Kaleon's lungs were on fire as he slumped down the wall . The golden light of the rod had once again filled the room. Its warmth offsetting the ice that filled Kaleon's veins.

He'd told Silverhand everything. From his parent's murder, the constant nightmares, everything. Kaleon was pretty sure he'd never talked that fast in his entire life. He scratched Gumbo's trembling back. The familiar growled in defiance as he stood in between Kaleon and Silverhand.

Silverhand leaned against the door, arms crossed as a wind hand held the lantern out before him. He was scowling, ignoring Kaleon and Gumbo, and looking solely at the lantern. Another windhand lifted the glass of water off the floor. It brought it over to Kaleon, who hesitated before taking it. "There's a boathouse on the edge of the grounds. You know how to get there, right?" Silverhand asked as Kaleon gulped the water down. Kaleon nodded, and Silverhand continued. "Great, pack as much as you can carry, only the essentials."

Kaleon blinked, wiping at his mouth, "Why?"

Silverhand stared at the lantern for another second, then shifted his gaze to Kaleon, "'Cause Seabreeze, when things go wrong, they usually go wrong all at once, and I doubt you'll get another chance."

Kaleon paused briefly, realizing that he hadn't answered his question and, at the same time, wondered if he should risk trying to rush the smaller Yana. All he'd need to do was get out the door and alert the kitchen staff less than a few feet away. On paper, Kaleon thought he'd had the advantage, but some instinct told him that his actual chances were slim to none. Putting those thoughts aside, Kaleon gathered the rest of his things. He had a few personal items to begin with.

Silverhand raised a curious eyebrow as he watched Kaleon pull the empty box from its compartment in the floor and put it in a small dimensional pouch he tied to his waist.

"Um," Kaleon started meekly, gesturing to the lantern, "Do you want me to hold that for you?"

Silverhand smirked, "Well, that depends. Do you mind if I hold on to it?"

He gave Kaleon a long look that made the larger man shift uncomfortably.

Kaleon was about to say he'd like it back, but Silverhand got in his face and looked at him under raised eyebrows. "Uh, no, no, I don't mind at all."

"Great!" Silverhand smiled. One of his wind hands returned the shackles to his wrist, and Silverhand turned on a heel to snatch the lantern as it dropped out of the air without the assistance of his magic. Unlike before, the lantern didn't suck all the light out of the room. Shining that same white light as it had done for Kaleon.

Silverhand opened his button-up shirt, and Kaleon thought he was just going to shove it inside. Which wouldn't have hidden it at all. Not that Kaleon would complain if his soon-to-be kidnapper was quickly found out. Instead, when the lantern touched Silverhands chest, the white light dimmed as the treasure sunk into his body.

Kaleons mouth dropped open at the sight, and without elaborating, Silverhand said, "Alright, we're gonna walk out of here like nothing's going on. They should be too busy to care about us anyway." He opened the door for Kaleon. "Oh, and I hate to threaten you, but try anything, and you'll be surprised how fast these cuffs can come off,"

"How did-what did-what are you?" Kaleon stammered, processing what he had just seen. Not only did he just put the treasure inside of him, which was an insanely discomforting magic in itself, but the fact he could use magic at all with an Ininka cuff should've been impossible.

"I'm the guy who's helping even when it's against his better judgment. Now come on." Silverhand huffed.

Kaleon wasn't sure how to respond, staring at Silverhand like an idiot. Silverhand shook his head, grabbed Kaleon by the wrist, and dragged him out. Gumbo growled again but quickly followed Kaleon out of the bedroom.

The kitchen was a mess of activity, and jealousy momentarily made Kaleon forget about his situation. Every station was being used, filling the air with the intoxicating smells of spices and grilled meat. Chef Cybil was directing the staff like a general in a war, ensuring that they never sacrificed quality despite the overwhelming quality they were serving. Kaleon's cooking skills were good. Good enough that he'd taken over most of the Manor's meals, but he hadn't yet gotten a chance to cook for an event. Let alone something as big as this, and he couldn't help but wish he hadn't agreed to actually attend this party rather than work during it.

Drool started to drip from Gumbo's mouth as he took in a giant whiff, "Oh no, you don't," Kaleon grunted as he scooped the familiar up; the last thing he wanted to do was be the reason the food was messed up.

Silverhand put his hand on Kaleon's shoulder, reminding him of what he was supposed to be doing. Trying his best not to be a disruption, Kaleon held the whining Gumbo in his arms as he waded through the kitchen. He got a couple of disdainful glances, but they otherwise ignored him. Nobody said anything if anyone found him being ushered out of there by a man in cuffs.

Kaleon started to sweat as he neared the door. If he was going to try to get someone's attention, it had to be now or never. He looked around, briefly making eye contact with Chef Cybil. Kaleon said, "Alright, Bill. If you need me to lend a hand, just let me know!"

Cybil paused what he was doing, looking at Kaleon with a puzzled look. "Aye, wait a second,"

Kaleon and Silverhand froze. Kaleon silently thanked the Gods for getting Cybil's attention. For one thing, Kaleon had never called him Bill a day in his life, and for another, Cybil would sooner serve up his own hands than admit he needed Kaleon's help with anything.

Silverhand and Kaleon looked to regard Chef Cybil, who was plating the silver platters before they floated away. Cybil looked to Silverhand, "Mr. Nahm, Captain Dashard is looking for you. He said it's in regards to your attire for this evening."

Kaleons heart sank. "Of course!" Silverhand said cheerily, "Thanks for letting me know." With that, Chef Cybil returned to his plating and ushered Kaleon out the back.

Gumbo floated a few feet before them, leading them down the path illuminated by glowing moss and algae growing inside the volcano walls. Cheering and music flowed from the town as people geared up for tonight's festival.

Kaleon contemplated running for it but again found his instincts deciding against it. For one thing, Kaleon discretely tried to find information on the lantern for a decade, even using Dashards access to Naval archives. He saw nothing and had to stop when Dashards superiors asked about his inquiries. Silverhand was the first real lead Kaleon had on the treasure for which his parents were killed. Kaleon wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste.

Silverhand didn't look at Kaleon while they traversed the floral labyrinth, doing little more than muttering to himself under his breath. When they reached the boathouse, Silverhand rushed Kaleon in and looked behind them to ensure nobody followed them before shutting the iron gate door behind him.

"Okay, first things first," Silverhand started to pace the room, "What do you know about Treasures?"

Kaleon stood there awkwardly, Gumbo plopping down beside him, "Some of the basic historical stuff and the classifications."

"Okay, good, good," Silverhand nodded to himself, "So you know they'd throw you in jail if they knew you had this."

"What?" Kaleon said, a funny look spreading across his face. This had to be another one of his exaggerations.

Silverhand stopped in his tracks, "You're kidding, right? Kaleon, the Eclipse Lantern, is an island killer."

He was deadly serious, and that sent waves of emotions crashing through Kaleon's body. "What? No way. I mean, pirates wanted it, sure, but it can't be that strong. I would've noticed!" Kaleon stammered, then silently muttered, "I think."

Silverhand gave him a pitiful look. "Oh, my sweet child, you have no idea what's on the way. Lucky for you, this fits in with what I have going on. So you can tag along with me." He looked at Gumbo. Make sure he stays put until I come back for you."

Gumbo tilted his confusion as Kaleon sputtered, "Wait, what? Why would I come with you? Who's on their way? Why would I be staying here? If something dangerous is going to happen, we need to tell Dashard."

Silverhand started toward the door, "To get you arrested? No way. How are you going to help break me out?" Before Kaleon could freak out, he added, "There's triple the usual protections, and that was before Captain Chin got paranoid about me being there. It's as good a defense as they'll get."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Okay, that answers one of like a dozen more questions." Kaleon's breath quickened with his beating heart. If Silverhand was being honest, and Kaleon had a terrifying suspicion he was, this would be worse than he'd ever feared. "Silverhand, who's after the lantern?"

Silverhand made a face, looking like he wasn't sure how to respond. "Pirates. Ones who've been looking for it for a very long time," he said after a moment, "And it's not just the lantern. Treasures, especially the powerful ones, are picky with whom they let use them. The pirates coming'll know that, and know that if it's finally active after all this time…"

He let the words hang, but Kaleon finished it, "Someone had to have done it." His voice was barely a whisper. Kaleon felt sick. He ran his fingers through his hair as his brain processed what Silverhand told him.

"What have I done?" Kaleon put his face in his hands as he leaned against the wall, sliding to the floor. "People are going to die," Gumbo whined softly, nudging the man's arm. After a few seconds, Kaleon accepted his familiar and pulled him in close. "People are going to die, and it's because of me,"

Silverhand walked over to stand over Kaleon, silently watching the reaction with a complicated mix of emotions on his face. He knelt down on his haunches and reached over to touch Kaleons shoulder. He hesitated, then drew his hand back.

"Look at me, Seabreeze," Silverhand said softly, and Kaleon slowly lifted his head to look at him. Kaleon felt tears sting his eyes, but his grip on Gumbo kept him steady. "Me and those pirates that're comin' got unfinished business. So I'll take the lantern and pop into the party while you stay here. With any luck, we'll be outta here by noon tomorrow."

Rainbow fireworks flashed in the skies above the town. The musicians of Teon marched the cobblestone streets, their songs livening the already energetic evening. Children laughed as they ran through the dancing crowd, not a care in the world as they waited for an unforgettable night of wonder to begin.

"I should still go, though. I can't wait here while everyone else deals with my mess. That's not right." Gumbo hopped off Kaleons lap as he started to get up. Silverhand put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Unless you know how to deal with immortal shadow pirates, I suggest you stay put," Silverhand said matter-of-factly and chuckled when he caught Kaleon's expression. "No point in letting them have their cake and eat it too, y'know what I mean?"

He didn't like it, but Kaleon knew he was vastly out of his depth of experience. Gumbo softly whined as he nuzzled into him, and Kaleon begrudgingly nodded.

Silverhand patted Kaleons shoulder and stood up to go back to the door. He opened it, but Silverhand paused in the doorway. Kaleon watched him, afraid that he'd suddenly remember a new terrifying detail that would've made him feel worse than he already did. Silverhand turned back to face him but didn't meet Kaleons eyes, "One last thing…a favor, really." Silverhand mer Kaleons gaze now, and to Kaleons surprise, he caught a glimpse of vulnerability behind Silverhands golden eyes. "If you do end up testing your luck in the Manor, and you see me down for the count? Make sure they get all the Ininka off me before they toss my body. Can't have folks thinking I went out without a proper fight. I got a reputation to protect."

Kaleon almost smirked, musing if this was another one of his jokes, but the look in Silverhands eyes told Kaleon it wasn't. There was clearly something he wasn't saying, and despite Silverhand trying to play it off, it seemed important.

"Okay," Kaleon said with a nod. Silverhand held his hand for half a second longer, then walked out of the boathouse, shutting the door behind him.

Kaleon held Gumbo's face in his hands, looking intently into the familiar's big beady eyes. He couldn't find the words to express his feelings at the center of all this. Some of him still held out that Silverhand was wrong and likely insane. Deep down, Kaleon knew it was the truth. He'd known it the minute he saw the lit lantern in his hand.

Kaleon blew out his cheeks. "Guess it's just you and me again, huh, bud?"

Gumbo squealed and jumped forward to lick Kaleon in the face. Kaleon instinctively closed his eyes and reached to hold the slobbering blimp pig at bay. Gumbo whined at not being able to attack or lick him, and Kaleon opened his eyes when he realized his hands were empty.

An arm of swirling blue wind reached over from Kaleons shoulder to playfully mush Gumbo's face to keep it away from his.

"Huh," Kaleon said absently. Now that Silverhand wasn't directly threatening him and he had a moment to breathe, it had formed with no problem. "I wonder…"

It took a second of concentration, but the wind arm dissipated, the air returning transparent as Kaleons authority on it released. Gumbo, still pushing to get at Kaleons face, suddenly fell forward. The two collided, their heads butting together with a thud.

Gumbo let out a low, dissatisfied grumble. "Okay, I should've thought that through," Kaleon said, taking a moment to blink the stars out of his eyes. Much to the familiar's annoyance, he retook Gumbo's chubby face and played with his cheeks. "But I keep telling you to stop licking people in the face. Man, I can feel the lump forming already."

Cool fingers pawed at Kaleons forehead, and sure enough, he could feel the spot where they'd collided slowly start to well up. A second later, Kaleon yelped as he realized he was using one too many hands again. To Gumbo, he said, "This is going to take some getting used to,"

The first thing Kaleon decided to do with his apparently free night was practice this newfound mastery.

It was initially irritating because Kaleon still had to put a conscious effort into creating them. His breakthrough, funnily enough, came from recalling Silverhands magic lesson. Kaleon realized his fault was that he intently focused on each aspect of the spell separately. He'd been trying to manually release the magic stored in his body, use it to mold the air around them into the shape of an arm, and then have that arm perform whatever task he wanted.

Instead, Kaleon mentally mimed doing things with his arms, even though he kept the real ones at his side. A nervous bead of sweat rolled down his brow, followed by a soft and refreshing breeze as the arms coalesced. The blue arms lifted Gumbo off the ground with ease, then set him back down a foot to the right.

"Yes!" Kaleon pumped four fists into the air in triumph, eliciting an excited squeal from Gumbo. It was a small victory in light of current events. Still, Kaleon happily took whatever distraction he could to distract himself from what Silverhand said.

An idea popped into Kaleon's mind, mixing into the already volatile concoction of his thoughts and emotions. "That's a good way to get yourself killed, Kal," he told himself. Gumbo tilted his head at him, but Kaleon shook his head. "Nothing, bud," Kaleon said, pushing the idea out of his mind. C'mon, I wanna see what other things I can do."

The next few hours were blissfully uneventful. Kaleon got the hang of making the arms. He discovered that he could make all three sets with no issue, but making objects out of wind used up some of his magic at a reduced cost than it had in the past.

Teons bell towers released a harmonious ring that blanketed the island, signaling midnight's approach. The rampant revelry of the town took on a different tune. It was still upbeat but with distinct somber undertones, almost like a funeral procession. Musicians congregated, leading the townsfolk under floral arches that lined the streets. Hundreds of shrines gently floated along the channels, slowly spilling into the lagoon.

Kaleon and Gumbo sat on a cloud at the head of the channel, watching the events. A pair of blue arms grabbed the channel sides, keeping them in place. Gumbo squealed and fidgeted in Kaleons lap, barely able to contain his excitement.

Each island celebrated the Harvetal differently, but each day followed a theme that was consistent across them all. The days leading up to and the first day of the Harvetal were always reserved for the dead. We pay our respects for their guidance and honor them the best way the Yanayin know how. As the old Yana saying goes, 'What better way to honor the dead than by partying like they're still alive.'

Thousands of dancing candlelights littered Teon's crystal lagoon, floating on a bed of flower petals. The ring of the bell towers subsided, making way for a new song to fill the cool night air. They sang an ancient song in the tongue of old Yana. There was no direct translation into trade, and few knew what the words truly meant, but it was a song of love, loss, grief, mourning, and perseverance. Kaleon felt a brief twinge of regret not making his parents a shrine this year, but it passed as a gale of rainbow wind swirled above the town. As the chorus of townsfolk continued to sing, the congregation of wind grew increasingly restless. Like the air itself couldn't contain its excitement more than Gumbo's.

The belltowers chimed again, signaling midnight's approach at the same time the song reached its crescendo. A whirlwind of rainbow colors raced across the island, picking up flower petals as it blew through the Manors' floral labyrinth and the town's cobblestone streets into the lagoon. The colored wind lifted the shrines in a tornado meant to fling them through the crater and let them fly like fireflies across the Iega. Except that's not what happened.

Kaleons jaw dropped, and the islander's song died on their lips. Somehow, someone had used a rock to plug Teon's crater without anyone noticing. No, rock wasn't the right word. It was like a God had torn off a mountain and stuffed it into the space of the crater. The monstrous chunk of stone looked eerie in the wall mosses' glow, a mix of dark grey and glossy obsidian black. When the rainbow tornado flung the shrines into it, some fell back to the town. At the same time, a majority disappeared into dozens of pockmarks that lined its stony exterior.

Because of the distance, Kaleon couldn't be sure of the scale, but most of the holes were smaller than the sea cave entrance. The biggest was at least five times that, however.

The Naval Base lit up in alarm, sounding a warning siren. Most of the currently docked ships belonged to Lord Reinard's guests. Nearly every vessel that belonged to the Navy was already out patrolling the island's perimeter, which made the fact that this had gotten here without raising any alarms all the more unsettling.

Just as the first reserve Navy ships took to the air, Kaleon spotted lights coming out of the caves. At first glance, he thought they were the lanterns again but realized these were white instead of the yellow-orange of a fire.

Gumbo whimpered as a titanic Wyrm blinked a thousand tiny white eyes onto the town. It had to squeeze its massive bulk out of the largest hole. Kaleons heart raced as others followed. These were dusk gray and tiny compared to the Wyrm, but there were dozens of them. Some of the wyrmling's faces opened up to reveal chittering maws of needle-like teeth. Without warning, the Wyrm reared its head and hurled itself at the Manor.

Thunderous cannon fire lit up the night as Navy ships opened fire. They swarmed around the Wyrm but had to scatter moments later as the Wyrmlings attacked them.

Kaleon winced at the billowing GONG of the Wyrm slamming into the Fortress ring barrier and not the Manor. The shield was usually invisible, but a brilliant green light glowed where the Wyrm's face touched.

Seeing the protective barrier should've brought Kaleon hope, and it did for the first five seconds. He wasn't sure what was happening, but black veins started to appear across the force field from where the Wyrm continued to press its face into it—spreading like an infection that slowly turned the protective barrier of light into a prison of shadows.

The smaller wyrmlings paused in destroying Navy vessels to open their toothy maws. Before Kaleon knew what hit him, the wyrmlings released an ear-piercing screech in unison. It was an awful, bellowing sound so loud it spread out in a wave of concussive force that destroyed the cloud where Gumbo and Kaleon sat. Cool rushing water drenched Kaleon to the chest, but he felt it only for a moment. The back of his head hit the stone channel wall, and everything faded to black.