The Esoteric Design: Civilization Lost Page 26

  Orin gave a hum. “He’s brooding more than usual it seems. But his energies have been about the same. I can tell he’s been training a lot. His dark energy is building up. But other than that, there’s not been anything abnormal to announce.”

  “Why? Did he say something to you?” Lita asked.

  Dovian hesitated. Euclid had just confided in him, and here he was about to spout off everything the man had just said.

  “Have you two ever heard of anyone losing their connection?” Dovian asked instead.

  “Losing their connection? You mean…to the Heaven Song?” Lita questioned.

  Orin’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t recall ever hearing of that. Is that even possible?”

  Dovian shrugged. “Euclid seems to think so.”

  Orin held up a hand, not quite believing what he was hearing. “Wait a moment. Are you saying that Euclid has lost his link to God?”

  “That’s crazy!” Lita exclaimed.

  Dovian held up his hands. “I did not say that! And please, keep it down! This is a private matter. I’ve already said too much.”

  “Dovian, there’s no way for a Sorcēarian to lose their connection. It’s in our genetic code. It doesn’t just…go away,” Orin explained.

  Dovian rubbed his brow. “I know. But he seems to believe it’s happened. I’ve no idea why he would think that. I suggested he go speak with Sir Gaius.”

  “Oh, yeah, I can see that going very well.” Orin rolled his eyes.

  “What would you have me do?” Dovian asked. “Euclid seems to be in a dark place right now. He was not behaving like himself. I’m worried about him.”

  The two men noticed Lita had stopped walking. They turned toward her.

  Her green eyes stared at the stone path for a moment before she looked up. “How long has this been going on?”

  “He said it started during the last war. I know he had a hard time during those events, but I can’t imagine what would cause the severing of his connection. He also said he’s been completely cut off for a few months at least. Why? Do you know of something?”

  Lita stayed quiet a moment, and then she shrugged. “Oh! I’m not sure. I was just curious to know. Maybe we can figure out what happened during that time to him.” She forced a large smile. Orin shrugged and continued his path. Dovian, however, glared at the girl.

  “You will tell me what you know at a later time,” he spoke in his mind. He knew Lita would pick up on it. She always did.

  Lita bit her lower lip and lowered her eyes as she ran to Orin’s side.

  “I hope so as well. It’s a very strange predicament. I’d hate to know what Euclid is feeling right now.” Orin guided Lita into Dovian’s estate. “We will search for answers. But for now, I can smell apple pie. Hm, it’s calling my name!”

  Dovian’s stomach growled, causing the other two to laugh. “And my stomach is calling for apple pie.”

  He followed closely behind as Lita led Orin to the kitchen. As much as he wanted to enjoy his lunch and afternoon nap, Dovian could only focus on Euclid’s words. He decided that calling Euclid to join him for more conversation the following day would be best.

  What would cause a Sorcēarian to lose their connection to the Heavens? Perhaps he would meet with Sir Gaius in private to discuss the matter. Dovian was aware of Euclid’s distaste for Gaius’ ideologies and military tactics. For now, he would be cautious with each of them to be a better judge of the situation. He owed it to Euclid. The man was in trouble, and Dovian wanted to find a solution as quickly and quietly as possible.

  It was in the evening that Dovian received a message from his disheartened friend asking to meet the following day on the training grounds. Dovian accepted the request. Usually, sparring was the best way to let off steam and gain mental clarity. It was a common occurrence for him and Euclid to practice against one another, but it had been a while since the two had taken the time for such an event. Perhaps a good fight would bring Euclid out of his slump. Besides, Dovian had become a bit lazy and had ignored his training. It was about time he blew the dust off his staff.

  The next morning’s sunrise was especially vibrant. Birds sang their morning song as the frogs and fish of the lake bobbed for bugs. Filling his lungs with crisp, cool air, Dovian felt energized. He looked forward to his sparring match with Euclid. As he approached the training facility on the opposite side of the lake, he noticed a cloud of dust building up inside the ground walls. A series of whooshes and booms repeatedly sounded, the dust growing higher and darker. Another tremendous burst came followed by an alarming crack. Dovian felt the impact beneath his feet. He paused for a second, watching a line sketch its way down one side of the towering stone wall.

  “Damnit,” Dovian cursed beneath his breath.

  He jumped into the air, his wings pushing him toward the training grounds. He perched along the wall, his eyes narrowing to see through the dusty fog covering the area. Another loud spell of energy was summoned, humming its way toward him. Dovian quickly rolled to the side on the edge of the wall and then somersaulted down onto the floor. He crouched and quickly displayed his optics, reading the battleground.

  He felt it, the dark energy consuming the area. It was overwhelming. For a second, he thought that perhaps it wasn’t Euclid but another powerful being. Perhaps Azera had grown bored of his duties standing by Sir Gaius’ side and needed to burn some excess energy. A low chuckle resonated behind Dovian, giving him a slight shiver. Not missing a beat, he rolled to the side again, swiping his staff against the invisible wave of power sent toward him. There was no mistaking it, the attack was from Euclid.

  “Feeling a bit agitated this morning?” Dovian asked as he scanned the clouds around him.

  No response came.

  He looked at his fist, noticing a few specks of blood decorating his flesh. Even though he blocked the attack, shards of power still made it through his defense. Either Dovian was far out of practice, or Euclid had greatly increased his power. Regardless, the sudden feel within the air and Euclid’s strange hostility made Dovian nervous.

  Another rippling wave of destruction spiraled in Dovian’s direction. The earth crumbled beneath it, the sound whizzing. Dust billowed through the air. It was a strange and messy attack, but something new from Euclid’s game. The raven-haired man had been trying to master his Scarlet status for many years. It was a wonder how he hadn’t been given his secondary title yet.

  Dovian turned, blocking the spell. Blood splattered against his other hand as the blow splintered against his staff. However, he didn’t have enough time to read the second spell that came from the opposite side. Twisting again, he partially encased himself in a shield before the power slammed against him. Dovian grimaced, tumbling and rolling. Ungracefully, he struggled to push to his feet but fell onto his backside instead, giving a groan. Blood seeped down his right arm and chest. He held his left hand over the wounds, concentrating on healing himself. At any second, Euclid could send another blow and completely incapacitate Dovian, if not kill him.

  Dovian caught his breath, eyeing the clouded area. Blood from a gash on his forehead seeped down one eye. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you are trying to kill me.”

  “Perhaps I am,” Euclid’s cold voice bounced from every corner of the training grounds.

  Dovian irritably sighed, rolling his eyes. “Can I ask why you would?”

  This time Dovian picked up the sound of Euclid’s movement. He moved to the side just in time to dodge the next attack, the invisible charge exploding against the wall.

  “Damn it, Euclid! I came here to train, not battle to the death! You’re going to destroy this place!” he shouted.

  “Giving up, already?” Euclid’s voice sounded from right beside Dovian’s ear.

  Dovian quickly twisted, elbowing Euclid in the face. The dark-haired man fell, his blue eyes widening. Dovian turned, looking annoyed.

  “What is the meaning behind all this?” he growled.

  Euclid rubbe
d his nose, his glowing eyes thinning.

  Dovian reached into his coat pocket and tossed a small bag at the man. “I even bothered to make you breakfast.”

  Euclid’s harsh demeanor abruptly softened. He looked in the sack and removed an apple turnover that had been slightly smashed in the scuffle. Taking a small bite, he didn’t apologize or reveal any sympathies for greatly injuring Dovian.

  “You know about the Arbitrator?” Euclid asked with a full mouth.

  Dovian gave a frustrated grunt, dropping beside him. He finished healing his wounds, frowning at the bloodstains on his coat. If anything, in all of Dovian’s years, he was a master at removing dirt and blood from his clothing.

  “Of course,” Dovian muttered, taking a bite of his own smashed pastry.

  Euclid inspected his destructive handiwork on the wall. “Who do you suppose that is?”

  “I haven’t the faintest idea.” He paused, Euclid said nothing more, and so Dovian continued. “Could be anyone. He…or she may not be born yet. They may be one of the Elders.”

  Euclid’s eyes shifted to his breakfast and then to Dovian. “Some say it’s within your lineage.”

  Dovian’s posture stiffened. “Many thought the Arbitrator would be my brother. But we all know now that isn’t true. Some think that it possibly may be Sir Gaius.”

  “Would you say that the Arbitrator would have to be someone who is different?” Euclid asked.

  Dovian shrugged. “I suppose.”

  “In what way, do you think?” Euclid asked.

  Dovian had already finished his pastry. He leaned back on his palms and looked upward at the morning sky. “There’s no telling. If it were obvious, it wouldn’t be much of a secret. I don’t really think we’re meant to know. Knowing who the Arbitrator is could possibly jeopardize the original mission, don’t you think?”

  “Wouldn’t you think the Arbitrator would know that he was…the one?”

  “Not necessarily. If he knew, you’d think that would possibly risk it as well, no?”

  Euclid’s stare was a bit extreme. Dovian shifted uncomfortably. “Perhaps you are right.”

  “Why are you asking these questions anyway?” Dovian evenly met his gaze.

  “I had a moment of clarity last night,” Euclid said. “I’m just questioning things. Like everybody does at the coffee shops.”

  “Yes, but you rarely speak of things such as this. But then again, your curiosity has always been strong.” Dovian remembered all the times they got into trouble growing up because of Euclid’s curiosity.

  Euclid chuckled. “Perhaps I’m feeling better.”

  “Are you?” Dovian asked, intrigued.

  Euclid pushed to his feet. He stared into the sunrise, the golden light reflecting against his irises. Dovian rose with him.

  With his hands on his hips, Euclid gave a firm nod. “Yeah. I think I know what’s going on with my current issues. It may take some time, but I’m not really worried about it now. In fact, I’m feeling pretty good.”

  “Is that so?” Dovian was pleased but still confused.

  Euclid looked to Dovian once more with a large smile on his face. He appeared youthful. It was a foreign expression. “Yeah. I think everything is going to be okay.”

  “And your connection? Can you hear the Heaven Song?” Dovian hesitantly asked.

  Euclid’s strange smile only grew wider. “…Yeah. I simply wasn’t listening well enough.”

  Dovian patted him on the back. “That is great, my friend! You had me very worried!” He grabbed his staff and rolled his shoulders. Holding out a hand, he grinned and asked, “Shall we?”

  Euclid nodded. “I’ll go easy on you. Sorry about earlier. Guess I was letting off some steam.”

  Though he felt uneasy at first, Dovian’s mood bettered after Euclid’s admission to being able to hear the song of the Kingdom once again. Still, something felt off, but he decided not to worry about it. He’d simply have to keep an eye on his friend.

  Dovian took a few steps away from Euclid, twirled his staff, and took a battle pose.

  “And Dovian,” Euclid started, “you have nothing to worry about.”

  Dovian took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Good to hear!” he happily cheered.

  Spinning his staff overhead, Dovian leaped into the air and began his assault.

  "No Heaven Song"

  Chapter 13

  4,510 S.F.

  Somewhere a cricket incessantly chirped. Dovian swore it had made him its enemy. How and why something so small could make a noise so obnoxious for hours on end was beyond him. It persisted. It grew louder, gained pitch. Closer. It moved toward him. It used sonar to find Dovian so it could get close yet stay far enough away to drive the man mad for the rest of eternity.

  “I hope your little legs fall off you annoying bastard,” Dovian grumbled.

  Cheep-cheep, cheep-cheep, cheep-chee—

  Dovian’s eyes popped open at the abrupt end to the chirps. I’Lanthe relaxed against a nearby tree, enthralled by her book. They earlier had a picnic and Dovian was in the midst of his afternoon nap atop the blanket when he noticed the awful cricket screech. He rolled onto his side, looking in the direction the noise had been coming from. A low warbling moan sounded followed by a high-pitched nagging voice.

  “No! Petey, no! Don’t eat the dirt!” Lita shouted.

  Lita’s pet lizard, Petey, had some strange anomaly where it wouldn’t stop growing. Dovian tried for many years to get the girl to tell the truth about how she gained enough light to produce life for her egg, but she stuck to her original story. Even I’Lanthe kept her lips sealed, to which Dovian knew she had a hand in the whole ordeal. Petey was now the largest living lizard on the planet. In fact, he was the largest lizard mankind had known of since the prehistoric ages. Not to mention he was also over one-hundred and fifty years old.

  “What is that? What’d you eat?” Lita shouted.

  She had saddled the poor creature and used him like a horse. The lizard was not only huge in length but was also obese. Since the day Dovian first saw Petey, to which he was utterly shocked out of his mind and had almost throttled Lita in anger, the lizard never once stopped eating. Needless to say, the Sorcēarians had put Lita and her pet on their watch list. Nobody wanted any small children missing due to a hungry pet.

  “Disturbing the peace again?” Dovian asked aloud.

  The ground tremored as Lita commanded Petey to move forward. With a mouth full of dirt, drool slopped over the sides of Petey’s jaws. The lizard had heard the nefarious cricket and decided to make it, and the surrounding square foot of lawn, his afternoon snack.

  “He’s getting better, don’t you think?” Lita asked.

  Dovian observed Petey as Lita gently tugged on the reigns. The creature snorted and spun in a circle, his fat feet stamping against the grass. Soft applause came from I’Lanthe. She set her book on the ground and rose, walking toward Lita and Petey.

  “Good job, Petey!” I’Lanthe cheered. Reaching into her picnic basket, she removed an apple.

  Petey’s chops smacked as he saw the treat in her hand. Only one of his pupils dilated. Lita tugged on the reigns and commanded him to sit, and he listened, his tail slapping the earth. I’Lanthe held up the red fruit. Petey’s eyes followed. She moved it left and then right and tossed it toward him. The lizard hopped onto his back legs, making Lita scream. His long tongue reached for the apple, but the item ended up smacking against his face. I’Lanthe cackled with laughter. Petey didn’t miss a beat. His nose promptly went to the ground as he sucked up the morsel.

  “His depth perception is still off!” I’Lanthe said, bracing herself on her knees as she continued to laugh.

  Lita brushed her hair out of her eyes. “Yeah…not sure what the deal is with that. The other day he ran face first into the wall.”

  Dovian, deciding he wasn’t going to get his nap in at this point, stood and yawned. As he neared the beast, Petey growled.

  “Petey! Quit!�
�� Lita scolded him.

  Petey loved women. It didn’t matter who it was, the reptile would roll over onto his belly and follow any woman around as if she were his queen. Men, on the other hand, were like public enemy number one. It took a bit of time before Petey would trust a man.

  “Shut your fat yap and get over here,” Dovian grumbled.

  Petey refused to move but allowed Dovian to get close. He held up his hand toward the creature’s face.

  “He’s always had this problem?” Dovian asked.

  Lita shook his head. “No, only the past couple months.”

  “And what did Petey do a couple months ago that he wasn’t supposed to do?” Dovian asked.

  Lita knew full well what he meant. Petey was always in some form of trouble.

  “Well,” she pondered, “we went for a walk through the northern woods. I tossed a large stick, and Petey ran into the trees. He knocked over a few,” the girl explained.

  Dovian inspected the reptile’s eye. Petey whimpered and pulled away, growling.

  “Shush,” Dovian growled back. “Hm. Do you have any orbs?”

  Lita reached into her satchel and dropped a clear ball into Dovian’s palm. With a breath over the glass, the orb lit up with brilliant light. Dovian pulled hard on Petey’s reigns, forcing the fussy reptile to hold still. He shined the light in each of Petey’s eyes.

  “Just as expected.” Dovian handed the orb back.

  “What?” Lita questioned.

  “He’s blind in one eye. Probably got a large splinter or the impact knocked him silly, but the left eye is completely dead. You can already see the discoloration.”

  “WHAT?!” Lita hopped off her saddle. She rushed toward the front of the lizard, gawking at his eyes.

  “Poor Petey!” I’Lanthe cooed.

  Dovian sighed. “I’ll heal him.” He wasn’t even going to allow the girls a chance to cry over the beast.

  Lita twirled and hugged her cousin. She quickly spun back around and hugged Petey. The dumb animal wheezed with what looked like joy, his tailing flopping once again.