“What in the world was that…that…thing?” asked Sheridan in a high-pitched voice.

  “Officially, they are known as Scaiths,” Faith informed them, “but people around here call them devourers.”

  “Devourers? Why is that?” asked Falcon.

  “You experienced it first-hand. They don’t eat flesh or plants like other animals. Instead they feast on the energy of human beings. And do you know which people have the most energy?”

  “Wielders,” answered Aya.

  Faith nodded. “That’s right. That is why wielders are much more susceptible to devourer attacks than non-wielders. The scary part about them is that they hold your energy in place, which essentially makes it impossible to wield. They are responsible for the death of hundreds of wielders throughout Va’siel.”

  “How did they learn to do that?” asked Sheridan. His body shook and his eyes darted about the dark forest, betraying his still-lingering fear.

  “Nobody knows. All that is known about them is that they live in the caves of Kroazia and only come out occasionally to hunt, which is rare since they can go years without feeding.”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong,” said Aya. “But aren’t the Kroazia Mountains over a five-day trip from here? How could a Scaith sense us from so far off?”

  “I’m not sure, but from the distance it traveled, I’m guessing this particular devourer was desperate to feed. It probably sensed Falcon’s energy. He’s the only one with enough energy to attract one over such a great distance.”

  Falcon mouth gaped open. He had always considered his immense pool of energy a gift, not a hindrance.

  “So, essentially, Hyatt here is like a walking buffet,” declared Sheridan through a series of chuckles.

  “Didn’t you hear what Faith said?” scolded Aya. “All wielders are susceptible to devourer attacks, not just those with high amounts of energy.”

  “Yes,” countered Sheridan, “but we’re like the appetizers and Falcon is the main course.” Sheridan laughed again; his near-death experience now apparently a distant memory.

  “Anyway…we should get back to Asturia,” said Falcon, ignoring Sheridan’s comments. “It’s getting late.” Nobody argued with him.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Thank goodness you are all back,” were the first words from Mayor Seth when Falcon, Aya, Faith, and Sheridan returned to Asturia. “The scouts have brought forth dire news. The Suteckh have declared war. They are marching towards the earth capital city of Sandoria as we speak.”

  Faith brought her hand to her chest. “That’s terrible. Asturia is between Sandoria and Ladria. If Sandoria falls, the Suteckh will destroy all the minor villages on their way to Ladria, including ours.”

  “Sandoria is outnumbered three to one,” said the mayor. “They are asking for help from all the smaller villages. We must send our aid as soon as possible.”

  “Then we shall leave first thing tomorrow morning,” said Falcon.

  The mayor’s hands trembled. “I’m afraid there is another urgent matter.”

  “What else? What could be more important—?” A loud, feigned cough from behind Falcon made him jump.

  “Following orderz, Mr. Hyatt. That iz what iz more important.”

  Chapter 31

  Professor Kraimaster had his usual frown planted on his face, and was dressed in the same dark robe he always wore.

  “What are you doing here, professor?” asked Falcon.

  “A queztion you do well to azk yourzelve,” said Kraimaster, pointing his long finger at Falcon. “You were due to report back over a week ago.” He scanned the room. “Where is Mr. Keen?”

  “Lao is no longer with us,” said Falcon.

  “What do you mean, he iz no longer with you?”

  Falcon outlined for Kraimaster what had happened. The professor listened attentively. Occasionally the professor stopped him to get clarification on certain events, but for the most part he remained quiet.

  Kraimaster curled his dry lips. “If what you tell me iz true, then it iz even more of a reazon you zhould have reported back az zcheduled. You, Mr.Hyatt, zerved az leader of thiz mizzion. Everything that haz incurred here, therefore, iz your fault. You are a Rohad mercenary, and az zuch you are expected to follow orderz.” Kraimaster took a scanned his surroundings, and a look of disgust came over his face. “Our contract with thiz pathetic village iz no longer our concern. Zo I azk again: Why did you not report back az inztructed?”

  “I thought I already made that clear,” answered Falcon, growing frustrated. “The situation has evolved far beyond attacks on this village. If Sandoria falls, Ladria could be next. We have to join the Sandoria defense force before it’s too late.”

  “Liez!” The professor slammed his fist on the table. Cups of sugar and cinnamon flew off and shattered on the floor. “If the Zuteckh were launching an attack on any capital city, the Ladrian zcouts would have informed uz by now. You don’t honeztly expect me to believe that the zcoutz of thiz backwardz village are better informed than thoze from our capital city? Now collect your thingz, we leave immediately.”

  “I can’t speak for them,” said Falcon, motioning toward Aya and Sheridan. “But the only place I am going is Sandoria. Whether you like it or not.”

  “Thiz iz not a dizcuzzion, Mr.Hyatt. You are all coming with me. I am not about to be made a fool by returning without all of you.”

  “You’re about to!” Falcon’s infuriated voice boomed. “I’m not that child you used to pick on, professor. Go back to where you came from.” Falcon surprised even himself by the finality in his voice. “Now!”

  Kraimaster’s face turned ashen-white.

  “I won’t be going back either,” declared Aya, stepping forward. “We’re needed in Sandoria.”

  “Mz. Nakatomi?” Kraimaster looked confused. “Yours iz a noble family of Ladria. Would you really throw your luck in with him and bring dizhonor to your family’z name?”

  “I’m sorry, professor, but there is more at stake than honor.”

  The professor clenched his teeth as he turned to Sheridan. “And you, Mr. Calhoun? Will you alzo be throwing away your future with theze two?”

  All eyes turned to Sheridan, whose usual smile was now absent. He bit his nails and paced the length of the living room. “I’m s-sorry, Falcon,” he stuttered. “I can’t go. My family sacrificed a lot to put me through the academy.”

  Kraimaster, who now wore a look of satisfaction, pointed at the door. “Wait for me outzide, Mr. Calhoun. I will attend to you zhortly.”

  Head hanging, Sheridan dragged his feet as he shuffled out of the house.

  “I told the Grandmazter you would be nothing more than a hindrance,” hissed the professor. There was poison in his voice. “And in your firzt mizzion you have proved me correct. We zhall zee if the grandmazter vouchez for you now, and even if he doez, I will go to the academy council and make certain thiz incident iz not overlooked.”

  The professor stomped out of the mayor’s house, making sure to slam the door behind him. Shockwaves seemed to spread across the living room walls. A framed painting that hung by the door crashed to the floor, its glass shattering into dozens of pieces.

  Falcon barely registered the noise of breaking glass. He was much too preoccupied with Kraimaster’s last words. Guilt gnawed at him. He was right. Grandmaster Zoen trusted me. And how have I repaid that trust? By refusing to follow orders.

  “Don’t worry,” said Aya. “Zoen will understand why you couldn’t go back.”

  Aya. It was one thing for him to defy orders, but to drag her down with him was inexcusable. While it was true that Aya’s parents didn’t much care what people thought of them, they never broke the rules. Aya’s father in particular was not one to disobey direct orders.

  “It’s not too late, Aya,” urged Falcon. “If you leave now you can still join Kraimaster, he can’t be too far off.”

  “I’m not going back.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. I want to stop the Suteckh as much as you do.”

  Falcon sighed. He had never been able to win an argument with her, and he doubted that was going to change anytime soon.

  “Fine,” said Falcon, admitting defeat. “I suppose I can’t force you to go. Tomorrow morning we set off for Sandoria. We should all get a good night’s sleep. We’re going to need it.”

  “I’m sorry for any difficulties this situation has caused,” said the mayor. “But you made the right choice, both of you.” He pointed at the colorful room down the hall. “You can rest in my daughter’s room tonight, young lady. I’m sure she won’t mind.”

  “Thanks,” said Aya.

  The mayor patted Falcon’s back. “You can rest in the healing room.”

  “Thank you, sir. I will.” Sleep was the farthest thing from Falcon’s mind, though. How could he sleep after everything that had happened? No, he needed to go somewhere where he could look at the stars and think.

  “Good night, everyone,” said Falcon, feigning a yawn.

  “Hey, Falcon,” called out Aya, as he was about to enter the healing room.

  “Yes?”

  “You should follow your own advice and go to sleep. No sneaking to the roof for stargazing.” Aya gave him an alluring smile before closing her door.

  Somehow, besides all the bad news, he couldn’t help but smile. It was scary how well she knew him.

  ~ ~ ~

  “We’re here, men,” said Falcon. “It appears we’re not too late.” Falcon and the army of Asturia had traversed the Sandoria desert in just two days. Their hasty trek had left them worn and beat down, though. Falcon only hoped the Suteckh would not attack on this night.

  “What should we do now, sir?” asked one of the youngest soldiers, fear registering in his voice.

  Sir? Falcon wondered if he would ever get used to being called that.

  “You’re all free to explore the city,” said Falcon. “But I recommend you find a local inn and get some rest. Meanwhile, I will speak to whoever is in command and offer our services. Meet me back here before sundown. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir!” answered the men in unison.

  “A simple yes will suffice. No need to call me sir.”

  “Yes, sir!”

  “What did I just tell…” Falcon’s voice trailed off. These men needed a leader, and for better or worse, he was all they had. “Just stay out of trouble.”

  “Yes, sir.” Then they were off. They eagerly joined the groups of people who filled the main streets. In no time, Falcon lost sight of them as they merged with the large crowds.

  The Suteckh threat had put the city in a frenzy. Hundreds of soldiers, wearing a variety of different uniforms, marched through the streets. Ragged messenger boys raced through the crowds carrying urgent news in their hands. Vendors, eager to make money from the sea of incoming soldiers, shouted out their specials.

  “How many different village armies do you think are here?” asked Aya.

  “I don’t know, but hopefully enough to get the job done,” answered Falcon sternly. “Faith, you’ve been here before, right? Any idea where we are to go?”

  “Yes, it’s been a long time but I still remember most of the city. I even know some shortcuts through the alleyways. It will save us the trouble of dealing with the large crowds. This way.”

  Faith motioned for them to follow. She moved between two fruit stands and into a narrow alley. Falcon and Aya stayed close as she expertly guided them through a labyrinth of dirt-paved paths.

  Falcon had initially disapproved of Faith accompanying them to Sandoria. She was not a trained warrior like he and Aya. But Faith’s promise to stay away from the fighting and only serve as a healer put some of his worries at ease.

  All he had to do now was find a way to get Aya to stay behind the battle lines as well. It wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to find a way.

  “Here we are,” announced Faith.

  They stood before the grand Sandoria palace. It was a giant rectangular building constructed entirely of compacted dirt, sand, and rock. The castle emitted a shimmering glow, the result of thousands of sparkling silver and gold fragments imbedded in the walls. The roof consisted of smooth white marble.

  “It’s beautiful,” said Aya. Transparent gates around the palace made it impossible to get too close.

  “Sandoria has more earth wielders than any other capital city in Va’siel,” said Faith. “That’s why most of their homes are made out of rock, sand, dirt, and copper.”

  “That’s amazing,” said Falcon.

  “Is there any way I can be of service?” asked a short palace guard who stood by the gates. He appeared to be about Falcon’s age. He wore the dark brown armor that was typical of a Sandorian soldier’s apparel.

  “Yes,” answered Falcon. “We’re from Asturia.”

  “Excuse me…I wasn’t talking to you,” interrupted the guard, his gaze not leaving both girls. “I was talking to these beautiful young ladies.”

  “Oh…okay,” said Falcon, trying to suppress his laughter.

  “I’m here to help in any way possible, ladies. Tell me, what brings you to the great city of Sandoria?”

  The guard took hold of Aya’s hand. He bent down and kissed it softly. He then turned his attention to Faith. With a wink he took hold of her hand and kissed it as well.

  “I’m Faith, the daughter of Mayor Seth from the Village of Asturia. These are Aya and Falcon from the Rohad academy of Ladria. We are here to enlist as part of the volunteer army.”

  “Of course, of course, any help is welcome. I’m afraid you are in the wrong place, however. General Higa is having all the volunteer armies sign up in the training fields.”

  “And where can we find the training fields?” asked Aya, snapping the guard out of his trance.

  “Go left on this road. It will take you to a large field. There you should find the other armies here as well. You can’t miss it.”

  “Many thanks for your help,” said Faith, already moving ahead. “We appreciate it.”

  “Any time you ladies need help, come back and find me!” shouted the guard as he disappeared out of view. “I will be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.”

  Both girls looked at each other and broke out into a series of giggles.

  Chapter 32

  The stars were already out when Falcon finally marched into the training field with his army. Setting his men free in a capital city turned out to be a bad idea. Most of the men did not show up at the meeting place at sundown as agreed. He had spent most of the evening searching the city for them. He found a few sleeping at the inn, a few others in the local pubs, and others he found roaming the Sandoria flea market.

  Dozens of other armies had already set up camp. Most of the men huddled in groups, keeping warm around small fires. A few of them passed the time playing games of elemental cards and Meiji. The sound of raised voices filled the air, creating a din of unrecognizable commotion.

  “This field is bigger than our entire village,” noted an astonished Asturian soldier. He was right. Yet the field had no outstanding features. In fact, it was quite plain. Just a simple stretch of earth devoid of grass or trees.

  “I guess we register over there,” said Aya, pointing at a rectangular table set in the middle of the field.

  “Is the training field in Ladria this big, sir?” asked one of the soldiers as they made their way to the registration table.

  “It looks about the same,” answered Falcon. “Except our fields are full of grass and trees. I’m sure Sandorians don’t have much use for that, seeing that the majority of them are earth wielders.”

  A fat man who sat behind the table stared at Falcon as he approached. “State the village you hail from and name your leader.”

  “I’m Falcon Hyatt, commander of the forces of Asturia.”

  The plump man handed Falcon a white parchment. “Sign your name on top and have your men sign at the bottom of your name.” The man took a quick glance at Falcon’s army. “Not much of an army you have there. How many men have you brought forth?”

  “Forty-two, sir, including myself. We also have a medic who can serve on the healing squad.”

  “I see. Since there are so few of you in number, one parchment will suffice.” After they had all signed, the stocky man pointed to the far corner of the field. “You and your men can set up camp over there.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Falcon and the Asturians marched to their designated corner.

  “All right, everyone. Let’s set up camp before we freeze to death.”

  Despite the long day, the men moved fast. In no time they had put up their small tents.

  Meanwhile Falcon used the rocks and wood provided to build two simple fires.

  “Sir, tell us more of Ladria,” said one of the soldiers as he took a seat beside Falcon.

  “I don’t know much,” answered Falcon. “I’ve rarely stepped foot in the city. Most of my time I’ve spent training at the academy.”

  “You heard that, boys?” snickered a voice from behind Falcon. “The Asturians have brought a mighty Rohad mercenary. We are guaranteed an easy victory now.”

  Falcon swiveled his head. Two men stood laughing at their sarcastic remarks. Falcon’s sighed annoyingly. Is there nowhere I can go without being ridiculed?

  “We didn’t mean any disrespect, oh mighty Rohad warrior,” mocked the biggest of the two men. He wore blood-red armor with a similar colored helmet that covered most of his face. Only his eyes and nose were exposed. “We are so overjoyed to have a commander who fights for money and holds no allegiance.”

  “If you can even call him that,” laughed the second man, pointing at Falcon’s men. “No real commander would lead that sorry excuse of an army.” The second man was much smaller than his companion, but he sported the same blood-red armor. He wore no helmet, his shriveled skin and black teeth evident for everyone to see.

  Falcon glanced at his men. He had to admit, they didn’t look like much of a fighting force. The best Asturian soldiers had either been lost in the Ciompi ambush, or were recovering back in Asturia. That made most of his current army either young inexperienced fighters or old men.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25