The Secrets Within

Part One: Dreams and Long Kept Secrets

         Kiara woke with a start, breathing heavily and drenched in cold sweat. Now sixteen, she brushed her long golden hair away from her face and took a long, calming breath. She got out of bed and walked over to the window, watching the rain falling heavily outside, and remembering the terrible nightmare she had just woken from.
         She recalled how dark it had been, rain splattering the ground, mingling with the faint sound of distant hoof beats. There was the sudden twang of numerous arrows being released, loud war cries piercing the silence of the night…and the long, high pitched scream of pain that had woken her.
         That scream had belonged to Kiara’s mother, who, along with her father, had been set up and assassinated by Kiara’s Aunt Celesta. Kiara had only been two. Celesta took Kiara away, but for a very brief spell. After a year had passed, three-year-old Kiara overheard Celesta gloating about what she had done.  Furious, Kiara had run away, until Ellyra (who had been Kiara’s mother’s Lady in Waiting) found her wandering around, and returned her to her rightful home.
         Kiara sighed heavily. She didn’t even know her parents’ names. Over the years she had asked many people, but they always changed the subject.  Kiara’s parents had been dearly loved, and it was too painful for residents to even think about them.
         A few minutes later, Kiara decided that she had better get ready for the day ahead. “But why?” she thought, “It’s not like I can train or ride today.”
         Eleven years had passed since the day she had returned to Enchantoria Vallyra, and the same dream had often woken her in the middle of the night. Kiara was now a very powerful sorceress, and trained almost every day, even teaching younger boys and girls in all the forms of fighting she knew.  She sighed once more and teleported herself to the bathroom, where she showered and changed.                                                                                                         

Walking along the corridor to the staircase, Kiara noticed one room that she had never bothered to explore. Curious, she tried the handle. Locked. Unperturbed, she used a little sorcery to unlock it.
         It was very dark and dusty. She fumbled for a lantern, found one, and lit it with a flick of her finger.  There was little oil left in the lamp, and it gave out only a dim light. There was mainly old junk in the room, ancient chairs, old clothes, and a few old saddle blankets. But in one corner, there was a fairly large trunk. It caught Kiara’s eye, and she decided to have a closer look. Realising she could see better elsewhere, she teleported herself and the trunk to her room.
         There was no lock, and Kiara lifted the trunk’s heavy lid, which emitted a loud creak. It revealed three items. Kiara gently removed the first, a sword with a glittering jewelled hilt, encased in an engraved scabbard. She removed it from the scabbard and admired the shiny blade. Judging by its immaculate condition, it had been coated with liquid dragonhair, meaning it would probably slice through anything.
         Setting down the sword, she pulled out an extremely old, leather-bound book. It had intricate designs, and its cover read ‘Ećhaěteriǒ Sǒcaéra’. Kiara opened the book and saw what seemed to be sorcerous incantations.

***

Ellyra, Kiara’s godmother, made her way up the winding staircase of Moonshine Manor.  It was already eight in the morning, and she had seen no sign of Kiara, who was usually up before sunrise.  She rested a porcelain skinned hand on the silver stair rail, the other running nervously through burnished gold hair. 
         “Kiara?  Where are you?” she called up the stairs, her brow furrowing worriedly.  I hope she’s alright… she thought, it is the anniversary of her parents’ deaths…  

Only Ellyra and her husband, Alexis, remembered everything about Anabelle and Lothario Lunasai.  The Enchantrians had been so shocked and upset by their rulers’ tragic deaths that they had had Ellyra and Alexis be spell them to forget almost everything about the deceased King and Queen. 

“Kiara?” she called again, continuing up the staircase.

“In here, Ellyra!”  she heard her goddaughter finally reply.

Kiara scanned over the page she had opened to, and to her surprise, found she could read the strange language written on its pages.

I can read this as though it were written in Common…Kiara thought, scanning down the page.  ‘Return to Me’…they’re all spells…
         “Ĕ terră kŷro,” she said softly, voicing the words in their written tongue.
         The next second, Ellyra was standing in front of Kiara, looking utterly bemused.
         “W-what happened?” she asked.
         “I don’t know,” replied Kiara, “I read this little spell, and you appeared.”
         Ellyra looked down at the spell book. Her eyes widened, and she realised just what it was.
         “Kiara, this book is full of ancient Enchantrian spells! No-one’s had the power to use them for centuries!” she exclaimed.  Nor have they been able to read the Ancient Enchantrian language… she thought to herself, smiling softly.
         “Really? Wow…” Kiara whispered.
         “Amazing, really. First Bel D’Ahn, now this! Kiara, I suggest you learn some of those, they’ll come in very handy.” Ellyra said, and walked out.

Ellyra smiled.  Kiara had finally gone into the room everyone had avoided for fourteen years.  There was certainly something special about the girl, it had been no coincidence that she had listened to Celesta’s gloating on the same day Ellyra had gone into Central Marketplace.  She knew Kiara’s senses picked up on things that others didn’t, but she kept this knowledge to herself.  Kiara would figure it out on her own one day. 

***

         After a little hesitation, Kiara set down the spell book and pulled out the last item. Again, it was a leather-bound book, but as she opened it, Kiara found that it was, in fact, a portrait album. It was probably about sixteen years old, and in quite good condition.
         Kiara looked at the first portrait. It was a man and a woman who was holding a very young child. At second glance, she saw that the man had the same eyes as her, and the woman, the same golden hair and sweet smile.
         Biting her bottom lip, Kiara carefully removed the photograph and turned it over. Written on the back, in faded ink, were the words, ‘Queen Anabelle, King Lothario and Princess Kiara (3 months)’.
         Kiara gasped. With a trembling hand, she replaced the picture. She slowly turned the pages, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. Kiara had finally, and truly, found her past.

Part Two: Intruder in the Valley

         It was Saturday morning, one week later.  Fiera, guardian dragon of Enchantoria Vallyra, raised her majestic head in alarm.  An evil presence had entered the Valley.  She made her way to the front of her cave, the mouth of a huge stone dragon constructed by Magi centuries ago and appropriately named Draconi Rock.  She looked out across the Valley, huge amber eyes quickly sighting what she had just sensed, a figure dressed all in black, riding swiftly towards Moonshine Manor.

Fiera spread her emerald wings and took flight.  She swooped down on the intruder, whose storm grey unicorn reared in fear.  The combination of a huge dragon appearing and the sudden action of his mount made him release the unicorn’s mane in fear, and he fell heavily to the ground. 

Daemarius got to his feet, and saw the dragon turn and fly towards him with amazing speed.  Before he knew it, a giant claw had wrapped around his body, and he was being carried through the air.

In a few minutes, the dragon released him, and, once again, he fell to the ground, this time inside a cave.  He rarely felt fear, but found himself trembling at being so close to a creature as dangerous as a dragon. 

Fiera silently examined the young man she had captured.  He was about twenty, with dark wavy hair and steely grey eyes. His clothes consisted of a long sleeved, blood red shirt, black dragon hide pants and leather boots, all previously concealed by a black cloak that hung from his shoulders, fastened by an obsidian pin in the shape of an crescent moon pierced by a sword. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the pin, this man had been sent by Celesta.

“Who are you, and what business do you have here?” Fiera demanded, her voice surprisingly human.

Daemarius collected himself, straightening to his full, and considerable, height. 

“I am Daemarius.  My business is none of your concern” He said, his voice falsely confident.

“You business is completely my concern, Daemarius.  I am Enchantoria Vallyra’s guardian, and I am to pass judgement on the worthiness of any Dark one who enters this land.  Now, what is your business?”

“Listen, you wretched beast,” Daemarius threatened, becoming impatient, “if I have a message for Kiara, I will deliver it in person, and no creature will tell me otherwise!”

Fiera stepped forward, smoke and flames threateningly flickering around her nostrils.  She whipped her tail around, ensnaring the young man.  “This creature, Daemarius, can crush your bones to dust.  You will tell me your message, and I will deliver it.  Understand?”

Daemarius gulped.  In his haste, he had forgotten the danger he was in.  If he failed in his duties, Celesta would torture or kill him, possibly both.  It was not unusual, many of her fighters had mysteriously disappeared after failing, and screams were often heard in the castle, coming from unseen chambers.  He decided to change his approach.  As long as Kiara received his message, and he completed the second part of his orders, he would not be harmed.

“Tell – tell her that I will return, and that I issue her a challenge.  I wish to fight her, and when she is defeated, I will destroy her, her Valley, and everything in it!” he announced, unable to hide the fear in his voice. 

“Very well.  She will be notified of your challenge.  However, I doubt the second part of your message will actually occur, there is little chance of you defeating a sorceress as powerful as she has become, and even if you do defeat her, I will see to it that this Valley is not destroyed.”  Fiera replied, releasing Daemarius.

Daemarius sighed with relief, but smiled inwardly at the dragon’s claims.  He would only cast a few initial spells to ensure combat with Kiara, Celesta would not rule a Valley that was completely ruined.  He turned away from his captor and walked towards the mouth of the cave.  Then, with a mocking bow and a flick of his wrist, he disappeared from Fiera’s cave.

***

Kiara was relaxing by Moon Lake, lying by its tranquil waters, and staring across the surface into the trees of Ferntree Forest on the opposite bank.
         Kiara shifted her gaze to the sky, and immediately sat up. A huge shape was flying towards her. As it got closer, she could make out a scaly, emerald green creature with a wingspan of nearly twenty feet. It was Fiera, guardian dragon of Enchantoria Vallyra, and a good friend of Kiara’s.
         The ground shook as she landed, folding her majestic wings and fixing her orange eyes on her friend.
          “Kiara. I have important news.” Fiera announced.
         “Yes, what is it?” asked Kiara politely.
         “A young man by the name of Daemarius visited me this morning. He asked me to tell you that he’s coming to–” she broke off, looking a little distressed, “to destroy you, your valley and everyone in it,” she quoted.
         Kiara raised her eyebrows in surprise, and then became very serious.
         “Right. Thanks Fiera. I’ll look into it.” she replied.
         “Be careful, and good luck.  Oh…there’s one more thing, Kiara,”

“Yes?”

“This Daemarius…he’s been sent by Celesta.  I think she’s coming after you, in an attempt to finish what she started.  This will not be the last attack she launches against you.”

Kiara’s eyes hardened at the mention of her aunt’s name, but she quelled her anger, now was not the time to remember the past.  “Thank you, Fiera.  I’ll remember that.”
         Fiera spread her wings and took flight, stirring up the waters of Moon Lake, and soared off into the distance.
         Immediately taking action, Kiara sent a mental message to Bel D’Ahn, calling him to her.  She could have easily teleported to her home, but, not feeling any immediate danger to her Valley, she preferred to ride.  Within moments, she heard hoofbeats, and turning around, saw her unicorn cantering towards her.  He soon stopped beside her, nuzzling her shoulder in greeting.  Kiara stroked his cheek and smiled.

   “Bel, we have to get back to the Manor, quickly,” she said, springing lightly onto his back.  “I have been issued a challenge, and Ellyra needs to know.”

 Hearing the urgency in Kiara’s voice, Bel D’Ahn moved immediately into a gallop.  At this pace, they would reach the Manor in a matter of minutes. 

***

         Bel D’Ahn nickered worriedly as they crossed the bridge into Sai’pera, the province of Enchantoria Vallyra which boasted the location of Moonshine Manor.  His senses picked up a strange vibration in the air, the energies from a recent spell.  He felt Kiara’s body tense, she too sensed that something was wrong.

He halted outside the Manor and Kiara dismounted. She stood beside him, her hand resting on his neck.  Sai’pera was silent, not a single Enchantrian was to be seen.

“Something’s wrong Bel, this place is never quiet…” she said softly.  “Wait here for me, stop anyone you see and keep them close, especially if they’re strangers.”

Kiara walked to the double oak doors and entered Moonshine Manor cautiously.  The sight that greeted her was not the one she had expected.

Enchantrians were sound asleep all over the Manor’s foyer, and as she cast her gaze to the staircase, she saw yet more of her friends lying in peaceful slumber.  A sleeping spell? She thought, remembering the strange sensation in the air outside.
         “Daemarius…” she whispered, eyes narrowing.
         Fiera usually sensed unfriendly spells before they could take effect.  Wondering why she hadn’t protected Enchantoria Vallyra, Kiara teleported to Draconi Rock.
         “Fiera?” she called into the darkness.
         Walking cautiously to the back of the cave, she soon found Fiera. She was also in an enchanted slumber. Obviously, Daemarius had proved his extensive power in enchanting such a magical beast.  Suddenly sensing a presence that could be none other than Daemarius, Kiara returned to Moonshine Manor’s grounds, and Bel D’Ahn’s side.

“Bel, Daemarius has put all of Sai’pera and Fiera into an enchanted slumber,” she said, explaining hurriedly.  “He’s here, waiting in Pahai’yana Plains.  Go to the other unicorns and stay with them.  Don’t alert the other provinces, I don’t want anyone to panic.  I’ll see you soon.”  She kissed his muzzle softly and disappeared, this threat needed to be dispelled.

Part 3: Transformations

         As soon as she materialised, Kiara could sense a powerful, evil presence nearby.  She smiled mischievously, placing her hand on the hilt of her sword, and waited for Daemarius to appear.         

A sudden yell pierced the silence, along with the swish of a sword slicing the air.
Kiara whirled around, drawing her sword just in time to block what could have been a fatal blow. Sparks flew as the blades met, and Daemarius landed heavily in front of her.  Daemarius was much taller than Kiara, and more solid. He looked down at her maliciously. Judging from a familiar feeling that emanated from his being, he was immortal.
         The evil sorcerer once again lunged with his sword, but Kiara brought her sword up underneath it, connecting near the hilt. She then flicked her wrist so forcefully that the sword was wrenched from his hands, landing twelve feet away.

Daemarius stepped back in surprise, no one had ever managed to leave him weapon less before.  She was strong, he could feel it.   Recovering quickly, Daemarius threw a bright blue fireball at Kiara. His eyes narrowed as she slashed her sword through it, extinguishing his attack effortlessly.

He watched as Kiara sheathed her sword.  Her body tensed for a moment, and energy crackled around her as she let her power rise to the surface.  He smiled and let go of his own suppressed power.

They stood there for a short while, growing stronger with each passing second.  Then, feeling that he had allowed enough of his sorcerous power to appear, Daemarius lunged forward.

It was a bluff.  His image flickered and he teleported behind her, bringing his arm up in a powerful strike to her neck.  Kiara sensed his movement the moment he performed it, and caught his arm before her could complete the blow.  Grasping his with both hands, she flung him to the ground.

Without hesitation, Daemarius leapt to his feet.  Unlike Kiara, he did not anticipate his opponent’s next move, and was sent flying into the rocky ground as a powerful kick connected with his stomach.  It was followed up with a large fireball, which he blocked in the nick of time, bringing his arms up and stopping its force.  Twisting it to his own sorcery, he threw it into the ground near Kiara, sending up a cloud of choking dust.

This method of defence caught Kiara off guard, and the dust got into her lungs, causing a fit of coughing.  She suddenly felt Daemarius appear beside her, and performed a roundhouse kick in what she felt was the correct direction.  It was.  Her leg connected with flesh, but she bit back a scream as the jagged edge of a dagger slashed across her left side.  The cloud, like his previous lunge, had been a diversion.

 Daemarius winced as, once again, he was sent to the ground.  The cloud of dust was dissipating as he got to his feet, but he knew he would see Kiara still standing.  His attempt at stabbing her had been cut short by her well-aimed kick, and he knew he had only managed to cut her, and not deeply.

The dust settled completely now, and Kiara raised her right arm above her head.  It was time to end this battle.  She began a slow, circular wrist movement, slowly gaining momentum. Something bright twirled around her body, pulsing with light.
Daemarius smirked.  He saw this as an opening, and immediately began a barrage of large fireballs upon her seemingly unprotected being, each one crackling with dark energy.  To his amazement, each fireball seemed to be pulled into her Diamond Chain, making it pulse even brighter. His eyes widened, this was something he had never before experienced.
         Kiara cracked the Diamond Chain like a whip, and there was a flash of blinding white light as it coiled around Daemarius.  When the light cleared, the dark sorcerer was being constrained by a long chain of pulsing sorcerous diamonds.

Kiara placed both hands on the end of the chain she held as Daemarius struggled desperately to escape.  She closed her eyes, brow furrowed, and the chain shone with more intensity. Light radiated around Kiara and Daemarius rhythmically, and whilst Kiara gained energy, Daemarius was losing power rapidly and painfully.

Daemarius let out a scream, fighting against her attack.  He felt his strength waning, and his vision became unfocused, and he stopped his fruitless struggle.
         Kiara released the chain and it dematerialised instantly. Daemarius was breathing heavily. He swayed slightly and crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Kiara walked over to him, looking down on him and ensuring that this was not another bluff.  Sure that he was senseless, she smiled, remembering the book of Enchantrian Sorcery that she had found just a week ago.  Such a book many would have determined useless by others, but now its knowledge would save her beloved world from darkness and ruin.
         She placed both hands above his unconscious form, and began a powerful ancient spell that would remove the darkness from his heart and release him from servitude to Celesta.  As she concentrated, a golden ribbon of light sprung from her fingertips. It spiralled around Daemarius, and everyone he had put under his sleeping spell.  The transformation had begun.
         Daemarius’ hair turned to a light ash blonde, and his clothes changed to those of Enchantrian fashion.  Fiera and the spelled Enchantrians awoke, as did Daemarius as his strength was returned.  When his eyes opened, they had become a deep sapphire blue.
     The transformation was complete.
         Kiara opened her eyes.  When she saw Daemarius, she was hit with a faint sense of recognition.  As he walked over, she remembered.  One of the portraits in the album she had found looked exactly like him. 

“Darrian?” she asked, testing to see if he remembered the name that had been written on the back of his portrait.

He bowed respectfully, confirming that she was correct.  When he straightened, Kiara could see the shame that burned in his eyes.

“How did you know my original name, Highness?” he enquired, bowing once more.

“I found a portrait of you…you were one of my parents’ best fighters, but you disappeared just before Celesta had them killed…” Kiara replied, remembering what Ellyra had told her.

Darrian smiled.  “I was your father’s second-in-command in the Enchantrian Warriors Guild,” he explained.

Suddenly, Darrian realised what she must think.

“I did not betray them, Highness,” he said hurriedly.  “I vaguely remember Celesta appearing one night, she cast a spell upon me, and I have been a prisoner in my own mind ever since.”

“I think it’s time you re-joined the Enchantrian Warriors Guild, Darrian,” she said, smiling.  “Shall we go home?”

“That would be wonderful, Highness,” he said, returning her smile.

With that, a whinny echoed across the Plains, and Bel D’Ahn appeared, Darrian’s storm grey unicorn beside him.  They cantered over, each nuzzling their owner happily.  Once mounted, Kiara wanted to tell Darrian one more thing.

“By the way, Darrian,” she said, nudging Bel D’Ahn into a trot.

“Yes, Highness?” he replied.

“Call me Kiara.”

Darrian laughed.  “Of course.”

They returned to Sai’pera, and explained the day’s ordeal, reintroducing Darrian to the Enchantrians.  Ellyra insisted on a celebration for Kiara’s victory and Darrian’s return to the Valley. 

At the conclusion of the celebratory feast, Ellyra stood and called for silence, which fell immediately.

“My fellow Enchantrians,” she began, “As you know, once a Magi reaches the age of sixteen, they can legally become immortal.  I think tonight is the perfect occasion for Kiara to make this pivotal transition, don’t you agree?”

A loud cheer echoed through the Banquet Hall, and Ellyra smiled broadly.  She rose from her seat and beckoned for Kiara to follow.

Kiara followed Ellyra to the front of the room, she had been waiting for this day for years.  To become immortal was a turning point in every Magi’s life.  It increased their power and made them much more resilient to attack.  They became one with the elements, as pure and eternal as the earth.

Ellyra began the spell, and Kiara closed her eyes, letting the magic flow into her.  For a few moments it felt as though she was between worlds, hanging between the physical and spirit realms of the Magi.  The sensation passed, and the conversion was complete.  When she opened her eyes, the Enchantrians cheered and clapped loudly for her, and she couldn’t help a proud grin from spreading across her face.  When their praise ended, everyone rose from the Banquet Hall and made their way to the ballroom, where merriment lasted long into the night.

Outside, a lone figure in black sat atop one of the towers of Moonshine Manor, listening to the Enchantrians celebrate.  He scowled at their happiness and teleported to the ground.
“So, Daemarius, you have failed and betrayed us,” he growled menacingly.  “Make merry while you can, my brother, for I will succeed.”

He turned from the Manor in disgust, and with a swish of his cloak, was gone.