Legend of the Orbis (Salvation of Cronia series)

Legend of the Orbis

by

Calvin Gomes

Copyright 2013 Calvino N. Gomes

All Rights Reserved

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover designed by Laura Gordon

Dedication

To my wife Nadia and our children

Joshua, Alyssa, Sasha, Natasha,

Cassandra, Samantha and David.

Table of Contents

Title

Dedication

Regional Map of Cronia — Land of Juarel

Prologue

Chapter 1 - Attack

Chapter 2 - Mission

Chapter 3 - The Journey Begins

Chapter 4 - Osprey

Chapter 5 - Fugitives

Chapter 6 - Forest of Light

Chapter 7 - The Great Library

Chapter 8 - Traitor

Chapter 9 - History

Chapter 10 - Twins

Chapter 11 - Vision

Chapter 12 - Daggart

Chapter 13 - Treachery

Chapter 14 - Danger

Chapter 15 - Power

Chapter 16 - Blizzard

Chapter 17 - Mes Chambour

Chapter 18 - Araneus

Chapter 19 - Orbis

Chapter 20 - Scroll

Chapter 21 - Firestorm

Chapter 22 - Suspicion

Chapter 23 - Beast

Chapter 24 - Discoveries

Chapter 25 - Signs

Chapter 26 - Past

Chapter 27 - Confessions

Chapter 28 - Regaloch

Chapter 29 - Disaster

Chapter 30 - Truth

Chapter 31 - Rescue

Chapter 32 - Battle

Chapter 33 - Aftermath

About the author

Acknowledgments

Regional Map of Cronia — Land of Juarel

Prologue

Darkness engulfed Juarel for the first time in three hundred years.

The light from Cronia’s two moons were shrouded by a dual new-moon event, creating the perfect cloak for the large troop of horsemen that raced menacingly on the dirt road toward the Great Eastern Monastery of the Caladons.

It was the growing thunder of hoof-beats that alerted the two sentries posted at the opened gates of the monastery.

They readied their spears and peered down the darkened roadway, struggling to make out what was approaching. Were they friend or foe?

Arrows suddenly peppered their chests sending them crashing to the ground.

Men in dark cloaks burst out of the nearby bushes with a fearful battle cry, swords drawn as they rushed through the gates.

They slashed at the other two sentries before the alarm could be raised.

The residents of the monastery were doomed.

Chapter 1 - Attack

Griffin struck out at his opponent’s chest and made contact. His opponent’s smaller build was no match for the force behind the blow. Despite it being a weak strike, his opponent stumbled backward and collapsed to the ground on his back.

Griffin, previously a farm boy, had a strong build though he was still small by comparison to most of his friends. He had left home at an early age for study. However, after many years of light labour, Griffin still retained a roughened but handsome face.

Griffin offered his hand out to help his friend from the ground. Cassius grinned broadly and brushing back his blonde curls, accepted the offer. They faced each other and took up a defensive stance.

Both men wore white tunics and pants that clung firmly to their bodies; appropriate attire for combat, or in this case, combat training. The two students had found the basement to be the most secluded place in the monastery for practice.

Do you hear that, Cass? Griffin asked, straightening from his defensive stance.

Hear what? Cassius asked, still crouched in case he was being played.

Griffin strained to make out what he was hearing. It sounds like another earthquake, he said. It’s not enough that we should have this strange new-moon tonight, but yet another quake? I don’t think this is a good sign.

I’m sure it is nothing, Griff Cassius made a display of his defensive stance. Let’s continue our practice. This time, let me knock you over. He narrowed his eyes and grinned, I let you knock me over the last time.

We’re in the basement, Cass, Griffin ignored his quip. If it is an earthquake, it would be wise to return upstairs, or to go outside?

True, Cassius straightened. But I don’t think this is a quake. The ground does not shake and…, he strained to listen, doesn’t it sound like horses to you?

There’s a commotion upstairs, Griffin said as he grabbed his sword belt and began strapping it on. I think we should take a look. He rushed to the stairs as Cassius followed behind, struggling with his own belt.

They ran out of the basement and down the dim corridor towards the large wooden door at the other end. Behind it was the monastery’s main hallway entrance. Griffin’s heart pounded as he reached for the handle and leaned his ear to the door. The tremor’s stopped. But I hear shouting.

The shouting grew to a roar, followed by sounds of clashing swords. A battle had erupted in the hallway.

Griffin turned the handle and nudged the heavy door slightly open. He peered into the large hall. Dark figures were attacking six white-garbed Caladons. Behind them, scores of other dark figures poured into the hall through the opened double-door entrance, brandishing swords. They roared a frightening battle cry, forcing Griffin to flinch.

Krolls! Cassius gasped.

The scene turned chaotic.

A great number of Krolls were overwhelming the Caladons. A large mass of dark soldiers rushed past, breaking through doorways and racing up the main staircase of the hallway.

Griffin clutched the handle of his sword. Fear gripped him as he readied himself to fight.

Cassius grabbed his shoulder, Griff, we must hide. There are too many. There’s nothing we can do for them.

Griffin looked back and saw the Caladons being overcome by the Krolls. Anger surged through him. He gritted his teeth and drew out his sword.

He was jolted by Cassius, who tugged his sleeve and rushed away from the door. Griff, we must go, Cassius raced down the corridor. Now! he yelled.

Griffin saw six Krolls approach their door.

The enemy threw the door open. The corridor was empty.

***

The young Caladons hid behind a large cupboard in the basement, a few yards from the staircase.

Griffin’s heart thumped so hard, he was sure Cassius could hear it. They were trained to defend themselves in sparring classes, but surely six Krolls were far too many. In sparring, they had engaged at most with two opponents each.

A frightening thought occurred to him: most of their practice sessions had been with wooden swords. This fight was real. One mistake and it would be fatal. He felt weak and clutched the handle of his sword tightly.

This was no time for taking chances. The odds had to be in their favour before they launched an attack, and they had to rely only on well-practised manoeuvres.

Griffin tensed as the door at the top of the stairs creaked open and the distant roar of fighting filtered in. He peered toward the stairs and spotted two Krolls descending, their swords gleaming in the flickering light of the basement torches.

The enemy had separated to inspect other rooms. This would be easier. He gestured to Cassius the number of Krolls.

As the soldiers approached, Griffin looked around for something he could use to distract them. They had recently begun spiritual classes and those exercises could help. The last lesson involved moving objects. Although it had been too advanced for them, they had succeeded in rattling objects. That was all they needed.

There it was: a jar on the desk a few paces in front of them.

He cleared his mind and focused on it, remembering the instructions of his tutor. The jar rattled faintly.

Did the Krolls hear it? One moved towards the desk.

Griffin closed his eyes and focused harder.

The jar rattled again and almost fell over this time. Both Krolls heard it and approached the desk. They gazed at the bottle, their backs toward the cupboard.

Adrenalin coursed through Griffin as he leapt towards them, hardly hearing the cry that burst from his lips. He thrust his steel blade at the closer Kroll while Cassius flew past. The Krolls were taken by surprise but managed to parry their initial wavering attack.

Using one of his practiced moves, Griffin blocked the Kroll’s attack and in a flowing motion, thrust his blade into the enemy’s side. The Kroll cried out and collapsed.

Griffin turned to Cassius in time to see him strike the other Kroll in the chest.

The two young Caladons gasped for air, recovering from their first kill.

Cass, Griffin said, breathing deeply, we’ll need to eliminate the other four soldiers and find Light Leader Flavion.

I’m with you, Cassius replied, swallowing hard.

***

The remaining four Krolls re-grouped in the middle of the corridor and waited for their missing companions to return.

Griffin used the same tactic to distract these men. He rattled a picture in the middle of the corridor. But unlike before, there was a large distance separating them from their enemy. The distraction only provided a few seconds of advantage.

Griffin raced down the corridor and struck the closest Kroll across the head with the butt of his sword. The Kroll fell while the others spun toward them, blades ready for battle.

Cassius lunged at a Kroll as Griffin blocked the advance of another.

Swords clashed.

After a number of exchanges, Griffin felt the movements familiar, like in his sparring classes. He spied the third Kroll preparing to lunge at him. The Kroll charged.

Griffin pulled back.

The advancing Kroll staggered into the path of the second Kroll, his comrade’s blade ploughing into his thigh.

Griffin saw his opening. He sprang forward and thrust his blade into the second Kroll’s abdomen. Immediately he withdrew his blade. Rolling his wrist, he drove the weapon backward into the other Kroll.

Incredible,’ Cassius marvelled, standing over his slain opponent. You’ve never tried that move in sparring classes. I’m glad you are on my side." He winked and raced to the door at the end of the corridor.

***

As the two young Caladons made their way through the monastery, they were forced to attack only when Kroll numbers were few. Although their battle confidence had increased, and it was clear the Krolls were not as well trained as the Caladons, there were still too many of them.

Griffin’s frustration was rising: Somewhere in the monastery, fellow Caladons were being killed, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Making their way upstairs, they hid inside the nearest doorway entrance along the hallway. The Krolls had passed this way. Bodies of Caladons and Krolls littered the floor. The Caladons must have fought valiantly: although heavily outnumbered a greater number of Krolls lay twisted amongst them.

Griffin struggled to subdue his emotions. Fear, rage and grief all merged under his heightened adrenalin. He held onto his sword with both hands, preventing it from trembling. Although he had killed, the anger from losing his friends had numbed any remorse.

A horn blared across the monastery.

The two men crept to the edge of the balcony and looked down at the main hallway.

Hordes of Krolls gathered. A Kroll sergeant bellowed, The mission is complete. Move out! The Krolls thundered out of the hallway, yelling a deafening victory cry.

A moment later, the rampage was over.

Griffin’s heart sank. They had been in the monastery for less than an hour, and yet their mission was complete? What mission?

***

The two young Caladons checked for survivors in the dormitory, each searching in different rooms.

Griffin felt his sword tremble in his hand again. His adrenalin was subsiding and the shock of battle began to chill him. His eyes began to mist over and he was fighting back the tears.

An hour ago their lives had been so simple, innocent. And now, their world was completely changed.

As he felt the pulse of the student lying on the ground, he could not suppress a tear, which rolled down his cheek.

Griff, Cassius exclaimed, rushing into the room. I found Landau. His leg is hurt but he should be fine. I have him compressing his wound but we need to move him into the infirmary.

Griffin sniffed, wiped the tear, and mumbled, Liloc is dead.

Cassius’ smile faded.

The horror of death and the moans of agony around him muddled Griffin’s thinking. Who else perished? What if the Krolls return? Will the town help us? They needed leadership. They needed Sir Flavion.

Cassius placed a hand on Griffin’s shoulder, Griff, I’m sorry about Liloc. I know you were good friends but you need to hold your wits about you. No one in our class thinks clearer than you. We need to help the survivors.

Cassius was not as impacted by the dead. New to the monastery, he had not established bonds like Griffin had. Liloc was Griffin’s first friend in the monastery.

But Cassius was right. Although he felt dismayed by the gravity of the situation, Griffin knew he had to stay focused. He had to help survivors. He breathed deeply and stood.

You’re right, Cass, he cleared his throat, survivors come first. Let’s move them into the infirmary. Then we must find Sir Flavion. He will know what to do.

Cassius nodded, I saw two students standing around at the end of the corridor. We could ask them to help us move survivors and fetch help from the town.

Good. Let’s check this floor. Griffin knew that keeping busy would divert his focus from his anxiety. An incident as a boy had taught him two valuable lessons for curing his fear: focus on others and take action.

In fifteen minutes the young Caladons had found five survivors. With the other two students, they moved the men into the infirmary.

The infirmary had three nurses tending to the wounded and a number of other assistants supporting them. The room was cramped with the smell of blood filling the air. With many helpers tending to the wounded, and with little medic training, Griffin and Cassius decided to search for Sir Flavion.

The two men raced up the stairs to the third floor and rushed along the main corridor. Sir Flavion’s office was at the end of the corridor.

Cass, Griffin said. Do you notice something?

Yes. There are many more dead Krolls here, closer to Sir Flavion’s office?

They jumped over the bodies strewn on the floor, and increased their pace towards the office.

Hanging on the wooden door of the office was an ornate metal sign, engraved with the title Light Leader.

Griffin nudged the door open, cringing as the hinges creaked. He heard what sounded like a sword being drawn from its scabbard.

Kroll, he whispered to Cassius, pointing inside.

The two drew their own swords out quietly.

Griffin peered through the opening, glancing around. Apart from bodies on the ground, no one was standing. He nodded to Cassius to be ready.

He threw the door open and leapt to the far end of the room. Cassius jumped to the centre. They waved their swords about them, ready to do battle.

The room was in total disarray. Books littered the ground and bodies of three Caladons lay around a great number of dead Krolls. On the far right of the room, Sir Flavion’s large worn desk lay sideways.

Griffin gaze fell on a figure kneeling at the side of the table.

A heavily-built Caladon held a sword in front of him. The Caladon wore a fourth year student arm band. He looked much older than a regular fourth year, possibly in his early forties. He had strong features, a large frame, dark hair and a light beard. The rugged Caladon was alive and well, and knelt beside an elderly man on the ground.

Sir Flavion, Cassius cried. Is he dead?

The two rushed to Sir Flavion’s side.

The fourth year placed his sword on the ground and spoke in a deep resonating voice, He is badly hurt. He was stabbed a number of times before I arrived. He paused, I fear he is almost gone.

Sir, can you hear us? Griffin asked.

Flavion’s eyes were slits. He strained to open them. A weak moan escaped him and he swallowed. Opening his mouth and through trembling lips he said, You must find the circle...

Circle? Cassius looked in confusion at the others, What circle?

Flavion continued, …the Orbis. You must find it…the time has come…, Flavion lurched as the pain caused him to contort.

Orbis? the fourth-year said. He must be delusional.

No! Flavion snapped. Clasping Griffin’s hand, he said, It is time. Sodin prophesied that this day would come. Molloch has finally attacked a great monastery on the dual new moon.

Calm down, Sir, Griffin said. He looked at Cassius, We need to get him to the infirmary.

No, Flavion sputtered, no infirmary. It is too late for me. He pointed to Griffin, then to the others, But you…you must all make the journey. Grabbing Griffin’s collar, he spasmed from another jolt of pain. As it passed, he pulled Griffin closer and looked deeply into his eyes. You must all go. Seek the Orbis. It is the time of the prophecy. Only the Orbis can help us in this dark time. We have been forewarned…—he struggled with his words, lying back on the ground—…the dual new moon concealed the attack. We have been forewarned. The Orbis must be found. Go! He swallowed then raised a finger in warning, But beware, if Molloch comes to know your mission, he will stop at nothing to destroy you… Flavion gasped and released a drawn-out breath, his eyes remaining open.

The other Caladon checked Flavion’s pulse and his breathing. Moving his hand to close the old man’s eyes, he shook his head.

Their leader was dead.

Chapter 2 - Mission

Griffin’s mind reeled. His feeling of dismay returned. He felt sick. How could they recover from the loss of Sir Flavion, their great leader and source of direction?

The other Caladon stood. I am Ambrose, he said.

I’m Cassius, and this is Griffin.

Griffin looked at Ambrose curiously. There was something strange about him. He didn’t look like a typical Caladon. A scar furrowed his right forehead and he had a rugged, battle-worn face. Griffin detected a faint accent when he said his name. If he was a fourth year, Ambrose must have joined the Caladons at a mature age.

You realise the Orbis probably does not exist, Ambrose said dryly. It is a legend, the stuff of fairy tales.

Griffin frowned. Sir Flavion had great wisdom, he said without hiding his irritation. We must obey his request. He must have had a good reason for charging us with this journey. I have read the prophecy—

I have read it too, Ambrose snorted as he sheathed his sword, but to ask us to chase a fable? The Orbis is only mentioned in a few lines of text. This search sounds like a waste of time.

Ambrose, Cassius said, Sir Flavion did not believe in fairy tales. We must do as he says. It was his last request.

Griffin was suspicious. Why was Ambrose against Sir Flavion’s instruction? And why had he never seen Ambrose in the monastery before?

Alright, Ambrose said, raising his hand in capitulation, but if the Orbis does exist, surely more experienced Caladons should be selected to complete the mission. You and Cassius are only in your second year and I am in my fourth. We are not the appropriate people for such a mission.

Griffin considered his argument. If the Orbis was real, then perhaps more worthy Caladons should be tasked with finding it. The three students would be more useful rebuilding the monastery. Griffin stood, Let us talk about this later. For now, I think we should help the other survivors.

Agreed, Ambrose gave Cassius his hand to help him up. As you say, let us do more useful work.

Griffin frowned again. That was not what he had said.

***

The blinding burst of light caught Griffin off guard.

Distracted by the thought of what Sir Flavion had asked of them, Griffin had straggled behind Ambrose and Cassius as they entered the kitchen to look for survivors. It was the only reason he had avoided being blinded by the attack against the two students who entered before him.

Griffin nudged the door open slightly and peered in.

In the dim light he saw a figure approach the two men sprawled on the floor. It stopped over them, its back towards him.

A light burst was a Shormaline Caladon’s weapon but whoever this figure was, it had ambushed his two companions. The figure bent over to inspect its victims.

This was his chance.

He threw open the door and dove at its legs. His timing was perfect.

The door crashed loudly against the wall and surprised the figure as it bent over. Turning awkwardly, it became unbalanced precisely as Griffin slammed into it.

The figure crashed head-first onto the floor, hands crossed in front of it to protect its face. It swung its arms wildly about, trying to latch onto Griffin and knock him off its back.

Griffin sensed the figure was much lighter than him, so he used his weight and pressed down hard on it. Pinning one arm with his elbow, he pushed its other arm down with his foot.

With his opponent pinned, Griffin scanned its clothing and realised it was a Caladon. You are one of us, he exclaimed and rolled off.

Who are you? the figure groaned, rolling over.

Griffin recognised the voice. Alexa, it is me, Griffin.

Young Griffin, she said, clutching her left arm and grimacing in pain. You certainly are a heavy force to be reckoned with.

Why did you attack Cassius and Ambrose? Griffin stood and began helping her to her feet.

I did not know if the Krolls had left the monastery. I assumed these two were Krolls entering into the kitchen. They appeared to be scouting in pairs She dusted herself, straightened her clothing, and began rubbing her reddened forehead.

Alexa, their spiritual instructor, always behaved in a composed manner. Although she would have been in her early forties, her dark hair and fresh complexion gave her a youthful appearance. Griffin often wondered if Alexa had grown up in a wealthy family. Her movements were so dignified and graceful.

They have left the monastery, Griffin said. He gestured to the men sprawled on the floor, What did you do to Cassius and Ambrose?

I stunned them with a weak light burst, she said. It should last only a minute or so. She tidied herself and looked at Griffin, It is an advanced spiritual technique you will learn in your fifth year.

Cassius groaned and Griffin went to his aid. Alexa helped Ambrose.

What hit us? Ambrose muttered as he held his forehead.

I am truly sorry. It was me, Alexa, she helped him sit. I am a Shormaline spiritual instructor. I assumed you were Krolls and stunned you with a weak light burst. I was merely being cautious. Who are you?

Ambrose grabbed a table for support and stood. He curtsied weakly, My name is Ambrose. I was transferred from the Great Western Monastery last week.

Griffin raised an eyebrow. No wonder he had not recognised Ambrose. It was strange that he should be transferred shortly before the attack, and in the middle of term. Griffin wondered why was he the first Caladon at Sir Flavion’s side, when the fourth year dormitory was some distance from the Light Leader’s office?

You must be a Shormaline, Ambrose said. That is a great power you have,

Yes, Griffin interjected. Something we could really use on our journey.

Journey? Alexa intoned.

It was something Sir Flavion instructed us to do, Griffin replied.

Sir Flavion? her face lit up. Where is he? Is he safe?

He is dead, Ambrose stated bluntly.

Alexa’s expression changed from joy to shock. Her eyes glazed over as she breathed deeply and leaned backward, holding the side of a table. After a moment she shook her head, This is terrible news. We must find other surviving council members so we can elect our next Light Leader.

Griffin felt relieved. Alexa was a council member and would know exactly what to do. The Council would appoint a new Light Leader and they would have new direction.

Alexa paused and turned to Griffin, You mentioned Sir Flavion instructed you to embark on a journey. What precisely did he ask?

Something fantastic, Cassius called out as he struggled to his feet. He asked us to find the Orbis. Those were his last words. The three of us must find the Orbis. He rubbed his head and looked around the room, Um, did anyone see that bull that just charged through the kitchen?

The Orbis, Alexa’s eyes widened. She spoke to herself, can it be true?

Griffin said, I thought we should help the survivors today and plan our journey tomorrow.

Wait, Ambrose interrupted. We should inform the council and take their direction. I am certain they would appoint more appropriate Caladons for such a mission.

Ambrose, Cassius said, Sir Flavion instructed us to seek the Orbis. It was not a recommendation or a suggestion. He didn’t say to seek advice. He didn’t say to find others to complete the mission. He said that the three of us must seek the Orbis.

I realise that, Ambrose replied. But much needs to be done here. The right people should be chosen for such an important mission. He turned to Alexa, We are only students.

Ambrose clearly did not wish to follow Sir Flavion’s wish. Although his reasoning was rational, the three were given a direct instruction. One of the first tenets of being a Caladon was to obey their leader, unless it contradicted the teachings given by the creator, the Light. Why was Ambrose fighting this? Griffin turned to Alexa, What do you think?

Ambrose and Cassius gazed at Alexa.

She stroked her chin. The Orbis is a prophecy of great importance. But it is one from which many exaggerated stories have originated from. I see why you wish to seek qualified advice. However, Sir Flavion was the most learned of all the council members. Also, it is the way of a Caladon. You must follow his instruction and go on this journey.

Ambrose frowned and straightened, Well, if that is the case, we must make provisions for the journey.

Did Sir Flavion say where you must go? Alexa asked.

He said something about a circle, Cassius replied. Do you know what this could mean?

Alexa pondered. I do not know. There are many things only a Light Leader is given to know. I am told that after they are appointed, they are given teachings from the Light as taught by Sodin himself. I presume those teachings include the Orbis.

Then, Ambrose said, "we