Frog and the Sandspiders of Aridian (14 page)

20

An Unexpected Guest

Nadiah lay low in the flume, waiting for the Dreden to enter the chamber, listening to their shouts.

They make more noise than a herd of Saurs at meal-time,
she thought.

At least a dozen Dreden crashed out of the tunnel, swords and crossbows at the ready. They stopped, surveying the chamber, their eyes searching for their prey.

‘There,' whispered one of them and he pointed to the pale, blue light emanating from a flume.

‘What is it?' asked another.

‘Sisterhood, if I'm not mistaken. Hiding and ready to strike,' quietly announced the group's leader.

Eight crossbows and four vicious-looking spears were immediately trained on the flume.

‘Come out and keep your hands behind your back,' the leader ordered.

There was no reply, no movement. Nadiah kept still.

The group of Dreden shuffled forward forming a semi-circle, slowly edging themselves closer to the flume, 3 metres, 2 metres.

‘Show yourself now or die where you lay,' he barked as nervous spittle sprayed out of his mouth.

Still there was no movement. Nadiah remained motionless and ready to strike.

‘Then die!' he screamed and there could be no escape as they lunged forwards together, arrows flying into the flume, spear tips thrust at the unseen figure.

When their assault reached its climax, the group came to an unsteady halt on the platform's edge. One of them jumped into the flume and for a moment, he stood, puzzled, staring at the solitary, glowing rock crystal.

‘Looking for someone?' said Nadiah as she rose up from another flume at the far end of the platform. Before they could respond, her robes parted to reveal two electric-blue fists. She turned them, palms out, and the devastating power undulated forwards, the soundless pressure hitting the group of men, tossing them against the cave walls and crushing the life out of them in an instant.

Further voices echoed from the waterway's entrance; it was more of the pursuing Dreden in their flumes. She lifted one hand and directed a pulse of energy at the small tunnel, which shook and trembled as the roof caved in, blocking the entrance and denying the Dreden further passage. She pulled a lever and without looking back, allowed the flume to carry her out in search of her lost companions.

Through tunnels and across caverns, pushing levers and switching waterways, she travelled ever downward, ever closer to Pelmore, praying that Frog and The One had found their way to safety.

It took her over half an hour to reach the end of her journey and her flume finally emerged from a tunnel
and into a larger cave. At the far end, a waterwheel with oblong buckets connected together by lengths of cable, each large enough to carry individual flumes, rotated out of the ceiling and into a pool. Each bucket disappeared below the surface before rising up full of water and journeying aloft to recycle the water, and any flumes that were collected, back into the system.

Four Aridians stood guard; the emblem of a white spider adorned their black robes. They moved towards her as her flume jostled itself into the narrow causeway that ran alongside the platform.

‘A small boy, roughly my age, and a tall man with a scar on his forehead; have they come this way?' she asked hurriedly.

‘None has come out of that tunnel except for you, Sisterhood,' said one of the guards. ‘Dreden and giant lizards are reported in the upper levels and some of the waterways have been destroyed. All upper gates into Pelmore have been closed since sundown when orders were given to stop the water flow.'

As if to affirm the truth of what he had said, the mechanism of scoops and cables slowly juddered to a halt.

‘These that you seek; are they Dreden?' asked the guard.

‘No. They are our friends and may be our salvation. I need to get to Prince Ameer, quickly,' she answered and clambered out of the flume.

‘Escort the Sisterhood to the Prince,' he ordered one of the others. ‘If they should get here after you have gone, then I will personally deliver them into safe keeping,' he added to Nadiah. ‘However, if they are
behind you, then they really are in trouble. Very soon, the watercourses will drain and they will be stranded in the system.'

As Nadiah and her escort travelled through Pelmore's underground walkways and avenues, she could see the anxious faces of Aridians everywhere. There was no panic, but a sense of controlled urgency and uncertainty filled the air. Above all, she noticed that the majority of the people who were to-ing and froing were either young children or the elderly. All who were fit and able-bodied had gone to play their part in Aridian's defence against Lord Maelstrom.

They turned a corner into a small, open plaza. Intricate carvings adorned the balconies on either side, which jutted out as though defying gravity. Rows of arches, almost Moroccan in style, followed along the balconies above and below, and the stone beneath their feet was worn smooth by generations of Aridians.

Ahead of them stood two more guards dressed in black robes, their hands resting on the dark handles of long, curved swords suspended from their waistbands.

After just a few steps across the plaza, Nadiah's escort stopped and turned to her.

‘I must return to my duties. We will keep watch for your friends and if there is any news, I will send a messenger.' He touched his forehead and chest in salute and then made his way back across the square.

Nadiah approached the two guards.

‘You have been expected, Sisterhood,' said one. ‘Through the archway, turn left and along the passage,' he instructed.

Nadiah followed the directions until at the end of the
passage, there were two more guards, again wearing the black robes with the white spider insignia of Pelmore.

Without a word, they pushed open the double doors behind them and allowed Nadiah to step into a brightly lit room. The doors closed silently behind her.

Her eyes accustomed themselves to the light and she made out two, seated figures, wrapped in thick towelling with cups of hot brew in their hands. Ameer stood beside them and a smile crossed his face as he greeted Nadiah.

‘They were found, floundering in one of the reservoirs, luckily by two of the Sisterhood who were checking the area.'

Frog beamed with delight at the sight of Nadiah.

‘Are you all right? We thought that we'd lost you to the Dreden.' He stood to move towards her, but quickly sat back down as the towel slipped and threatened to cause him embarrassment.

‘I'm fine,' she smiled. ‘Although, there are now a few less Dreden to fight alongside Lord Maelstrom. What happened to you two?'

Frog and The One relayed the events of their journey to Nadiah, ending with their surprise fall from a feeder chute that carried water to one of the underground reservoirs. They had exited about 3 metres high up and out into thin air before splashing gracelessly down into the water. Their sodden robes threatened to pull them down, but thankfully they managed to struggle free of them before being helped to safety by the two girls who, after listening to their story, brought them straight to Ameer.

The doors opened and a guard entered carrying two bundles of clean robes.

‘Use that room over there to change,' said Ameer, indicating a panelled door.

Frog and The One gratefully took the garments and left to change while Nadiah and Ameer exchanged information.

‘I understand that the upper gates have been closed,' said Nadiah.

‘Yes,' confirmed Ameer. ‘Any Dreden in the tunnels and waterways will be trapped there. We've posted groups of guards to ensure that they do not enter the city itself. As for the creature that Frog and The One encountered, there have been no other reports or sightings of it and it is hoped that it has returned to the surface having been unable to pursue them. I think that we can safely assume that it is of Belzeera's making and we can expect other such monstrosities amongst Lord Maelstrom's minions.'

Frog re-entered the room closely followed by The One. Their new white robes now carried the black spider symbol of Aridian. At the same moment, a guard entered from the corridor and approached Ameer.

‘My Lord Prince, the Sisterhood have brought a prisoner from the surface who insists on speaking with you. We would not bother you in other circumstances, but he was carrying this.' He held out a small piece of brown parchment; the spider insignia of Pelmore was etched upon it.

Ameer's forehead creased and his face filled with unease.

‘Is he here?'

‘Yes, my Lord.'

‘Then, bring him in. I hope that you have been gentle with him for he is a good friend and ally.'

This time the guard's face showed concern.

‘He has been injured, my Lord, but that was not of our doing.'

He opened the door and another guard entered, his arm around Baron's waist, helping to support him. Baron had his arm in a sling and dried blood stained the front of his robes.

Frog could not help staring. This was the closest that he had been to a Dreden and he was curiously drawn to the man's angular face. The thick, shiny skin of his cheeks and forehead and the sharp ridge of his nose made his features look as though they had been put together in sections. He had a strong, square jaw line and long, lank black hair, which cascaded down over his shoulders. Frog didn't think that the man looked particularly unfriendly or vicious as he had expected.

Ameer hastily moved to aid his friend, guiding him to a seat and dismissing the guards.

‘How badly are you hurt?'

‘I'll live,' he grimaced. ‘The Sisterhood have tended to me well, but more importantly I bring news of the boy.'

Frog stepped forwards. ‘Do you mean Billy? What's happened to Billy?'

Baron studied Frog for a moment. ‘I know your image and I hope that you can live up to the bravery of your friend who carries it with such pride.'

‘What's happened to him?' Frog insisted.

Baron lowered his eyes. ‘He is in the hands of Belzeera. I had to leave him. I am ashamed, but I had
no choice. She would have killed us both. I sense that she already knew of Billy's disguise. She has eyes everywhere and assassins ready to do her bidding. I am only grateful that fate has been kind to bring me here.'

‘What of the alliance?' asked Ameer. ‘Does it still hold?'

‘I have recruited many followers, enough for an army, but how many of them will hold true against Lord Maelstrom's influence I am not sure. They are in small groups scattered across Aridian. Their captains are waiting for my word and instructions.'

‘When are we going to rescue Billy?' interrupted Frog.

‘There will be no rescue,' replied Ameer. ‘There was never intended to be one.'

‘Well, if you won't go then I will,' argued Frog as he snatched up his sword and turned to the door.

The One put a hand on Frog's shoulder. ‘Wait.'

He turned to Ameer. ‘You can't be serious. How can you leave a boy in such dangerous circumstances?'

‘Billy was sent to mislead Belzeera. If she has discovered his true identity then she will also have learnt a lot more. Cassaria has educated me much about the ways and powers of Belzeera and I would guess that she will use Billy as an instrument of power. He is too valuable for her to destroy, for the time being at least.'

He faced Frog. ‘She will use him as a weakness against you, young Frog. She has already provoked a reckless reaction. If you try to rescue him, she will succeed in drawing you into her clutches and to the
hands of Lord Maelstrom. Billy carries the Magic of the Guardians with him. Cassaria has given him as much protection as she can. We can only hope that his spirit is strong enough to carry him through his ordeal. You must not fail him by losing faith in him.'

‘But he's my best friend,' whispered Frog in a low voice.

Ameer knelt down and put his hands on Frog's shoulders. He looked him straight in the eyes. ‘I know that you are worried about your friend, but remember there is also a greater responsibility and challenge that rests with you. You are the only one amongst us who has faced this evil adversary before. You are the legend, the prophecy. You are our hopes and inspiration.

‘Know this, my young friend; I will be proud to stand beside you. I would gladly give my life so that you can defeat the menace that threatens us, as would many others that have not even met you. Even this young girl, Nadiah, would pay the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that you fulfil your purpose. I know that this man beside you loves you for who you really are. He is The One, in your world and ours, and he is with you for a reason. You are not alone. Billy is not alone. So, let us prepare for his release and the release of all Aridian.'

Frog took a deep breath, searching for the words. ‘It's hard for me. I don't feel thirteen anymore. I don't want to grow up yet. Grown-ups get far too serious. It's fun being a kid. I certainly don't want to die. Nor do I want anyone else to die on my account, but if all of this – the Slipstream, the Dimensions and me being chosen to try and put everything right – is going to make sense, then I'd better get on with it. But please try to remember;
inside, I'm really just a boy who is trying to make the best of what he can do.'

Ameer stood and looked at The One. ‘I envy you for who you really are. If I ever have a son and heir, then I can only hope that he has this boy's qualities.'

‘Thank you,' acknowledged The One, pride filling his face.

Ameer looked to Nadiah. ‘There are resting rooms prepared in the apartments above us. Use them as you will. The servants will provide for you. All you need do is ask. We will meet back here tomorrow evening. Then I will have more news concerning our departure and final destination.'

21

Pelmore

‘Before we rest, I would like to show you a little of what we are fighting to save,' said Nadiah and led them back across the plaza. They walked through a high, narrow corridor and then out into a surprisingly bustling area of Pelmore. It was a street market with stalls selling all manner of goods. The smell of rich, aromatic herbs and spices hung in the air along with the ripe, bloody smell of fresh meat. Grey earthenware jugs and bowls were displayed somewhat precariously on one stall while green Atemoya was piled up on another.

‘Where does all of this come from?' asked Frog.

‘It is all made or grown either here in Pelmore or in the surrounding communities,' said Nadiah.

Frog found it strange how easily he took the light for granted and forgot that they were underground. The crystals that hung on great chandeliers or sat high on stone plinths distributed the light evenly wherever they walked.

‘I find it incredible that you can sustain and provide for a whole population underground,' remarked The One.

‘When the two suns burnt away life on the surface of Aridian, thankfully our world had something to give us back below its surface,' said Nadiah. ‘Let me show you something wonderful.'

She led them to the base of what turned out to be a winding stone staircase and after a long climb, of so many steps that Frog lost count, they emerged onto a large balcony. Meshed ropes formed a waist-high barrier to ensure that no one could topple over the edge. The sound of thundering water assaulted their ears. The view took both Frog's and The One's breath away. They were two-thirds up a colossal cavern and the ceiling above them was concealed by a fine mist, which drifted, fog-like, in clouds across the vast expanse. Carved into the sides of the cavern were rows of terraces, each one growing different forms of vegetation.

An immense and beautiful waterfall cascaded out of the rock face to their left and its flow disappeared into clouds of vapour far below. A rainbow, its colours the most vivid that Frog had ever seen, arched out of the mist. To their right and rising above the vapour were the tops of numerous trees, their big broad leaves palm-like in appearance.

‘This is just one of the many resource farms that we have,' shouted Nadiah over the noise of the waterfall.

She could see from the looks on their faces that Frog and The One were too enthralled by the panorama to respond and so she stood back and let them drink in the view for a while. Eventually, she persuaded them to follow her back down the stairway to a seated area by the market where they all sat down. She then
disappeared through a door and shortly emerged with a cold drink for each of them.

‘Atemoya juice,' she announced.

They sat for a while in silence, sipping at the refreshing liquid and watching Aridians go about their business. Frog observed that much of the attire worn was now of a lighter style, almost ancient Roman or Greek in its fashion. Now and again, a face would glance in their direction, give a half-bow or a nod mainly towards Nadiah and then move on.

‘So, what's the plan now?' asked The One, finally breaking their silence.

‘We must rest,' said Nadiah. ‘It has been many hours since we slept and I am sure that you, like myself, must feel weary,'

It wasn't until that moment that Frog realised how tired he actually felt. The pain in his chest had gone, mainly due to some salve that Ameer had given him to rub in earlier. In fact, the effect of healing had been almost instantaneous and when he had changed into his clean robes, he noticed that the three dark purple bruises had faded away. He did, however, ache everywhere else; the buffeting that he had experienced on the last part of their journey had taken its toll.

The One echoed Frog's thoughts. ‘I must admit that I could do with a rest as I do feel a bit tender in places,' he admitted and stretched and massaged a shoulder. ‘I should imagine that very soon we're going to need all of the energy that we can raise.'

They finished their drinks then Nadiah led the way back through the main doors, past the guards, along a
short passage, up a flight of steps and out onto one of the balconies which overhung the plaza.

‘Here are your rooms,' she told them and indicated to the first door that they reached. ‘I will be next door. Someone will call us in good time, but should you need anything just ring the bell chord in your room. Sleep well.'

‘Thank you, Nadiah,' said The One. ‘And thank you for looking after us.'

‘Yeah. Thanks,' echoed Frog, smiling kindly.

Before he knew it, Nadiah leant forward and kissed his cheek before opening the door to her room and closing it behind her. Frog stood there with his face the colour of a ripe cherry.

‘Come on, Romeo,' said The One, then opened their door and guided a slightly dazed Frog into its softly lit, warm interior.

The beds looked so welcoming that they both lay down without a second thought. Neither of them could remember falling asleep, but they each had differing dreams. The One relived the enjoyment of being with his wife and son on a more peaceful world; visions of happier times when they were together as a family and the warmth of love carried him through his dream.

Frog had drifted into an uneasy vision. He was back home in the kitchen of his house. However, something was wrong; everything was covered in dust. The wooden breakfast table was smashed, broken glass littered the floor and dangerous shards stuck viciously out of the carpet in the hall. He walked nervously and carefully to the foot of the stairs. The house was a mess, completely ransacked. He heard himself calling. ‘Mum? Mum?'

He was drawn to his room, the door slightly ajar, beckoned him to push it and on doing so, it swung open slowly at an impossible angle. His eyes fell upon his bed, torn to pieces, and then he froze as the words scratched deeply into the wall above it burned into his mind.

Then, the unmistakable voice of Lord Maelstrom echoed in his head.

‘I know who you are and I am coming for you.'

He turned and ran, instinct taking over. He took the stairs, two steps at a time, almost falling. Then, out through the kitchen door, down the path to the orchard where his journey into the Dimensions had begun, he collapsed, sobbing into his own arms, but he could hear his name being called in the distance.

‘Frog! Frog! What's wrong? What is it?'

He knew the voice. It was his father's.

‘Frog! Frog! Speak to me.'

Then he was awake. The One was sitting beside him with a hand on Frog's sweat-drenched head.

‘What's wrong? You were crying in your sleep.'

Frog sat up, gathering his thoughts and looked around the room. ‘It was him,' he cried. ‘He got inside my head. He's done it before.'

The One handed Frog a cup of water. ‘Here, drink this.'

Frog drank gratefully, his senses now coming fully awake.

‘Better?'

‘Yes thanks.'

‘Tell you what,' comforted The One. ‘Shuffle over. There must be enough room on this bed for two of us. I'm sure that we've only been asleep for a short while so let's get what rest we can and if he comes back just call out my name. Then he'll have two of us to deal with.'

Frog smiled and, surprisingly, laid back and drifted into a dreamless sleep, as did The One, until they were woken many hours later by Nadiah knocking on their door.

After they had washed and dressed, Nadiah arranged for a selection of cold meats and fruits to be brought to their room, which they ate until not a scrap was left, such were their appetites. When their plates were clean, a guard arrived with a message for them to meet Ameer in the room where their previous meeting had taken place. And so it was that the three of them found themselves seated at a large, oblong table with Ameer, Katar (who had arrived some hours earlier) and Baron, who was now wearing Pelmorian robes decorated with the spider insignia.

‘Today is a step forward to our future,' said Ameer. ‘Baron may be just one man, but he is the first Dreden to wear the robes of an Aridian for many, many years. I look forward to when all of our people are reunited as one nation again under the symbol of the Sandspider.'

Baron stood. ‘I have only the same wish, but before this can be accomplished we must rid our world of Lord Maelstrom and his evil influences that have misled and enslaved my kinsfolk into his service.
Unfortunately, they are divided and I know that the most painful challenge for my followers will be to fight their fellow Dreden. I can only hope that when the time comes, they will rise to that challenge.' He turned to Frog. ‘I pledge myself to you and all that you stand for. I am truly sorry for deserting your brave friend, but there was no choice. If I could change places with him, then I gladly would.'

‘That's makes two of us,' said Frog.

‘Let us focus on saving Billy and defeating our enemies,' announced Ameer as he unrolled a large map across the table. It was quite plain and made up of different hues of brown. Frog thought that the irregular circles that dominated its surface resembled the isobars on a weather map.

‘Now, to business,' said Ameer. ‘This is where Belzeera's tower is sited and it is here where we will confront Lord Maelstrom's army.' He pointed to an area marked as the Plain of Sighs.

‘Why there?' asked Nadiah.

‘Because we need to draw all of his resources away from anywhere else that they may be attacking, above and below ground. We do not want to spread the fighting across Aridian. The battle has to be final and conclusive. If we cannot defeat him this way, then we never will. High sand dunes surround the plain except for one place, a narrow gully to the east, which we will hopefully be able to use to our advantage. We will also be able to approach from the elevated positions on either side.'

Katar spoke for the first time. ‘Most of the experienced and battle-ready Sandspiders, along with
their riders, are making their way to the stable areas closer to the surface to join those that are already there. Tonight, Ameer will join them to organise our advance to the Plain of Sighs. His captains have been briefed and are waiting with all those that can carry a weapon and fight on foot. They are already positioned across the subsurface waiting for the signal to join us.'

‘What's our part in this? When are we going to the surface?' asked Nadiah.

‘The three of you are to meet up with Cassaria as planned,' replied Katar. ‘Later this evening, I am to escort you to a secret location known only to her and myself. There, she will prepare you for whatever part it is that you must play. I am then to join Ameer in command of the Sandspiders.'

‘It is time for me to take my leave,' announced Baron. ‘I go to find out who is loyal to our cause and gather them around me. They will each be given one of these to wear so that all shall know which Dreden fight the cause for Aridian.' He held up a white headdress with the black Sandspider symbol upon it. ‘I shall not see you again until the time of reckoning. May fortune be with us all.' He touched his head and chest in salute. As he walked to the door, Frog could see that Baron was stiff in his movements and that his injury was still troubling him.

‘Will he be all right?' he asked.

‘He is a warrior,' said Ameer. ‘He will survive.'

‘Do you know how large his following is?' asked The One.

‘Baron estimates that probably only half of the Dreden population have truly fallen under Belzeera's
influence, which means that when the time comes, with his army, we should outnumber them six to one,' answered Ameer.

‘But they have giant scorpions and lizards,' added Frog.

‘And we have Sandspiders, the power of the Sisterhood and the Magic of a Guardian,' replied Ameer.

‘All I'm saying,' warned Frog, ‘is, don't under-estimate Lord Maelstrom.'

‘My dear Frog, you've forgotten that we have one more thing on our side,' said Ameer.

‘What's that?' he asked.

‘You.'

The One leant forwards. ‘And you have forgotten a very important fact, Ameer.'

Ameer looked puzzled. ‘Which is?'

‘You also have me.'

Frog smiled, full of pride for the man that, for now, he could only call The One.

After short goodbyes, they left Ameer studying his map. He had given them all a warm embrace and touched his forehead and chest in salute.

‘All that needs to be said has been said,' were his parting words.