Eclipsing the Darkness (The Dragon Chronicles Book 5) (13 page)

Torak smiled. “How did you know I was here?”

Jodocus grinned, walking toward him. “It’s where I would go,” he said. “This is a logical location for a tower. What did you have in mind?”

Torak returned to his contemplation, shrugging. “I’m not sure. Judging by the desolation, nothing beautiful would fit.”

Jodocus nodded. “I agree. Perhaps I can help with that.”

The boy raised his staff into the air, drawing energy from both the Earth and the sky above. He then planted his staff in the ground and closed his eyes, holding his other hand palm up. He appeared to be lifting something; drawing an invisible force from the ground. Slowly, the soil began to darken. Flat stones began to break through, lined up in an intricate pathway. Around them, grass sprouted, covering the formerly rocky ground with a beautiful carpet of soft green. Among the newly sprouted grass, trees reached up through the soil and stretched high, their branches spreading out like fingers and sprouting leaves as they shot upward. Near the southern edge of the crater, the ground sank in and gushed water; creating a nice, clear pond that reflected the sunlight around the new oasis.

Torak watched in awe, impressed with the boy’s power. He smiled widely as new ideas formed in his head. He now pictured a cobblestone tower, complete with stained wooden window sills, and a nice crenellated crown at the top of it. As he pictured it in his mind, it began to take shape in the center of the crater. It rose from the grassy rocks, building itself just as Torak imagined it. Jodocus continued his own spell, raising vines from the Earth that climbed and twisted themselves around the tower’s stones.

Soon, the two looked over their creation with pride. Together, they had created a beautiful oasis, complete with wildlife, flowers, and a sparkling source of water.

“Beautiful,” Torak remarked. “Thank you, my little friend.”

Jodocus plucked his staff from the ground, grinning. “That was fun,” he said. “I assume you pictured the inside, too?”

Torak nodded. “Yes, I did,” he said. “But now I need some books.”

“Well, I’m sure that Khalid or Farouk would be happy to provide some. Maybe even Maedoc.”

“I would like that,” Torak said. “And I thank you, Jodocus. I am glad that I was able to meet you again. This time, I know on which side I belong.”

“When you came west with your one hundred troops,” Jodocus said. “I felt that you knew I was there, sitting on that rock.”

“I did,” Torak said. “But I was not sure it was you. I was focused on destroying Farouk and Azim. They had betrayed the Lifegiver. It was my duty to kill them.”

“Your heart is free, now, Torak,” Jodocus said. “You are now what you were meant to be. And we are all happy to have you as our ally.”

“All of you?” Torak asked, skeptically.

Jodocus chuckled. “Most of us,” he said. “The others will come around. I have the feeling you will have many dealings with the Alvar in the future. They are good souls. They will forgive you as the people of Eirenoch will.”

Torak nodded in appreciation. Though he was still skeptical, he could accept the possibility that he would be forgiven. Regardless of whether or not that was true, he would aid them in the upcoming battle. The Lifegiver’s last ditch effort to destroy the magic-wielding folk of Eirenoch would not come to fruition.

Not if Torak could help it.

“It is getting late,” he said. “When darkness falls, the Enkhatar and their undead beasts will rise again.”

“I will return now,” Jodocus replied. “I hope that you will join us.”

“I will. Go on without me for the time being. I will be there when I am needed.”

Without hesitation, Jodocus tapped his staff on the grass and disappeared, leaving Torak with his thoughts. He contemplated how he would help during the battle, and whether or not he should simply appear or announce his entrance somehow. Knowing that Allora would not likely be there was a small comfort, even though she probably would not recognize him anyway. His new appearance was that of a man of Eirenoch, not the pre-human species he was born into. He did not even resemble Tyrus anymore, who appeared as a man of Khem. As far as anyone knew, he was a completely different person than either of those two. He would be a stranger to them all, with the exception of Jodocus, Farouk, and Traegus.

They would keep his secret.

Accepting that truth, Torak walked toward his new tower. The stone path was comfortable, being interspersed with moss and tiny blades of grass, and was surrounded on either side with wildflowers, small shrubs, and sweet-smelling herbs. When he reached the door, he willed it open and entered.

The receiving chamber was decorated with bookshelves and comfortable furniture that accented its stone walls. The chamber itself was round, like the tower itself, and its perimeter was adorned with a wide spiral staircase that led up into the high, wooden ceiling. He mounted the stairs, tapping his staff on the wall at various places to create sconces and other decorations to beautify the atmosphere.

The first landing consisted of a sage’s library, complete with hundreds of bookcases that were, as of yet, empty. He would have to supply them with the various books he would find in his travels, or those that were donated by his fellow magic users.

Smiling, he continued upward. Each floor was arranged and equipped for a specific purpose. There was a laboratory level, a living chamber, and, finally, an observatory at the top level. Here he would build his study. He would furnish it with drawing tables, charts, maps, more bookcases, and other things he would need in his studies.

He sighed happily, knowing he would be comfortable here. He couldn’t wait to complete his library, stock his magical component stores, and fill the walls with maps and other reference materials. He would be a full-fledged scholar, and could finally learn everything he ever wanted to learn.

If he survived the upcoming battle, that is.

Putting those thoughts aside, Torak climbed the stairs to the roof of his tower. It was quite a height, and afforded him a rather spectacular view of the surrounding land. He could see for miles in every direction, and even the sea was visible to the south. He was wary of the presence of the Enkhatar and their minions to the southwest, however, and stared long in that direction. There was something odd about the nature of the creatures that accompanied them; though he could sense them, their essence was faint. They were hidden from sight, which meant the sun not only hindered them, but could possibly destroy them.

If he could somehow produce something similar to sunlight, then he could arrive at the battle and destroy them in one fell swoop. He smiled at the thought.

He looked up at the sun, which at this point was nearing its highest point. Its brightness caused him to avert his gaze, bringing his eyes upon his own staff. At its head, a twisted knot of roots bore an empty space. One day he would place a gem within it, like the other magic users had, and it would be attuned to his own energies. For now, he reasoned, it was a usable empty slot in which to place something.

Calling upon the powers given to him by the Keeper, Torak raised his staff into the air, pointing it to the sun. He pictured the fiery orb lending him a small portion of its power, allowing him to call upon it whenever he needed. As he concentrated, a tiny pinpoint of light appeared at the end of his staff, entangled in the roots. He focused on it, willing it to become larger and larger until it was nearly blinding.

He then closed his eyes, compacting the energy into a solid object, calling upon more and more energy to gather there until the desired mass was reached. Then, he pictured the shape of a gem, pressing the glowing ball into its shape. He felt a surge of power as it collapsed, compressing into a crystalline structure.

Then, the surge subsided and Torak opened his eyes.

At the end of his staff, a large yellow gem had formed; brilliant in luminance, and perfect in form. Its many facets glinted in the daylight, imparting its inner power to all who gazed upon it. In its center, the concentrated light of the sun bounced around endlessly, causing the entire gem to flash and sputter.

He had created a sunstone.

Smiling, Torak gazed again in the direction of the enemy. He now had a weapon capable of destroying the writhing undead creatures that threatened the temple and its inhabitants. Through this act, he knew, his past sins could be forgiven, and he could join the people of Eirenoch as one of their own.

He cherished the thought.

Khalid was surprised to see Farouk and another person appear at the edge of the temple grounds. He was under the impression that the druid would be traveling to Alvheim to release Theia’s spirit. Nevertheless, he was happy to see them. Every capable ally was welcome in the battle.

He greeted them with a wave as they approached, chuckling as Farouk saluted him as a Jindala would. He returned the salute with a grin, taking Farouk’s hand in greeting.

“Welcome back,” Khalid said, his eyes shifting quickly to the beautiful red-haired woman who accompanied the druid. “I see your taste in women has improved.”

“This is Allora,” Farouk said with a smile. “She is the daughter of Faeraon.”

Khalid bowed low, taking Allora’s hand, and kissing it as he rose. “It is a pleasure,” he said.

“And you must be Khalid,” Allora replied. “Farouk has told me all about you.”

“Nothing bad, I hope,” Khalid said, grinning.

“Of course it was all bad,” Farouk joked, taking Allora’s hand away from him. “Now take us to Tenegal and let us discuss our strategy.”

Khalid turned to lead them to the Alvar captain. “I am glad that you are staying to help out,” Khalid said. “Though all of the warriors here are hardy and skilled, we may need more than just swords and a few druids.”

Farouk chuckled, turning his gaze to the top of Tel Drakkar’s main tower. There stood Jodocus, he saw, staring off to the east. The boy turned briefly and waved, turning back again when Farouk returned his greeting.

“What is Jodocus up to?” Farouk asked.

Khalid grunted. “Who knows?” he said. “That boy is always up to something. I’ve lost track. I will never understand you druids.”

“Khalid,” Allora said. “Is Aeli here?”

Khalid nodded. “She is inside, among the peasants,” he said. “She will remain with them and act as a healer. She has trained them all in simple healing techniques using herbs and whatever other odd things her mother taught her.”

Allora smiled warmly, yet accusingly. “Khalid,” she said. “You shouldn’t scoff at herbal healing. Not everyone can use magic. I admire her skills as a healer. It is what makes her such a great druid.”

“I agree,” Farouk said. “And there is nothing wrong with herbs at all.”

Khalid chuckled again, knowing of Farouk’s fairly recent love of select herbs. “No, no,” he said. “Not at all, I suppose. Whatever makes you happy.”

Allora’s brow furrowed as she looked to Farouk for an explanation. His silence told her she wouldn’t get one.

“In any case,” Farouk said, changing the subject. “I have seen her do battle. She’s not so timid in the ways of killing. She is a druid, after all, and always has been. She would have no problem helping to maintain the balance. Besides, nothing we will be facing is really alive.”

“True,” Khalid replied. “Unfortunately, they are not really dead, either.”

As they reached the south side of the complex, the trio saw Tenegal and his troops standing attentively. They faced the tree line just to the south, with Tenegal standing in front of his line. The Alvar captain bowed to Allora as the three of them circled the formation.

“Lady Allora,” Tenegal said. “I hope you will remain a safe distance from the battle.”

“I will take part in whatever way I am able,” she replied. “But I thank you for your concern.”

Tenegal humbly bowed his head, turning his attention back to the tree line.

“I do not think it is necessary to stand in formation just yet,” Khalid noted. “It is still several hours before nightfall.”

“We must remain vigilant,” the captain replied. “We have no way of knowing when they will decide to descend upon us. Not all of their numbers are sensitive to light, as you yourself have said, Khalid.”

The priest nodded in agreement. The captain was right. Khalid and his priests had fought the Enkhatar in Argan during daylight hours. They were, apparently, not affected by the sun.

Suddenly, from out of the trees, a shadow appeared. The soldiers went for their weapons, but immediately relaxed when the moorcat’s familiar face poked through the mist. He casually walked up to the group, sniffing the air around him. “I smell the dead,” he said. “But they are still far away. The wind is blowing their stench this way, and that makes me angry. The dead stink.”

Khalid chuckled, shaking his head. “You gave us quite a scare,” he said. “Things are very tense around here.”

“I’m sorry,” the moorcat replied. “But you will be happy to know that the rangers are in place all around the forest. I smelled Adder and Jhayla, even through the stench.”

“Ah, yes,” Khalid sighed. “I bet she smells wonderful.”

Farouk chuckled, patting Khalid on the shoulder. The priest chuckled as well, seeing a crooked smile spread across Tenegal’s normally stoic face.

“Come then,” Khalid said. “I suppose we should begin assembling the rest of our men. Allora, you will find Aeli inside the tower. She could probably use some assistance in gathering supplies for healing.”

Allora smiled. “It would be my pleasure, Khalid.”

Khalid turned, pulling Farouk along with him. “I wanted to wait until we were alone to speak to you,” he whispered.

“What is it, my friend?”

Khalid looked around to make sure no one was listening. “I think that Jodocus and the moorcat are hiding something.”

“Why?” Farouk grunted.

“Jodocus keeps looking toward the mines, even disappeared for a while. And the moorcat seems confident that the ranger’s weapons will be effective against the wights.”

Farouk nodded in understanding. “I see,” he said. “Perhaps there is some truth to that.”

Khalid stopped, looking at Farouk with an accusing stare. “Do you remember when we were younger?” he asked. “And I caught you trying to steal my dagger?”