chapter 4

Chapter 4 Lux

Year 4004

I felt the usual tingle slide from my feet up to my hair a few seconds after the flames erupted around me. I pictured the bottom of the mountain where I could gather berries for the journey to the castle. In a few seconds I stood at the bottom of the mountain watching the remainder of my ash forme my hand. To be sure I was safe I knelt next to one of the ancient, mossy trees and touched the thick roots sticking up from the ground. The cool, soft surfaces under my hand triggered my other power. A shock of hidden energy ran through me and I saw everything. I saw the berry bushes at the edge of the valley. I saw the grazing deer by the river. I saw the flock of birds launching themselves from the trees into the bright shining sky. And then… I shot up pulling an arrow from the quiver strung to my back, and laced it in my bow. I pointed it at the bush and said,

“Stand up or I’ll shoot.” After a few seconds The same tall boy, with short unkempt blond hair emerged. I slackened my hold on the bow and stared. ”You? How did you escape?” He stumbled back with the face of a man who had been forced out of his body to watch his own death. Before I could think, I ran forward and grabbed his arm, the flames that had already engulfed me rapping their fingers around him as well. He screamed and a bolt of fear shot through me. What if this didn’t work. What if he ended up on a cloud to spill back to earth. What if the flames killed him? What if nothing happened and I only I jumped, leaving him to run. I had never jumped with anyone but myself before. Soon, we were both ash, flying, soaring up to the cave.

“It worked!” I stared down at my fully intact body, then I looked at him and saw that it really had. I could jump two people. Maybe even three.

“Please don’t kill me.” He stumbled back looking around the cave but never turning his back.

“Relax, I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to…” He cut me off looking more frazzled than I could have ever imagined.

“Thats what they always say! Before they crack your skull open. All you sorcerers are the same.” I took a step towards him and he threw up his hands up like a force field practically running to the back corner. Eager to get as far from me as he could.

“No I just want to talk to you. I promise I just want to ask you something.”

“Bullshit. Everything you say is a lie.” He spat the words out like they were month old milk. “Where did you take me? Your death chamber?” I had always thought Solito tongue was a strange language. Looking away from him I shook my head slightly. I have had enough of these inherent idiots.

“Great, another brainwashed servant of the king. You want to see where we are? Take a look yourself.” I waved my hand out towards the rift of the cave. He took one, then four cautious steps to the edge. His eyes grew so wide I thought they would fall out. His mouth opened slightly. I knew why, it was the same reaction I had had when Sapiens first brought me here. We stood almost at the top of the of the largest mountain in Moriens Patriae. This one mountain sheltered a safe haven filled with trees older than time. Rivers more pure than the gods. And animals rarer than shooting stars.

“What.” He whispered. “What did you want to ask me?” I smiled and gestured for him to come further back into the cave.

“You look famished, lets get you some food.”