The cave walls had a green tint to them. Seth’s feet sank into the soft, wet sand. With his hand on the hilt of his sword, he pushed forward. He felt that there was a downward slope, but he couldn’t be sure. After all, he was not a dwarf.
Ellis swallowed. “Looks like a turn ahead. If we take it, we won’t be able to see the cave mouth. We’ll have to rely on that.” He pointed to the piece of quartz in Jena’s hand. “No offense.”
Jena grinned. “I’ve never seen you so nervous.”
Ellis stepped back from her. “Nervous? Me? I—I don’t think so. I’m thinking of—you. That’s it. I was thinking about you.”
“Come on.” Seth led the trio around the corner. Bumps grew on his skin as the air temperature began to drop. The farther they went in, the colder it got. The passage was getting narrower. “Wait a minute.” He closed his eyes and listened.
“What?” Ellis asked.
“Shhh.” Seth concentrated. Listening.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
“Okay, let’s go.” Seth headed toward the sound of dripping water.
After another twenty feet, the passage emptied out into an opening. The walls were not rough rock, but polished granite. The floor was no longer dirt, but decorative marble. It was a square room with an archway at the far end. On the walls were old, moldy paintings.
“Where are we?” Ellis asked.
Seth moved close to one of the paintings. It was a battle. Humans fought side-by-side with elves. Not elves with blue skin, but elves with fair skin. They were fighting Dark Elves and orcs. There was a human, a king maybe, standing out in front, charging into battle. It was almost as if the painting recorded an event long ago.
“What is this place?” Jena asked.
Seth looked around. “I don’t hear the water anymore.” He knelt down, feeling the marble floor. “Where are we?”
“This is Porp Hollows,” a female voice said.
Jena flashed the light towards the archway.
Ellis drew his daggers.
Seth jumped to his feet, in between Jena and the woman.
The gray-haired woman’s wrinkled face smiled. “I hope I didn’t scare you.”
“Who are you?” Seth asked.
“I am Sumia.” Her grin emphasized the scar under her left eye. “I’m the last one.”
“What is Porp Hollows?” Jena asked.
Ellis put his daggers away as his face softened.
Seth frowned. Could they trust an old woman who lives in an underground—whatever?
“It’s a—rather, it used to be a stronghold for the Vulwin Elves. Long ago.” She walked over to the painting that Jena was looking at and pointed to the human leading the charge. “That is King Galin the II of Ravenward during the first war against the Darkstriders.” Her voice softened. “It took place on Etrana, when we took the fight to them and won. The alliance between humans and the Vulwin Elves was unbreakable—until Kade.” She swallowed. “No sense crying over the past.” Her mouth spoke inaudible words and she clapped her hands. The chamber brightly illuminated. “I have some food and drink. You’re welcome to join me.”
Ellis’ stomach grumbled. “Sounds great.”
Jena looked over at Seth.
“Why should we trust you?” Seth asked, taking his hand off the hilt.
The old woman’s teeth were exceptionally white and glistened as she smiled at him. “My boy, if I wanted to harm you, you’d already be dead. I’m not as frail and helpless as I may look.” She smiled. “Follow me.”
Seth, Jena, and Ellis followed Sumia down the corridor. The granite walls were covered with elaborate tapestries illustrating battles, love, and treasure. After a few turns, they entered a simple room with a lit fireplace. Inside the fireplace hung a cast-iron kettle filled to the top. Surrounding a small table were four stools. The aroma of potato soup tickled Seth’s nose.
Sumia started to stir the potato soup.
“Smells great,” Ellis said as he sat down.
Jena whispered into Seth’s ear. “I can tell if it is poisoned or not.”
“It’s not,” Sumia said, “I assure you.” She gave a bowl to Jena. “There’s really no point trying to whisper around me.”
Jena looked away. “I’m sorry.”
Sumia put a bowl in front of Ellis. “No, don’t be. I’d be suspicious too.”
“Thanks,” Ellis said.
She brought over two more bowls of soup before sitting down. Sumia slid one over to Seth. “Eat up.”
Seth’s stomach growled as he looked at the tempting soup. “Thank you.” He picked up a spoon and tasted it. The creamy liquid passed over his tongue and his stomach wanted more. “This is good.”
She smiled. “Thank you. I learned that recipe from a human—I mean, my mother.”
Seth frowned. “Human? Why’d you say that?”
Sumia shook her head. “I’ve lived around elves my whole life. I’m sorry. Sometimes, I forget that I’m human.”
“Where is everyone?” Seth asked.
“Yeah, what happened here?” Jena asked as she popped another spoonful of soup into her mouth.
“Do you know why the Darkstriders attacked Axain?” Seth asked. “I think my father knows, but he never told me.” He looked into his soup. “I never got close to him, until—until it was too late.”
Sumia sat back on her stool. “It depends on who you ask. The trade route between the Etrana and Ceyceuna continents was limited to that small area. The Fadyhl Waters are far too rough for ocean voyage except in that one spot. The Vulwin Elves controlled the ports on Etrana, and the Kingdom of Axain controlled them on Ceyceuna. Anyone who wanted to travel or trade had to pay fees to cross.”
“Are you saying it was about money?” Ellis asked.
Sumia shook her head. “Some folks do. Because now the Darkstriders control both sides. Not only did they take over human lands, but the Vulwin Elves fell to them as well. Most were killed, but some went into hiding.”
“Is that what this place was? A place to hide?” Jena asked.
Sumia nodded. “Yes, at first. Warriors did raids on the Darkstriders while waiting for the prince to emerge. The Darkstriders fear the prince more than two legions of Vulwin Elf warriors.”
“Why’s that?” Seth asked.
She smiled. “Are you sure you want to hear this?”
“We don’t have anywhere to go,” Jena said.
“Okay. Almost two thousand years ago, the Darkstriders’ seers had a collective vision. A human king would unite the humans, dwarves, and gnomes from the north, as well as the snow and mountain elves against them. This king would be nearly invincible in battle because he was a war mage and a knight. His spells would not need components nor incantations, it would be natural to him,” Sumia said. The firelight glistened on her forehead. “It’s believed that there was a series of events foretelling the arrival of the prophesied king.”
Ellis swallowed. “What were the signs?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know. But, they waited until fifteen years ago to make a move. They believed it was about to happen. That was why they sent Beldroth to ensnare Kade. They infiltrated the kingdom and it was over in a single night. That is, once they’d given up the frontal assault.”
“You know a lot,” Seth said.
“I am an old woman who lived through all of it,” Sumia said. She leaned toward Seth. “The prince just became a man. As with the females, he will gain his magic abilities during this time.”
Seth swallowed.
“Yes, Seth,” Sumia continued. “Your powers are the same as in the prophecy.”
Seth’s mouth dropped, but no words came out.
“How’d you know he has power?” Jena asked.
Sumia smiled. “An old war mage can recognize another magical child. Even your power is just beginning to form, but—him. He requires nothing but his will. Even if he is not the prophesied king, they believe he is.”
“I—I can’t control it,” Seth said.
“I know.” Sumia got some more soup. “I can help you with that. Seth, you need my help. If you don’t learn to control it, you put your friends in danger.” Her lips curled. “Didn’t that already happen? When you fought the goblins?”
Seth blinked. “How’d you know that?”
“It doesn’t matter how I know, I just do,” Sumia said. “Ever meet a war mage before?”
Seth shook his head.
“I’m on your side. I am here alone because the last of the Vulwin Elves chased after you. They thought you were dead.” Sumia sat back down. “Do you want to get Brock back, Galin the V of Ravenward?”
Seth’s heart nearly stopped. Was he so transparent? Could she read his mind?
“What are you talking about?” Ellis demanded. “Seth, tell her she’s nuts.”
“What do you want in exchange?” Seth asked.
She smiled. “I want to kill Dark Elves.”
“Okay,” Seth said. “When do we start?”
She smiled. “In the morning.”
“We can’t stay here,” Jena said. “We have to get back.”
Seth shook his head. “No, not yet. Those knights could still be looking for us.”
Ellis threw his feet up on the table. “Let’s stay here a few days and relax while Seth works his butt off.”
“Please, Jena, I have to learn to control this,” Seth said.
Jena nodded. “Okay.”
“I’ll be ready,” Seth said.
Sumia’s lips curled. “Very well.”
The next morning, Seth sat in a corner in the small ante-chamber with polished granite walls and a sleek marble floor. It was a short distance from the chamber where they ate dinner, but it seemed so far from his friends. A small piece of quartz was inside a small clear crystal ball suspended from the ceiling by a golden chain. Unlike the rest of Porp Hollows, there were no tapestries or paintings or furniture of any kind here.
Sumia told him to be on time, no matter what. ‘Be there at 6:00 a.m.,’ she said. Seth tapped his fingers on the cold floor. Where was she? It was nearly seven. Did she have second thoughts? Did he lead his friends into another trap? His face collapsed in his hands.
“Good morning,” Sumia said as she entered the chamber. Her red robes touched the floor. They were outlined with golden thread. She was carrying a small basket. Sumia sat down next to Seth. “May I call you Galin?”
Seth frowned. “No, my father said I have to keep that secret.”
“I see.” Sumia crossed her legs, putting her hands on her knees. “I need to know the truth. Did you use any magical components or incantations? I must make sure I am instructing you correctly,” Sumia said.
Seth shook his head. “No.”
She nodded. “I did some research last night in my library,” Sumia began. “The only creatures that can wield magic without incantations or spell components are dragons. Not the cute thirty-foot-long pets on Etrana, but the big ones near the Mountain Elves.”
“How does that help me?” Seth asked.
“Patience.” Sumia’s eyes softened. “I’m going to teach you what I can, but it’s not much.”
Seth swallowed. “What exactly are you going to show me?”
She leaned back. “First, how to control your powers from hurting people that you don’t intend to attack. I found a single defensive and one offensive spell.” Sumia looked away. “I know how magic works, but I never cast these spells before because I need to use components and incantations.”
Seth’s eyes dropped to the floor. Could she really help him? Sumia even said that she never did this before. Did he have a choice? He counted to ten, mustering the will to step into a new world. “What do I need to do?”
“The tome says that dragons control their magic through their emotions, specifically rage. If someone does something to you or someone you love, your power will surface. However, you can shut it down,” Sumia said.
“Why would I do that?” Seth asked.
Sumia’s eyes softened. “Because you want to conceal that you are the prophesied king until you are ready to take command of your forces and retake the kingdom. Once the Dark Elves find out who you really are, they’ll destroy everything and everyone to get at you. Do you understand?”
Seth nodded.
She opened the basket and pulled out a one-week-old brown puppy and a scorpion.
Seth’s eyes locked onto the scorpion. “What are you doing with those?”
Sumia didn’t even look at him. “An exercise in control. You’re to kill the scorpion and save the puppy without harming the dog.” She placed both creatures directly in front of him and backed away.
“What do I do?”
“Focus your rage and hatred on the scorpion. See it turn to dust in your mind. Remember, the dog is to be unharmed,” she said.
Seth stared at the scorpion.
It paused, staring at the puppy, its tail poised.
The dog began to sniff, looking into its eyes. It dropped to the floor and barked.
The scorpion backed off a few steps.
Seth liked the cute puppy, not the scorpion. His heart darkened as his eyes narrowed, focusing on the scorpion. Tiny electrical arcs raced along his skin.
Sumia’s eyes widened and her face went white.
Seth’s tiny arcs got bigger and bigger. He grinned. Arcs jumped across his lips. The tingle became hot and began to burn. Hate, all he had for the scorpion was hate. He wanted to scream. Seth reached towards the scorpion. A bolt of electricity lashed out from his finger. The scorpion vaporized. But something was wrong. The electrical arcs were dancing on across his body. They were getting bigger and brighter.
Sumia backed towards the door. “Stop it. You’ll kill us both!”
“I—I can’t stop it.” Seth stood up. Arcs from his legs danced all around him on the floor. Each passing moment, they got brighter and grew even more.
The puppy ran to Sumia.
Hatred. Hatred filled Seth’s mind and soul. There was nothing else.
“Anger and emotion brought you this far, Seth.” Sumia shook as she sat down. “Let’s meditate and be calm.”
Seth backed into the corner and slid to the floor. He crossed his legs with his hands on his knees. Electricity was dancing all around him. He closed his eyes.
“Think—happy—yes, happy thoughts,” Sumia said.
Seth receded into himself. Flowers and flying rice and—and Jena. She was older, much older, wearing a white dress with a veil. The high priestess of Odella stood before them holding the golden cord of life. The burning became tingling. The arcs shrank until they were gone. Seth opened his eyes. “Is it over?”
There was a warm puddle surrounding Sumia. Her face was white and her eyes wide. “I—I—I can’t believe it.” She got up and her wet gown stuck to her legs.
Seth pointed at Sumia’s pants. “What happened?”
Sumia was visibly shaking. “Nothing, it was—no, nothing.”
Seth looked around. No arcs or scorpion—what about the—he smiled as the tiny dog rushed back into the room. He picked up the dog and it licked his face. “You can stop now.”
Sumia never took her eyes off him as she backed away. “I—I don’t—I can’t train you. My arrogance—it’s all my fault. I thought I could just read a tome and know how your magic works.” She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t give you false hope.” Sumia knelt down. “I am at your service, Galin the V of Ravenward.”
Seth gulped. “Get up, I’m no king.”
“Very well,” Sumia said as she rose to her feet.
“What now?”
“You learned how to control your power and how to nullify it,” Sumia said. “With practice, you should master it quickly.”
“Is there anyone that can help me learn to use my power?” Seth asked.
Sumia rubbed her wrinkled chin. “I—let me look around. There may be, but—I’ll let you know.”
He handed her the dog. “I think we’ll head back to Crey Village. Maybe my father is back or there’s some word.”
Sumia smiled. “Good idea.”
Two hours later, Sumia was watching Seth, Jean, and Ellis disappear into the cavern, leaving Porp Hollows. “I never thought it was true,” Sumia said.
A tall humanoid with light skin and pointed elf ears emerged from the ante-chamber behind Sumia. “My lady.”
Sumia’s old human features dissolved into a fair skinned Vulwin Elf with a long golden ponytail and deep blue eyes. Her wrinkled skin tightened. “It’s true.” She turned her head towards the Vulwin Elf. “We need to get word to King Faeler. The prophecy is coming true.”
He bowed. “Yes, my lady.” He disappeared into the darkness.
Sumia looked back at the cavern. “Anything you need, anything. I’m here.”