Chapter 3- Royal dreams

Dear Diary,

The nerve! Ah! Today, my son, Chand, has come to me and said the strangest
words he has ever said...Safe and sound...wait until the Urn comes...
I am still puzzled by them.... What does he mean by safe and sound? What
does he mean by the Urn?
But alas! He is my son...and I must love him with all my heart...hopefully, he
will explain his words...
My dear baby hasnt returned yet. And that comforting feeling still embraces me
when I think about her...it is strange...
Zalmon is still bound deep in Hell...tied with the thickest ropes and the strongest
chains, restrained within that cell I created especially for him!
It is sad...very sad...but I hope he will...change his mind...

Cheers,
Rosaline, Late Goddess of Souls.

XXX

No! Minerva cried, hurling herself in front of Zelda and Arianwyn.
The streak of light-sucking energy hit her right in the middle of her chest,
sending her sprawling towards a wall.

XXX
*FLASHBACK*

Maybe you are wondering how this adventure...so to speak...has started.
Frankly...it is quite simple...
It has started with a dream...

XXX

I was standing in the middle of that plain. I was holding a small coil of red
thread. Eight streaks started from it, rising high in the dark sky. There were eight
kites hanging from the thread, each glowing with a different hue, their shapes
different.
They were flowing and dancing, the soft breeze carrying them. Suddenly, a
sharp shriek howled through the darkness. A spiralling blade came hurtling
through the air. It cut the air in front of me, tearing the seven threads. Seven
kites flew apart from the others, each leaving in a different direction. Only one
remained attached to the coil

XXX

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Come in! Minerva said, ending the explanation and turning her head towards
the classroom door.
The door opened and a tall man entered the room. He was tall, broad-
shouldered, dressed in a black suite, a black tie visible over his white shirt.
A re you miss Minerva Ishani? the man asked, his voice deep and booming.
Yes Minerva said.
Come with me the man responded, his voice grim.
Zelda, please come and finish the explanation Minerva said as she left the
room.
But, just as she was closing the door behind her, she heard Russell say Thats
my dad, you know? in a mocking tone.
Upon hearing those words, her blood ran cold and her body stiffened.
What did you want to talk about, Mister? Minerva said politely, although her
mind told her to run away.
I have heard you are punishing your students the man said.
What teacher doesnt? An F here and there and they should have learned their
lesson! Minerva chuckled uneasy, hoping that this was not what she had
thought at first.
Yes. What teacher does not? But I have heard you are using a more...stylish
punishment the man growled.
Unfortunately, I do not understand. Could you be more specific? Minerva
smiled, her eyes darting across the mans face.
My son told me you are binding your students with ropes, chains and stuffing
cloth in their mouths the man smiled, mock written across his face.
What normal teacher would do this? Minerva blazed.
That is the thing. You are no normal teacher! Have you ever heard about
Medieval and Ancient Mythology as a subject in this world? the man growled.
Unfortunately...no Minerva said, defeat written on her face.
Be careful who you are playing with. I promise that one more thing like this
and you will be living a Hell! the man threatened.
Yes sir Minerva said, her eyes dark, her tone soft. She kept a scared
demeanour, fooling the man.
Good bye! the man turned and left.
Screw you! Minerva whispered.
She pushed the door and entered the class.
...and so people have crafted kites in order to ward off the malevolent spirits
Zelda said.
Kites? Minerva said, her eyes glowing.
Yes Zelda smiled.
Thank you Zelda. You can go to your place Minerva smiled.
Hey, witch, what did my dad say? Russell asked.
Minerva turned towards the boy, just as Zelda passed by him and slapped him.
Go to hell, you....blind freak!!! the boy hollered.
What...did...you...just...say? Minerva glared, turning her eyes narrowing and
lips clenched together, hands balled up into fists.
Minerva. Calm down Zelda said as she saw Minerva was on the point of
exploding. And you, dear boy, keep that dirty mouth shut! You dont even
know how useless you are! Zelda growled, taking Minerva by her arm and
leaving the room.
What happened? Why did the kites affect you? Zelda asked.
I had a dream. It was about eight kites that I held. A blade came and cut their
ropes and they flew apart. What does this mean? Minerva cried.
Oh dear. We must visit Crystal! Zelda cried.
Who? Minerva asked.
Youll see! Zelda cried as she pulled Minerva by her sleeve.
The two girls left the school and started walking along the street. After ten
minutes of half-walking, half-running, Zelda entered a small alley. It was dark
and the smell of rotten food was poisoning. And there was this chill...
Where are you taking me? Minerva cried.
To see Crystal! Zelda laughed.
Suddenly, they stopped. Zelda reached one hand and touched the handle of a
wooden door. She pushed the handle and entered.
Oh dear Minerva gasped.
They entered a small, cluttered room. Red and golden shawls were hanging on
every wall. Small candles were placed everywhere, lighting the room. A round
table sat in the middle of the cramped space. There, soft smoke rising from
them, were about twenty incense sticks. That is when Minerva felt the drowning
aroma. A bell chimed somewhere in the room and, coming from behind one of
the shawls, a woman appeared.
Aaaah...Stefanie. I have been waiting for you....Who is your friend? the
woman asked, her voice soft and warm, welcoming and musical, just like a
bells chime. She was slim, dressed in a long-sleeved, red dress, golden, yellow
and green drawings adorning her garment, blue, snaking tattoos squirming over
her skin. Her eyes were black and wise, her skin olive with golden glimmers.
Crystal. This is Minerva. Can you decipher dreams just as you can read the
future? Zelda asked.
Why, of course, Stefanie! Come. Take a sit... the woman smiled, walking
towards the table.
Just then, Minerva noticed the chairs around the table. They were covered in red
shawls, just as the rest of the room.
After they sat, the woman nodded.
Now, could you please tell me your dream? the woman asked.
Yes Minerva said.
Good the woman smiled.
She clicked her fingers. A soft breeze extinguished the candles, leaving the
females in utter darkness. Another snap and the smoke the sticks were emitting
lit up, a soft glow enveloping the women.
I was standing in the middle of a plain. I have been holding a small coil of red
thread. Eight streaks started from it, rising high in the dark sky. There were eight
kites hanging from the thread, each glowing with a different hue, their shapes
different.
They were flowing and dancing, the soft breeze carrying them. Suddenly, a
sharp shriek howled through the darkness. A spiralling blade came hurtling
through the air. It cut the air in front of me, tearing the seven threads. Seven
kites flew apart from the others, each leaving in a different direction. Only one
remained attached to the coil Minerva said.
The smoke danced, swirling, spiralling and struggling. Then, the movement
finished, an image appeared in the depths of the smoke.
It depicted the dream. A silhouette standing in the middle of a plain. The kites.
The blade. The lone kite that remained attached to the coil.
Oh dear... Crystal sighed.
What?! Minerva jumped.
This is bad. Really, really bad! Crystal said, worry resounding in her voice.
How? How can a dream be so bad? Zelda jumped too.
Minerva...Stefanie...calm down. Let me tell you a story! Crystal smiled.
Okay Minerva sighed.
It had all began a long time ago...

XXX

When the time came for Zalmon to choose his spell, everything felt a vile
demeanour falling from the sky.
When he came to face the Nanny, his arrogant look made her think about
allowing him to own such powerful magic. But then, she had to, so she granted
him his wish.
First, he had chosen an activator.
Wrecker!
Second, he had chosen the spell.
Reckless god of evil, pour thy black and vile demeanour over the land and
obliterate those who stand tall!
And finally, he had chosen the manifestation.
A great, black comet will be the bringer of death!
And his spell was complete.
But, in fear for the humans and elves, the Nanny allowed the magic of the spell
to be used once in a lifetime.
And it had been used only once, before the elves were born...
And as a sign of the incoming disaster, the Goddess whom had saved the world
had had a dream...

XXX

What dream? Minerva asked, although she knew the answer.
The dream you had...unfortunately... Crystal said.
Oh...and can you tell me what it means? Zelda said.
The kites represent the eight continents of the world. The blade represents the
comet. The coil of rope represents the core of the Earth, the ball of magma. And
the remaining kite means that one continent will remain... Crystal said.
And how the hell can we stop this...disaster? Minerva jumped.
Calm down dear! Have you ever heard about the Jewels? Crystal asked.
Not even once... Minerva sighed.
I have heard! Zelda said.
Yes Stefanie. I know that Crystal smiled.
The Jewels are symbols of the divine power. Let me recite a paragraph from the
Legend: 'I, goddess Amaltheea of Love, leave behind the never ending flame
of love.' she whispered.
The smoke and glow ebbed around her body and mixed, forming a great jewel in
the shape of a flame.
The jewel fell to the ground, through the mouth of a volcano, burying itself deep
under the lava.
'I, goddess Heloise of Life, leave behind the frail symbol of life.' the goddess'
voice ebbed.
White mist and green light combined themselves, forming a great emerald egg.
The small oval fell to the ground, within a forest, burying itself deep under the
ground.
'I, god Ragnar of Courage, leave behind the great droplet of courage.' the god
said.
Blue and silver, heavy mist concentrated, forming a great sapphire droplet. The
pure jewel fell to the ground, sinking deep under a vast ocean.
'I, god Albus of Truth, leave behind the concealed feather of truth.' the boy said.
White mist and yellow light combined, giving birth to a small, diamond pair of
wings. The jewel floated towards the ground, finding its place on the top of the
tallest mountain range.
'I, god Ethernoss of Time, leave behind the alternating spirits of the Seasons and
the eternal soul of time!' the god said.
A small, amethyst clock fell to the ground, its resting place still unknown.
So, those Jewels are like precious stones the Gods left behind after creating the
World? Minerva asked.
Yes. But! Those Jewels have each their alter! While in their rightful place, they
protect the world from utter destruction! If they are missing...this dream is sent
to the one who will save the world... Crystal said.
Oh dear...and I must go and save the world?? Minerva asked.
Yes my dear.... But alas! You will not go alone! Stefanie will go with you the
older woman smiled mischievously.
How can you torture a blind girl like this?! Zelda snapped.
What? I thought you can handle the world... Crystal said, utter confusion
written on her face.
Yes! I can deal with THIS world!!! I mean, I have been living in it for a very
long time!!! I am used to the terrain...but the elven world...is just not for me. I
havent been there for a very long time...I have forgotten everything about
it...that is...and now...It would be hard for me to cope with the terrain...I would
slow Minerva down... Zelda said.
Oh! And what do you suggest? Minerva said.
Well...the thing is...you had this dream yesterday night? Crystal asked.
Yes... Minerva said.
Then the spell will be cast during the equinox...the spring equinox to be
precise... Crystal sighed.
Oh! And what do you want me to do? I mean, the equinox is in TWO
WEEKS!!!! Minerva cried.
Yes it is. But look. The legend said that only if ALL the Jewels are gone, then
the world is doomed...destroyed...damned.... But if you manage to place at least
one Jewel back...then the earth will shatter into eight pieces...each representing
the continents... Crystal said.
So then we will have a planet that is represented by eight flying pieces of
Earth...and how am I supposed to travel? Minerva jumped.
Using the Gates, of course! Crystal said.
What the heck are those Gates? Minerva asked.
There are three types of Gates. The Gates, which bind this world to the
Overworld. There are nine of these. Eight bind the Overworld to this; one binds
the Underworld to this. There are the Portals and Arches. They bind the
Newland to the Overworld. And then, there is another Gate in the Overworld
that binds it and the Underworld Crystal said.
What is the Newland? Minerva cocked her head.
Oh dear...you must know it by its new name.... The Newland is the world
created by the Four Gods of Nature. Many years ago, a wizard decided it needed
an easy name so he named it the Other World. But its name is Newland Crystal
explained.
Oh dear... Minerva said.
And what do I need to do? I mean, I am an elf girl whos just skilled in magic! I
mean...you can ask me about spells and Ill tell you everything I know about
it...but the thing is...Ive never done such a thing before.... Mom hates me
because I am skilled with magic. Dad doesnt speak with me.... They are
arrogant and they want me to be as them. They want me to be a real
princess...but I cant. I just cant. I have two elementals, Mom hates them. But
even if I am a rebel, so to speak, I cannot do this. Sorry, but you need to find
another elf to save the world... said Minerva as she stood from the chair and
stormed out.
That was...hurtful Zelda smiled.
Let her be. She needs time. And after all...I feel something...rather strange
about her.... It is something I havent felt in a very long time. I have never felt it,
to be precise. But I feel like she has a lot of power...a lot of energy...I dont
know.... But let her be. I bet that until tomorrow shes changed her mind!
Crystal said softly.
If you say so... Zelda sighed.
Now go, Stefanie Crystal said as she rose from the table and disappeared
behind a shawl.
Aaaahhhh... Zelda breathed out as she rose from her chair, stretching her stiff
legs. Bye Crystal! called the blind elf.
Bye! And remember! Let Minerva be and think about what she has learnt
today! Crystal called.
Okay! called Zelda as she left the small room.

XXX

Minerva hit the wall, a sudden and silence-breaking sound shattering the wall.
The girl fell to the ground, a cloud of dust swirling over her. But then, just as she
began rising off the ground, silver, thick vines enveloped her frame, hiding her
body from sight.

XXX

Why me? Why do I need to do this?
Minerva was laying in her bed, crying softly, mourning over the events of the
day.
Dont I have enough trouble already? That kid keeps annoying me! His father
threatens me! My parents keep punishing me! And now I have to save the
world!! Its just not fair! Why is life so cruel? Minerva cried.
Slowly, but steadily, her cries transformed into sobs, then whimpers and finally
her breath evened out. She has fallen asleep, exhaustion finally taking its toll.
XXX

I was standing there, alone in the middle of this plain.
But suddenly, something happened. A soft, eerie glow sprouted from the
ground, its white nuance pulsing over the soft soil.
Mistress! I have come, come forth to honour my pact! Listen then to what I
have to say and free me! whispered a soft, warm, feminine and soothing voice.
Mandrake! You have come. Speak then, so I shall listen! I chanted.
Minerva! Minerva, are you there? a mans voice called.
Rex? Is that...you? I stuttered.
Yes, my dearest, it is me! the mans voice said.
Oh! Why have you come? I ask, utter confusion filling my head.
I have come to tell you a story. A legend, to be precise the man said.
Rex...you too...so many legends I have heard lately...they seem...like traps... I
whispered.
Do not worry...just listen...

XXX

The Heaven is known to have guarded over the Gods since Nothing itself
existed. Morrigan, Zalmon, Chand, Heloise, Rosaline, Amaltheea, Ragnar and
the others are the divine energies that govern the world.
But the Genesis claims that Darkness and silence shrouded the Void,
covering its nothingness. Chaos and Harmony danced together, embraced in a
perfect equilibrium. What nobody knows is that there exists another deity. A
powerful energy that has its roots deep inside The Souls history. The deity was
never named. However, its beautiful splendour came to be known as Lucious.
And so the deity had been given a name. And this deity, as others controlled
death or love, governed over Harmony and Discord. And it was called the Deity
of Harmony and Discord. But soon, too much power in a single body, the deity
split its essence and divine energy in two. One half became a beautiful girl, her
kindness known by every being. She was named Adalee and became the
Goddess of Order.
The other half became a handsome boy, his jolly spirit famous within Eternity.
He came to be known as Aviran, God of Chaos.
And they, being brothers, came to be known as the Couple of Perfection, The
Two that are One, The Twins of Harmony and Discord.
XXX

Minerva shot up, her head aching. She blinked dizzily, looking around her, then
she let her fall back on the pillow, hitting the soft cloth with a muffled THUD!
Awwww.... I need a break...unhhh... the girl moaned.
She rubbed her eyes and got out of her bed. When she passed by the writing
desk, she noticed a picture of her and Rex. She walked further towards the
wardrobe, until...
What!? What is the picture doing here?! she cried as she picked it by the
frame. A small piece of paper stuck through a corner. The girl took it and read
what was written.
I would be proud of you if you actually did this. The writing said.
Rex? Minerva sighed.

XXX

Class, today you will be writing a test paper! Prepare a sheet of paper Minerva
called as she set her bag and the catalogue on the desk.
What? Another test? Where are we? Russell shouted, his voice billowing over
the murmur in the class.
Aaaah, Russell! I see we are having a problem. Dare to go outside? If not, I will
be forced to punish you! Minerva said, a sweet smile on her face.
Russell looked at her like she has just slapped him across his face.
Dare, witch! the boy stammered.
Dont make me do it! Minerva laughed.
The sound of torn paper filled the class as all kids tore blank pages from their
notebooks.
Write the legends I have told you to learn for today Minerva smiled.

XXX

Minerva!!! called Zelda.
Oh!
Minerva turned around and saw Zelda.
Yes? the princess said as she sat down at a table in the canteen.
Is it a problem if I sit here with you? Zelda asked.
Not from what I reckon! Minerva laughed.
Anyway, what do we have today? Minerva asked.
Oh dear Minerva...even if you are actually a teacher in this school, you never
remember what will be served every day! smiled Zelda, clicking her tongue.
It is useless anyway! Minerva smiled in defence.
If you say so...but anyway! Today we have poultry soup, steak with French
fries and cupcakes smiled Zelda.
Ah! That steak sounds tasty! And I am definitely going to eat at least two
cupcakes! Minerva laughed in delight.
Youll get fat if you eat so much! Zelda threatened.
I have been eating like this for at least my whole life! How come I am not fat
yet? Minerva jumped.
I know dear! I was just joking! Zelda laughed.
Just then, the doors opened and Nathaniel entered the canteen. He headed
towards the kitchen and entered. After five minutes, he returned with two trays.
One held three bowls full of steamy and delicious-looking soup, a small plate
with two cupcakes and the spoons. The other held two servings of steak and
fries and the knives and forks. Nathaniel came to their table and set the trays
down.
Good afternoon, my ladies! the man called.
Oh! Minerva gasped.
Hi, Nathan! Zelda laughed.
How did you know what we wanted to eat? Minerva asked.
I didnt. I saw you here and decided to bring you food. Then I smelled the soup
and took a bowl for me too! Nathaniel smiled as he sat at the table, facing the
girls.
If you say so... Minerva said. She took one bowl and started eating the soup.
Its warm taste was filling her mouth, and the girl moaned in delight.
Both Nathan and Zelda threw her odd looks.
What? Its not my fault this soup is so delicious! Minerva laughed.
We thought you were suffocating! Zelda laughed.
I thought you were having an o... Nathan said.
NO! both Zelda and Minerva yelled.
...sm Nathan finished.
You pervert! Zelda laughed. Minerva snickered.
The three continued eating, until they reached the cupcakes.
Big mistake, Nathaniel! Minerva laughed.
Why? the boy smiled.
I never share cupcakes. Never. Ever. So you wont have any! Minerva
laughed.
You are so childish! And besides, I dont like cupcakes! Nathan smiled.
I am not childish. I am insane! Minerva laughed.
If you say so! Zelda sighed.
So, tell me if you would like to eat any of those cupcakes! Minerva smiled.
Eat them all! Youll get fat anyway! Zelda laughed.
And so, Minerva ate the cupcakes. Very quickly.
Minerva, you will get sick if you continue eating so fast! Nathan smiled.
Nope! I wont! Minerva laughed, sticking her tongue at Nathaniel.

XXX

BOOM!
The wooden door exploded, wooden splinters, metal scraps and stone chips
crumbling into the room.
Minerva whirled around, facing the door, just as Zelda turned her head.
Arianwyn started growling towards the door.
When the dust settled, a dark figure became visible.
Did you really think you could get rid of me so easy? the mocking voice of the
Arcanist hissed.
Arcanist! Why now? Minerva cried.
A...a...Arcanist? Arcanist? stuttered Zelda.
She was staring at the silhouette, her mouth open in amazement.
Do you know him? Minerva asked.
Zelda! So here you are? After all those years! I can at last destroy you! the
Arcanist laughed.
He pointed his palms towards the girl.
Dark god of insanity, unbridle thy foolishness and destroy the ones whom defy
you!
Dark smoke swirled around him, bubbling around his ankles.
Volatility! he screamed.
A streak of black light shot from his hand.
Minervas eyes widened with horror, the fear of losing her friend stabbing her
chest.
No! Minerva cried, hurling herself in front of Zelda and Arianwyn.
Zelda cocked her head, realisation washing over her.
Balanced deity of neutrality, unleash thy wrath and break the forces the bind
me! Zelda had whispered.
Inversion!
The streak of light-sucking energy hit Minerva right in the middle of her chest,
sending her sprawling towards a wall. At the same time, a white spark filled her
body, as Zelda unleashed the Inversion on her.
Minerva hit the wall, chips of stone and clouds of dust billowing over her.
White and black sparks cracked around her, crawling over her skin, exploding
upon contact. Minerva shifted, letting out a heavy breath. The memories of Rex
being killed washed over her. Hatred and rage filled her body, crackling with
wrath. She rose from the ground, chips of stone falling from her hair.
You, Arcanist, are dea... Minerva began, but was cut off.
Thick vines of silvery energy swirled around her, hiding her form from sight.
The cocoon which contained her body began swelling and Minerva let out a
scream.
But, just as it has started, the silver light faded. Minerva stood tall before their
eyes, silver hatred filling her eyes, gray sparks crawling over her skin.
So, Arcanist. You have killed my best friend. You have killed generations of
children, women and men. But still you havent had enough? Then let me tell
you something. I will give you enough! Minerva growled, her voice low and
threatening.
Malevolent spirits of hatred and death...
White smoke began swirling around her wrists.
...of sin and sloth, of fear and lies...
Silver sparks began crackling around her body.
...combine your mighty essences into one powerful energy...
Dark mist covered her eyes.
...and rot the flesh on the bones of this fool, melt his essence, transform him
into what he resurrects!
Harrowing! she then screamed.
The smoke, sparks and mist converged into one small sphere. It was glowing
brightly, pulsing softly, hovering in front of Minervas face.
And this was all? Hah! Even a five years old child can cast more powerful
spells than you! the Arcanist laughed mockingly.
Great spirits of the Harrowing, bind his soul to this rotten body, damn him to
the end of time! the girl continued.
Seal! she then cried.
The small ball started swelling, bubbles appearing onto its surface. Then, with a
loud snap, it shot towards the wizard.
It hit him in the chest, piercing his flesh. It started dancing around him, black
sparks and white smoke falling from the spheres depths, landing onto the
Arcanists flesh.
The ball began shrinking, until it disappeared completely.
The Arcanists flesh began glowing wildly. It started bubbling, his skin burning
and reddening. Soon, flakes of skin and pieces of flesh started falling from his
bones, leaving behind the pure whiteness of the skeleton.
Soon, all that remained from the Arcanist was a living skeleton.
What have you done? the billowing voice of the wizard cried.
I have rewarded you. I have given you more than you could take. Be gone!
Minerva yelled.
You will hear from me! Sooner than you think! the wizards voice howled.
The skeleton shifted, catching the cloak hiding his body by the hem and started
spinning. It would have been a funny sight, if black smoke wasnt coming from
the ground.
And then, it disappeared.
Minerva, what have you done? Zelda asked.
I dont know. I was so blinded by hatred and rage that I acted purely on instinct.
Why have you never told me you and the Arcanist were the boy and the girl in
the story? Minerva whispered.
I dont know. But have you considered what Crystal had told you? Zelda
asked.
Yes. The world depends on me. I am going to need instructions though!
Minerva smiled.

XXX

That night, everything had changed. Rosaline felt a small tingle in her palm.
Zalmon felt the shadows shift uneasily. Chand felt the echo of a powerful spell.
Every god had felt something.
And that was not good.