Bellkipeg - Part The Sixteenth

47)

They walked on for some time in silence; Alex was still overtaken by adrenaline from the encounter with the Grurgk. It wasn’t long before he realised that night was falling and all of a sudden he felt very tired. Allura sensed this and said: “I get the feeling that you will be able to sleep anywhere tonight, young Paige.” Allura said smiling. “You won’t need to worry about finding your ‘spot’ to sleep in, everywhere will be beneficial to you here.” Alex smiled in gratitude. “The reason these woods feel so calm and peaceful, Creator, is that this is the home of the Faire; they protect this wood and others, and they are all around us. I can see them, when they allow me to and I’m sure that, in time, they will allow you to see them too.” 

Alex felt a little spooked by this; he wasn’t completely comfortable with invisible creatures frolicking around him. He also found it difficult to visualise anything other than the stereotypical pictures of Fairies that he’d seen in books.

“That is why I said for you to keep an open mind, Alex.” Allura remarked. “It is important that you see the Faire as they truly are for they can help you on your quest. I’m not sure how they will be able to work with your stubborn nature, but they will find a way.”

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up in alarm at this and Allura laughed at the look on Alex’s face. “You needn’t worry unduly, Creator.” She mocked gently. “They will not do anything to harm you – that is not their way.”

“What will they do?” He asked warily.

“I don’t know.” Allura replied. “Besides, even if I did know..”

“You wouldn’t tell me.” Alex interrupted.

“Not out of malice or to inconvenience you, Alex.” Allura tried to explain. “If I told you how they would attempt to communicate with you then you will be prejudiced and expect that to happen.”

“And my mind would be closed to anything else.” Alex remarked, now understanding.

“Yes, precisely.” Allura was pleased that he was now well on his way to walking his path. “None of this is personal, Creator; it is not to be taken as an attack on you or your character; these are all learning curves. As I have already explained to you, it will be possible for you to gain information from your surroundings; you will be in direct communication with Bellkipeg whenever you are centred.”

“Do you mean I need to become aware of others energies and attuning to their particular frequency?”

“Sounds almost easy, doesn’t it Creator?” Allura asked.

“No,” He disagreed, “if anything it sounds harder than ever. Putting it into language makes it seem more intangible, unattainable, even.”

“That is the main problem with language.” Allura conceded. “How can you use language to explain concepts that can only be felt.”

“And you are starting to understand the difference between feeling and thinking, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to hear me now.” Alex was surprised to hear Allura’s voice inside his own, as if she had beamed them directly into his brain.

“Yes,” Allura agreed, speaking once again. “And that’s exactly what I just did. If you were not open to that then you would not be open to the Faire.” Alex nodded slowly, it almost made sense to him. “The fact that I was able to read your thoughts so easily was an indication to your change in spirit. But be warned, being open in itself can leave you vulnerable to other influences.” Alex  knew the risks involved. “However I feel that the Faire will be able to help with that.” She remarked. Alex still felt a little nervous about the prospect of meeting an invisible creature. Allura chuckled. “Sometimes your concepts are so rigid they’re almost as stubborn as you. If you have a hard and fast view of the world then you will never see anything, but if you become more flexible and open to the world around you then great vistas will suddenly become known to you. At the moment I can see you struggle, and I can also see the fear start to creep into your shell.” Alex could only smile sheepishly at Allura’s perceptiveness. “Think about it this way, Alex… You have faced the most fearsome of Grugrks, defeated the Vaurac and held your ground against the Deluge! How can you be frightened of anything else?”

48)

Allura was right, and it was something that Alex had never allowed himself to feel. There was no need to be scared, and this revelation allowed him to step completely out of his shell, for it was his shell that felt fear; that stumbled along in all its rigid beliefs. The true self had no need of rigidity, it flowed.

Alex didn’t even notice Allura walk away from him, she saw that Alex had reached his still point and smiled. She wouldn’t be far away, should anything untoward happen. The Faire could be unpredictable but that depended very much on Alex, and his reactions.

Alex, for his part, had withdrawn from the fear and confusion that he’d felt previously; now he felt at peace. The difference between how he had felt, trapped in his shell, was remarkable; the world felt more alive, more vibrant, almost pulsing with energy. It would be so easy for him to detach from the world completely, to just let himself drift off into the green that surrounded him, but he needed to find the Mirror of Sfel. He had responsibilities, and being detached from the world around him was as much a trap as the shell was, he could see that now.

Onyx was so right when he accused Alex of indulging too much, and he was allowing himself to be distracted again. He smiled at his new mindset, had he really changed this much?

Something moved suddenly; he caught a quick flash of motion out of the corner of his eye and he shifted his attention to where he discerned the source to be. It was then that he remembered Allura’s advice about being distracted and he shifted his perceptions again, and started to scan the area around him.

Allura had seen the Faire move around him, so gently at first so not to disturb him; their sense of timing and grace impeccable. Then when he had shifted his awareness levels one of them moved and caught his attention. Alex had nearly fallen into their trap which could have proven costly to him, but at the last second he had remembered her teachings and scanned the area. He might even survive this.

49)

Alex scanned around him, allowing his eyes to become crossed as Allura and Onyx had taught him. The air around had taken a smoky consistency; that seemed odd to him, so he quickly shifted his vision back to normal and was surprised to find that there was not a trace of smoke to be found. In some places there was an unholy pinkish glow which seemed initially enticing but made him feel nauseous at the same time. 

He was dismayed to find that he was almost surrounded by the smoky atmosphere but there was one small gap in the smoke, a corridor which stretched out in a westerly direction, just large enough for a person to walk through.

He walked slowly along the clear corridor, being careful with each and every footfall. It wasn’t long before Alex stopped walking; he felt as if he needed to scan the area again. He turned to face the way he had just walked and was alarmed to see that the smoke had filled in behind him, cutting him off; there was no way back for him now. He continued scanning trying to push away the paranoia and fear he felt welling up inside of him; now was not a time to give in to those feelings. As long as he kept on scanning the area around him he would be able to escape.

Alex walked through the corridor for a few feet until he realised that the way ahead was blocked by more smoke. Letting out a sigh of dejection he scanned his immediate environment again. This was starting to become tedious, not to mention hopeless. He truthfully wondered whether it would be better to just sit down and wait for the smoke to claim him. The only place that was still clear was a lone oak tree, so he walked over to it and sat down with his back to the mighty trunk, pulling his knees tightly close to him.

He couldn’t understand what was going on; were the Faire folk testing him? He had no idea what he needed to do next – if this was a test then why wasn’t the next step obvious? He let out another sigh of resignation and hugged his knees for comfort. It was then that he saw movement from the corner of his eye, this time it was from his left. Alex couldn’t tell what it was, but it was enough to snap him out of his feelings of dejection. 

His sudden mood swings were uncharacteristic; especially after all he’d been through recently, and they only seemed to happen when he shifted back into his shell; when he stayed centered in himself then he was unaffected by them. 

He sat down and let his eyes go unfocused again, scanned his surroundings. As he did so he noticed two things: the first was the strength that he felt coursing through him, he felt anchored to the world around him; he felt himself growing roots and drawing the very strength from the oak behind him. 

No sooner had he sat down then he felt something sharp dig into his backside. Reaching down underneath him he felt around for the object. Bizarrely enough he found a roughly chipped black arrow head made of a curious material. It wasn’t metal as he was expecting but something hard like stone that shimmered with a knowing power. He held it in his palm and looked into its depths, losing himself in the contours. Closing his fingers around it he was swept away in waves of serenity and wholeness. Like the carved brown elephant before it, this arrowhead made Alex feel more powerful within himself. 

Opening his eyes he saw a clear corridor unfold before him, this time without having to consciously squint, his eyes naturally focusing themselves. He pushed himself up off the ground, and placed the arrowhead in his right pocked. He wasn’t surprised to find that he was now facing an easterly direction; it all made perfect sense now.

Being careful not to give into the new feelings of power, he walked along the corridor and could now see that the fog was becoming more opaque. Night had descended fully now, and he was able to see by star and moonlight now; the wood took on a wholly magical countenance in this pure, silvery light.

Every now and then Alex noticed rapid movements as if small animals were running through the bushes around him. He wondered if it was the Faire folk come to encourage him on his initiation. He marveled at their fleetness and almost became spellbound by their presence and nearly lost his focus of attention. Had he not come to his senses he would surely have carried on walking right through the smoke in front of him. He smiled at their ingenuity, they were trying to distract him by using his new abilities against him. If he had been overconfident or lost in their distractions he would surely have come to harm.

The light faded as clouds progressed across the moonlit sky. He could barely make out the tree that he was resting against, and he started scrabbling around for the totem in the leaf-littered wood floor and soon his hands were worn and bloodied from searching in the dark.

The feelings of helplessness welled up inside of him again, but he pushed them back down determined not to let the Faire folk beat him. He imagined them looking at him, scrutinising his every move with amusement. Allura must be there too, chuckling to herself at this “Lightbringer” who couldn’t even see in the dark. Alex felt the bile rise in his throat as he choked back the angry tears. He could feel his anger build like a volcano and for once he didn’t know how to stop it.

All of a sudden he felt something dig into his leg, it was the carving of the arrow. He hurriedly pulled it out of his pocket and sat back in a cross-legged position, clasping it in his cupped hands. He couldn’t believe that he had almost succumbed to the fear and anger yet again; it had been so incessant and had actually gorged on his pride.

It was insidious, sneaking up, disguising itself as the positive emotions that he had come to equate to his true self. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he used the carving to calm himself once again, brushing all the petty insecurities aside. It was then that the moon peeked through the clouds and bathed the wood in its welcome glow again.

Right in front of him, not more than a few feet away, stood a small mound of earth; on top of the mound lay a silver ring, glinting in the moonlight. Embedded in the ring lay three diagonal inlays of the most vividly red crystal Alex had ever seen. It was as if the ring had trapped three distinct flames in its silver. He picked it up, and instinctively placed it on his little finger where it fit snugly. He felt a huge surge of strength and determination. He understood exactly what had just happened, he had gotten lost in the glamour of his new found abilities when he should really have kept himself centred.

Logically speaking there was only one more direction that Alex would have to walk, but he made sure by scanning the area around him just to make certain and to kick that cocky part of his shell into line. There was no way that he would let his personality be determined by the shell anymore, he couldn’t allow it.

Sure enough, there was a gap in the smoke leading back southwards, and as he walked on he could see Allura in the distance smiling at him.

Bellkipeg - Part The Fifteenth

44)

“GRUGK.. Now. Who shall I eat first?”” The creature spoke in a deep but quiet growl. Alex’s first instinct was to try and fight the creature, but Allura cautioned him not to, the best she could. “GRUGK .. You should listen to your friend, worm. You can not hope to best me, it would only hasten your death.” 

“What are you?” Alex asked, trying to assess the situation as dispassionately as he could, remembering Onyx’s wise words. How he wished that Onyx was there with him. He knew that the creature was correct; there was no way that he could fight it for that would surely cause Allura’s death. There was still a hope, however slim, that, by remaining calm, the two of them could still walk out alive. “What do you want?”

“GRUGK  Isn’t it obvious?” The creature taunted. “Your life….and there’s nothing you can do to change my mind!” Towering over seven foot tall, the creature made Allura seem like a rag doll, helpless in its grasp. But although the creature was indeed fierce and tall, it seemed emaciated and tired, as if it lacked the energy to really back up its threats. Its hair was grey and limp, its face haggard and old.  There was something that didn’t feel right about the overall situation. If the creature really was that powerful then it should have been able to kill the both of them in a heartbeat. Why was it waiting so long?

“I’m not going to change your mind,” Alex said, being very careful to keep the fear from invading his voice. “I can see there’s very little chance of me doing that.” The Creature snarled in agreement. “I do wonder why you spend your time hiding underneath a bridge though. If you are that powerful, I mean…” Alex knew that he was treading on very dangerous ground and he could see Allura mouth the words, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The creature looked a little bemused by Alex’s question.

“GRUGK Do you doubt that I could snap this maidens neck with just a flick of my wrist?” The creature bellowed. Again, there was menace to the voice but no strength or conviction behind it, and things were becoming clearer to Alex now.

“Tell me how such a mighty Grugrk is reduced to such a state as you’re in now.” Alex enquired..

“GRUGK  Why should I be wasting time telling you anything when I could be feasting on your flesh, and drinking your blood for my supper?” The creature snarled.

“Had you been in such a mind,” Alex explained, “You would have done so before now.” It sounded like Alex knew exactly what he was saying but inside he was deeply frightened. “Now, put my friend down and tell me what has happened.”

“GRUGK  And why should I put her down? What will stop both her and you running away as fast as your legs can carry you?”

“I give you my word!” Alex said.

“Paige!” Allura protested.

“I can make you powerful again, Grugrk.” Alex spoke in a low conspiratorial voice. “You will become feared once more.”

“GRUGK  How do you know I am not feared now, Paige?” The Grugrk snarled, using Alex’s surname as a weapon of power.

“Were you feared then you would not need to hide from us.” Alex explained. “You would have killed both of us in a couple of seconds.” The Grugrk let Allura go after pondering this.

Alex could see the determination behind Allura’s eyes, he knew that she wanted to slay the Grugrk but Alex shook his head perceptibly to stop her from making such a mistake. She scowled at him briefly before walking behind him. Alex knew that she was ready to strike if anything became untoward. He just hoped that it wouldn’t come to that. “So tell me what happened.” He asked the Grugrk.

45)

“Grugrk I was, as you correctly assumed, fierce.” The creature explained. He still blocked the other end of the bridge, so there was no chance of escape the Grugrk could jump vast distances –Alex had seen that with his own eyes. “This bridge and the stream that it crosses were mine. I built this bridge.” Pride tinged the Grugrk’s voice which surprised Alex. “I carved the stones and dragged them here.”

“Why did you build the bridge?” Alex asked, slightly confused.

“To have somewhere to feed, surely you understand that?” The Grugrk could tell that neither Alex nor Allura understood so he explained further. “Think about it, bridges have to be crossed. And I have to eat. I live underneath the bridge in a hole dug into the bank of the river; the hole is overshadowed by the bridge so it is difficult to see. People used my bridge daily and when I was hungry I used to feed on the unwary.” Alex couldn’t help but see the ingenuity of the plan. He smiled. “I became feared, and as you correctly pointed out, I became more fearsome and more powerful. Animal sacrifices were left to me to protect travellers and I became like a king!

“I wanted for nothing, I ate who I chose and being a simple village community there were none to challenge me.” The Grugrk boasted. “If a foolhardy hero did try to face me I would use the villages fear against him to grow in size and squash him. It was a life!”

“So what happened?” Asked Allura. Alex could tell that she too was becoming intrigued by the Grugrk's story.

“I picked on the wrong boy.” The Grugrk replied; a hint of shame and regret tinged his voice. “This was a young boy, much like any other, except he carried an old moth-eaten teddy-bear.” The Grugrk hung his head in shame, as if it was painful reliving such memories. “Back then I was fearsome, much taller than I am now. Feeding on fear as well as flesh I gorged myself. Somehow this boy found out about me and set a trap to snare me. That was but the first indignity that he lay on my person.” The Grugrk snarled.

“What was the boys name?” Asked Allura.

“The boy would sing to himself.” The Grugrk replied, crouching down, as if to relieve an ache or a pain in his back. “Or talk to the bear that he always carried. He called himself Billy.” The Grugrk shook his head. “I should’ve killed him when I had the chance, ripped that boys head clean off his shoulders.” Alex flinched at that description.

“So what stopped you?” He asked.

“Once he had caught me in his snares he was no longer frightened of me. I can only have power over those that are fearful.” Alex nodded thoughtfully, he was starting to understand. “To make matters worse he taunted me, he knew that I was hiding under the bridge and would bring his friends along to play games.” Alex suppressed a smile, but Allura was still none-the-wiser to where the tale was leading. “The ultimate disgrace, though, was the curse that his father laid on me. Without ever having to face me he bested me, took all my power away, and left me to the miserable fate that you see before you now.”

“Yes, I think I’m beginning to understand now.” Alex rubbed his chin decisively. “The boy’s father wrote about this wood, didn’t he? He created a world where magic and joy ruled and cuddly creatures romped around looking for honey, and adventure. There wasn’t any room for Grugrk’s anymore, but children from miles around would drag their parents and their grandparents to this magical wood in the hope that they could catch sight of that teddy bear, and play games with floating sticks on your bridge.”

“Yes… yes… yes.” The Grugrk moaned, and Alex almost felt sorry for him. Allura was more perplexed than ever though.

“What if I told you that I would redress the balance again, in your favour, eh?” Alex said, conspiratorially. The Grugrk looked up in surprise.

46)

“What do you mean?” The Grugrk asked. “How can you do such a thing?”

“I’m a Creator as well.” Alex replied. The Grugrk started in alarm, as if he had been stung.

“You?” He remarked.

“Yes, me.” Alex felt the power deep within, the words resonated through his entire being. “I could write you back into the story again, make you the most fearsome Grugrk in all of existence. No one would dare set traps for you again, all would be terrified of you; as you rightly deserve.”

“To be feared again. Aye, that would be worth sparing you both for.” The Grugrk said. “You have yourself a deal there, Creator.” The Grugrk mused for a couple of seconds. “From the look of you there is nothing but stringy flesh anyway, but your strength lies deep within. I am glad that I spared you; you probably would have given me indigestion anyways.”

“There is one condition, though, Grugrk.” Alex said. “There is to be no eating of children any longer.” The Grugrk looked puzzled and then became enraged.

“WHAT?!” He shouted, rearing up to his full height again.

“NO CHILDREN!” Alex shouted back, the strength behind his voice shocking even Allura. “This is the one binding clause to our agreement. Don’t forget that I can do you a greater disservice than ever that boy’s father did. I can unwrite you completely, should I choose to do so.”

“And what would stop me from breaking your bones now, young strapling?” The Grugrk sneered, taking a step towards them.

“You no longer have the power over either of us.” Alex remarked, taking a step towards the Grugrk. Allura watched on, ready to pounce should she need to. “We no longer fear you; rather we pity you for the miserable creature you have become.”

The Grugrk took a step back, and then another, wilting under Alex’s gaze. “Alright.” He protested. “No more children. No more children.” Alex took a step back, pleased at what he had achieved.

“Good.” He said, “Remember, I will know if you go back on your word. Should you do so, I will make you into the laughing stock of all the Woods.”

“No; you have my word, Creator.” The Grugrk replied, humbled by Alex’s will. “No more children. But go now, before I am disgraced even more.” The Grugrk took a step to one side and allowed Alex and Allura to pass, neither looked at him until they were far enough over the other side of the bank. What they saw shocked them for the Grugrk was now but one tenth of its size from when they first spoke to it.

Bellkipeg - Part The Fourteenth

41)

Alex looked straight at Allura and for the first time saw her as she really was; a very attractive woman rather than as an antagonist or someone to hate or fear. He found it hard taking his eyes off of her and actually started to blush.  Allura picked on this instantly; “Ok…Let’s try focusing on something that won’t distract you any further.” She said with a wry smile, “Although this does actually prove my point about your susceptibility to such things.” Alex smiled back. “The oak tree that lies just in front of us; see how high it reaches up. Focus on the trunk, and tell me what else you can see.”

Alex really couldn’t understand the merits of what he was being asked to do, but he did as he was asked. The tree took up most of his vision, so there wasn’t much he could describe to Allura save for a few bits of bracken poking up from the wood floor.

“As I suspected,” Allura commented, “your powers of description are just as limited as your powers of concentration.” This was a side to her that Alex had never seen or even knew that existed. Onyx was right; everything did happen for a reason. Allura giving in to her shadow side could have been disastrous, but on the other hand the dynamic between him and Allura was now of equal standing; and she had a wicked sense of humor. 

Alex nodded and smiled in reaction to her comment. “What I want you to try now is something very simple, and you may have been taught this by Onyx already, but I want you to relax your gaze. Still keep your eyes on the pine but just let yourself go cross-eyed slightly.” Alex turned to look at her, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. “I know how it sounds, but think on this: Each eye has its own distinct field of vision and when you focus on one object you are converging those two disparate images into one, in effect superimposing one on top of the other.” Allura paused. “Does this make sense?”

“I think so.” Alex replied, “So does that mean that the brain then edits out any discrepancies between the two overlays?”

“Yes, something like that. By going slightly cross-eyed you are allowing yourself to see both separate images again; you’re seeing the bigger picture, not falling into the little details.” Alex nodded. He remembered that Onyx had said something similar when he had taught Alex the correct way to walk. That seemed such a long time ago though. “You may find it a little uncomfortable at first, but if you blink rapidly it will become easier.” Alex looked at the tree in front of him, but every time he tried to go cross-eyed he felt himself focus again on the details; the spider webs that cris-crossed the soft fibrous bark. Every time he tried, he failed miserably.

“You are trying too hard, Alex. Relax.” Allura said, sensing his growing frustration. “Learn to breathe. Your breathing is far too shallow. You need to take long, deep breaths – especially if you need to concentrate. Breathe in for the count of three, hold it for three and then release in three. Keep doing this, focus on your breathing and relax your eyes; relax your gaze.” Alex had not been aware of his breathing until Allura had drawn his attention to it. He did breathe very shallow, and was often out of breath when he did anything vaguely athletic. Following Allura’s example he breathed in slowly for the count of three then held it before breathing out for three. He continued the cycle three times before Allura gently spoke.

“What do you see now, Creator?” She asked.

“I see the bracken to my left: a brilliant, vibrant green; great fronds of it reaching for the sunlight. I see discarded acorns littering on the barren floor where the mighty trunk is drinking from the earth. And I see brambles on my right, their thorns hiding the bountiful berries beneath.” Alex stopped and looked at Allura in surprise.

Allura smiled. “You didn’t even have to try, Creator.” Alex nodded in amazement.

“It was so easy,” He replied, “I didn’t even know that my eyes had crossed.”

“Once you become more aware of your surroundings and of your peripheral vision then it will be harder to be distracted. Everything becomes of equal importance.” Alex nodded at this; he could now understand exactly what Allura meant. “This is ideal for short distances because it allows you to keep everything in your field of vision.”

“But for longer distances I would incorporate scanning?” Alex asked, tentatively, unsure of what he was actually saying.

“How do you mean, scanning?” Allura asked.

“Well, for short distances you’re saying that your gaze is fixed.” Alex explained, “But if you need to take in the maximum amount of information then you would need to move your head and scan the area around you, whilst still keeping your gaze slightly out of focus.” Allura paused before answering.

“Yes, you are quite right; to take in the maximum amount of information from your surroundings you just need to move your head slowly. This too will seem strange to start with as it is an automatic response to shift your eyes from point to point, but there are entities out there that will be able to sense this and use it to your disadvantage.”

“What entities?” Alex asked again, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

“It is nothing to worry about, Alex. Just as you’ve encountered the Skin-Crawlers so you must also appreciate that there are other beings out there that inhabit the woods and streams, as the birds, squirrels and fish do.” She paused again, sensing Alex’s growing anxiety, and put a friendly hand on his arm. “Now is not the time to dwell on this, but be assured that not all of them are evil. The ones that dwell here are certainly not evil, though they may be slightly mischievous… but that is nothing to worry about.” She looked around her using the method that she had described minutes before. “I think we have stayed here enough. It is time to continue our quest, and I would very much like you to lead us for a while.” She smiled at Alex and pointed the way for him to walk.

“But how will I know which way to go?” He asked, bemused.

“You will know, Creator.” She replied and smiled. “Just practice what we have just talked about and pay particular attention to your feelings. It is true that there are many ways through this wooded area, many paths… but only one will feel right.” She paused to let this last piece sink in. “Now is not the time for thought, Creator, but for walking. Lead the way.”

42)

It felt strange at first and for a time Alex kept tripping over things.

“I thought that Onyx had taught you how to walk properly, Creator!” Allura jibed.

Alex couldn’t believe that he was being that dense of course, it made perfect sense. The two disciplines went hand in hand, and Alex was incredulous that he had forgotten the correct way of walking so soon.

It took a couple of seconds to remember what Onyx had told him: Lift the legs up when walking so the knees almost reached chest height, and do not look down. Not only did it make walking so much easier, it wasn’t as tiring and also meant that he could scan his environment better by utilising what Allura had just taught him.

It only took him another couple of minutes to master the two disciplines combined, and he was soon walking at the same pace that Allura had started earlier. 

Allura smiled at his progress and congratulated him on his ability to walk properly which made Alex lose concentration for the briefest of seconds –long enough for him to trip over a tree root. He quickly regained his composure, and was relieved that Allura couldn’t see him blushing from behind.  

However, the question still remained: how was he to determine what the correct path was? That seemed like an impossible task when he didn’t know what he was looking for, and Allura’s comment was vague: only one will feel right.

At the moment he felt as if he was wandering aimlessly. He had noticed which direction Allura walked previously and so headed the same way hoping that she wouldn’t notice, but that wasn’t what he had been asked to do. He knew that this was an important lesson for him to learn and it wasn’t something that he wanted to take lightly.

All of a sudden he stopped walking, and half-expected Allura to bump into him. She had anticipated this though and just stood three paces behind him. Alex paused and allowed his breathing to slow again as he centred himself. Allura was right, each time he did this it became easier to do, and he knew that before long this would become second nature.

Alex had been told that the true path would feel different to him, that it would feel right. He had already noticed that by walking in the direction that Allura had trod he didn’t even have to think about it, it wasn’t even a conscious decision to make – it did just feel right. So how would it feel if he walked in a completely different direction?

Alex turned around almost ninety degrees and allowed his eyes to go out of focus as he had been taught. He could sense no difference yet, so walked a few paces utilising the scanning technique. Whereas before he had found this easy, now it was more of an effort; he found it harder keeping himself centred as his attention was being diverted by lots of little things, bushes rustling as if something small was scampering through them; the creak of a tree overhead, impressions of movement in the periphery of his vision. Each of these incidents added to an unsettling atmosphere and he felt the hairs on the backs of his arms and neck rise up. What was even more bizarre to him was the sickly yellow tint that he saw when he scanned the horizon. It wasn’t noticeable at first, but the further he progressed in the wrong direction the more definite it became and it wasn’t long before Alex actually felt nauseous.

The flutters of apprehension were now developing into full-blown paranoia. He actually felt as if he was being watched, and found that the sense of unease overwhelming. It was only due to Allura shouting to him that he was able to snap himself out of it. He quickly turned around to face her and ran, utilising the running stance that Onyx had taught him. He felt better with each step and by the time he had reached Allura the nausea had all but disappeared.

“Look back where you just walked.” Allura whispered in his ear, once he had regained his composure. “Relax your gaze and tell me what you see.”

“I see the yellowish tinge again, clear as day.” Alex stated.

“Now look in the direction that you were leading us before you stopped.” Allura continued.

“It’s a shade of green, very pleasing to the eye.” Alex was stunned at the difference in the colours and wondered why he hadn’t noticed it before.

“Don’t allow yourself to fall into the glamour of your ‘heightened’ perceptions, Alex.” Allura gently remonstrated. “Just accept that you have learnt something new.” Alex smiled; that was precisely the kind of thing that Onyx would have told him, but not as gently. “You did the right thing by stopping in your journey, Alex. I commend you for that; your capacity for learning and your thirst for knowledge is inspiring. I can see just how much I misjudged you earlier, and I can only apologise again.” 

“There’s no need for this treading on eggshells any more, Allura.” He smiled. “We’ve both done stupid things in the past and I believe that they’ve cancelled each other out. So no more apologising – for either of us now.” With that Alex held out his hand, which Allura clasped. “Right, I think we’ve spent enough time on the arts of perception.” He said, “Now that I know what I’m doing I think we need to pick up the pace more.” Allura nodded and they continued walking at a faster rate.

43)

They walked for hours. It was hard to tell what time of day it was because the light didn’t seem to change in the wood; it was a consistent diffuse and hazy light, somehow pleasing to the eye. 

However Alex never felt tired, it was as if the path he was on, coupled with his new walking gait, actually replenished his strength. He marvelled at this new way of life. Everything appeared normal when he started his sweeping gaze, but when his gaze reached the direction they were walking he could sense a slight greenish hue and felt a warmth in the pit of his stomach, something he had not associated with walking before, and when he completed sweeping the horizon the vista appeared normal again. 

It was only when he started walking in a different direction that he sensed something wrong again; he would feel nauseous and his vision became tinged with the same hue of yellow that he saw earlier. Every so often he would deliberately alter his course to constantly test his new found sense of direction. Luckily this didn’t affect Allura who understood what he was doing and kept walking in the same direction, heedless.

“What you have learnt today has unlimited uses, Alex.” Allura said. It seemed like ages since they had spoken. “Now that you are cultivating your sense of feeling, you will be able to find your peace, and even whether people will be friendly or hostile to you.”

“How do you mean, find my peace?” Alex asked, intrigued by this concept.

“It’s the same as finding the correct path to walk, Creator.” Allura explained. “We all have places where we feel comfortable sitting, that are actually beneficial to us; just as there are places that can be detrimental to our health if we sit there. Too many people are not aware of this and will sit somewhere that is actually hostile to their well-being without realising it, not understanding the damage it’s causing to them until it’s too late.” Alex could now see the logic in this. He thought back to how he felt when treading the wrong path. Imagine what would have happened upon sitting in a place that was actually harmful. He was grateful to Allura teaching him to recognise the difference. “The more you learn on this journey then the more aware you’ll become.” She continued. “However, the more susceptible you will become to their forces, so it becomes more important that you find your spot each and every time you plan to rest.”

It wasn’t long before they came across a proper pathway leading to a small stone bridge that crossed a river. After all the time walking through the woods without a path to follow, it seemed strange to see something man-made, let alone a footbridge. 

It was a modest semi-circular bridge made of ornately carved rock and sandstone. At first Alex thought it was far too brittle and unsteady to support any great weight, but as he walked closer he could see that the key to the bridge was in its design. No one chunk of stone would carry the pressure and weight, it was somehow distributed evenly. It seemed strange, though, that the bridge didn’t have any hand rails, nothing to prevent a person from falling in the stream.

Either side of the river Alder trees grew creating a tunnel of sorts; the greenish bark mottled with brown patches; the lush leaves catching the last rays of the sun and twinkling in the wind.

Alex was quite taken with the bridge, he marveled at the ingenuity of whoever built it but Allura was nonplussed and walked in front of him. Alex smiled and gazed around him; the sun was now setting and the light was a gentle shade of ocher, diffuse and pleasing as it filtered through the trees.

Alex sensed something was wrong before it even happened. As he scanned past the bridge directly in front of him he noticed a distortion, a blur, something large and ungainly. He was caught off-guard completely when a fierce and loathsome creature jumped out of the river behind Allura even before she had a chance to react; its great hairy hand holding her by the throat.

Bellkipeg - Part The Thirteenth

38)

“Where are Anjinn and Onyx?” Alex shouted, panic now welling in his very soul for without his light there was no hope for them; they would be swallowed by the Deluge for sure. He had still managed to keep his light shining through sheer force of will but the mist had become thicker around them as if it sensed their end was near. He had to keep his light shining as bright as he could, but that meant Allura had to be receptive and at the moment she was acting as a drain to his energy. What was going on?

Alex turned to face her and was shocked to see her almost wide eyed in fear. He knew that there was no use trying to talk to her; something had shaken her to the very core, which left him with only one option.

Never letting go of her hand, he slapped her with his free hand; it took less than a second for her to snap out of her stupor and Alex was amazed at her self-control. He had feared that Allura would attack him for daring to slap her but she immediately knew what was happening and spoke firmly to him, “You must concentrate on getting us clear of the wood, Creator.” She sensed his first question and shook her head, “We can not help them at the moment, for if we try we shall all be lost and ultimately so will Bellkipeg. You know this is so; we owe it to Onyx to get clear of the wood and from the influence of the Deluge.” 

Alex felt his energy dip slightly as the truth registered, but Allura squeezed his hand gently to reinforce the point and he redoubled his efforts to maintain the light. “You know this to be true, Creator.” He nodded. “We must run now for the Deluge will do everything in its power to stop us from escaping, but you need to concentrate. Your light will show us through.” They both turned and faced the edge of the wood.

“We can’t run, Allura.” Alex stated firmly. “If we run then we’ll be at the mercy of the Deluge; it’s too powerful now. It will become so thick in front of us that it will force us into another direction so we’ll end up deeper into the woods and completely helpless.” He shook his head again. “I can’t maintain the strength of the light whilst running in these conditions. We walk firmly and at a faster pace, but we must be more vigilant now than ever.”

Grasping each other’s hands tight they advanced through the Deluge, the tree-line getting closer with every step. Alex felt the Deluge try to crush them now; the mist had become a thick, dense fog and with each step they took the pressure increased and Alex felt himself buckle.

It was then that he felt the presence of Onyx envelop him, “The Deluge can not harm you all the time your power is shining bright.” The voice was soothing and allowed Alex to concentrate on increasing his energies. “Anjinn and I are safe and will find you, but you must not come back for us. We will find you, Creator.” With that Onyx was gone. 

Alex forced a beam of light in front of him. Allura gasped at the sight, she hadn’t realised that Alex was that powerful. There was now a clear path to the edge of the wood where they could see blue sky just feet away. When they finally reached the edge of the wood Alex said one word knowing that Allura would understand perfectly.“Run.”

39)

They ran until every breath burned. The adrenaline rush that had allowed him to draw on his reserves was almost gone, and Alex could feel his body shake through the over-exertion. Surely they were in the clear now; there had been no sign of the Deluge since they had left the wood.

Allura sensed it was safe for them to stop running. Alex just collapsed, he couldn’t help it; he had been running for so long his legs felt like rubber. The pain was indescribable, his calves burned as if the muscles had been rubbed with lye. He massaged them to try and ease the pain in them. He fought to draw each and every breath for it was sheer agony; his lungs not used to being taxed beyond their limits.

“We are safe, Alex.” Allura said, allowing Alex to get his breath back. “The Deluge can not attack us here for it is still linked in to the heart of Bellkipeg. All the time there are places loyal to the land there is still hope.”

“What… What happened out there?” Alex asked. “What made you let go of Onyx’s hand? What the hell were you thinking?!” Alex was beside himself now with fear and anger over what had happened. He could see the same in Allura’s eyes.

“I can’t explain, Paige…” Allura turned away, unable to face him. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.” He said through gritted teeth. “You owe me that much: after all you’ve put me through since we first met; you owe me, Allura. You certainly owe it to Onyx and Anjinn to explain what happened.”

“You are right, of course.” She replied. “I do owe them that, and you so much more.”

“Cut the crap, Allura.” He snapped, “Now is not the time.”

“You must understand that I was always brought up to believe that I would be the one to save our tribe.” Allura continued, “As the Priestess it was my responsibility to protect the tribe. This was interpreted to mean that I would become the Lightbringer, the one that found the Mirror of Sfel and bring our land back from the brink of tragedy.”

“Is that the reason for the antagonism towards me? It wasn’t just the mistakes I made when we first met; there was always more to it than that.”

“You have grown so much in your perceptions, Paige.. I wonder if even you know by how much.” Allura replied. “It is only now that I can see that it was due to my own arrogance and ego that I allowed my feelings of inadequacy and resentment fuel my quest. It was that which allowed The Presence to attack me so easily when I scanned your thoughts. It was those feelings that the fog used against me. It attacked me through my pride, turned my very arrogance against me.”

With that she turned away. Alex could see the pain that Allura was suffering, the once proud warrior humbled by her own mistakes. It was hard enough for him to accept such emotions, but for her it must have been crippling. 

“Allura,” He said, placing his hand on her shoulder, “now is not a time to let guilt cripple you. Onyx and Anjinn are not lost to us, they are simply waylaid.” She looked to him, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eye. “Just before we ran into the woods Onyx spoke to me, in my mind,” Alex tapped the side of his head with his index finger. “They are safe, and will catch us up, but it’s important that we keep moving.” He put his hands on her shoulders again and looked her straight in the eye. “It feels weird saying this to you, Allura, but you have to pull yourself together. Too much is riding on this, and you know it. You are a warrior maiden of the Wyxann and you have made a mistake, nothing more. Get over it.”

Allura let out a sharp, but good natured laugh. “Ha! My; how the tables have turned, Creator. I now know what Onyx see’s in you. You are right, as well… we are equals, now. And we must carry on; the Mirror of Sfel will not find itself.”

40)

They walked on for miles before talking again; it was strange not to have Onyx to guide them, although Allura knew instinctively which way they had to go. Soon they entered another wooded area which felt different to the others he had walked through. It felt warmer, verdant and more welcoming; the light that radiated through the leaves felt heavenly on his skin after the coldness of the fog. The birdsong was sweet and harmonious, and Alex could imagine them singing about the joys of living in the light; he could wholeheartedly agree with them and felt like singing too.

“I wouldn’t recommend it.” Allura chirped in, it was obvious she was still brooding over what had happened, but at least she was able to see the funny side of things again. “Creator you may be, but I doubt very much that your singing voice would be able to do justice to the beautiful melodies you hear around you.” Alex smiled. “You must keep your senses aware though, Alex. Don’t let one over-rule the others.”

“How do you mean?” he asked, this might be the way of getting her mind from her troubles.

“At the moment you are letting your senses be overwhelmed by all that is around you.” She explained. “First you are in awe of all the beautiful trees that are around you. You have noticed, no doubt, that they all appear so much healthier than the other woods you have seen, and I’m sure you can understand why that is.” Alex nodded. “Then you are assailed by the birdsongs that then takes precedence over what you are seeing. You forget to see, instead you just look around you as you marvel at all the different melodies.” Alex could only agree with what Allura was saying, he was finding it very hard to keep focused on the bigger picture. “It is possible to still appreciate the beauty around you without losing yourself in the details. Your world view becomes fractured, and there are entities that will be able to sense that about you and will use that against you.”

“What do you mean?” Alex asked, puzzled, and also slightly edgy now.

“It’s nothing to be overly alarmed about, Alex. I’m telling you this now so you’ll be more aware in future. At the moment you are easily distracted; it would be very simple for a diversion to be created, and for your attention to be snatched away, even for the briefest of seconds, then it would be too late.” Alex understood exactly what Allura meant.

“What must I do, then, to prevent this from happening?” He asked.

“Learn to become detached from your surroundings.” Allura replied. “This sounds like an oxymoron, I’m sure… but let me explain.” She turned to look at him. “Learn to scan your environment. Don’t focus on what is directly around you, but utilise your peripheral vision. Try it now. Fix me in your gaze and describe what you see around me without looking anywhere else, then we’ll try again using your peripheral vision.”

Bellkipeg - Part The Twelfth

34)

Alex knew where they were running to; it was the obvious place that would afford them the maximum amount of cover and relative safety. Relative because it meant running into the wood that backed on to the townage, the same wood that gave Alex the creeps when he first saw it. 

In the daytime it had seemed foreboding and menacing but at night it looked nightmarish and inhospitable; certainly not a place that Alex wanted to be running into blind , and definitely not with an angry mob chasing after them. Onyx assured him that no one in their right mind would chase after them, but as these people had been possessed by the Deluge what could possibly scare them off?

Ten minutes into the wood and Alex understood: it was a wood of thorns. There was barely a path through the tangle of thick rose vines and brambles, and it was only Onyx who could navigate it. It was now Anjinn who checked to see if they were being followed with Allura pushing Alex along the best she could, but he was tired beyond belief. He had been strong after leaving the inn, but as soon as he had walked into the wood he had felt his strength wane. He felt tired and irritable, Allura’s constant hassling was now getting on his nerves; she had never really forgiven him for the misunderstanding and the fact that he had saved them in the inn had compounded her feelings for him. There was no way he could continue with someone who hated him so much.

“Wait; I can’t go on…. This is crazy.” Alex snapped, pulling himself from Allura’s grip. “Why are we running still? No one’s following us, are they, Anjinn?”

“No.” Anjinn agreed, “But that is hardly the point. This is not a place to just sit and pontificate. We need to be away from this wood before…”

“Before what?” Alex interrupted.

“Now is not the time to argue.” Allura spoke, surprisingly calm despite the situation. “We must keep walking. Paige is right, we no longer need to run; but we must be on the move. It is not the villagers that I fear, rather what lurks in this wood.” Alex could only agree; there was a discernible solidity to the darkness in the wood that he could feel. It was something tangible; it seemed to creep around the branches and tendrils, almost rolling like something alive. It unnerved him, but it awoke something inside of him too, spoke to him of the power that he felt when he was inside the inn. That was his power alone. Onyx was there to control him, Allura didn’t trust him and Anjinn still resented him for showing him up earlier on the mountainside; Alex alone was the Lightbringer and he needed no one.

“I know what you’re thinking, Paige.” Allura suddenly said, whirling round to face him. “And you’d be right. You’re damn well right I don’t trust you. Ever since we first met up with you…” She stabbed her finger at him, like an accusatory knife. “Ever since you tried to kill me,” she corrected with malice, “I’ve distrusted every single move you’ve made. You could never be the Lightbringer.”

“If I wanted you dead then you would have been.” Alex said, but it wasn’t him. He knew then that something was affecting all of them. He saw Anjinn tense up. Onyx just stood to one side, observing, as if he wanted no part of any of it.

“I was right!” Allura exclaimed. “You’re just another cats-paw of the Deluge. Ever since we met you we’ve been dogged by ill fortune, all brought on by you. You are the conduit for the Deluge’s influence.” Alex felt dissociated by what was happening. The longer they argued the closer the darkness seemed to get, and the more tangible it became. He could see Onyx still standing to one side not getting involved this time.

Alex couldn’t believe it; he had looked to Onyx as a teacher ever since they had first met. Onyx had been the one to give him strength when he needed it and yet now he was setting himself apart from the group. Right when he was needed the most, Onyx was abandoning them.

35)

Alex stopped himself, this didn’t feel right. Something was happening to the group, making them distrust one another again. There had been a real understanding when they were back at the inn and yet now they were fighting again; he thought back to the corrupting influence of the Deluge: what he had seen back at the inn had been frightening, the Deluge had taken over the entire crowd. Could the same thing be happening here?

He remembered what Onyx had taught him, he needed to reach his still point more than ever and find the strength that alone could see them through. He could hear Anjinn and Allura arguing but he knew that that wasn’t important, it was only another distraction. It wasn’t them talking any way, it was the Deluge talking through them, using them as mouthpieces.

Alex concentrated on his breathing; they didn’t have the luxury of time on their hands, for each minute they spent in the wood the stronger the Deluge became. He realised that the Deluge was not a corporeal enemy; it was something that existed outside the physical world, and yet dwelt inside everyone. It was only here, in Bellkipeg where it could become tangible and he was not about to give into his own dark side. He’d felt what it was like to be under its thrall and there was no way he would allow it to happen again.

With each deep breath he envisaged a bright light growing from deep inside of him, he felt the power flowing through him as if he were growing roots deep within the earth to the very soul of Bellkipeg. And with each breath the light grew within him until he could no longer confine it to his own body and it started to illuminate the wood around him. Alex remembered watching Onyx do exactly the same when the Deluge had attacked them and swallowed the boy. A bright light had shone from him then, and the same was happening to Alex now.

As the wood brightened Alex noticed not only the dark retreat into the shadows far away, but also Anjinn and Allura’s countenances change and mellow, becoming more serene. They were no longer under the influence of the Deluge and Onyx, who had never succumbed to his own darkness, simply smiled and said nothing.

“What happened?” Anjinn asked, bemused by the sudden change of events.

“That was you, Paige.” Allura acknowledged. “The power came from within you, as in the Inn. You are finally becoming the Lightbringer, so you shall bring the light to all of Bellkipeg through the Mirror of Sfel.” Allura was starting to believe in the prophecy again, and Anjinn smiled in agreement.

Onyx nodded and walked over to them, “Be careful with your enthusiasm, Allura.” He cautioned. “It is true that the darkness has been kept at bay for the time being, but we need to be out of these woods before we can feel safe again.” He paused and looked at Alex. “Alex has yet to learn how to sustain his energies properly and I fear we haven’t long before his strength will run out. We need to away from this place.”

The journey was made easier by the light but the wood became so dense in places that Anjinn had to use his sword, despite his injuries. Progress was slow and at times Alex felt ready to give up; it seemed impossible for him to sustain the energies. The light was draining too much from him and started to dim. After an hour he could go no further and leant against a tree. “I need to rest.” He said, his voice weary. “I feel drained….”

“Think on this, Creator..” Onyx said, aware that the darkness was starting to encroach on them again. Anjinn and Allura were both aware of the lengthening of the shadows too. “How can the light be draining your own energies when Light is energy in itself. How is such a thing possible?” Onyx paused and watched as Alex understood this new concept. It was important for Alex to realise that the energy came, not from within himself, but from Bellkipeg. Onyx saw the light brighten again as Alex’s awareness grew.

“The light surrounds me at all times.” Alex acknowledged. “All I have to do is tap into it; it can’t possibly drain me… the only thing that can really act as a drain on my energies is me!”

“Almost true, but as we are nearing the edge of the wood we must be on our guard more than ever – I feel The Deluge will try everything it can to stop us from escaping.

36)

Despite the light illuminating the surroundings, Alex could feel the Deluge try and encroach on his thoughts and feelings. Stabs of guilt and anger would surface, under its influence, but whenever that happened he focused on the light.

All the time the light was shining he knew that the blackness could not hurt them and with each step his confidence grew. He was now leading the way with Onyx giving him directions when he needed to. Allura followed behind with Anjinn still guarding the back.

It was still possible one of the Skincrawlers had followed them from the Townage. Onyx thought it unlikely, but Anjinn wanted to be sure; however both Anjinn and Allura had put their trust into Alex now and that alone fed his confidence immensely, and even he was starting to believe in the prophecies. Could he really be the Lightbringer that had been foretold? 

“Stop, Creator.” Onyx cautioned, placing a hand on Alex’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong, Old One?” Allura asked. “Why have we stopped? I see nothing to halt our journey. We are nearly out of this godforsaken wood.”

“Aye, we see nothing.” Onyx agreed. “But do you not think that strange? Creator, direct your light further in front of us. Just expand the field of light a little further out. Will it to happen, and it will be so.”  As he pushed the light out further in front he noticed that it made no difference to the surroundings, up ahead the wood was still pitch black. He tried harder, focusing his will out in a more concentrated beam, like a torch, but to no avail.

“Nothing seems to be happening, it’s still black as tar out there.”

“Black like the Deluge.” Anjinn remarked. Onyx nodded.

“Aye; we have been outsmarted. Whilst the Skincrawlers and the wood have kept us focused on our immediate surroundings it seems the Deluge has cut off our only escape.”

“What do we do, Old One?” Anjinn asked.

“Creator.” Onyx turned to face Alex and placed his hands on his shoulders. “What do you feel we should do? You are in control here; it is you and you alone keeping the Deluge at bay. But at this stage you are not powerful enough in yourself to defeat it.”

“You’re right; by myself I’m not powerful enough to hold it at bay long enough for us to escape. But with all your energies behind me I think we stand a damn good chance of getting out of here.”

“How do you mean, Paige?” Anjinn asked. “What must we do?”

“I noticed that all the time you believed in me my light felt more powerful, I could feel your strength flowing into me; but you were unaware of what you were doing, you just believed. Imagine how powerful the light will be if you all consciously focused your energies through me.” Onyx smiled.

“You are correct, Creator. That is exactly what we need to do.” He turned to face Anjinn and Allura again. “You must focus on Alex now. Connect to your still point and let you light flow through into him, let your belief sustain him. Together we will get through this.”

37)

Allura and Anjinn did as they were told and by focusing on Alex’s light through adding their own energies to it they were able to make it far more powerful. At first there was no visible difference to the Deluge, it still seethed and surged at the periphery of the light; but it soon started to become transparent as it lost its cohesion. The more light that shined on it the fainter it became until all that was left was a mist.

“I don’t think we can wait any longer, we must start walking through.” Onyx advised. “Still focus your energies on Alex, but keep hold of one another. If any of you are separated then you will fall prey to the Deluge and we might not be able to save you.” Alex felt nervous; the Deluge was one of the most frightening things he had ever encountered; they were putting their lives in his hands; he started to buckle under the weight of the responsibility and he felt his light dim.

“I know what you’re thinking, Creator.” Onyx interrupted his thoughts. “But you can do this. You have already done the hardest part by dispersing the Deluge. In its current state it can not hurt us; not so long as you keep the light shining from within.” Alex strengthened his resolve and shined his light brighter still.

“Everyone stay together,” He commanded “do not let go otherwise I will lose you to the dark.”

Alex led them into the mist; Allura followed on behind him, her hand firmly on his shoulder with Onyx behind her and Anjinn last in line. Even though the mist could not encroach beyond the light field Alex could still see it shift and coalesce in front of him, forming eddies and tendrils that tried to snare and distract him.

“As long as you shine, the mist can not get in.” Onyx shouted. “But it will try and trip you up, make you lose your focus and confuse you. Remember that it can not harm you, can not touch you as long as you shine bright.” Alex strengthened his resolve and pushed on further, his confidence increasing with every step forward. Onyx was right: the Deluge couldn’t attack him all the time his light was shining forth. As his confidence increased so too did his pace quicken. Allura tightened the grip on his arm.

“Not so fast, Paige.” She urged. “Do not let your confidence get the better of you, lest we lose the others.” Alex nodded, he was falling into another one of the mind traps that Onyx had told him about. Overconfidence and foolhardiness were just as dangerous as having no confidence; too much meant you were blind to everything else except your own power.

The fog was unrelenting, smothering them with every step, trying to force them apart. He knew that the attack would not be physical in nature but he could feel it at the furthest edges of his mind; it was cold and lingering, sending tendrils of despair and distrust into the centre of his being. He drew on the light that coursed through his body, concentrated on his breathing and his imminent surroundings and banished all thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness aside.

All around he could see the fog coalesce in to shapes to try and distract him as they walked on. Ghostly figures beckoned and mourned, trying desperately to waylay him, but he ignored them.

Suddenly he heard Onyx say: “Allura, what’s wrong?” before he felt it himself and had to shout “Stop digging your nails into my hand, Allura. What is it?” He didn’t understand what was going on, wanted to turn back to see what was happening, but a shout from Onyx stopped him.

“You must carry on, Creator! We must not falter! Keep walking.” Alex could now feel Allura try to wrench her hand from his and it took a mammoth effort on his part to keep hold of her. “What the hell are you doing, Allura?” He hissed. “Are you mad?” He could feel her try to pull away from him and from Onyx’s protestations it was happening to him too. 

Up ahead he could see that the fog was actually beginning to lift and finally there was the edge of the woods; they were safe! He was just about to shout out when he felt himself propelled forward as if a weight had suddenly been released. For a sickening moment he feared that Allura had let go, but the truth was far worse as she fell into him, knocking him to the ground.

Bellkipeg - Part The Eleventh

32)

Suddenly another knock disrupted their conversation. It was the same rhythm that they had heard previously meaning it was ok for Alex to open the door. Allura and Anjinn entered looking furtively over their shoulders. As soon as the door closed  Allura turned to Onyx.

“We have to be very careful.” She stated. “We know now that the Skin Crawlers have infiltrated the town of Haywreath. 

“Allura’s right.” Anjinn agreed, “There is an atmosphere of growing distrust and menace that will erupt before too long.”

“Yes, I felt that when I was downstairs.” Alex said, almost instinctively, surprised that he was actually correct in his original assessment of the situation.

“Good, Creator.” Onyx replied. “Now you must learn to protect yourself against it.” He turned towards Allura again. “What else did you learn?” He asked.

“They know you are here, Alex.” Allura said.

“We have no choice now but to leave.” Anjinn stated. “I hope you are rested and fed, because I don’t know when we will get another chance.”

“Where will we go?” Alex asked, his dread mounting. 

“We will have to head for the wood instead” Allura stated.

“That’s even worse!” Alex scoffed. “I don’t like that wood at all; it has a really bad feeling about it.”

Alex felt trapped between two definite hard places, with nowhere to go. The fear he had felt upon entering the tavern had been mounting and he didn’t know how to diffuse it. Onyx saw this and turned to him.

“Creator, there is nothing to fear.” He stated, motioning him to calm down. “These emotions need not to affect you. You should be able to block them out. You need to protect yourself against other energies, lest you become their puppet again.” 

“How do you stop yourself from feeling those emotions then?” Alex asked.

“I did not say stop feeling. You will need to feel in order to gauge the mood of the situation.” Onyx explained further. This was important but he was also aware that time was of the essence. “Imagine your body as a system; in normal circumstances it would be open, without you knowing about it.”

“How do you mean open?” Alex asked, bemused.

“Now is not the time to go into the intricacies of our power centres.” Onyx said abruptly. “Suffice to say that your system is wide open, which is why you are feeling everything so intensely at the moment. All you have to do now, Creator, is learn to shut it down; and, for once, it is relatively easy.”

33)

Alex sat on the lumpy bed, feet firmly on the ground with his back straight as Onyx asked him to. 

“Notice your breathing, Creator.” Onyx spoke in soft tones; his voice barely a feeling in his ears. “And look at me. Focus your gaze on me and trust.” Onyx’s outline shimmered yet Alex felt a deep sensation traverse up his back, starting from the base of his spine; he had never felt anything like it but somehow made him feel more secure. He no longer felt nervous or paranoid about what was going to happen; he felt strong again. “There… you feel better, yes, Creator?” Onyx asked, smiling; already knowing the answer.

“If you’re both ready..” Allura countered, with a slight overshadowing of impatience. Onyx knew that she understood the importance of Alex being secure, but he also knew how dangerous things could get if they didn’t move out soon. “Anjinn will walk in front, with yourself and Paige behind.” Allura motioned for Alex to get ready. “I will take the rear. If there is any interference then be ready to run, Anjinn and I will make sure no one follows.” 

Alex was conscious of every creaking footstep as they walked down the stairs. Silence greeted them at the bottom . Like a collective neurosis, all eyes were staring at them as they walked to the bar area. All the casual drinkers, travellers and sidewinding gossipers were standing perfectly still, even their breathing had synchronised as one organism. Anjinn walked towards the door, constantly checking where everyone else was, but the way ahead was blocked by more people. No one moved, they barely even breathed and when they spoke it was as one .

“You.. Old one.. you are known to usss.” It hissed, a deathly sibilant. “But your time will come. We sssseek the lightbringer – give him to ussss.”

“You can not have him.” Anjinn shouted.

“Ahhhh… the coward and the fool princessss. No matter, you will not lassst long against sssuch an army.” The mass countered, the hate dripping from every word.

Alex knew that Anjinn and Allura would fight until the death before giving him up to The Presence, but it would be futile. There was no way they could triumph against such opposition and it would mean the deaths of every person in the crowd. 

Alex somehow knew that not all of them were Skin-Crawlers, there were probably only a couple in the crowd but something else had infected and taken over the rest of them. Was it an extension of what had taken him over earlier? He felt in his gut that was the case.

Without thinking he walked away from the protection of Onyx and Allura and up to a bearded man at the edge of the crowd.

“What are you doing here, Devarn?” Alex asked. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Allura try and grab him back but Onyx stopped her. Alex continued. “You know this isn’t right. Suerta did not die so you could give in this way. Is this how you repay her sacrifice? She and your son died so you could fight on against the adversary, and this is what you do?” Alex could see Devarn’s face quiver, eyes that were unblinking and dead only seconds ago were beginning to moisten and redden with tethered emotion. Alex moved to the ginger haired youngster at Devarn’s left. “And you, Warren. You were the bright hope of the family. Your father gave you everything so you could live your dream, even his own life in the end. Was his life worth so little to you that you throw it back in his face?” Alex had no idea what was happening, but he felt as if he was a conduit for something far greater. He could see the effect his words were having on Warren, as they had with Devarn. The hold that the Adversary had over them was weakening.

“We fight because we have to.” Alex spoke, louder now so the whole room could hear him, his voice booming with a resonance and power he had never thought possible. “Giving in should never be an option; life does not have to be a struggle but it is something that should be fought for and we are all worthy of the fight!” He shouted, raising his fist. Power radiated from every pore of his body as he carried on. “Whatever you think has happened recently should not have made you forget who you really are. That connection is still here, FEEL it.” Alex stamped his foot, his body sending out waves of the most beautiful luminescence across the room, blanketing everyone in serene shades of white and gold. Immediately the ambience of the room shifted, it was no longer threatening and he could see that the malevolence was no longer in control; each person was starting to recover their own mannerisms.

Alex immediately identified the Skin-Crawlers as they were the only ones that seemed unaffected by the light that had emanated from him; they stood resolutely still, staring intensely at him. However Alex could see that something was drastically wrong with their physical form, their skin was undulating as if water coursed underneath it but he knew that it was really the Deluge. His light had disrupted their energy matrix and they were vulnerable; now would be a good time to strike – they would not get another.

Onyx clasped his shoulder to prevent him from acting on his instincts; “Now is not the time, Creator.” He urged, “We should make haste before they come to their senses. They’re disorientated; we might not get another chance to leave.”

“Which is all the more reason why we should strike now.” Alex insisted.

“No, Onyx is right.” Anjinn countered, steering Alex out of the door. “It won’t take long for the Skin-Crawlers to regain control of the crowd. I fear all that you have managed is a brief respite. We must make the most out of this opportunity and head for the woods where we might lose them.” Onyx pushed him out of the door.

Outside the night air was cool but tainted still with an oppressive atmosphere; Anjinn led them through the darkened streets; Allura constantly checking to see if they were being followed. 

There were so many questions that Alex wanted to ask Onyx; it was frightening how fast things were moving. It only seemed a couple of days ago that he had woken up for the first time in a strange land and yet here he was running for his life once again.

Bellkipeg - Part The Tenth

28)

In the distance a large expanse of woodland dwarfed the townage; even in the half light, it looked oppressive.

“Haywreath was once a thriving townage.” Onyx explained, “Though it’s hard now to see it.” The streets were dirt tracks, worn by the horse and carts but there were no walkways or paths. The townage itself stood haunted against the encroaching misty dusk; a collection of weak and warped huts and buildings; weather beaten with misshapen timbers, scratched glass and chipped daub. They looked as if they were falling down; huddling together for security and protection. 

“Don’t let appearances deceive you, Creator. Look again.” Onyx explained, in a whispered tone. “Haywreath has stood for many decades and will continue to. The buildings were built this way to create the wrong impression – they look fragile but their foundations run deep and have stood against much.” Alex looked again and tried to leave his earlier preconceptions aside. There was solidity in their design that he had not seen before; the timbers were warped but sturdy, they were not rotten in any way. It was the ultimate sleight-of-hand; no raiders would invade a falling down village, Alex marveled at the ingenuity of it.

“Haywreath became the stronghold at the heart of Bellkipeg at one time.” Onyx said, and nodded. “Here travellers from all over would convene and share information about the Baecons from the North; the Nashfarr from the South and the Plaensmen from the East.”

“What about the West? What came from the West?” Alex asked

“The Presence.” Onyx explained, “But not initially. The Presence came later.  Bellkipeg was united – all tribes were one tribe, all woods were just the one wood. Then things shifted, and then continued shifting.” Onyx paused and pondered before continuing. “Once harmony reigned then reports started coming in of discord and tension amongst certain of the tribes. Communications ceased between townage and walls were built where there were none before, to keep out intruders. Intruders!” He laughed bitterly. “That word would not even have been considered at one stage – there was never any concept of the stranger. But now it seems we are all strangers to each other.” He sighed as they neared the tavern.

“Aye,” Interrupted Anjinn, “And do not forget that’s exactly what we wish to be, strangers. We do not need to attract any more attention to ourselves. Allura and myself are well known here, you are not.” Anjinn motioned to Alex. “The first thing we need to do is gather information.”

29)

The crowded tavern smelt of old beer, wood smoke, swarthy men and, most importantly, food. All the tables were crowded and Alex could feel himself getting claustrophobic and paranoid. He suddenly felt extremely vulnerable as if all eyes were upon him and that every person in there was a potential Skin Crawler. How would he be able to tell the difference, after all? Allura sensed this and guided them to a shadowed booth along the back wall.

“We’ll wait here whilst Anjinn arranges a room for us, and some food.” Allura explained, her tone a little softer. Alex tried to focus on what was happening around him: all around groups of people were talking; shouting; jostling for information or simply staring uneasily at one another. But amongst this commotion there was an undercurrent that he was only just becoming conscious of.

Everyone was aware; even though the groups kept themselves to themselves they were all constantly checking where the other groups were and what they were doing. There was a faint air of paranoia that hung around everything. As he looked around the room he sensed that Allura had been staring at him. She took a brief look into Alex’s eyes as she spoke and he felt her gently brush against his mind.

“I forget easily.” She said, “You are but a boy, really. I feel I may have been too judgmental in my earlier harshness. Anjinn is correct: you are just as much a victim of ‘circumstance’ as we are.” She looked at Onyx, “You were right as well, Old one, maybe there is more to us meeting than just by happenstance.”

Onyx nodded, “I suppose that’s the closest we’re going to get to an apology, young Alex.” He said, smiling just as Anjinn returned.

“The barkeep has allowed us to retire to one of the rooms above.” He explained. “Allura will show you the way whilst I arrange for the food to be brought up.” As they walked away from the table Alex felt all eyes turn and watch as they progressed up the stairs; he felt it was impossible for them to remain inconspicuous and he was relieved when they finally reached their room.

“I will bring you a change of clothes whilst Anjinn gets you some food.” Allura explained before they entered. “You will be able to wash and shave, should you wish to do so; although it might be an idea to change your appearance somehow.” 

She paused a second, looking around her to make sure no one was listening. “Lock the door behind you and let no one in unless they knock a specific way.”  Allura tapped eight times on the door panel. “Should you hear another knock then do not answer the door; instead be wary and be ready to fight your way out. Once you shut the door behind you, check the room for secret panels and mark your escape routes.”

Unlocking the door, Allura motioned for them to go in before handing the key to Onyx. “We will be as quick as we can. Once we have procured food and clothes, Anjinn and myself will try and gather some information on our predicament.” Before she shut the door she said, “Remember, do not open the door to anyone but us.”

30)

The room was sparsely furnished: a bed stood crooked underneath the window at the far wall, coarse blankets covered a lumpy mattress and ineffective pillows; a small table occupied one corner of the room with a make-shift vanity mirror and a bowl with a jug of water; a tall screen stood in another corner. Two towels and a cake of soap sat on a chair next to the table.

“Looks like we can make ourselves more presentable, Creator; should we wish to.” Onyx said. It had been ages since Alex had last looked at himself in the mirror. He moved the towels off the chair to sat down at the table and stared at the warped reflection. He was surprised to see his haggard and unshaven face and was instantly reminded of the reflection that he saw briefly in the Vaurac’s bathroom. 

At the time he thought that the gaunt; dirt streaked face looking back at him had been an hallucination but now it was anything but. Shocked by his appearance he took the soap and used it to wash the worst of the dirt off his face. 

“It must be quite a shock to see yourself in such a state." Onyx said, suddenly breaking him out of his reverie. "Still, think yourself lucky.. I have had to endure such a sight for the last few days!” At this he laughed and Alex couldn’t help but smile.

“Do you think I should keep the beard?” He asked.

“I think so, Creator. It adds a certain mystery to you. As it grows bushier it will also obscure your facial outline a bit more and make it easier for you to remain unnoticed in a crowd.”

The sudden knock surprised him, but he was relieved when it was the right rhythm signalling their return. Onyx walked to the door and peered through the spy-hole before opening it to Anjinn, who carried two bundles of clothes. Allura walked in behind carrying a tray of food and a flagon of questionable liquid.

Alex took the new clothes without even looking at them; he wanted to distance himself from the torn and muddied garments he’d been wearing- and walked behind the screen. Brown-leathered trousers, holly green jerkin and the thigh length light brown tunic looked good on him, but with the black cape and leather boots he felt fantastic. 

Walking out from behind the screen Onyx beamed, “A distinct improvement!” he said, and Allura smiled in agreement. Alex looked at himself in the vanity mirror and couldn’t stop grinning.

31)

“Recognise yourself, do you, creator?” Onyx asked.

“Yes, I do.” He replied. “This feels right. I can’t explain it.”

“Nor should you.” Onyx replied as Alex gave his old clothes to Allura. “Now, I think it is time for us to eat.” Alex looked at Allura as she walked towards the door. Anjinn had already exited.

“Are you not stopping for something to eat?” He asked.

“We will eat after we have gained the information we need.” She said. “Please, do not wait for us. Remember to listen for the knock.” When she shut the door Alex walked over and locked it. He was confused about Allura’s sudden change of attitude towards him.

“I don’t understand, Onyx.” He said. “Up until recently Allura has been completely inhospitable to me; not that I blame her.” Alex conceded, walking to the bed where the food had been placed. “But all of a sudden she’s now being.. nice to me. I can’t quite comprehend the change of attitude.”

“Allura is a driven woman, Creator.” Onyx explained, sitting on the bed. “She has been given an almost impossible task: to find the Mirror of Sfel, which has been lost for generations.” He picked up a squat bread roll and tore a piece off before continuing. “The fate of her tribe rests on finding this mirror, indeed so does the fate of Bellkipeg, which is why you are the only one that can find it.” He popped the piece of roll in his mouth and chewed it in cogitation.

“Why am I the only one that can find it?” Alex asked.

“You are the Lightbringer.” Onyx stated, matter-of-factly. “That is why you have been brought to Bellkipeg. You are the key to Allura’s salvation, if you will, and your paths are linked.” Alex pondered this and sat on the other side of the bed, picked up a roll and chewed on it.

“But that doesn’t explain her change of mood.” Alex stated.

“No, but think about this.” Onyx clarified. “Allura was told that she had to search for the Lightbringer, that he would be the one that would find the Mirror of Sfel…” Alex understood immediately….

“And then she saw me.” He sighed, and then smiled sheepishly. “I can’t imagine the crushing disappointment she had when I then tried to kill her.” Alex said, now feeling a little sorry for himself, and Onyx sighed heavily.

“That is not the point, Creator.” Onyx remarked, firmly. “Now is not the time for self-pity, rather for self-awareness. Do not recriminate yourself for the past, you have taken responsibility for it, you no longer have to drag that burden along with you. Let it alone!”

“What would you have me do instead?” Alex asked.

“In some ways Allura should have taken more precaution before trying to read your essence.” Onyx explained. “Allura is headstrong and her task far too important to allow such mistakes, and she is far too proud to admit when she is wrong. All the time you fought against her and objected to her attitude she did not have to face up to her responsibility. However when you accepted what had happened and changed your manner then she had no choice but to face hers. When she 'saw' just how vulnerable you truly are, and that reflected back her own feelings.” 

Alex nodded. “You have come a long way, Creator.” Onyx said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t think you fully realise just how far.”

Bellkipeg - Part The Ninth

25)

After gently tending him, Onyx knelt down by Alex’s side and placed a hand on his forehead. His palm was extremely warm and Alex felt the heat transfer deep within his body, rejuvenating him.

“What happened to me?” He asked. “It felt as if I was possessed!”

“Was it from the same force that attacked me?” Allura asked.

“Yes, I believe it was.” Onyx answered. “I feel it is linked in some way with young Alex.” Onyx motioned to him with his antlers. “Allura, tell me more about how you came to be here.”

“Anjinn and I are on a quest for the Mirror of Sfel.” She explained.

“I have heard of this Mirror.” Onyx interrupted.

“The mirror is the only thing that can bring our land back from ruination.” Anjinn continued. “It has been foretold that there is only one person that can find the mirror –no one knows what it looks like or where it’s hidden – but he does.”

“And this is the Lightbringer.” Onyx said.

“Yes,” Agreed Allura, “that would be the Lightbringer. I saw you both in the distance. Onyx I recognised, you I did not,” She said, pointing to Alex before continuing, “So I looked within.”

“What do you mean?” Alex asked

“We, of the Wyxann read people,” explained Allura testily. “We possess the real sight and can look beyond the veil of personality to the soul within. For the briefest of moments I caught a flicker of the Lightbringer but then I was attacked by the presence. The attack was so powerful that I nearly lost my sense of self. It was Anjinn that stopped me from falling off the edge.”

“And then I gallantly blundered in…” Alex interrupted sheepishly.

“Now is not the time for recriminations, Creator. Besides,” Onyx stared at Alex with his head slightly to one side. “I don’t think you were entirely of one mind even then.”

“How do you mean?” Anjinn asked.

“The presence has been with him for some time, and I would wager it was ever since you witnessed the Indran Egg being broken.”

“So he has been possessed.” Allura said.

“Well, not as such,” assured Onyx. “But Alex wasn’t entirely at fault when he nearly killed you and in some ways he may have even saved your life.”

“Please explain, old one.” Anjinn asked, incredulous.

“You were dangerously close to the edge; and Alex did knock you away from it.” 

“So, where does that leave us?” Allura asked. “We are still on a quest to find the Mirror, though neither of us are in any shape to continue.” Anjinn could only nod in agreement.

“On your own, I agree it would be disastrous.” Onyx said. “But you are no longer alone. What I said before was not a provocation, nor was it said in jest. I do believe that because of his rash decisions Alex put your lives at risk, and so in recompense I feel he should help you in your quest.” He saw the reaction start to form on Alex’s face but was glad when he controlled it. “And if you were to look deep within yourself, Creator,” he continued, “Then you will know that this is true.” 

Alex smiled in agreement. “Besides, we have not been brought here together by chance. We have met because we were meant to. We are here to help you on your quest for the Mirror of Sfel.”

“With your help I feel that we may indeed be able to uncover it, Old One,” Allura agreed. “though I’m still wary of Paige.” Alex was surprised to be called by what he now recognised as his surname, but then remembered that Allura was psychic. What more could she see that he couldn’t? “Although he may have been as much a victim of the malicious presence as I was, it was he who carried the presence within him. Who knows whether it still lurks there. It shows that he still has the capacity for such darkness within.”

“True.” Onyx concurred. “But, he also has the capacity to be one with the light. One can not live in the light without first being aware of The Presence. Besides, you are in no position to reject our offer of help. You never know, we may prove to be invaluable in your quest…” He smiled knowingly. “Now, where must we go?”

“The townage of Haywreath is just over the other side of these hills.” Allura explained. “We need supplies.”

“Then that is where we are headed next.” Onyx stated.

26)

Silence shrouded the journey to the settlement as the mist crept down the hillside towards them. Alex, still deeply troubled, sought to find answers to his confusion. He needed clarity –too much had happened in such a short space of time. All the incidents were instrumental in teaching Alex about who he really was, finding his true power and what he stood for.

Pondering on this, Alex looked ahead: he could just make out Anjinn and Allura’s silhouettes against the mist as they neared the brow of the hill.  It was hard to believe that Anjinn was still badly injured; he was walking as if nothing had happened, yet Alex knew that his ribs were cracked. 

It sickened him to think that he had nearly caused both their deaths due to his negligence and unwillingness to learn, and it alarmed him how quickly he had misused his new found understanding and power. It was that power that the presence had been able to latch on to and feed upon. 

“Damn it!” Alex cursed under his breath.

“Do not be too hard on yourself, Creator.” Onyx comforted. Alex hadn’t noticed that he had dropped behind and for the last couple of minutes had been walking alongside him. “If we are never taught these skills; not taught to assess situations then we will carry on making the same mistakes.”

“Like running blindly into something like a fool?” Alex asked, smiling ironically.

“A fool is often construed as one acting from ignorance.” Onyx countered, “But ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge, so in that respect you are right. However you learnt from it. Do not forget, Creator that it was as a result of that incident that we met Allura and Anjinn and it also allowed you to face that presence that had possessed you.”

“But I still don’t understand what that presence was.” Alex said.

“It has many names,” Onyx replied, “but it is responsible for bringing the night to Bellkipeg. It is a shadow falling over the land.” he explained. “And you are the light.”

“A shadow?” Alex paused. “Is the Deluge a part of The Presence then?”

“Aye – it is an extension of it. A physical manifestation, if you will.” Onyx paused and scratched at an antler. “You felt the power of The Presence as it tried to take hold of you; you felt it twist your mind against the very things you hold dear. It whispered to you like a friend and almost succeeded in turning your heart away from your true purpose and yet you were still able to stand against it.”

“Yes,” Alex countered, “but only with your help. I doubt I could have done it alone.”

“But next time you will be stronger. You will remember how it felt to be possessed and will be more aware if it happens again. You also know how to draw on your own strength now, and each time you reach within yourself it will become easier.” Alex nodded; it was true, his body did remember and he was able to sense now which thoughts were his and which were imposed by The Presence. The Presence's presence was somehow heavier, jagged – it had writhed within him. “Think if you will though,” Onyx continued, “what might have happened if I had not been there, or if you had not the strength to combat it.”

“It would have taken me over –body and soul.” Alex shuddered at the thought of that.

“Your personality, your soul would have become a vessel for The Presence, just an extension of its essence. It would wear you. We call people such as this, Skin Crawlers.” 

27)

“Skin Crawlers?” Alex asked. The very thought horrified him.

“Aye; the physical shell remains the same; they have the same appearance but inside they have been taken over by The Presence. It is the Deluge wearing them, but there are times when their skin ripples like the surface of water after a waves wake and they can be seen as they truly are. I tell you this for you are now known to The Presence and he will have his agents; his Skin Crawlers looking for you.”

“Can they be defeated?” Alex asked.

“Yes, Creator. They still wear mortal skin, which can be punctured or cut. This is all that holds the Deluge inside. The Skin Crawlers are less likely to get involved in fights or engage in anything where they could become injured.”

They were nearing the top of the hill now, much to Alex’s relief. Allura and Anjinn were waiting impatiently for them. Anjinn pointed to a settlement up ahead.

“The townage of Haywreath.” He stated, “That is our destination. There is a tavern where we will eat, rest and gather information.”

“What Anjinn means,” Allura interrupted, “is that you will eat and rest whilst we gather the information.”

“What kind of information?” Alex asked, whilst trying to gain his breath back.

“We know that the agents of The Presence are on our trail,” Allura explained. “And we need to know how much danger we are in, and how much of a threat you are to our mission.” Alex could only nod in agreement; he understood exactly what Allura meant. Onyx chuckled at this.

“An hour ago, Creator, you would have reacted badly to a statement such as that. Could it be that you are entering a new stage of understanding?” He smiled.

“I’ve jeopardised Allura’s mission enough by my actions, Onyx. They need to know exactly what is stacked against them and I will do whatever I can now to help them on their quest.”

“So be it.” Anjinn said, walking on with Allura in front. Alex nodded and followed, Onyx keeping pace beside him.