Rebirth of the ReVelant: Prymzia, #2

By T.L. Sanders

The Elders gave Luke, Frankie, and Emily a drink from the Elders' cup and sent them home through the veil to wipe away all knowledge of the secret island, the pearls, and the Gift. Many years ago, Carthia sacrificed himself by encasing the sea monster, Leviathan, in stone to protect Prymzia. However, the monster is now free. After a fierce battle on the Prymzian shore, the beast escaped into the ocean. The Elders said Luke and his siblings would be safer on their home island rather than Prymzia. The same sea surrounds Divine Island as it does Prymzia! Why would they think they would be safer? And what about the Marsini?

Three pearls hover ─ one over each volcano, until now. Legion, the Marsini leader, stole one pearl causing the protective veil to shred at that corner of the island. With difficulty, the Prymzian Guard worked to conceal that corner. Even though Prymzia once again had possession of the pearl, Seona's anxiety intensified with every passing day as the stakes grew higher. When will they return the pearl to its proper place? Prymzia's secrets must stay concealed. If the plan to restore the pearl fails, Seona fears chaos will take over. Will wildlife peace remain, and what about the old fable of the dragonflies ─ will they grow into dragons?

The Marsini, that evil horde, continue with their plans to control Prymzia. Who will stop them?

Book 2 of Prymzia is action-packed and full of mystery. Don't forget to read Book 1 first - Ravager of the Sea.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.L. Sanders
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223799269

T.L. Sanders

T.L. SANDERS is a graduate of Kaskaskia College and of the Institute of Children's Literature. She lives in Southern Illinois, with her husband.  After studying the art of writing for children and teens, T.L. pursued several avenues to hone her skills, both as a writer and illustrator. In the process, she has sold short stories to Essential Skills, illustrations to a toy company for heirloom puzzles, and more.  She continues to write and illustrate her YA fantasy series "Prymzia" and children's books.                                                                                               John 3:11-12 

Book preview

Chapter 1

MISSING PEARL OF PRYMZIA

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Fables, all fables.  ~ Feeble minded Elder

THE PRYMZIAN SKY STILL shimmered with yellow, blue, and purple over two volcanoes, but over the third volcano, the veil resembled a shredded spider web.

Seona took a deep breath. When will her uncle and the other elders relieve her guilt? When will they return the pearl to the volcano? Threads of the unraveled shroud floated in the sky. I wish they would hurry. The protective veil needed to be whole again.

Her uncle Dorian had not blamed her. Why would he? He didn’t know the truth about her, the fact that she had the forbidden gift. Desperate to keep her secret, she had aided the enemy. It did not matter that she hadn’t known of the devious plan to steal the pearl—to release the sea monster, Leviathan, from his stony prison. She was still guilty. Her selfishness had trapped her, suffocating her as if being in a locked box filled with shame. She had misled Luke, delivering him into the hands of the wicked leader of the Marsini. That was the price she paid Legion for the safety of her secret. Fear had guided her, but it would no more.

She crossed the stone-paved plaza before it became busy with marketeers.

The intimidating shadow of Rada Tor, Tower of the Elders and Chiefs, reached across the quarter-moon shaped plaza. It touched the house clusters that bordered the quiet plaza.

Seona kept her steady pace and walked through the tower entrance. The rough gray bricks looked cold and unwelcoming.

Halt! said a guard.

She paused. Why? I’m here to visit my uncle as usual.

I’m sorry, Seona, the guard said, They have given me orders that no one enters. Not even the elders’ family members.

Seona peeked around him. He shifted to block her view.

Sorry, but you can’t. There’s an important gathering going on.

That’s all right, Bass. I’ll come back later. She turned and strolled back in the direction she came.

Seona glanced back. Bass had returned to his post.

She rounded the curve of the brick wall. Sparkles of light whipped around her. The coldness of the stone stole the heat from her body. Her breathing slowed. Brown and beige blotches covered her arms, legs, and then scales covered her body. As quick and tiny as a mouse, she scrambled along the wall. At times, the use of her gift was necessary. Transforming into a tiny lizard would get her into the gathering unnoticed.

Seona scurried past Bass and into the Hall of Elders.

The group of ten Elders, her uncle included, talked among themselves.

She moved closer, finding it hard to understand the garbled conversations.

Enough! Dorian barked.

Her uncle’s booming voice ruffled her back scales.

We can’t keep the pearl here much longer, he said.

I believe we are all in agreement that the longer it takes to return the sphere, the worse the collapse, one Elder said. The nature of this island is out of balance. Ships that sail by, without a doubt, can spot the island. The Prymzian Guard is working hard to conceal that corner of the island.

And there are reports the dragonflies are growing, a white-haired Elder commented. They’ve been seen flying around the volcano where the veil has frayed.

Oh, the people are fearful, another Elder complained. The fables about dragons living in the volcanoes before the veil reduced them in size are but a myth. Fear makes people imagine all sorts of things. He fiddled with the mole on top of his baldhead.

What about that creature — Leviathan? The white-haired Elder winced. Any sightings of it near the island?

The bald man tapped the ribbing on his armrest. No, no sightings reported yet.

What about that boy? The one that helped Legion, another Elder asked.

That boy was a victim, not the transgressor, Dorian said. He is also the heir to seat the Chief’s throne.

The bald Elder huffed. He is an outsider and does not know Prymzia. He’d do more harm than help.

Several Elders nodded.

Seona whipped her tail. Luke is from the line of Soran. How dare they consider him that way. The prophetic song says—. They will see.

But more important is the here and now, said the only woman in the group of Elders, The veil holds back the sea from flooding the island. If it shreds any further down...

Dorian waved for the group to quiet. There is no doubt they have a plot to steal the pearl before we can return it. Our plans will have it well guarded, as it is now. Even though, we shouldn’t underestimate our foe.

At that moment, something shadowy swept past the window above her uncle’s chair. Seona squeezed her dry eyes shut and looked again. A guard? A bird?

Dorian is right. Raven smiled.

Seona gaped as she thought; Raven should be on Divine Island watching after Luke. After the incident, that was what he told her he planned to do. When the Elders sent Luke away, they dismissed Raven’s concerns for Luke. The Elders felt the threat was solely against Prymzia. So why is he here instead?

The pearl is well-guarded, Raven said, but knowing the enemy at hand, that’s not good enough.

You... you think Legion survived? the white-haired Elder asked.

Raven chuckled. Maybe. But I’m referring to his insurgents, the Marsini.

Surely, Legion died during the fight with Leviathan, Seona thought, as she shifted on the wall. They found his mask floating in the cove. Surely, he’s gone.

We’ll send the Prymzian Guard to return the pearl to the volcano, the bald Elder said.

It would be better to not draw attention to it, Dorian said. We have a modest group trained for this type of mission. They can move around unnoticed and deliver the pearl. Raven, will you explain the talents of the group we have been training?

What? Seona sputtered in a whisper. Why hadn’t Raven told me about this? After all, they’re friends, sharing the same woes. Same gift—illegal gift. Evero Regalo.

I selected four tremendously gifted individuals, Raven said. Their Master Teachers have trained them first, as expected by this room of prestigious Elders. Dorian and I have spent several years specializing their skills.

Seona’s cold-lizard blood heated up. How could Raven leave me out? Then again, since her uncle thinks she is weak with the typical Prymzian gift, how could he have included her without giving away her secret? She sighed.

With your permission, I can set up a meeting to demonstrate.

Is this a rebirth of Soran’s warriors? What were they called? one Elder asked.

Soran’s ReVelant, the white-haired Elder said. They were a dangerous group.

The bald Elder cleared his throat. They were the guardians of the veil, and I think we need such a group of warriors.

Raven nodded. They were loyal to Chief Soran and Prymzia. This group is loyal to the Eldership and Prymzia.

An Elder asked, How soon can we see what they can do?

Give me a few days, Raven answered.

Suddenly, a dark figure in the ceiling rafters caught Seona’s attention. She strained to see. Then a flash of eyes startled her. She looked again. They were gone.

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MAKING UP A STUPID STORY wasn’t what Luke wanted to do. He had to explain where he, Frankie, and Emily had disappeared to for several days. He hated having to lie to his mother and Gram, but he had no choice.

Stay in time! the Coxswain called out.

Luke threw off his distracting thoughts. He gripped his oars tighter as he forced them through the water. He glimpsed Brantley’s boastful smile as the rival boat inched ahead.

Stroke—stroke. The command blasted through the call-horn.

Luke tore the oars through the water.

Still, Brantley’s boat surged ahead.

If Brantley’s crew beats his team, then that would be another thing he’d taunt him with.

Beads of sweat rolled down Luke’s nose. He strained with every stroke. More pressure — more pressure.

A sudden roar of cheers from shore broke his concentration. Brantley’s team had won.

Luke’s boat glided to the dock. He sat, clenching his jaws and shaking his head.

Crewmate Brax patted him on the back and stepped up on the dock. Second-place isn’t anything to mope about, Luke. Good job!

You, too. he sighed. Third place would have been satisfying if we had beaten Brantley.

Luke’s older brother, Jon, gripped his arm and pulled him out of the boat.

Stepping onto the boat dock, he stumbled and fell against a bulky, short-bearded man. I’m sorry, Luke said.

The man grunted and strutted away.

Who was that? Jon asked.

I’ve never seen him before. He probably rooted for Brantley’s team.

You almost won, Jon said. And second place will still get you a second helping of Gram’s bread pudding.

As they headed for home, they saw Brantley’s team holding high their first-place trophy. They shouldn’t have won, Luke mumbled.

If you say that in front of Gram, you won’t be getting any bread pudding.

His brother was right. He wasn’t being a good sportsman. But, if Jon had been through what he had and knew what he knows, he’d have a poor attitude too.

Jon squeezed his shoulder. Being grounded for two weeks knocked you off your game, brother.

The incident, as Gram called it, cost him, Frankie, and Emily two weeks. Two weeks of nothing but chores. Luke tried to convince his mother that rowing practice was work, which meant it was a chore. She told him that any chore that was fun wasn’t a real chore. Mum also said that they should count their blessings. Two weeks didn’t come near to paying for what their carelessness had put the family through.

Emily, not recalling a single detail of their trip, was still trying to figure out why she would have agreed to go to Starfish Point. How did they lose their way back, and why would she have been so stupid as to throw the oars at Frankie and lose them? She was sure he deserved it and blamed Luke for getting them lost.

To make things worse, Frankie hadn’t said but three sentences to him since the incident. He locked himself in his room for most of the two weeks. Luke would get only a glimpse of him as he rushed through meals. He would finished his chores before Luke did and then back behind his closed door he’d go. Was he mad at him or embarrassed that he couldn’t remember a thing about the incident? Frankie had never ignored him this long before.

Luke had taken the blame, hoping Frankie and Emily wouldn’t get into trouble. However, that didn’t work. Now, since they both were not talking to him, he wished he hadn’t.

Going to the Point and getting turned around on the way back was the only story Luke could produce on the spur-of-the-moment. Their return overjoyed Mum and Gram the moment the three of them showed up, but afterwards Mum and Gram exploded like volcanoes.

Luke and Jon arrived home, stopping short of the footpath. I have to go to work, Jon said. I’ll let Mum know you returned home safe — no bumps or wounds. Funny how, all of a sudden, she’s afraid for us to go near the water. I guess you being lost—

Made her think about dad? Luke interrupted, You know, being lost at sea.

That was a long time ago, but maybe, Jon said, his sandy-blonde hair falling in front of his eyes as he nodded. I have to go. Save some of that bread pudding for me.

Sure thing, Luke said as Jon darted off.

Luke jogged up to the kitchen door and wiped the sand off his feet. A wild flutter of wings caused him to duck. You again, he said to a black, long-beaked bird sitting on the porch fence. Don’t you have a nest to build? Go away.

The bird squawked and flew off.

The annoying bird had been hanging around him ever since he, Frankie, and Emily returned home. Luke wanted to ask Frankie if he knew a way to get that darn bird to stop following him. But, Frankie just kept telling him to go away when he’d knock on his door.

He walked into the kitchen, where the smell of fresh baked bread mingled with cinnamon. Gram, I’m home!

Luke followed the sweet scent to the cooling rack. The golden dessert had a note lying next to it. It read DO NOT touch. I will be back in a few hours. Gram.

Defeated again, first by Brantley and now by the forbidden bread pudding. Luke sulked as he traipsed to his bedroom, darting an angry glance at Frankie’s bedroom door as he passed it.

He fell backward on his bed and gazed through his ceiling window at the mansion on the cliff. Gram will be gone for a few hours, Frankie is... being Frankie, and we’re not grounded anymore. Luke grabbed The Book of Carthia from his bookshelf. I have a book to return, he said, bouncing to his feet.

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LUKE RACED UP THE rocky path that wove from his house, through a patch of palm trees, and then up—up—up a steep hill. He came to the dirt road the heat of the sun hit his back. He walked about 20 minutes until he stood in front of Corrinsen Manor.

The white mansion shined in the sunlight. Its windows sparkled.

Luke scaled the steps to the intimidating front door. Broader and taller than any front door he had ever seen. He wondered how many men it took to carry it up the steps. The artwork on the door reminded him of the doorway at the end of the tunnel that led to the mansion. Smooth and polished carvings of sea stars, fish, and other sea life made the door appear as a piece of priceless art.

He banged the metal doorknocker. The door opened. May I help you, young man? Prudence, the maid, asked.

Before a word left Luke’s mouth, Prudence grabbed him by the arm and pulled him inside. Luke! Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first.

Luke looked away, feeling uncomfortable. His eyes, one blue—one brown, easily gave away his identity. If only he could conceal them, as Seona had.

I bet you’re looking for Mr. Ryn... right?

Yes, Ma’am, he said.

I’m sure you remember the way to the library. I’ll let Mr. Ryn know that you’re waiting for him. She straightened her white apron, gave a quick curtsy, and then bustled through the sizeable sunlit foyer.

Luke took a deep breath and held the aged book to his chest. He passed several closed doors before he found the library. It smelled of wood and leather. Luke brushed his fingertips over the books on the shelves that lined the walls. The white marble fireplace stood cold and neatly swept. He looked up at the enormous portrait of Nathanael and Katelyn Corrinsen. He studied her face and wondered.

Master Soper.

Luke jumped, forgetting for a moment where he was. Yes... Mr. Ryn, hello.

I see you are returning the book.

Luke looked down at the tightly clenched book. Oh, yes, thank you. He rushed to Mr. Ryn and handed it to him.

Mr. Ryn strolled to the bookcase where he had removed the book during Luke’s first visit. What have you determined about the book?

What have I determined?

Yes. Is it truth or fiction? Mr. Ryn smiled.

Luke fiddled with his thumbs, trying to decide the best answer. If he said fiction, that would disappoint Mr. Ryn. But, if he said truth, would that give his secret away? Did Mr. Ryn even have a clue that he, Frankie, and Emily had been on the island? The island where Carthia died fighting Leviathan, where Luke was forced to release the sea monster. No longer in its stony prison, they were all in peril.

Seona had warned him. Going through the veil after drinking from the cup would cause him to lose all memory of Prymzia—about his actual mother and father. He couldn’t allow that to happen. Once the boat had pierced the veil, he slipped over the side and swam underwater until he guessed that he had gone beyond the veil. It had worked! He remembered every — sad and frustrating — thing. Everything.

Chapter 2

THE BOOK

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When I hear of a villain, I often wonder when their innocence perished.        ~J.O. Shelton

LUKE STEPPED CLOSER TO the bookcase and ran his hand over the spiral trimming on the corner shelf that displayed the glass case. The story was amazing. I enjoyed it.

Mr. Ryn chuckled. Meaning, you haven’t decided yet. He pushed a lever, and the glass case slid forward. Blowing a piece of lint off the worn leather book, he returned it to its place of honor.

Maybe this one will help. Mr. Ryn lifted a black, tattered book. This one might be a bit jarring. But since you have read ‘The Book of Carthia’ you should read ‘A Time of Dark Sorrow’. It was a bleak time in Prymzia’s history. The book will help you understand why the gift they called Evero Regalo caused fear among Prymzians.

Luke remembered how fearful of the gift the people of Prymzia were. The book about Carthia told how his grandfather hid knowledge that Carthia had Evero Regalo. Luke’s nightmare had placed him amid the vicious battle against the sea monster, Leviathan. Carthia’s last stand against the beast was the end of him. It was the gift that took Carthia’s life. Yes, he wanted to read about the source of Raven and Seona’s troubles. Thank you. Sounds interesting.

Mr. Ryn smiled, as if Luke’s words amused him. It’s rather interesting. There was a young man around your age—Ittious Kane—who brought this trouble on Prymzia.

Did he have the outlawed gift? Like Carthia. The Evero... re... galo one.

The first—they say. You read it and you’ll understand why Prymzia banned it.

Luke wanted to say, I already believe and understand! I was there. But he wasn’t supposed to remember. He wasn’t sure what the consequence would be if the Elders found out he remembered.

Prudence came barreling through the door, swinging a broom at an irritated black bird. Mr. Ryn! That bird flew in through the window. She swatted the screeching bird, knocking off a few tail feathers.

Prudence reared back to take another swipe—Mr. Ryn grabbed the broom.

Luke ducked as the bird swooped over his head and landed on Mr. Ryn’s shoulder.

I’ll take care of this, Prudence. Mr. Ryn eyed the bird. I’ll have a chat with it.

A chat! It is a bird. It’ll take more than a chat to get the beastly thing out of here.

Luke chuckled as Prudence gripped the broom and stomped out of the room.

Mr. Ryn lifted an arm, and the bird scooted to his hand. Some birds are smarter than we realize. He said to the bird, I suggest that you not dart through open windows if you want to keep your tail feathers.

The bird squawked at Luke, and for an instant, its eye color changed to one eye blue and the other brown. Luke gasped. Seona? Then a dreadful thought spilled over him like icy water, Titus?

Surely being a bird is beneath His-Most-Pompous. Titus had turned himself into a huge sea dragon and chased him and Frankie into the ocean. No, he wouldn’t reduce himself to a bird. Or would he?

I should get home, Luke’s voice shook. Don’t want to get grounded again.

I heard what happened with you and your siblings. I’m grateful you three made it home safely. You had lost your way back from Starfish Point?

Yep... lost those oars... got turned around. Sometimes I don’t have a good sense of direction, he said with a nervous laugh. Like now.

Mr. Ryn pointed him toward the door. Take care of the book. I’m looking forward to your thoughts. He turned to the bird. Now for you, he said, walking away from Luke.

Luke left the mansion and hurried down the steps. Who was that? Seona? Titus? No matter, he’d have to keep acting like there was no Prymzia, at least, until he could figure a way back to the island. He needed to go back and find out more about his real parents.

He flipped through the book, then tucked it under the waistband of his shorts. A strong breeze whipped the dirt on the road. Luke squeezed his eyes shut every time the dirt stirred.

He had been lonely since leaving Prymzia. Maybe because Frankie was still ignoring him, or maybe he missed Seona. Perhaps it was because he found out that he wasn’t a Soper, but the son of the Corrinsen’s—father, murdered—mother, missing.

He patted the book. At least you can keep me company for a while.

When he arrived at the grove of trees, he spotted Brantley leaning against a crippled tree. Luke felt for the book, securing it in its hidden spot.

What are you looking at? Brantley asked, forehead furrowed.

Where’s your gang? Luke hoped he wouldn’t mention the boat race.

Where’s your wolf? Brantley peeled a piece of bark from the tree.

It wasn’t mine. A sick feeling came over Luke. Was he supposed to remember that annoying Arctic wolf or not? He glanced around for the blackbird. No sight of it. Luke took a deep breath. Probably the wolf went home.

Brantley sighed. Good.

At that moment, Luke realized that Brantley still feared the wolf. What had Seona done to scare him so much?

But... wolves are wanderers. Could just show up anytime. Maybe now Brantley would leave him alone.

Brantley scowled. The wolf better stay away from me. It won’t want to mess with me. Brantley growled and dashed off.

Luke hummed all the way home, satisfied that he was finally free of Brantley’s taunting.

Once in the kitchen, he found that the note still lay by the bread pudding. He groaned.

Not again! blasted from another room. Those words steered Luke to the dining room.

His mother stood over the table, looking intently at the newspaper. Gram sat with her hands over her mouth.

What’s going on? Mum, what are you doing home from work? Luke asked. The last time his mother had been home that early on a weekday was when Jon had twisted his leg after tripping over a wheelbarrow.

Mum shook her head and said, No one is allowed to go into the water. No boating.

But why? Luke frowned. I have to practice.

Luke, hush and listen to your mother, Gram said.

He glanced at Mum’s face and realized that something had happened and slid into the chair next to Gram.

Everyone has been talking about it all day. That is why I came home early. I wanted to read the newspaper and see if what they were saying was true.

She turned the paper around so that Luke could read it. The headline read, Smith’s Fishing Company, Boat and Crew Vanishes. Luke’s heart sank as he stared at the tears that streaked his mother’s face.

Did you know any of the crew? he asked.

She wiped her nose with her handkerchief. Not really. But... I can’t—

Maybe a storm took the boat, Luke said, trying to comfort his mother with any other cause than the Vanishings being back.

There haven’t been storms, let alone rain, for weeks, Gram said.

Olivia wiped her cheeks and picked up the paper. It says that the island is on lockdown until further notice—until they catch the pirates.

Luke jumped