Abuud: the One-Eyed God (45 page)

By the time they landed in the campsite of Garth and Kalina, total darkness had claimed the skies. Garth had a roaring fire going in anticipation of the cold boys. Kalina rushed the boys over to the fire while Garth took dry towels and dried off the unicorns' legs. Master Khatama brought blankets from his wagon for the boys to wear while they stripped off their wet clothes. He saw Arik's breastplate, which was showing through the burnt tunic.

"How is Prince Midge?" Arik asked.

"Prince Midge is fine," assured Garth. "The trip took a lot out of him, but he is not damaged."

"You have had quite an adventure," Master Khatama said. "When you are dry you must tell us all about it."

"I would like to know about it now," interrupted Garth. "The use of the unicorns may bring a large band of Sarac's people down on us. They have learned to cancel out the unicorns' flying spell, so they search for signs of flying unicorns."

"We ran into such trouble on the way here," added Tanya. "We were fortunate to survive. We think another group is tracking us now. They could be close."

"We found the statue," explained Arik as he stripped off his weapons and passed them out of the blanket. "We also lost it again. It now sits waist deep in shallow water near a small isle by the Island of Storms. Azmet's men were there. We managed to kill six of them before we left the Island of Storms. There are two left now, plus a mage. He is the one who sunk the scow."

"We will be ready for them if they try to return here," stated Tanya.

"You need not worry about them," declared Master Khatama. "They will not pursue you any longer, for now at least. There are too few of them left to pursue both you and the statue, and they are required to secure the statue for Azmet."

"But we cannot allow them to have the statue either," protested Tedi. "It is the only way to get the Diamond of Edona."

"The statue is of no value to you now," insisted Master Khatama. "Let them have it. As for the Black Devils and Dark Riders pursuing you, Tanya, that danger is not imminent. It is something that you must face, but they will not bother you this night."

"Forget the statue?" scowled Arik as he passed his wet clothes to Kalina. "You sent us thousands of leagues to secure that statue. We almost died getting it, and now we know exactly where it is. But you say it does not matter? With all due respect, Master Khatama, you had best explain yourself."

Master Khatama shrugged as Garth handed dry pants to Arik.

"Life is not static, young heir," smiled Boris. "Events have changed things since you began this journey, as events will continue to change as you work towards the completion of the Ancient Prophecy. You have found that which was required of you to find. The Diamond of Edona cannot help but fall into your palm now."

"How do you know he is the heir?" asked Kalina. "I doubt that anyone would have told you."

"Throw off your blanket, Prince Arik," declared Master Khatama. "Seek not to hide what the world has been waiting for."

All eyes turned to Arik, even the throng of locals who had gathered around to gape at the flying unicorns. Arik glared at Master Khatama.

"My life, and the life of my friends, resides in secrecy," Arik said softly. "I seek not to alert my enemies to the truth. This is the advice I have been given; it is the advice I have accepted as truth."

"The advice you were given was honest and good when it was given," smiled Master Khatama. "That was then; this is now. Your enemies already know you. Will you not let the good people of the world know you as well? Will you not give them hope for the future?"

Kalina was listening, but she was also examining Arik's wet tunic. She frowned at the gaping hole in it and the burned edges so indicative of a fireball attack. She held it so that Garth could see it. For several moments the campsite was in total silence. Master Khatama stared at Arik and smiled. Arik gazed at Garth, seeking advice. Garth stared at the tunic.

Finally, Kalina spoke. "There are words of wisdom in what Master Khatama says," she said to Arik. "You will need the support of the people in the future, although I also think there will be times when you need to be invisible to your enemies. You are among friends here."

After a moment's thought, Arik nodded and threw off the blanket. Murmurs ran through the crowd like the song of the crickets on a warm night. Master Khatama stepped over to Arik and extended his hand. Arik met the grasp and Boris guided Arik to his feet.

"Behold the Breastplate of Alcea," announced Master Khatama. "Once worn by King Auric the Conqueror when he united the world in peace and harmony. Only a true heir to the throne of Alcea could dare to wear it."

Still gripping Arik's hand, Master Khatama eased his old body down to one knee and bowed to Prince Arik. The red eyes of the serpent on the breastplate flared to brilliance, and a rosy glow illuminated the campsite and beyond. Everyone fell to one knee facing Arik, even Niki who had been listening quietly in the shadows. As the rosy glow subsided, Niki rose and walked over to Arik.

"I have found the Diamond of Edona," she announced loudly as she placed it in Arik's hand.

Arik stared at the Diamond of Edona and then at Niki. His face broke into a wide grin as he smiled at her. He was acutely aware of Niki's need for praise, and he planned to make her happy.

"You have done well," Arik congratulated Niki as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "May the bards write of your deeds so that your story lives on forever."

Niki's eyes twinkled, and her grin covered her face as Garth started applauding. Soon the beach was awash with applauds and praises. Garth walked over and handed the Sword of Heavens to Arik. The Prince of Alcea took the Sword of Heavens and handed the Diamond of Edona back to Niki.

"This honor should be yours," he smiled at Niki as he gripped the Sword of Heavens with both hands and extended it towards Niki.

Niki grinned at Arik and placed the Diamond of Edona in its proper place on the Sword of Heavens. A loud click emanated from the sword as the diamond snapped into place. Arik swiftly raised the Sword of Heavens high over his head.

A flash of brilliance illuminated the entire beach, and a bolt of lightning streaked from the Sword of Heavens into the ever-present Darkness. Screams erupted among the villagers, but it soon turned to cries of wonderment as the Darkness was pierced and began to flow away from the hole created by the lightning. Unseen by the people gazing skyward, Master Khatama staggered out of the campsite and collapsed near his wagon.

The Darkness fled swiftly, and bright stars appeared in the inky black sky. Murmurs of pleasure rippled through the crowd as the bright orb of a full moon appeared overhead. Within moments there was not any evidence of the Darkness that had existed over Barouk for so many years. Few noticed when Arik bent over and picked up the glass bead that had fallen off the Sword of Heavens.

THE END

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