The Descendants Book One: The Broken Scroll (33 page)

As far as the fire orb was concerned, Egan taught him that there were an infinite amount of possibilities with it as well.  The most impressive of those possibilities being that with enough practice and power one could make the flame so hot it would cause itself to explode, destroying anything within range of its blast.  Davin’s jaw dropped when he heard this. 

They even discussed what other Driocht orbs existed out there.  To Davin’s surprise, there were many.  Egan named off the power of manipulating lightning, ice and all forms of water,  the earth, light, shadow, even life and death.  Each one had its own set of manipulations for attack or defense. 

“There may be more.  From what Liam and I studied in the manuscripts, the sons and daughters of the War never were sure how much power our ancestors actually achieved.  Therefore, they don’t know if they found every orb that was ever produced,” Egan explained.  Davin stood gawking at him, not sure if to feel hopeful or fearful that much of this kind of power existed. 

Davin asked, “Why are we suddenly training so heavy now?  It seemed just a few days ago you were fine with me taking this it slow.”  As Egan started to speak Davin raised his hands and added hastily, “I am not complaining.  I was just curious.”   

“That is a valid question that deserves a truthful answer.  I feel that we do not have the time to let you learn slowly.  The man in Tilea reminded me of that.  I have been thinking about this obsessively as of late.  I’m sure you’ve noticed.”  He smiled weakly.  Davin nodded.  He remembered quite clearly.  “Deverell is behind this somehow as we know.  Humans aren’t supposed to be able to use our power, but he has managed to make this happen.  We don’t know how, do we know why?”

Davin answered quickly, following Egan’s train of thought.  “He’s leaving them behind all over the kingdom to try and stop us.  They must know we are going after the Scroll pieces,” Davin finished the thought. 

“Exactly.  That is why you must be able to duel.  I do not want you unprepared if you must fight another with our power like I had to.”

They finished their lesson for the night and walked back to camp.  Davin didn’t know exactly what had done it, but suddenly he was in a solemn mood.  Maybe it was the fact that they still had far to go before everything was right again.  Or that the more complicated his studies and their journey became, the more impossible it felt. 

And then, as if his mood change had caused it, a sickening question entered his mind.  He slowly turned to Egan and took a deep breath, delaying the asking for fear of the answer. 

“What if none of this makes any differe
nce?  We could fail.  The king could complete the Scroll.  I may not be able to get to Roland in time.  All this effort would be for naught.  What happens then?” 

Teague and Kayleigh looked at him in surprise from the random nature of the question.  But their faces swiftly turned to sadness as they took in what he had asked.  It was a possible outcome that they didn’t seem ready to admit.  They didn’t need to speak their feelings.  Their replies were written on their faces. 

“Well then you probably won’t have anything to worry about.  You’ll be dead.” 

“Egan, I’m serious.”

“I thought you didn’t care about what happens here in the end.” 

He was only here for Roland and to make Deverell pay for his cruelty.  But was it still no more than that? 
I’m not even sure anymore. 
 

Davin’s voice rose.  “We’ve been over this.  There is a difference between not caring and not wanting to be forced to do anything.” 

Egan sighed.  “You want a real answer, Davin?  We have the ability to help change many people’s fates, including our own.  If we are not meant to at least
try
to preserve that which is still good and right in this world, why should we do anything at all?”

Egan’s
words seemed to hit hard with the others.  He had spoken from his heart and Davin had actually been moved by what Egan had said.  As he fell asleep that night, the words resounded in his ears over and over. 

Chapter 19 The Union of Consciousness

After several days of steady travel in the plains they had reached the start of the foothills.  The long, treacherous miles of the mountains lay in front of them.  None of the men looked too thrilled about being back so soon.  It had been hard enough work the first time. 

“We will head due south from here, straight to the heart of the High Passes.  We should reach the Chasm in five days, at the most.” 

“I admit, I am a bit excited about seeing the Chasm of Auken Lands and mountains for myself,” Kayleigh said with enthusiasm.  “I’ve studied it before with my father and always wanted to see it with my own eyes.  It acts as a sort of barrier between our lands and the Auki, if I’m correct.”  

Davin could see that she was quite enthusiastic about these types of things.  She definitely was a Scholar’s daughter, and was likely to follow in his footsteps.  He couldn’t help but notice that her passion on the topic made her even more striking. 

“Let’s hurry up and get this over with,” Davin said, hurrying up the slope and trying to get his mind off the girl. 

“I agree,” Egan seconded. 

Teague followed behind Egan.  She called out to them, pleadingly.  “You mean to tell me that none of you are even the least bit excited about this.  We could end up seeing some amazing things.”

Davin and Egan looked at one another, silently agreeing that they didn’t share her same sentiment.  Davin kept his mouth shut, not wanting to offend the girl.  However, Egan happily shared his opinion. 

“What would be amazing is if we ma
ke it out of the Auken lands alive.  I’ll be excited then.”

Davin heard Kayleigh sigh disappointedly behind them.  “I have to admit, Egan, I expected you
to be a little more excited about this venture.  You studied the texts for a long time as well, with Liam and my father.  This does have to do with your ancestors after all.”

“My dear
,” Egan started, sounding a little affronted, “I do have a passion for knowledge of the Ancients.  I simply hold something in a little higher regard than their writings; namely, my own life.”

Kayleigh raised her voice, but still restrained it enough to not sound disrespectful.  “Then why go on this fool’s errand, if you believe that it is impossible.”

“I did not say that it was impossible.  I said that it was
likely
we would not make it out alive.  There’s a difference.”

Kayleigh seemed lost for what to say after this.  She opened and closed her mouth several times, making little squeaking noises.  Davin turned away so he wouldn’t laugh to her face, but she caught him anyway.  He heard her huff. 

“I’m glad you all find this humorous,” she said to no one in particular.  And then she turned Egan.  “All I am saying is what good does it for you to not believe it will work?  How will that better our chances?” 

Kayleigh caught up to Davin and Egan.  She looked at Davin quickly as if judging where he stood.  He nodded at her before she could read anything from him.  She didn’t pursue it further.  Instead she turned to Egan, waiting for his answer. 

Egan sobered and answered her straight.  “I mean you no offence, Kayleigh.  The reason we go is because I believe that if there is any possibility of surviving, Davin and I have the best chance.  It is our duty, if you will.”

Kayleigh was quick with an answer.  She was almost too sharp.  “So if no one else can complete this as you say, why don’t we just leave the piece where it is hidden?  The army will never reach it and all will be safe.”

“We don’t know for sure what lies ahead.  There have been others that can do what Davin and I can do.  You saw how that man in Tilea could use our power.  Others may have the abilities to survive the Auken lands as well.  We can’t risk that.”

Kayleigh fell silent.  She was obviously digesting the different possibilities.  It didn’t take long.  

“A minute ago no one else could complete this task but you two.” 

Egan spoke more firmly, trying to make sure she understood him.  “O’Hara’s true objective is hidden from us, but one thing is clear to us, he does not mean well for this land.  You, of all people, should know that.  We are the only ones with the hope of finding the Scroll that don’t intend harm to the world.  So, in a sense, we are the only ones who can get it.”   

Davin hoped that they were sharing the same line of thought, that he wasn’t alone in this.  “And then it’s too the capital city to confront the king.” 

Egan
turned on him.  “Your plan is to retrieve your godfather and find vengeance against Deverell, not make a stand against the King.  Don’t pretend like it is anything more than that.  If it works out, are you prepared to accept that your little hero mission may turn into a full-fledged rebellion?” 

The simple truth was, no, Davin hadn’t thought about that at all.  Why didn’t Egan bring this thought up earlier?  It changed things…or did it?  Hadn’t Davin always known that it was a possibility?  And still he proposed his idea to Niahm.  No matter how he tried to deny it, it would be a bold move against the King.  He knew it had to be done either way. 

They continued up and down multiple mountain hills with a slow but steady pace.  They stayed away from rivers as much as they could.  It was much more tedious this time.  Egan couldn’t push Teague and Kayleigh to his pace the way he had done to Davin.  It would have killed them. 

***

Davin left the camp and took a slow walk through the trees a couple nights later, listening to the wind whistle through the hillside.  Egan was eventually going to come and practice swordplay and Driocht with him, but Davin left a bit earlier, just to have a few moments to himself.  Time alone was a hard commodity to come by these days.  And it was difficult to adjust to, especially when he used to spend most of his time alone. 

The air smelled fresh and new in evening mountain sunset, awakening his mind and recharging his senses.  The wind had a sharp bite to it which reminded him that it was even closer to winter than the last time he’d been here.  He closed his eyes and tried to clear his head before trying to think about anything. 

His mind had felt very scattered lately.  There so was much to think about that it somewhat overwhelmed him.  He was full of images and thoughts related to Roland, Deverell, the Driocht Scroll, the Lord of Trials, Niahm, Kayleigh, and everything else that could occupy space in his head. 

He hadn’t been there five minutes when he heard rustling that meant Egan was coming already.  He cursed to himself for not being given more time to think in peace.  Standing, he crept around the circumference of the rocks he’d been leaning against, preparing to give Egan a taste of how he felt.  

Starting to speak, he stopped himself.  It was Kayleigh.  She dipped her head in a greeting and smiled lightly at him.  Davin’s stomach churned uneasily.  He forced his reaction back with an iron will.  He wouldn’t let her see him weakened by her. 

“Good evening, Davin.  I hope that I didn’t disturb you.”

Davin took a moment to answer, a little stunned that she had come to see him, alone. 

“No, no,” he finally answered, “I was just doing some thinking.  I enjoy time to myself more than being around people…most of the time.”  He added the last part quickly, not wanting to sound like she was bothering him. 

He waited impatiently for her answer.  The seconds ticked by. 

“Is that how you grew up, having to spend a lot of time by yourself?” she asked.  The question was a relevant one, but he’d never expected her to ask it. 

“More like wanting to be by myself, but it’s mostly the same thing.”  When he said no more, she walked closer to him.  She looked him straight in the eyes.  He turned away sheepishly. 

She then proceeded passed him and to a tree with a berries on it.  Eagerly, she began plucking them.  “You grow uncomfortable easy,” she told him boldly.  “Are you afraid that people will see too deep into you?”

She’s almost too perceptive for her own good. 

I’m not sure what you mean,” Davin said, playing the fool.

“I think you do.  Whenever your life comes up, you discreetly avoid the topic.  I just wanted to know why.”  She added quickly, “Please don’t become upset this time.” 

She had managed to corner him again.  He had no good reason not to tell her.  She wasn’t upset.  She was curious and her demeanor was kind.  She actually made him want to tell her.  And he couldn’t help but think her interest might be more than simple curiosity. 

“My mother was taken from me when I was young and I never knew my father.  She said he had died before I was born.  I grew very angry about them as the years went on, severing friendships and contact with all but very few. The anger lingered and I pushed away good people. And kept apart from the world.  I am ashamed of it, but I can’t say I am completely over it.  Doing something like this and being with these people has helped, but I still have trouble dealing with not being more in control of where my life.  It all seems foolish, but there’s my reason for you.” 

When he stopped, it took him a minute to really take in what he had just said.  He’d never revealed those words to anyone.