Origins of the Never: A prequel to The Tales of the Neverwar series, with dragons, elves, and faeries. For Young Adults and Teens (2 page)

Across the room, Lynnaria observed the exchange between Tenybris and Or’n. The display earlier had been breath-taking in its terrible fury. The populace of the Citadel delighted as the Dragon host set the sky aflame, but the whole thing caused a nagging doubt to grow in her mind. Something, someone, shouldn’t have been there.

She excused herself and walked the short distance to her chambers. With the door closed behind her, she willed herself to a place she knew well, a grove of trees on the plain outside the Citadel.

Less than a minute later, in a storm of wind, dust and heat, a huge form descended and landed on the ground a short distance away. A golden head the size of a house looked down at Lynnaria and smiled a curiously gentle smile. Curious because the grin bristled with teeth at least a foot long. Lynnaria was unafraid, and smiled back at her friend.

“How are you Glyran? You look well enough, though I have to admit, I’m perplexed why you and your clutch agreed to take part in the performance in front of a city of Eldar.”

The Dragon’s face was capable of a vast range of expressions, and at this moment, the only way to describe it was one of nervousness.

“Can’t a Dragon be allowed to do something nice for an old friend on her wedding day?” he growled.

“Yes, you can, and don’t take this badly my friend, it was a spectacular display, but while I’m sure your love for me might lead you to join in, I’m not sure why your brothers and sisters would feel the same.”

Glyran looked as pensive as Lynnaria had ever seen him. Dragons were direct creatures. They could afford to be. There were few single beings on the world of Teralia who could withstand the fury of one when their temper flared.“I’m sure they had their reasons.”

Lynnaria glared at him. “And I’m sure you have no idea what these reasons are.”

Glyran snorted, prompting a small flame to belch from his mouth. This was proof of his discomfort. Dragon’s considered accidental fire to be the height of bad manners, especially in front of the two-legs. “Their reasons are none of my concern, and they should be none of yours, either.”

Lynnaria heard the warning in Glyran's voice and became alarmed. “I have the strangest suspicion you are hiding something important from me.”

Glyran turned away to hide his expression. “The task is finished, and Tenybris has had his bit of fun. I urge you to inform him that next time we shall not be so forgiving.”

“Tenybris? What has he got to do with this,” Lynnaria asked, “besides arranging the display.”

Glyran snorted again, emitting smoke and flame this time. “Is arranging what he called it? Ha!” More smoke. “It was cajoling, threatening even. But arranging? Ha!” Glyran’s expression darkened even more. “He stole eggs, Lynnaria. Stole them and used them to force us to play the part of obedient pets.”

Lynnaria’s face whitened in shock. She was about to deny it when Glyran spoke again.

“It was only my intervention which prevented war. We both know how destructive that might have become, especially after so many years of peace. Tell him Lynnaria, tell him if he sets foot in the Mountains of Fire again, it will be the last thing he ever does.”

With this warning, Glyran swept out his wings and look flight, almost knocking Lynnaria off her feet. She stood for a while, contemplating what she had just heard. Dragons didn’t lie, they were incapable of it, so what Glyran said Tenybris had done was true. How was she to deal with this? Tenybris had been her friend for years, and was her new husband's best friend, more like a brother to him. If she went to Olumé with this news now, it might risk their friendship, and Tenybris would forever blame her. No, she would confront Tenybris herself. He must have had his reasons for committing such an act of folly. She would speak to him after they returned from their honeymoon. She needed time to plan the best approach.

Sanctuary

“It’s wonderful, Or’n,” said Tenybris, gaping at the vista below. They were on top of the tallest building in the Capital district of Sanctuary, and laid out before them was the most amazing view he had ever seen. The city was everywhere. Buildings hundreds of stories high reached into the clouds, and strange flying machines flew between them, like the Faer folk back home around their tree. There were so many of them, Tenybris thought, and he wondered how they could survive without the constant threat of collision.

“This entire planet is dedicated to one task, Tenybris,” said Or'n. “It provides a central nexus for trade and commerce across the universe, and beyond.”

Tenybris wondered for a second about the 'and beyond' before replying, “Ah, you refer to the alternate realities?” Or'n nodded. “I would never have though it possible beings from alternate timelines could exist in the same dimension.”

“They can't, except here on Sanctuary.” Or'n's chest swelled with pride. “This planet is unique because it lies at the centre of the Never. All the paths between the countless realities begin and end here. That said, we go to great lengths to keep travellers from meeting their alter egos. It isn't common knowledge amongst the majority of them that the beings they pass in the streets could be from an alternate dimension.”

Tenybris laughed. “And I can just imagine the surprise that might occur if one were to meet oneself. I marvel at the perception required to map this Never of yours, Or'n. It really is remarkable.”

Or'n chuckled, “The Never isn't ours, my friend. The Walkers simply possess the gift to see the subtle differences between the paths.”

“I have seen the Never, Or'n. It's beautiful, but utterly chaotic. I would be lost in a heartbeat. I'm afraid none of us have ever been able to understand how Olumé can walk the paths so easily.”

A shadow passed almost unnoticed across Tenybris's face. It was clear to Or'n, however.

“Olumé is as unique as this world is, Tenybris. His gift surpasses even our own native abilities. He can accomplish alone what it requires us to use machines to do.”

“Yes, he is an amazing being,” said Tenybris. Or'n sensed something he would never have thought possible in an Eldar; jealousy. It vanished as soon as he'd caught the taste of it, but Or'n was sure he was correct.

Tenybris, however, resumed his prior enthusiasm. Or’n watched him closely. With his long dark hair whipping in the wind, and the look of glee on his face, he looked nothing like the thousandyearold being he was. He looked more like a child, as he walked from one side of the viewing platform to the other, delighting in the activity below.

His behaviour was completely at odds with the emotion Or'n felt a moment before. He would have to discuss this with Olumé upon his return to Teralia.

Or’n had spent the last two days giving Tenybris the tour of his world’s greatest sights, and his friend had soaked it up like a sponge. He had a constant stream of questions about everything, trivial or otherwise. His innocence was infectious, however, so Or’n enjoyed the experience. Now he wondered again at Tenybris's reasons for coming here.

“I’ll lead you back to your rooms now, my friend,” he said, “I have business to attend to at the Arbiter building that cannot be avoided. Tomorrow, we will go to the markets to find your present. Then I’m afraid I will have to return to Teralia. Will you be returning with me, or staying on Sanctuary for a while?”

“I may stay for a day of two, if that is acceptable,” said Tenybris, smiling. “This place is energising! I want to see more, meet more of the other people. There are so many races, I had no idea.”

Or’n wondered what some of these same people might attempt to do. It was no secret a rift had formed when Olumé nullified the ambitions of those who sought to exploit his people. There were some out there who were not friends, who might seek some form of revenge. Tenybris would be more than capable of defending himself from any physical danger. Even while on Sanctuary, the subtle link binding him to the magic of his home world still persisted. Any hostile encounter would be short-lived. For the first time since arriving back home, Or'n worried for the safety of his own people. There was something happening here which he didn't understand.

There was, however, a need for common courtesy. It wouldn't do for Tenybris to become suspicious.

“Of course, my friend,” he boomed, “I will arrange for one of my colleagues to act as guide in my absence.”

Tenybris seemed satisfied, and nodded his agreement as they walked toward the exit.

“May we join you, my Lord?”

Tenybris started. The view from the gallery had drawn him in, and he’d drank in the view of the city at night. He decided earlier he didn’t want to remain in his room all night, so had taken a walk and ended up here. The spectacular vista before him had kept his attention until the two gentlemen arrived. One of them looked familiar, he thought, but Tenybris had met so many people over the last couple of days.

He waved towards two empty seats. “Of course, my friends, please, sit.”

The two exchanged a glance as they sat down. They remained stiff and unrelaxed, and Tenybris sensed this was no chance encounter.

“Thank you, my Lord,” said the man who had spoken, “My name is Kraan, this is my associate, Draak. I hope you will forgive me for saying this, but we were hoping to find you unaccompanied.”

Tenybris’s curiosity aroused. “Now why would this be? I am but another visitor here.”

Draak chuckled, speaking for the first time. “You are Tenybris. You are no simple visitor, my Lord.”

Tenybris silently cast a spell of protection. He did not understand why these men had sought him out, even less, why they had waited until he was alone, with no Walker guides to watch over him. He was sure their motives were not innocent, and he realised where he knew the one called Draak from.

“You were on Teralia, last year,” he said, “In fact you have been there more than once. I have seen you twice before, though we have never talked.”

The men exchanged another fleeting glance.

“I’m sorry to say there would have been little use in us approaching you, in fact this is why we are so glad you are here, on Sanctuary,” said Draak, grinning slyly.

Tenybris felt uncomfortable. He didn’t like these men, but more than a thousand years of etiquette kept him seated, at least for now.

“You refer to the inability to feel greed on my planet?” said Tenybris. His dislike for the pair threatened to introduce a feeling alien to him; hatred.“This spell prevents men like you from exploiting the innocent people of Teralia. You would use them to further your own self-serving agendas on your own worlds.”

The two strangers looked shocked at the accusation, but Tenybris saw through the act.

“My Lord, I swear, on all that is holy, we would never seek to do such a thing,” insisted Draak, “Our goal is simply to trade with you, so we might benefit both our worlds. There are many items we could provide, which might enrich the everyday lives of your people.”

“I fail to see how this could be,” retorted Tenybris. “The Land provides everything our people could ever desire. What could you possibly offer which would better that?”

“Ah, but the desires of your people are so limited,” replied Kraan, eagerly. “If you might allow us the opportunity to widen their expectations, then I’m sure the benefits, on both sides, would make us richer than you could ever imagine.”

The greed emanating from this man was almost palpable. Tenybris decided it was time to end this conversation.

“I’m afraid you are talking to the wrong person, Mr...Kraan,” Tenybris said, as he looked at the pair disdainfully. “I have no say in this matter, and even if I wanted to assist you, which I can assure you I do not, I could not sway Olumé in this. He and his father created this spell. I, and all the members of our ruling council, support the reasons for its existence. And if I may be blunt, meeting you here today has reinforced it.”

The two men grew angry and both their faces reddened, but Tenybris was confident they could pose no threat. Just as he was about to leave, however, the one called Draak spoke again.

“I’m afraid you have mistaken our intent, Tenybris,” he hissed. “We do not wish you to change Olumé’s mind. We were thinking of a more...permanent change, in the management, if you understand me.”

The two men were smiling evilly.

“During our last few visits to your world, we have carried out certain...experiments, and while it is true Olumé’s spell banishes all forms of greed, there are certain other emotions available to us. Violence for instance is unrestricted. If you were to allow us to get close to...certain people, then I’m sure a move might be possible. A move, which might make our partnership easier to attain.”

If Tenybris had been angry before, he was furious now. His outward appearance remained unchanged, but his voice could not hide his rage.

“How dare you come here before me and threaten my friend,” he spat. “If I were on my own world I would throw you to the Dragons as a snack!”

“Think, my Lord,” Draak whispered. “Think how much more you could have. Think of
who
you might have, if Olumé met a misfortunate end.”

The sentence hit him like a falling tree.
How could they know?
He knew Or’n had an inkling that he fretted over something, but he was sure he didn’t suspect his feeling for his new Queen. But these...vermin had seen through him. It was time to leave. He got up and walked toward his quarters.

The two men went to rise to follow him but couldn’t. Their legs had turned into solid blocks of granite. Both of them tried to scream but their tongues disappeared, and all they were capable of was a rasping sound of terror. The pain was terrible as the line of rock crept up their bodies.

Tenybris watched until all that remained were two shapeless lumps of grey stone. He had cast a spell of concealment, so was confident no one had observed what he had just done. He had murdered two living beings, and even though part of him knew they deserved it, he quailed at what he had done. There hadn’t been a murder committed on Teralia in thousands of years, not since the last great wars between the Eldar and the Dragons, when the races of Teralia had chosen sides in a conflict which had lasted decades.

Tenybris had read the history of the wars, and they had been terrible. The whole world had teetered on the brink of oblivion before Olumé’s grandfather had brokered a peace and brought an end to the war. Ever since, the People of Teralia had coexisted in harmony with each other, and the Land had healed, sealing the pact between the two sides and enriching everyone’s life with a steady flow of magical peace and contentment. The Land itself had baulked at the destruction the war had caused, and now it was over, the Land took steps to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.

That must be it!
thought Tenybris,
I am not on Teralia; this place has corrupted me.

Tenybris knew he had to go home. Now! He couldn’t trust his own will without the strength of the Land to support it. What he’d just done could not be his fault, he told himself. This place, these two people, had brought it upon themselves. He knew once he was back on Teralia all would be fine.

With a gesture of his wrist, the rock forms shifted, flowing like liquid to become a pair of beautifully carved granite chairs. Tenybris turned and walked away. Nobody even noticed him.