The Star of Morcyth_ Book Five of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [173]
“Am I the instrument to bring about his return?” he asks.
“It’s already begun,” the man replies. “His name is once more being spoken, that alone will not be enough however. He needs a focal point for people to direct their energy toward, in that way his priests can work to counter the evil.”
“So the Temple must be built,” he concludes. “It will be the focal point.”
“Yes,” the man says.
He turns to look the man in the eyes and asks, “Am I to be the High Priest?”
Shaking his head, the man says, “No, that task lies with another.”
Sudden realization strikes him, “The Temple was in the City of Light!”
“That is correct,” the man affirms.
“But, the Empire is in control of the City,” he says. “They won’t allow us to build it!”
“That is true,” the man says. Turning to face him, the man adds, “As long as they control the City.”
“But that means…”
“You must drive them out,” concludes the man.
“But…”
“It’s time for you to go,” Igor tells him. “You can stay no longer.”
“But…” begins James but then the world around him fades away.
They are all gathered around him as he lays there unmoving, worried about whether or not he’ll come around. Suddenly, his chest heaves as he takes a deep breath and his eyes open.
He at first looks around, not remembering where he is. Then his eyes settle upon Jiron and Miko standing there with the others and the memory returns.
“Man are we glad you’re back,” Jiron says.
“We were worried about you,” Miko tells him.
Sitting up, he asks, “How long was I out?”
“Not too long,” Uther says. “Ten minutes or so.”
“What happened to you?” Fifer asks.
“It’s all fuzzy,” he says. “I think it was a vision of some kind.”
“A vision?” asks Qyrll, now keenly interested. “What was it?”
James looks around at the others and that’s when he realizes Dave isn’t among them. “Where’s Dave?” he asks.
“Who cares?” Jiron replies. “Probably gone off to be by himself again.”
Getting to his feet, he looks around and he’s nowhere to be found. “Dave!” he calls but receives no answer.
“Did you guys do something to him?” he asks, his eyes finally settling on Jiron.
“Don’t look at me,” he says. “If I had done something I would’ve told you. We’ve all been here next to you ever since you collapsed.”
“Dave!” he calls again, now becoming worried.
To Miko he says, “Get the Star and put it in your pouch.”
“Me?” he asks.
“Do you think that’s wise?” Jiron asks. “Considering what happened last time that is.”
“I don’t think you have much to worry about with the Star,” he assures them. “Morcyth is a god of learning. The worst that could happen is that you would become smarter.”
Looking dubious at the prospect of handling another item of such power, Miko gives in and goes over to the chest.
“Dave!” hollers James again, now becoming visibly agitated with worry. “Where are you?” His voice reverberates throughout the chamber but no reply from Dave is forthcoming.
“It’s gone!” cries Miko.
Everyone turns at his exclamation and James rushes forward. “What do you mean it’s gone?”
“Look for yourself,” Miko says, standing aside.
James comes forward and looks inside the chest only to find the velvet cushion. The Star is gone!
“I’ll kill him!” exclaims Jiron. A knife flashes in his hand as he races for the bridge spanning the chasm. He’s soon over it and through the door.
James comes to the same unfathomable conclusion as had Jiron. If the Star is missing, and Dave is missing, then Dave took it. But why? “Jiron!” he screams as he races in pursuit. The others run after him.
Increasing the brilliance of the orb, he races through the door and into the cavern. Ahead of him he sees the back of Jiron as he flies around the stalagmites and pools of water.
“No!” he hears Jiron yell as he somehow starts running even faster. In but a few seconds he realizes what made Jiron yell. The other