flight of the firekyma

Introduction

Jacob is tasked with helping to rescue the wizard, as the terrible truth about Cabras’ saboteurs unfolds.

Adrift in Amnesia, Chapter Eight: Flight of the Firekyma (excerpt)

Aqnomora arrived outside the ancient cells where her friend was currently being held. Large, grey brick walls stood ominously before her, within which dwelt an eerily cold remnant of a dark past long forgotten. This had been the location where hundreds of the enchanted folk met a grim fate under Falgore, along with witches and wizards of the resistance who were captured and tortured. It was a place that few visited. For a great many years, not a single individual had been imprisoned here. Though Cabrans did not always see eye to eye, there was no crime to speak of in their world. In more recent times, it had become a site of training for certain witches and wizards to hone their skills in dangerous spells, away from the main part of community life. Its underground cells were no longer used at all and yet, among its oppressive walls, was where an innocent Cabran would find himself confined.

Ahead of Aqnomora patrolled a couple of formidable Evren Ghouls and she knew it would be fatal to try entering without permission. ‘Troyus!’ She hollered at the top of her voice demanding, ‘come out here, now!’ The General appeared on the balcony overlooking the wall beyond where she stood. ‘Troyus, this is wrong and you know it! There may be saboteurs, but he is surely not one of them!’ He stared down in scornful contempt, ‘and what would you know of these matters? You should be looking to that partner of yours! With her keen eyes on power … as both the Chosen One and President, the two will be unstoppable!’ Aqnomora could not believe what she was hearing though, just as she was about to argue their defence in earnest, she abruptly paused, remembering time to be of the essence and that a sudden change of tact would most likely prove more effective. She lowered her tone, exhaling slowly, she addressed the obstinate character, ‘right now, I don’t know what to believe … or who to trust … but it doesn’t matter.’ Aqnomora looked dejectedly at the General stood above, ‘I could not bring myself to tell Atanofea but … the truth is, saboteur or not, it will be of no consequence. Regardless, he is my friend and I respectfully request that I be allowed to bid him farewell!’

The General considered her plea. As lead healer, Aqnomora was highly thought of by all. He permitted the good witch to enter, whose ploy to appeal to his prejudgments seemed to work, for he was indeed feeling thoroughly contented by what she had disclosed. Aqnomora left her horse outside and cautiously walked past the Ghouls, as they stepped aside to let her through. Concealed within her gown were the petals of Sapsunsian plants, of which she desperately hoped would help save her friend in time. However, she was now faced with the small matter of administering it to her patient without being seen. Fortunately, General Troyus could not be bothered to come down and confer with her any further – too satisfied by her cover story. She approached the entrance of the wizard’s cell and found herself faced by two guards, Rojawras and Knoaghorim and the Cabrans who had restrained her partner in the Healing Chamber. ‘I wish to visit my friend. He is not long for this world and I would like to pay my last respects. Troyus allowed me access and agreed I could be left in privacy, thank you.’ The guards allowed her in and, assuming they would check this last detail with their commander, she moved fast to administer the nectar of Sapsunsian to the wizard.

Atanofea and Jacob made their way quickly through the forest. He had never ridden on a horse before. Seated in the front of the harness, he felt a well of excitement as the green of woodland turned to a blur rushing past them. They arrived outside a small cottage set among trees near the shoreline of Oceania. ‘Where are we?’ He asked, as Atanofea ran towards the door. She did not bother to knock, running straight inside, ‘Professor, Professor!’ Jacob followed behind. Entering the small cottage, he found himself faced with a kindly looking old wizard, exuding an incredible aura of calm as he spoke, ‘greetings, Jacob … I am the Professor …’ Before he could continue, Atanofea interrupted expressing grave urgency. ‘Professor, I’m afraid the rumours of a deadly Aranta attack on our friend are true, but … it’s worse than that, Troyus has gone quite mad! They’ve transported him to the cells where he’s under the guard of Evren Ghouls!’

The Professor sat and quietly absorbed the unsettling details of recent events. He pondered the issue, recalling his last conversation with the Oracle, though opted to put this out of mind, once more addressing Jacob. ‘I must congratulate you on the tremendous courage you showed in the Cave … really, really, well done … well done indeed!’ Atanofea politely cut him short, ‘Professor …’ He gently raised his arm, ‘my dear, witch … we mustn’t act hastily. Great evil is upon us and we need to know the full facts. I trust Aqnomora is tending to him?’ ‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘Then there is little else we can do for him now. What we need to do is uncover the plot so, Jacob, would you please be so kind as to tell me everything you saw.’ Jacob recounted the exact same story he previously told Atanofea, except for one added detail: the height of the figures – one tall and one short. Unlike the wizard, he did not note the body language so it remained unclear to them as to who the leader might be, but they at least now had something of a description. At that moment, a Cabran unexpectedly entered with some terrible news.

Ozmonar was not aware of the whereabouts of Atanofea so had initially come to inform the Professor. When he saw her in the room, not wanting to break this news in front of Jacob, he asked to urgently speak to her in private outside. As they left the house, the Professor turned to the young adventurer, ‘now … as I was saying earlier, you have shown tremendous courage young man of Earth. Nevertheless, I fear I may need to call upon such bravery again so that you may help your guide to realise his own path.’ ‘What path?’ Asked Jacob, intrigued to know more.

‘Did the wizard take the time to reveal much of our history?’ Enquired the Professor. ‘Oh, yes … yes he did! He told me about the dragons, the Rantas, the Sub-Blairon Coobalas and the story of the evil Falgore!’ ‘Ah, did he indeed, good, good … but did he mention the Moorian Firekyma?’ Jacob’s eyes gleamed, ‘he, he did … but he, well …, he sort of ended the story short. I can’t really remember, but I think he said the dragon saved Cabras from Falgore.’ ‘That it did,’ confirmed the Professor, ‘and ever since it has chosen a special wizard with which it shares some of its own tremendous power as part of our unity … a unique wizard with a Wholeness of Heart that we call the Professor. Now … as you may have noticed, I am getting a little old and it is time for one to take my place.’ He bent down to the young boy, ‘we can never know for sure who the Chosen One will be, but the Oracle and I are quite convinced it is your guide and he is destined to do something truly great.’ Jacob looked him in the eye, ‘but … but what can I do to help?’

Before the Professor could continue, a loud scream came from outside, ‘No! NO!‘ Atanofea was distraught, while Ozmonar was currently trying his best to comfort her. ‘NO!’ She screamed again, ‘how did this happen, not my Aqnomora!’ The terrible news he had to share was that Atanofea’s partner had been found dead. He was scouting the forest nearby when he discovered her body not far from the cells. The two of them rushed out to see Atanofea sat on the ground utterly inconsolable. The Professor ran and put his arm around her, then asked Ozmonar to tell them everything he knew.

He disclosed that there had been some kind of argument in the cells between Aqnomora and Troyus. She had been caught administering the antidote to the wizard and the General had her forcibly removed. She was last seen speaking to Apharis, according to one of the witches maintaining lookout in the tower above the main entrance – the only one willing to share details of the incident with Ozmonar. The Professor was confident this particular wizard was not part of the conspiracy, though remained unsure as to whether he could fully trust the unknown witch guard’s account. This did not stop Atanofea.

After hearing the description of ‘tall and short,’ Atanofea fell livid with rage, ‘I told you, Professor! Troyus and Apharis are behind everything! That slime ball has drafted the Board’s dim-witted General into his malevolent enterprise and now my partner is dead! Well, if they want war, then that’s what they’ll get!’ The Professor, although sharing in her dismay, for Aqnomora was a dear friend of his too, was nevertheless alarmed at what the young witch might do in haste, ‘Atanofea, I appreciate your feelings … but we would be wise to act with caution. We do not know if this is a trap!’

Emotion had since taken over. ‘Professor, you are the greatest of wizards, but now I fear it is you who could be making a grave mistake! The Chosen One is likely to be joining my beloved soon … while we sit around and do nothing! I’m going to find Apharis! He will pay for what he did to Aqnomora! Jacob is under your care now … see to it that he reaches the Oracle safely. If you really care about our unity, then you’ll head for Troyus!’ The Professor once more pleaded with Atanofea, but she was a headstrong witch. She mounted her horse and sped off into the forest to find Apharis – and take revenge.

Watching her disappear into the trees saw the Professor’s calm demeanour switch to noticeable concern. The community’s lead healer was dead, the fate of the Chosen One uncertain and a young Cabran, who many considered in line to be future President, was heading into what was surely a trap. It was all looking worse than even the Oracle had foreseen. ‘What shall we do, Professor?’ He turned to Ozmonar, ‘where is Aqnomora’s body now?’ ‘I arranged for her to be transported to the Sanctuary,’ Ozmonar paused, looking towards the ground, resuming in gloomy tones, ‘Aqnomora was my friend too. Professor … what’s happening to us … what’s happening to our land?’

The question was met with a look of sadness that held no answer. Though the Professor had previously observed some ominous signs of a threatening allure toward certain destructive ways, he also felt confident, as did the Oracle, the unity of Cabras would prove strong and true enough to resist adopting any such malevolent methods of power and control through subversion. A seed of doubt had since been sown somewhere along the inner spiral and confidence would soon be placed in the young adventurer. He ordered Ozmonar to return to guard duty with the others. If there were going to be an attack launched from the mountain passageways, then it would be more urgent to assist Okyrin, Pataris and Ophajiane in fending off the Arantas. Ozmonar mounted the Evren Biter and took off in the direction of the caves of Cabras-Nord.

It was at this moment that a familiar looking creature appeared in the Professor’s doorway, ‘is that … is that a dog?’ Asked Jacob. ‘Ah, yes, meet Rufus … I brought him back with me after a visit to Earth. Chocolate Labrador, I believe … and a wonderful companion he is too … albeit a little lazy these days … just woken up have we?’ Rufus shot a look of innocence towards his owner as Jacob went to stroke him. He responded by gently licking him on the cheek, ‘eew!’ ‘Ha-ha, yes, my apologies for Captain Slob,’ smiled the Professor, who suddenly hesitated, his manner returning to a distinct look of apprehension. He glanced across the bay to observe black clouds gathering on the horizon, ‘it’s just as I feared,’ he quietly uttered to himself, before motioning Jacob and Rufus back into his house.

Seating himself in the lounge, feeling deeply troubled, he invited Jacob to sit in front of him. Rufus remained most excited at making a new friend and plonked himself on the cushion of the sofa next to the young adventurer, who continued stroking him much to the pooch’s delight. He faced his new protector, ‘what are we going to do?’ Eyes fixed on nowhere in particular, the Professor appeared not to hear his question, ‘Professor …’ he asked again. The Cabran looked up and, noting the very same look of courage observed by the wizard, held in the eyes of a boy prepared to sacrifice himself to save his mother, he sensed a warm and familiar impression emanating from the depths of Kana: hope. He leaned forward and proceeded to inform Jacob of his plan, who once more would find himself delving deep into the well of his own bravery.

‘My dear boy,’ he began warmly, ‘beyond our shores gather dark clouds bearing images of a long forgotten and terribly troublesome history. Unlike Falgore, who was quickly revealed, these saboteurs are proving more cunning … for we know not for certain who they are. I have noticed some witches and wizards possessing an overly keen interest towards power, but this alone does not mean they are the ones behind this growing menace. Still, with Atanofea gone, Aqnomora dead and many others in danger, I must look to you for help.’ ‘What can I do?’ Offered Jacob, feeling an overwhelming desire to assist his new friends. The Professor smiled at the sight of his mettle and spoke, ‘although Atanofea has acted a bit rash, albeit understandably, she is quite likely correct in her suspicions toward General Troyus and I must face him alone to ascertain more. You see, Apharis is the President’s son and he will not handle the thought of the two of them as being saboteurs very well. Besides which, while we remain unclear as to who the antagonists really are, I feel it prudent not to make any of the Board aware of our misgivings at this stage.’

The Professor got up and walked to a small oak cupboard on the far side of the room. He opened the drawer and took out a slim wooden box within which rested a single wand. ‘Here, take this,’ as he handed it to Jacob. The young adventurer inspected the curious looking object, resembling a thin piece of rough twig, possessing a smooth handle at its base and a familiar crystal at its tip.

The Professor began to impress, ‘we must believe our good friend is going to survive; our very ancient unity depends on it … of this I am convinced. What I need is for you to deliver that wand to the wizard with a message.’ ‘What message?’ Asked Jacob and the Cabran whispered into his ear. ‘Can you remember all of that?’ He confirmed he had memorised it before enquiring, ‘how do I find him?’ ‘Ah, now … this is where my good companion, Rufus, here is to prove his worth. You see, there is a sophisticated network of tunnels running through Subterrania and Rufus, like all dogs, has a very keen sense of smell. He can guide you to the wizard’s cell underneath which lies a drain. Call up to him and pass the wand through the grid and he will be able to open it and escape underground.’ ‘I see,’ replied Jacob, feeling excited at his assignment, as the Professor added a few more details, ‘there’s just one problem you might encounter.’ ‘Oh, what’s that?’ ‘Well, Rufus … he can be a bit of a coward and so you might have to reassure him by stroking him behind the ear from time to time … if he gets a little scared. The other thing is to be mindful of potential nasties, one you are of course already familiar … the Sub-Ballarian Colubra.’ Jacob nodded in acknowledgement and the Professor informed him of another,‘there are also large rats called Subterranian Longtails but, like the Colubra, they also fear starlight and so I am going to teach you one of our spells to keep you protected.’

Jacob was currently grinning at the prospect of learning a magical spell and the Professor motioned to join him outside. ‘Now, I want you to point the wand at those clouds above Oceania and, giving it a wave, shout Spiralatis!’ He took hold of the wand and, with a firm swish, ‘Spiralatis!’ An awesome shot of crystal starlight fired from its tip, dispersing the shadowy nebulas in its wake. ‘Wow, that’s amazing!’ He exclaimed excitedly and the Professor smiled, encouraged by such enthusiasm. ‘Remember that word, should you come across any problems and be sure to stick close to Rufus, who will lead the way. You might need to be persuasive when you give the wizard this message, for it is vital that he undertakes his destiny. Now, can I … no, can we … can the whole of Cabras, count on your help, Jacob?’ He looked at the wand in his hand and back towards the sea. The dark clouds had amassed again, which momentarily reminded him of Chelmswood. He turned to the Professor, ‘you can count on me.’

The Professor took him to a small grassy opening, at the edge of which, hidden in front of some trees, was a discreet burrow leading into Subterrania. Once more checking that Jacob had remembered the Spiralatis spell and the message, he bid the young adventurer good luck and sent him on his way. He watched them both disappear into the underground tunnel, clinging to hope that the part he neglected to tell him would not come to pass. The Professor mounted his horse and headed for what he felt sure would be a showdown with General Troyus. He would soon encounter a disturbingly familiar prospect.

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