| An odd silence flowed from the Sleeping Forest as the Gathering stepped beneath its branches. A soft green light emitted from the area of Carpathia Garden as the trees opened to the stone walkway. Upon entering the garden, they all noticed Le Femme Blanche was not within its center anymore. As the Gathering gazed about the abundant flowers, Kean noticed the white stones lying upon the ground. �Brendan�� Kean bent down and picked up one of the stones. Brendan slowly turned and walked toward Kean. �What is it, Kean?� Brendan took the stone from Kean�s hand. The stone was small but Brendan could clearly see the eye etched into the marble. A tear hung from the corner. Slowly, the stone crumbled to dust within his grasp. Gazing toward the other stones, he noticed a green light glowing from beneath a small pile. He moved the top rock with his foot and revealed the glowing green power lying upon the ground. �Lemmins!� Brendan picked us the stone. Lemmins, Trek, Kean, Farshen, Thetric, and Leosat rushed to him. �Look what I have found!� Brendan held the power in the palm of his hand and it emitted the same green light that had surrounded Le Femme Blanche only days before. Brendan gazed down at the piled of broken marble. �She had to die in order for us to receive this.� He whispered as he placed the stone within his pocket. He turned quickly toward Lemmins. �We have a new mission now. We shall find all the powers before continuing to Flottantville.� He hesitated. �We must stop Vincent.� As they left the garden, Brendan had the distinct feeling of being watched from its depths but, as he glanced back, he saw nothing among the trees and shrubs. Softly, he climbed onto Mauwri�s back with Lemmins, Kean, and Trek. As they rose into the soft air above them, Brendan could make out a bluish figure disappear beneath the tangled vines and branches. �Do not pursue the powers, Brendan.� �I must. I have to save other lives from Vincent.� �You know that he could kill you and everyone you know. He already possesses the blue and red powers, Brendan.� �He won�t hurt me. Mother wouldn�t allow it.� �But he can kill everyone you hold dear.� �I don�t believe that�� �Don�t be so proud, Brendan.� Vincent spoke. The blackness of his troubled mind separated and Brendan stood in front of Vincent. Somewhere in the background, Brendan could see the smoldering ashes of Soir Vert. �You mock me, Brendan.� Vincent grinned. �No.� Vincent stepped forward. �You�re breaking Mother�s heart by acting this way.� Slowly, a blue figure appeared behind Vincent. �Mother shouldn�t be treated this way.� �Stop it, Vincent.� The blue figure slowly faded back into the background. �You cannot stop me alone, Brendan. Without your party, you are nothing.� �But I�ll always have my party with me. We shall always be the Gathering.� Vincent grinned evilly. �Don�t be so proud, Brendan.� The scene slowly faded. �Don�t be so proud.� The deep void once again engulfed his subconscious and he knew that the voice would soon return. �Stop this new mission whilst you still have the chance.� �No.� �You must.� �No.� �You bring this upon yourself, Brendan.� A bright blue light radiated from the center of the blackness. �Never forget that you brought this upon yourself.� Brendan opened his eyes and stared down at the ground below. �Land!� He yelled once he noticed the ashes of Soir Vert. �Land now!� Mauwri and Nalmon dove toward the ground and finally landed a few feet from the destruction. Brendan stumbled as he climbed off of Mauwri�s back and ran toward the wreckage. Lemmins, Leosat, trek, Thetric, Kean, and Farshen chased after him. Suddenly, Brendan stopped and stared. �Falry�s house.� Brendan whispered as he stared as what looked exactly like the background from his dreams. He turned toward the rest of the Gathering now standing behind him. �It�s inside of Falry�s house.� �What is, Brendan?� Lemmins�s face showed concern. �I don�t know.� He hesitated as he gazed toward the ashes of Falry�s cottage. �I�m guessing it�s one of the powers.� The wind softly blew through the air and some of the ashes rode upon its gusts. �How do you know all of this?� Kean�s voice was filled with doubt. �I dreamt about it on our way here.� �You�re always dreaming.� �But I�m always right.� Brendan snapped back. �Seems it runs in the blood.� Vincent�s voice erupted from a bright flash of light that surrounded the rubble around them all. The light quickly faded to reveal Vincent standing on the burnt wood of the cottage. �I knew you�d show, Brendan. Mother knew, too.� Brendan glared angrily at Vincent as Vincent bent down and lifted a charred piece of wood. Underneath was a glowing black stone that Vincent grabbed and drew out of its hiding place. Vincent slowly stood. A strange look crossed Vincent�s face as he gazed back toward Brendan. �Just to let you know,� Vincent took a step toward Brendan, �I want my green power back. Mother needs it in order to grow and rule.� �Never.� �Oh, I�ll get it, Brendan.� Vincent grinned. �I know how you think. Don�t be so proud.� A flash of red light flooded Brendan�s mind and he clutched the side of his head with trembling hands. He reached into his pocket and clutched the green power in his palm. �Brendan?� Trek�s voice was so far away. Another flood of red erupted in his brain as Brendan pulled the stone from its sanctuary. �Brendan, no!� Trek and Leosat rushed toward Brendan. �Stop!� Vincent raised a hand. Remarkably, Trek and Leosat stopped and rose swiftly into the air. �You shall pain me no more, wretches!� The stone in Vincent�s hand glowed brighter as Trek and Leosat flew toward a tree, hit it head on, and then lie motionless on the charred earth. �Trek�� Brendan began as yet another flash of red shook his mind. The redness seemed to pour itself through his brain like and endless fountain of blood. �Stop.� Brendan muttered as he fell to his knees with wave after wave of red invading him. �Stop, Vincent.� Vincent grinned. �Give me my power.� �No.� Brendan cried out as a wave of red and blue exploded past his eyes. Suddenly, Vincent flew backwards and landed away from the rubble. Brendan set his empty hand upon the ground and stared up at Lemmins. Lemmins�s staff glowed bright red and was pointed toward Vincent. Vincent slowly stood and glared at Lemmins. �Foolish old man!� Vincent yelled as he stepped closer to Lemmins. �I was going to let you watch Brendan set foot upon Flottantville before I killed you! Now you are lost!� He raised a hand to the sky. �I shall see you again soon, wizard!� A flash of red and blue flooded the sky. There was a strong force that nearly knocked them all to the ground. Brendan could feel something get ripped from inside him. When the light faded away, they could all clearly see that Lemmins and Vincent were both gone. None even questioned where they had gone, they all knew. Staring up and into the depths of the sky, they all spotted a piece of Lemmins�s purple robe disappear beyond the clouds. A hurt feeling began to grow within the pit of his stomach as Brendan slowly began to realize that maybe the mysterious voice from his dreams was right. Now there were only four left of the Gathering; Farshen, Thetric, Kean and himself. Only four left to retrieve the powers and continue to Flottantville. Slowly, they made a circle and sat surrounding the spot Lemmins had last stood. Through their trembling hands, their growing fears, and their immense tears, they all somehow managed to stand and walk toward Mauwri and Nalmon. �You know,� Farshen grabbed Mauwri�s wing, �since we�re the only ones left, we only need one dragon now.� �Yes,� Brendan�s face showed his pain, �I guess you�re right.� Farshen released the wing and all watched as what had grown to be considered a piece of Lemmins flew away and into a wandering cloud. The day had been changed and the sky now possessed a swarm of thick gray clouds. The wind blew terribly and the sky looked as though it was night. Short sighs escaped their mouths as they all mounted Nalmon and rose into the air. �Go to sleep, Brendan.� Farshen called out as they darted in and out of clouds. �We must know where another power is.� Brendan bowed his head. �I don�t feel as if we should continue.� �We have to.� Thetric hesitated. �Lemmins would have wished us to.� Brendan hesitated but finally closed his eyes. He could hear a clash of thunder and the wind fly past his ears as he drifted away. A flash flew from the empty void. At first, Brendan could not see what it was but, soon, when it flashed again, he could easily tell. The blackness suddenly turned pale green and the voice of Le Femme Blanche flowed through his mind. �Leave at dawn and travel to the place where the sun dies and the wind refuses to stir. There, thou shalt find it. But this place is very deadly and dark in nature. Thou must be careful.� A scream erupted from the light as it dissipated. Brendan waited for the mysterious voice to return but this time, he only dreamt of darkness. The voice did not return. Brendan awoke when a cold drop of rain fell upon his cheek. �It�s raining.� He mumbled as he rose. Another drop of rain landed on his arm as he stared at the thick black clouds. �Yes, it is.� Kean responded as a drop landed on his hand. �We must find a place to make camp.� Just below them appeared the perfect place; they all noticed it when a Wiffer Eagle took cover beneath it. �A Zetrich Tree.� Farshen stated as Nalmon dove towards it. The Zetrich Tree�s four leaves dripped water from their large, thick surfaces. Those leaves were perfect to protect them all from the rain. A bright flash of lightening bolted from the sky as they landed and took cover underneath the Zetrich Tree. Just as the rain began to pour, the Gathering all sat comfortably below the leaves of the tree. �So, Brendan,� Farshen spoke over the pelting drops, �what did you dream whilst you slept?� �Le Femme Blanche came to me. She said, �Leave at dawn and travel to the place where the sun dies and the wind refuses to stir. There, you shall find it. But this place is very deadly and dark in nature. You must be careful.�� �Place where the sun dies?� Farshen mumbled. �I have heard of this place.� �What?� Thetric finally joined the conversation. �The place where the sun dies is said to be the end of the world.� He hesitated. �A place where elements be still and birds dare not fly.� He stared toward the sheet of rain. �Where the Golleths rest.� �Golleths?� Brendan stared intently at Farshen. �But, I thought Vincent had killed them all.� �Oh, Brendan,� Kean softly replied as he shook his head, �you must be smarter than that. There are much more than only fourteen Golleths. Plus, Weshtor would not allow all his troops to chase after us at once.� �Weshtor?� Brendan was confused. �I thought Selphar was the leader.� �No, Selphar is only leader of the troops. Weshtor is leader over all Golleths.� Kean stared past the rain. �He is a very powerful beast.� He sighed. �It seems as though we�ll have to walk straight into his kingdom to receive yet another power.� Brendan laughed. �Vincent shall get there before us.� �What?� Kean, Thetric, and Farshen turned toward him. �We�ll never beat him.� A strange white glow emitted form his eyes. �He�ll kill us all. We don�t stand a chance.� �What are you talking about?� Thetric blurted out in disbelief. Brendan shook his head violently. �What?� The three pairs of staring eyes made him very uneasy. �You�re losing it, Brendan.� Kean finally spoke. �You�re really starting to lose it.� The rain instantly stopped falling and the darkened clouds split like two waves on the beach shore. �We had better move.� Brendan could spot the sun peek over the edge of the expansive horizon. �We need that power.� Thetric, Kean, and Farshen hesitated before finally joining Brendan on Nalmon�s scaly, cold back. Rising into the air, they all flew toward the sun and never knowing what peril may await them. Halfway through the day, the travelers grew ever restless. Nobody spoke about where they were going nor about how they would get through the Golleth kingdom alive. Although none of the voyagers spoke, the thoughts and doubts still flowed freshly through all of their minds. They flew over lost continents and a thousand waters as the sun set farther and farther. As the day grew steadily darker, they could all see the torches light in the distance. When the sun finally disappeared, Nalmon landed on the outskirts of the Golleth kingdom and they all gazed upon it hideous structure. The tiers of the enormous castles rose high into the black night sky. The castle seemed to be made of a hematite-like stone and the torchlight reflected off of its shiny sides. There were numerous crude-cut windows along the walls of the ghastly building that reached toward the sky like dead fingers. Then, something moved past one of those windows like a shadow cast by a candle flame in the darkness and the Gathering stooped behind a nearby boulder. �We must be very observant and careful if we wish to survive this step of our quest.� Farshen whispered. �If we get captured, Weshtor shall have no mercy on us.� Brendan, Kean, and Thetric nodded as they all peeked slightly over the misshapen stone. The torches in the distance moved across the land as the Golleths walked about the structure. From a nearby tree emitted a faint yellow light from a small void in its center. Thetric began to step from the boulder when Kean grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back. �You can�t just rush out there.� Kean whispered. �He�s right.� Brendan stared. �Remember what almost happened on our way to Vecrive.� Thetric bowed his head. �Yes,� he gazed back up to Brendan, �but how will we get the power if it is so dangerous?� �Carefully.� Farshen responded as Brendan, Kean, and Thetric stared at him. �What�s your plan?� Brendan asked as Farshen gazed thoughtfully toward Nalmon and then back at him. �We can use Nalmon as a distraction.� Farshen adjusted his position. �Then, in the chaos, we shall slip the power out of the tree, hop onto Nalmon�s back, and disappear into the night. Since Nalmon is black, they�ll never be able to trace our path.� Brendan slyly grinned. �Good plan.� Slowly, Farshen crawled across the hard rocky ground toward Nalmon who lie only inches from them. Brendan, Kean, and Thetric could only hear slight mumbles and finally a low growl. When Farshen approached the stone, Nalmon launched into the air. The Gathering crouched and watched as the havoc began. �A dragon!� One Golleth yelled above the wind. �We must kill him!� An uproar of voices arose from around the fortress as many arrows soared through the air. �Now�s our chance!� Farshen cried out. In an instant, the Gathering jumped over the hideous boulder and ran toward the towering tree. Through all the chaos and outbreak, none of the Golleths noticed the four shadows moving toward the yellow glow until it was too late. �You there!� One Golleth yelled as Brendan pulled the hidden power out of its sanctuary. �Put that back!� The yellow lit Brendan�s face as Nalmon dove toward them and another Golleths approached. �Go tell Weshtor the Guardian has penetrated us! Now, and hurry!� He yelled at the nearing Golleth. The Golleth rushed toward the castle as the Gathering jumped quickly onto Nalmon�s back. Brendan placed the yellow stone into his pocket with the green one and they soared into the air, blotting out stars as the group flew by them. On the ground, the second Golleth reproached the first one. �Maltrea, Weshtor told me to advise you not to let them escape,� he hesitated, �but since you already failed that�� �Zoftan,� Maltrea cut him off, �I will take care of it.� He paused. �Call out another order of troops and have them ready at daybreak.� He walked past Zoftan and toward the castle. �I shall not fail Weshtor like that rookie Selphar.� Brendan gazed up toward the torch mounted on the dense cavern wall. Suddenly, a noise arose from behind him as he turned to see Vincent holding the orange power. �Truth!� Vincent yelled. An orange light engulfed Brendan and he felt as though he were being torn apart. The light turned from orange to white and he screamed. Brendan woke in a cold, shivering sweat underneath the same Zetrich Tree from the storm. He wiped a hand across his damp forehead. �Are you all right?� Kean kneeled next to Brendan. �You were crying in your sleep again.� Thetric broke in. �The mine.� Brendan mumbled as he set a trembling hand on the ground. �What?� �The Xornon Mine.� Brendan slowly stood. �We must go back to the Xornon Mine.� �All right.� Kean stared oddly. �Just trust me.� Brendan climbed onto Nalmon�s back. �Something�s going to happen and I must know.� Thetric, Kean, and Farshen shrugged and mounted Nalmon. �To Xornon!� Brendan yelled as Nalmon rose into the air. As the wind blew against his face, Brendan kept thinking about his dream. I wonder what it was supposed to mean. He noticed the sun was rising. He sighed and stared straight ahead. The sun rose higher as they flew over water and land, trees and desert. Brendan sighed again when he spotted the smoke from the fireplaces of the cottages ahead. Upon approach, they could all see the people standing in the street and staring toward the Xornon Mine. The Gathering landed and slowly approached the crowd. Many people shrunk back as though frightened of these four travelers. �What�s happening?� Farshen asked the innkeeper as they approached him. �Vincent has returned to the mine.� Don�t do it, Brendan. A voice broke into his mind. Stay away. Brendan placed his hands on the side of his head. An evil laugh echoed through his tormented mind. Brendan shook his head and followed his comrades into the mine. The mine still smelled like decay and still as dark as the night. As Farshen, Kean, and Thetric continued walking, Brendan stopped and stared at the wall. For the first time ever, Brendan noticed the second tunnel and slowly stepped into its depths. From somewhere within, a soft breeze blew past him and carried the stench of even heavier blight. A soft light at the end of the tunnel seemed to draw him closer. As he drew nearer, he could see the lit torch connected to the musty wall. He stepped into the light. Suddenly, remembering his dream, he quickly turned and stared into the gathered blackness behind him. The first thing he could see was and orange glow then the person carrying it closer to him. �Vincent.� Brendan whispered as Vincent emerged from the shadows. �How have you been sleeping lately?� Vincent grinned evilly and hesitated as he stared deep into Brendan�s eyes. �I want my powers back,� he paused, �but not now. Now, I�m going to show reality to you.� He laughed as he raised the orange power higher. Brendan shrunk toward the wall. �Don�t.� He stared as the stone grew brighter and brighter. �Please, stop.� A beam of light rushed from the stone and surrounded Brendan. His eyes grew hazy and his mind tight. He could feel the sensation of being torn apart. The orange light turned white and he screamed a scream of pain and terror that rocked the mine�s walls. As Farshen, Kean, and Thetric entered the tunnel, the light, too, engulfed them and they all fell into a strange world. Where am I? Kean opened his eyes. What is this place? Swirls of color and light surrounded him. Slowly, he stood and noticed that Thetric and Farshen had already risen. They both stared toward him as he approached. �Where are we?� Thetric gazed around. Around them sat five separate Brendans that sat in front of five different scenes. The first sat in front of a scene of Xornon, the way it used to be; the second in front of the Xornon Canyon; the third in front of another scene of Xornon; the fourth rested in front of the Xornon Mine; and finally, the fifth sat in front of Soir Vert before it was burned and before he had received the Eye. �What�s going on?� Thetric gazed up and noticed another Brendan hovering just above. �Six Brendans?� �No,� Kean and Thetric stared as Farshen spoke, �only five, five Brendans and one subconscious being.� He paused. �He�s searching for answers.� �Answers to what?� Kean responded. �Everything.� Farshen replied as they all walked to the first Brendan in front of Xornon. Upon their approach, Brendan stood and faced the scene. �I loved living in Xornon.� Brendan�s voice echoed and sounded far away as if from some distant dream. �Penelopie and I had known each other ever since my mother died but Vincent and I knew each other for many more years.� Slowly, they entered the scene. In front of them sat Vincent and Brendan as infants, playing with a stray puppy. �We always got along so well; that was until our mothers both died.� A shadow suddenly covered the town. �Xornon got attacked by a dragon out for revenge and it slaughtered half the village.� A shot of fire flew across the scene and screams erupted but soon faded as the fire vanished. �Luckily, my father survived.� A man ran from a house and grabbed Brendan and Vincent from the street. �Vincent always lived with us because his father had turned up missing even before Vincent was born.� The man ran back into the same cottage. �My father raised us both.� Slowly, the scene faded and Kean, Thetric, and Farshen were left standing outside of the view with Brendan once again sitting in front of it. �Wow.� Thetric whispered, still in awe. Then, they turned and walked toward the second Brendan in front of the Xornon Canyon. Again, upon their approach, Brendan stood and faced the scene. They walked a few steps but stopped when Penelopie entered the scene. �I followed her that day to see where she was going.� When Penelopie got halfway across the land bridge, Brendan appeared at the beginning of the scene. The mouths moved as if talking but no sound could be heard. �I tried to stop her but, at first, she didn�t care.� Slowly, Penelopie turned toward Brendan and began to walk toward him. �When I finally convinced her to return, the wind brewed and caused her to fall.� A scream erupted from the scene as Penelopie tumbled off of the crossing. �I caught her by the wrist before she fell into the canyon.� The scene drew closer to them. �She was so scared as she dangled from the side of the canyon.� A shadow fell upon him. �That�s when he came and ruined it all.� Vincent stomped on Brendan�s hands and Penelopie disappeared into the darkness. �I was so furious with him.� Brendan grabbed Vincent and tossed him into the gorge. �I knew it wouldn�t bring her back.� The scene slowly faded and again they stood outside of it. �I thought it would ease my pain.� Brendan faced the scene in silence. Cautiously, they walked to the third Brendan in front of the scene of Xornon. Brendan sat with his legs pulled to his chest in front of the place. Slowly, he lifted his head. They gazed into the scene to see all the people of Xornon standing outside of Brendan�s cottage. �I blamed myself for Penelopie.� The scene drew closer to the top window of the house where Brendan sat, crying, on his bed inside. �I rarely left my room. Everyone in Xornon was worried because I was so distressed after losing her.� Brendan stared faintly out the window. �I cried for days before that night in the mine.� The scene grew farther from them as they stared back down at Brendan sitting in front of it. �Hold on, Brendan.� Kean whispered. �Hold on.� They approached the fourth Brendan in front of the Xornon Mine. He stood and led them into the mine. �I knew Penelopie had returned when I heard the noises escape from the tunnels.� They entered the area of the pits. �I saw him push her into one of the pits but this time, I couldn�t reach her in time.� Brendan approached Vincent. �I wanted to confront him but I let him pass.� Grinning, Vincent walked between them. �I followed him out of the cave just to see him slaughtering the town.� Brendan ran toward Vincent. �He tried to kill me.� Vincent drove the end of a steel sword into Brendan�s side. �I collapsed just as Vincent casted more havoc upon all of us.� A white light filled the air but soon faded. They all stood outside next to Brendan once again. The scene was frozen in time when the blue light flowed over the town as Brendan lie bleeding on the ground. Brendan bowed his head. �I wish I could have saved them.� �We must hurry.� Farshen gazed toward Brendan�s subconscious. His mind had a glowing red light about him. �His energy is depleting. His emotions are growing too strong.� They all rushed to the last Brendan in front of Soir Vert. �I came here for a new life.� Brendan stood. �I never discovered whether Vincent lived after his attack so I hid in a distant valley.� A light rose over the darkened scene. �It worked for a while until this journey.� Brendan turned toward them. �But I did get to see Penelopie before she left for good.� Another white light filled the air and, when it faded, the five Brendans stood in the center of the circular obstruction within. Slowly, they approached one another until they were as one. As his subconscious lowered into his now whole body, a bright orange light filled the ether and slowly faded. There they all stood, once again, in the Xornon Mine. �We must take him somewhere safe.� Farshen bent down next to Brendan who lie on the ground unconscious. �It may take him a while to recuperate.� |
| * Six * �Passe sa e chinted deca echt corriplant sa su roched. Me las tallon su decondence sa lut misel qa tu qint conne thetsd beda.� |
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