Chapter 4

Chapter 4

 

The Tweed camp, known as the barracks compound, is a bustling scene where soldiers live. Jayden finds himself here when he is not mingling with the people. Vivid sights fill the camp seeing the soldiers’ vibrant uniforms, the colorful tents lining the compound. The air is filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter, intermingled with the occasional command from a superior. The scent of freshly meals wafts through the air, as the camp cooks, Witfered and Winthor, prepare food for the inhabitants. EJ, confined to rest after his exertions, can feel the tiredness seep into his bones. He can sense the softness of the bed beneath him, providing a welcome respite. From inside the tent, he peers outside, observing the lively activity that surrounds him, a world that continues to move even in his absence.

Jayden now and again brings him and Ma a book to read, laughing as he rubs his head. “Sylen, my boy, you go through more books than most wizards do in a century. Which is ok because I know lots of wizards that have a lot of books you and your Ma can read?” Then tosses him another apple and surprise. “I found some strawberries this morning.” Ma’s and Sylen’s mouthwatering just at the word and the thought of fresh strawberries as Jayden gives her a handful and some for him.

It was nice to have Jayden to themselves occasionally, but it always made them feel guilty at the same time, knowing there were three hundred or more people who needed him more than they did. For he had Ma at his side every day with his baby sister Jess while his sisters worked either doing baking or doing laundry and his brothers were all in school and helping Pa with camp chores. Where he should be, not that he’d go without a few lessons from Lizzy as she drops by with a warm smile and hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Things weren’t as good as they seemed some days as he watched the clouds and shadows cross his path. Every night, he would wake up screaming, feeling cold as the sweat poured off him, soaking his pillow and bedclothes. Like last night, the cold shadows pressed against his chest. He could barely breathe. 

All he could see was Morgan’s red eyes holding a knife as if he was getting ready to plunge it straight into his heart, laughing. Then he would blink, seeing his father, Jim, standing over him, laughing at him and holding the same knife.

The problem was that it was getting worse the longer they stayed here. The Shadows were everywhere as EJ looked across the fields and on the mountains. He could feel Morgan with Jeff as if something were happening somewhere.

Sometimes, he would see the destruction of a small village he had never visited, where people were being killed or dying from starvation. Sylen could sometimes see the worry on Ma’s face as she watched him wake up from a nap and shaking in fear. Sweat soaked his hair, and his clothing became damp. Except this time, something was different when Sylen woke to see a soft glow around him, as he was transparent for a few minutes.

Ma yelled for Jayden quickly, just right before the glow was gone, and he was himself again. At the same time, Jayden felt puzzled. Jayden said to his Ma. “Try to calm down, Lily,” they watched the glow of his transparency become solid again.

It wasn’t the first time Jayden had had to come into the Tweed’s tent to help lately, but he was getting more concerned now as he looked at the boy. Jayden shakes his head at Ma. “This boy goes through more bedclothes than most children,” he laughed. But he knew the reason, which was that he spent most of the day in them. After all, clothing is a luxury now, and he spends more time in bed to regain strength than most children. Half the children don’t even have shoes or nice clothes to wear to school or play around the compound.

The only ones complaining about that are the wizard families, except the three Whitmore boys, who are putting on a show on how to spin in a gown, not caring what they think. Their mother, Renee, works with Lily’s help to sew new wizard gowns for the families.

They may not sparkle like the ones they used to have, but at least the children have something to wear. But the boy has him concerned even more these days. Jayden knows he must soon lead this group of people looking at the supplies in the cavern this morning. Now that they have scoured clean Springfield, they have enough supplies to last a month.

“Sorry to bother you, sir, but Captain Rigs is back from Springfield.”

“Thanks, Captain. I’ll be there in a moment,” Jayden said, looking at Lily and Sylen, and then told the guard, “Do not let anybody in; I don’t care who they are.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jayden casts the warding spell around them and summons his staff in front of him. He clicks the ground once and waves his staff as a bright light engulfs them inside the tent.

Jayden breathes as the room of twinkling stars and two suns is almost the same room as Derrick’s except for one thing. Lily was Martha, and Sylen was EJ again, yet he was transparent. Martha gasped, seeing EJ as she tried to hold him but couldn’t, then she looked into Jayden’s eyes, wondering why. Jayden takes her by the hand and then waves his hand at a window so they both can see. Martha could see EJ’s body lying on the bed in Morgan’s chambers, chained yet cared for as a prisoner.

Morgan raised EJ’s head while he slept, pouring the magical tonics down his throat, and watching his body glow. Martha looked at EJ and then at Jayden with tears in her eyes for her son. “Now you understand, EJ, why we need to sever the bond, because soon, EJ.”

EJ blurted out. “So, I won’t see any more small villages being destroyed and feel helpless like Jeff does.”

Jayden looked down at the small boy. “Yes, and because Jeff, for a time, will be the Dark Prince where your path must not go if we are to save you both.”

EJ paced in the room as they watched him. It felt nice to walk, be free, and not be tired. It seemed the world’s weight was on his shoulders as he looked at his Ma. All he wanted was a family that loved him as much as he loved them. Instead, he was fighting a battle of things that were not of this world but of various worlds, and it seemed he was but just one of the five keys. Or was he? He looked at Jayden and the other friends he had met along the way.

EJ nods and agrees that Jayden should sever the bond fully. EJ Thinking of Derrick’s words. ‘If you wish for something hard enough and believe it to be true. Who’s to say it could not happen, because miracles happen every day? Look at yourself, if you need a reason,’ seeing himself transparent, and I am alive in two places like the apple.

With that in mind, Jayden clicked his staff as the room spun into the high council chambers. Derrick and Bowden sat and smiled, looking down upon Jayden. Derrick nods to Jayden to precede. Jayden felt out of place as he entered the room with EJ and Martha. EJ whispered into Jayden’s ears to look at the man on the left. “He’s not a member; something’s wrong with him. I can feel it,” he replied.

Jayden looked at the man and stared at him for a minute as the council waited for Jayden, feeling impatient. “I am sorry to hold you and the council, but we believe there is a spy among your group.”

“A spy?” They laughed at the impossibility. The only council members who weren’t laughing were Bowden and Derrick, who looked at each other. “Perhaps you could point him out to us.” They all laugh harder. Jayden wasn’t laughing, so he raised his staff to the members of the group, and they all stopped laughing.

The member that was trying to shrug it off by laughing harder. “Don’t be absurd, me a spy? Not possible.” He could tell they ceased their laughter as his face grew long with worry.

The head of the council waves his hand, sealing the room. The head of the council declared, "If you are a spy, and if any of us is a spy, there is only one place we cannot go, for it is forbidden, and the Master of the Light sees through all illusions." Then he waved his hand to seal the room. Tapping his staff with such force as brilliant light covered each council member, and then they were gone too, where no darkness could hide in the shadows, for they were their true selves, none other.

EJ and Martha sat alone in the chambers, waiting for them to return, for they could not follow them. They did not mind, as they had each other. It would have been nice if she could have held her son, but to see him as his true self and herself was more than they could ask for at that moment.

It is true; they discovered a spy in their group. Shrouded in dark secrets, they cried out to their master, who could not respond, as they perished in the blinding Light.

The room once again surrounds Martha and EJ, with Jayden in the middle, but two members are missing. Jayden slowly puts his hand on Martha’s shoulder. “We have work to do, you and me,” he said, looking over at EJ.

“The High Council of Light calls forth the boy,” EJ stands before them and tries to smile. “You, lad, have a journey to be set upon, but first, you must listen to your Ma for a time and try to avoid getting into mischief if you can.” The head of the council laughed and then smiled at everyone else. “Now, regarding this problem, we have agreed and decided that we should temporarily sever the bond you share with your other self.” That means the body we made for you to use is yours and will be part of you. In simple terms, you are one hundred percent wood Elf except for the spirit side of course. As the saying goes, ‘You break it, you buy it.’ The leader of the High Council of Light paused long enough to let it sink in.

“Now, your friend Jeff can’t keep that one because you need to have it back soon, and he can’t do with it as he pleases either; it is not his. But you two need to communicate somehow, without Morgan knowing, and can’t go,” he replied.

Derrick came down the side stairs towards EJ. “Do you remember that place where Jeff brought you to with all the trees and blossoms?” EJ tried to remember, but still couldn’t, shaking his head no. The bonding mixture had blocked and suppressed most of EJ's memory, so Derrick wasn't surprised. Well, there is a place that Jayden will take you to that you can visit.

“Where you can feel free to talk about anything you want without worrying about who might be listening. However, when you speak to Jeff, you will be in spirit form, meaning he won’t be able to see your body. You must not reveal your physical location to him, and you cannot tell him what to look for. It doesn’t matter how important it is that he knows, even if it puts your own life or the lives of others at risk. Morgan is very cunning, and we need to outsmart him. Jeff may have to do things he doesn’t want to do, like kill, to show Morgan that he has control over him. This is necessary to keep you and others safe until we rescue Jeff and defeat Morgan.”

Derrick looked into EJ’s eyes, and Martha listened to what had to happen. She did not like it, but understood that her son must do this for all of them if they had a chance. Things like stitching a hurt boy they found, who they had grown to love, entered her mind as she looked upon EJ’s face.

How could things go so wrong for a boy his age? When all he was asking for was somebody to love him, who cared for him too, and to be a part of a family. Now, he is fighting off a family that doesn’t want him, and he is now asked to face his worst nightmares over and over in his mind of worlds fighting to survive, using him as bait on a hook.

EJ nods and agrees as he looks at his Ma, wishing she could touch him, but all she can do is whisper how much she loves him. No matter if he was a wood elf, to her, he would be EJ, her son, as tears ran down her cheek.

EJ stood in the middle of the room his transparent body covered in a soft, warm glow. He watched as each council member raised their staff until they completed the transformation. EJ was now a wood elf in solid form as he ran into his mother’s arms. Tears flowed down her cheeks and down his as she held him close to her.

Jayden nodded in return and bowed to the high council as they left the room. Jayden stopped before his old friend Derrick and embraced him before leaving. He rubbed EJ’s head and left, handing a map to Jayden. Martha caught the words, “Help them, my friend,” and left them standing there.

Everything was the same except for EJ when they returned to the tent. As he tried to walk about the tent, he struggled to lift his arms. His Ma and Jayden lifted him onto the straw bed, and his new body was exhausted. EJ opened his eyes. Jayden put his hand on Martha’s shoulder, checking the ward before speaking. “EJ, do you know where you are?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m back in the tent. Mas with me, and you’re not a schoolteacher,” he laughed at himself.

Jayden cracks up, putting a hand on his shoulder. “True. Now it’s time to play the game again. I’ll bring back some more food and another book. I think you’re going to like this next one, but I need you to drink this first.” Jayden reached into his pocket for the vile the high council gave him, feeling the need that the boy needs to be able to protect himself and two more for his brothers.

Martha asked Jayden. “I thought we took care of that problem?” she asked, watching EJ swallow the last drop. EJ felt a warm sensation going through his hands and legs, then again throughout his body. “We did? This stuff is just an extra precaution. He’ll get three doses with his brothers for the next three days.”

Jayden stands tall, his staff glistening in the sunlight as he reaches out, gently placing one end on EJ's shoulder. EJ feels a slight tingle on his skin, accompanied by a faint whisper in his mind. The air crackles with electricity, sending shivers down EJ’s spine. As the energy courses through his veins, a subtle scent of newness fills the air. Unbeknownst to EJ, this touch is altering his very essence, his DNA, awakening a dormant power within him. The weight of this transformative moment hangs in the air, a prelude to the countless changes EJ is yet to experience, if the prophecies hold true. This was only the beginning of what is to come as he becomes the White Solon.

EJ was no stranger to the sight of his worn-out body, having witnessed it in adulthood. It was a sight that had faded like a ghostly apparition, disappearing behind the looking glass, leaving him feeling forgotten by the world. The image vanished right before his eyes, as if swallowed by the void. The choice he made to become the White Solon granted him a second chance in life, not just for himself but also for his brother Danny.

In this new life, they would have a family that truly loved them, a stark contrast to the previous one that had cast them out and treated them with disdain. As he embarked on this transformation, a faint scent of familiarity wafted through the air, mingling with the crispness of a new beginning. The scent carried a subtle hint of sadness, like a delicate symphony of melancholy that echoed in the atmosphere. It seemed as if the world itself mourned the loss of its original self, whispering its sorrow through the gentle breeze that brushed against his skin. However, amidst this bittersweet ambiance, the celebration's sights and sounds filled the scene.

The world came alive, vibrant and colorful, as if rejoicing in the boy's destiny. The vibrant hues danced before his eyes, while the jubilant melodies of laughter and music filled his ears. With every breath, he could feel the energy of the moment, the anticipation and excitement coursing through his veins. It was a celebration, a momentous occasion that would forever mark the turning point in his life. As the weight of this realization settled upon him, a chill coursed through his body, causing his spine to tingle with a shiver. The oppressive presence of never catching a glimpse of his true reflection weighed heavily on his mind, like a dense fog that obscured his thoughts. The thought cast a shadow, deep and impenetrable, stretching out like an eternal abyss. The air around him felt heavy, suffocating, as if the weight of his sacrifice hung in every breath he took.

But he embraced this sacrifice, knowing it was a price he would willingly pay. It was a cost that repeated itself, like the rhythmic beating of his heart. Each time, he would bear it without hesitation. The sight of others, like his brother Danny, finding their second chance at life was worth it.

In his mind, he could almost smell the sweet scent of liberation. It lingered in the air, like the fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers, offering respite from the hardships they had endured. It was a scent that promised freedom from the clutches of their own Morgans, like his father Jim Stuart, a man whose presence belonged in the dark depths of the Shadow Realm, where evil lives.

Martha's eyes fixed on EJ; her senses heightened as she observed the glow in his eyes shimmering like distant stars. Jayden finished and rose from his position, his hand gracefully waving away his staff in the air. With a mesmerizing motion, the staff dissolved, leaving behind a lingering scent of ancient wood. Martha watched in awe as the surrounding ward slowly dissipated, as if releasing a sigh of relief, and with it, the faint tingle of magic brushed against her skin. “Yes, Lily, I’ll stop by with more food for the boy and another book. I think he just overdid it, that’s all. You know kids these days,” Jayden said, poking his head out of the tent.

Jayden had more on his mind now than before as he started over to where Captain Rigs was looking at the map station post, considering he had just returned from a meeting with the high council. When he arrived, Nathaniel and Rigs were going over the charts and turned to look at Jayden. They could tell something had changed, especially Nathaniel.

“I believe I recovered all the people we can save in our world that want to come from the neighboring towns close by,” Captain Rigs replied.

Jayden examined the numbers, his dissatisfaction with the odds still lingering. However, they were undeniably better than before. “We succeeded in rescuing four hundred and fifty individuals,” he reported, “but unfortunately, we lost between seventy-five to a hundred people, as well as a majority of our cattle and horses.”

On a brighter note, they had managed to salvage two, maybe even three, months' worth of supplies. The sight of the neatly stacked crates, filled with essential provisions, brought a glimmer of hope to Jayden's weary eyes. The soft glow of the flickering lanterns illuminated the scene, casting dancing shadows on the walls of the dimly lit tent. The sound of wooden creaking filled the air as Jayden carefully inspected the supplies, his fingers grazing over the rough texture of the crates.

However, Jayden's concern lingered, fueled by the lack of communication from King Sly or his brother Rolen. The silence was palpable, hanging heavy in the air like an unspoken fear. The scent of anxiety mingled with the musty odor of the underground shelter, adding to the uneasy atmosphere. Jayden knew it was only a matter of time before they received the news, and they would have to dispatch someone to assess their situation. The anticipation weighed on his shoulders, making him feel the weight of the world pressing down on him.

As he pondered their next move, Jayden felt a gentle breeze brush against his face, carrying with it the scent of rain and distant pine trees. The sound of raindrops tapping against the tent canvas roof provided a soothing rhythm, momentarily easing the tension that had built up within him. But the feeling of urgency remained, as if time itself was slipping through his fingers.

With a heavy sigh, Jayden turned to face Nathaniel, his voice filled with genuine concern. “And what about you, friend? How are you holding up now that you have your family back in one piece?” he asked, his words heartfelt, accompanied by a faint echo that bounced off the damp canvas walls.

“Well, I still think you are too far out in the open, and I don’t like the risk you’re taking.”

“I see … Captain Rigs, see if you can build some more wagons for supplies and estimate how many horses we are going to need to get on our way.”

“Yes, Sir, where are we going, if I might ask?”

“Anywhere but here, since my friend Nathaniel says we are too much in the open, and I agree.”

Nathaniel could see something had changed in his friend as he walked about the camp, checking on the progress of things. “You are up to something, aren’t you?” Nathaniel asked, looking at Jayden squarely in the eye.

“Walk with me a bit, Nathaniel.” Jayden casts a warding spell as they climb the hill, looking over the camp. Nathaniel notices what he says is tight-lipped but still wants to keep an eye on his camp for signs of trouble. “We lost two members today, Nathaniel, on the high council. They were Morgan spies. EJ pointed them out before we even started the procedure of cutting the rest of the bond.”

Nathaniel’s eyes nearly fell flat, telling him to slow down, taking a breath. “What. I thought we tied the knot so he couldn’t get through?”

“We did, but somehow they found a way, so we had to intervene,” pointing to EJ in the tent. "He is no longer a host to that matter we created; it is now a real living person as tangible as one can imagine, at least for the moment―" Jayden paused, his eyes fixed on a distant point as he absorbed the weight of the prophecy that his mentor and friend Derrick had just shared with Glen, the master of the light. As he took on the mantle of the new Judge, replacing Derrick as the overseer of the fabric of time, Jayden's senses heightened.

He glimpsed Jeff, a man displaced from his own body, currently residing in a borrowed vessel - the boy EJ's. With each step he took in this unfamiliar form, the world around him unfolded like a symphony of sights, sounds, smells, and sensations. The air whispered with the fragrant scent of blooming flowers, while the distant echo of chirping birds filled his ears. He could feel the cool grass beneath his feet, soft and alive with every step. As he observed, the world was being slowly transformed by Hess and his malevolent gods into the Dark Prince, but Jayden knew this was the small price they had to pay, a sacrifice both him and EJ, his counterpart and friend, were willing to make in order to safeguard the realms and protect all of humanity. Nathaniel and Jayden had long understood the cost and had paid it several times over the centuries. Now, it was their turn, and it was absolutely necessary.

Nathaniel, his mind racing with possibilities, contemplates the dangers that lurk around every corner. Thoughts of the three men who posed a threat to the boy consume his mind, their intentions veiled in shadows. In a meeting with Derrick and the council, Jayden shares his suggestion for a solution, carefully considering the expertise of Nathaniel or Margaret to lead the group of people tasked with protecting Jeff.

Jayden looks down at the camp and sighs. “Again, they said it was my problem, and your task was to watch over that town until it to is safe and can join the rest of its inhabitants when the time comes.” In which you are not doing a very good job at this moment, and to help me when I need it, but that is supposed to be a two-way street. So far, I haven’t helped you all that much except fix you and mend a few bones. So, find your family and take them with you because I doubt, they will be any safer with me than they are with you, for now at least.

“Take as many men and families as you can pass them off as country folk to live in that town and spread them around. Because I’m leaving, I would like to tell you where, but I can’t. One more thing,” Jayden walked away, turned as if an afterthought. “Morgan wants this very spot for something special,” and leaves him standing there.

When he returned to the Tweeds’ tent, Jayden was true to his word. He entered the tent with his brothers and sisters, the book, and a snack in tow. Once inside, he cast a ward around them, placing guards outside the tent and telling them that nobody was to come in and disturb them for any reason.

Jayden takes his staff as they all enter Jayden’s inner chambers. This time, EJ could come as a wood elf, but still weak. Robert and Will had to help him, placing him on some soft pillows so he could lie on them. But it was so good to see them as their true selves once again when they were the Downings.

Jayden excitedly explains the process once more, the words floating in the air as they watch in awe. With a flick of his wrist, Jayden opens a magical window, revealing a scene that unfolds before their eyes. The sight of EJ, his old self before his transformation into a wood elf, sleeping peacefully in Morgan's chambers, fills the air with a sense of nostalgia.

As they observe, a faint sound of snoring emanates from the window, creating a soothing melody in their ears. The scent of ancient books and dried herbs wafts through the room, mingling with the anticipation that hangs in the air.

With careful precision, Jayden hands Will and Robert small vials, their cool glass surface sending a shiver down their spines. The touch of the vials against their palms is almost ethereal, causing a tingle of excitement to run through their fingertips. As Jayden places his staff gently on each of Wills and Roberts shoulders, an electric pulse fills the room, creating a tingling sensation in the air. The crackling energy seems to dance along their skin, leaving a faint buzzing feeling in its wake.

With unwavering focus, Jayden proceeds to explain his actions, his voice carrying a mixture of determination and reverence. The words weave through the room, intertwining with the scent of parchment and the sound of their racing hearts.

In this moment, as their DNA undergoes a profound transformation, a surge of anticipation and wonder fills the room. The scent of possibility hangs in the air, mingling with the sight of their shared destiny unfolding before their eyes.

Jayden was pacing back and forth, his face etched with worry. He said, “We will be leaving this place soon, and the road ahead will be treacherous for all of us. I won’t always be there to shield you as much as I wish. That’s why we’ve decided that you need to learn new skills, just like your parents, and even improve on the ones they have. Unlike the house where you used to live, you need to learn to be self-sufficient in a place like this.”

“Tonight, we will have our first lesson together as a family. I will guide you through the process of coming here on your own, immersing you in the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of our journey. It is crucial that you acquire these skills and utilize the ones you have already mastered. For instance, Robert, your extraordinary ability allows you to perceive the past, present, and future, manipulating it with precision. As you progress, this power will amplify, allowing you to safeguard the delicate threads of time. Will, your talent lies in the art of languages and the ancient practice of rune magic. Julie, you possess the enchanting ability to wield dragon magic. Anna, your connection to fairy magic is strong, and it is highly likely that you will follow in your sister's footsteps and become a dragon born. Once your younger brothers reach maturity, they too will be bestowed with the gift of sight, and the same will apply to your newfound brothers and sisters once we locate them. The Gods of Light have foretold our reunion, and we will delve into this further in due time. However, for now, we must focus on the arduous path ahead, braving perilous landscapes that will require the unwavering support of your entire family.”