Auvreria Read online

  Aurora stayed quiet as we came near the simple wooden house. On the hill we were at such a great height that I could see the curve of the planet. My green mantle protected me from the cold. The gardens, in contrast to the house, were incredibly complex and beautiful. High trees, small ponds, shimmering stones, and wooden walkways formed a perfect symmetry.

  Inside the house, the rooms were lit by candlelight. Elfeon stopped the fire with his mind and opened the windows. From the main room, three hallways branched off. I went upstairs to the attic. Aurora stayed outside, and Elfeon went to the kitchen to cook breakfast.

  I opened a hidden door and came to a small room, free of dust. The years had not touched this place. I opened a metal-bound wooden trunk; inside were paintings, epic poems, drawings, and verses on Arthaesia's Golden Age. Overpowered by feelings of Arthaesia's power, I opened more storage places and caches. Some held treasures won in battle. Others contained souvenirs from other lands. One trunk above all others interested me. It held letters from my parents. I found one that was written to me.

  I read it out loud. “For you, daughter, we have put our strength into building and protecting Biriun. We are grateful that soon you will be born. Aurora cannot stop asking us what we will name you. She wants you to have a beautiful and powerful name. We have decided upon Anelia. Anelia means messenger from the heavens who will show the people new horizons. When you grow up, you will come here with Elfeon as your instructor. Don’t be nervous. Your path in life will be great with us as your family and Arthaesia as your home. By the divine spirit of the universe, we will always be with you. Never forget who you are even in the darkest moments in life. We are all awaiting your birth. Let our future be bright!”

  At the bottom were three names: Aurora, Liliamera, and Orenelius. I dropped the letter. I thought about using the element of time to discover the past with no further lies. I concentrated on my magic and the elements of Auvreria and fell into a world of dreams.

  Thousands of days passed, hundreds of months went by, and years flew back. I saw my parents writing the letter with playful Aurora. They came back to the Great Castle of Arthaesia. After my mother gave birth, she nursed me for a couple of years, but then my parents had to leave for an expedition for another two years. They found out what would happen to Arthaesia in the kingdom of the elves. While traveling in the highlands, they were captured by Mortver. A few weeks later was the attack on the Great Castle. They tried to escape, but they failed and were imprisoned for ten years. They could not reunite the forces because everything had changed. The lords of the Clamoor Clan forgot them. They traveled to different towns trying to bring back hope. Nothing worked because the people were living in fear like I was. They had stayed in Port Archalypsis till today. Orenelius tried to find me while Liliamera healed people.

  One day, Liliamera used a mirror to cast a spell to find Aurora and me. They discovered I wasn't in Arthaesia, and Aurora was lost in the Northlands. Ever since, they have watched me like Almag and Aurora. Orenelius met me as a magician in disguise and we had our magic duel. He disappeared, came back for the attack by Mortver, saved me, and gave me part of the stone. He returned to my mother to tell her the news, but it was not time yet to reveal their secret because Maldelsoul might use this chance. When I entered the herbalist's shop with Aurora in Port Archalypsis, our mother had to hold back her tears to stay hidden. Aurora did not recognize her because of her condition. When we left, our parents cried for our return and departure.

  I awoke from my dream in tears. They were tears of sadness but also of joy and hope for reunion in the future.

  I looked at the letter again. It contained a small poem. Bloom beautifully like the deep flower of blue, we will always be with you. Forever always flows, never it destroys. Hold our eternal love in your soul. Never let darkness befall on your heart, and never will our ways part. Forever always flows, my sweetheart. I tore the fragment from the letter and put it in my tunic.

  Tantalizing smells flowed from the kitchen. Elfeon had prepared a meal of vegetables. We came out to the porch, and Aurora came to sit with us on the grass. As I ate Elfeon said, “You have looked into the past. I felt the element of time being used carefully. I can see by your eyes you have found what you were looking for.

  “I knew your parents before you were born. We always stayed in contact in case Arthaesia ever needed Eofea's help. I agreed to teach you the basic elements of magic. Finish your breakfast and meet me in the sand garden.”

  I walked along carved paths of wood. The trees moved gently in the wind. The still waters of the ponds flickered with reflections. I passed stone gardens. I cast my eyes on the distant mountains and the Sea of Irialn crashing its waves against them. I found the sand garden in moments. Elfeon used the element of wind to shape different patterns on the sand. He combined four wind currents to lift the sand and let it fall back to its original pattern.

  “This challenge requires you to trust yourself to chance. Repeat my motions exactly, and you will be ready. Come in the center.”

  I placed myself where Elfeon wanted me. He waved his hands to the sky and gracefully motioned them in various arrangements across different sections of the garden. I tried to emulate him, but no wind came. I kept pushing my mind to lift the air, but I needed time and focus to attain anything. Elfeon interjected. “Hand motions and force of mind don’t matter here. These ancient elements require a connection with the soul. You need to send vibrations around you. To be quick in battle, you must have experience with the element to summon it.”

  Again, nothing happened. Elfeon continued. “Patience and control overcome the obstacles. Do not overpower your efforts. Come, we have five more exercises to do.” I already didn’t like this. How in the world could I not make the air move? Everything made no sense.

  Next, we came to the stone garden for training with the element of earth. I had to balance several columns of individual stones. I could not even balance two stones, so we moved on. We came to a waterfall where I had to oppose the flow of water and gravity. Nothing worked out. Another practice involved keeping candles lit under constant rain. I could only focus on one candle among the hundreds. The final two exercises were impossible. I had to combine light and darkness and break them apart. I had to use these elements instead of my senses. I knew magic took years to master, but how did the magicians have the patience for this?

  Biriun, the greetings of the nine dragons of Auvreria

  May 31st, 2014

  In a few days I had improved slightly. The elements were friendly when harnessed, but I still couldn’t control them fully. I had no idea how Maldelsoul did it and was a little envious. However, no matter how good he was, I would never let him get to the center of the Three Divisions. Too much power for one creature is not good for the rest.

  I met Elfeon while practicing. “Your training is proceeding very well. While I meditated, I connected myself to the nearest oracle in Biriun. It wants to talk to you. This place is dangerous—once a boy was lost there. He didn’t greet the spirits of the dragons properly, so he was sent to the Astral world to learn his lesson. The oracle has remained in place since the birth of the universe. It is as ancient as the cave of Livaunde and the Tree of Life. It’s located there over the green hills. You must be careful, for the vibrations come from the heart of the cosmos.”

  I left a couple of hours later. Aurora had been missing for a few days, but I didn’t want to ask Elfeon about it if he didn’t plan to tell me. I walked through the elegant forests and plains past rivers and massive stones with runes to a small valley where no vegetation grew. There was a tower of piled stones overlooking the Sea of Irialn. I took one step. I felt like I needed to give something. I pulled the poem out of my tunic and set it on the ground. It shone, and the tower glowed with symbols. I took small steps to the top. When I got there, I saw a round, golden platform with the symbol of Auvreria. Sunset was almost over. I felt scared to be here alone. What could be worse, alone in a desolate place in another world,
without weapons, at night?

  I sat down carefully and tried to meditate like Elfeon to calm myself. I was surprised at the depth of history this place held. I sensed vibrations that were ever more complex in wave structure. Voices out of time, energies of the different worlds, and equilibrium were held in this place. From the last rays of the setting sun a white dragon arose. The other spirits of the eight elemental dragons gathered beside me.

  The flames of hope, the graceful waters, the flowing air, the soft earth, the glowing light, the shadows of darkness, the era of times, and the energy of life, death, and sustainability came together as one. The eight spirits placed themselves around the circle of stone. The fire dragon placed itself on the northern arrow, water on the south, air on the west, earth on the east, darkness on the southeast, light on the northwest, energy on the northeast, and time on the southwest. The lines were connected in a circle. The circle represented the universe. The point where all the lines met symbolized the strongest power, the ninth element of the celestial dragon. The ninth element was the stem of the flower of the universe and its eight elements. If it were cut off for selfish uses, the petals of the realms would die. If the elements of Auvreria disappeared, the spirit of the universe would weaken and cease to exist.

  The eight dragons all united in my body. Their souls were so ancient that mine resembled an atom in comparison. They had a connection with Arthaesia, other countless worlds, and unknown dimensions. They didn’t die after Maldelsoul's attack but transformed their bodies into spirits like the supreme one. The third eyes of the dragons that had been taken by Mortver were not the source of their power. The dragons controlled the stones, not the other way around. A day would come when all the destruction caused by Mortver would turn against them.

  The dragons showed me the world of magic that was hidden by the blindfold of logic. Their emotions enveloped my mind. The white dragon descended from the skies in front of me. It glowed with such pure energy that it was hard to see its shape. It was emitting endless purity, serenity, and kindness, and its voice reminded me of Aurora's.

  It spoke. Arrive at the sanctuary of pure power. You will discover a truth whose meaning is beyond any known. It was hidden in the deep chasms of every soul and element that connects us to the universe. You will discover this at a time when your material and spiritual existence are at stake. The black dragon has won for centuries. The wars have led to chaos and destruction. The Final Battle would have the same fate; however, your destiny will change it, change the flow of every battle ever fought on your homeland. Do not fear, for your journey will be to the center of the universe and the center of your soul. Wide and long paths you will walk for those who never opened their hearts to see beyond their reasoning. You will change this principle. You will save the fates of countless worlds that will depend on one decision. Remember, the spirits of the ancestors never die....

  The dragon gave me a simple blessing. I felt the deep, wide energy of the Three Divisions. They all coalesced into one. I felt in full control of the elements. Bright light shone around me. It spread to the desolate valley. The white rays hid everything. The power was immense. The strong light blinded me as I teleported back to Biriun. The light faded away, and my vision enhanced far beyond what I had on Earth. My ring glowed; time was running short. The nine dragons gave me everything they could: power, control of the elements, and high magic. To return the favor, I had to use everything I could to stop the black dragon.

  Elfeon came and sat beside me. He knew what had happened. He said, “I pushed you too hard to learn magic that took many, many years of study.”

  “It’s fine. Do I have to stay for a few more days after Lunheli sets over the mountain?”

  “We will wait a couple of days for you to practice, and when you are ready, we will depart for Lanora Lake.”

  I wished I could take off my ring. Maldelsoul would soon send his army against the Clamoor Clan. It was completely unfair that he could learn my plans but I knew nothing of his. Even if I had that ability, I would never have looked into such an evil soul. His anger, hate, and revenge would overpower me. At least I would be nowhere near the Final Battle, but that was a small comfort. The Final Battle would be my last challenge, the biggest of them all.

  I walked to the edge of the cliff near the house. A waterfall flew thirty meters down. Under the twilight skies, the landscape calmed my nerves. I sat on the cold, massive stones that overlooked the distant horizon. From the sky soared Aurora. Her wings swept the clouds and stars. She descended gracefully and landed next to me, glowing a little. She seemed very similar to the white elemental dragon. The gray skies were a foil to her radiant amber eyes. Do you want to hear a story?

  Sure, a story from my sister would be wonderful.

  There once lived two brothers in the forest. They followed the path that their parents had told them to follow throughout their life. One day, the two brothers came upon a dangerous mountain range. One brother wanted to take the easy way down the mountain and away from the path for a while. The other brother said it was wrong to abandon the tradition that their ancestors had created. This same brother came up the mountain, and the other went down. This represented the same path that everyone will take. The path up the mountain is the good. The path down the mountain is the evil.

  One brother came to the top of the mountain and fulfilled his destiny through challenges along the way. He mourned for his brother who got lost in deep caverns. The brother realized that he couldn’t continue without his family. He came down the mountain to the fiery depths where his brother suffered. He told his brother that he need not be afraid of the new challenges ahead as long as he believed in his destiny. Together the two brothers eventually made it to the top of the mountain in the light. Even if you have to climb up to face the challenges meant for you, you should not take the easy way away from your traditions that help you along the path. One brother went to heaven; however, he came down to help one who was in hell and confusion. The compassion of the brother helped the other to find his way.

  Wow, I said. I like this story. I hope one day Maldelsoul gets out of that evil path and maybe becomes a good guy. Do you think that will happen?

  We cannot change anyone's path or destiny. It is their decision to believe in what they believe. They will one day realize their mistakes and come upon heaven to heal their broken souls. Maldelsoul's story will be revealed to you when your judgment of his evil no longer exists. Do not hate anyone for who they have become; it is their own path they have to take, like all of us.

  I will try my best, I said. Do you want to fly in the moonlight? I am not afraid anymore.

  Of course. I will show you worlds and realms you never knew existed. We will travel into the regions of the Astral world. These are the lands where dreams are reality, and reality is a dream. While we wander, you may think about the future and see it revealed.

  We lifted into the sky. Aurora used the elements of energy and time to fly through the boundaries of Arthaesia. The sight was as beautiful as ever. I remembered the day I wished upon a falling star—and now I had come into the very realms of the stars. Aurora told me we would visit Lanora Lake with Elfeon in the Astral world when the star of Lunheli set over the mountain. There were too many beautiful sights to be remembered that night. All was a hazy dream in the heavens.

  Biriun, the departure to Lanora Lake

  June 6th, 2014

  I put my hands up. The winds stopped their whirling motion, and the sand fell back to its original pattern. I forced the water to fall upward into the sky. I maintained the fire of hundreds of candles under rain. The columns of rocks never fell down. The light and darkness were broken apart and put back together. With my new confidence, I painted the walls of the house with the shadows and lights. I felt that I was ready. The elements were finally in control.

  I went to meditate near the house after my lunch. I picked a nice, shady spot under a maple tree and sat cross-legged on the warm grass. The Sea of Irialn showed betw
een the colossal mountains. The sky was full of white and violet clouds with sun shining through. A light wind blew through the foliage in the distance. I was ready for this. I knew Maldelsoul would pass through my mind wanting the four pieces. Lunheli was just above the mountain. I felt a sudden pressure on my mind as the ring vibrated. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

  In the complete blackness appeared an image of Maldelsoul standing near the Crossroads of the Valleys. His army has waited very long for this chance. They were dressed in their finest black armor, bought with the stolen wealth of Arthaesia and its people. Maldelsoul was staring at the ring as he saw me. He always had that smile.

  “Your time has run out, sweet flower,” he said. “There is no one who can bring me the four pieces. You did not keep your promise, so I will not keep mine. Sadly, your people have to fall and die under the reign of Mortver. You will suffer through your ring. Because Arthaesia’s savior is too lethargic to give these parts back, I will have to teleport them with you to me. I can teleport objects throughout Arthaesia, but not throughout the Three Divisions.”

  “You lied about Lumifale. I will never ever believe in your made-up stories anymore. I have the full blue orchid, and it cannot be taken by anybody.”

  “I see you have found the truth of your power of Lumifale. Do not be too confident yet. I will force you to perform black magic on Arthaesia's fallen people at my side. I thought you died in the tempest, and I was worried that the stones might be lost too—you were gone from my ring. You left the ring's connection when you were weak and afraid. Now, after weeks, you come back with immense power. What happened? Answer me, or you will perish!”

  I spoke with no fear. “Light of knowledge and understanding has shone through me. I now know my path in these realms. I am no longer afraid of what I was meant for. I have trust in the Clamoor Clan; they will win this battle. I will never give you the four parts of the stone.” The star lowered a little.