Tales Of The Echo Forest, Twins

knows your other weakness!” Artemus chided. “Other weakness? What do you mean Artemus?”

  Artemus looked at Igus as an innocent child. Though taught the same lessons as the others, Igus was always naive. Artemus knew that Corsea was evil and would defeat Igus. But what to do!? Artemus was also bound by the laws of nature. He could only hope that Igus would pick up on the subtle hints he would drop.

  “You will stay here for three days...” “No!” Igus cut Artemus off. “Yes! I will not allow you to leave until you are mentally prepared!” Artemus demanded. “But Corsea will surely sense my absence and break the seal!” “No, he will sense that you have connected to your life force. This will confuse him.” Artemus said calmly. Igus now accepted Artemus’ decision, “Thank you Artemus. I will go to the tree of lessons and meditate.”

  “Igus has been connected to his life force again! Arianna said with excitement. “Though I am happy for him, that still does not help us.” Gareth said, then added, “Arianna, will you have Jessica meet us at our camp in the bog?” “Yes Gareth, I will contact her, she will be there.” Arianna said, closing her eyes. “Come, we must go to the bog Devon.” Gareth now said, trying to avoid Loanna’s eyes. Loanna put her arms around Devon in defeat. She knew he would go with Gareth all along. “Be careful my love. I will wait for word at the Blue Isle.” She kissed him and turned toward the cave of lights. Devon watched her walk away.

  On the ride to the bog Devon kept mulling over the facts as he knew them, “Gareth, I have been thinking. The battle that created the Serenity is the answer.” “The answer to what Devon?” “To Igus’ power. We need to look at the events that led up to the flood. Remember there was no river at the time.” “I thought we wanted to know Corsea’s weakness.” Ian said. Then Gareth added, “I have to admit, I do not know what you are driving at either.” “Let us stop for a rest. I think we could figure this out if we were not bouncing up and down.” Devon now said. The three men dismounted and Devon began again.

  “Igus created the flood to seal Corsea. But floods dry up, they do not create rivers.” Devon said. “I see your point. The Serenity still runs freely from Our Lady to Lake Hope.” Gareth agreed. “Of course it does.” Ian said, not comprehending. “Ian that is the point!” Devon suddenly exclaimed. Gareth looked at Devon and realized what he was saying. “Of course! Igus did not send a wave of water over the land, he caused an upheaval of the earth somehow!” Gareth said excitedly. “We have one piece of the puzzle Gareth. If we can just figure out what the seal is made of, that might help.” Devon now added. “What is the seal?!” Ian asked, still in the dark. The old warrior could not fathom what was happening. Gareth slapped him on the back, “Let us continue to the bog, perhaps Jessica can shed some light on that!” The three men mounted their horses and headed south.

  Artemus watched Igus meditating. He knew that he could easily put an end to Corsea’s evil, but that was not allowed. He wished he had handled Corsea differently. Igus now opened his eyes, sensing Artemus’ presence.

  “You seem troubled Artemus.” “Yes Igus, your brother has started gaining his strength back. I only hope I have helped you enough.” “Just being connected to my life force these last three days has helped immensely.” “Have you listened to everything I have said?” “Yes, but I still do not know if I understand.” Igus admitted. “Then listen to one more story. Fourteen years ago, Arianna took you to the Blue Isle. Did you know that your life force had been poisoned?” “Yes. Thankfully, she was able to heal me.” “Let me tell you now, it was Corsea who caused your sickness.” Igus’ eyes widened, “I never made the connection!” “That was actually the beginning of his present attack. For the last fourteen years, he has planned his revenge.” Artemus had already anticipated Igus’ next question and thought back to his own beginnings.

  The earth was full of turmoil. The spirits of nature were jealous of each other. They never worked together, therefore nothing was ever accomplished. The mother of all nature was saddened and decided to end the constant bickering. She commanded the four spirits to lend a piece of themselves and created Artemus. The four spirits looked at her creation, and decided that harmony was indeed the best way.

  Together they worked with Artemus and taught him how to control each of the elements of life. After five-hundred years, a mere blink of the eye to an immortal, Artemus had mastered his lessons. He was then given one final lesson. This one by the mother of all nature.

  “You have been given great power Artemus. With power comes responsibility. As Children of Nature are born, you will teach them of harmony, that is your destiny. You may not, however, directly interfere with human problems. You will be tempted to shape the world into your own ideal. Do not fall into that trap.” She admonished. “I can see the importance of non-interference, but what if it is a child of nature causing the human’s problems?” Artemus asked, almost prophetically. “Occasionally, a rogue child of nature will emerge. You must leave nature run its course. Only I can decide when a child has crossed the line.” Artemus understood the finality of her statement. He then felt himself being transported. When he materialized, he was on the Isle of Ages, where his first four students awaited. Once taught, they would become the elders.

  “Why is it that you cannot you just stop him?” Igus asked, then continued, “You must know that innocent men, women and children will suffer. Artemus looked at Igus. Artemus then echoed what was told to him, “You must let nature run its course.” “But it is me who he wants to kill first! Does that not change anything?” Igus argued. “This will be your third battle with Corsea, you must have learned something!” Igus could see that he was getting nowhere. Artemus was being as cryptic with him as he himself had been with Devon. How irritating I must be, he now thought. “At days end you must return to the forest. My wishes go with you, I know you will find the answer.” As Artemus finished, he closed his eyes and began to fade.

  Devon, Ian and Gareth could see Jessica at the entrance to the bog. As they dismounted it was Jessica who began.

  “I already know what you want. I do not know Corsea’s weakness.” She said, as a determined look came over her face. “I have seen that look before!” Devon joked. “As have I!” Gareth said laughing. Ian then added, “It is amazing that two different people could have the very same mannerisms!” Then joined in the laughter. Jessica, having figured that she was part of a joke, glared at them, “I do not see what is so funny!” “Loanna has the exact same expression when she is being stubborn.” Devon howled. Jessica watched the three men laughing and finally joined in. “I really want to spend more time with Loanna.” She said, holding her sides. The four of them walked into the bog. Devon was the first to become serious.

  “I realize the laws of silence the Children of Nature live by Jessica. But the questions I have, have nothing to do with Corsea’s weakness. Do you know of the flood that created the Serenity?” “Of course. It was a huge event that caused great havoc. Thankfully, no lives were lost.” Jessica answered. “Igus carved the Serenity’s path through the earth, until it met Lake Hope, then let loose the flood, correct?” Devon now asked. “Yes, but how do you know!?” Jessica answered. Devon knew the answers he was fishing for could only be gotten by wit, “Jessica, do you really think I am stupid!?” “Of course not! I have nothing but respect for you!” “Thank you Jessica. I am sorry if I sounded harsh.” Gareth watched as Devon manipulated Jessica. They walked in silence for a mile or so before Devon began again.

  “How bad is the crystal damaged Jessica?” Devon asked. “Which crystal?”Devon suddenly stopped. Ian and Gareth looked back at him. Anger seemed to cover Devon’s face. “Jessica! I already know of the crystal that seals Corsea’s tomb! I am not asking about secrets! Do you now tell me you cannot answer any questions at all!?” Devon asked, indignantly. He had to keep her off guard long enough to get some answers. “I never said that Devon! I just did not realize you had that knowledge. At present the ebony crystal has a small crack. As Corsea exerts pressure against
it, the crack grows ever so slightly.” Jessica conceded. “I am sorry for sounding snide Jessica. These past weeks have us all on edge.” “No Devon, I am the one who is sorry. Friends?” She said, offering her hand. “Friends.” He said, as he shook her hand.

  Little more was said as they continued to the main camp. Devon had learned enough from Jessica for now. Gareth watched Devon as they walked. He knew his friend’s mind was churning away, trying to find the answer to their mystery. He also knew that Corsea’s tomb needed to be found. When they reached the main camp, Gareth asked a squire to have Geoffrey, Douglas and Philip to the command tent. Jessica departed and walked further into the bog. The six men convened in the command tent.

  “Devon! If I ever need to interrogate anyone, I want you there!” Gareth exclaimed. “Yes! But how did you know about the crystal?” Ian now wondered. “I did not. But now we have a clue.” “We all are not privy to what you are talking of, perhaps you could fill us in.” Geoffrey interjected. Gareth told them of how Devon baited Jessica.

  “Igus created the Serenity? An ebony crystal?” Geoffrey