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Although the transition from the familiarity of his lounge to the strange settings in which he now found himself had been instantaneous, Adam had felt less apprehensive than on his previous journey. Expecting to return to where he had met Ichabod and hopeful of seeing the old man again, by no stretch of the imagination was he ready for these new surroundings or by the awesome sight of the giant standing before him.
Despite this, he still showed remarkable fortitude in standing his ground whilst gazing at Beorhtán, a look of wonder on his face as he took in the great man's size. Although Beorhtán’s height was breath-taking, nine feet if an inch, with a girth to match, it was the strange light that surrounded him that most affected Adam. Whoever or whatever the giant might be, he had about him a radiance that in some inexplicable way imparted a feeling of well-being and serenity.
Wearing a loose-fitting garment, similar in style to the toga of ancient Rome, its pure whiteness so bright as to be almost painful to look at. Encircled by a narrow gold band, a mass of close blond curls covered his head, matching the colour of his carefully trimmed beard. Adam's inspection did not pass unnoticed, yet the giant seemed unperturbed by his scrutiny, mild amusement apparently his only reaction.
As Beorhtán smiled and looked down at his visitor, something suddenly struck Adam that he hadn't previously noticed. Until that moment, he hadn't been aware of the giant's eyes, now he found himself unable to look away, held by their aquamarine gaze. It wasn't simply their colour that had enthralled him, though its depth was quite unusual, but the overwhelming sense of tranquillity they seemed to convey. A peace with just a hint of hidden depths that spoke of a power more in keeping with his massive build.
As unaware that he was staring as he was of the passage of time, Adam lost all sense of being, as he held the giant's gaze, yet he felt something pass between them. Indefinable, less tenuous than smoke, yet no less real for its lack of substance, it was as though for a brief instant his thoughts were one with those of the giant. The moment passed without a word being spoken until Adam's eyes moved away and he was again aware of his surroundings.
About to address the giant Beorhtán, a frightening thought struck Adam; he'd assumed that as with the previous journey caused by the scrying crystal, he had returned to Falgorin. For that reason, he'd also assumed that whomever he met would share the same friendly disposition as Ichabod. Although the giant had offered him no harm, he realised that he had absolutely no reason to trust him and his sheer size would make him an impossible adversary. Immediately, what little courage he had been feeling, fled, letting blind panic and an overwhelming urge to run take its place. The trouble was to where would he run? He knew of only one exit, and that led straight back to the small cave in which he had arrived.
Desperately he looked about, but one thing was clear, whatever means was being used to move him from his world to this, solid rock appeared to be no barrier. His first journey had ended up with him deep under a castle if Ichabod was to be believed, and wherever he might be now, it was bounded on all sides by dark granite. The chamber he was in had probably been formed naturally, but evidently had undergone some changes at the hand of man. Looking up at the ceiling high above, he could see that it was uneven and in places cracked whereas the stone of the walls had been smoothed and the floor levelled.
Realising that there was no way out it took only seconds for the primal fear of being trapped to take hold, heightening his panic causing him to hyperventilate as his pulse raced. This wasn’t claustrophobia, he’d never suffered being in confined spaces, but the raw fear brought on by a threat from which there was no apparent means of escape. Swaying like a drunk, he felt reality slipping, his vision greying as he began to pitch forward in a feint until the touch of a hand on his shoulder stopped everything. No panic, no fear, not even a missed heartbeat, just a calmness that pervaded every part of his body.
“Are you all right?” asked Beorhtán, releasing his grip and stepping back, a worried frown on his face.
“Yes...yes, I think so,” came the reply. “I just felt a bit dizzy, that’s all.”
Trying to get a grip on the situation, Adam realised that whatever the giant intended, he obviously didn’t pose an immediate threat. That being the case and without alternative, he decided he had best talk to him, to glean what information he could, or at least buy time until either he was satisfied about Beorhtán’s intentions or opportunity presented itself to enable him to make good his escape.
With more confidence than he felt, he finally responded to the man’s introduction, “Since you already appear to know my name perhaps you can explain how I got here, or even where here is? The first time the crystal took me on a journey I ended up listening to an old man who not only claimed to be a sorcerer, but scared me half to death by telling me I had some destiny to fulfil.”
Beorhtán chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound, “Ah yes! That would have been Ichabod. Poor fellow, his intentions are well meant, but there is much he has yet to understand. I can see why you might be upset by such talk, but there are far more important matters to be discussed before we come to the purpose of your being here.”
The fact that Beorhtán knew of Ichabod eased Adam’s fears somewhat, at least he was back on Falgorin or so he thought, and hopefully not far from Meriandor although he realised his present circumstances made its proximity irrelevant. At the same time as he was assimilating this scrap of information, he felt annoyance rising as the rest of the giant's words sank in. Like Ichabod, Beorhtán was assuming that he had a purpose in being there. Well, whatever it was, Adam was not about to be drawn into any discussion about it, his only comment was, “You appear to know much of what goes on around here.”
“Indeed, since such is my purpose, to know and see all things,” said Beorhtán rather importantly, “here, come and sit down and I will do my best to explain.” Patting the space beside him on the stone seat to which he'd returned. “There is much that you and I have to talk about, Master Adam, but before we do I think it would only be fair that I warn you there are many dangers and risks ahead”
“Great,” said Adam with as much sarcasm as he could manage, “in that case, just send me back home; I've had about all I can take of this. I didn’t ask to be brought here.” Brave words, yet inside his fear was again threatening to break through. How could it be that he could so easily be taken from one world to another? His thoughts raced on, but no explanations presented themselves. Although Adam had never seen himself as a coward, neither had he any desire to be a hero, so whatever this giant or the old magician, Ichabod, may have in store for him, he was not about to volunteer his help.
“You say that you didn’t ask to be brought here, yet was it not by your own choice that you used the crystal? But let us not think upon that, true it is within my power to send you back to your world,” granted the giant magnanimously, “but first I would like to explain why you are here. If after hearing what I have to say, you still wish to leave, then you may go, and that will be the end of the matter. Will you at least hear me out?”
Shrugging his shoulders in resignation, Adam's words still conveyed sarcasm, a poor defence, but all he could muster in the circumstances. “What have I got to lose except a few hours of my life?” he said, whilst silently praying that it was only time that was at risk.
As Adam waited for Beorhtán to continue, an incongruous thought struck him. Just a short time ago, he had sat in his doctor's surgery discussing taking a holiday to get away from the pressures of his job and recover from exhaustion.
Well, at least he'd got away, although how far away he had no idea, and as for his earlier tiredness, he realized that he hadn't felt better in years. He genuinely felt healthier and undeniably more alive; the way he used to after a good workout. Was it possible for a man to twice be moved between two worlds, have a myth exploded before his very eyes, handle a sword the source of legend, to find that he retained not only his sanity, but that his health had improved? Had the gravity of his situation escaped him, he might have laughed.
His companion apparently saw nothing unusual in the way he felt. “Yes it's true that you'll feel much stronger and fitter than before, that's part of the legacy your presence here will allow you, but more about that later. As for the loss of time, you don't stand to lose more than a few hours. I think that you have already noticed there is a difference in the manner in which time passes between here and your own world. You could spend several days in these lands for the cost of but a few hours of your own time.”
Although the ease with which Beorhtán had read his thoughts should have been a surprise, nothing this man said appeared to confound him. Yet despite his efforts to make it sound casual, his reply did not come with the easy nonchalance he tried to convey. “You're right, so okay go ahead, but I make no promise other than to listen.”
“Very well, I shall start by telling you something of the beginnings of this world, a lesson in history if you will.”
Before he could stop himself, Adam's nervousness caused him to speak again. “Great, all this way for a damn lesson,” he moaned, “why can't you tell me about how I got here or where here is?”
Beorhtán sighed, “We will get to that, but please be patient, it's important that you fully understand that which I'm trying to teach you. Time is short enough, and if you are to help me, you must have as much knowledge as I can give you. So, please no more interruptions.
I will have to take you back to the beginning, back to the time before this world existed, for that's when it starts. It may be that already you begin to understand a little of Falgorin. Not only is this world physically separated from your own, but the two also exist on separate planes of perception, what you might call dimensions, yet they share much in common. Perhaps fortunately for both, there is no freedom to travel from one to the other, although certain exceptions occur on both sides.
For the sake of simplicity, I shall call the maker of this world the Creator since that is how he is known here on Falgorin, although he has many names. Having almost finished his work, the Creator had two tasks to perform to complete it. Despite his great powers, he knew his creation must of necessity be flawed since he was determined the creatures of his new world were to have self-will, for without it they would lack purpose or desire. To achieve this he granted every living thing that existed upon it, no matter how great or small, two sides to its nature. In each was given the desire to seek that which was right and good, to cherish one another, the land and all it held, yet each would have the capacity to follow an alternative or opposite path the choice being theirs alone. In the beginning peace and harmony existed upon the lands yet the Creator knew this would not always be so and that some would stray towards the dark path.
And so the world was established; as the numbers alter according to their choosing, so there will be occasional shifts in the balance between good and evil. These changes manifest themselves in many ways, drought, a crop failure, or even a plague may herald a darkening whilst a time of plenty signifies a period when more follow the path of light, but for the most part equilibrium is maintained. But, as history relates this has not always been the case and a time came when those who favoured the path of darkness began to dominate.”
At this point Adam made to interrupt the giant, but Beorhtán, as if reading Adam’s thoughts, waved him to silence, “I will come to that in a moment but let me finish. The Creator’s final task was to place upon his world a being of great power, both in the ways of the light and of darkness. The purpose of this entity was to be the instrument for judging the activities of the people. If they lived by the doctrines of law and decency, then it would remain hidden from them, secretly aiding them when occasion arose. However, if they strayed sufficiently, then it was free to roam unencumbered serving the dark side of its nature. Of course once it was unleashed the power for evil would grow with little that could prevail over it, until ultimately there would be no means to prevent it from destroying the world and all upon it.”
Despite his scepticism, Adam found the account fascinating, albeit little more than the classic good versus evil tale upon which so many stories had been founded, yet it had raised several questions. Wanting answers and at the same time to challenge what he took to be no more than the giant’s beliefs, he finally interrupted Beorhtán, “If as you say the dark side of this being could destroy the world, why wouldn't the creator intervene to prevent it, in fact why put it there at all?”
“Because that was its purpose,” answered Beorhtán simply. “If the peoples of the lands turned from the path of good to follow the way of evil, it meant that the flaw in his creation was too great and that it must be destroyed, and nothing saved from it.”
Although still unable to accept fully all that the giant had said, Adam couldn’t let such a statement go unchallenged. “It sounds an extreme way to deal with the problem, why not educate the people and prevent them from following this dark path?”
“Don't you see it's not that simple? It's the very nature of all things to determine the way it will lead its life. Teaching right from wrong is important, but in the end, each individual must make his or her own choice. Granted that there are those who are weaker and will be influenced by the stronger ones, but in the scheme of things, the overall pattern remains unchanged.”
Thinking of the parallels with his own world, Adam found the argument logical, if a little too simplistic an explanation to accept for world wars, famine and the numerous other manmade disasters that had left people maimed or dying. Of course, what Beorhtán was saying was to be found within the scope of almost any religious teaching, including the Christian Bible. His next question showed his own lack of worldliness by its naiveté.
“Why if they know all this do the people choose this dark side and what did you mean when you said that history tells of a time when those who followed the path of darkness dominated?”
Beorhtán sighed, “Surely you can answer that for yourself, does not greed, power, and the many things so often desired yet rarely acquired by such individuals through their own efforts drive many on your own world to lawlessness? The magic of the dark side is very strong, and at first provides rich rewards. But it soon extracts a high price from all but the most powerful, when its practitioners find that it is they who serve. As to their knowing the effect of their actions, they don't. There are none alive who know what will happen if the Dark One assumes dominance since it was long in the past at the time of the Awakening that he walked free upon the lands.”
“Not even sorcerers like Ichabod?”
“Your faith in the old man is touching, and I suspect not entirely misplaced, yet even he is only now approaching an understanding of what may happen.”
“Then what is the purpose in my being here, Ichabod certainly thought that I had a part to play?”
“Indeed, and he could be right, although that would depend on you. Perhaps now is the time to tell you how.” Beorhtán's expression changed, where once had been warmth and compassion, now only cold determination remained. “Remember when we first met, I told you that my name was Beorhtán?” Adam nodded, “If you recall, I also said that I am sometimes known as Shegrimoth.”
“Yes, I wondered about that,” observed Adam somewhat untruthfully since the fact had barely registered.
“Beorhtán is the name used by the people since the time of the Awakening. As Beorhtán, I am renowned for being a great wizard, and the creator of the three Manifex. Their legends also tell of how I defeated the Dark One, by using the crystals. What their story books do not tell them is of my other name; although they all know that the true name of the Dark One is Shegrimoth.”
The blood drained from Adam's face as the implications of what he had just been told sank in. “Are you telling me that you...you are this being, put on the world to destroy it?”
The giant shook his great head, his expression grim, “Not as its destroyer, but as the guardian of its people. It is their choice whether or not I destroy it.”
“But that's monstrous,” Adam spluttered, before he had measured Beorhtán's words. Then as their meaning sank in, he reconsidered. If what the giant was saying was true, then he supposed that the people would only have themselves to blame, yet what of those too young to be of influence, surely their deaths could not be excused the same way. Again his thoughts did an about-face as he recalled that the wars on his own world were equally indiscriminate. Was it possible that the existence of this world of Falgorin lay so completely in the hands of those who dwelt upon it and that should they fail in the ways of righteousness it would be utterly destroyed by this giant?
He could think of no parallel with his own world, no teaching or myth to support such an eventuality, yet despite his sceptical views found himself thinking about the stories he had been taught at school. Hadn’t God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah to rid them of evil, and had he not flooded the whole to purge it save for Noah and his family and the animals of the ark?
These thoughts led him to another less biblical as it occurred to him that given the massive arsenals of atomic weaponry mankind had created; it was more than possible for him to destroy the planet on which he lived. Suddenly he found himself wondering if God could have made a better job of things, or had he too left the survival of his peoples to themselves in a way similar to that which Beorhtán was suggesting?
Finding no valid argument to put forward against what the giant had said, he sought clarification of something else Beorhtán had mentioned. “What is this awakening you refer to and how is it that you were able to defeat Shegrimoth if you are one and the same being?”
“The Awakening is simply the name by which the people refer to the previous occasion when Shegrimoth roamed free. As for my defeat of the beast, that was not my doing, but the consequence of the actions of many good people who brought down the wrongdoers. They too had their champion, a powerful wizard who barely succeeded in overcoming my alter ego. There is no permanence to either my existence or that of Shegrimoth; both are controlled by the will of the people, yet only the beast can bring this world to its end.
It was after the Awakening that I determined to try to help the people choose the right path, so I made the Manifex and gave them into the hands of three guardians. Since that time, many years have passed, and of the three, only Ichabod remains.
One, named Talosh, a man of healing, decided to turn to the dark way, so I destroyed him. The forces of darkness killed the second, Heoar the Warrior, when they stole his Manifex, so finally I had to act.
“Ichabod has been trying to find the sphere originally given to Talosh. Judging the time to be right, I gave him a little help, and when he thought he was translating a magician from your world, I sent him you.”
Still making no effort to hide his disbelief Adam exclaimed, “Great! But why me, you say I've got this power although I've never seen it, so what's so special about me?”
Beorhtán sighed, “You underrate your abilities, and I believe the reason for your importance is the Manifex. When I destroyed Talosh, his crystal had to seek out its new guardian; apparently it chose you.”
Adam considered this for less than a second before he shot back, “You mean to tell me that the crystal I brought with me came from here originally, and that it sought me out?”
“That's right, but far more importantly, and certainly a matter of concern, is that you then destroyed it.”
“Hey! That’s not true,” Adam cried, “I still had the crystal when I got back.”
“Not your crystal, the one you found when you returned to your world, was the one Ichabod had. Yours shattered when you collapsed and dropped it on the floor. I might tell you that Ichabod was beside himself when that happened, as he thought that it wasn't possible for a Manifex to be so easily destroyed. The truth is only one crystal may break another. Your breaking it causes me great anxiety, since I can no longer be sure whether you act for the forces of good or evil.”
There seemed to be nothing he could say to that, but he still had one point to drive home, “If as you say Talosh's crystal found me, how do you explain it being in my grandfather’s possession, or are you going to tell me that he was Talosh?”
A look of bewilderment crossed the giant's face as he considered Adam's question. There was no doubt that whoever the lad's grandfather might have been, he had not been Talosh, yet he couldn't answer how it was that he had come to have the Manifex. Here was a mystery to which he could offer no explanation. Choosing his words carefully, Beorhtán asked, “How long was the crystal known to you before you took charge over it?”
“All my life,” replied Adam truthfully, “and from what my father has told me, it has been in our family for about sixty years, that's sixty of our years.” Not that Beorhtán needed any reminding how long that meant.
“Then I don't know, perhaps it was awaiting your arrival,” was all the giant could say, the mystery unsolved.
“From what my father has told me, my grandfather attempted to use the crystal for scrying, apparently he saw images in it that he claimed were of other worlds. Sadly, he became obsessed by it and his health suffered as a consequence. Dad was concerned that it may have the same effect on me.”
“You need not fear the Manifex as it has chosen you but I know nothing of this scrying as you call it, what does it mean?”
“On my world there are some who believe it is possible to see into the future using a crystal ball, scrying is the name given to such a practice, before I used what I now know to be a Manifex I didn’t believe in such things, and even now I’m not sure my view has changed.”
“You do well to doubt it, only those chosen can use the powers of the Manifex. If other crystals are to be found on your world then that is all that they are and would prove poor tools for seeing the future. How the Manifex came into your grandfather’s hands, I cannot say but if he attempted to use it, it would doubtless not respond but may have shown him the images he claimed to see although if he persisted in using it, it may well have caused him harm. The Manifex were only ever intended to be used by those chosen and if I am honest I never imagined they would leave this world.”
The revelations of the past hours had all come a little too quickly for Adam to be able to absorb them fully. Apart from everything else, he couldn't understand how he had managed to get back home and with Ichabod's Manifex. “If as you say I broke my crystal, how did I get back, and why did I have the second Manifex?”
“The answer to your first question is easy. After you collapsed there was much coming and going at the castle, but they couldn't revive you. I too was concerned by the manner in which you had fallen ill. Although I was sure that you would recover if returned to your own world. The problem then was whether or not you would be able to return here, as you appeared to be unable to assimilate the change.
“What I hadn't appreciated was that it was the work of the stolen Manifex that had incapacitated you for I believe it had in some way become corrupted possibly by leaving Falgorin. It was only when Ichabod attempted to use his crystal to aid you that it became obvious what had happened. I had to intervene before the sorcerer destroyed both himself and you, and so I sent you back. Fortunately, by returning you, despite its destruction I removed you from what remained of its influence, thus restoring your health. The question of how you had the second Manifex, I can only surmise. I believe that your power in some way controls the crystals, and you simply took it with you.”
“If that's so, then...” pausing as he put his hand in his jeans pocket, “I should have it with me,” and pulled out the small crystal. His words had been more bravado than expectation so finding the Manifex caused him quite a shock, now evident in his expression.
“So now do you believe me?” asked Beorhtán, aware of what had gone through Adam’s mind.
What else could he say, “As far as I understand all that you have said, I suppose I have little option, but I'm damned if I will accept that because of the way certain people behave, you have to destroy this whole world.”
“Adam, hear me, the choice isn't mine, all I'm able to do, is serve the will of the peoples of these lands according to their desire. Because of this I have brought you here to help those who would stand against evil.”
“Me,” he screamed, then as if shocked at the sound of his own voice his next words were delivered in less of a shout, “in the name of God what do you expect me to do?” Giving no thought to either the blasphemy or his calling upon a deity in whom he had expressed little belief.
Despite Adam's outburst, the giant remained calm as he replied, his words spoken in a way that suggested nothing more than a simple request, “Help Ichabod and others like him to overcome those who would follow the dark path, and prevent Shegrimoth from becoming free.”
Despite the manner in which it had been delivered, Adam was far from ready to accede to the sort of demand the giant was trying to impose on him. An older man might have at least considered the suggestion, but Adam was too young, and had enjoyed too few of life's experiences even to contemplate it. “No way! I've had all the crap I need from you, send me back home, this is not my fight, find yourself someone else.”
“If that is your wish,” responded the giant as if resigned to Adam’s demand before adding less agreeably, “but there is no one else.”
“What do you mean there's no one else?” challenged the younger man. “Of course there is; there must be a thousand or more who would be better at this sort of thing than me.”
“Not so, it has to be you, after all it was you that destroyed one of the Manifex, and only the combined power of all three could overcome Shegrimoth. Unless you serve the Dark One, you alone must have the power to defeat him”
Adam was beginning to feel trapped by the giant's words but wasn't yet prepared to concede defeat. “But that's a false argument; you said that it's the will of the people that determines how things work out, not the magic of a few crystals.”
“What I said was that little could prevail over the Dark One once he is free. Even were the people to return to the path of good, it would not be enough to overcome him. Not only must the forces of evil be defeated, but Shegrimoth must again be bound, and for that you will need the power of the Manifex.”
Despite everything, Adam wasn’t much given to blasphemy or profanity, yet his reaction was hardly surprising. “Holy shit...you mean you expect me to seek out these evil followers, destroy them, and then if that wasn't enough I have to overcome you...or the evil side of you, without having all three crystals. You must think I'm completely insane. Forget it, I want out...now!”
The ferocity of Adam's outburst shook Beorhtán; although expecting some opposition, he was unprepared for anything like this. Whilst apparently accepting the situation, he still held one last option. Although he had hoped to avoid its use, he would exercise it before admitting failure.
“You leave me little choice, Adam. Since you are determined to return to your world there isn't anything more to be said. However, before you leave there are two questions that I would like to ask.”
With the knowledge he now had about the being before him, Adam was reluctant to risk his wrath. Although remaining resolute in his intentions, he agreed to answer if he was able.
“The first question I have relates to the dreams that you had. I know of them because it was I that caused you to have them.”
For a moment or two Adam was confused by this revelation, “If I accept that you were their cause, why did you pick on me for them and why now?”
“I didn’t, the Manifex did, but it is your second question that really answers your first. Because of the deteriorating situation on Falgorin I knew I had to retrieve the lost Manifex despite it not choosing a new guardian as I couldn’t risk it falling into the wrong hands. Despite my attempting to recall it, I was unsuccessful but in doing so I was lead to you as its chosen new guardian although initially I had no idea it was someone not of this world or that at the time you still did not possess the crystal.”
“That still doesn’t explain the need for those horrific nightmares, surely there was an easier way, why show me them?”
“You will recall all of those burned bodies on the plain?”
Needing no reminder of the images firmly etched into his memory for all time, Adam nodded, grim faced.
“Very well, ask yourself this, will you be able to go on living with the knowledge that you and you alone, may have been able to avert such wholesale slaughter?”
“Christ, that's unfair. Are you saying I was responsible for that?” he shouted.
Ignoring the challenge, Beorhtán continued, “I have a second question which is, did you at any time receive a warning or a sign that you could not explain?”
“Why, what sign are you talking about?” asked Adam, yet in his mind the question was purely rhetorical since he knew full well.
“Any sign, anything that was unusual, or out of the ordinary. I have to know Adam, it's important.”
“There was the clock, the numbers on the clock, that's all,” a partial concession, still unable to face the full truth.
Despite no knowledge of clocks, Beorhtán persisted “What numbers Adam?”
Unable to face the truth or the giant, Adam's head dropped as he replied, “You already know the answer,” then no longer able to control his rising hysteria he finally shouted, “666, you know...666...the bloody number was 666.”
But Beorhtán hadn't finished with him yet, “Why 666, Adam?” he asked, his tone still flat, unemotional.
“Because it's the number of the fucking beast, that's why!” The final catharsis.
This the giant clearly understood although how remained a mystery, his response giving no clue, “Exactly, and how do you suppose it got there, certainly not because I sent it. Now do you see why you have to stay and see this through?”
And he did.
“I'm sorry Adam, but there was no other way, you had to realize for yourself, that if I could reach you in your world, so too could Shegrimoth. I still didn’t know that you didn’t have the Manifex, as I assumed, wrongly as it happened, that it was already in your possession which was why I sent you the final dream images in the hope that you would recognise what you were seeing.”
Hearing that he was no longer safe from the beast even back on his own world shook Adam to the core. His whole world had just been turned on its head beyond anything that events until that moment had managed. He felt lost, afraid and very much alone, how was one mere mortal expected to deal with such an enormous burden.
For several moments, the two just looked at one another, before Beorhtán spoke. “You have experienced more in the last few days than many will have to contend with in a whole life. It will not be easy, but there are compensations in your being here and you will not be alone. There is much that I can teach you, about the power of magic, the ways of these lands, and above all about yourself. However, time is running out, and you will have to be on your guard.”
Although not yet accepting of the role thrust upon him, Adam knew he had to try and understand what was happening to him. With nothing else to say he simply asked, “Why do you say that time is running out, and that I must be on guard?”
“Because every day the number of people falling to the way of darkness is growing, and as their numbers swell, so my hold over Shegrimoth wanes. There will come a time, possibly quite soon, when I will no longer be able to subjugate my alter ego. You must be ready for that moment, for if you truly serve the light, then you will be the beast's greatest enemy.”
Forcing himself Adam asked, “How will I know when that time has come?”
“There will be signs as the time approaches, but it may be that in the end you will have little or no warning.”
Considering what Beorhtán had said, Adam wondered just what time was available. “You spoke of teaching me, of magic and the ways of the land, but I have no knowledge of these things. Even if I believe in this magic, surely it will require a great deal of time for me to become proficient in its use. Enough that is for me to be of any value to this crusade you seem bent on my joining. No, it's foolish even to consider it. I'm no magician, better to give help to those who could use it, like Ichabod.”
“There is no point in us going through all that again. Normally it would take a lifetime’s dedication for an apprentice sorcerer to acquire the skills of someone of Ichabod's talents. But you already have the power, all that has to be done is to prepare you, and teach you how to control it.”
Such are the vagaries of the human mind, especially when faced with something it is loath to accept, so Adam's found another path to tread. Although of seemingly little consequence now, he suddenly remembered Ichabod's remarks about the white streak in his hair, and wanting to know of its significance, decided to ask the giant.
“The mark you bear is the symbol of the one true follower of the path of light. Legend tells of another who bore the mark, it was he who saved the lands at the time of the Awakening.”
Stunned by the explanation, Adam at first thought the giant had to be referring to his grandfather, only to discount the idea when he recalled how Beorhtán had denied knowledge of him. Nonetheless, he was still sure that one of his ancestors had to be the one referred to. With so many questions still unanswered, Adam was trying to decide which to pursue next, when he suddenly remembered the name of the place in his dream. “Where is Vilsagoth, it was the name in my dream, I think it must be the name of a place on this world?”
“That I cannot answer, for truly I do not know. The images I sent you never told of this place; how did you come to know of it?”
“I don't know, I just remembered the name after one of the dreams; it seemed important, and I assumed it was the name of the place that I had seen in the dream.” The giant shook his head offering nothing further on the subject.
Stiff from sitting on the stone seat, and weary from the traumas of the long discussion, Adam needed time to stretch his muscles and consider its implications. Despite everything that had happened, he was feeling hungry, his body clock was also telling him that regardless of the time here, it was still functioning on his other world time, and he was late for bed. Suppressing the urge to yawn, he asked Beorhtán about some food.
“I must have time to think about what you have told me. I need to eat and then sleep, before we go on. After that, well we'll have to see.”
“Very well, let me take you to somewhere more suitable, and I’ll provide you with whatever you need.”
Half expecting some sort of magical exit from the chamber, it came as something of a disappointment when Beorhtán turned and left by a doorway that Adam hadn't previously noticed, it having been hidden behind a rocky outcrop concealed from view by his companion’s bulk . Following close behind through a veritable maze of passages, all looking as if carved from the living rock, they finally came to a huge room. Brightly lit, it was warmer than the smaller room had been, furnished with massive couches covered in fine fabrics and although there were no rugs like those he had seen in Ichabod’s room, large furs were liberally scattered about the floor. Set in the centre, a huge wooden table almost groaned under the weight of food that covered it, whole roasts, game, fruits and much more besides.
Beckoning Adam to seat himself in one of the oversized chairs at the tableside, Beorhtán picked up a wine pitcher and poured a generous measure of the pale golden fluid into a crystal goblet that he handed to his guest.
Unconsciously touching the small crystal ball that he had put back in his pocket after showing it to Beorhtán earlier, Adam felt relieved when he received the same mental images that he had when testing the drink Ichabod had given him. Thinking of the old sorcerer made him wonder at the number of things that had happened in the short time since their meeting.
As he drank from the goblet, Beorhtán looked at him and smiled. “So you trust the Manifex, that's good for it would indicate that you truly serve the right path.”
Caught out by his action, Adam found himself looking for an excuse for what he'd just done. Realizing that he had no need, he decided that a little pretence might be useful since he wanted to employ the crystal further. With rather more exhibition than he intended, he took the Manifex from his pocket as if it had been his intention from the beginning. Placing it on the table before him, unlike the previous occasion, he found that with a few moments’ concentration he could restore it to its full size.
Careful to keep a watch on Beorhtán, he concentrated hard on the crystal, willing it to answer the one question uppermost in his mind. He knew he was running a risk with the giant able to read his mind, but he had to get at the truth.
Slowly the image began to form, hazy and indistinct at first; it gradually cleared to show Beorhtán as he sat before him. Not wanting to force the crystal, he waited to see if the image would change. Gradually the outline darkened, the face in the projection no longer Beorhtán's, but that of something black and evil.
With his attention divided between the Manifex and the giant, at first Adam didn't perceive what was happening. Gradually not only did the image change, so too did Beorhtán. By the time Adam was aware of what was occurring, the transformation was complete.
In place of the giant magician Beorhtán, now sat a creature so hideous, it filled Adam with abject terror as he cowered in his seat. With glistening skin as black as night, its blood red eyes half closed against the light, the beast stared malevolently at him. Rising to its full height, it towered over Adam, who tried to retreat, but constrained by the chair, could only draw his knees up to his chest, and whimper like a child.
Crowning the head of the monster was a single huge horn, curving backwards to a vicious point. Its upper body and arms were but for their colour, those of a muscular man, yet as the beast moved, it extended a pair of monstrous wings like some gigantic bat. On goat like legs it moved back from the table, its cloven hooves striking harsh sounds where they struck the stone floor, its long, barbed tail whipping from side to side. Suddenly the creature opened its mouth and with horrifying speed ejected a stream of foul smelling green liquid that flew in Adam's direction.
Strangely none touched him yet the instant it splashed about him, the spell broke, returning the room to the way it had been moments before. Slumped forward over the table, Beorhtán again sat opposite him; but of the beast, there was no sign. It had however, left evidence of its existence, a few small droplets of the evil liquid that had fallen on some of the gold plates and cups on the table. Still hissing and foaming, where it had touched them, it continued eating away at the metal, as would a strong acid.
Although severely shocked by the experience, Adam remained physically unharmed, yet he continued to stare at the point where Shegrimoth had stood, his whole body shaking as if afflicted by ague. For long minutes neither spoke, the silence unbroken save for Beorhtán's harsh breathing like that of a man struggling for air after being too long under water, yet it was he who first spoke, his voice at first remarkably calm, yet with more than a hint of the anger he was feeling.
“That was indeed a foolhardy and dangerous act; calling forth Shegrimoth might well have been the end not only for you and me, but for all the peoples of Falgorin.” Then as his breathing slowed, his voice took on a harsher timbre as he continued, “Could you be so stupid as to imagine I could control the beast once summoned?”
Adam finally looked up, yet despite several attempts, found he could not control his emotions sufficiently to allow himself to speak, as he was very near to tears. Again the giant railed at him for his stupidity, mistaking Adam's silence for insolence, until the damn broke, and with the tears now streaming down his cheeks, the hapless Adam managed to stutter, “Y...you don't think I d...d...did that myself, d...d...do you?”
“Well in the name of the Creator, if you didn't, I don't know who did,” shouted Beorhtán by way of reply.
“Jesus, I didn't do that,” he screamed in frustration, “all I wanted to know was could I trust you. If the Manifex was responsible for calling up that...that thing, then you can have it.” And like a hurt child, he pushed the crystal hard away from himself to send it rolling across the table towards Beorhtán. Unfortunately, the giant wasn't prepared for Adam's action, and before he had time to react, the orb had reached the edge of the table, and crossed into emptiness.
“Aaa...ugh,” yelled Beorhtán as he lunged at the falling sphere; the breath driven from his massive chest as it struck the floor moments after the Manifex had shattered into thousands of glittering shards.
Picking himself up off the floor, his anger now at boiling point, he brushed himself off and turned on Adam, raising his hands as if to strike him or worse perhaps cast a spell on him.
Adam waited, his breath held in anticipation of the blow, yet the giant lowered his arms and spoke, his anger barely constrained, “I am sorely tempted to return you to your world without further ado. You test my patience and threaten to destroy whatever chance existed for this world. Could it be that you are nothing but the agent of Shegrimoth? If so I warn you, do not meddle in things beyond you, for I will know what you are, and when I find out, I shall destroy you as I did Talosh.”
With Beorhtán's threat ringing in his ears and feeling everything stacking up against him, Adam couldn't find anything to say that would alter the situation. He hadn't meant the damn crystal to fall to the floor, any more than he had meant that creature to appear. Things had a habit of getting away from him and out of control just lately. With his appetite gone, and feeling threatened in the giant's presence, he just wanted to take himself off and lick his wounds. “After all,” he kept telling himself, “it still isn't my bloody fight.”
Without speaking, he got up from the table and wandered out of the door, aimlessly following the passage it gave on to. He hadn't gone far, before he realized he had absolutely no idea where he was going, yet rather than go back and have to face Beorhtán again, he kept walking; looking for somewhere he could hide himself away. After several false starts, passages that seemed to lead him around in circles, he happened upon a small room, set off from the side of a smaller corridor.
He'd come to the end of yet one more passage, when he found himself confronted by a heavy wooden door. Trying the latch, to his relief he found that it opened quite easily, and pushing the door inwards, found himself in what could almost have been a bedroom. Although there wasn't a bed in the conventional sense, there was what looked like a long settee, its dimensions more suited to accommodating the mighty Beorhtán, with cushions and loose covers.
Climbing wearily onto it, having first wedged the back of a chair against the door; he pushed a couple of cushions under his head and pulling a cover over himself, fell into a deep sleep, untroubled by dreams or images.
Waking up several hours later confused and disorientated, it took several moments before he recalled the previous evening’s events and how it had ended. Thinking about what had been said especially Beorhtán’s threat he realised just how vulnerable his position was his eyes instantly turning towards the door to see that the the chair was as he had left it.
His eyes felt gritty, and rubbing his fingers across his chin, he knew that he needed a shave, although he wasted no time pondering the matter, acutely aware there were more important issues to be resolved. He still had little real idea of where he was, and even less idea of how he might get back to his own world. Yawning and rubbing the sleep from his eyes, his mind continued to evade the issue of the previous day's revelations yet he knew he would still have to face them. Just as he was about to go in search of Beorhtán, there was a knock on the door.
Staying where he was he called out to ask who was there, still fearful of the coming encounter with the giant. Much to his surprise, the voice that answered was certainly not that of Beorhtán, being much too high pitched. “Master, it is only I, Quilvar. My Lord Beorhtán has sent me to find out if there is anything that you require.”
“Just a minute,” Adam called and jumping up, hurried to open the door. Removing the chair, he tugged the door open, and came face to face with an elf. At least he would have, except that the elf, he could only think of him as one, was almost a metre shorter than he was.
“I hope that I didn't waken you, Master, but Lord Beorhtán thought there might be something that you require.”
Fascinated by the creature, Adam couldn't help staring. No more than a smidgen over a metre tall, Quilvar had skin that hinted at the palest green, ears that were shaped almost to points at both tips and lobes, and most compelling of all, eyes of the brightest emerald. Attired in breeches and jacket of deepest maroon, upon his head he wore a grey felt cap and on his feet brown leather shoes with bright silver buckles.
Suddenly aware of his lack of good manners, Adam apologized. “I'm sorry er, Quilvar, I wasn't expecting you,” struggling over the unfamiliar name.
“If the Master wishes I can return later,” replied the little man, unperturbed.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary,” he mumbled, then before he could stop himself, his curiosity about the little man became too much, causing him to add, “what are y...I mean who...what do you do around here?”
Ignoring all but the last, Quilvar replied, “I am servant to Lord Beorhtán, Master.”
Frustrated by the lack of information gleaned by his inept questioning Adam asked, “Why do you keep addressing me as Master, my name is Adam?”
“Just so Master Adam, but it is your right to be correctly addressed by one of low rank. A man of high position like yourself should expect his title to be used at all times.”
Puzzled by the explanation, Adam decided not to pursue it for now. “I see, well there are several things that I would like, but I suspect that I'm not going to get them.”
“How so Master, whatever you wish I am commanded to provide for you? You have but to ask.”
“We...ell, apart from some food, which I guess shouldn't be too difficult, I would like to bathe and have a shave.”
“As you wish, if you will follow me I will take you to where you may bathe, after which I will show you where you may eat.”
No mention of a shave, thought Adam as he followed the little man from the room, recalling that both Ichabod and Beorhtán wore beards. Although Quilvar was clean-shaven, he didn't know if elves were troubled by facial hair.
Turning a couple of corners, he soon found they had entered a chamber filled with the warmth and steam of a bathroom. Polished pale grey marble formed all the surfaces, with a large bath set in the floor down a short flight of steps. Full almost to the brim, the water gave off an intoxicating aroma of some exotic spice, and looked very inviting.
Gesturing for him to remove his clothes and make use of the facilities, Quilvar stood patiently waiting. Adam hesitated for a moment, not through any false modesty, but because he felt he would be more vulnerable in the bath, especially since he would be naked. Quickly deciding the matter, when he realized that even fully clothed he would be no real match for the mighty Beorhtán, he stripped off and after first testing the temperature of the water, plunged straight in.
It felt wonderful. Whatever essences the water contained, the effect was amazing. His tensions all seemed to wash away, and he felt completely invigorated. Looking around for either soap or sponge with which to clean himself, he found neither. He quickly forgot his disappointment at the discovery when he noticed his hands, which he remembered from the previous night, had been quite grubby. The skin now glowed pink and healthy, as did the rest of his body, including his grazed elbow, which had healed so completely it was impossible to see where the injury had been.
So relaxing was the water that never seemed to cool that Adam completely forgot about time as he allowed his mind to drift until his body followed suit and gently slid beneath the surface. Coughing and spluttering he leaped up angry with himself for his stupidity yet grateful no one had been there to witness it. Looking around the room, he could see neither a towel with which to dry himself or his clothes, which seemed to have disappeared with Quilvar. Wondering what to do, he climbed from the bath and went to the door to see if the little servant was anywhere in sight.
Finding the passage empty Adam felt mild annoyance and having to stand with water dripping from him, didn't improve his mood, as it was rapidly beginning to cool. Turning back into the room thinking he might have to return to the warmth of the bath until the elf returned, he almost jumped out of his skin, when he found Quilvar standing directly behind him, holding a large towel.
“I'm sorry Master; I didn't mean to startle you. I have brought you fresh clothing, or if you would prefer I can return yours to you.”
Looking at the garments, Adam almost asked for his own back, but on impulse decided that he would at least try these out. Having dried himself, he examined the clothes unsure what went where, Quilvar saw the uncertain way in which he handled the garments and promptly took them from him, dressing Adam in no time. He felt a little discomfort at losing his Calvin Klein underwear in exchange for what could best be described as a loincloth, yet the loose fitting wrap that completed the outfit was extremely comfortable and allowed more freedom of movement than anything he had worn back home. It was also quite warm.
Equipped with soft leather sandals, and a belt of heavy gold links from which hung a small pouch similar to the one he had seen on Ichabod, he was ready to eat. Well almost, he still needed a shave and to comb his hair.
“Quilvar, I need to shave and if possible would like a mirror and comb so that I can tidy my hair.”
“If you wish, Master, but it is my job to do these things. If you will follow me I shall make the preparations.”
Wondering what preparations the elf had in mind, Adam decided that there was only one way to find out. He didn't have long to wait as Quilvar had only gone into an adjoining chamber. Following him there, he saw the elf was standing beside a chair, which he beckoned Adam to sit in. After he had sat down, the little man draped a towel across his chest, pulling two of the corners round behind his head.
With a speed that Adam could only marvel at, the elf had lathered his face from a mug that he must have pulled from thin air, and proceeded to shave him with deft strokes, using a wicked looking cut-throat razor. It was several moments before it crossed Adam's mind to question how such a short individual was managing to reach up to shave him. Not daring to twitch a muscle for fear of getting either his nose or an ear cut off; he had to sit still until the shaving was done. As soon as Quilvar had finished wiping his face with a hot towel to remove the last traces of lather, Adam looked round to see how he had managed it, and was just in time to see the elf sink gracefully to the floor.
Magic, it had to be the only answer, and as if to confirm the idea, he saw the elf point a hand at the used towel and shaving equipment, causing them to disappear.
“How did you do that?” he gasped.
“You tease me Master,” came the reply. “For one with your talents such things are but child's play.”
“You think so, huh? Well let me tell you Mister Modesty, what you just did I couldn't do in a thousand years. Since you reckon it to be so easy, how about magicking up a comb and mirror, so I can do my hair.”
“As you wish, Master,” and with no more than a click of his fingers, he passed both to Adam who sat staring with his mouth open.
He couldn't believe it; one minute nothing, the next a comb and mirror had materialized out of thin air. Almost unwilling to accept their existence, he looked first at the comb, which appeared quite solid and made from white metal, possibly silver, and then at the mirror, which looked perfectly ordinary, and reflected a normal image.
Surrendering to the evidence of his own eyes, he quickly pulled the comb through his hair, tidying it as best he could one handed. As he did so, he noticed that there wasn't even the slightest nick from the shave, and when he ran a hand over his chin, it felt quite smooth. Handing both comb and mirror back to Quilvar, the elf promptly returned them from whence they came.
“If you are ready Master, Lord Beorhtán awaits your presence at breakfast.”
Dreading having to face him, Adam prepared himself for the encounter, realizing that whether he chose to stay or to return home, it would either require the giant's skills or his guidance.
