Elemental Awakening

Chapter Eighteen

Notes for moving Forward

So some life events are having me put this book on the back burner. I will be moving this one to update on the weekends from now on. My other book, will still be updated as regularly.Once I complete my other book this one will be updated more regularly. Thank you all for reading none the less!

Now on to the story.

Chapter Eighteen

Wendy Packed her bag then went to Dankiyet and David’s rooms and packed their bag. She was worried about Exquisite as the Senator made her intentions known that she was going to stay in the city and try to get more people out. Wendy was also devastated that more people died in the same fashion that her attacker in the maw died. Basically possessed by these mutated bugs.

The young elemental would have to let some things go, they managed to get out as many residents of the slums as they could. The lords and nobles would be furious once they learned that their labor force was stripped away from them. This brought arguments up in the camp. The clans didn’t want any more threats to come down on them, even though the bandit and city guards have left them alone for the time being.

Wendy could overhear Tariel, Ashfoot and the dragon queen’s riders arguing, meaning that the queens themselves were using their riders to yell at the cactus paw leaders. 

“Help them? We have helped them by warning them. We will let the filth and corruption of the so-called pure decide. We will save the poor and the innocent as they deserve. But these animals that preside over them as masters will be left to be eaten in their shrines of greed. We shall not save these creatures for they have done so little to save themselves.”

The Rider Chime stormed out of the tent fuming at the mere suggestion that the clans would provide any trace of aid after they had been forcefully ejected from the city. Wendy shook her head and continued down the rows of tents looking for the one that she was sharing with Mazy and Cleo.

“Excuse me mistress? If we may, while we are waiting I would like to talk to you about the dreaming world.” Edger approached Wendy with a need for information. She grew to understand that he was hungry for stories and education. There were gaps in the archive and many of them could be filled with a few words with her. Edger was sent away by Exquisite, as well as Tangden and his sister. 

“Yeah, let's get something to eat while the rest put the kits together.” Wendy slid her arm into Edger’s elbow, as he escorted her to the camp kitchen. Their relationship had begun to blossom in friendship. She was comfortable with him in a way she couldn’t quite place, and she was looking forward to being able to pursue him in the future. “What do you want to know?”

“Well, Wendy, I was looking through the religious documents that came through with elementals and visions.” He addressed her informally once they passed inquisitive ears, becoming comfortable with her. His tone brought color to her cheeks. “There is a set of books that is perplexing me, I’m assessing whether or not they are worth saving, there are so many inconsistencies and direct contradictions that the whole document seems to be fiction.”

Wendy laughed as she began “There are many that believe that those are nice stories to guide you morally, and others that believe that they are literal truths. Many wars were actually fought over those books.”

Shock “Why are you laughing about that? That is horrible! People believed this jumble of ideas enough to kill people?”

“And that is why I laugh. The more ironic thing about it, is that many of the people that fought over these books never read them themselves.” Shaking her head, she continued. “People in power would use this to better their positions and put many people into slavery.”

“It’s as if the dreaming world created this idea to feel more connected to one another and it became perverted. If they would just talk to one another as a fellow person or creature they would have had a much better life.” Edger paused at the camp kitchen and pulled out his paper and stylus. “I need to write this down before I forget or get too emotional to be subjective.”

“Oh yeah of course.”

“One more thing, did people really believe that all of human population began with one fertile couple?”

“Some people did, other religions believed that another race from the stars came down and created us in a lab from ape parts, or from their flesh. Or we came from the blood of a slain Titan or giant”

“Wait so there was more than one type of religion? I thought that Hercules and Jesus were both children of a god.” Edger’s fascination was palpable.

“Ah yes, they were both children of gods, but the Hellenistic polytheists believed in several gods and demigods. This gave a lot of confusion to people that thought their god was the best and would protect them, Hercules was the son of Zeus not the creator of mankind or even the world, but king of gods. The monotheistic religions gave their own troubles and trivialities. The Christians thought Jesus was the only true son of God, big g, creator of everything, punisher and rewarder, a very dualistic. And the Norse Pagans believed that Thor was one of several children of Odin the father of all gods.”

Edgar hung on every word that Wendy imparted to him, excited to get back to the library of Saludade. “This is all very valuable information.” the monk folded the strap over his journal securing the pages into their cover. “Please come with me when I speak to the masters?” Edger grasped Wendy’s hand looking her in the face with an expression that reminded her of a child asking for a gift.

“I would love to meet them. I’m sure they have much to teach me too.” she smiled warmly at him. “Hey tell me about Saludade.” She asked. Edger let go of her hand realizing what he had been doing. He turned to the line forming at the cook fire and nodded.

“Saudade, was once a vibrant city dedicated to advancement and literature.” The monk paused for a moment waiting for others to go ahead of him in the line. “ Environmental decline and the growth of the desert lead to the decline in the city. The city has reduced to a small town built around the library and college.” 

Wendy noticed his tone had changed, as though he had more to tell. “Go on.” She prodded. 

He continued describing what Saludade looks like. “There are many small huts crammed right up to the marble walls of the once great establishments college and library. It looks just like the slums in Gold. Now only the scribes and priests remain hoping vainly that education and technology will once again return to our world.”

“I guess we will have to see once the clan arrives. We are striking the camp tomorrow.” Wendy replied.

…

Each group of eight tents and boat was pulled down and stored on the vehicle then moved out. Two dragons left with each group, aiding them in communication and protection, as well as giving them the ability to scout the trail from the air. They planned the travel much the same way they performed it upon leaving the Cactus Paw complex. Each group would head out shortly followed by another group. Giving towns and the land the room to accept the people traveling through or time for villages to pack up and follow. 

As the last group was leaving the camp outside of Gold, the swarm crested the horizon from the north. The drone of millions of insect bodies humming in unison deafened the citizens. David was in the last group and threw a fire shield up preventing the threat from also devouring the Clans. David’s green flames allerted the groups that they were being followed and that Locksear knew that they were moving. They just had to get to Saludade before he could muster his forces and wipe the town off the map before they go there.

Wendy was walking with Edger, talking with him. He didn’t make her feel like an outsider. Everyone of her friends had someone that they were close with. Even Sui seemed to be spending more time with Telpinue. The Captain of the newly dubbed airforce house enjoyed using Sui’s power to lift the draglets into the air with less time and energy than normal ground take offs for the massive creatures. This batch of draglets seems more friendly and hospitable to the Elementals in general.

So Wendy spent the week of walking to Saludade talking about her old home. She knew that it wasn’t advised to dwell on the dreaming world, but Edger was fascinated and gobbled up every scrap of information that Wendy had to offer. The man was roughly ten years older than herself, but he was still somewhat childish and naive. Wendy liked that about him. She didn’t feel judged for being the shy and goofy person that she is. 

“What is that?” Edger asked dragons began flying back the way they had come. The pair turned around following the dragons flight with their eyes until they were facing west on the Gold road. They could see behind them a tower of green flame like a beacon. It was consuming the clouds of insects that were swarming around it. 

Wendy stood in the middle of the road forcing families to walk around her. David told the Elementals in their mind that he was taking care of this. “David says he has it.” Wendy shrugged. “I’m sure the dragons are going to flame just as many.” 

She turned to continue down the road making her way to Saludade. The elemental used her power over all waters to whisk away all of her tears, she pretended that losing all the innocent people in Gold was nothing. Adding to the perception that she was growing cold and heartless. Edger was not fooled. He tried to pull her close for a hug but Wendy shoved him away and walked faster. 

“What is wrong?” Edger asked. “You look like you need comfort. Will you not allow me to be a friend?”

“Not right now, let me just process this on my own.” Wendy left the road on the north side walking in the direction of a settlement called Hill Town. “I need a minute.”

Edger continued to follow her “I’m not leaving you alone like this, you are far too important to everyone.” Wendy wove between people taking the less maintained road to the north with another group of people, but stopped suddenly again with Edger’s declaration.

“See that’s the problem, I am never left alone. And when I do finally convince people that I need time for myself then a weirdo follows me and tries to attack me!” She yelled at the monk frustrated with everything that is expected of her. “So what are you to me? My nanny or a weirdo?”

Edger’s face grew dark with the accusation. “I am someone that cares deeply for you, Wendy. I was hoping with as often as you seek me out that you felt the same for me. I am your friend, not someone that would ever want to hurt you.”

“I don’t know what you are to me.” Wendy shook her head and began to walk faster to Hill Town, ignoring everyone else around her. Edger still followed her, but increased the distance to allow her some breathing room.

Dusk began to settle as Wendy reached the town. Though this excursion was just to gain some distance from the rest of the throng of people, she was glad of her decision. The town was on top of a large domed hill, giving the town it’s name. The hill overlooking a lake that reflected the sky as a mirror. She felt breathless looking down on that idyllic scene. Edger stood next to her quietly, watching her as she took in the view. 

As stars began to appear in the sky and on the surface of the perfectly flat and ripple-less lake she finally spoke. “I want you to be more than a friend I think. But with everything else going on I feel like I'm supposed to wait. I’m not as focused as David, or as brave as Cleo, or as smart as Sui. I’m just this average girl that wants a simple life.” Wendy looked at Edger. “I’m frustrated because I don’t get to have that.”

Wendy let Edger pull her into a hug, he relished the closeness that she allowed him. Her warmth and captivating smell hypnotized him. “When you decide let me know. I will be here for you. In any way that you need me.” The monk said.

Wendy smiled musing. “I’m beginning to think that being a monk means something completely different to you than it does to me.”

Edger raised his eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“Monks weren’t allowed to have relationships outside of their faith in the dreaming world.” She said, stepping away from Edger.

Edger’s dawning understanding painted his face. “Ohh! No, we are allowed to have families, we just have to devote a certain number of years to the order and become teachers once we leave the library and college.”

Wendy nodded considering this. She sat down on the scrubby grass on the side of the hill facing the lake. Edger joined her. “We should either pitch a tent or find a room in the town, but seeing as how late it is that may be difficult.” Wendy finally said. 

“Let’s go join one of the groups and see if they have room.” The monk stood and helped Wendy to her feet. Wendy pulled him into an embrace as she got to her feet surprising Edger. “What’s this for?”

“I need the contact.” She tilted her face to look at him. He felt compelled by her vulnerability to pull her closer to himself.

“Wendy.” He whispered her name as his adoration of this woman filled his chest. He needed to know that he could comfort her. His lips crashed against hers claiming her mouth sweetly, hungrily. She responded to him rising on her toes to meet him more comfortably. 

The elemental broke the kiss with her cheeks blushing. “Stay with me? Tonight?”

“If you want this I am not leaving you.” Edger’s sincer face left her knees weak. “I told you I never want to hurt you.”

Wendy nodded accepting his offer. The monk quickly inhaled and blew it out, looking around. “We should put together a tent then.”

…

Several days later Wendy and Edger arrived in Saludade. They are greeted by the monks of the library. A few of them looked appraisingly at their order brother. Wendy smirked “Thought you said that monks can have families.”

“I may not have specified how they get their families.” Edger sheepishly replied.

Wendy raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. “Is this going to make me mad?”

Edger dropped his eyes in regret, and some shame. “The order selects our wives for us, they arrange marriages to strengthen our ties to the local leaders. Wealthy families have been the only way that we gain support.” Wendy’s face grew darker with anger. “But they ensure that our wives will be compatible, they try to make it so that we are with women that we will fall in love with.” Edger continued out of panic. “And you are an Elemental, they won’t dispute your desire to be with me!”

Wendy turned sharply. “You’ve had a week to tell me that. You could have warned me that I was poaching someone else's future husband.” Wendy looked disgusted with the monk.

“I wasn’t promised to anyone.” He denied. “I haven’t reached the age that they select brides for us yet, and it wasn’t even guaranteed that I would be given the chance, there aren’t a lot of families these days.”

Calming she pulled Edger into a hug. “Fine, but you owe me for not telling me in the first place.” He leaned in and kissed his elemental. 

David and Sui joined Wendy and her monk at the entrance to Saludade. “Congratulations on the match.” Sui said to the new pairing.

David smiled and congratulated them as well. “Now I know why I haven’t seen you all week.” He smirked. 

Wendy blushed. And muttered. “Let’s get to the library, I’m sure the counsel is waiting on us.”

The small group walked up the streets of Saludade. Noticing the contrast of the ancient Greek influenced architecture and the huts and shacks on the way. Shanty houses are crowded right up to the Alexandrian inspired Library using one of the walls as their own support structure. The doors of the library are a full dragon height allowing the queen's entrance to the building.

The group arrived at the door of the library to be met by one of the order’s masters. “Welcome esteemed guests.” His grey eyes looked over their small group. “Oh brother Edger, thank goodness you made it back! You must tell me of your travels after you refresh yourself. Let me make the Elementals comfortable and we shall speak this evening in my study.” The older man smiled warmly at the younger monk.

David withheld a snicker already being appraised of the situation. Wendy glared at her peer before saying to the master. “Uh I’ll need him with me.”

The old man narrowed his eyes at Edger. “So the others were telling the truth.” He huffed “You know this complicates things boy. Now I have to relinquish half of your training.”

Edger nodded and cast his eyes down again as he was chastised. This angered Wendy. “Look, this is all new for me, but you aren’t going to treat him like that. He’s an adult as far as I’m concerned able to make his own decisions.” The petite woman stepped up to the master intimidating him until Edger wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“I’ll show you to my apartments, and let the Master deal with Sui and David.”

On the way to his rooms in the library Edger gave a tour to his elemental. Wendy loves the cobbled tech and exclaims “That it is exactly like my favorite graphic novel!” Everything seemed dashed together and yet still very aesthetically pleasing. The intricate wiring to something called the electric reactor weapon was crucial, yet artfully executed. “Do you realize what these things would be capable of in the hands of the warrior house?” Wendy’s excitement flared larger. 

The electric weapon would be able to zap large clouds of the insect swarm with a single charge from the chemicals that Cleo and Wendy could easily harvest with their powers.The Monks may have been forgotten by the rest of the world, but they continued in their studies and were well informed that their efforts would be needed.