BDS: Chapter Seven

A large, silver ship sliced quietly through the air beneath the glow of the Elsarian moons a short time later and slowed to hover above the Ceiabré Forest. The ship—the Vorclán— was triangular, similar to that of a large bird with a horn-shaped head. Its wings and tail expanded like the spread of a horizontal fan. Active running lights outlined its sides, wings, and tail.

The Vorclán'schief pilot, Sade Tosán, pressed a button on the control panel in front of him. "We have arrived, Sir Malik."

"Remain in flight," replied Malik. "I will teleport from here."

"As you wish, Sir."

Malik disappeared in a burst of starlight and reappeared in a small grove of white-barked trees. Dark violet and blue blossoms swayed among red leaves as a soft breeze moved through the area. Malik's skin automatically brightened in the dark beneath his blue robes as he paced the length of the grove.

"Affera!" he shouted into the dark. "Now is the time! You must explain what you have done."

Malik turned as a golden flash lit the grove behind him. Affera appeared in its place and lowered the hood of her black cloak to reveal the Mark of the Priestesses on her forehead, its bright golden glow shimmering in the dark. The light in her gaze matched that within the symbol. "There is no need to shout, Malik. I hear the call energetically."

"What exactly have you done to him?" Malik asked forcefully. "Tell me you did not put the curse of the Shanlo upon Master Gyan?"

Affera eyed Malik in silence for several moments as if to consider the appropriate response.

"It is not a curse," she said softly.

Malik sighed. "It does not work, Affera! You know what happened to Kesól. You could have very well doomed Gyan's path as a warrior!" His voice rose. "What kind of event would cause this interference from the high priestesses?"

"I will tell you only what I can," replied Affera. "Hear me well, for I will appear to you no more than one other time while you remain in this realm."

Malik grumbled, "Lucky me."

Affera gave him an amused look. "The path of the Shanlo is always decided before one's incarnation, Malik. It is not a curse placed upon one by will of the priestesses, but an agreement that ignites in light of probable significant events. Master Gyan incarnated here partially as Master Jalena's Shanlo—her protector. It is essential she survive this war for reasons that soon shall be revealed."

"She is one of the most powerful warriors that has ever lived!" Malik argued. "If anything, the others need her protection."

"There is more going on than you can see from your vantage point, Malik."

Malik closed his eyes. "The burden of protection for a Shanlo turns into the burden of possession," he stated heatedly. "You have seen the results. The desire of a Shanlo is too strong of a power for most to control."

"A light warrior has never taken on the role of a Shanlo, so he possesses an advantage over others."

"It cost Kesól his life."

"Kesól was not a warrior, but a Krystalian warlock. He felt he would be able to manage it on his own without training and said as much when Nysa attempted to guide him." She raised an eyebrow. "Yet, you are mistaken in that it cost him his life."

"What do you mean?" Malik's eyes widened. "He is alive?"

"Yes. He is imprisoned in the Kroslian Mountains under the keep of the shadow hunters, which is why his energy remains concealed," she explained. "Drenik is the hunter that rules the others now. You are to free the warlock and bring him to Elsaria to serve as a mentor for Master Gyan. While in prison he has learned how to manage his role as a Shanlo. He also carries the answers to other questions that linger within your heart, Malik."

Golden shimmering light began to accumulate around Affera as the gold glow of her eyes brightened. She lifted her hand in farewell. "That is all we have for you now. The blessings of the priestesses abide with you." Her voice echoed across the clearing as she completely faded from view.

Malik stood for several seconds, deep in thought, after the last of Affera's light disappeared. He looked up to the ship and returned in a burst of light to the inner compartments of the Vorclán. "I am ready, Sir Sade," he said as he approached a panel near a window. "There is a slight alteration to our initial destination. I will transfer the coordinates to you."

"Of course, Sir." Sade nodded to his team and the crew readied the ship to depart.

Malik gazed out the large oval window before him. "Kesól, my old friend, far too long have you suffered." He sighed, sank into a nearby seat, and closed his eyes.

The Vorclán soon reached the outskirts of Elsaria's atmosphere. Its hum increased in volume as the ship gathered power and shot at hyperspeed through a portal into the black of space.

***