Jay - Ahern's Burden
Ahern's Burden

Ahern stood in front of the fire, facing the heat. His hands were out, and he looked like he was trying to control the movements of the flames. Jay sat in the chair next to the hearth. A few days ago, he would have thought anybody odd for doing what Ahern was doing. The large logs produced a good heat, but Ahern didn’t seem to mind how close he was to the flames.

Quinn knelt on the floor beside Jay’s chair.

The morning sun had yet to rise. The others were still asleep.

“Excuse me Jay, Quinn,” Ahern said, “I will be right back.”

A moment later, Ahern returned with a small tray holding a pot and six small cups.

“Quinn, would you pour us some tea?” Ahern asked before setting the tray down on a small table.

Quinn poured the tea and handed a cup to Ahern. She handed one to Jay and he held it in his hands before sipping the top layer.

Flog joined them before long, and when the sun began to pierce the windows, Kel poured his own tea.

Jay felt refreshed after his drink and more so when they assembled for breakfast. The smell of baked bread and cooked apples lured everyone into the dining room.

“Jay, this seat is for you,” Ahern said, pointing to the open chair on his right.

Quinn walked in with pitchers of juice and water in each hand and spaced them evenly on the table. Two other pots of hot tea were steaming beside them. When she finished, Quinn stood behind the chair next to Jay.

“Flog, please sit here,” Ahern said, extending his left hand.

Flog moved to his seat and Kel stood behind the next chair.

“Where is Allon?”

“I’m here,” he said, bounding down the hall. He stood behind the last open chair, across from Ahern, pulling a knit hat over his mangled hair.

“Take your seats and enjoy,” Ahern said.

Jay scanned the variety of food in front of him. He was familiar with much of the fruit, but the different types of bread and jams were new. He took a small slice and spread a red, seed-filled jam over a small corner. After sampling the bite his eyes opened and he looked at Quinn.

She nodded while chewing. “That one’s my favorite.”

Jay smeared more of the same jam on the bread and devoured the slice.

The others ate their portions at a normal pace, taking their time to enjoy everything.

Flog still felt out of place, but he wasn’t going to pass up this type of meal.

After a while, the food was consumed, and everyone began to slow down.

“I would like to know how Barclay was taken,” Ahern said, breaking the silence and the mood.

Everyone at the table looked at each other.

“I was the last to be with him,” Flog said, looking at his plate. “The fighting on the beach turned sore and we ended up at each other’s backs. We were isolated. The wave of men was too strong for us to fight through, but he used what was probably his last bit of strength to push them away and he threw me at Jay and the others.”

“He threw you?” Ahern asked.

“Barclay is telekinetic,” Allon said. “We discovered his talent while at Dek.”

Ahern nodded and looked back at Flog.

“Before he did so, he warned me that if I harmed Jay, he would kill me.” Flog thought back to the moment and smiled inward.

“The moment after Barclay threw Flog, a man in a dark robe appeared and took him.” Kel said, looking at Ahern. “There was nothing we could do.”

“This will test Barclay,” Ahern said, “but I have complete confidence in his strength. We will see him again.”

“Prince Flog,” Ahern said, changing in an excited tone. “How did you come to join this group?”

Flog looked around and swallowed hard. He couldn’t remember the last time he was addressed as “prince.” He looked at his lap and exhaled. “In my need to prove my worth, I found myself in league with the Idols.” He raised his head at the end of his sentence.

Ahern nodded with an expression of anticipation. He didn’t look angry, but curious to hear his story.

“They hired me to chase down a boy,” he continued. “I was told the boy was a fugitive, and with the promise of a large reward, I pursued him. He was difficult to find but the Idols supported me until…” Flog paused.

“Until what?” Ahern asked.

“Until I learned the truth.”

“And what is the truth?” Ahern pressed.

Flog thought about how to put in words the decision he made. “The Idols rule by fear,” Flog responded. “They execute those that practice magic when they themselves use it to their advantage. I watched Jay use magic to protect his friend from three assassins in the Library of Cedar, and while I traveled home, I thought about what I was doing, who I was becoming. My father taught me to see good in everything and to question what you don’t understand. I didn’t know why they wanted Jay, I didn’t know anything about the Idols or how they came to rule except from rumors. I was blinded by a monetary promise and I thought the money would remove the need for me to ask questions, to find the truth. I thought by staying in the dark, I could ignore everything around me. I told myself what I was doing was necessary, necessary for my people, but I lied to myself. I had grown selfish.

“When I realized my fault, I began to ask questions. I searched through the records vaults of Nasje, Benly, and Evertine hoping to understand why the kingdoms fell. I looked through thousands of documents, but none spoke of the wars that destroyed Groodaria or how the Idols came to reign. I then turned my efforts to search for Jay and Barclay on my own. If I couldn’t stop the Idols I at least needed to beg their forgiveness and return their affects, but they were good at hiding. I would have never found them if not for Demetri.”

“Demetri?” Allon questioned. “Demetri Toria, one of the six Idols?”

“The same,” Flog confirmed.

Ahern sensed the air turning and raised his hand. “Demetri and I have an understanding.”

“You do?” Kel asked.

“Yes. He expressed a desire to resign from his position many years ago, but even if Seneca would allow it, I have counseled him to stay.”

“He knew you would travel through Etheral,” Flog explained, “and he took me there.”

“Is that how we were attacked?” Allon asked.

“I don’t believe so,” Flog responded. “I waited for you to arrive for three days and watched you for another two until Kel returned from the sea. They could have moved on you at any time. I don’t know how they found you.”

“Port Nion is less than a day away,” Kel said.

“I’ve seen the Idols bring an entire army in a moment’s notice,” Allon interjected.

“Neither Flog nor Demetri betrayed you,” Ahern said, calming their concerns about Flog’s arrival. “Do you have anything else you would like to say?”

Flog opened and then closed his mouth. “No,” he said, shaking his head.

“Please speak,” Ahern said.

“I am at a disadvantage,” Flog said, honestly. “I do not know you or your company. I am intimidated to be in your presence.”

“Why do you feel intimidated?” Ahern asked.

“I do not understand how it works. I am not a magician.”

Ahern nodded. “Each of us around this table has unique talents. Let me show you.” Ahern moved his plate to the side and laid his hand on the table with his open palm facing up. “Watch my hand.”

Flog looked down and saw a flame develop and appear to burn his hand. He sat back in his chair, surprised.

“This fire is real,” Ahern said. He took his napkin and let the fire consume it whole. “I have the ability to control what this flame will do, but it’s still a flame. I can make it go away.” The flame went back into his hand. “I can have it move away from me.” The flame appeared and extended off his hand until it almost reached the ceiling. It hovered for a moment before it returned to a low burn above his hand. “I can also send it away from me.” This time, several smaller fireballs jumped out of the flames a few inches and returned back to the fire. “Kel, Allon, and Quinn can control this fire in different ways. Observe.”

Flog watched a fireball the size of his fist jumped off Ahern’s hand and fly across the table. Kel reacted first and extended his hand. His motion stopped the fire ball from moving further. Flog leaned in to see it still burning, but at a much slower rate.

“Kel has the ability to control the time objects move,” Ahern explained. “Even at what speed they move.”

Quinn was next. She gently raised her hand above the table and the fireball vanished.

“Quinn is able to make objects disappear,” Ahern said.

She lowered her hand and the fire reappeared. Kel lowered his hand as well and the ball continued its original course towards Allon. Before it reached him, he extended his hand toward the flame and collected it through his fingertips. His arm glowed a little past the wrist and then returned to normal.

“Allon’s strength is controlling fire.”

“Keeps me warm,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“We all have many talents,” Ahern explained, “and we use them when necessary.”

Flog nodded. The brief demonstration was impressive.

Jay also enjoyed the display of talents. For a moment he forgot about his troubles.

“Who taught you?”

“Ahern taught us,” Allon said.

“Understood,” Flog responded, “but my question was directed to Ahern.”

Ahern looked at him with a cautious eye. He looked at Kel, who shook his head gently. “A fair question,” Ahern said, raising his right hand off the table.

The room fell silent.

Flog took another sip of water and looked at Ahern. “I do not mean to offend.”

“My young prince,” Ahern said, “I am beyond taking offence to anything anyone would say.”

Flog still found the title embarrassing. “May I ask your age?”

The blunt question was met with a smile from Ahern.

“How old would you guess I am?”

“To me,” Flog said, unconcerned about Kel’s reaction to his dropping the question, “you look like a man in his late forties, but you said I looked like one of my great-grandfathers. How can that be?”

Ahern nodded. “Because I knew your great-grandfather.”

Flog raised his eyebrows.

“I grew up in an age long since forgotten,” Ahern started. “I have seen kingdoms rise and fall and I’ve watched generations live and die. And though the three here disagree,” he said pointing to Allon, Quinn, and Kel, “I alone am responsible for the oppression of the world.”

The comment took Jay back. He thought of his father’s journals and what it taught about the Idols. The blame for their actions was never directed at Ahern.

“How are you responsible?” Flog asked.

“Because I created the Idols,” he said, placing his hands in his lap.

Flog wanted to ask the obvious question but held his tongue.

“Let me explain,” Ahern said. “When I was a young father, my wife, Auvi and I welcomed our second child on a warm spring evening. Three weeks later, my newborn and my three-year-old became ill and died. It took me years to overcome the depression, and though Auvi and I lived peacefully for another decade, she became ill with the same symptoms that took our children. At the time of my wife’s illness, I was appointed an apprenticeship to King Demiour’s head scholar. I expressed my concerns to him about my wife and we searched the records vault in hopes of finding a remedy. While searching, I found references to a lost civilization, the Theons, and their ancient records, the Scrolls of Etheria. The court’s records made further reference to the Theons’ advanced healing methods and I took courage. Unfortunately, Auvi passed before I found a cure and I left the King’s service while I grieved. When I returned, I again began to study the records and I discovered the Theons’ use of magic. I became intrigued but found no further evidence of the Scrolls. My master lost interest after a few months and when he found the Theons performed magic, he forbade me from searching for the scrolls.

“About this time my younger sister, Eliza, came to live with me. She was asked to assist a midwife to the Princess. I shared with her my discoveries and together, we studied the records. She was well educated, and we would read old manuscripts late into the night. She expressed her concerns about the references to magic but was enchanted by the claims made of the Theons’ healing abilities.

“As children, we heard rumors of sorcerers but thought them only scary tales created to prevent children from wandering off. We had to determine if the records we read were genuine or other scary tales. We studied the old records for years and found many solid clues but the Theons protected their knowledge well.

“In due time, Eliza became head midwife to the royal family. She pushed me to continue my research when a young Prince became ill. I recognized the illness as the one that took my family and told Eliza there was no cure and the child would die within a week. My sister stayed in the records vault day and night searching for a cure. One night she had a breakthrough. She ran into my room and yanked me out of bed. I remember lighting a candle,” Ahern said, smiling, “and rubbing my eyes. She handed me a document and told me to look on the back. The back had no writing and after I showed it to her, she grabbed it out of my hand and walked to the window. She asked me to join her and that’s when I saw magic for the first time. The moonlight caused the most beautiful handwriting to appear, and not just words, but a simple map showing the location of a cave, deep in the mountains. The lettering was an ancient language no one was able to translate.”

Ahern closed his eyes and repeated the words. “In days’ unseen, from stones’ lonely sleep, grant me passage, into your deep.”

Ahern smiled at Jay. Those were the words Jay used to enter the Hall of Sispo to retrieve Ahern’s box.

“I recognized the location and told Eliza about the nearby mountain range, less than two days’ journey. She told me to get ready to leave. We each had reasons for going. Eliza’s were more pressing, and I knew she would do anything to save the life of the Prince.

“We arrived at the entrance before nightfall the next evening. Eliza told me providence allowed us to arrive a day early. Once we entered the cave we found a barrier between us and the vault containing the scrolls. I removed it after repeating the words from the map. We entered the vault together and lit a few of the candles we brought with us. We started scanning through the scrolls and quickly found several referring to healing.

“Time was short, and we tried to leave, but found our passage blocked by the same barrier. I repeated the words countless times, but the barrier stayed until the following night. Our imprisonment gave us an opportunity to find more potions dedicated to healing, but we did fear the worst until we were freed. We hurried back, and Eliza mixed a few of the potions and saved the Prince.” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Ahern looked at Flog. “Have I answered your question?”

The question surprised Flog. “I’m not sure. Who was King Demiour?”

“He ruled the Kingdom of Privax,” Quinn answered, locking eyes with Flog, “more than eight hundred years ago.”

Flog smiled and did an odd laugh to himself. “Eight hundred years ago.”

“Yes,” Ahern confirmed. “To be precise, this year I celebrated my eight hundred and forty-ninth birthday.”

Flog moved his eyes around the group.

“You guessed correctly, by the way,” Ahern said. “I am in my forties.”

Flog thought about leaving the room or pretending to be ill so he could slip away.

Hold strong.

Barclay’s right eye slowly pulled open. His other eye was swollen shut.

Do not let them break you.

The voice filled Barclay’s mind, waking him from unconsciousness. He turned his head, but the room was too dark to make out anything definitive with his limited vision.

Know you have a friend.

Barclay thought he was dead but going crazy seemed more plausible. He sat up, but the pounding in his head increased and forced him to slump back down.

The moment will pass. Rest. Remember.

The last words brought him a degree of comfort, but his thoughts moved to his family and their safety. And as he thought of Nuvi’s face, he slipped again into darkness.

“I know you don’t believe me,” Ahern said. “I have seen much in my life. Many scenes I would like to erase from my memory. You are a rational man, Prince Flog. I would expect nothing more than disbelief from whoever hears my story. It proves your sanity. But I have lived through the joy and the regrets.

“I regret watching the men I raised to relieve the pain and suffering of others turn tyrannical and destroy countless families. For a time, I was able to counter them, but their darkness has grown and I have lost my advantage. I am an outlaw because I would allow the people of all lands the freedom to live as they chose. I am hunted because I know who they are and what they seek, but I can no longer use my talents to influence their motives. I was not vigilant when they were younger, I allowed them to govern themselves. I was lazy and naïve to believe I had done enough, and that is why the sin of the Idols rests upon my head.”

Ahern’s words hung heavy over the table. Everyone was looking at their empty plates. Jay heard Kel swallow.

“The Idols,” Ahern explained, “as people call them today, or Healers as they are properly known, were never taught magic. They understood their roles, and though some were curious of my abilities, they were the choicest people, pure in heart and mind, and never questioned why.”

“You never brought a scroll out of the cave?” Flog asked.

“I could not,” Ahern answered. “We studied the scrolls while isolated in the vault. I tried once to carry a scroll out, but I found them protected by a powerful spell. They cannot be removed.”

“If you didn’t teach your Healers magic,” Flog asked, “who did?”

“I don’t know,” Ahern answered, bluntly. “That riddle has eluded me for more than one hundred years. Someone with an intimate knowledge of the Scrolls must have taught them. That is the only explanation.”

“The scrolls are the key,” Kel said.

“The Theons’ language is pure and clear,” Ahern explained, in an excited tone. “My sister and I spent every free day secluded with their writings. I read the scrolls to her for more than a decade until she mastered the language.

“I found several warnings early in my studies,” Ahern continued, “stressing the importance of keeping the scrolls hidden. Some had misused the knowledge and their actions caused others to fear magic. I can only assume that because of this abuse the scrolls were sealed in the cave. Someone left the clues behind to find them again, but we heeded the warnings and chose to keep the truth about our talents and the scrolls to ourselves.”

“The Northern Rim?” questioned the first mate.

“Yes,” Captain Fillip confirmed, pulling his hat tight. “Put us far from this sea.”

His first mate was about to seek further clarification, but kept his mouth shut. He knew what lay at the Northern Rim and silently questioned his Captain’s motives. He spun on his heel and skipped down the stairs two at a time to the main deck. Pausing in the morning light, he barked out the orders to the deck hands, sending men in every direction to make the ship ready. With the ship in motion, he turned again to his captain. What are we doing?

The ship began to pick up speed as additional sails caught strong wind from the south. After a slight course alteration, the small tropical isle fell beneath the rear starboard rails.

The first mate shrugged and carried on. What choice did he have? He had two others to watch over. He was ordered to treat them with great care while in the brig. How his Captain knew they were there and why he kidnapped them, left an uneasy pressure on his mind.

“The knowledge on a single scroll is vast, and despite our devotion, we realized our own limitations. Our lives were more than half over and we needed more time. One day, I read of a potion capable of granting a second life. I was excited but hesitant. In many ways, I didn’t want to live longer than I should, and I feared I might fall into the same trap others had in past ages. I argued with myself for more than a year with my decision, unsure about letting my life take its course or delaying death to study and develop my skills. I concluded that my intentions were genuine, and together, Eliza and I extended our lives.

“The potion gave us a new start,” he continued. “We knew we had cheated death and we took advantage. The next few decades were beautiful. We traveled the world in search of anyone in need. We developed our talents daily and became powerful, but we never abused our abilities. We never accepted payment, regardless of what we had done or who we healed. It was joy at its fullest. A feeling I had never felt before, nor since.

“As the years rolled by, I delved more into the magical scrolls. I learned how to control the elements, teleport, and it allowed me and Eliza the luxury of traveling the world faster.”

Ahern looked to the side and fell into a daydream. Allon and Kel shared a glance. Quinn took another slice of bread and brought the strawberry jam closer. The movement woke Ahern.

“We knew our free century was over when we again began to age,” Ahern continued. “This time we didn’t fight death but embraced the knowledge that it would soon be upon us. For Eliza it happened the following year. A coach she was riding in threw a wheel. She tried saving the two other passengers and the driver but was unable. Using her remaining strength, she partially healed her ailments and managed to send a letter to me about her condition. I teleported to her the instant I received her letter. I told her I could heal her, but she refused. She said my destiny was to continue the work. I told her I would until I died.” Ahern half smiled and looked down.

“I still remember her shaking her head and telling me to create athanasia. I was shocked at her request. I refused. She gently waved me closer, so she wouldn’t have to strain and pleaded with me to teach others. She reminded me of the last century, and the joy we found in the service of others. She said she knew there were others with the same countenance and told me I had to find them. She didn’t want the last century wasted.”

Ahern paused.

Flog saw his eyes glisten.

“I struggled deep with my decision. This was far more serious than extending my life. She pleaded with me to agree but I found this most troubling.”

Ahern paused again.

“She stayed alive long enough for me to agree and helped me finish athanasia.”

Jay didn’t know how to feel. It seemed everyone he knew had lost someone close.

“I watched the generations pass,” Ahern continued, his composure true. “The world separated and broke into different kingdoms, wars reigned, but there were many seasons of wonderful peace. I searched for men and women with the character and strength required to hold the mantle I would place upon them. The task was difficult, but I found a few in each region who were willing and devoted. I built the temple that resides in front of The Hall of Requisition, and from there I taught my apprentices twice a year and strengthened their confidence.”

Ahern leaned forward and poured another glass of water.

“If the men and women you chose were pure in heart,” Flog asked, “What happened?”

Ahern placed his empty cup back on the table and took a deep breath. He kept his eyes on his cup. “Fear, doubt, and revenge.” He moved his eyes to Flog. “Unchecked, those three attributes combined will consume an individual and destroy everything and everyone who stands in opposition.”

“One of them turned,” Flog said.

Ahern nodded. “A young boy, Caseen, was chosen as an apprentice in the kingdom of Mati. Smart, enthusiastic and cunning. The healers were lauded for their skills. Kings summoned them for the most tedious imperfections. When an individual was chosen to be an apprentice, the community responded with joy. The families considered it an honor to have their son or daughter picked. Caseen did not share the same enthusiasm. I have learned that he resented and renounced his parents for allowing a healer to take him. He viewed his parents’ actions as abandonment.

“I was unaware of his slow and secret manipulation of the other apprentices. He cleverly concealed his state of mind while plotting his revenge. They cursed the Monarchies they had stewardship over, and made it look like the kings started the war.

“By the time they began their second life, their rebellion reached a tipping point. They knew their masters would soon be gone and they patiently waited. They requested that I expand their horizons and teach them magic. They continually pried deeper and asked questions of difficult potions and spells, works even I was unfamiliar with. Their questioning caused me great alarm, but I thought I was still in control.

“As I said before,” he continued, “the Healers had royalty’s ear. Caseen and another boy, Triedem, planted in their King’s minds the need to claim an inconsequential island. They agreed and when each laid their claim, the quarreling began. Small fights brought out. Petitions followed, and eventually each declared war. The two apprentices pushed the kings, telling each one that they were in the right. On the outside, they pretended to try and stop the unrest, but they had the other apprentices feeding the other fires, and soon, lines were drawn, and everyone was involved.

“Their plan was simple,” Ahern stated. “Create an atmosphere in which the people grew frustrated with their kings enough to allow them to step in and take control. They knew they had years to achieve their goals. The first phase included the dismantling of the current governments. The second was to force me into giving them more power and knowledge. They rationed that the horrid state of the people would break me. Their end goal was to obtain athanasia for themselves.”

“Which they still don’t have,” Flog confirmed.

Ahern slowly shook his head. “No. But their time is running out. And they have begun to show desperation.”

“They want to live forever,” Flog stated, rubbing his eyes.

Ahern nodded. “Their ruse worked, and by the time their masters died, the world was at war. They lied to me in our council meetings, but I had my suspicions. I tried to speak with the kings privately, but I had fallen into legend. That’s when I realized my mistake. They thought me an imposter; one even tried to hold me captive. I had lost my leverage and the people worshiped them as Idols.

“I knew my life was in danger,” Ahern continued. “I survived a number of traps and I knew they had ties to Caseen and Triedem. When I counseled the Healers to take apprentices, they refused and openly rebelled. I hid for years and privately searched for others who would help, but the people had turned dark.

“Your family, Jay, was one of a few who still trusted me. Their friendship gave me strength. When your parents found it difficult to have children, they asked for assistance. I tried several potions, hoping a rudimentary concoction would heal them, but I was wrong. Even more powerful mixes failed.”

Ahern paused and looked at Jay. “The reason you have your abilities is because your parents drank the Seraphic.”

The Seraphic, Flog thought, and he grew in anticipation.

“What’s the Seraphic?” Jay asked.

“You are the Seraphic,” Ahern responded, “the first in a thousand years.”

Jay looked at the others and back to Ahern. “I don’t understand.”

“Your entire being is the essence of magic,” Ahern explained, “but to you, it’s natural.”

Jay’s mouth fell open. He still didn’t understand.

“A Seraphic is only created through a new-born child,” Ahern said. “I had exhausted all other means of helping your parents, but I knew if they drank the Seraphic, they would have a child. I explained what it would mean and of your potential, and as loving parents, they were concerned. They took months to decide. I promised them that if they were to go through with my recommendation, I would teach their child when he came of age. I knew you would have great ability, beyond the Idols, beyond my own. Yours is unlimited.”

“A Seraphic is a child of magic?” Flog asked.

“Yes,” Ahern said, “pure magic.”

“Not a conqueror?”

“No,” Ahern said, with a smile, “not a conqueror.”

“The Idols fear him,” Flog pressed. “You do understand they fear what Jay may become.” He looked around the table. “A revolutionary.”

Quinn showed a look of surprise but the other two were passive.

“I have heard the same,” Ahern said. “It’s a testament of their lack of understanding, and some well-placed untruths.”

“You told them he would conquer them?” Kel asked Ahern.

Ahern shook his head. “Demetri.”

Flog smiled out of the side of his mouth. Brilliant.

“My time is yours, Jay,” Ahern said. “If you wish, I will show you how to release the talent flowing through you. I can help you control and master what you desire. The Scrolls of Etheria are at your disposal.”

“Will the scrolls show me how to free Barclay?” Jay asked.

“The scrolls have answered every question I have asked.” Ahern allowed his words to sink in. “Would you like to see them?”

Jay looked up and nodded.

“I see you have all filled yourselves,” Ahern said rising. “To the study.”

Flog stayed in his chair.

“You are welcome to join us,” Ahern said.

“I do not want to abuse your trust,” Flog said. “I still feel I have overstepped and intruded enough.”

“Quinn informed me of your oath to Jay,” Ahern said.

Flog looked up. He had not forgotten his oath, but felt his services were, at this time, not required.

“Jay has no enemies here,” Ahern stated, “but it would be wise of you to accompany him at all times.”

Flog nodded and the group gathered in the study. Jay grabbed onto Quinn and Ahern and the others grabbed whoever stood beside them.

Allon looked at Ahern and shook his head.

Do not worry, Ahern thought. “Ready?” And when there were no objections, they left Ahern’s home and opened their eyes in darkness. “Jay, would you provide us with some light?”

Instinctively, Jay thought. Ignire.

From where they stood, nearly a hundred thick candles sparked and illuminated the sides of the tunnel. The tiny row of fire traveled down the tunnel no more than forty feet.

Ahern let go of Jay and moved down the hall. The others followed, holding in their amazement of what Jay had done.

When they reached the end of the burning candles, Ahern looked at Jay and extended his arm. Jay repeated the spell in his head and another long set of candles lit the pathway.

At the end of this set of candles Ahern stopped and faced the group. “This is the cavern where the scrolls reside.”

Jay and Flog walked up and stood beside Ahern. Flog peered inside. He saw two tables and several large chairs. There were other candles along the walls, but they were not burning.

Ahern stepped forward and pounded on the barrier with his fist. A booming echo rumbled through the cave.

Jay ran his hand over the invisible surface and stepped back. The feel was the same at the Hall of Sispo.

“Once inside,” Ahern said, addressing Flog, “this barrier will remain for one day. Also, to clarify another point,” he continued, “the cave and much of the tunnel leading to where we stand is under a separate spell, which I have never overcome. It renders teleporting closer impossible.”

Ahern turned to Jay but before he could speak, Jay stepped forward and put his hand on the barrier. He closed his eyes and pleaded in his mind for the power to teleport inside without restriction. He repeated the request over and over while the others watched. During his petition, a faint green glow developed around his hand and began to spread along the face of the barrier. The mist stretched out a few feet and then returned. Jay opened his eyes and stepped back from the wall.

Curious at what he witnessed, Ahern watched Jay, unsure of what he should say.

Jay stared into the sealed room and in the blink of an eye stood on the other side. He turned around slowly and before the others could remove their shocked expressions, he came back.

No one knew what to say.

If this were a competition, Jay, a young boy of thirteen, would have bested the most powerful man in the world. But this is not a competition, and Ahern took no shame in expressing his joy in Jay’s abilities.

Jay looked back at the others and then to Ahern, feeling sheepish. “I’m sorry. I did not intend to embarrass you.”

“You have no need to apologize,” Ahern said.

Jay still felt awkward but extended his hand. “May I see your hand?”

Ahern nodded.

Jay took Ahern’s hand in his and closed his eyes. He pleaded in his mind, but this time on Ahern’s behalf, desiring him to overcome the spell and achieve what he had done a moment before. His hand glowed a blueish green and retracted when he finished.

Ahern scanned his hand but felt no different.

“Your turn,” Jay said.

Ahern raised his eyebrows. Could it be that simple? He took in a quick breath and popped inside the cavern. Turning in a circle and raised his arms. He came back to the barrier with a smile and pounded on it from his side. Looking down at Jay, he returned to his side.

“How did you do that?” Kel asked, walking towards them.

Jay’s embarrassment grew tenfold. “I’ve learned,” he said, trying to find the right words. “I’ve learned I can do what I need through my thoughts.”

“How?” Kel asked again.

“He’s the Seraphic,” Ahern said, resting on one knee. “My son, I had hoped you would be capable and willing to learn from an old man.”

Jay looked in his eyes.

“What else can you teach me?”

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