Manifestation: the Coming Dark/Chapter 8

"C'tal Efo Lin Degi!" the voices echoed through the city and I moved toward the gate with speed. I searched the skyline for the telltale signs of the advancing Brilhado but I saw no evidence of their presence. Then a splash of lavender caught my eye and I looked to the southeast and saw him: a single Brilhado who flew with the standard of Deren.

"It is Giliara," I said and turned to the guards. "Stand down and open the gates. This man is an agent of Lord Tralin."

The word carried and, for a moment, I though their doubt and incredulity would cause them to refuse, but by now little could surprise them.

Giliara landed on the parapet of the far wall and began shouting in a loud voice, "The king comes! Make way for His Highness, King Tralin of Deren!"

The main gate swung open and Tralin marched into the city under the escort of a squadron of Frogzard Knights and De'me'thar in ceremonial battle armor. Why had Tralin come to K'eld Ner? All reports said that Deren made festival for the queen. Tralin's arrival made little sense to me.

"Lord Governor, we would have audience with you," the king announced. "Let us go to the audience chamber."

"My lord," I said, moving to comply and then, thinking, turned to the dwarf who stood in waiting silence.

"Tal Li Vago, T'palo, King of Deren," Sigarin said simply, and the king smiled with a nod.

"You must be Sigarin. Tal Li Vago, T'palo of Alorin," the king responded, "and welcome to our kingdom. Come, join us in council."

Kithia advanced then and placed a hand upon Tralin's shoulder. "Tal Li Vago, my husband."

Tralin smiled then. "Tal Li Vago, my queen. I bring our son's love. He misses you and awaits you in Deren. We will leave for the city together, but first we must discuss what we have come to know."

We sat in silence as we were ferried to the chamber. We had much to say but knew that to do so in the presence of many ears was folly. I wondered anew why Tralin would come to the city. It was clearly important, but if it were vital, why did he not use magic to transit in?

"Lord Tralin!" I exclaimed once we were safely inside. "I know there is much important to say, but first I must tell you something important. There is a threat to your life."

"Myr," Tralin said. "I know."

"How?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Did you not recognize the tall fellow in shadow armor out there?" Tralin asked.

"Xander," I said, turning to Sigarin and Nel. "He came from Stone Deep too? Why didn't you tell me?"

"We didn't know," Nel said. "He was not on our ship."

"He arrived via a gateway spell. That is irrelevant. If we are to have any chance of helping Myr, we must act quickly. He is a danger, not only to me, but to everything. The'Galin plans to use him as a pawn in his plot."

"You know more of what he plans?" I said, turning toward Sigarin. "Before the outburst at the armory, you were telling us something about it."

"Outburst at the armory?" Tralin asked inquisitively, his normally expressionless face searching me for some clue to my meaning.

"The De'me'thar have taken control of the central armory," I said. "I told the people that it was your will... that there are NO De'me'thar, only Kruatha'ri."

Tralin laughed aloud. "Very well. Sigarin, what has Alorin learned of The'Galin's designs?"

"He has gained control of an ancient portal; the Brilhado use it to come and go from this world into another realm. We have been watching their coming and going for some time and we can lock upon the world that they transit to. We have sent agents through the gate on several occasions. The other world is a dark and dangerous place. Much of the world is flooded by dark waters. The undead rule in great number; nothing lives. Yet here in Deren, they do much work. The Brilhado hide here. They prepare to enact The'Galin's plan. Our man lost his life to send the message to us... The plan is... truly dreadful..."

"Please continue," Kithia said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"He seeks a way to extend his power into the world more directly and then let loose the forces of creation on the world. He will uncreate with creation... He has located a powerful magic, and once he arrives, if he gains control of that magic, our world will cease to exist..."

"Arrives? More directly?" I asked, confused. "Just what is he planning?"

"He plans on manifestation," Tralin said, his eyes arching.

"Doesn't that weaken him?" Kithia asked. "The Powers have rarely manifested an Avatar through history, for arriving here weakens them."

"Yes, well, if he were not native and if he planned on taking his physical body here, that might be the case," Nel said.

"That's not what he plans?" Jano asked.

"No, clearly," Tralin said, "he plans on taking over another's form..."

"Myr?" I asked.

"Perhaps initially, but Myr is not the ultimate target..."

"What? Who?"

"He plans to gain control of creation, so he wants an agent of Creation. It is why Myr was sent to me. We have interfered by discovering his purposes, so Myr has been taken."

"You mean..."

"The'Galin plans on taking physical form and the form he desires is mine..."