Darkmatter Forge: Dragons of Darkmatter Saga Book 2

By Dylan Greye

The exciting adventures of Kumyr and Bhaje continues in Darkmatter Forge. A new danger emerges on the planet of Pargost. Drawn together by danger, they question who to trust while facing old and new enemies. With more of the vaunted Rafelims at their side, the heroes attempt to rescue a companion from the evil clutches of a powerful mad scientist. The quest could determine the fate of the final conflict between the Onunaki and the darkmatter dragons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823015561

Dylan Greye

Dylan Greye studied English with an intensity in Creative Writing at the prestigious University of Rochester in New York. Dylan has worked mostly in healthcare as a software trainer and as a primary care supervisor. He is currently a writer, volunteer life coach, and ufologist.

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© 2023 Dylan Greye. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  10/16/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1557-8 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1558-5 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1556-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023919139

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

CONTENTS

Author’s Note - Perceiving Death

Prologue

Chapter 1 Artisan Magic

Chapter 2 Finding the Forge

Chapter 3 Jabrael’s Quest

Chapter 4 Artisan Magic

Chapter 5 Unexpected Messengers

Chapter 6 Enemies Waiting

Chapter 7 Egis of the Onunaki

Chapter 8 Wraith of Crookwald

Chapter 9 Lost and Scattered

Chapter 10 Mage and Demon

Chapter 11 Zendru

Chapter 12 Strength in Scars

Chapter 13 Blood Trail

Chapter 14 Wightshorn

Chapter 15 Facets of Truth

Chapter 16 Lord of Brinshaw

Chapter 17 Friend or Foe

Chapter 18 The Ruins of Raivel Castle

Chapter 19 Matthos

Chapter 20 The Nightsayer

Chapter 21 The Laughing Hills

Chapter 22 Revenant

Chapter 23 Lady of Brinshaw

Chapter 24 Silver Ambrosia

Chapter 25 Reunions and Revels

Chapter 26 Return to Bazanyar

Chapter 27 An Uninvited Guest

Chapter 28 The March to Brinshaw

Chapter 29 Risks and Rewards

Chapter 30 Hostages and Bargains

Chapter 31 Surprise in the Shadows

Chapter 32 Worth Defending

Chapter 33 Think Like the Enemy

Chapter 34 Into the Dark

Chapter 35 Yugor’s Trap

Chapter 36 The Reckoning

Chapter 37 Promises Kept

Chapter 38 Dar’Astum

Chapter 39 Aztuq

Chapter 40 Shade in the Light

Epilogue

Glossary

This book is

dedicated to Leslie. Her smile made the stars

shine bright when things looked the darkest. The One Song

couldn’t have struck a note with more divine energy.

Thanks to the eyeballs and efforts of Zack, David, and Sue.

Special thanks to professor and author Sally Caves. Her

talented teaching and free spirit opened my mind to the

possibilities. Like the holodeck, anything is possible.

Author Erica Spray’s imaginative input was greatly appreciated.

ADJSTD%20PARGOST%20MAP.jpg

AUTHOR’S NOTE -

PERCEIVING DEATH

A s vibrating source energy, we chose to come here and experience this life. Like Shakespeare’s stage, we play our parts. The wisest among us rejoice in the opportunity to portray every scene devoid of strings. When actors leave the stage, they unite with the eternally delighted audience. While the divine light shines on you, allow happiness to guide your thoughts and actions as you tell your story from one moment to the next.

~Dylan Greye

PROLOGUE

M ost of Dallgar’s rafelim armor had been torn off by the vampires. The cuts on his arms and legs from their infectious claws had turned black. The ambrosia fought against the dark poison in his bloodstream, but he knew it was a lost cause.

Beneath a brooding morning sky, the vicious mob dragged Dallgar down the main road to their master’s abode. Unnatural black clouds sheltered his adversary’s legion from the sunlight.

The rafelim had lost count of how many former citizens had fallen from his white blade before he succumbed to the sheer numbers. Dallgar glanced up through his overhanging strands of black hair, soaked with sweat and blood.

The peaceful town that once revered him was the epicenter of an evil plague, threatening the entire planet he’d been charged with protecting. A young girl in the crowd glared at him with her red-streaked eyes.

Knowing his failure was complete, Dallgar allowed the despair to flow over his soul. He couldn’t see any path that would lead to his enemy’s defeat. Surrender was not in his vocabulary, regardless of the odds. Every obstacle he’d encountered always had a solution, but not this time. With his friends on other assignments, there was no one else who could come to his rescue.

The sharp nails dug into his wrists as they approached the mansion on top of the hill that overlooked the community. The darkest of the gloomy clouds draped over the lair of the vampire lord. Jeers and snarls accompanied Dallgar’s arms being chained to the two pillars.

The oak double-doors of the mansion creaked open. The short, lean figure lingered within the shadows of the foyer, making certain his albino skin was safe from the deadly rays of the sun. The torchlight reflected off his pink skull. Purple robes curled around him like a demonic shawl.

Welcome, Rafelim, the vampire lord said with a strained, childlike voice. I see you’ve met my new family. I hope they’ve treated you well. His black irises brimmed with darkmatter, and his power was beyond reckoning.

The crowd of vampires cheered for their victorious leader.

Murdering filth, Dallgar said under his breath.

The vampire lord stepped onto the porch. It’s only fair. You and your friends murdered my children, so I will take over this world.

Dallgar would meet the same fate of his beloved Jabrael, slain by the same madman. The irony made his stomach churn. His miscalculation that the frail rogue scientist had died years ago would cost more than just his own life.

I know what you must be thinking, foolish Rafelim. The raspy voice slithered down the hill to his thralls who watched with murderous anticipation. You believe I am under the control of a brutish darkmatter dragon.

Although Dallgar was defeated, he still searched for a means to escape. Compromised by the vampiric virus, he was too weak to kill his enemy. Yet with a bit of luck, he could break free long enough to send a warning to his friends of the danger he’d been blind to over the years.

No reply? Yugor wore a predatory grin. Your bravery as a warrior is undisputed. And as much as you’d love to escape your chains and destroy me, don’t waste your final moments on such a lost cause. I won’t allow my devoted children to be cheated of our final confrontation.

The enchanted gathering shouted louder to see Dallgar killed.

The vampire lord leaned in and whispered. Your fall will be the first of many to come. That includes your masters. The all-knowing Onunaki will be destroyed. Even the dragons will do my bidding as I rise to supremacy.

Dallgar strained against the shackles. You’re too arrogant to rule anyone. You can hide in the shadows all you want. Even if you infect everyone on Pargost, you’ll run out of victims.

Such primitive thinking. No borders will bind me. The vampire lord stretched his arms as though he was embracing the entire gathering. Our great family will spread to every planet of the galaxy! We will destroy anyone who stands in our way!

The vampire thralls hurled more insults at their prisoner while cheering on their powerful master. With a gesture, he ordered Dallgar to be set free of his shackles. The obedient henchmen unlocked the chains without question.

The overconfidence of his adversary surprised Dallgar. Remaining on his knees, he used his temporal power to absorb the energy from the loose chains. Before anyone could stop him, he pointed the golden shen symbols on his palms at the vampire lord.

Nothing happened. Dallgar’s hands moved against his will until they were pinned behind him. It was too late. The ambrosia that had kept him alive for centuries had failed. His body was under the control of the pale vampire lord looming over him.

The fool thought he was free! Yugor gloated as the rabid crowd laughed.

You can’t steal the temporal power, even if I become your thrall, Dallgar said through gritted teeth. The ambrosia will shut down my body. We saw to that after Jabrael died.

The vampire lord showed his fangs as he smiled. I gathered as much. Why do you think I didn’t drain your blood myself? I confess I once desired your Onunaki abilities. As you can see, I no longer need them. I found something far better.

Dallgar struggled in futile attempts to make his body move.

"Before you die, Rafelim, I want you to learn the truth and full scope of your defeat. My ruse of being dead worked better than I could’ve anticipated. With my son slain and my decaying body lying half-frozen in the depths of the mountains beneath the ruins, I assumed my plans had been thwarted. I prepared myself for an agonizing and slow death. Then you destroyed the upper complex and unwittingly trapped a darkmatter dragon in the rubble.

Dallgar glanced up, finally understanding how Yugor had survived.

The dragon had no choice but to retreat into the bowels of the mountain. You and your friends provided me with the information I needed. While it waited for the window of my death, my soul latched on to the darkmatter dragon.

Dallgar said nothing, refusing to give the vampire lord the satisfaction.

Your blunder was my gain. At the most crucial moment, I ensnared the parasitic dragon and used its energy to rise again. It lives inside me as my source of unlimited power. A vampire thrall handed him Dallgar’s sword. My compliments to you, Rafelim. Thank you for revealing a much larger universe to me. Alas, you’ve outlived your usefulness.

The Rafelims will come for you. I summoned them already. Your maniacal rule will end before it begins. An idle threat was all he had left.

The vampire lord pulled the white blade from the scabbard. What better way to end your wretched existence than with your former companion’s weapon?

Like a tortured puppet, Dallgar’s body betrayed him. The vampire lord forced his neck to lean forward. The swoosh of Jabrael’s blade was the last sound Dallgar heard.

1

ARTISAN MAGIC

B haje Noor’s eyes flung open as the nightmare ended. She sat up, shocked by her first real dream since Wuhzyn had been destroyed. Though the wicked Djinn’s torments would always haunt her memories, she was grateful her natural precognition was slowly returning.

The Nightsayer ran her fingers along the permanent scar where the Artisan necklace had burned her skin. The pearls had been a prison to her as much as it had been to Wuhzyn. The guilt flooded over her every time she thought of Faroe Qul’s death at the hands of the evil Djinn. Rhin Poh and Kumyr had offered many kind words to help expel her grief, yet nothing had taken root.

It seemed like months, yet only a week had passed since their costly triumph. While they adjusted to life inside Light’s Fate, everyone dealt with the loss of Faroe Qul and Ligwif in their own ways. She would’ve traded places with Faroe Qul if given the choice. Grateful Wuhzyn had been destroyed, Bhaje regretted every argument and unkindness she and the red-haired rafelim had exchanged over the years. She vowed to his brave spirit, wherever he was, she’d learn from her failure.

After stretching her limbs, Bhaje climbed out of the surprisingly comfortable egg-shaped bed. The small room was empty, but she didn’t feel alone. Any ishlyra would feel claustrophobic spending too much time in an indoor facility, and the sterile conditions of Light’s Fate added to her paranoia. Though impressive in its own way, the Artisan fortress was a stark contrast to the natural energy of her beloved Willorial Glades on Muldara.

I didn’t think it possible, but this place is cleaner and weirder than the Onunaki Citadel, she muttered to herself. Although Light’s Fate had provided everything the companions needed, Bhaje sensed tiny eyes watching her every move and eavesdropping on everything she said. The eerie Artisan structure kept her senses on edge.

She gazed around the empty white room of perfectly formed right-angles, tallying all of the oddities. There wasn’t a single nail, brick, or plank in sight, giving the impression the place had been conjured by powerful magic. The unblemished floor had been constructed of the same enigmatic material as the walls. The soft yellow light emanating from the high ceiling without a particular source, responded to her movements, and there were no torches or glass bulbs full of fireflies to generate the light. It was just there, and it intensified wherever she went.

This place is so creepy, Bhaje said, loud enough for the room to hear her. As a test, she had thrown her white blankets on the floor the previous morning. When she had returned, a set of fresh blankets had been folded on her bed, and the old ones were gone. Traveling with Rhin Poh and Gnaarx had exposed her mind to technology she could never have imagined, yet the Artisan fortress broke all the boundaries of her sensibility.

Setting aside the strangeness about Light’s Fate, Bhaje attacked her long strands of black hair with the brush that wasn’t on the bedside table when she’d gone to sleep. As she worked out the snags, the round mirror on the wall revealed the thin black scar on her neck. Kumyr had used a mysterious ointment to heal her, but the burned skin would forever mark her failure.

After tying her hair into a single braid, Bhaje put on her spidersilk cloak and situated the bone daggers on her waist. She rechecked the pockets of her tunic, making sure the contents had been left undisturbed. Before going to sleep, she had threatened the watchful room to leave all of her belongings alone.

Repeated raps on the door meant it was time for breakfast. Bhaje knew the eager knocks could only be Kumyr. While everyone licked their wounds and adjusted to the strangeness of the fortress, the enthusiastic prince roamed the empty halls with an intense happiness. His uncanny knowledge of the layout unsettled Bhaje more than Light’s Fate itself. She sensed his enthusiasm for the Artisan knowledge had become an obsession.

She couldn’t deny Light’s Fate had saved her life, and the same medicinal balm used on her neck had brought Turgato the Bronze back from the brink of death. She just hoped the young prince would relax and be himself again. On the first day, Kumyr had discovered drinking water, food, bedrooms, bathrooms, meeting halls, and traveling supplies. He took it all in stride like he owned the place. Watching Rhin Poh follow Kumyr around unnerved her the most. The rafelim’s role as leader had changed overnight.

After the second round of knocks, Bhaje approached the door. The lack of doorknobs or any handles added to the growing list of things that agitated her.

Come in, she said to the room with a cynical tone. The nondescript door swung slowly outward on unseen hinges.

Good morning, Bhaje, Kumyr said with a smile. Did you sleep well?

She studied his soft blue eyes. I had a dream of the future last night.

That’s fantastic! I hoped this place had healing powers. Was the dream like the ones you had when you were young?

Are you saying I’m old now? Bhaje couldn’t help herself from teasing him even though she wasn’t in the best of moods.

Kumyr blushed. No, that’s not what I was saying. I mean you used to—

Relax. Yes, it was like the ones I had in the old days before Wuhzyn. A sudden sadness washed over her, and she stifled the tears trying to break loose.

Kumyr stepped close and hugged her.

Instead of recoiling from the affection, Bhaje hugged him back. Kumyr was so kind and different from any other person she’d met. Still, she had no idea why she felt so comfortable in his embrace.

You’ve endured a lot of pain on your own, Kumyr whispered. You’re free of Wuhzyn now. I wish I could have done more to help you, but at least that vile Djinn has been destroyed.

I hope so.

Bhaje’s pulse quickened as they held each other with the unmistakable tension of mutual attraction. When she let go, he stumbled backward into the doorframe. They both laughed.

Kumyr rubbed the back of his head. You don’t sound certain Wuhzyn is gone.

When he trapped me in the mist, he mentioned there was another Djinn nearby. What if there are more of them out there? They will certainly take revenge for his death.

Kumyr held the door open for her. It was probably another one of his lies. Poh told me Wuhzyn was the only Djinn left according to the loremasters.

You’re probably right. Wuhzyn was certainly good at telling lies. Bhaje smiled as she followed him out of the room. She couldn’t deny his optimism had an effect on her.

As they walked the hallways, passing hundreds of glowing symbols, she marveled at the corridors that stretched high enough so that even Turgato was able to fit comfortably.

The Artisans must have been true giants by the size of this place, she said.

It sure seems that way. Kumyr laughed. Can you tell me about your dream from last night while we walk.

It wasn’t exactly pleasant, she said with a shiver. I think I’d rather just relive it once, so let’s wait until we meet up with the others.

I understand. Everyone is waiting for us in the assembly hall. When they came to the next intersection, Kumyr turned left without hesitation.

How do you know where you’re going? And how do you know where everything is?

I truly don’t know, he said with a sheepish grin. It’s the magic of this place. And the longer we stay here, more pops into my head. Sometimes, when I touch the gold symbols on the walls, my brain gets bombarded with things I can’t comprehend. They only seem to make sense to me when I need the information.

Don’t you find that scary? Maybe you should be more cautious what you touch.

Kumyr continued to smile. Light’s Fate responds to me. I don’t know how, other than it wants to help us. I feel like it was divine providence we were able to find it before anyone else. Maybe the One Song helped us the whole way here. Poh seems to feel that way.

I’m sure he does. Bhaje was happy for Kumyr. It was just difficult to trust anything she couldn’t see or explain. And the notion of escaping intensified the longer she was inside.

Like this morning, for example, Kumyr said with enthusiasm. I was thinking all of us would need clean clothes. I turned a corner, and a door opened. There were drawers on a wall in the room, so I opened them. I could hardly believe it when all of our clothes had somehow been replicated, except for your spidersilk cloak and Rhin Poh’s armor. Fortunately, Gnaarx managed to pull out a new set with his secret portal thing. He had to go outside for it to work, and Turgato went with him. He wants to repair the damage to Fury’s Clutch so we can head back to Q’Maat.

Bhaje noted he conversed with a hyper tempo like he was channeling Ligwif. She perked up at the notion of getting back to a normal form of civilization. More than anything, she wanted to speak with Romle again. Her friend and mentor had become the permanent leader of Q’Maat, and Bhaje wanted to share the details of how Faroe Qul had saved her.

When Kumyr stopped and touched a large door, it opened into an enormous space, nearly the size of King Olterc’s throne room in Palenq. As Bhaje walked in with him, she was surprised by the long oak table with curved black chairs capable of sitting thirty people. There was no dust or signs of age. Like everything else in Light’s Fate, the room appeared to be newly constructed.

How can everything be so new and clean? Bhaje asked.

Kumyr was already at the panel of runestones that corresponded to the room.

Rhin Poh smiled as he crossed the unblemished white floor, clicking his staff. Did you sleep well, Bhaje?

A few hours I guess.

The rafelim noticed her sour expression. Has something happened?

I can’t get anything past you, can I? Bhaje said with a smirk. Yes, I had a dream. I’ll have to tell you all about it. The strain of recent events showed on the rafelim’s face. You have something on your mind as well.

Rhin Poh held out his hands. I still can’t use my temporal power. I was optimistic when Gnaarx opened the shadow portal near the darkmatter tree, but I couldn’t charge my staff in the courtyard either. I fear the Onunaki made good on their threat to remove my access.

Peace is now, she said with a wink. Don’t forget.

The rafelim nodded. I could never forget such simple and profound wisdom.

Kumyr labored at the panel until a countertop slid out of the wall closest to the oak table. Hot food, fresh fruits, exotic nuts, pristine water, and various wines were spread out for them.

Where did all that come from? Bhaje asked Kumyr.

He shrugged and smiled while decorating the table with place settings that also appeared.

By the look on Rhin Poh’s face, he was just as mystified as Bhaje.

Kumyr paused. Don’t worry, Poh. I’m sure Light’s Fate is the reason for the disruption. You’ll be able to use your powers again once we’re far enough away from the Maelstrom.

Bhaje shook her head, watching Kumyr advise a wise rafelim like Rhin Poh.

Perhaps it’s for the best, Rhin Poh said with a sigh. It may not be prudent to let them know my location if I can still use the temporal energy. Though I’d guess the Onunaki are aware we’ve entered Light’s Fate.

Good, Bhaje said. I’d like to tell them to their faces what corrupt cowards they are. If I see them again, they’ll get more than a piece of my mind. And we got here in spite of their lies.

Do you think they know about Qul? Kumyr asked after placing the utensils for six.

Rhin Poh frowned. Yes, they know when a rafelim falls.

Almost oblivious to the answer, Kumyr walked to the far side of the dining room to bring over salt and other seasonings.

I don’t like this place, Bhaje whispered to Rhin Poh when she was certain Kumyr was out of earshot. And he’s acting…differently.

Rhin Poh gave her a supportive nod as Kumyr approached. If Turgato is right, they can’t locate me while I’m in here.

Speaking of the giant assassin, aren’t the others going to join us? Bhaje asked.

Kumyr motioned them over to the food. Gnaarx wanted to open a portal for something. He wouldn’t say why. Nuriah is leading them around, so they don’t get lost. She’s so smart. I’ll bet she knows this place even better than I do.

Bhaje cut her eyes at Rhin Poh.

Turgato wanted some fresh air, Rhin Poh said.

I know how he feels, Bhaje said. That doesn’t mean we should trust him as if he’s part of the group? Wasn’t he trying to kill me just a few days ago?

Turgato’s no longer the Egis of the Onunaki, Rhin Poh said. His will wasn’t his own.

Bhaje folded her arms. You said it was his choice to become the Egis.

That’s true. That choice forfeited his ability to choose when he became their weapon. I think the explosion that destroyed Wuhzyn somehow freed him from their control. I’ve not had any dealings with planet Elenic. I only know the sollimors are a noble and honor-bound people.

That may be, but I still don’t like it. Bhaje turned as the large door swung open again.

Nuriah pranced in the room then leapt into Kumyr’s welcoming arms. He laughed as the sunpuppy licked his face.

Gnaarx scrambled in next and wasted no time jabbering to Rhin Poh.

What do you mean? the rafelim asked with concern.

The agitated gargoyle hopped up and down and balled his fists as he clicked his teeth.

This is dreadful news indeed, Rhin Poh said before explaining to the group. It seems the Quantum Tunnels have been blocked somehow. All the portals, in and out, have been sealed off by something or someone.

The Onunaki did it, Bhaje said with a glare.

Everyone stared as Turgato’s ten-foot frame ducked into the room. He wore a green tunic with brown pants that Light’s Fate had provided while he slept.

I doubt it was the Onunaki, the sollimor warrior said, rubbing the small ivory spikes on the back of his arm. Turgato’s voice was deeper than Rhin Poh’s, and the rafelim appeared small while standing next to him.

Welcome, Turgato the Bronze, Kumyr said, showing him to the oversized seat.

"No, it is just Turgato, he said. Without my armor and weapons, I have no title."

Bhaje studied the enormous, teal-skinned soldier. Even though he wasn’t under the Egis spell, she still had trouble trusting the former puppet of the Onunaki. His assignment had been to track and murder her. It would be difficult to get used to him. Her instinct was to consider every stranger as a potential threat.

Turgato bowed to Bhaje as if trying to make up for his previous actions. She returned the gesture with a drawn-out nod then moved closer to Kumyr. The situation was different now that Turgato could speak, and he didn’t have the glazed look in his eyes anymore. She decided it was better to remain wary, suspecting the Onunaki would try to reclaim control over their champion.

The sollimor surveyed the room with his large orange eyes. I smelled the wondrous food from the hallway. I hope I didn’t delay the morning feast.

Why don’t you think the Onunaki closed the Tunnels? Rhin Poh asked.

We should discuss the situation while we eat, Kumyr said. Everyone, take as much as you like. Don’t worry, all the food will stay hot. I don’t know how Light’s Fate does it.

The companions poured their drinks and took what they wanted from the counter.

While piling food on his plate, Turgato swallowed a fish whole as if it were a grape. The Onunaki have no control of the Quantum Tunnels. They don’t possess that kind of power. I don’t have a coherent memory of my time as the Egis, just fragments and images here and there. I only know they sent me through their temporal dimension whenever I travelled. The Onunaki have no understanding of how to control darkmatter, and that’s why they fear the dragons.

Then it was Vaere, Kumyr concluded. He has the power to do it. Maybe he’s trying to get even with me for getting into Light’s Fate. Why block the Tunnels though?

We can’t get any help now if he attacks again, Rhin Poh said. The Rafelims wouldn’t be able to come to our aid if I called them to help defend Light’s Fate. He paused while Gnaarx let out another outburst. The same goes for the gnaarxi. They’re unable to travel as well.

Gnaarx growled and spat a cherry pit on to the floor. Then he grabbed the bowl of honey fried beetles and brought it to his chair. Ignoring the utensils, the gargoyle shoved the insects into his mouth as fast as he could.

Nuriah was already in her seat that was tall enough for her to sit at the table and observe everyone. Kumyr sat next to her and rubbed her ears after a spoonful of hot soup.

What about their shadow portals? Bhaje asked.

Rhin Poh smelled the buttered bread. They can only transport inanimate objects.

The Moribound is keeping Vaere from attacking again, Kumyr said. If it’s one thing I learned about Vaere, he won’t stop scheming until he gets what he wants.

So, once he figures a way around the Moribound, he will attack, Bhaje said. And we still have no idea what the Onunaki’s intentions are.

The group fell silent as they contemplated all the ramifications.

Let’s enjoy the meal, Kumyr said. After Bhaje tells us about her dream, I want all of you to see something I found when I was exploring.

Gnaarx had gathered another bowl, stuffing his misshapen face with hardboiled eggs. The gargoyle snickered when Turgato put a baked gaming hen in his mouth and crunched the bones.

I’m ignoring where it came from because this trout is cooked to perfection, Bhaje said.

Kumyr smiled as though they were in his home, making sure his guests felt welcome with every comfort. This place has technology I will never fully understand, yet some things make a lot more sense the more I study them. I know how that must sound. From what I can tell, energy flows through the entire fortress and is converted into whatever we need. The Artisans designed the technology to respond to their wishes. Likewise, we can create just about anything we want.

Why does it work for you if the Artisans are gone? Rhin Poh asked, savoring a purple vegetable he’d never seen before. And where does the energy come from?

Sometimes the walls whisper answers to my questions, Kumyr said nonchalantly.

Bhaje wrinkled her nose at Rhin Poh who shrugged.

Kumyr continued without noticing their reactions. The intricacies of all this machinery are embedded in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Every level of Light’s Fate is based on advanced nanotechnology in a plasma state. The darkmatter tree in the courtyard focuses the energy from the planet that is gathered in the Maelstrom. Then it flows down into the roots.

Then where does the energy go? Turgato asked, looking towards the food counter for a second round. His arm was long enough to grab more biscuits without leaving his oversized seat.

That’s what I’m going to show you after breakfast, Kumyr said while rubbing Nuriah’s ears again. "I found something called the Forge."

2

FINDING THE FORGE

K umyr was confused when his announcement was met by tense silence. Explaining the Artisan technology to his friends had been a struggle. Discovering the source of energy in Light’s Fate has the potential to change the war against the darkmatter dragons.

So, tell us what this Forge can do. Rhin Poh sampled more of the exotic fruits.

I don’t know just yet, Kumyr said, even though he had a rough understanding already. The knowledge from the glowing runestones seeped into his mind with every breath. He worried he was becoming isolated from his friends. It will be easier to show you, and I want all of you to be part of the wonders here. I found the chamber that houses the Forge last night, wandering the hallways with Nuriah.

The sunpuppy’s sharp bark preceded her jumping into Kumyr’s lap. Although he wanted to feed her something, Nuriah seemed immune to mortal needs.

I think hearing about Bhaje’s dream is more important at the moment, Kumyr said. Her ability to dream as she once had would have a significant impact on her healing. He struggled to listen with his full attention while Light’s Fate distracted him with constant bits of knowledge.

Bhaje took her time recounting her dream to the group. Her voice quivered when she had to describe the horrific details of the rafelim’s death.

Do you think Dallgar is dead? Rhin Poh asked with a somber look in his golden eyes.

No, this one was like the dreams I had before Wuhzyn, Bhaje said. What I saw was a potential future, and the images were vivid. That usually means it will come true if we don’t do something to help him.

Who is Dallgar? Kumyr asked, blocking out the distraction in the back of his mind.

His name is strange to me as well, Turgato said after swallowing another fish. Though I only recall some events while I performed as the Egis, I don’t remember that name.

It’s unlikely you met him, Rhin Poh said. Rafelim Dallgar has remained on the planet Pargost where our friend Jabrael died. She was also one of the Rafelims. Dallgar mourns for her and refuses to leave Pargost.

Dallgar is very noble, Bhaje said. It sickens me to know Yugor is still alive. Worse, it seems he’s stolen the energy from a darkmatter dragon or will soon.

Gnaarx took sudden interest at the mention of a dragon and stopped eating. He chattered at Rhin Poh who then translated.

I agree. It’s bewildering to think that mad scientist survived the explosion that destroyed the ruined castle. If Yugor is alive and captured a darkmatter dragon, he’ll exploit that power to further his evil plots.

I take it this Yugor person is responsible for Jabrael’s death, Kumyr said.

Rhin Poh nodded. In short, he found advanced technology in a mountain fortress. Doctor Yugor Ulesky was near death and began experimenting with nanotechnology and blood genetics on his own children.

How monstrous, Turgato said. His clenched fist bent the stainless-steel fork. An evil like that must be destroyed. We should help this Rafelim Dallgar.

Gnaarx agreed by clicking his teeth and jumping across the table, knocking over his glass of red wine. The table inexplicably absorbed the spill in seconds. The gargoyle folded his arms as he stood near the sollimor’s plate, showing his solidarity.

We will need to find a way into the Quantum Tunnels, Kumyr said. His ear twitched as if Light’s Fate was listening. Bhaje, did all of your dreams come true prior to Wuhzyn?

That’s why I’m worried about Dallgar, Bhaje said. All my nightmares about the future always came true, except one.

Can you tell us about that? Kumyr asked, trying to brighten the mood.

Bhaje fidgeted under the scrutiny and sighed. When I was young, I dreamed of a terrible fire sweeping over the jungle. It was during the Agora, a gathering of all the clans near the edge of the Willorial Glades. It only happens every nine years. The clan leaders share their insights on what they witnessed while traveling through the Ishlyran Territories.

That’s fascinating, Kumyr said. My people know so little about the ishlyras. Should I keep the Agora a secret?

Bhaje shrugged. I think it’s okay to tell your father about it.

Please continue, Rhin Poh said.

When I woke up from my nightmare, I ran to my parents’ tent and warned them. I was worried because it was unseasonably dry, and a fire could’ve been disastrous. My father ordered the entire area to be searched. No one found anything out of place. Many accused me of being an alarmist. Minutes later, a silver jaguar snuck into the camp and attacked one of the ishlyra elders. He stumbled backwards into a cooking fire and set himself and the grass ablaze. Because of my dream, many were already awake to help him. The jaguar was killed quickly, and the fires were put out. The elder survived his burns, although he was badly scarred.

Turgato cleared his throat with water. Dreams are sacred to my people. Every sollimor considers them wisdom from Raddhi the Lifegod. We would’ve honored you as a hero.

Your dream potentially saved all the ishlyras, Rhin Poh said. The tragedy of one was better than the tragedy of many.

Not everyone felt that way. Bhaje stood up and took her plate to the counter. Some of my people believed the incident was my fault. That I had cursed our people with a terrible fate.

The most important thing is that your warned everyone, Kumyr said. And you altered the future of your nightmare. I think the same will happen with your dream about Dallgar.

Rhin Poh stood up. Dallgar is a remarkable warrior and a gifted tactician. He wields the temporal power better than any of the Rafelims. Yet his grief is beyond measure. Bhaje’s dream has shown us that Dallgar is in grave danger. I doubt he’s aware that Yugor lives.

Nuriah jumped to the floor as Kumyr stood up with everyone else. I think we should see the Forge together. Then we’ll figure out how to get into the Tunnels to help Dallgar. He smiled when Bhaje’s face brightened at the mention of leaving Light’s Fate. He knew she preferred the outdoors, and none of his friends appreciated