Chapter 10-2

Chapter 10-2

EJ stirs in his soft watery bed, his mind racing as the events of the day played over in his mind. Yes, it is true as he looked in the mirror by his bedside; he looks like all three of his parents. He couldn’t ask for more as he re-sketches his face and contours of his body. Yet for some reason, he still was not happy. 

Something or part of him was still missing. EJ pounds his fist into his pillow watching the little waves vibrate around him. EJ lays down closing his eyes hoping to sleep, but the softness of sleep did not await him. Instead, the feeling of uneasiness was there, his eyes closed as he tries to clear his mind. EJ counts slowly each heartbeat he can hear.

Suddenly a warm feeling surrounds him starting from his head down to his toes. He hears his new mother sing softly as she sits on his bed brushing his hair back away from his face. Like his Ma and Pa would do as they tucked him into bed each night. He was used to going from foster home to foster home, having new parents and calling them Mom and Dad, like the rest of their kids as he becomes part of their family.

But this was new for him as he looks at his new body, born of flesh and blood and water. That looks like more of his new mother, and her family seeing them on his wall; instead of being nothing more than a foster kid, who doesn’t really fit in. Least not until he came to the Downing’s and they have loved him as one of their own, he couldn’t wish for more than that.

Why does everyone try to take him away, from something he has always wanted and has found that he actually belongs? True this may be temporary, but what they have done to him by creating a body of real flesh and blood, to contain his spirit and soul so he can grow into it, bothers him because in truth it takes him away from his true self.

Never being able to see his true self ever again, he feels lost, and lonely, the only thing that remains constant is the love he feels for his Ma, Pa, and his brothers and sisters. He is no longer a foster kid in their eyes but one of them as a true family member forever.

EJ smiles softly shuffles tiredly in his bed hearing his mother leave the room. Remembering she said she would be checking in to making sure he was sleeping, yet why? He was no longer injured nor sick. Why did she need to keep checking on him? Was the world he was in more dangerous then she let on? 

EJ slowly opens his eyelids watching the door close. He knew he was safe, for he felt safe. In fact, he felt safer than he had ever been without having his Ma and Pa beside him. Could the transformation have caused this? Or was it true? EJ shrugged his shoulders as sleep finally took over.

In his sleep, he thought he could hear humming now and again, but when he opened his eyes there was nobody in his room. Maybe he was imagining things, but he was positive he heard someone call his name. Yet not his new name Prince Orin, but EJ. No, it can’t be, nobody knew he was here except a few people and they would never deluge that secret.

“EJ,” the voice in the room called for him as it giggled in a women voice in a song like manner. “EJ my son, my boy, my dearest child of the light come.” The voice called out to him. EJ slowly opened his eyes, let them gaze about the room. The voice calling him in a sing-song manner, “Eeee….Jjjjj…” the voice whispered, “come.”

EJ voice shakes as he asks, “Who are you?”

The voice answered calling his name with a riddle. “I am you, but not you. I am the guardian of strength and power that will fulfill your heart's desire, your destiny awaits… EJ come.” EJ slowly takes another look around his room seeing a small crack of blue light hidden behind his wardrobe cabinet.

EJ has always been curious yet he has learned to be cautious now more than ever. He too knows that Morgan can trick him into believing anything, one of his greatest gifts is deception.

EJ slowly watches the blue light flicker around the wardrobe cabinet, deciding whether to follow it or not. Is it a trick? One of Morgan spells to trap him once more?  EJ watched and listened to the harmonic voice call out to him. He tries to feel the room for any sort of danger as he listened.

Slowly EJ climbs out of bed his little feet touching the cold hard surface of the floor. He notices for the first time as he takes in his surroundings that his room has a softness to it, yet it was elegant as if he was in sort of palace chamber made for a Prince. His room decorated with pictures of him and Lady Gwin standing beside him. Pictures of his family yet not his family of a strange man holding a silver pitchfork laced in gold.

He was also surrounded by four maidens dressed like his mother Lady Gwin. Other pictures of dolphins and sea horses racing with riders on there back dressed in strange armor. Little bits of Prince Orin childhood hanging on the wall; some EJ remembers some he does not which was strange in itself.

Why does he remember anything at all regarding this new life as Prince Orin? Did these advents actually happen or are they part of the plot of hiding his true identity? EJ was not sure as his name continues to call him behind the wardrobe cabinet.

EJ quickly summons his golden staff as Jaydan had taught him. He slowly approaches the wardrobe cabinet; he waved his hand then outwardly pushes as a hard distinct pressure of air and water pushes the wardrobe cabinet reviled a secret passageway. 

The passageway looks like it hasn’t been used in centuries as watery cobwebs litter the walls and its ceiling. The voice beckons him on from inside the passageway. “EJ come this way my son of the light. My Prince of the morning. Come, EJ come.” The sides glowed with a simple touch of his hand; each step hummed and brightens. EJ with his staff in hand glides slowly down the descending staircase where the voice echoed on.

Further and further he descends; the entryway disappears as he descends further. Fear comes quickly as the wardrobe cabinet closes shut with a hard bang, the light darkens around him. EJ quickly without pause cries out holding firmly to his staff. (Lumanta trans fora) His staff gives off a bright radiate ball of light lighting the passageway.

In his path are long tentacle arms black as night and razor sharp? EJ quickly tries to back away and tries to climb up the stairs where he came from, but an invisible wall blocks his passage.

The sound of laughter is heard in the same voice that was calling for him. EJ remembering his training even though limited, he prays it is enough to save his life. EJ calls forth lightning and shards of ice, creating armor and a shield bearer, his eyes keen and hands quick as practice takes place into real life as he steps closer towards the beast in front of him.

His staff quick as the ball of light hovers above him he slashes at the long sharp arms cutting as the beast screams with each bolt lashes out as he spins and points his staff.

The walls tremble at every scream as the tentacles hit the walls flaying back and forth with each slash of lightning strike. EJ knew if he could not go back he must go forward. EJ screams as one of the tentacle arms slashed his arm for the first time feeling real pain in his new body of real flesh and bone. But no red blood trickles down like he expected, instead blue clear water with bits of light tries to seal the wound.

* * *

 

Martha screams in a panic runs towards the water edge of the lake, her family right behind them as large tentacles from a large octopus tries to kill them.  Wayne staying firm with his sword in hand. Lashes out almost blind by the same pain his son EJ was feeling at the moment.  Which seemed a lifetime as Wayne and his family try to protect themselves trying to call out for Lady Gwin to help save their son with no answers from the dark watery grave below; unknowing that she herself had been drugged into a comatose state as she lays upon her floor, dying. Her soldiers fighting back the same beast along its shores near the castle edge and the town below.

Within moments a strange man standing at Jaydan side plants his staff into the water. A large bolt of light strikes hard and fast, the beast screamed as it leaps into the air towards them. Loosening its grip on the Downing family as it lashed out towards Jaydan and his two companions beside him.

The man beside Jaydan and the strange man in silver white armor leaped into the air with his sword. Slicing the large arms with a single strike and with his other hand throws large blue balls of light towards it head; Jaydan strikes hard and fast hitting the creature right between the eyes while the strange man dives into the water calling out his daughter’s name in a strange tongue.  

* * *

 

EJ out of breath as he wiped the sweat and blood from his face, the small cuts sting when he moves, EJ digs in harder grasping his staff as he stands pursuing the beast; his eyes now keen to the darkness as he followed the underground tunnels in hopes of a way out. His way now blocked by fallen stone and crumbled walls, he must go forward where the creature entered from.

* * *

 

The black octopus from the islands of black lands of Sybril tries to get away and save her offspring as each cry is heard in the distance. The boy still following her not knowing why for this is not the boy she had struck a bargain for with Lord Morgan. The boy she was told of was weak and has no skills of the light, he is ordinary, plain not of wizard family, only mere mortal not a replica of the Dark Prince.

Their enemy hoping to bring him up or pass him off as the White Solan or the Real Dark Prince as the other will wink out of existence since there can only be one.

But instead, he is a true son of the Lady Gwin’s brought home to be sheltered and raised to take her father's throne of all of Living water. She has seen his face, a small child a lot younger than the boy she was told she would find with the likeness of the Dark Prince or his youth; before the great and powerful change. Aging the Dark Prince into his prime adult years as he takes his place at  Morgan’s side as Hess Dark Prince. But this nothing compared to what she was told she would find.

No. Morgan has tricked her and now he must pay as she listened to her children die. She strikes hard and fast, balling up her arms as she fights this opponent. Why is he pursuing her? She screams as another bolt strikes at her arm. The entrance is near just around the next bend; if only she had enough strength to transform she could escape.

She lashed out hard-throwing him back hard against the wall. Hearing him cry out in pain she smiles. “Yes at last?” Hearing his heavy breathing, she could tell he was tiring quickly. She slashes out again gaining purpose, in still staying true to her orders to kill him and his suppose able mother Lady Gwin so there will be no dissidence to take the place, as their existence become nothing more than myth…

* * *

 

EJ slumps over as his knees hit the ground his body sore and tired. He is not sure how much longer he can keep this up. There is a large gash at his side as he puts his hand over it tries to stop the blood now darker blue than the rest of his wounds. He waits to take in deep hard breaths watching the large wound close slowly. He knows if he keeps it up he will not live, EJ ducks around the corner as large tentacle misses him by inches.

His eyes blinded by a strange green light as the last tentacle lashed out hitting the wall as it screams dropping a strange blue ring and is gone. EJ slowly peaks around the corner seeing two doors and a large opening on his left side as a small figure swims away out of the opening.

EJ limps slowly his breaths staggered reaching the first door turned the handle. The light hovering above him as he tries to decide what to do. Go out the way the occupant left and chase after it or try going for help. Without pause not knowing the dangers that could await him. He chooses to go for help, not knowing where this door may lead to accepting in some place inside the castle. Figuring it was safer than the alternative.

EJ made his way towards the top finds a leaver on the right side where the doorway is locked. Lifting the leaver the hidden door springs opens into the room. EJ guides his light as he entered the room finding three boys. Peter, Frank, and Mark surprised, shocked and on their guard as each holding a bolt of lightning in their hands. Seeing who it is they laugh at each other releasing their charge, watching the main door swing open with Rena and Kollie standing in the doorway.

A sigh of relief shown on their faces find all boys safe and sound. EJ griped his side which was drenched in blood as he fell to his knees in completely exhausted; he tries to smile as he starts too passes out dropping his staff. Kollie leaped towards him picking him up as he lays him on the bed his breathing staggered. Rena ran back towards her room grabbing her medical bag as her husband examines the wound frowning.

Kollie lays his hands on EJ, noticing his pulse is weak. Rena kneels pouring the mixture into a cup adds a couple drops to the wound and slowly lifts EJ head so she can pour it down his throat. Kollie says the words of life with the family repeating them after him. Watching the wounds heal.

EJ still asleep as the larger wound heals and finally opens his eyes. “Thanks, Doc, just what I needed,” EJ said looking down at long torn gash of many smaller ones of his bedclothes. “Mother is not going to be happy when she finds out I ruined another set of clothes,” as he tries to laugh. Rena giggles watching the room slowly bust out laughing as the door bursts open.

A strange man with seven soldiers entered the room seeing everyone laughing around Prince Orin. “What is the meaning of this and who might you be,” King Salsern asked. His voice stern as war trumpets sounds in the hallway shouting Prince Orin is missing. Rena quickly placed a shield over the boys. Her eyes bent hard on the intruder unaware of who he is. Another trumpet sounds as foot soldiers whispers in King Salsern ear. “Sire Lady Gwin has fallen,” the foot soldier replied.

Kollie quickly takes his wife's hand starts to head towards the door. “By the sound of things, this is no time for pleasantries. I am her doctor,” he replied as Ranson her manservant confirms it holding back the soldiers. “Quickly this way sir,” he replied King Salsern following right behind him.

After many twists and turns along the hallway, the hall littered with fallen pictures and old armor amongst it rubble. They did not pause as Ranson quickly opened his Queen’s quarters where she lay on the floor, next to a fallen goblet. Its dark liquid remains spilled on the floor near her. Rena quickly kneels opening her bag taking some tea leaves from a small tin decorated with a sunflower of gold and greens.

Rena grinds them up in a large seashell bowl with a drop of her tonic with a reminder to make more as she whispered. “Never enough time,” she lifted Lady Gwin’s head on her lap. Within moments as the small dose of tonic works in her body, Lady Gwin opens her eyes slowly and gaze’s about the room. “Oh my!” Holding a hand to her head, “my that tastes nasty,” She said as Kollie helps her to her feet. “Hello, father I didn’t expect to come all this way just too see me.” Lady Gwin frowns as she thanks Kollie as he nods.

“Your father!” Rena gasps holding her hand to her mouth then giggles.

“Yes, this is my father King Salsern the King of all living water.” Lady Gwin said walking over giving him a hug. “I see introduction may be in order.” She replied as she giggled gazing about the room watching their shocked faces. Lady Gwin introduces Kollie and Rena they introduce their boys except for EJ.

Lady Gwin introduces him personally. “And this young fella is my son Prince Orin whom you’ve met when he was just a tadpole,” giving everyone a small and deliberate wink. “Now that everyone has been introduced how about a bite of lunch.” Taking no noticed what has taken place around her until she opens her door seeing the destruction in the hallways and people scurrying this way and that not stopping to bow. “O my,” putting a hand to her mouth as she slowly gazes about. Her father quickly giving orders as the soldiers with him guard the door where the four boys are while the rest makes sure of their safety.

A large crash is heard as a building come tumbling down in the square. Attached to the building was large tentacle twisted around it un-a-attached from the body itself. A thunderous scream for the attacking beast with a burst of green light covers the watery blue sky then slowly dissipates with an object in shape of a person sinks to the bottom of the ravine with a stream of green and black blood in its trail.  Kollie without pause runs down the path as King Salsern has the soldiers clear a path. 

A green man lies against the rocks, his blood slowly spilling out around him. Kollie immediately spreads his hands over the green man saying the words of life. Watching the light cover the wound. King Salsern stands amazed watching the wounds heal themselves, but the green man lies still and his cold skin against the rocks. 

Rena feels for a pulse, but none is found, yet his chest slowly contracts… somehow meaning he still alive. King Salsern leans forward whispering in his daughters’ ears watching her frown. “No, it can’t be?” She paused for a minute as she gazed down at the body. “That race of people no longer exist and especially not around here,” she replied skeptically.

King Salsern pushed aside Kollie ordering his men to carry the green man to a holding cell inside the castle and have someone attended to his needs. He turned as he frowns. “It seems to me my daughter we have lots to talk about and to discuss,” crawling out of the ravine of rubble.

Lady Gwin sighs. “Yes father,” watching her eyes meet Kollie and Rena.

“But first help me get settled in even thou time may be short,” he said taking his daughter by the arm.

Reviews

[Miles W.]

Another interesting chapter. Some good visuals and some good moments with the characters getting closer to the end of the book. I always have enjoyed ideas and stories that play with visuals like this. It showcases the characters headspace without much talking, which is a great tool for any creator.