The Divine Unleashed (Book 3) (32 page)

“Nicely done,” Zayle said as he slowly took form along with Darcienna’s beloved teacher, Jorell.  Doren flinched and took a step back with his mouth gaping open.  He gasped, shocked at what he was seeing.  The surprised look on his face quickly turned to frustration and then exasperation.

“Jorell,” Darcienna blurted out in surprise.  “Teacher,” she said, her voice full of emotion.  “Teacher,” she said again as the tears started to flow.

“My precious student,” Jorell said as she stepped up and wrapped her arms around the young Essence Guardian.  Darcienna’s eyes went wide at the unexpected contact.  Her mind reeled.  It only took a second and then she wrapped her arms around her cherished teacher, as if how tightly she held on decided whether Jorell was going to stay or go.

“Darcienna,” Jorell said gently, pushing back just slightly.  The young girl loosened her grip just a little but not enough to put any space between them.  She had her head on her teacher’s shoulder as she cried tears of joy and sadness.  “I am here my child.  I am here,” she soothed as she stroked her student’s hair.

Doren recovered and gave Zayle a flat stare.  His eyes went to the staff and then back to Zayle.  Kade’s old teacher stared back and gave a confident, knowing smile, and with that smile, he shook his head slowly back and forth.  Doren tried to hide his anger and his contempt, but he failed miserably.  His eyes turned to fire as he glared from apprentice to master and back again.

“By my right as Master Chosen, I am demanding that the staff be turned over!” Doren said as he started forward with his hand out, all pretenses gone.  “As he is still an apprentice, and me a master, I have the right.”

“I would agree,” Zayle said casually. 

Kade’s head whipped around in shock to stare at his one true master.  He wanted to plead with Zayle, but he held his tongue.  He knew, from ten years of training, not to question his teacher’s judgment.  For a moment, his pulse raced wildly, and then, the confidence in his master helped quell his pounding heart.  What he was planning was beyond Kade’s understanding.

“Good,” Doren said in victory as his eyes hungrily devoured the ornate piece of wood.  He started forward again when Zayle continued.

“But,” Zayle said casually as he put his hands behind his back, bent slightly at the waist and made a show of looking around the room, “I see no apprentices,” he said easily.  It only took a moment for Kade to realize where Zayle was going with this.  Now, his heart raced for a good reason.  Doren froze.  His eyes locked with Zayle and the fire returned with a vengeance.  Zayle continued as if not seeing Doren’s rage.  “You are very aware of the fact that any Adept who acquires knowledge or artifacts has no obligation to turn over either,” Zayle said ever so wisely, an eyebrow cocked.

“He is an apprentice,” Doren stated flatly.  “He may not have to turn over his books of knowledge, but the artifact is not protected by our laws.”

“He WAS an apprentice,” Zayle said.

“He needs to be endorsed by at least two Master Chosen to receive a new rank,” Doren said.  He smiled, smugness coming off him in waves.  Zayle sighed.  “And as I see it, he has much to learn,” he added as the color in his cheeks returned to normal.

“I believe he has easily proven he has the skill and knowledge to continue on his journey toward being a master,” Zayle said.  He feigned exasperation for this imagined loss and let his shoulders slump.  Doren smiled as his hand came up again, preparing to reach for the staff.

“I would endorse the raising of Kade, son of Garig and Judith, Grandson of the Master Zayle, to the new rank of apprentice,” Talos said as he stepped out from the arch.  Kade recognized him as one of the Chosen he had seen previously.

“As do I,” Lokk said as he stepped to the other side of Zayle.  “You have displayed skills beyond that of an apprentice.  It would be unjust to hold you at your current rank when you have done so much, for so many.  Every Chosen, present or past, is in your debt.  From this day forward, you are Adept Chosen Kade.”

Doren’s hand started to sink as he stared from Ancient to Ancient.  It was one thing to banter with Zayle, whom he considered his equal, but to argue with an Ancient…  Doren’s eyes went to the staff and he appeared to be on the verge of getting sick as his face turned ashen.

“But, does it not have to be a living master?” Doren asked pitifully, making one last desperate plea.

“Master Doren,” Talos said as he stepped up to face the man.  “Do you really believe that Kade does not deserve to be risen?” he asked critically, his commanding voice resonating.  He did not blink as his eyes bore into Doren.  His presence was overpowering.

“I…,” Doren said but then stopped.  He visibly wilted under the scrutiny.  “I… endorse Kade, grandson of the Master Zayle, be raised to the rank of Adept,” he said as his eyes looked at the staff one last time and then his hand fell to his side.

“Very well,” the Ancient said as he turned to face Kade.  “Seeing as there are none who oppose your new rank, you are now known as Adept Chosen Kade.

“And…if any were to oppose?” Doren asked weakly.

“Then we would have to convene a panel of at least three Master Chosen to consider the reasons for not raising the apprentice,” Lokk said.

Doren’s eyes went from each Master Chosen as if he were counting.  His shoulders slumped in resignation.  He turned to face Kade and held out his hand.

“Congratulations Adept,” Doren said.

“Thank you, Master Chosen,” Kade said as he switched the staff to his other hand and reached out to the Master Chosen.  He held the staff away just a little as they shook.  He did not expect the Chosen would try such an audacious move, but then again, he did not want to take a chance.  Doren turned and walked from the tunnel.  He was so crushed by this defeat that he completely lost the fact that he was finally speaking with the very beings he had been trying to find for decades.

“Now that that is done,” Zayle said as he stepped up and wrapped his arms around his Adept and hugged him tightly.  “I love you Grandson.  I was very worried when you started to cross.  It is a fortunate thing that you have a good woman at your side,” Zayle said as he turned to look Darcienna in the eye.  He gave her a smile and nodded his thanks.  Darcienna smiled back.

The two Ancients turned and faded into the darkness of the arch.  Zayle moved back but stayed on this side.  He stopped and looked deep into Kade’s eyes.  All compassion and love faded from Zayle’s eyes to be replaced with a deadly, serious look.  Kade could feel that something very important was going to happen.  The Adept Chosen feared he was not going to like what was coming.

“You must hand over the staff,” Zayle said.  It was not a command but a statement of fact.

“But, you said that as Adept, it is mine,” Kade said as his hands clenched tightly around the wood.  His palms instantly started to sweat.

“I did,” Zayle said, understanding the struggle that ensued within Kade.  “As one who knows what will happen with so much power, I am asking you to hand the staff over.”

Kade looked at the ancient piece of wood and felt his stomach twist into a knot. 
What is this hesitation?  Why is this so hard?
he asked himself.  He found that he could not get his arm to extend. 
Should I not be able to just hand it over?
  He wanted to, but his arm just would not rise.  He swallowed hard as his eyes locked onto the staff.  His breathing deepened a little as he noticed every little twist in the wood.  He took in every symbol and found he recognized very few of them. 
What abilities might I have if I was to unlock those symbols?
he asked himself.  He struggled to tear his eyes off the powerful artifact.  He tried to look at Zayle, but he knew that when he made eye contact with his master again, it would have to be with an answer.  His palms continued to sweat as his mind worked furiously. 
Why is this so incredibly difficult?
he asked himself over and over.  Zayle waited patiently. 

Kade realized that Jorell and Darcienna were not talking anymore and glanced sidelong at them.  They were both watching him intently.  There was more going on here than he realized, but right now, he could only think of the staff.  He felt the Divine flow into him as he struggled.  It swirled in him, ready for him to mold it, as if it sensed he might need it.  He tried to lift his arm, but there it stayed, at his side, tightly gripping the staff.  Kade swallowed hard, again.  He tore his eyes from the powerful weapon, but they would not move off Zayle’s boots.  The war that raged in him was fiercer than any he could have ever imagined. 

The staff has so much power.  I can defeat any enemy and keep the world safe,
he thought.  But, he knew he was only making excuses.  His mind would rationalize anything to keep the staff.  But…

Kade took a deep breath and looked Zayle in the eyes.  The war continued to rage inside.  The staff was still in his hand until he turned it over.  He could decide to change his mind at any time.  He was told the staff was his.  He would not be breaking any rules if he kept it.  His mind fought furiously, struggling to find a way…and then, Kade took a step forward and held the staff out.  He struggled to get his hand to relax its grip.  At that moment, he understood Morg’s loss.

“Power corrupts,” Kade said as his stomach twisted into a knot so tight it hurt.  “I understand,” he said as he forced his fingers to uncurl from around the wood.  His connection with the staff vanished.  Kade gasped, and for just a split second, he wanted to lunge for the power once more.  He felt empty.  He craved to feel the Divine that was always coursing through the wood.  It was as if the staff called to him…but… he forced his hand to drop to his side…or tried to.

“I will keep your staff safe,” Zayle said as he stepped back.  Hearing Zayle refer to it as “his staff” helped, but he found it almost impossible to tear his eyes off it.  “You will have need of it again, but you must always remember…power corrupts.  You must choose wisely when you use it,” Zayle said as he let the butt end of the staff hit the ground.  If Zayle knew he would have need of it again, there must be more to tell.

“What can you see of my future?” Kade asked, forcing his mind to think of anything other than the powerful artifact.  It was virtually impossible as he yearned to feel the wood in his grasp again.  He felt as if he could get sick and hated himself for it.  He let his hand slowly drop to his side, and inside, he hurt.

“I can’t see that much because there are too many variables.  There is one thing I can tell you that is good, though,” Zayle said with a grin. “You will enjoy your family.”

“Yes,” Kade said, taking a deep breath and letting it out.  “I am very much looking forward to seeing my family,” he said, a smile creeping across his face.  His breathing was starting to return to normal.  He had not realized that his breathing had become so forced.

Zayle glanced at Darcienna and smiled.  Kade looked over and saw Darcienna with a confused look that matched the one on his own face.  He looked back and cocked his head as if to ask, “what,” but Zayle was onto the next subject.

“You have one more task to perform,” Zayle said.  Kade cringed.  “You must perform the Chosen’s rights for Valdry.  Although we have yet to find him, it is our understanding that he has passed.”

“He had no apprentice?” Kade asked, relieved that the task appeared to be an easy one.

“No.  Not all masters take apprentices.”

“Master…Grandfather, if he is not on your side, is there a chance he still lives?”

“It is possible,” Zayle said as he considered the thought.  “You must make sure one way or the other.  If he is no longer alive, you must perform the Chosen’s last rights,” Zayle said and then his eyes went distant as a thought occurred to him.  He spun through the moves for the Divine Fire Calling and his eyes turned pitch black.  He studied the scene only he could see for several long seconds, intently searching, for what, Kade could not tell.  After a moment, the flames drifted away and his eyes returned to normal.  “Something blocks my visions.  There is a power here that has been working against me for decades.  I believed that once you learned who hunted the Chosen, it would end, but it appears to be intensifying.  Caution my Grandson.  If something seeks to block my vision of Valdry, he may yet be useful.  Learn what you can of his fate.”

“I shall take care of that shortly,” Kade said as he glanced at Darcienna.

“Good,” Zayle said as he turned to Jorell.  “We must go.  We have to plan.  With this,” Zayle said as he hefted the staff, “we will be able to make a better stand.”  Jorell nodded in agreement. 

“I love you, Grandson,” Zayle said as he slowly stepped backward into the arch, not taking his eyes off Kade.

“I love you too, Grandfather,” Kade said, conflicting emotions swirling within him.

“I am very proud of you,” Jorell said as she placed her hand on Darcienna’s cheek.  “You have done better than I could ever have hoped.  Nature may bestow another gift on you soon, as you have proven to be responsible with the gifts you have,” she said.  Her hands dropped to Darcienna’s waist and slid around toward the front while she talked, as if she were going to gently push her away.

Darcienna was speechless.  Jorell smiled as she stepped back from her student.  She turned and looked at the arch over her shoulder as if it were calling to her.  After a moments consideration, she turned back to look deep into Darcienna’s eyes.  She smiled fondly on her student.