The Mirror Sliver Read online

  He frowned. He didn’t like the fact that they were so detached. They both should show something. At least out of respect for Matt’s friends. There should be sorrow for the boy’s loss. Yet, these emotions could get the better of them all. Maybe they both understood that. There was much more at stake now.

  He looked again at the sky. Any light would be a welcomed sight. But he knew that there wasn’t going to be much of it. As the ship drew closer to Uthal’s home, the winter seemed to be more prevalent. Occasionally the sun would break through the murky clouds and shimmer, offering hope of some warmth. But as soon as it appeared, it was gone. The witch had placed this section of their world under her coldness.

  Miranda stood beside him. Her presence remained constant as she scanned the waters with him. Her feelings for her friend were deeper than she realized. Keltrain understood it more than she did. The knowledge of her love made him think again of the past. “How is the cat?” he asked.

  “She’s still out and all. Your spell and the medicine, it worked. I left her in the cabin where it’s warmer.”

  “Good. She’ll need to heal before we begin our journey to the island’s interior fortress, Crag Cairn. Uthal’s castle will be heavily fortified, as well as the surrounding lands. Having Sonja in a condition for traveling will be in our best interest.”

  Miranda stood quietly for a moment. “I hope he’s not suffering.”

  “Matt’s brave and strong. If you feel he’s still alive, then he’s all right,” he replied quickly. “He’s a survivor.”

  “I’m worried about him. The sea is cold. I just don’t understand how he could’ve gotten there…to the island…’specially before we did.”

  “Magic is a complicated thing, with a mind of its own,” Keltrain replied. “It’s like glimpsing something that is there for a fleeting moment and then vanishes. Leaving you to question if you really saw it or if you’re insane.”

  “I never really thought about magic until we came here. Mama always said that kinda of thing never existed.”

  “Ancient tales that aren’t retold to the next generations get forgotten. When the magic left your world, so did its stories.”

  “I can see that and all. Back home, once you get to my age, you aren’t supposed to believe in magic or fairy tales. Grownups say it’s just for little kids.”

  Keltrain smiled slightly. “Your Mama sounds very wise. Does she keep histories of your world? Is she a storyteller?”

  “No. But she does like a good gossip every now and then.”

  “Perhaps one day we’ll meet, your mother and me. Then I can tell her of your bravery.”

  The girl bowed her head in thought. “How much longer until we reach the island?” she finally asked.

  “We’ll be there by morning.” The wizard could feel her hesitation. “Hopefully the weather won’t turn on us. I don’t think the Bhanrion could battle another storm.”

  The two stood in silence for a few minutes. The ship rose and fell on the high waves and Keltrain turned the wheel as they headed into a high swell. Miranda’s body tightened. Was it fear or anger? The two emotions always seemed to be so similar to him.

  “I’m ready, ya know.” Miranda turned to the wizard. Keltrain noted that her eyes were deep and pensive.

  “Ready for what?” he asked. He made himself focus on the distant island. He dared not peer into her face again. He was afraid of what he already saw there.

  “For Uthal. I’m ready for him. The sword and I are ready.”

  “I know. I’ve sensed it these past few days. You have become one.” Keltrain shuddered, although he didn’t understand why. The prophecy had been realized and that should have elicited relief. But it didn’t. He thought of the fragmented evil that remained hidden behind the mirror deep in the bowels of Crag Cairn. If Miranda wasn’t successful, then the growing darkness would reach out and slowly infect Green Isle and the rest of Be’thasileth. Then Earth. The magic would die and Uthal would succeed in wiping out the remnants of the ancient races. Does she understand the weight of what she must accomplish? His soul was heavy. An audible sigh escaped him.

  “Why do you sigh so much and all? Don’t ya have faith in me?” Miranda asked.

  “I sigh because I wish it weren’t such a heavy burden for you. I wish things were different. I wish there was never such a thing as evil. I wish Matt was here with us.”

  It was Miranda’s turn to sigh. Her breath exhaled slowly. “Yeah. I wish that, too.”

  “Perhaps we shall understand one day why this happened. Why part of my prophecy changed. Why Matt was flung overboard and lost in the sea. For now, we must push on. But we’ll find him. Don’t worry, my little friend.”

  Miranda continued to stare ahead. “I’m not worried about finding him. I know he’s there and all, waiting for us. I can feel him.”

  Keltrain looked at her briefly and then back at his course. He didn’t want to say anything more. The conversation made him somewhat afraid of his own emotions. He turned his mind to Captain Urcias and the brief battle they had at the Nuada Findi outpost.

  For the Brollachan to be sent their way, it signaled that Uthal would stop at nothing to destroy them. Would the captain be able to convince the House of Nuada Findi to join in their quest? War was coming to Green Isle. Hopefully the captain would be the support they needed to keep the darkness at bay as Miranda and the Sword of Balorn faced Uthal. Keltrain glanced again at the blond-haired girl beside him. Would she defeat the warlock? Shaking his head slightly, he refused to imagine her failure.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The sound the boots made on the marble floor was pronounced and heavy. The deliberate loudness echoed in the palace as the captain took long strides across the great hall of the Nuada Findi Royal Quarters. It had been two hard days of riding and he was apprehensive about his meeting with the queen. Recent events warranted that he relay to her in person what had transpired at the outpost. She needed to know about the children from Earth and a wizard who spoke of a prophecy that would affect them all.

  Urcias, his hand clasped tightly on the hilt of his sword, marched closer to the queen’s library. His presence at Royal House was unexpected and he knew she wasn’t going to be pleased. His heart skipped a beat. Did his message reach her in time? He tapped lightly on the wood of the door. His knuckle remained poised to knock louder if there wasn’t a response.

  “Enter!” a muffled voice called from the other side.

  Urcias pushed on the lever and stepped into the room. He quickly shut the door behind him.

  “To what do I owe this visit?” a woman asked. She looked up from behind a book. Lowering the volume slightly, the Nuada Findi queen gazed at the young captain over the top of the pages.

  Catching his breath as the pale grey eyes studied him, Urcias stood silent for a moment. Queen Adalay, a beautiful dark-headed woman, held his attention each time she spoke to him and it wasn’t because she was the Administrator of the Laws and his queen. There was a stronger emotion that held him to her. He swallowed hard when she studied him.

  “Did my rider reach you?” he inquired softly. He turned his thoughts away from her eyes.

  “Yes, yesterday afternoon. Which means you left post soon after. What happened?” Adalay rose and placed the book back onto one of the shelves lining the wall. Her action was rigid and controlled.

  The captain swallowed hard again. “We were attacked. I lost most of my regiment.”

  “What? By who?” she demanded, turning quickly.

  “Brollachan. There were three of them. They took the appearance of mist and ripped through the upper levels of our defense before we could stop them.”

  The queen’s brow furrowed at the news, deepening lines into the soft beauty of her skin. Urcias blinked rapidly as he attempted to focus his mind. He was acutely aware he’d been staring at her face far longer than necessary. Her presence caused muddled emotions to surface and it was disconcerting. Regaining his stiff composure, he allowed his eyes to bri
efly follow her as she paced the floor in front of him.

  “It’s worse than the Senate will allow us to think,” she stated. “Brollachan were banished after the Great War on Earth. All the darklings were exiled when the continent of the Fomorians was sunk into the sea by the Dark One and his evil spell. Their presence here suggests there’s more brewing within Crag Cairn than what they’ll admit.”

  “A wizard calling himself Keltrain approached the outpost before the final attack. He had with him an assortment of traveling companions, which included an ambassador from Queen Onagh’s Fairy Dell and a dragon named DaGon.”

  “DaGon was with them?”

  “Yes. Do you know of him?”

  Adalay nodded. “Of course. He was raised by my clan many years ago. DaGon was Protector of the Nuada Findi House for many centuries. He had been discarded by his own kind because he was dwarfed but he found a home with us. He stayed until the clan split. He was unable to bear the discord of the people and left. However, no one knew where he went. I’m happy to hear he still lives.”

  “If it hadn’t been for them, Your Highness, we wouldn’t have destroyed the Brollachan. And I wouldn’t be standing here now. The wizard carried a dagger. A magic artifact. It was the only weapon able to kill them.”

  “Interesting. I know a myth of a sword that has powers, but not a dagger. How did this wizard obtain it? Did he say?”

  “He didn’t tell me. But he did give me information about the four young ones with him. They were about seventeen or so. He mentioned they were the four from the prophecy. The ones he predicted long ago that would come through the mirror portal from Earth and save Green Isle from Uthal.”

  Quickly the queen walked to the bookshelves. Her eyes darted over the titles as she searched the leather volumes. “Hmmm. The legend of the four…I thought it was just a fairy tale told to keep young children quiet at night.” Brushing her fingertips across the bottom row of books, she stopped at one of the thicker volumes. “Here it is,” she murmured.

  Pulling the aging manuscript from the shelf, she laid it on the desk in front of her. Slowly she flipped through page after page, scanning the contents. “This is it. The text from the wizard's journal. I don’t know how accurate it is, because our scholars have transcribed it numerous times from the old Fomorian language. I’ll read it to you.

  “The Second War of Fomorian Keep.

  In the Fourth month following the death of the last king, I, Keltrain Annwn, have searched the ancient library crystals for any possible way to defeat the foul creature that has destroyed part of Earth and is now seeking to destroy the wondrous land of Green Isle. I have exhumed an ancient spell that may lead to the discovery of the instrument that can penetrate the dark heart of the Black Warlock, Uthal. The spell is from the documents of the Druid Murias, a spell of transformation in which the weaver will become a creature able to see into the future. There are some parts of the incantation that are not legible and appear distorted, however in desperation, I will attempt anything.”

  The queen turned the page and kept reading.

  “The Second War of Fomorian Keep.

  In the sixth month following the death of the last Fomorian King, I, Sonya Berthadhiell, apprentice, write this final chapter of Keltrain the Wizard and the first chapter of Keltrain, the White Salmon of Prophecy. Unable to read parts of the spell, Keltrain, in despair, wove the magic of the ancient Druid Murias. Alas, the spell is a gift and a curse. Now a creature of water, his sight into this world has been muddied, but his vision into the world of time has become clearer. Unfortunately, Keltrain must remain in this form until what he seeks comes to pass. The quatrains below are some of the words that have been spoken in deep trance and perhaps will give hope to Green Isle and Earth:

  “And four shall come

  Innocent of magic

  One champion of the Sword be

  And one takes the darkest seed.

  “To defeat the spell once forgotten

  Traveling first to Fairy Dell

  Following the Fomorian Road

  To step upon the shore of Black Isle.

  “The quest for five

  Ends with three

  Yet the story ends not with these

  But takes its turn in generations.

  “Until the mirror sliver is freed

  And time follows the circle

  For which the champion’s blood returns

  The Sword to Green Isle.”

  Urcias stepped back as the queen closed the book. “Do you believe he spoke truthfully and brought with him the four of the legend? The ones spoken of in this text?”

  Adalay sat down in an overstuffed chair by the fireplace. “It appears so. If this is the case, then they’re seeking the Sword of Balorn. It’s a mythical weapon made from a metal that fell from the sky. The Fomorian King had it forged just before the Great War on Earth and carried it to battle during the siege of the Black Warlock. It’s King Balorn’s magic that is woven into the sword that can defeat Uthal.”

  Urcias paced several steps before stopping. “If the sword was on Earth, how did it get here?”

  “King Balorn's son Finley brought it through the mirrors just before their homeland sank beneath the sea. When Finley was made king after the death of his father, he hid the sword here on Green Isle so Uthal wouldn’t find it. Apparently, it was hidden with powerful magic. This magic will keep it until a chosen champion will release its energy. I’m sure he’s already aware of the young people’s presence here. The Brollachan were released against them, not us. Our outpost just happened to be in the way.”

  “Keltrain mentioned they’re heading to Black Isle to confront Uthal at his fortress. He said that five children were taken from Earth and a powerful spell is being prepared to use against Green Isle and Earth. He’s afraid that the Black Warlock’s powers may be growing with each day. I hope that I wasn’t too forward, but as a gesture of goodwill, I volunteered to meet him there on behalf of Nuada Findi Royal House.”

  “No, you didn’t overstep. I’m glad you made the decision to stand with them. I just have to convince the Senate that it’s in Nuada Findi’s best interest.”

  “Your Highness, I will need a replacement at the outpost for me. And if you could spare some of the inner guard to ride with me to render that promised aid.”

  Adalay stood motionless. Her eyes lingered on Urcias’ face. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought he saw a spark of something more than just the friendship she usually offered to him.

  “Urcias?” she questioned. “To journey to Black Isle and Crag Cairn is certain death. Why would you go? Send a regiment under someone else’s command.”

  “I’m needed. For this to be a success, it must be me there to lead our men.” He tilted his head, unsure of why she asked the question. “Keltrain informed me that the Slaugh have been unleashed against the young people from Earth. They are being hunted as we speak. I must, if only for the sake of our city and its occupants, assist in the struggle.” He didn’t want to add that protecting her was the first thing in his mind.

  The queen drew a quick breath. Urcias noted tears forming in the corners of her eyes before she turned her head. Adalay crossed to her desk. In a different tone than before, she stated, “Yes, you’re right. I’ll give you the documents and papers needed to gather whatever men you wish to take. Seek DaGon’s aid once you meet up with Keltrain, for the dragon will be a greater ally than any of the others.” She quickly wrote out words across a thick piece of parchment. Rolling it up, she sealed the outer edge with wax and the insignia of the Nuada Findi House and held it out for him.

  Urcias took the document. “What about the Senate? Won’t they be angry that you haven’t approached them for their say in this matter?”

  “Their inability to decide on any paramount issue for this city has earned them nothing, as far as I’m concerned. All they can do is bicker. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever accomplished except to initiate further debate about why they are bicker
ing. I’ll take responsibility should they decide to pursue any judgment. I’m still queen. Even though I don’t have a king to reign by my side, ultimately, what I command is the law.”

  The captain smiled. He loved the determination she carried. It was part of what drew him to her. “Then I’ll be your hand, extending across Green Isle, wielding punishment on behalf of Nuada Findi at Crag Cairn,” he stated. He bowed slightly in respect.

  Adalay reached out and touched his cheek briefly. Her eyes softened slightly as her fingertips brushed his face. The contact caused a charge of electricity through his body. He fought against the urge to claim her hand and kiss it. It was his honor that held him back. He could see concern in her eyes. For whatever reason, though, the words, which hung on her lips, weren’t uttered and instead, she backed away.

  Urcias’ heart sank. He bowed again and left the room without attempting to draw from her what he longed to hear. As he shut the door, he could hear in his departure the small sounds of her sobs.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Adalay received a note the next morning requesting her presence in the upper chamber room of the palace. The news of Urcias’ return had reached the Senate. The words in the note affirmed that the governing body had become aware of his actions as he gathered a select group of men to travel with him toward the coast. The note also mentioned how the queen’s actions seemed to be too close to an outright declaration of war against those who resided on Black Isle.

  In her mind, she knew this did not sit well with many of the Senators. Especially those who wanted her removed from her position. The message was very firm about their feelings on the matter. A battle with them was forthcoming and she mentally prepared for it. Her house guard informed her that many members of the Senate had already gathered at dawn in anticipation of the meeting. They reported that they heard muffled shouting behind the closed doors. It wasn’t anything new to her, this fight between herself and the men who held the positions in the governing body of the alliance. She understood all too well that they craved power and authority, but to take her crown lawfully, they had to feign injustice and bring her to trial. Hopefully she would be able to buy time for Urcias. He needed to make it to Black Isle.