharf, a guard watched the three Imaldi and the little chugura, Lili, who hadn’t been sent back to Lohi, as they made their way over and through the boulders of the tide pools. Lili laughed in her high-pitched voice when Aenas or Beloria would slip.

Surprisingly, Zedel was more agile than any of the others, having played in these pools frequently when she could slip away from her mother. She quickly outdistanced them all. Watching her, Aenas couldn’t help being amazed. The girl didn’t let her lame leg stop her from doing anything.

Closer, Aenas listened while Zedel peppered Beloria with questions about what it was like to become an animal. Now you can control it, do you like changing? What’s it like?

Beloria took a moment to think about it before she answered. Usually I be likin’ it fine. I seem ter be takin’ on the feelin’s of dey animals. A wolf be strong and fierce. A fox be sly and sneakin’ ‘til she gets her prey or has ter run from summat bigger.

Did ye ever turn into something you didn’t like? asked Aenas shyly. He envied the easy camaraderie the three females had developed.

Beloria frowned but she didn’t hesitate. A cow! I don’ ever wants ter be a cow again. Although that sloth thingy were rather slooow.

Lili burst out laughing at the memory while the other two looked confused.

Why a cow? asked Zedel, scampering back in her crab-like gait, to join them.

Cows be… contented. They so happy with their lot, the only thing they think about is chewing their cud. I turned into one once when I be sleepin’ and all I could say was ‘moo’. Very boring. She replied with a shake of her head, sending her red braids swinging.

First Zedel, then Lili and finally Aenas, started laughing and Beloria couldn’t help but join them.

Now, show me where to look for treasures. I just loved that plant you brought back yesterday, Lili. That pale green stripe on the deep purple, very pretty, commented Beloria as Zedel resumed leading the way.

That was a water weefle. A plant that can cure most poisons, if administered quickly enough. Very rare, provided Lili as she scampered ahead.

Now, don’ tuch nuttin’, Beloria. Dese animalts be verra dangous, warned Aenas as they reached the first of the shallow pools.

When ye be goin’ back to de strait? I though’ ye wanted ter ‘elp de creature trapped dere, asked Beloria as she stepped up to another rock.

What creature be that? asked Zedel curiously, looking back over her shoulder as she paused on a rock.

Dere be a giant crabble as lives in de strait. Barakus has chained it wit’ magic an it be in pain. Dat be why it be so mean, answered Aenas as he took a leap from one rock to another and had to catch himself with his hands to keep from slipping into the water. We be goin’ tormorrer. De Cap’n be wantin’ ter be sure we don’ gets too close, said the boy with a worried frown.

Don’t be worrying none. If it can be freed, you be the one to do it, reassured Lili confidently.

Aye! She be righ’ enough, agreed Beloria as they reached the pools. Let’s be seein’ what’s interestin’ in dese puddles.

The four of them were giggling when Beloria spotted it, it was another water weefle. Look, it’s a wat… she started as Aenas was there to snatch her hand away.

Stop! I telled ye, don’ tuch nuttin’. Dese animalts be dangous, he snapped.

But it be dat plant. The one Lili brung back. Look, it be de same, insisted Beloria, pointing at the dark green ball with the lavender stripe in the pool.

Dese colors be wrong, Beloria. The plant is purple with a light green stripe, said Lili, bending over to take a closer look in the water.

Dat be a kinderka. Verra dangous. Dey be imtatin’ a weefle, but dey ain’. Ye don’ wanna be touchin’ dat, said Aenas, wrinkling his nose in distaste.

Hey, Aenas, can you harvest it, safely? asked Lili, thoughtfully.

Yep, why? asked the boy.

You never know when a good poison might come in handy, said the Chugura, glancing back up to the wharf to be sure the guard wasn’t watching too close.

Stooping, Aenas started making strange noises and the animal slowly started to move, loosening its legs from the stone below. Gingerly, the boy took out his knife and flipped the kinderka into the pot Lili had pulled from her satchel.

•••

 Oy! She be comin’ round. Are ye awright?

Get outta me way! ‘Course she ain’t awright. She’s broken a foreleg ain’ she now. Don’ mind ‘im, ‘es an idjit. How der ye be feelin’?

Ebony’s vision cleared as she stared up at the lion’s head talking to her and then at the goat’s head, with its impressive curled ram’s horns and a short beard, peering round his mane. I’m delirious.

Both of you get out of my way. I need to bind this arm, not foreleg, again. It’s been broken in two places and now that its set I want it immobilized, said a third voice as a very short, skinny man with long white hair in a long plait, wearing a green robe with golden symbols, pushed the two-headed creature out of his way and bent over Ebony. Don’t mind them, I’m the only human they’ve ever seen and you’re a new experience for them.

After he had secured her splinted arm in a sling, he helped her sit up and gave her some water.

Where am I? What happened? Who are you, and maybe most important, who or what is that? she spit out her rapid-fire questions.

You are in the caldera of Chimera Island. You and your contraption crash landed a few days ago. I am Lexander, the green wizard. It’s possible you’ve been told I’m dead, which gives us something in common. And this is Leonel, the chimera. He fancies himself my assistant, and here, it’s the closest I can get.

Ebony’s vision was clearing as she tried to sit up, but found herself weaker than she thought.

I think, perhaps, you should eat first. The best I was able to do while you were unconscious was broth. I think you need something more substantial. Here, try this bread. It’s not bad, even if I do say so myself.

Huh! You cook? asked Ebony as she settled back on some blankets provided by… Leonel?

Well, it was either that or starve. I could hardly eat what the chimeras eat. I’ve had a few years of practice and a fondness for good food so I flatter myself I’ve become rather good. Here, it’s fresh from this morning.

Oh, that is good and I’m famished.

Well, you haven’t had any solid food for four days so I suggest you go slow. Start with the bread and I’ll have some stew for you in a little bit.

Thank you, Master Lexander. Why does the rest of Persal believe you to be dead? I think I can deduce why they might think I am.

Ah, when Barakus began dispatching my brothers… well, eventually, he came after me. I had contacts here and I felt it behooved me to… disappear. At least until the savior came. Now, you tell me. What news of the outside world? I have felt stirrings in the tides. Magic is building, again. Has the savior arrived? Do you know?

A short bark of laughter burst from Ebony, cut off abruptly when her arm twinged. Yes, I know. They are here. There are three of… us. About four months ago, I stumbled through a waterfall in Seattle, followed by Faye and then Cheri. Seattle is a city in my world. Where we emerged was in the top of a tower in yours. Since then we have been hunted ceaselessly while we learned to survive in a world similar to ours as it was hundreds of years in our past.

Oh, my dear girl. I thought you were from Mojar. Three you say? And women? How very interesting.

Look, Master Lexander, I really need to get back to the mainland. Yves, if we won? Do you know? Did we win?

Oh, yes, you won. Not a single black ship returned to Doome.

So, how do I get out of here? Surely, if you’ve been waiting you have a way out.

’Course ‘es got a way oot! It’s us, init? said the goat head with a smug look.

Like I said, he be an idjit! We and de other chimera swore ter help fight back again’ Barakus when de time came. De time has come, ain’t it, Master Lexander? put in the lion head.

Yes, but Lady Ebony here isn’t ready to travel. Not yet, answered the old wizard.

Master! We’ve got visitors! came the voice of the lion’s head on another chimera with a black mane as he landed lightly next to them. The horns on this goat head went straight up from the center of his forehead in beautiful flattened spirals and his beard was considerably longer than the first chimera’s.

My, nearly seventeen hundred years I’ve been alone with my winged friends here and in the last few days I begin having visitors. Yes, indeed it is time we rejoined the world beyond our little island paradise here. Decan, how many and how are they arriving?

Two made it into the valley, master, two days gone. One crashed before he got here and two more returned to their ship, answered the young chimera.

May I presume they used a contraption similar to the one used by my new friend, here? asked Lexander.

Yes, sir.

If they made the descent safely, maybe you should help them find us. he suggested.

We’re keeping an eye on them from above. Like most humans, they’re not looking up. Jandar was concerned if they saw us, they might panic.

Good thought. We’ll be leaving in the morning, Decan. Please make sure Jandar is aware.

•••

Dawn on the fifth day after Ebony’s disappearance was much as the day of the battle. This day, as the sun rose in the east, painting the bay, first in red, then orange, then gold, only the scattered fishing fleet with its sails of deep blue littered the bay.

Just having risen, Cheri went to her window, pulling back the curtains to enjoy the view. Her eye was drawn to the silhouette of a small flock of birds against the golden light, getting larger as they approached the harbor. What were they? Seagulls? Pelicans? No, they were too large. They flew like birds but their shape, it almost looked like a flying horse?... no, it was stockier and had a mane. Was that a flying lion? What was this thing?

Trying to keep an eye on these… things, Cheri scrambled into her clothes and pushed her uncombed hair back, pulling it into an untidy ponytail before running for the stairs. Whatever they were, they were coming here.

She sped past Gurmail, stationed outside her door. He didn’t catch up until they were on the wharf where Behnam, Bass, Galad and Jakar were waiting. When they realized the size of the animals, they stepped back to give them more room. Was that a goat’s head alongside the lion? Amazingly, each goat had their own, unique set of horns. What was this thing?

On the docks, stevedores had stopped what they were doing and stood back, against the warehouse walls with wide eyes as the chimeras approached. The beasts were nearly as large as some of the smaller buildings with their great heads of lion and goat rising from massive shoulders and a tawny coat. Their wings appeared to be of leather and their tail was thrashing as if it had a life of its own. The few women on the wharf, cried out as they scuttled back into taverns or brothels, only to peer out the windows at these strange apparitions.

Cheri was the first to spot Ebony, with her arm in a sling, on the back of one. On one of the others was a short, skinny man with a long white braid and Galad’s two missing men were each on a beast of their own.

Ebony! You’re back! I was so worried, exclaimed the red-head, starting to run to her friend but stopping short when the lion head turned her way.

Galad and Behnam stepped up together, giving each other strange looks as they did, and together they helped Ebony alight as she cradled her broken arm.

When she stepped closer, Cheri ran to give her a hug. You’re alive! Oh, I’ve missed you so much!

As more of the animals landed, the two soldiers who had made it onto the island dismounted as well.

Ebony, what happened to you? Perhaps you can introduce us to your friends? suggested Galad, looking at the old man and the large, flying animals.

Behnam stared at the animals with a slightly bemused expression on his face. Where had he seen their likeness before. Closing his eyes momentarily, a vision came to him of a dark nymph rising from the water of a secluded forest pool and a tattoo on her lower back. Opening his eyes again, he looked appraisingly at the chimeras while Ebony performed the introductions. Oh yes, these were definitely the same as Ebony’s tattoo.

Yes, of course, this is Master Lexander, the green wizard. And these are Chimeras: Decan, who saved me after I crashed; Leonel, who helped Lexander set my arm; Jandar, their leader; and Rixan, one of his subjects. I don’t remember much of what happened after I flew into the mist. I certainly don’t remember the crash. When I woke up, I saw Leonel’s goat head a bit too close to my face, answered Ebony as Faye and Suvaat arrived.

If I may? suggested Lexander with a quirked brow. I understood Gabriene was here? If he can meet with us, and yourselves, of course, there is much yet to discuss.

Gabriene’s been ill and is still quite weak, started Faye, looking up at the animals. Since we can’t meet in his room, perhaps a warehouse? Matew, Timnon, will you go ask Ochwatt to carry Master Gabriene down here while I get it set up? If he objects, tell him… what did you say these are?

Chimeras, provided Ebony with a smile.

Tell him Chimeras have come, and if he wants to meet with them, this is the only way, she finished, gathering the other men to help her move chairs from the inn to the closest empty warehouse.

You might also want to tell him Lexander has returned! called the small man, after the retreating squires.

It didn’t take long for everyone to arrange themselves in the warehouse that seemed suddenly small with four Chimeras standing about, their heads and horns brushing the roof.

Gabriene blew his nose as he started with Lexander, You’re still alive! I hardly credited it when I was told. Where have you been all these years? he asked incredulously.

I went into hiding with the Chimeras. I ascertained the notion I could keep a closer eye on Barakus from there, explained the green wizard.

Well, well. I should have guessed. So… what did you learn? asked the wizard.

Do you know what he does with the children? Ebony asked curiously.

"The children? Yes, a few go into the palace, and don’t come out again. Most are sent to the armies. Some of the girls are housed near the palace and seem to be used as breeders. Then there’s some of the stronger ones as go into the caves of Fire Mountain where I fear they’re worked to death. Every time the Black ships came back from Persal, there were some as tried to run off. They were killed, brutally, in front of all the other new arrivals. Chimeras make very good spies, you see.

As for what else we learned, Barakus has been building a fleet. Unfortunately, the Black Ships you managed to wrest from his grasp, were only a part of that navy. The larger part, but he still has some formidable ships with impressive fire power. He’s also been building an army. Every year, he sent men over the mountains into Persal in ones, twos but never more than three. Personally, I don’t think these men are from the army. They’re spies and possibly even more, he finished, taking a deep swallow of the ale on the table. Oh, I’ve missed that!

Jandar, what is your purpose in coming here, besides bringing Lexander, Ebony and our men, back to us? asked the white wizard.

Don’ lak Barakus, do we? He do be killin’ chillun an dat ain’ righ’... began the Chimera’s goat head, until the lion head turned to stare at it balefully.

Sorry, but he be right. We don’t take kindly to de killing of children. Any children, Master Gabriene. When de time do come, we’ll do what we kin ter aid yer people and ye needed ter know dat. Ye also be needin’ a way ter call us, when needs be. Decan will be traveling wit ye, said Jandar’s lion head, ignoring his counterpart, his tone brooking no room for argument.

Ahem! What? We can’t go traipsing around Persal with something as large as… well, as you, in tow. There are times we need to travel discreetly, objected Galad, a look of disbelief on his face.

Uhm…, you see, sir knight, here’s the real problem, put in Lexander, scratching his head. Decan here saved Ebony’s life when she tumbled into the caldera on the island. According to their code, he’s now responsible for her. You won’t convince him to get very far from her now. Don’t worry, though, Chimeras are very good at staying out of sight, shall we say. When they want to, he assured them with a mischievous smile as he refilled his tankard.

 Galad allowed his head to drop into his hand as he realized there was no help for it. Apparently, Decan would be joining them. At least he could fly through the clouds while they were traveling. I guess we have no choice. Welcome, Decan. Can you at least promise to follow instructions?

Follow instruct? ‘Couse we kin follow instruct? Cain’ we Jandar? Whoo wee! We’s goin’ ter see de worl’! exclaimed Decan’s goat head, tossing his impressive horns in his excitement and rattling against some of the ceiling beams in the process.

Hush! Don’t mind him, he’s an idjit! scolded Decan’s lion head, shaking his black mane in irritation. We will do as ye say, as long as it dinna put Lady Ebony in danger. Where the lady goes, I goes.

Who argues with an eight-hundred-pound gorilla? asked Cheri, in a low voice.

Ebony glanced over at her with a slight smile, No one. Especially when this one’s at least three times as large and has horns and wings."

•••

I still don’t understand how you talked Galad and Gabriene into letting you try this. Last time you were anywhere near that crab it knocked you unconscious, grumbled Captain Sevalian as the Mal de Verde headed once again toward the Strait of the Claw.

Don’ be worrit any, I gots hep’ comin’ dis time, said Aenas with a knowing grin.

The captain shook his head while rolling his eyes. He had a suspicion when Gabriene sent him on this mission he’d be in trouble. Now he was certain of it.

Captain Sevalian, get as close to the strait as you can in all safety, suggested Bass as he joined them on the bridge.

Aenas rubbed his temples as he nodded in agreement. Yes, we needs ter be close as be safe fer de ship. I needs ter try an’ breaks through de crabble’s pain afore he kin heared me, agreed Aenas, shaking his head in irritation.

With a worried frown, Zedel stood nearby, watching her new friend as she felt the ripples of pain from the boy.

As the strait constricted, between the bluff and Chimera Island, the water found little room to move and crashed against either side in fury. Lower the anchors! Put out the sea anchors! called the captain before turning to Aenas and the knight. This is as far as we can go. Whatever you’re going to do, you’ll need to do from here. Fast would be better than slow, my boy, he said as he watched his men secure the ship to the best of their ability.

Without a word, Aenas closed his eyes and wrinkled his brow. ‘Please, great crabble, listen ter me. I comed ter hep’. I comed ter free ye buts I needs ye ter listen. I ken ye be in pain. Wit’ yer hep’, we kin ease de pain an’ set ye free. I needs ye ter fight. Fight de pain an’ be calm. I be needing ter ken what ties ye doon.’ and so, his thoughts traveled through the water, eventually calming the beast beneath the crashing waves.

Beside him, Zedel winced and leaned against the railing for support.

Over the next hour, Aenas concentrated on keeping the crab calm while searching the monster’s pain for the source, getting weaker as the crab started thrashing again, trying to free himself. Aenas followed the pain down the crab’s lower legs and found the first bond. Cold! So very cold but something more! Ah, the bonds were made of magic. They had discovered the key to removing the strange, ice-like, bindings. Opening his eyes, he sighed.

Captain Sevalian was pacing the decks, watching as his men strengthened the anchors fighting to hold them in place. Seeing Aenas’ eyes open, he called to the bridge, Is it done? We are having trouble maintaining our position, Aenas!

Gasping for strength, Aenas shook his head weakly and Zedel reached over to take his arm. Almost immediately, he felt the pain coming from the crabble lessening and he glanced down at the girl before answering. Not yet, Cap’n. I thin’ I kin make it faster now, called back the boy, closing his eyes once again. Frowning, he cast his mind into the sea. Trying to break the bonds with his magic. His power over the sea. As he probed, he could find no weakness to breach the icy shackles.

Aenas! Aenas! The sea anchors have shredded and one of the chains has snapped! We’re down to one anchor! We’re raising the sails, getting ready to leave! came Sevalian’s yell from the main deck.

Aenas, you have to stop! cried out Zedel in pain.

Ye be right. We be havin ter plan afore we be returnin’. We kin go, Cap’n. called the boy as he sagged against the rail. Behind him, Zedel slumped to the deck as though exhausted.

You heard him, men! Head for the open sea before we find ourselves smashed against the rocks.

Are we safe? Safe from the beast? asked Bass as he stepped up to Zedel and helped her rise. Are you alright?

Zedel nodded as Aenas’ voice came back from the rail. He be no beast, Sir Bass. I be needing ter talk ter a wizard afore I try again ter free ‘im. By anon, I ken why the ships be black, added the boy with a wan smile.

Really? Why is that? asked the woodsman as he and the captain reached the rail, taking another look at the raging waters.

De crabble cain’ see black, he explained, breaking out in a fit of giggles.

As they headed for port, Aenas turned to Zedel, I don’ ken what ye did but I thank ye.

I don’t understand it yet either but it’s my gift. It’s why I’m going to Lohi. She responded with an impish grin.

Chapter Two

In Search of Knowledge

The next morning, Jakar and Bass were alone in the room they’d been sharing with Timnon, still arguing. Yesterday afternoon, Jakar thought Bass had capitulated, but apparently not.

Jakar, I keep telling you, it’s not time for me to go to Rim, not yet. We should go with the others to Elans and retrieve the copy of the prophecy hidden there, insisted Bass.

For the last time, Bass, I’ve seen the results of delay. If we go to Rim now, our chances of vanquishing Barakus increase incrementally. It also doubles our chances of finding a complete version of the prophecy that Barakus hasn’t already stolen, argued Jakar again.

What makes you think Barakus is going to steal the other copies of the prophecy? Maybe he only needed one copy so he’d know what to expect.

If that were the case, why wouldn’t he have gone for one of the other copies instead of the one in the middle of the most secure place on the continent of Persal? It’s time for you to face your destiny, woodsman. You were never meant to remain a woodcutter.

Don’t you think I know that? Don’t you think I haven’t spent my entire life preparing for what I’m supposed to do? My father and his father before him were equally prepared for the destiny that never came, not for them in any case. Jakar, I never really believed it would come for me either. What if the curse still kills me? After all these years, how do we know? asked Bass, sinking into a chair and dropping his head into his hands.

Jakar took a step closer to his friend and put his hand on Bass’ shoulder. You’ll just have to have faith, son. Just have faith.

Lowering his hands and raising his eyes, Bass looked at Jakar. How? I don’t know anything about faith. I was taught honor, fairness, the Camir history and legal system and a million other little things I’ll need to know, but faith wasn’t on the curriculum.

I think we know someone who has enough faith for all of us. Don’t you?

Faye? Isn’t she traveling with the other Saviors and Gabriene?

No, I talked to Gabriene last night. We decided it would be best for Faye to go with us. That means Suvaat, her assigned knight, and Matew will be there too. Lexander is going with us as well. He seems to think we just might need his magic at some point, explained Jakar excitedly.

Bass released a long breath as he stood resolutely, Well! That just about does it. I have no more arguments. Let’s get this over with.

•••

The Mal de Verde had set out at daylight and was nearing the straights. Tensely, Aenas perched on the bow, hanging further out than the captain was comfortable with but Sir Suvaat had made it clear the young man was to have a certain amount of leeway.

Afraid he might be losing his new cabin boy, Captain Sevalian came up behind the boy, ready to snatch him back if he should lose his grip, We can’t get much closer without braving the straights themselves, Aenas. Do you have anything?

Aye, sir! responded the boy, jumping from the bulwark to the deck. I be feelin’ it be still feelin’ pain but I canna quite get it ter heard me, not yet. This be close enough. I kin get hep’ from ‘ere. Oncet ‘es free, I thin’ I kin makes us a frien’.

"A friend? Of that thing out there? You have a strange notion of what can be a friend, boy. But a thing like that could be a valuable ally.

Reef all sails! Drop the sea anchor! barked the captain.

Reef all sails. Drop the sea anchor. Move, move, move, echoed his first mate, Master Orland.

As the wind spilled from the sails and the anchor dragged through the water, they moved a bit closer and Aenas could hear the beast in the straights clearly. Oh, the pain! There is so much pain!

Aenas found he had a hard time getting the crab’s attention. It didn’t seem able to concentrate beyond his pain. The pain remaining in four of its legs. Its upper body had been left to play havoc on passing ships and not incidentally protect Doome to the north.

Before he left port he had called on a school of swordfish hunting in the free ocean. The one fish in the sea with the strongest and sharpest bills. When they neared the strait, the fish were reluctant to enter the turbulent waters but with a little persuasion from Aenas, they found themselves responding.

Leaning over the rail, he put out another call. This time, he called on a massive female sea turtle migrating to the southern seas. He needed the turtle to take him into the maelstrom.

The captain was watching his crew tie down the sails when Aenas stepped over the side. When Captain Sevalian noticed him gone, there hadn’t been a splash, he was just gone. Alarmed, the captain jumped to look over the rail. There, kneeling on the back of the largest turtle he’d ever seen was Aenas, balancing atop the carapace. They hadn’t gone far when Aenas stooped and the turtle slowed, staying in place with powerful sweeps of her fins. Almost gently, the boy placed one hand on the water and closed his eyes in concentration.

‘I ‘ave comes ter free ye. Do ye be hearin’ me?’ he thought, using the water to send his thoughts to the crabble.

The word ‘free,’ and the accompanying image, struck a chord with the crab and its thrashing slowed. The pain was still there. It was always there. ‘Free me? I’ve been here forever. How?’ was the essence of its thoughts as Aenas picked them up. He was used to the primitive thoughts of fish and a crab was nearly the same.

‘I be sendin’ some o’ me friends. Wit’ dere hep’ I kin see what be keepin’ ye bound. Den I be knowin’ how ter set ye free.. If’n ye wants ter be free, Dinna be hurtin’ me frien’s,’ he sent pictures of the swordfish with his thoughts. Pictures worked so much better with primal beings.

Aenas’ mind followed his friends, the swordfish, as they dove deep into the straits. They were heading for the floor of the sea, deep below the still thrashing crabble. Slowly, cautiously, the fish started rising. Swimming up toward the dangerous crabble until they could see the four legs of the crab bound by icy chains to the seabed. When Aenas saw the problem, his mind whirled as he contemplated the next move. Then he urged a swordfish to approach one of the icy chains with his bill.

The cold hitting the fish’s sword beak while it worked on breaking the chains was excruciating but Aenas tightened his hold and kept the fish working. After ten minutes, he released the first fish and sent in another. The third fish finally snapped the first chain and it was gone. Just gone! Magic then, as he suspected. Aenas allowed the fish to leave as he sent two more swordfish to join forces on the second chain. This time the link snapped more quickly as the fish learned how to break the chains. It only took a nudge from Aenas to get two teams of fish working on the last two chains and shortly the crabble was free and his pain began to subside.

‘I yours, now,’ came the thoughts of the crabble in gratitude.

‘You free. I axe you to stay nearby. I let you know,’ came Aenas’ response.

Finally finished, Aenas straightened on the back of the turtle which twirled around to return him to the Mal de Verde. When Aenas stepped back aboard the ship, the captain and some of the crew were waiting and watching. Watching a young man controlling a turtle nearly as large as a whalte, thank-you. They had no idea what had gone on beneath the waves but his ability to call a turtle to do his bidding was astounding enough.

Aenas, are you alright? asked the captain..

Aye, sir, he answered formally.

Are we through here?

Aye, sir.

Come with me. I need a full report, said Captain Sevalian with a stern look. As the two of them headed for the captain’s cabin, the sailors parted to let them by. Staring at Aenas uneasily. Several of them made signs to ward off bad luck as he passed.

•••

North of the churning waters of the Strait of the Claw, Kaleera was walking down the grand staircase of red limestone that curved gracefully up the center of her palace. She was contemplating what her next steps should be when the swordfish broke the first of the magical chains that bound the great crabble to Barakus’ bidding and she stumbled. Catching herself on the railing, she stood still for a moment, trying to pinpoint where the disturbance was coming from.

With a thoughtful frown, she traveled to the next landing before the next chain snapped and the pain lanced through her temple. Breathing heavily, she barely stopped herself from losing her balance and tumbling down the long flight of stairs by grabbing the rail with both hands. As the pain started to abate, she took a deep breath and tried to step into a nearby corridor but another snapping chain of magic made her gasp and brought tears to her eyes as she sank to sit on the stairs. Her servant, Aytes, seeing her mistress’ distress, started running down the stairs to help her while Kaleera clutched her head in agony. Aytes had just reached the sorceress when Kaleera