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“OW! Hey now.”
Chipper chattered and continued pointing.
“Yes, little Chipper,” Race said, rubbing his earlobe, “I know that’s the way we have to go.”
“We better move out of this meadow,” Ruki said with a yawn.
“Right, let’s get to those rocks before this Meadow causes us a long slumber.”
As they walked through the tall grasses, Race held the glowing staff out front, creating a pathway to the rocks.
Wisps of fog formed above their heads and began swirling around the staff’s tip.
“Watch out, Race!” Ruki shouted.
Race began swinging the staff to disperse the misting fog. Chipper ran down his arm and then climbed the staff all the while Race attempted to stop the fog from forming by continuing to swing the staff in the air.
As the fog began to form, Chipper reached out and bit the finger of the forming hand. Then, the forming hand returned to fog and dissipated. Race lowered his staff allowing Chipper to resume perching on Race’s shoulder, “Good job, Chipper!”
Chipper chattered an “Uh-oh,” and pointed down in the grass.
Looking back over his shoulder, he saw Ruki passed out, “Oh no!” Shouted Race, then leaned down by her side, holding the glowing staff with one hand and checking Ruki for a pulse.
“She’s asleep, alright. Now what am I gonna do?”
The fog began swirling about the staff once more, Chipper again ran down Race’s arm to the staff, only this time, the forming hand swiped at Chipper, sending her hurling through the air, only to land in the tall grasses of the meadow.
Race shot to his feet and held a defensive stance over Ruki and the now faint-looking Chipper, “You’ll not take this staff or harm my friends, whoever you are!”
The staff began to be tugged on as two hands formed at the staff’s tip. Race pulled it back and began moving the staff in all directions all about his body, but the forming hands held on. Soon the Antarian grew larger, weighing down the staff. The Antarian quickly formed and then laughed at the half-human, half-antarian man.”
“Dumakas!” Race spat, continuing to tug the staff from his grip.
“Just do us both a favor, you confused and irritating human! Give me the staff!”
“No!” Race shouted, pulling the staff from Dumakas, causing him to return to fog, “You can’t have it! It belongs to Gor’con!”
Chipper tried to return to her feet, but fell backward into the grass, succumbing to the sleep effects of the Dul’Latch.
More laughter echoed over and around his head as the fog swirled around him. Race jumped and swung the staff with a downward thrust, dispersing the mist. Then, he took off running through the grass, continuing to swing the staff all about as the fog chased after him.
“Help!” Shouted Race as he ran through the thick, tall grass, “Somebody? I need some help!”
Rushing through the grass, the fog continued to catch up with Race. Soon, he came to the outcropping of rocks. At full Antarian run, Race leaped into the air. Using the base of the staff, he vaulted up to the rocks and took a defensive stance, “You won’t get it! I won’t allow it!”
The misting fog settled all around Race. Then the Antarian began forming once again, his hands gripping the glowing staff. Race tugged and pulled, playing tug-of-war with Dumakas, now taken full form.
Race was now nearly as tall as the giant Antarian and with the strength he found from within, he held his ground, not giving up the staff. The two wrestled back and forth, both fighting for ownership of Gor’con’s staff.
Dumakas held his stance, gripping the staff, he kept Race from taking full possession. Then, a new wisp of fog swirled around the two wrestling corporeal beings. Settling on the free space left on the staff, another Antarian formed. Race knew who had come to his rescue and then gave a kick to Dumakas’ groin.
Dumakas groaned with pain and let go of his white-knuckled grip, making him return to the spirit world of the realm and allowing the rescuing form to complete.
“I knew you heard my cry for help. Good to see you, Ma’Ruuk.”
“Yes, both Gor’con and I have been watching from the top of these pillars. It is agreed that your progress is most impressive, Race Jennings.”
“Where is Gor’con, anyway? I think I better get this staff to him, sooner than later.”
“No, Race. You do not yet understand,” Ma’Ruuk began to explain.
“Understand what? Oh—I see what this is. It’s another test, isn’t it?”
Race tried to wrestle the staff with Ma’Ruuk, who then yanked it from Race before setting the base of the staff firmly on the rock, “No. Not this time. Actually, we did use your latest battle as a measurement of your readiness.”
“Readiness for what, for gosh darn sakes?”
“You must discover what it is you must do, on your own.”
“Swell,” Race shook his head before returning his hand to the staff, “Can I get a hint, at least?”
“You see, this is why you are not quite ready. A hint, you should not need, my friend.”
“Oh, so, I’m no longer irritating?”
“You are no longer irritating. However, there is a risk of becoming more irritating if you do not discover your task, soon.”
Race chuckled as he continued holding the glowing staff with Ma’Ruuk, “You’re a funny guy, Mister Ma’Ruuk. You’ve finally got a sense of humor—”
“No, I did not intend to display humor. I was being serious.”
Race stopped chuckling and cleared his throat, “Well, I think I’m supposed to meet with Gor’con up there,” Race pointed high over his head.
“Yes, Race. You’re understanding will soon be before you.”
“Well, let’s start the climb, “Race pointed with his free hand and then paused, “Hey, what about Ruki and little Chipper?”
“They will be fine. The Dul’Latch will take good care of them for now.”
“Hey, wait a minute,” Race protested, “What gives, anyway?”
“What do you mean?”
“How come I didn’t fall to the ground with the others? It was the staff, wasn’t it? The staff kept me from falling asleep, didn’t it?”
“Yes, Race. You are certainly beginning to understand. Now, to find Gor’con. We must go.”
“Well, that’s what I’ve been trying to tell ya’!”
Ma’Ruuk let go of the staff and returned to fog. Race followed the misty wisps down to the back side of the rocks. He jumped down into the grass. Moving his arms out in front of him, he parted the tall grass covering the entrance to the tower above.
“Yep, this place looks familiar. This is where we found the master crafter. What was his name, oh yeah! It was Ohna—Ohna—Oh yeah, Ohna’Thesus! That’s what it was.”
Looking up the steep stone steps, Race began his accent, following the wisping fog above his head, one stone step after another.
“Sheesh, I forgot how high this tower is,” Race panted, rested, then continued on.
________________________
Gate Corridor
________________________
Darnash and Danielle set up the tripod and mounted the new quantum phase inducer. Then, he removed his arms from the backpack and set the powerpack on the ground next to them.
“I need to adjust the beam circumference to match the gate opening,” Darnash nodded as he powered on the power unit.
A whir sounded from the box as Darnash inspected the side controls on the device. Switching on the beam, a green beam discharged from the quantum nozzle. Turning a knob, he shrunk and grew the green beam until it was perfectly positioned at the opening.
Danielle came to the gate to get a closer look, “I see the gate is covered, Darnash. What about the beast wings and feet that are protruding over the gate circumference?”
If I widen the beam, the phase inducer won’t be as effective.”
But the machine might not contain the dragon if the phase inducer doesn’t completely encase the beast,” Danielle added.
“We shall test for a few ma’na to see the devices effectiveness before we force open the gate.”
“I think that’s a good idea, Darnash,” Danielle agreed.
Reaching into this backpack, Darnash handed Danielle a pair of dark goggles before donning his own, resting them on his forehead.
The cross-way is on and the fixer is set,” Darnash reported as he inspected his machines, “Standby to engage the quantum phase inducer beam,” Darnash finished before lowering his goggles over his eyes.
Depressing the trigger on the phase inducer sent a blue colored beam that shot out from the device, surrounding the gate opening, covering the green laser beams.
“Checking the inducer settings for a stable field— field strength is good and holding steady.”
“Let’s try opening the gate, now.”
Reaching over to the cross-way, Darnash activated the gate. A shimmering image began to focus on the center of the gate. The fire dragon, half encased in the cement gate remained fixed in suspended animation where the blue quantum phase inducer beam held the body and head of the dragon.
Danielle quickly inspected the dragon’s claws. Her expression was all Darnash needed to understand the impending trouble. The claw began changing from cement to the physical claw, which began to open and close on the gate.
“Turn off the gate!” Danielle shouted.
Darnash quickly terminated the power to the cross-way and shut down the quantum phase inducer beam. The flexing claw froze into cement once again.
“We’ll have to test this with the entire dragon encased,” Danielle advised, “That creature was breaking free!”
“Yes, my Queen,” Darnash nodded, then turned on the green beam and enlarged it to cover the entire dragon. “Now, I’ll match the quantum phase inducer beam to the same circumference.
The blue beam shot out from the device, covering the green beam completely.
“Standby for cross-way activation.”
Danielle stepped back and watched as the gate began to display the Realm. The dragon continued to remain in suspension. This time, the claws of the fire dragon didn’t move. Then, the blackness of the beast claw began to transform from cement.
“It’s not working, Darnash!” Danielle yelled over the noise of wind rushing through the gate.
“Shutting it down!” Darnash said with a headshake.
The claw of the dragon began to move once more, opening and closing, the cement on the gate crumbled and cracked. Then, the gate terminated its link to the realm, freezing the dragon into stone, once again.
“This isn’t working, Darnash. That creature is gonna break through!”
“I will make some refinements to the power output on the beam array. We may not be able to fully activate the gate.”
“We have to be able to cross over!”
“Yes, my Queen. I am working on the many issues of this new technology Artemis relayed to us.”
“If only Artemis were here,” Danielle protested, “Maybe she could tell us what we’re doing wrong?”
“It will be okay, my Queen,” Darnash explained, “I have a few more settings to adjust. I’m almost ready to test again.”
“I don’t know how much more stress this gate will hold. If that claw moves anymore, it’s going to break the gate all together.”
“I am aware of this, my Queen. Believe me; it will not go well if this dragon breaks free!”
A voice echoed in the corridor behind Darnash, “You may not wish to use this current setting.”
Darnash turned, being startled as Danielle exclaimed, “Artemis! You heard me!”
“Yes, Danielle,” Artemis answered, “I was not able to come to your aid until now.”
“Sounds like you were kind of busy,” Danielle added.
“Yes, you could say we were kept busy. Unfortunately, we lost a few saucer ships, but managed to survive with thirty-five. When you see Admiral Fitz, please inform him that we may not be able to prevent the Truven fleet from arriving at Betelgeuse.”
“We’re not on the way to see the Admiral,” Darnash protested.
“Again, you do not fully understand as yet, but you will be seeing the Admiral sooner than you are planning.”
“Is there a problem with us entering the realm?” Danielle asked.
“Yes, Danielle. I am afraid there is a problem. However, I must instruct Darnash on the required settings before I run out of time.”
“Yes, you must tell me what will work best.”
Artemis closed her eyes and relayed the needed information, then opened her eyes to say, “That will be the correct setting. I am sorry, I cannot stay longer to tell you more—”
Artemis’ image faded as Danielle shouted, “No! Wait!”
It is too late, my Queen,” Darnash said, stepping up to the quantum phase inducer control panel. “Artemis was able to relay to me the required settings. The only other thing she was able to relay to me was a sense of urgency for her to return to their current situation.”
“But you know what you need to change to keep this dragon in suspension?”
Darnash pressed buttons, turned knobs and flipped switches on the control box. Then, turned to answer Danielle, “Yes, my Queen. This should keep the dragon creature at bay, long enough to open the gate.”
“Well, let’s do it, then.”
Darnash and Danielle both lowered their goggles, once more. Switching on the green laser, the beams filled the circumference of the gate and surrounded every protruding dragon part. Then, he activated the blue colored plasma beam, engaging the quantum phase inducer.
“Okay, this should do it,” Darnash said just before activating the cross-way.
The shimmering image on the gate illuminated the image of the realm, while the blue beam kept the fire dragon in suspension.
“Looks like it’s working,” Danielle shouted over the noise of the powerful gate and rushing wind.
“Okay, my Queen,” Darnash yelled in return, “Get ready to cross! I’m activating the gate—Now!”
Pressing the final sequence on the cross-way, caused the gate to fully open. The dragon held in status changed to fire, issuing its head through the gate with a mighty roar. Then, it shot fire from its mouth at the two. Danielle covered the box with her arms to protect the blood scrolls as the fire dragon advanced further through the gate, preventing the two access to the realm.
Chapter Sixteen
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Revein’sev
Meadow of Dul’Latch
________________________
Race finally reached the top step. The wisps of fog circulated around the room. As the mist surrounded a part of the staff, Race held it out, letting the forming Antarian have the staff.
Gor’con became a solid corporeal being as Race let go of the glowing staff, “You have done well, Race. You are now ready to learn what it is you must do.”
“Oh gawd, I was so hoping I would,” Race panted, “I’ve been waiting long enough.”
“Be mindful of what you wish for as this thing you must do will be difficult.”
“Okay, I’m ready! But why here? Why’d I have to come all this way? Especially, without Ruki or Chipper?”
“Because if they were to learn what it is you must do, they would do everything in their power to stop you.”
“I’m still confused, Gor’con.”
“You must refrain from being such an inquisitive human and learn to do things more Antarian.”
“Oh. I thought I was.”
“You are beginning to act more Antarian, but you have more training to do.”
“More training?”
“Not like the training you had at the Mountains of Ramari. No, this training comes from the great master crafter.”
“Oh, you mean from Ohna’Thesus. The one who fashioned the handle for Danielle’s Sword of Revein’sev.”
“Yes, Race. You are most correct. However, know that the Sword of Revein’sev belongs to no one.”
“It’s not Danielle’s?”
“No. It belongs to the Realm.”
“Which is healing this place. Actually, it’s already healed, but I think it’s too healed.”
“Again, you are beginning to understand,” Gor’con smiled.
“So, what’s next? Do I get to do training with ol’ Ohna’Thesus?”
“First, you must learn all there is you must do.”
“And, I’m just guessing, that’s coming from you.”
“Yes, you are, indeed, preceptive. I shall tell you all.”
Race stepped over to one of the stone benches on the main floor of the pillar complex and sat, saying, “Bring it on, my man.”
Gor’con stepped over to Race, the glowing staff tapped on the rock floor with each step. Then, Gor’con turned and sat next to Race and turned his head slightly toward him, “What I am about to explain, you will have a difficult time comprehending. But what I tell you, is the only way things must be done.”
“Okay, big guy. I’m listening,” Race nodded, then continued, “Say, when is Danielle and Darnash coming to the party, anyway?”
“They are not going to enter the Realm. They must not enter this realm.”
“But she has the scrolls. Don’t you need those to tell me what we have to do?”
“No, Race Jennings. I do not need the scrolls. I know all there is to know about them.”
“Why did you have her go get them—”
Gor’con remained silent for a moment, then as he began, Race cut him off, “—it was all a ruse to keep her from entering, right?”
“Yes, Race. I sent her and Darnash on the quest for the Blood Scroll in order to prevent their entrance. You are the only one that can be here, within the Realm of Revein’sev.”
“If that’s the case, then what about Ruki?”
“Yes, well, Ruki entered the realm with you, but she must not remain. One of the things you must do, is to ensure you are the only one here from your universe. This is imperative.”
