The Dark Magical World of Alamptria (14 page)

“Father Kibius, it is ever so good to see you,” said Melina, relieved to come upon a friendly face. “May we join you?”

“Yes, let me help you in,” he said, taking her elbow as she stepped aboard. Melina sat down and repositioned Lantrinon so he could nestle more comfortably in her elbow and sleep.

“May I see him?” whispered Father Kibius. Melina opened the blanket so Lantrinon’s little wrinkled face peeked out. Father Kibius leaned in to look at the child. “So, this is the child of the prophecy. And there”—he touched the baby’s arm lightly—“is the tiny arm that will someday be strong enough to strike down the dark lord.”

“The mark of the chosen one,” murmured Melina.

“And the one who will one day slay the dark lord Makoor.” He looked at her sadly. “Melina, guard him well. Never leave his side.”

“My life is his,” she said. Melina didn’t want to think about what kind of danger her son would always be in, or was in now. Father Kibius sat back down and took up his oars. The still waters of the pond glistened in the evening light. He began to row the cockboat.

“Won’t be a long ride to the basilica,” he said. “Felicia is expecting you.”

Melina brightened at the mere sound of the Golden Fleece’s name. “I will be very happy to see her,” she said. She felt a great fondness for the beautiful, prophetic elf.

“Felicia wishes to bless the child,” he said, smiling.

Melina felt peace enter her. She took a long, deep breath of the sweet air and sat back to enjoy the boat ride. They sailed among the dripping willows and reeds. Soon a cardinal flew in and landed quietly on the edge of the boat beside her. The bird looked at Lantrinon and chirped.

“A cardinal bird is of high blessings. It is a sign of good things to come,” whispered Father Kibius. The bird flapped its wings and flew off into the bluing sky, which was slowly speckled by stars. “And you, Melina, how are you coping with things, my child?”

She smiled sadly. “Every day truly is a blessing. Caprius is a wonderful man and such a devoted father to Lantrinon. I can only hope my son grows up to be just like him.”

“The boy indeed has his father’s eyes. When he grows up and fulfills his destiny, other boys will look up to him.”

Melina looked down at her innocent child. “And many will look at him oddly. He will be an outcast,” she said with a trace of bitterness in her voice.

“Perhaps, but he will never be alone. Dragus’s son Trojas will look out for him. Both he and his sister.”

“They are young,” she said.

“But they will grow up to be wise and careful. And you, Melina, must understand. The prophecy was misread. There are things you cannot know. This boy is the key to everything. That is why we must bargain with the dark lord for the good of all mankind. It will be hard to accept, but it must be done.” Father Kibius put up his hood. His eyes were fierce. He continued to row.

Melina was puzzled. “You’re right; I don’t understand,” she said.

“Do not worry. The Golden Fleece will explain it to you,” said Kibius. Father Kibius said no more but turned back around and resumed rowing. Soon he brought the cockboat to the pond’s edge. He stepped out, then helped Melina out onto the shore. The sky had become dark and cloudy. “The blood moon is rising,” said Kibius.

They took the trail in the dark and soon arrived at the basilica. Father Flarius greeted them at the gate. “A good evening to you, Flarius,” said Kibius.

“A good evening to you both. How are you, my dear?” he said to Melina. “Father Basil is waiting for you in the garden of the basilica. He carries with him the book of the Golden Fleece.” He smiled. “Come this way, please.” Kibius and Melina followed Father Flarius into the garden.

“The boy’s destiny awaits him,” said Kibius.

They arrived in the garden, and there stood Father Basil holding the book of the Golden Fleece. Melina approached Basil, whose round, ruddy face was alight with an ear-to-ear grin. “A good evening to you, Melina!” he boomed.

“Good evening, Father Basil,” she said quietly. She was starting to feel nervous. Ahead of them was a pond topped with a thin sheath of ice. Beneath it lay lily pads, their blooms closed tightly, a still life in waiting. In the center, on her pedestal, stood Felicia, queen of the elves, frozen as a beautiful, golden statue.

“You have been summoned here as Lantrinon’s destiny has arrived today. On this evening, we will pay our respects to the child of prophecy. The time has come.” Basil smiled and gestured that Melina should approach the Golden Fleece. “Bring forth the baby. Here, set the child upon this altar.” Melina walked slowly to the base of the statue and laid Lantrinon on the marble.

Melina stood back with the others, unsure of what was happening or what to do next. “Now, I shall summon Felicia the Golden Fleece.” Basil opened the good book of Bivion and began to recite the elvish words. As he read, the clouds began to move rapidly above. Thunder roared in the heavens. Droplets of water danced on the pond and disturbed the lily pads. Lightening sizzled fervently above the Golden Fleece. The roiling black clouds parted, and through the center a bright light shone down onto the statue. A bright white light emanated from Felicia’s eyes and mouth, and she screamed as life was given to her. Her eyes widened, now animated, and she took a breath. She’d become a living, breathing soul.

She stepped off her pedestal and walked upon the lily pads to solid ground. Felicia approached the altar and peered at the baby. “The child of the prophecy. His destiny is here. On this night, the blood will be given.” She looked at Melina. “Melina Hampshire, do you promise to give Lantrinon in order to save the world from darkness?”

Basil nudged Melina beside him. “You should say yes, my child.”

Melina closed her eyes. Her son would endure a lifetime of hardship. But she had no choice. “Yes,” she said. She felt a flood of emotions: pride, fear, resignation. At her words, a white light and a dagger appeared on the altar. Felicia picked up the dagger and held it to the sky.

“Petoshine will rise to great heights. What say you, my husband?” she called into the heavens. Within the clouds, the great wizard Grongone appeared and looked down at them.

“The word is given. Let this offering be of true flesh and young blood,” said Grongone.

Felicia pointed the dagger at Melina. “Melina, you have made an oath! You willingly said you would give Lantrinon’s life for Alamptria.”

“What!” Melina said, raising her voice. Panic rose in her chest.

“This child’s life is forfeited. The dark lord awaits my stroke!”

“No! You said you would bless the child! Not end his life!” said Melina, crying.

“There is no blessing without sacrifice,” said Felicia.

“No, no, no!” Melina cried. She tried to run to save Lantrinon, but Basil dropped the book of the Golden Fleece, and when it hit the snowy ground it caught fire. Basil held onto Melina tightly. Melina struggled to get to Lantrinon.

Felicia picked up the dagger and held it high above the baby. “With this offering, the lands of Alamptria will never be covered in darkness, for the vim of Petoshine will shine on this night. I offer you this gift, Makoor! With the blood of this child, evil will be no more!”

“No!” Melina cried out as she struggled to break free.

Felicia held the shiny dagger up high, the blade catching the light of the fire. “Peace to Alamptria! Here is your stroke!” Suddenly a bright white light shot from the dagger, blinding everyone.

Melina screamed, shutting her eyes. “Lantrinon!”

Melina struggled against the arms that held her down.

“Melina!” someone called to her.

“No!” she wept bitterly.

“Melina! Melina, wake up!” said Caprius, shaking his wife. She opened her eyes and saw darkness. She struggled to wake up, her eyes flickering in and out of sleep. At last she opened her eyes. “You’re alright,” said Caprius softly to her. Melina laid back on her pillow. She was at home in her bedroom. It was a dream. Melina put her hand on her abdomen. The baby was kicking. He was not yet born, but already he knew he was in for a fight. “Was it the same dream?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Do not fear the future. Felicia and Grongone would never harm Lantrinon. They are your friends.”

“I cannot help it. It all seemed so real. And I still see the horror I endured from Tyrus Clore.”

“Tyrus is dead. You need fear him no more.” He stroked her head. “It is just a memory, nothing more than that. He will never harm you.”

Melina held Caprius. “I love you,” she said.

“And I love you too. You must know that when you go to Petoshine, Grongone will protect you. He will always be by your side. And I will come and visit you as often as I am able.” They looked into each other’s eyes. “Come, lay back down.” They nestled together and held each other, watching the sun break through the light wisps of cloud above. Another new day was dawning.

Deadfall- The Merchant

In the book
‘Deadfall,’
a part of the Dead Path Chronicles series, the knight masters are sent on a most dangerous assignment. The evil Cambrozes Genesis has devised a plot to rid Elysium of Melina Hampshire. It is a very dangerous time. The knight masters are on route to their destination. Their journey is a long one. They befriend a most unusual person, a human known as a trot who calls himself Gofer. But the dark lord is watching and ready to strike!

***

As they rode the forest land, Caprius and Dragus were relieved that Andromin was feeling a lot calmer. But they were still most concerned about his resentful temper tantrums. They wondered about this strange creature that had affected Andromin. Would his behavior worsen? If so, to what extent? The sudden attack upon Caprius was unexpected, and it had the army wondering about Andromin’s command ability. If this problem would reoccur, then the army would be forced to remove him from command. He would be demoted to just a soldier. With Caprius and Dragus being in second and third command, should the knights back them up, they would have the power to demote Andromin. It’s not likely it would happen, but it is quite possible. Andromin’s strange behavior has been noted.

They were now in the village of Gorgove. There were people walking about. It seemed there was a festival of some sort going on. The army felt very welcomed here. A sudden sound of merrymaking had struck. Music flourished the air, and people sang and danced with one another. There were merchants of all sorts, selling things from tobacco to razors to clothing and food. All sorts of things! There was a blacksmith who was hardening a well-structured sword. And there were many swords on display for one to purchase, as well as hand-knitted sweaters that kept one warm, mind-boggling games to pass the time, strumming cellos, the sound of violas and whistles and various flutes to entertain you, card-playing tricks to muse the people. A man walked about carrying a ferret on his shoulder. He grabbed a nut and fed the squirmy animal. A man sat in a chair while a barber gave him a clean-cut shave with a razor. And when he had finished with that, the man in the chair smiled broadly as his hair was trimmed to his liking. By a small table stood a man playing the shell game, hiding a chestnut underneath a cup. A boy stood with his head in a large wooden pale filled with water, bobbing for apples. Ten men were on all fours as they stood upon each other building a pyramid. And as the people clapped, the men lost balance and tumbled onto the ground. They laughed and they cheered.

This was the scene the army had set their eyes on. The crowd was so enthusiastic and happy. They partied a long while. The civilians welcomed the crew with open arms and offered them food and drink. And while the Seatons were dumbstruck and speechless, Andromin’s troubles seemed to be forgotten. The men took to their seats and enjoyed themselves. They chanted and sang. They raised their glasses and toasted one another. Though the Seatons and the army seemed to be enjoying the moment, they did not forget the importance of the mission. But for now they were at ease, and they savored the wine and enjoyed the succulent meal. “You seem to be much better, Andromin,” said Calista, munching her meal.

“I do not know what came over me, but I promise it will not happen again,” said Andromin.

“I certainly hope not. You put quite a scare into me, Andromin Seaton,” she said.

When they had finished with food and drink, Caprius, Dragus, and Andromin began to walk about. They walked from merchant to merchant, observing their trinkets and goods. They came to a booth where a midget was selling cigars galore. This little guy was known as a trot. He stood just over three feet tall and had a friendly face. And while the Seatons stood and took in the smell of tobacco, Andromin took pleasure in a cigar and tossed the trot a shilling. Caprius decided to join in and purchased a cigar and enjoyed the experience with his brother. Dragus, on the other hand, was irritated by the smell of tobacco. He just stood and watched his brothers puffing and blowing smoke rings. Dragus rubbed his eyes as he was bothered by the smoke. “You seem to be bothered by the cigars just as much as I am,” Dragus said to the trot.

“It’s a disgusting habit, quite irritating,” said the trot.

“You mean you do not smoke?” asked Caprius in astonishment.

“No, I wouldn’t touch the stuff if you paid me,” said the trot.

“Then why do you sell it?” asked Dragus.

“I’m in it for the money,” said the trot.

“You should try selling something else. It will probably shorten your life. And you don’t want that. You’re short as it is, trot!” said Persius, who stood by smoking a cigar.

“My name is Gofer! And don’t call me a trot!” the trot raised his voice. The four looked at the little guy. Caprius looked at him with respect and continued to ask him questions.

“How long have you been selling cigars, Gofer?” asked Caprius.

“About sixteen years. I racked in a lot of money selling this stuff. It’s a regular goldmine,” said Gofer.

“Sixteen years inhaling this crap! You really should choose something else, Gofer,” said Dragus. “There are lots of other things you can sell.”

“Are you kidding me? With the money I’m making, why spoil a good thing?” asked Gofer.