Spring of Discovery (Celestia Chronicles Book 1/Seasons Arc: Book 1)

Chapter 5: Strong Will

It was just after sunset when Jade, Saje, and Chief Fang reached the edge of the forest. There was only enough light to makeout the silhouette of a giant rock reaching straight up into the heavens. The rock appeared to be several miles away but that did not keep it from looking big. Jade said their farewells to the Chief and headed towards the tower.

"How tall is this thing?" Jade wondered aloud.

"Two miles high," replied Saje. "It is said to be the center of Energy in the world. It is referred to as Destiny's Point and it changes the life of many people who have been here."

"Did that happen to you?"

Saje gazed downward. "I was very depressed after being exiled from Atlantis. But after coming here I realized how little of the world I had seen and saw my banishment as an opportunity to explore the land. To find a way to fix the mistakes that I made."

"You were banished?" Jade exclaimed. "Why?"

"Never mind that," said Saje. "I don't want to talk about it. I will have to tell you sooner or later, but for now leave it be."

Jade looked at Saje and saw how down and depressed he looked. She realized that her father had looked this way when she'd asked him about his days as an Atlantean guard. Maybe the reason was the same. Maybe her father was banished too. If that was the case, she wondered, could they have left Atlantis for the same reason? Considering how close they were it seemed likely. As she considered this she summoned a nearby rock into her hand. She moved the rock around in the air for a bit as Saje watched.

"Already figured it out?" he asked.

"You said the power laid in the nature of the element. When the werewolves attacked us I was thinking only about not going down without a fight. It's that stubbornness that defines the earth. It's about being determined and strong-willed."She guided the rock through the air and Saje couldn't help but feel amazed at her natural abilities.

He looked ahead and saw a campfire burning at the spire. As they neared the spire he pulled her aside."Someone's here," he said. "We need to tread carefully. I'll go around to the other side. Wait a minute and proceed."

Jade nodded and Saje ran off to the far side of the spire. As she waited for the minute to pass a young man came down from above, and swinging his sword at her. She blocked as she drew her sword,blocked his next few strikes, and he jumped backward readying his sword for another attack.

She took a good look at her attacker. His amber eyes had a cold look to them and he had a scar on his right cheek. Though he looked like he had lived through a lot she could tell that he was notmuch older than she was.

He charged at her with a wide swing and when she brought her sword to make contact, he jumped higher in the air than a typical human would be capable. Jade slammed her foot into the ground so that when he landed, he fell through the ground into a hole. She approached him, trapped in the rock up to his chest, and aimed hersword at him. He took a deep breath and exhaled an explosive wall of fire, forcing her backward. When the smoke cleared, she saw that there was a red and orange dragon emerging from the hole. The dragon looked at her, its amber eyes gleaming with rage. It charged and was mere inches from Jade when Saje jumped in the way.

The dragon stopped in its tracks and transformed back into the youngman."Dammit Saje!" exclaimed the former dragon. "A little heads up next time."

"I had no idea I'd find you here," said Saje. "It's good to see you again, Talon."

***

In the Village of Cresalda Syvix was gathering all its residents into the center of town as Xaug looked on. General Galof stood right next to him sharpening his sword."Looks like we missed Kendra" said Galof longingly as he sharpened his sword to perfection.

"I guarantee before the year is up you will have your rematch," replied Xaug. "For now we have bigger fish to fry."Syvix motioned for them and Xaug walked over, looking at all the residents of the village. "An old man recently visited this village and may have left with someone who lives here. I am looking for the old man and a young woman who he may have left with."

The people looked at Xaug with scornful looks. Syvix smiled and said, "The bonds of community are strong here sir. They have strong ties and the will to back those ties."

Xaug walked over to one man with a small girl hiding behind him. He grabbed the girl and shoved her to Galof. Galof snatched the girl and held his sword up to her throat.

"Give back my daughter!" cried the man.

"Answer my question," sneered Xaug. "If I were you, I'd hurry. My friend here has been itching to kill for a few days now..."

"Liase, you can't let our daughter die!" screamed the man's wife.Galof held his sword closer to the girl's neck and a drop of blood dripped down.."Jade!" the man screamed. "She lives in the house on the hill!"

Xaug smiled. "Galof, return the girl."After the man got his daughter back Galof smiled wickedly and said "Now do you realize that a strong will can be a very bad thing?"

Xaug walked to the house at the top of the hill and went inside. The first thing he saw was the Atlantean coat of arms whereGremdar's sword was. He walked over to the desk and found letter written to Jade. Syvix entered the house to find Xaug laughing.When he questioned it Xaug handed over the letter."Arda and Gremdar's daughter is the Chosen One," he said with malicious glee. "My revenge could not be sweeter."