I wake to the rising sun. A red and yellow glow spreads out over the landscape. I sit up easily and realize whatever had knocked me out earlier had corrected itself. I am lying in a small patch of flattened grass.
I stand up to get a better view. I see no one in sight. There is a faint smell of rotting flesh wafting through the air. The grass waves as though there is a breeze, but I am unable to feel it.
My stomach does a slight growl. I pick out the list of items in my pouch and find fruit. I retrieve some fruit and begin eating. I figure the girls are still scouting. As for Rock, I don't know. I don't actually know if dragons even sleep, but I figure they do from Oaky's comment last night. Being trained as a fighter Rock may just do quick naps or simply doesn't need as much sleep as I do.
I hear a groan come from in front of me on the ground. I look and see nothing. “Boy you're up early,” I hear Rock's voice, but I don't see him.
“Um, did you lose yourself or have I gone blind to people?” I ask.
“Huh?” he asks then after a pause says, “Oh sorry.” He materializes on the ground, He is on his back with his hands behind his head. “Sorry I forgot to remove my hide spell. The girls said we were safe, but old habits are hard to break.”
“Wish I had thought of that. Hmm I wonder if making us all invisible would be too much on me?” I ask of the air.
Rock laughs, “Not a good idea. We couldn't see each other.”
“Doh, can you tell I'm not good at the obvious?”
“It took me several years of battle practice to think on my feet. I think you're doing quite well for no training.”
“Thanks, but let's hope my lack of experience doesn't hinder us.”
“If it does, we devise a different strategy. Luckily I was trained in what I call damsel in distress.”
I act girly and fluff at my hair, “Oh you are so sweet you cutie.”
Shock fills his face, “You're sick,” he says repulsed.
“Oh relax it's just a joke.”
“Yeah but still, you're just not my type. I go for the more burly.”
I can't help myself, I start laughing so hard I collapse to the ground. I gain a bit of control and look at Rock who has the most cheesy cat grin I have ever seen. The laughter bursts out again even worse than before.
“Whats going on?” I hear Oaky in the distance.
“I don't know, I told him I can save even burly damsels and this is what happened,” he says.
As soon as I hear the word burly I increase again just as I was about to stop. I can feel them all looking at me. I try to stop, but the more I feel them watching me the more I laugh. After what I feel was several minutes I regain control again and calm down.
“What was that all about?” Oaky asks.
“I can answer that,” Rock says. I brace myself for another bout of laughter as he says, “It's a natural reaction to battle stress. Most warriors go through it once if not multiple times.
I was told it is the body and mind trying to make sense of it all. Laughter is very therapeutic. It first tenses every muscle in the body, then when you stop laughing every muscle tends to completely relax. I just hope this is all he has to deal with. I heard of one warrior going into a laughing fit during a battle practice. Not pleasant.” Rock says with confidence and a bit of comfort.
“Really, so high stress and or tension causes it?” I ask.
“Most of the time, but not all,” he responds.
“Well lets hope it doesn't happen in battle,” Falls says, “That could get us all killed.”
“What a way to raise my spirits,” I say.
Falls looks at me confused, “I wasn't trying to. I was just vocalizing a concern.” she says.
“Okay is it just you or do knomes in general not grasp sarcasm?” I ask.
“Knomes in general, I would have to say. That would explain why most other races don't ask us to parties. I was told once that knomes bring the party down. Whatever that means.”
“It means that you tend to bring down the excitement level. But that was rude to say. I will be sure to ask knomes to any party I throw,” I say sympathetically.
“I think I understand. And why would it be rude, they just stated a fact. I don't know any knomes that like parties, but you can always try,” she says without annoyance.
“Well I see why knomes are good advisers now,” I say, “You don't pull punches, and don't take anything personally.”
“If you mean we don't hold back the truth, you are right. And there is no reason to take anything personally. The other person is not you,” She returns.
“I guess that makes you wise gold,” I say then add, “That's a joke Falls.”
“I know I caught the gist. A rather intellectual joke,” she responds almost emotionless.
“Well I guess we better be off before it gets too hot. Unless anyone wants a bite to eat.” I say.
“I don't eat,” Falls says.
“I get my sustenance other ways in nature,” Oaky says.
“I'm okay,” Rock responds, “I brought a few rations. Save what you can, we may need it later.”
“Sounds good. We off then?” I ask and everyone nods. Rock takes the lead again and we follow.
The mountain range looks larger than I remember yesterday. The sun highlights one side of the peeks creating a strange optical illusion. Between two large peeks I see what looks like a floating peek.
“Okay I have never been near mountains, but it seems odd that a peek seems to float in mid air,” I say.
“What?” Rock asks and stops to look at me, “Where?”
I walk up to him and point, “Up there between the two large peaks.”
All three squint to see it. “I don't see anything.” Rock says.
“I do not see it either,” Oaky says.
“It is unlikely a peak could be there. There is no magic that can hold stone and earth in the air.”
“I guess an after effect of my exertion then,” I say.
“Maybe not,” Rock says, “There has been talk of a floating peak in the area. Most of the council dismiss it as an illusion or deception.
My mother believes it exists. When she was young she saw whole mountains float. This was in the human world.
She would tell me stories of the old days when I was young. I would sit for days listening to her stories. And she mentioned a group of humans that left the great city to make a life of their own in this world.
She said that the human elders were in search of the fabled city of Mount Poo Poo. She remembers one of her friends would be gone for years in search of it. But if I recall, she never mentioned if they searched in this world. Makes you wonder.”
“But all human magic was cursed. It should have been destroyed.” I say.
“Not necessarily,” Rock says, “Pull out the dragon cowl. I want to ask my mother something.”
I look at how it is written on the sheet of paper then reach in and pull it out. I hold a multicolored cloth as thin as tissue paper. Rock takes it and wraps it around his neck.
He looks straight ahead and a glaze covers his eyes. All expression leaves his face. His arms go limp to his side. If I didn't know better I would swear I am looking at a zombie.
We stand there for several minutes while Rock stands perfectly still and unblinking. He then blinks and refocuses on me. He gives me the cowl and I put it back in the pouch. It sucks it in like a hungry sweeper.
“She says that would explain why it was never found. It was known to be done with only human magic. So only a human could see it. I was right. Human magic was only blocked or destroyed in the human world. It still remains here, that is why Jode can use his magic.”
“Strange I would think the curse would transcend the world borders. The interlink of the layered blanket of transdimensional waves should have gone through. Well unless the transdimensional borders filter enough to weaken the web,” I say. I look up to see all three of them shocked faces, “What?” I ask.
“Do you realize what you just said?” Oaky asks.
“Yeah, Oh yeah, I forgot the other curse. I don't know which was used, but it could have interlocked in the web. Of course the inorganic objects are the hardest to clear out.
The second curse whether it was the weak or strong version would latch on to the end tendrils and stop them. Damn I wish I had thought of that. That would have been the perfect counter curse. Damn now they are interlacing at an exponential rate. That is the reason for the portals being blocked.
Well depending on how the curses interlace, it will eventually lock together or create a second barrier. Either way the borders can be still crossed, but only at certain times of the year under the right conditions. A good transdimensional detector should allow the web to be seen.”
I realize I had looked down at the ground again so I look up to see more confusion then shock on their faces. “What?” I ask again.
“What in the name of life are you rattling about?” Rock asks.
“The curse and why it didn't affect this world.” I say.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“But you're using words I have never heard, like transdimensional,” He says.
“Oh sorry. It's where the curse resides. Most don't study it till the last. Tends to get frustrating if you don't fully understand the dimensional lacing,” I say.
“You are making no sense. I wonder if you hit your head too hard on Falls,” Rock says.
“Could have, but what does that have to do with dimensional interlacing and curse dynamics?” I ask.
“Because you are babbling,” Rock says.
“No I'm not. Take Mount Poo Poo up there,” I point at the floating peak, “It uses the dimensional barriers as its curtain. Since only humans can see it I would guess they used the three layer veil with a human genome. Well I guess they could have just used blood, it is easier and less complicated a spell.
Although I don't see the anchor line so I'm guessing they used the blood version on the veil. The gnome method requires an earth base to link to.
Oh how ingenious the blood method allows the veil to run independent of links so it makes it harder to trace. But how do they get a link to transport supplies easily, I've got to know.”
“I don't see anything up there,” Falls says.
“Course not, you're not human,” I say.
“No one can make a place invisible to all but one race. And no one has been able to move a mountain peak,” Falls retorts.
“Were you here during the ancient times?” I ask.
“No,” Falls says.
“Then what do you know what they can and can't do?” I ask.
“I can't but no ancient exists now,” she says.
“Damn just as I am beginning to believe you tell me I can't be an ancient.,” I say.
“I did not say that,” Falls says.
“But you did, you said no ancient exists now,” I point out.
“Yes I did, I miss-spoke. I mean there are no ancients from that time existing now.”
“True,” I say, “But I thought we kind of established that human magic can work in this world, so is it not also possible that ancient magic could still be working?” I ask.
“Possible, But not being able to see it will hinder non humans from entering it.” She says.
“Only in the sense that you cannot see it. I would think it detrimental to them at the time to prevent other races from entering. From what I understand dragons and humans interact with each other a lot back then.”
“Interesting assumption. Perhaps likely. But how could we find a way to it?” Falls asks with a hint of questioning in her tone.
“Well not all races can fly and I hope some things are better not to enchant. So they would have to have some transport up to it that will not mess with raw pure materials used in spells.”
“Okay quit that,” Oaky says.
I look at her confused, “Quit what?” I ask hurt.
“Talking like an ancient,” she says almost in tears.
“What do you mean? I'm talking as I always have. Well other then I actually am talking seriously. Kind of nasty in the mouth but workable,” I say.
“I mean this dimensional and material references. Dimensional magic was only used by the ancients and Mrs. Star Seeker. And no one has used raw materials that I know of. It is just referenced in very very old texts.” she says with a crack in her voice. I can hear that it is all she can do to keep from crying.
“I can't use magic that well. Hell I passed out with the three in the fight. And I didn't know they used materials in ancient times. It just fit because of a game in my world. Isn't it all spells had to use some basic materials to cast spells.
I just think it would be possible if I am seeing this lost city up there that there may be some answers to this curse thingy,” I say desperately trying to calm her.
She runs to me and hugs me tight, “Oh Jode.” she says. I look at rock in desperation. He looks at me with that 'You lucky sap'.
I try to pull Oaky off me and she reluctantly responds, “Oaky what is wrong? Why are you so upset?”
“I thought I had lost you,” She answers.
“I'm standing right in front of you. How could I get lost? I haven't tried invisibility yet. Rock made a point I would hate to keep head butting everyone because I can't see them,” I say in desperation.
She wipes her eyes, “I mean I thought you were changing into the ancient. I have grown close to the old Jode, I don't want to lose you.”
“I am who I am Oaky. Even Star says I act like her old friend. So I'm guessing that who I am is who I was. Or is it I am who I am because of who I was. So confusing. Any way you look at it I am here and very confused.” I say.
Oaky laughs and hugs me again. I look at Rock and he is giving me a growl of a look.
I mouth 'I'm sorry'. He just turns and walks off.
“Oh dear life,” I pull Oaky off me and look her in the eye, “Oaky do you have feelings for me?” I say loud enough Rock can hear me. He stops in his spot.
“Of course,” she says. I see every muscle in Rock's body tense.
“But we are different races,” I say desperately.
She slaps me lightly on the chest, “Oh Jode. A mothers children do not have to be of the same race to love them. I hope you are okay with that. Since I am destined to be a historian I doubt I will ever find someone as a mate since I will outlive them all. You are the closest I will ever come to a child,” She says softly and comforting.
This time I hug her. “Thank you,” I say. I am not sure if I am relieved that she does not see me as a lover or because I now know I have a mom in this world.
“Well when you are all done,” Rock says with excitement in his voice, “I would love to see an ancient city. My mom has told me so many stories. I'd love to see them in person.”
Oaky pushes me away and walks up to Rock, “Can you tell me some of them?” she asks.
Rocks looks back with a sly grin, “Sure I'd love to,” he says and I nod.
They head off and I follow. Falls catches up to me and asks, “What is that all about?”
“What?” I ask keeping my attention off somewhere else to keep any inflection from getting in my voice.
“The exchange between you and Rock. And don't deny it. We knomes see very subtle things in people most never see,” she says accusingly.
I sigh, “Please don't say anything to either of them,” I say.
“Another thing the earth is good at, other than being blunt and direct, is hiding secrets. Secrets are part of a knomes life,” She says.
“Just swear you won't say anything,” I say.
“It's not necessary, but if it makes you feel better. I swear on the life of mother earth that anything we say in private will never leave me unless you give permission,” she says.
“Boy, you're thorough. And thanks, it does make me feel better. Rock is in love with Oaky,”
“I know that.”
“Then why did you ask me?”
“We can sense things from actions and expressions, but we are not mind readers. I did not know what your reactions were referring to.”
“Oh okay, can I ask you if she loves him?”
“Since she has not talked to me about it and has not asked me to keep it secret I see no reason not to tell you.
She gives indications she is interested, but then she drops the feelings. I can't say for sure one way or the other,” Falls says a bit confused.
“Then she is falling for him.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I know Oaky, plus she acts just like so many girls I have known that were in love with someone they felt they could never have.”
“I will keep that in mind when I watch them from now on. I just wanted to thank you again for everything you have done for me.”
“I was once told by someone that the best way to thank me is to help others like I helped you. That is the greatest 'thank you' that I can ask for,” I say spacing off.
“I like that philosophy. I thought I would learn a lot from Oaky, but what I have learned from you is a delight.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, hoping she is giving me a compliment.
Falls and I follow Rock and Oaky up the face of the mountain in silence. I can see by Oaky's reactions that she is enjoying Rocks stories immensely.
I don't know how, but Rock seems to know the easiest path up the steep hills and cliffs. I guess since he was raised in the mountains for a hundred years, he more than likely got to know it well.
I hear the sounds of nature all around me. Every once in a while I hear what sounds like a hawk, but much louder. At one point I am sure I see a shadow zip through the rocks. Before I have a chance to focus on it, I see no sign of movement or life.
I look up to see what looks like a large bird circling above us. It circles a few times then flies off out of sight. As we get to the steeper cliffs I hear what sounds like goats bleating.
It gets to the point that I am on my hands and feet to keep stable. I notice that Rock and Oaky have even stopped talking and are focused more on the climbing.
Rock stops at the bottom of a sheer cliff and waits for Falls and I to catch up. Then he says, “I'm going to have to fly up a bit and scout. I'm not sure the best way around this.”
“Okay, don't take too long,” I say.
“Of course,” Rock says with a snide tone. He shifts about to get a stable footing, then jumps in the air and transforms into a dragon. I see him flying around and stopping every so often to take a closer look..
I look at the others. Oaky is watching Rock in amazement. Falls is lying on the ground with her hands flat against the ground and the side of her face to the earth.
“Hear something?” I ask.
“I don't hear like you. I am feeling the earth to see what is in the area.” she says.
“What you feel?”
“The major stone in the area is a type of bedrock covered in many different types of other stone. Bedrock is hard to move and very dangerous too. The other stones are too unstable to use. I would cause a cascade if I tried to shift anything. So we are going to have to use what Rock finds.” she says and stands up.
I look up to see Rock slowly circling down toward us. He stops above Oaky and changes back into human form. He lands and skids down the hill. He falls to his hands to stop himself.
“I don't see any way up. I could have sworn I saw an old path we were following. I just don't know why it stops at a sheer cliff. We are going to have to backtrack a ways to get around it,” Rock says.
“What made you think it was an old path?” I ask.
“There were rock markers. The markers are made of a rock not native to the area,” he explains.
“Yes I did notice them,” Falls says, “This cliff is made of the same material, but covered in native stone.”
“That's strange, why would one stone be covered by another?” Oaky asks.
“To hide its purpose,” I say.
They all look at me and Oaky asks, “What?”
“Why would a non native stone be put in another place?” I ask.
“I don't know for sure,” Falls says, “But only if a different type of stone is needed for stability or if the area's stone is not good for construction.”
“You said that the stones in the area are too dangerous to use correct?” I ask and she nods.
“So the best way to build something is to bring in other stone for construction. But if you just leave that stone in view everyone would know something was made. So to hide it you would cover it with native stone,” I say.
“Your point?” Rock asks annoyed.
“Few more questions hold on,” I say, then look at Falls. “This stone, how far away would you have to go to get it?”
“I don't know. I am not familiar with the stone. It is not from a ten day radius of this area,” she says.
“And how hard is it to work with?”
“I don't know, I am not familiar with it.”
“Well guess.”
“By the density and structure of the rock I would say harder than working with bedrock.” she says.
“One last question. Does it appear to be natural stone?” I ask.
She lays back on the ground with the side of her face and palms. She lays for several seconds then gets up. “It is not natural. The structure has been altered to be stronger and more resilient. The stone on this cliff face is attached on the small level. It is so small in its connection I can't easily see the division between it and the other stone.”
“I can only see one possible reason for it to be here. It's a transport to the city.” I say.
“If that's true how do we use it?” Rock asks.
“Well on a guess I would say by a human. Since the city is hidden to all, but humans I would think they would set the entrance to be the same way. They would only want humans to be able to use it.” I say.
Rock shifts out of my way, “Well open away,” he says.
“Okay,” I say and walk up to it, “Open says me.” I say then turn to say, “I always wanted to do that.”
I turn to think of how to open the wall, when I feel a rumbling in the ground, “Does anyone feel that?” I ask.
“Yep and I don't know anything that can cause that,” Rock says.
I then hear what sounds like rock grinding against rock. I look up and see a straight crack appear on the cliff face. I watch as it slowly opens inward.
“Okay that was a joke, but I'm not complaining” I say. The doors stop once they are perpendicular to their original position. “Do we take a chance?” I ask and see Rock heading in. “Okay,” I say and follow him in.
We all step in past the doors and they begin to close. We all watch tensely as they return to their original position. I hear the stones grind then stop.
We are in the dark for a few seconds then the room illuminates with a glow from everywhere. We are standing in a room as wide as the doors and twice as deep.
The walls glitter like gold and platinum. On the far wall sits a large box shaped device made of gold. The way the illumination reflects off the walls, floors, and the device makes the room appear full of gold and platinum.
“Well Sinbad, I think I found your cave,” I say.
“Who?” Rock asks.
“Never mind, a myth in my world,” I say.