The Wielder Diaries: The Fall: The Wielder Diaries, #4

~ Acknowledging Our Story’s Performers ~

KAYLA ROYBISHKI: Saqui, a Wielder. The chosen to lead this Story transcribing within the Folk-kin. Our tale continues between her and those on her journey. On the back of the Elemental Dragon of Earth, Nan, Kayla now rides in search of aid for her newest ally: The City of Illmaria.

Lute Gibe: Guardian, a former student of medicine. He has allied himself with Annika Eider in the pursuit of magic.

Jacques Volt: Guardian, a swordsman. A young mind of combat and weapons. He allied himself as a liaison between the Masana and Overland Territories.

Jared (Unknown): Guardian, a Lukene wizard. He fought and passed away in the Dead Mountains. We remember him.

Xenos Yalene: Guardian, an archeologist. A young mind of Alchemy and researching the past. Ze has reunited with family, Syndyl Yalene, in the City of Illmaria. The two Genecians then uncovered evidence within the AO-17 tome that suggests Arinamo may have been a long-lost Elemental Dragon.

Renjor Freese: Former Guardian of Arturan Vicitri, a Kizin witch and illusionist. Determined to win against our Wielder Kayla and take the Folk-kin, she is guilty, and her location is unknown.

Annika Eider: Mentor, a sorceress-medium of our world order. She set our Wielder Kayla and our Guardians on their path. She has allied with the Guardian Lute Gibe and seeks to teach him magic.

Basi Roybishki: Brother, a king of the neighboring Masana Territory. Recently, he allied himself with the newfound Family of Gorillas of the Western Jungle.

Almea Quild: Noble, a member of The Court of the Overland. She volunteered to travel with Lute Gibe to Lady Annika Eider’s castle in the north.

Alan Roue: Saqui, a Wielder. Another chosen to lead his Story transcribing within his Ka-Lore journal. The Crown Prince of the City of Illmaria recently confronted a facet of his powers (the Dreamscape) within the Realm ‘Of the Fae’. On the back of the Elemental Dragon of Earth, Nan, he now rides in search of aid.

Vensha: Centaur-elder, a monarch. She lives and leads the Realm ‘Of the Fae’. Ancient and wise, she set Kayla and Alan on a quest, starting with a scroll. With it, the chosen made Pages of Elin.

*~ The following also await Kayla and Alan’s return...

Linnea: Illmarian Guardian, a Fairy messenger.

Leon Dravis: Illmarian Guardian, a Giant swordsman and captain.

Colbus Dravis: Illmarian Guardian, a Giantess, Dame of the Royal Court, and Leon’s older sister.

Celro Renner: Illmarian Guardian, a Dwarven engineer of Illmaria.

Gor and Rea Roue: Alan’s parents, a Dwarven king and a Draconian queen who lead the flying City of Illmaria.

Syndyl Yalene: Genecian Distiphur and Xenos’ parent (Cennend). Ze is the lead designer behind the Ferricraft build―a transport made to travel between Realms. Zir closest friend and co-designer is Fermuru Ryle.

Chamber of Harbors: Wardens who support the Illmarian Royal Family. Comprised of Dwarves, Draconians, and Giants, they seek to land their flying home one day.

On this suspenseful note, we resume our Story...

PART ONE

O S T U R A T

KAYLA – 12 YEARS

VWHOOSH!

Rows upon rows of interlocking columns of basalt rock littered the land below me.

Where are we?

My gear rattled in my backpack. My long hair whipped and tossed about, but it was far too late to braid it. Although I squinted under the bright sunlight despite my flight goggles, I couldn’t stop shivering. My tunic and leggings were thin against the chilly wind in this new world.

I miss the Realm ‘Of the Fae’ already...

Vwhoosh!

Squeezing my gloved hands around a pair of warm, stony spines, I faced ahead at the noble creature I was riding on.

Unrelenting in her pace, the brown Dragon Nan of Earth kept soaring through a craggy valley. We passed over hills and banked around and between snow-topped mountains. Once in a while, Nan would look side to side, scrunching her snout in search of something.

Is she tracking a scent?

With little choice, I left it up to her.

‘Do not come to Illmaria...’

Xenos’ words popped into my head. I frowned and leaned forward against my gear in front of me.

‘It’s too dangerous to come here alone. Stay put.’

A friend who had asked us to stay away.

Tightening my grip, I whispered against the winds, Find help, Nan. Hurry.

Xenos...please stay safe―

A hand patted my shoulder, interrupting my thoughts. I looked over my shoulder and grinned despite how my stomach flipped with worry.

At least I’m not alone.

Sitting behind me, my friend Alan pushed back his brown hair from his rosy face and pointed to his right. Following his finger, a mountain-high statue stood in the distance under the clear blue sky.

What creature is that? I muttered.

From afar, all I could make out was an orange-brown beast. Nan shifted under us, and we beelined for the structure. Soon, the beast took on more of a bulky dog shape...and took a step eastward.

By all that I am, it moves?

Drawing nearer revealed a white stone fortress resting upon the back of a shiny bronze canine―the color of which faded into aqua and then a muddy green the closer you reached the paws.

THE INCREDIBLE CREATURE’S eyes blazed with fire, and steam unfurled through its nostrils. Orange flags and banners waved from the high walls, and Wyvern cries pierced through the wind, carrying their riders every which way.

Probably on patrol...

Nestled between the base of the neck and the front of the fortress lay a bridge leading to a circular platform. Giants donning fur pelts, dark leather, and silvery helmets waved their arms over their heads, encouraging us to land.

Brace yourselves, Nan warned in a cautious, motherly tone over the winds. This may get a little rough.

She circled the landing zone a couple of times while the Giant guardsmen ran out of the way. Soon enough, with final flaps of her massive wings, the Earth Dragon just about collapsed onto the cobblestone.

Nan, I cried. Are you okay―

Fetch water for our Patron Dragon, ordered one of the guards, who then pointed at us. You two. Dismount immediately.

Boots first, Alan and I slid off and came around to the front with our backpacks and gear.

A robust Giantess about ten feet tall came forward, bearing a round wolf crest pinned to a leather strap over her sculpted breastplate. I am the hersir of this great city. Who may you be?

I knitted my brow.

Where have I seen that crest before?

We’re friends, Alan replied, shrugging off his backpack before surrendering, raising his hands.

Taking the hint, I copied him and added, Um, w-we traveled with Nan of Earth because we’re in trouble.

The questioner scratched the side of her freckled nose, bent over, and studied us both with a furrowed brow before taking a step back. Very well. She turned to Nan. Ma’am, what say thee?

Nan grunted. Your leader...the jarl, must know of our presence quickly. The children are Human. They will not...do well outside for long at this height and wind.

I couldn’t help but agree. Though breathable, the air was thin. The chill didn’t help either, and rubbing my arms for warmth wasn’t doing much.

Do you have a blanket or something? Alan asked.

The hersir folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. Not in my back pocket, sorry.

Oof...come on.

A different Giant rushed over with a massive bucket of water. A younger boy of seven or so feet tall with braided hair the shade of robin eggs reminded me of Captain Leon Dravis back in the City of Illmaria.

I glanced at Alan, who was busy breathing into his cupped hands.

Leon, Colbus, Linnea, Celro...I hope his Guardians are okay, too.

Here, ma’am, said the water bearer, placing the pail on the ground. Please, have some.

I turned, and my worry about Alan’s home shifted again to Nan, who was exhausted on the ground.

You flew so hard. I placed my hand onto one of the Earth Dragon’s head horns. You did it.

Yes, said Alan with a gentle smile, you did great.

Nan dipped her snout into the water and gulped every drop before resting her head on the cobblestone.

The water bearer picked up the bucket with a smile and stepped back. Good. Dost thou need more, ma’am?

Nan closed her sleepy eyes, grumbling something I couldn’t understand. She sharply breathed in and puffed some white smoke from her nostrils.

And shrunk.

My jaw dropped, and I backed up. N-No, what’s happening? I turned to Alan. She was all better, wasn’t she?

He nodded. I mean, the wound is gone, but―

She pushed herself.

Yeah...‘fraid so.

My shoulders fell, and I clasped my hands together. Aw, I’m sorry, Nan.

Snout to tail, the Earth Dragon became smaller and smaller. She lost several feet within the next few minutes. At least nine before her breathing finally steadied, and the smoke stopped.

I turned to the hersir. Is there anything we can do?

The Giantess hummed and folded her arms. Hm~ no. The ways of Dragonkind are theirs. She gestured to the ground. Now then, you three rest. We can’t move the Patron Dragon, but my men and I will return with the jarl’s permission as soon as possible. She pointed a thumb over her shoulder. Thou wilt warm up once within the city walls, I promise.

Like that, my friends and I were left alone. I took a seat on the ground next to my gear, leaned against Nan’s hard body, and rested my eyes.

Can’t move without her so...what’s with the thou’s and thee’s?

Don’t fall asleep.

I cracked open one eye when Alan took a spot beside me. I’m too nervous to, buddy. I pulled my flight goggles until they sat around my neck, closed my eyes again, and rambled, We’re in a new place―a moving creature, too. Nan’s now the size of two elephants―I mean―sure, it’s much bigger than when she was injured, but― I yawned. Boy, my eyes are heavy.

Yeah, Alan sighed. Mine too.

Do you think...they’ll be okay?

A warm palm rested on the back of my hand. I hope so, Kayla. A breeze blew across my face. It feels like we’ve been gone for a month―

It has been for me, I sighed. Longer, actually. My home in the Overland Territory, my friends Jacques and Lute―all of them are waiting for Xenos and me to get back.

Crap, you’re right. Alan gave my hand a comforting squeeze. I’m sorry.

We sat in silence as the brisk wind whistled around us. Keeping to my thoughts, my worry for Illmaria and my friends back home wouldn’t leave me alone. Being far away and gone for so long, I hoped all were well.

A short time later, a finger tapped my shoulder.

H-Hey, they’re coming back, Alan stuttered, rubbing the sides of his arms. Took them long enough. I swear it’s getting colder.

Sure enough, the hersir and other Giants from before returned and waved for us to follow.

I peered over to the Dragon’s sleepy face. Nan, we can go if you’re ready.

She stretched with a wide yawn like a very large cat, and her silver-capped claws reflected the sunlight. Once she rose to her paws, she groaned, I’ll need a longer nap, but I’m ready.

A lengthy, narrow rock bridge stood between us on the platform and the way inside the fortress. A stone statue guard carved into the walls donning a cloak and helm stood on either side of a ramp leading up to the gate. Hand over hand rested upon the pommel of a great broadsword, the blade of which traveled all the way to the back of the moving, brassy wolf. Sadly, both statues had scaffolding around them, with people repairing missing chunks or scrubbing charred black sections.

Was it a Wyvern on a bad day?

I wasn’t sure about that idea, but near the top of the ramp, the hersir gestured toward a couple of male guards about her height with simple gear and a spear each. These two will escort you to the meet with our jarl. She put her fists on her hips. It’s not every day I get to assist an Elemental Dragon, but I hope to speak with thee again, ma’am.

Yes, thank you, Nan replied, folding her wings, and continued taking the lead.

Together behind Nan, Alan and I silently followed the Dragon through the gate with the guards behind us. Toasty, if not a bit steamy, I welcomed the warmth inside the bare hallway lit by small fires in broad, shallow bowls on stands placed in a line against the right wall. The hall echoed with every step inside the shadowy space, but the quiet didn’t last. A noisy chatter was rising louder and louder the closer we got to the end of the passageway.

I hesitated, pulling on the straps of my backpack. How busy―

Stay close, children, Nan interrupted. Not about to lose you two in the crowd.

The Patron is wise, complimented the guard on our left.

Alan and I shuffled forward and stood by her right flank.

Nan, you’re a Patron Dragon here, too? I asked. Do they all speak with thou and thee?

Yes, child, she confirmed. Did you ever read any poetry?

Oh.... I nodded after a moment. I did.

Thank you, Miss Wanda.

Crowds? Alan asked. Do we have time for this? My friend adjusted his flight goggles he had moved to the top of his head. Shouldn’t we get to the jarl quickly? What if the people here block our way?

We will have them stand clear, no worries, assured the guard on our right. A fair number will be too busy preparing for tomorrow to get in our way today.

What’s tomorrow?

Either way, we have the time, said Nan. You children may have sway due to your titles, but I’ve been here before. Trust me.

Stepping into the light and exiting the passage through an archway, I hovered my right hand over my eyes until they adapted.

Whoa...

Surrounded by the enormous stone wall we had seen when flying in was a bustling community thriving under the open blue sky.

Alan scuffed his boot across one of the hexagonal stone tiles that made up the central road. Oo~ they’re kind of shiny. It’s the flecks of amber, I think.

Correct. Makes our road stronger, said the guard on our right with a smile. Many were replaced as of late.

And they’re pretty, I complimented and gave Alan a gentle pat on his shoulder. They remind me of your home.

Alan opened his mouth, but before he could respond, the Giant guard on our right continued onward. Follow us. We will make our way to the longhouse where our jarl awaits.

Sure enough, far down our path sat an enormous wooden building with gold or brass accents reflecting under the sun.

It’s always a place that sticks out, huh? I remarked, pointing ahead.

Alan grinned and shrugged one shoulder. Kind of a good thing, though, right?

Let’s go, Nan encouraged, following the guards ahead of her. Remember, the jarl is a good man, but let me handle the conversation.

Passing through, the crowd of the compact place reminded me of Illmaria and the Overland’s marketplaces. The biggest difference? Stone, brass, steel, and blacksmiths. Everywhere.

Sure, citizens came and went through the wooden doors of their basalt apartment buildings. Still, many were working hard on construction nearby or smithing away over hot flames, tinkering over their projects.

I wonder what for...

We weren’t invisible by a long shot, of course. We weren’t surprised, though. It couldn’t be easy ignoring children barely taller than a Dwarf alongside an Elemental Dragon. Regardless, many people waved with big smiles or were happy to steer clear or stand aside for a moment for us.

Pss~t, Kayla, Alan whispered, tapping my upper arm. Look at that. It’s the biggest gem I’ve seen.

Soot-covered blacksmiths and steady bricklayers weren’t the only ones busy. My friend pointed at a burly Dwarven jeweler wearing a strange monocle working on an apple-sized silver pendant.

Rubies... I whispered back. Wait, isn’t this the Realm ‘Of the Giants’?

Taking a second look around me, sure enough, many Dwarves dressed in colorful garb with metal trinkets and baubles decorating their hair were going about their day. Among them, hair ranged from coppery reds to coal black-and-white mixed among the elders. The men had beards, and the women had terrific braids that fell to their waists or had different updos about their heads.

How pretty...maybe I could try more with my hair.

Many shopped for ore while others pushed carts of mushroom varieties and sheep wool. Meanwhile, on the side of the road, a memorable Dwarf was dancing a jig upon a wooden barrel, laughing alongside his fellow Dwarves and Giant friends.

Though we kept moving through the city, Alan replied, "Remember what my Guardian, Celro Renner, said? ‘We, Dwarves, diverge on specialties. Once one claims a path, their Attuning aligns that way’."

Ri~ght, different choices. So that’s how Nan of Earth is a Patron of both. Thank y―

Wait a minute!

I halted when a shudder traveled down my spine.

Alan waved his hand before my face. Uh~ what is it?

I glanced over my shoulder, back at the red stones we passed. Those rubies... I faced forward. They remind me of a dangerous item.

Alan did a double-take. Shoot. That’s not good. My friend got closer and whispered, It’s not another Renjor thing, is it?

I glanced to the side. Yeah...

Kayla?

Xenos Yalene... I finger-combed some of my hair. My Guardian got in trouble because of her and rubies.

Oh no...

Memories of scattered red lights, that woman’s wicked laughter, and a broken wizard staff falling onto the ground flashed across my mind.

Jared...because of her―

Keep up, children, said Nan, breaking me out of my painful thoughts.

Are you going to be all right?

With a nod, I kept moving forward with Alan behind me.

Do you think she―

I shook my head and glanced back at him. No, Alan. That woman could’ve gotten rubies anywhere.

Fair.

Children, said Nan. Focus. We’re heading in soon.

Standing right outside, we had arrived. Dark planks of wood made the walls of the rectangular building, and matching shingles made the arched roof. Polished wolf-like sculptures decorated the tops of the stone rails on either side of the short flight of white stairs. Metal tiles carved with swirling and twining designs outlined the double doors.

Getting inside the fancy longhouse was easy. Two Giant guards posted outside acknowledged our company and, together, pulled open the wide double doors with thick handles in the center. After all, who would want to stop a Dragon?

From there, Alan and I led the way, with Nan close behind and between us.

Inside, the single grand room stood as tall as an oak tree. Two rows of empty tables with benches stretched from one end of the room to the other. Colorful tapestries and mounted weapons, such as shields and blades, decorated the walls. At the same time, lit stone hearths on my left and right warmed the place, leaving the air smelling like smokey pines.

Alan whispered, Celro told me stories of how his grandad and fellow Dwarves helped the Giants build the fireplaces and upgraded the longhouses from large holes in the roof.

Really? I whispered back.

Less smokey that way.

Swish, thump, swish, thump, Nan brushed against the furniture after each step, and the floor echoed slightly underfoot. Remember, you two, let me do the talking.

Alan and I shared a glance. Okay, we replied with a shrug.

In front of us―on the opposite side of the doors―was a golden seat. Nestled between two pillars and dark orange drapes, a series of brass-gold, skinny triangles of different lengths jutted around the back of the chair like a setting sun.

Sitting in this chair, laid back and dressed in plain brown and black garb and fur cloak, sat a muscular Giant with a band of polished silver wrapped around his wrinkled forehead. His hair and full beard reminded me of the deep blue of the Sky Lake back in the Masana Territory, and I guessed he was about as tall as the triplet cartographers back in Illmaria.

So, eleven feet, maybe?

Then again, he was sitting.

Bark!

Last but not least, a pair of furry dogs with scruffy gray-brown coats rested together near the Giant’s boots.

I pointed at one and whispered, What kind are those, Nan?

Wolfhounds. They’re hunting companions.

The guards who’d led us here from our landing area halted, bowed, and stepped aside.

Nan bobbed her head. Jarl Wrex, greetings.

The Giant adjusted the fur over his broad shoulders, revealing a mechanical right arm plated with stone gray metal over copper-colored parts that peeked through. It was almost new if you ignored the smattering of scuffs and scratches.

He stood and reached out with an open left palm. "Patron Dragon Nan of Earth, I welcome thy return to my Clan on the Beast of Osturat: the City of the Wolf. Though gruff, his voice was warm and booming. Three rings glistened from his thick fingers when he placed the same palm on his chest. What brings thou here?"

An emergency, Nan replied, turning her head toward the guards with us. I would prefer if we could speak alone.

Said guards awaited until Jarl Wrex waved. The pair exited and soon shut the door behind them with an echoing thud.

How may I help thee, Nan of Earth?

Illmaria is in danger.

His lordship scratched his chin with the back of his fingernails. That city survives, eh?

Nan raised her left paw and wriggled her silver-capped claws in the air for a moment. Flying in the sky, yes. However, we have reason to believe it is under attack.

The Giant settled his fists on his hips. Thus, thou seekest my help in mustering support, ma’am?

Correct, Nan replied. As you smith weapons for all the Beast-Cities, surely I, your Patron, can call on you for support.

Jarl Wrex pointed a thumb over his shoulder. The City of the Raven, where my king ‘roosts’, is far north. He shrugged. A play on words, of course. But, ma’am, thou art aware that Beast-City holds the most soldiers.

True, but I have just healed from a grievous injury and found your city first.

Jarl Wrex pursed his lips and furrowed his brow. Thou dost seem exhausted. He looked up and down. Uh-huh. Thou needst more rest. The fact thou canst fit in here tells me thou art still on the mend.

Nan bobbed her head. My recovery has been somewhat annoying, but I’m sure I’ll regain my full size and strength in the next few days.

That blowhard of a Dragon wounded thee terribly, huh?

Zar continues to plague all Fractal-Realms. Nan puffed a bit of smoke from her nostrils. And he is not letting up. She pointed to Alan and me with a sweep of her head. Recently, my companions here saved me. Thus, I’m on the mend, as you have pointed out. That said, because of this, I also need your assistance.

Most unfortunate. The Giant tapped his foot. Yes, I was starting to wonder who these Human children were with thee.

The hearth fires crackled under the silence.

Nan didn’t reply.

Wait. He tilted his head to the side. Humans can’t come here unless....

They are the exception our world needs, Nan answered.

The Giant’s eyes widened. A Saqui? Here?

Saquis, actually, sir, Alan corrected.

I took a small step forward. We both are―

Jarl Wrex fell back into his seat, shaking his head. T-Two? Impossible.

It is the truth, the Earth Dragon insisted, giving Alan and me a mothering side-eye.

He frowned and looked between us for a long silent moment. "And thou hast brought them here?"

The furry wolfhounds rose to