The Divine Unleashed (Book 3) (9 page)

“That is just the start,” Kade said and then flew into a flurry of moves. 

The new clothes flowed, reminding him of the way the king and queen’s fur moved with the wind.  A part of him knew the design of the clothes was no random act.  The display was impressive.  The Blue Flame of the Divine sprang into life.  Kade held his hand high and drew the Divine Power into it as he spoke. 

“My abilities are no trivial matter,” Kade said as he stalked around the table.  The flame grew larger as it danced several feet off his hands.  Doren stared wide-eyed.  “There is a reason Morg fears me,” he said as he jumped down from the table and drew in so much of the Divine it appeared his entire body was on fire.  Unknown to Kade, his block was completely gone as the Divine bent to his will.  “He has good reason to fear me!” he said again, raising his voice as he threw his arms out to his sides.  Kade appeared to be an inferno of blue fire as the flames engulfed his entire body.  The kings and queens shrank back in fear.  The block was gone and the Divine was raging through him like the fiercest of storms.  Doren continued to stare in awe. 

Chosen,
Kade heard in his mind
.  Chosen, you have made your point
, Rakna said.  There was something in her tone that said he may have gone too far.  He realized the queen was correct.  He could not have them see him as a power to be feared as they did Morg.  He needed them to respect him, not fear him.

“But, even you cannot deny that he holds immense power while he holds the staff,” the old king said, all the fire gone from his voice and it was all he could do not to cringe before Kade. 
How did they know of the staff?
Kade asked himself.  A quick glance at Doren then Crayken and his question was answered.

Kade stood still, all eyes on him.  Were they looking at him in fear?  Did they see him as they might see Morg?  He had to get this back under control or he would lose before he even began.  With considerable effort, he stemmed the tide raging through him and brought it to a mild flow.  The flames receded and shrank to just his hands.

“It is true that he wields great power while holding the staff,” Kade said as he did his best to hide his near loss of control of such power.  “But, he is one man while we are many.  He was beaten before, and he can be beaten again,” Kade said as he looked around the table, his heart pumping strongly but slowly coming back under control.  He was, again, met with more approving nods.  Crayken stood up and all eyes swung toward him.  Kade knew to let the Divine extinguish as he worked his way back to his seat.  It was Crayken’s turn.  Kade could see that the synergy between them was affective.

“Many of us would prefer to live in peace, but peace is not possible while this evil walks our land,” Crayken said.

“What of this cave?  How are we to hold this, and why does it matter?” Red Diamond asked, recovering a small amount of his confidence.  Kade was grateful that he had not broken the king’s spirit.

“We know this tunnel houses a link to the land of the dead.  Morg wants it to increase his power.  There is knowledge that he seeks.  We must not allow him this knowledge, or he will become too powerful,” Crayken said, making a point to emphasize every word. 

“As of this moment, Morg still seeks the cave.  If we are careful, he will never learn of its existence,” Kade said.  “Morg is not even aware of what is in the cave, but it will not take him long to figure it out once he finds it,” he added firmly.  “The time is near for the coming battle.  We fight together as a clutch,” Kade said as he hit the table, “or we fall as individuals,” he finished and eased back in his chair.

“I can see why you have so much faith in this one,” Red Diamond said to Crayken.

“When you see him in action, you will have as much faith as I and then some,” Crayken said with a knowing grin.

Kade only hoped he could live up to their expectations.  This was an entire civilization betting everything on him.  They were risking their very existence for his cause.  He looked over at Doren and saw that the Master Chosen had a look on his face as if he was seeing Kade for the first time.

“Then it is settled,” the white queen said as she smoothly rose from her seat.  “For now, we dine.”

“We meet in one hour to plan,” Crayken said.  The kings and queens rose and dispersed to their clutches.  When all the spiders had left the table, Crayken turned toward Kade.  “Is there more we should know?  It would seem that our task is a difficult one with the limited knowledge we poses.”

Kade was about to shake his head when Doren sighed loudly.  All eyes turned on him.  Kade got a sick feeling he was not going to like what Doren was about to say.  Darcienna turned to look at Kade with a question in her eyes.  Kade could only shrug and turned back toward Doren, waiting, but his patience was slipping.  As he studied the Master Chosen, he was more certain by the moment that he was not going to like what was about to be said.  It vaguely reminded him of another situation but he forced his mind to focus as his look was most certainly turning into an accusing glare that even Doren could see.  The more the Apprentice Chosen considered the situation, the more certain he was that the man was not as forthcoming previously as he should have been.  The Master Chosen took another deep breath as he drove right to the point. 

“We must go back to the arch,” Doren said and then locked eyes with Kade.

Darcienna’s eyes went wide and Kade followed suit.  His mind started to spin as he looked into Doren’s eyes.  He felt a sense of panic, and he did not even know why, yet, but he feared he was about to learn.

“We must return to the arch,” Doren repeated, still not taking his eyes off Kade.  Darcienna felt anger growing in her.

“We just left there.  Why would we need to go back?” Darcienna asked heatedly.  She saw the way Doren kept his gaze on Kade and worry flooded through her.  Anger mixed with concern made her want to walk right up and punch the smug, pompous, overweight man squarely in the nose.  He had kept something from them that they should have known about.  “Out with it.  Out with all of it!” she said with her hands planted firmly on her hips.  Doren sighed, as if bored, and looked at her as if regarding a child.  Kade could see her flex her hands into a fist and was certain she was about to climb over the table to give this arrogant man the clubbing of his life.

“It is very important.  We may have allies in the land of the dead that might be able to help us,” Doren said almost casually.  Kade felt himself start to mirror Darcienna’s thoughts.  Doren had kept something from them and was acting as if it was just a minor slip of the mind.  Nothing with this man was accidental when it came to power of any kind.

But, what would he want to keep from us?
Kade wondered as he began to glare more without realizing it.

“The apprentice,” Doren said, seeing the glare and making a point, “may be the key to us receiving knowledge that may bring us victory.  If he can communicate with the Ancients, he may be able to learn of a way to overcome the might of the staff,” Doren said as he shifted his gaze to the king and queen.

Now it made complete sense to Kade.  He recalled how he had explained the ways of the Chosen to Darcienna while on the beach and this was a perfect example of it.  Doren wanted to communicate with the Ancients and gain knowledge or power for himself.  And in the way of the Chosen, he did not want to share.  But this was different.  The lives of everyone depended on the Chosen working together.  Kade ground his teeth in frustration.

“Why did you not share this with us when we were at the arch?” Darcienna growled.  Kade looked at Darcienna and gave a slight shake of his head.  She went wide-eyed, stunned that he was telling her to stand down.

“He was still recovering from that creature that tried to take him over.  Would you not want to leave if you just had barely survived being consumed by that thing?” Kade asked but he gave another slight shake of his head.  Darcienna closed her mouth and her lips made a thin line as she clenched her jaw in exasperation.  He would explain later.  Right now he could not afford to have the king and queen distrust Doren or they might start to see all Chosen in a bad way.

“So, what the queen has said is true?” Crayken asked.  “You can, indeed, speak with the dead?”

“That is the theory,” Doren said.  Kade cast a glance at Darcienna.  The worry that flashed through her eyes was impossible to miss.  He recalled his talk with Morg and knew it was inevitable that he was going to make another trip to the arch.  “We may be able to learn something about the staff,” Doren said.  Kade tried to put on a brave face, but after recalling his last encounter with the arch and Doren’s encounter today, he was far from eager to try anything with the doorway to the dead.  His stomach was in knots just thinking about it.

“When do you plan on making this journey?” Crayken asked.

“I fear that we should go as soon as possible,” Doren was saying, but Darcienna quickly cut him off.

“After he has had some rest,” she said firmly, allowing no room for argument.  She glared daggers at Doren.  The Master Chosen shrugged his shoulders as if it mattered nothing at all to him.  It was almost as if he was giving them permission for the delay with the way he waived them away.

“After I have had some rest,” Kade said, not caring to even try to argue with her.  He was quickly learning that when she was firm in her resolve, it would be easier to move a mountain than to change her mind.  He was also very grateful for the delay.

“She is wise,” Crayken said.  “You should always listen to your promised one,” he said as he turned to look at Rakna.

“I will lead you to your chamber,” Rakna said to the young apprentice and then turned to face Doren.  “We have room for you, also,” she told him.

“Your offer is generous, but for now, I would speak with the king.  We need to plan while Kade rests,” Doren said with a slight bow.

“As you wish,” Rakna said and turned to go.

“Please convey my apologies to the clutch for not staying,” Kade said to the king and proceeded to follow the queen.  He took several steps after Rakna and then stopped, turning back to Crayken.  “If I may have the company of the queen on my journey to the cave, it would be much appreciated.  I will need to communicate with the other spiders.”

“If that is her desire, then let it be so,” Crayken responded.

“His request has merit, my king.  I shall accompany him when he wakes,” Rakna said and then turned to lead them to their room.  She stopped in front of their chamber, and with a curt bow, excused herself.

Kade could feel his eyelids already growing heavy.  As he walked through the door, he glanced around for the sack containing the books.  The bed was empty.  Kade felt his pulse start to pick up as he recalled the scratch on Doren’s wrist.  He walked around the bed and saw Chance curled protectively around the sack.  The Mordra glanced up once, unconcerned, and then laid its head back down, its eyes already closing.  Relieved more than he could say, Kade let himself fall onto the bed, deeply grateful for Darcienna’s persistence on his behalf.

Kade and Darcienna talked for almost an hour about the day’s events as he fought off sleep.  Darcienna was full of praise for his prowess, complimenting him with how he had spoken to the kings.  Kade soaked up her words and felt himself open up more and more at her prompting.  She loved to listen to him speak, and anything she could do to get him to talk was fine by her. 

The activity in the great tree slowed and quiet descended.  Kade felt himself fading fast as his mind unwound.  It would not be long before his words came in slurs as he struggled to stay awake.  He stopped fighting his exhaustion and let his eyes close as he listened to Darcienna’s musical voice drift through his mind.

“Thank you,” Kade said, his words almost indistinguishable.  He smiled as his mind began to paint images of her.

Darcienna snuggled next to him.  She laid her head on his chest and looked up at him as his breathing became deeper by the moment.  She started to move away when his breath caught in his throat.  Without realizing what he was doing, he reached up, put an arm around her shoulder and held her tightly.  She stopped moving, and the deep breathing returned.  They stayed like that for hours without moving.  That was just fine with Darcienna as she drifted off, enjoying having his arms around her.  If she only knew what the day was to bring, she would have found sleep almost impossible.

*CH3*

Kade awoke to find the place dead quiet.  He unwrapped his arms from around Darcienna and rolled to the edge of the bed.  He swung his legs down and stood, stretching.  He walked over to the slit in the wall and peered out.  It was pitch black, and the sounds of night drifted in through the window.

“How did you sleep?” Darcienna asked, startling Kade.

“I thought you were still out,” Kade said, his hand over his heart.

“I was until you got up,” Darcienna said as she sprawled over the entire bed and stretched.  “What are you planning?” she asked, certain she was not going to approve of the answer.

“I should get this over with,” Kade said as he turned to look out the slit.  Darcienna did not have to ask to understand what he was talking about.  It was clear that the dreaded arch deep in the tunnel was on both their minds.

“Kade, are you sure this is the best way?” she asked, her voice heavy with concern.  She sat up and tilted her head slightly as she waited for him to answer.  He turned to look at her but her eyes were closed as she clenched her fists in the soft fabric on the bed.  She swallowed hard and Kade knew she was reliving the battle with the unknown creature.  He slowly sat on the bed and put a gentle hand on her arm.  Her eyes came open and she breathed deeply, holding it for several long seconds, and then let it out as if to expel the stress and frustration from her body.  Or, maybe a symbolic exorcism of the evil being that had tried to possess her.  Kade smiled at her, trying to soothe her fears.  She relaxed as she saw the way he was looking at her and even found it…alluring.  He made her feel safe, even in the thickest parts of battle or the most dangerous of situations.  She cleared her head of the terrible memory and looked at him, waiting for him to answer.

“No, but what other options do we have?” Kade asked.  He watched her closely.  He was hoping that she would say not to go and offer a better idea or that he should come up with a different plan, but she was silent.  She was not going to offer a better way.  She was not going to offer any way.  As a matter of fact, he realized she was not even going to put up any more resistance at all.  She knew this was what he had to do.  Realizing that his path, once again, was laid out for him, he took a deep breath and then reached out to the dragon. 

Rayden, we must go to the cave,
Kade sent.  At first, there was nothing, but with a little prompting, the dragon’s weary thoughts came back to him.  Kade heard movement outside the window and turned to see a huge, half-lidded, golden eye peering back.  “Rayden is ready,” Kade said as he mentally prepared himself for the task.

“Just promise me you will be careful,” Darcienna said as she grabbed him by the arm and turned him toward her.  She needed him to look her in the eye while making this promise.  She had to know he would take this vow to heart and not just say it to placate her.  Kade felt her pulse through her grip and knew this was difficult for her.

“I will be as safe as I can,” Kade said.  Darcienna did not like the response, but it was the best she was going to get.  He gently removed her hand from his arm and then turned and walked from the room with Darcienna close behind.

Kade worked his way down to the exit and was met by his faithful companion.  Rayden nudged him a few times but Kade’s mind was on his task.  He scratched his friend on the side of the jaw as they walked but his eyes focused on the tree that housed the Great Hall.  Kade patted the dragon on the side and mentally asked it to wait patiently for him to return.

Kade walked through the entrance and down the wide set of stairs carved out of the earth.  He stepped into the massive chamber and took the time to survey the room.  The Great Hall was completely deserted with the exception of the beautiful white queen and the majestic, black king, pouring over a map of the area.  There were a few guards sitting at a table, talking quietly.  The queen noticed Kade and motioned for the king to turn around.

“Am I to understand that you are to leave at this early hour?” Crayken asked, surprised and concerned.

“I would only be delaying the inevitable,” Kade responded.  “Besides, the sun rises soon.”

Rakna called to the two guards, who promptly leapt up and came to her.  She buzzed instructions to them and turned back to Kade.  The king reached up and placed a leg on Kade’s shoulder.

“Be safe, and may the Divine watch over you,” Crayken said with worry.  He tried to hide his concern, but it was plain for Kade to see.  “Look after my queen,” the king added and then turned to Rakna.  “Keep him safe, my love.  Our survival depends on it.”

“I will,” Kade said as he returned the gesture.

“He is capable, but I shall do what is within my power, my king,” Rakna said.

“This is a very early hour, Kade,” Doren said as he entered the Great Hall.  His eyes shown of someone who had just awoke from a sleep they preferred desperately to still be enjoying.

“I would understand if you preferred to stay, Master Doren,” Kade said, wondering how the Master Chosen knew to come to the Great Hall.  It had to be a calling that he was not aware of.  Maybe a calling placed on his door that would alert the Master Chosen of its use.  Kade had a feeling he would never know.  Doren was a master and had to have his share of callings.

“You are going to the cave?” Doren asked.

“Yes,” Kade responded.  He realized he should have known that Doren would not dare stay if there was a chance that Kade could learn something new.

“Then we should depart,” Doren declared as if the decision were his.  Kade wished dearly that the man was staying behind, but he had no way to compel the Master Chosen to stay.  And, he was certain that Doren was not going to let Kade access the doorway to the dead without being there.

Without any more delay, they said their goodbyes and exited the tree.  Rayden was waiting patiently by the entrance.  They mounted and readied to go.  The dragon turned and headed off at a run but did not leap into the air as Kade expected.  He questioned the dragon and received a reply just as Darcienna was speaking.

“We are not flying?” she asked, still holding tightly.  Doren was leaning around Kade, apparently ready to ask the same question.  He was watching the apprentice closely, waiting for the response.

“Rayden prefers not to fly at night.  As best as I can tell, dragons don’t like being in the air when it is dark,” Kade responded.  Darcienna said no more, and Doren leaned back into place so Kade let the subject drop.  The flight may have been much quicker and smoother than running, but this was far better than walking.

Kade’s mind could not help but to see Zayle coming through the dark and wondered if he was going to see it this time, also.  Would his cherished master make his presence known once more?  If Zale was not there to meet him, would he be able to find his teacher when he crossed through the arch?  He tried to ignore the possibility of running into one of those evil creatures, but the worry was getting stronger the closer they got to their destination. 

It was not long before the dragon lumbered to a stop outside the cave.  Kade swung a leg over and leapt to the ground gracefully.  He turned deftly to reach out for Darcienna as she slid down the dragon’s side and into his arms.  He smiled as he looked into her eyes and considered pulling her into an embrace, but Doren grunted, drawing their attention.  The two slowly untangled and stepped back.

“Kade, please lead the way to the arch,” Doren said with a touch of impatience.

Darcienna gave the Master Chosen a glare but Doren gave no indication of noticing.  Kade turned and led them into the cave.  There were approximately ten spiders that leapt up, ready to attack.  The queen buzzed at them and they immediately knelt down, putting their heads to the ground.  Kade walked to the entrance of the tunnel and brought the Divine Fire to life.  Doren glanced at the fire and then to Kade as if to ask, “Is that needed?”  Kade realized that the Master Chosen was expecting him to call on the light, hoping to catch what he was missing.  He was determined to catch Kade using the Illumination Calling and steal the secret.  The apprentice realized that had he chosen to call on light, the master may have figured out the move.  He affirmed to himself that he needed to be more cautious.

“If Morg is searching for the doorway, I would prefer to be prepared,” Kade said, wondering if he was being over cautious.  Doren nodded and raised his hands.  After several elaborate gestures, there was a bright, blue spark jumping from finger to finger.  It reminded Kade of the spark that protected the black book.  It did not provide the light that the Divine Fire did, but Kade was certain that Doren did not call on it for its light giving ability.  Kade found himself studying Doren’s gestures.  The Master Chosen had a look in his eye that was pure amusement.  Kade colored slightly as he caught Doren’s eye and turned away.  He was not about to play the game with a Master.  It was sure to get him killed.  Kade started walking without looking back.  Something told him that if he checked, Doren would still be standing there, holding his hands out with the spark dancing from finger to finger as if tempting the apprentice to try.  Kade knew better.  He was certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that he could not cast that calling without being taught, and yet, he had to admit to himself that he was tempted.  He relaxed his shoulders and marched on.  The master shrugged his shoulders, even though Kade could not see and quickly caught up to walk side by side with the apprentice.

Darcienna walked along Kade’s right while Doren walked on his left.  The queen walked next to Darcienna as they worked their way down the tunnel.  Each was studying the darkness intently until Kade broke the silence.

“Here,” Kade said as he came to a stop several paces from the arch and reached out to keep Darcienna from walking further.  The queen moved a little closer to Darcienna’s side while eyeing the arch with clear distaste.  Doren edged forward slowly and then drew back to stand next to Kade.  He turned to look at the apprentice.  Kade walked over to stand next to the drawings on the wall.

“I am eager to see if this will work,” Doren said with excitement at the thought of contact with an Ancient, even if it had to be through an apprentice.  The Master Chosen also studied the wall with the images drawn on it.  “The calling is so simple, and yet, you are the only one who can use it,” Doren said as he glanced at Kade and then back to the drawings.  He recalled his previous attempt and had no urge to try again.

Kade looked at the blackness and shivered. 
Am I really going to voluntarily enter the land of the dead?
he asked himself and felt a sliver of fear work its way into his heart.  He did his best to keep a brave face for Darcienna, but something told him that he was not fooling her.

He recalled, too vividly, the entity that attempted to take him over, not to mention the one that almost took Doren and then Darcienna.  He knew he had come too far to turn back now, but it did not make it any easier.  He mentally prepared himself for what was to come as he stepped up to the wall, making sure he understood all he needed to know.  Doren watched him, his excitement continuing to grow.  The thought of new knowledge made the man act as a kid might when receiving a brand new toy.

“Are you ready?” the Master Chosen asked.  It was not necessarily to ensure Kade was prepared as it was more a push to continue.

Kade did not answer the question.  He turned toward Darcienna and tried to find the words he wanted to say.  There was so much he wanted to tell her, and yet, he could not find the right way to say it.  She tried to smile reassuringly but her mouth twisted into deep concern as her brow knitted together.  He wished he had made her stay back at the tree, but he knew that short of tying her up, she would not have accepted being left behind.

“Okay,” Kade said as he glanced at the wall one last time.  “I am only delaying.  I am ready,” he said, avoiding Darcienna’s eyes.

The rest of the group moved back to give him room.  Kade let his Divine Fire fade as he looked at the ground for a spot where he could lay.  With only Doren’s spark to give light, Kade could barely make out the floor.  It was eerie and did not inspire confidence.  The queen’s eyes glowed as they reflected the faint, blue spark, adding to the ominous scene.  Darcienna’s eyes did not help, either.  The knot in Kade’s stomach tightened.  He wished the room could be well lit, but he was the only one able to do that and he was not willing to teach Doren the calling.  He realized he was truly becoming a Chosen when he decided to deal with this extreme discomfort just to keep a secret. 

After stalling for just a few more seconds, he laid down and closed his eyes.  It took a while of deep breathing for his mind and body to relax.  With Doren hovering over him, it was even more difficult, but in time, he was able to get his discomfort under control.  He brought the Divine through him like a lazy river.  His awareness slid out and floated toward the ceiling.

Kade drifted down and stopped in front of Darcienna.  He gently leaned forward and kissed her on the lips.  She blinked once and raised her hand, placing her fingers lightly on her lips.  She slowly lowered her eyes to look at Kade’s body.

Turning toward the gate, Kade froze.  There were several people standing there on the other side of the arch, watching him.  His heart, if he could call it that in this form, skipped a beat.  They looked as solid as the group he was with.  It was the figure in the middle that he locked eyes with.  Kade drifted down to stand firmly on the ground.