Hours sped by while Dack continued practicing. “How much more time does he need in there?” Chad asked Fixx as they stood outside of the portal area fortress.
“I’ll check on him again,” Fixx said as he turned to leave. “He’s able to open it, but he’s working on controlling it and closing it.” Fixx walked cautiously to the door and slowly pushed it open. He could see Dack with outstretched hands, talking to himself. Suddenly, a small, round ball of fire appeared in front of Dack. He’s actually doing it, Fixx thought gleefully to himself.
Dack’s hands didn’t feel any ill effects, but the rest of his body began to grow weak from the pressure he had to exert keeping the Way from opening too wide. Sweat flowed from his body as it tried to keep him cool in the presence of such intense heat. Teeth grinding and veins popping, he moved his hands together in an attempt to close the Way. Close, he thought to himself. Why won’t it close? As suddenly as it had opened, it closed. Dack dropped to his knees and breathed heavily.
Fixx opened the door wide and raced to Dack. “Dack, are you all right?”
“The fire consumes all the air in here. I’ll be all right in a few minutes,” Dack said as he wiped his forehead with his sleeve. “Did you see it?” he asked, gasping for air.
“I did. Will it be this difficult every time?” Fixx asked, genuinely concerned.
“I’m actually doing better than the last two times.” Dack smiled. “As long as I keep it small it’s not as draining. Why couldn’t Theterm have taught me a world filled with something else?”
“I guess if you can handle this, the others will be fun to open. Why don’t you wash up? We’re expecting company in under an hour,” Fixx said, helping Dack to his feet.
“Less than an hour? What happened to all the time we had?” Dack panicked.
“How long do you think you’ve been in here? It’s been close to three hours,” Fixx said, pushing Dack toward the door.
“I was only able to open the Way three times.”
“Well, when the time comes, I am sure there won’t be a problem,” Fixx said, trying to convince himself as much as Dack.
Dack dropped the bucket into the well and began to pull it up again when more riders approached. Fixx left to talk with them as Dack finished washing. The cool water quickly revitalized him as he splashed it on his face and drank some with cupped hands. “What’s going on, Fixx?”
“It appears we are now surrounded by the armies and they wish to talk to you,” Fixx said quietly as he walked over to the well.
“Can you send a messenger to the kings and request that they meet with us in the fortress?” Dack asked.
“We can always try,” Fixx said, unsure if it was a good idea.
“Fixx, I can’t show the kings I have the power unless they come to me. Do you have any other ideas?”
“No, I don’t. For once I will have to trust you to get us out of this.” Fixx smiled as he raced over to one of the riders. Fixx motioned for Dack to go back into the fortress as he told the rider what to do. After a few moments, the rider rode off and Fixx joined Dack in the fortress.
“Now we wait,” Dack said as he paced.
Close to an hour later the rider returned. “Dack, the kings have accepted your offer to talk in the fortress. They will arrive shortly. They regret that the former king of the Western Territory will not be joining them, but his general will take his place. The king of the Western Territory wants nothing to do with this and has just left with a sizeable portion of that army. It looks like there’re only fifty to one hundred fighting men left.” The rider smiled happily. “Is there anything else I can do?”
“Keep yourself safe,” Dack said.
The rider nodded and rode off as Farah, Chad, Alix, and Alin approached the fortress. “What’s the plan, Fixx?” Farah asked.
“The kings are coming to meet Dack shortly. I think if you all stay visible, but not too close, we can keep the remaining humans guessing. I don’t trust that the kings’ intentions are anything but suspicious, so stay nearby,” Fixx spoke as he surveyed his most faithful friends.
“Dack, will you be all right to open that Way again?” Chad asked, concerned that all plans relied on Dack’s success.
“It won’t be a problem,” Dack assured them all before they left to prepare for the coming of the kings.
As the sun began to set and the area grew dark with shadows, the two kings and the general approached. Carrying lanterns, they walked up to the open door and looked inside. “Please come in,” Dack said as he motioned for them to step into the fortress to begin what he hoped would be a peaceful solution.
“I am not sure I like such close quarters,” the king of the Eastern Territory said as he entered.
“You get used to the sense of foreboding this little place emits,” Fixx said, leaning against the wall opposite the door. “I thought I smelled you coming.” Fixx chuckled.
“No one said that one would be here,” the king of the Eastern Territory snarled.
“Fixx and I are working together,” Dack spoke. “He promises to behave himself during this meeting, isn’t that right?”
“I’m done with the pranks.” Fixx smiled widely.
“Well, he isn’t very respectful to those in authority. He left me pinned to a wall with the foulest smelling thing I’ve ever encountered.” The king of the Eastern Territory sniffed.
“If you hadn’t’ve stepped on it, there would have been no problem. You thought it was some creature, didn’t you?” Fixx clapped.
“Yes, and it turned out to be—” the king of the Eastern Territory began.
“—a present from my world to show you appreciation for telling me where the key was,” Fixx finished. “See if I ever do something nice again.” Fixx giggled.
“Enough!” the king of the Northern Territory said commandingly. “We are not here to discuss past problems, but to forge a new beginning for Storality. What is it you want?”
“I am tired of all the lies and treachery and am ready to rule the Central Territory with Fixx until the King’s Tournament can begin again,” Dack spoke.
“What gives you the right to rule?” the general asked.
I have more right to rule than you do, Dack thought, but he said, “I can control this Way and only want what is good and fair for everyone in Storality, including those who were brought here unwillingly by Lucan.”
“So you plan to hold the entire island hostage because you have the power to do it?” the general asked.
“I am asking you all to consider what the people want, and if I have to use force, it will only be because you have left me no choice,” Dack said, looking intently at the general.
“I think we all realize that the people will do and say what a strong leader dictates. Are you willing to lead the Central Territory?” the king of the Northern Territory asked.
“Only until the King’s Tournament is complete and a new king emerges. Fixx and I have no plans to rotate through the island as the kings used to. I will, however, make the Central Territory my home to ensure that those who want to go home have a chance and those who want to stay are treated fairly,” Dack said.
“Show us the power you claim you wield,” the general said.
“Do I have your word that the King’s Tournament will begin again?” Dack demanded.
“Show us the power you control, and we will discuss this matter privately and then return with an answer,” the king of the Northern Territory answered.
Dack turned to Fixx and smiled. He turned again and stretched out his hands into the Way. “You all might want to step back, it’s rather hot.” The kings and the general stepped back as Dack whispered the name and opened the Way. The heat wasn’t as intense as before because Dack had only opened it a very small bit, but it was enough to impress everyone who saw it. Closing it again quickly took a lot of Dack’s strength, but Fixx stood behind him so no one noticed that Dack’s knees momentarily buckled.
“Show’s over, come back when you’ve made your decision,” Fixx said as he moved toward the door.
The kings and the general walked quickly out of the fortress and into the awaiting darkness of night. They were in such a rush to return to their camp that they forgot their lanterns and had a very difficult return trip.
“It has to be something he uses that makes that flame,” the general said as he walked back with the others.
“I never saw anything like that,” the king of the Eastern Territory said. “I never saw Lucan open one like that.”
“I agree with both of you,” the king of the Northern Territory added. “Lucan’s Ways were to places, other worlds, I guess. What Dack showed us was nothing like what Lucan controlled. It could be something he learned from the Cult. He’s one of them, you know,” he ended, knowing that the others would react poorly.
“And you didn’t tell us that?” the king of the Eastern Territory exploded.
“What’s the difference? He needs to be removed,” the king of the Northern Territory said coolly.
“Is that why the Cult were so eager to stop you from the north?” the general asked.
“They will do whatever Dack asks since he’s kin,” the king of the Northern Territory said quietly.
“I still believe we can learn whatever it is that Dack is doing to make that light,” the general began, “so we can use it, too, to regain control over those who are being swayed by this rebellion.”
“You should watch him carefully when we return, and if you are sure you know, we will end their lives,” the king of the Northern Territory said.
“I suggest we tell our armies to drop back. Dack and Fixx will see this as a show of good faith and be much more relaxed. Our archers will be just as effective a little farther back. What do you think?” the king of the Northern Territory asked.
“It’s a brilliant idea. The only problem is Fixx. He’s very unpredictable and too quick,” the king of the Eastern Territory said.
“That fortress is extremely close quarters. If we close the door behind us when we enter, that will cut off their escape and protect us from their allies. We can tell our troops that if any of us exit first, they are to wait until we signal before they begin an assault. However, if Dack or Fixx exits first, our troops will begin the assault immediately,” the general schemed.
“I think that’s a sound plan,” the king of the Northern Territory agreed.
“We can tell our troops and then meet before walking back to the fortress,” the king of the Eastern Territory said.
“All the troops are pulling back,” Chad said to Fixx as they stood by the door to the fortress.
“They’re doing more than just pulling back, I’ve seen some of them walking away,” Farah said, unsure if it was a ploy.
“No, it’s true,” Alix added. “I think they are abandoning the kings.”
“That would be great news if the remaining troops weren’t so well trained,” Alin said as he emerged from the woods. “Looks like the elite and personal guards are staying. Most of the deserters are just common folk.”
“What else did you learn?” Chad asked.
“It looks like rain is headed this way too.” Alin smiled.
“Not a cloud in the sky. It’s a bright moon too,” Farah said, looking upwards.
“Arrows. Looks like they are planning on using archers to take us out from a distance,” Alin said seriously.
“Then pass the word to stay out of sight,” Fixx ordered. They moved out to tell the others as Fixx entered the fortress. “Looks like we still have something to prove,” Fixx said to Dack, who was sitting on the floor, trying hard to stay awake.
“What’s going on?” Dack said, rubbing his eyes.
“It could be nothing, but the others are preparing for the worst. Are you okay?” Fixx said as he sat next to Dack.
“I’m just so tired. It’s hard enough to concentrate when I’m opening the Way by myself; it was even more difficult when the others were watching my every move. I don’t know what would happen if they were to try something while I am controlling it,” Dack said, holding his head.
“That’s why I’m here, Dack. You take care of the Way, and I’ll take care of the others. Fair?” Fixx said, standing.
“I guess so,” Dack said, still looking down.
“Hey, I’ve got a story that will cheer you up,” Fixx said excitedly. “I can tell you about the time—” Fixx was interrupted by a knock at the door. “Figures,” he muttered. “Come on in!”
“The kings would like to return to work out an agreement,” Chad said as he pushed open the door. “Dack, are you all right?”
Dack had slumped over and was sleeping on the ground. “We’ll need a table and five chairs,” Fixx said, ignoring Chad’s question. “Will that be a problem on such short notice?”
“What’s going on, Fixx?” Chad demanded.
“I’m trying to stall while Dack rests, that’s all.” Fixx shrugged.
“I’ll see if I can find something suitable for a table, but don’t expect chairs,” Chad said as he was leaving.
“Tell the kings we will need some time,” Fixx said seriously.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Chad said as he left.
Roughly two hours later, Dack startled awake when Chad returned with a few boards nailed to a freshly sawed tree stump. It was the right height for them to stand around since chairs were not available. “The best we could do,” Chad said.
“What’s that for?” Dack said as he stood, stretching.
“The kings will arrive soon, and Fixx thought having a table would be appropriate,” Chad said as he moved it closer to the middle of the room.
“That’s a good spot for it,” Dack said as he walked forward with his hands outstretched. “The Way is right above it.”
Fixx entered and walked around the table to stand next to Dack. “Are you ready? They will be here in a few minutes.”
“I’m a little tired, but I’m ready for them,” Dack said, dusting off his clothes.
Chad stared at Fixx for reassurance. “We’ll be fine now. Thanks, Chad. Remember, tell the others to stay out of sight. It’s still dark, but it’ll be morning soon,” Fixx said, pushing Chad outside.
Moments later the kings and the general entered and closed the door. The general was carrying papers and placed them on the table. Fixx noticed he was wearing armor under his cloak.
“Gentlemen,” the king of the Northern Territory began, “you have won. I think it only fair that we draw up an agreement between ourselves so that everyone in Storality may know the details.”
Fixx looked at Dack, who was smiling. “That’s great news,” Dack said.
“We thought you would agree,” the king of the Eastern Territory added.
“With no more delay, I would like you to sign, brother,” the king of the Northern Territory said as he handed a pen to Dack.
“Brother?” Fixx asked.
“Half brother. His father was a Shadow Cult general,” the king of the Northern Territory added, still holding out the pen.
“I thought you said you didn’t want people knowing,” Fixx said quietly to Dack.
“This isn’t the time,” Dack whispered.
“Is there a problem?” the general asked, glaring at Fixx.
“I guess you didn’t tell Fixx about our little deal, did you?” the king of the Northern Territory asked, frowning.
“Deal? What’s going on, Dack?” Fixx asked nervously.
“What are you trying to do?” Dack asked the king of the Northern Territory.
“Tell him,” the King of the Eastern Territory said.
“Dack and I planned this whole thing. He was to get the keys and the Central Territory was to be his. It wasn’t until he started talking about controlling Ways that we decided to end the bargain. I’m sorry that you and all your friends were included in this, Fixx. You didn’t know?” the king of the Northern Territory asked with mock concern.
“Fixx, he’s lying. He tried to manipulate me; I’m only doing this to free the island from the current kings,” Dack said. “It is the only way.”
“It doesn’t matter now,” the king of the Eastern Territory said. “He can open Ways like Lucan, and the humans can’t risk fighting against another Whisperer of Lore.”
“Not with such strong allies from the Central Territory,” the general said, smiling.
“You can still open the Way, right, Dack?” the king of the Northern Territory asked, crossing his arms.
“I’d hate to sign this only to find it was all just some elaborate hoax,” the king of the Eastern Territory said, pointing to the papers.
Dack stretched out his arms and put his hands into the Way.
“Dack, you don’t have to do this; they’re just trying to test you. I trust you completely, don’t do it,” Fixx pleaded.
“If you don’t prove yourself right now, we walk and your lives are forfeited. Do you understand me?” the king of the Northern Territory shouted.
“I understand completely,” Dack said angrily. He whispered the Way’s name and it sprang open quickly. The heat and brightness was quite intense, and everyone moved back while shielding their eyes. “You only understand power, and I have plenty of it at my disposal,” he continued, “but I’m not like you. I will only use it for the good of the island.” As quickly as the Way erupted, it was gone again.
“You’ve burned up the papers; the tabletop is scorched!” the king of the Eastern Territory exclaimed. “You could have killed us!”
“But I didn’t, did I?” Dack said, looking at them all. “You didn’t come here to sign them. Now get out!”
The king of the Northern Territory looked at the general, who nodded and reached into his cloak. Fixx noticed the move and knew that the last wave of treachery was about to begin. “Dack, move!” Fixx yelled as he began throwing knives at the general’s feet.
Dack began to move backwards; the table toppled over, overturned by the king, and hit him. “Both of you will die here!” the king of the Northern Territory yelled as he lunged at Dack over the fallen table.
The king of the Eastern Territory moved in front of the door to block its use. “Do it quickly,” he said, guarding the entrance.
One of Fixx’s knives sunk deeply into the general’s boot, causing him to fall as he tried to pivot, blocking Fixx’s route to the door. The general was now at Fixx’s level, slashing wildly at him while trying to regain his footing. Three more knives from Fixx pinned the general’s cloak to the ground, limiting his motion and threat. Fixx saw that Dack was struggling with the king of the Northern Territory and decided that they would need more help.
“Farah!” Fixx screamed as loudly as he could in hopes that the sound would penetrate the thick walls and closed door. He stepped onto and over the general, launching himself at the king of the Eastern Territory. In midair everything changed. Without warning, the king of the Eastern Territory flew toward Fixx as someone from the outside pushed in the door violently. Fixx tried to compensate but hit his head hard against the head of the king of the Eastern Territory. The blow knocked the king unconscious, and his body blocked the door from opening once again.
Fixx grabbed his own head and turned around in time to see the general thrusting his dagger toward him. Fixx locked eyes with the general and felt the blow pound his chest so hard that he staggered backwards and fell over the body of the king of the Eastern Territory.
Dack managed to maneuver his legs so that he could kick the king of the Northern Territory off him and over the fallen table. Fixx narrowly managed to avoid the falling body of the king by rolling over and crawling closer to Dack. Dack grabbed Fixx by the shoulder and pulled him into the corner away from the door.
“Open it now, it’s the only way,” Fixx said quietly before he shut his eyes.
Dack spun around and put his hands in the Way. His hands began to tingle as he shouted the Way’s name. With tears streaming down his face, he realized that he had sentenced the kings and the general to their deaths. I’m sorry, he thought as he passed out when the air was consumed by the searing flames. The roof burst outwards, and everyone surrounding the fortress was filled with fear.
Farah pushed open the door with ease and saw Dack lying next to Fixx. She moved quickly to their motionless bodies and realized that something was sticking out of Fixx’s chest. “Alin!” she shouted. “Get in here now!”
Fixx’s eyes fluttered briefly and his face was racked with pain, then he was still again.
“What’s going on?” Chad said as he raced to Farah’s side.
“Where’s Alin?” she demanded.
“He’s out there somewhere,” Chad said as he saw the dagger. “Is he alive?”
“I hear his heartbeat, but I don’t know what to do,” Farah cried.
Fixx’s body shuttered; he gasped for air, and then his eyes opened. “Farah, where’s Dack?” he asked weakly.
“He’s right next to you,” Farah said, gently holding Fixx’s hand.
“He’ll be okay,” Chad said as Dack began to move.
“Good,” Fixx said as he looked down at his chest. “You have to listen to him. You have to do whatever he tells you. Do you both promise?”
Farah began to sob and Chad put his arm around her shoulder. “Fixx, don’t do this,” she begged.
“Like I have a choice,” he said quietly. He closed his eyes and became still.
Dack sat up and turned to see Farah and Chad covering Fixx’s body with her cloak. “Is he gone?” Dack asked, looking at Fixx.
“Not yet, but I don’t know what to do,” Farah said softly.
“You three have a war to stop. I’ll take care of Fixx,” Theterm said.
“Theterm—” Dack was silenced by Theterm’s stern stare. Dack motioned for the others to leave, and with great reluctance they obliged.
“Lock us in and throw one of the keys to me through the roof. We’ll need the safety,” Theterm called without even turning around. Theterm could hear them quietly arguing about the situation, but when a key landed noisily near the door, he smiled.