- Chapter 18 -
The New Torchbearer
©2000 Quizzard


The tiny being climbed out of the bucket in a stately, if awkward manner. She placed her hands on her hips, and cocked her head back. Looking Savia straight in the eye, she declared, "Well. Now that the necessities are done with, let's have a look at you. Hmmmm. You don't look like a hero, but I guess you'll do. Whoever told you to cut your hair that short? It's hard to tell that you're not a boy. Anyway, we've got to get going. We have a lot of work to do, and we're not getting it done just standing here."

"What? Hold on a minute. What are you talking about? Who are you? No. What are you? How did you get here? Am I hallucinating?" sputtered Lt. Savia.

"Oh, my. We don't really have time for this, but here we go. I'm talking about saving a planet. My name is Lin. I'm a water sprite. I got here by stashing myself away in Drkhrt's canteen. No, you're not hallucinating, unlike that poor girl I rode here with. She really couldn't hold her liquor. It's not MY fault that she only brought one canteen. Really, the trip took a month, and she didn't think to check her supplies. SHE ought to choose her champions more carefully."

"Wait, I'm confused. I don't understand what you're talking about. Who's SHE, and what planet, why does SHE need champions, and just what exactly are you again?"

"Oh, goodness. I'm gonna have to tell you EVERYTHING, aren't I. Well, do you want the long version, or the abridged?"

"Abridged, but feel free to fill in if I ask questions."

"Okay. You see, the land is in trouble..." The sprite talked on and on. Savia didn't believe a word at first, but found herself drawn into the exotic tale with every passing minute. She found herself wishing that she could do something to help this small creature and her planet. And so the hook was taken, and the sprite started reeling her in.

Helpful Ted trod down the path with a determined expression on his face. People, especially Ambassadors from other planets just didn't refuse audience with the King. This was the fifth summons that had been sent, and refused. Ted really didn't want to be the bearer of this message, but he was the Captain, after all. Who else could do it? Maybe he could get one of the members of the board...no. It was his job. He'd bear the consequences, even if it meant his Lord's poor graces.

Lawboy sat in his chamber, with only one small candle set against the gloom, and brooded. In the corner, the shadows changed, and elongated. The gloomy room became still, like a tomb, and a harsh chill sent shivers down his spine. "Welcome, Lord Azchel. I've been expecting you."

"Do not call me Lord. I desire not to rule. That shall be your place. Call me, rather, master. For I hold the keys to your destiny, Lawboy."

"Yes, master. How shall I serve you today?"

"Something troubles me. I have felt the presence of some items of power, which might hinder my goals. They have been hidden for eons, but have started to appear in the most awkward places. I need you to gather together the last of them, and hold them from the son of the upstart. Should he gain possession of those gems, I shall be quite unamused."

"Surely, this can't be that important. Soon, I'll have that pipsqueak's head on a plate, and he'll be no more bother. It's only a matter of time."

"YOU HAVE NO TIME! I have been patient with you so far, but you have failed to apprehend him. Soon, his trainers will make him invincible to you, and I'll have to step in. I can't have that at this stage of the game. Do not fail me in this, AMBASSADOR. You will not like the consequences." The words dripped like venom, and Lawboy cringed.

"Yes, master. What are these items, and where might I find them?"

"Pay attention, and do not write these directions down. I cannot have the enemy getting to them before you. The next Egar Gem is the White Eye, and it can be found in a cave at the base of the Dragon's Teeth mountains, far to the west. Go there quickly, and hold that gem safe. I'll return when you have attained your goal." The words faded like the echos in a morgue, and suddenly, the shadow was gone.

*click* "Oh, shoot!" a quiet voice chirped. There was the sudden pattering of little fleeing feet.

Lawboy launched himself out of the chair, but the intruder was gone. No help for it now. It was to be a race to the cave, and he'd better win. He couldn't lose this one, or there might not be another.

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