Daxton - Episode 41
The 5th Compass | Tales of Stonehaven [844 words]
Daxton is the first book in the 6-book series, The 5th Compass, which takes place in Stonehaven. Released in serial form, two episodes each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The audio version is coming in the future for paid subscribers only. Visit the table of contents for a list of previously published and upcoming episodes.
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Deep in the woods a compass maker spent his entire day studying the inner-workings of compasses. No one ever bothered him because his sister made it so that no one who was not pure of heart could see his home. What she could not foresee was the unwelcome visit of one more powerful. And as Riven tinkered with one of his most complicated creations, the sounds of soldiers, surrounding his house made of a tree, went unnoticed.
There came an unexpected pounding on his front door, which made him drop the tool he held in his hand. He’s never had a guest arrive at this hour before. Then again, he was not quite sure what the hour was. The pounding came again, nearly breaking the door from its hinges.
“Open this door immediately, by order of the king of Gaspar.”
Riven was not aware of such a place as Gaspar, he only knew of the kingdom of Malithorn and was never told of what lay beyond. The name of Gaspar intrigued him and bounded for the front door, excited to greet the newcomers.
The Paragon and General Corwinn stood on the other side of the door and listened to the sounds of someone bumping into things as they made their way to the front door.
Riven pulled open the door and beamed a smile at them both. “Greetings, kind sirs. Do come in and tell me more of this Gaspar place you speak of.” He stepped behind the door to let them both inside. “Is it far? Did you come by land or by sea?”
He continued to ask them questions, but they all went unheard as both the Paragon and General Corwinn were struck by the number of compasses on display. It only shocked the Paragon for a few minutes before he became unimpressed.
“Why are we here? I do not believe Nelle would—.”
“Nelle? Do you know my sister?” Riven asked, not frightened at all by the Paragon. Even when his eyes began to glow red from excitement.
“Is Nelle your sister? Did you know she had a brother?” General Corwinn asked the Paragon. He thought back to his childhood schooling at Diamar Academy. It was where all those who showed signs of having the gift or could potentially be taught how to wield it, were sent. It was many moons ago since he was there, but he vaguely remembered Nelle and the rumor of her brother, once a top student, being expelled after an accident ruined him. Could this simpleton be that brother?
Riven moved about his house like a child, wanting to tell them all he knew about compasses. The Paragon could hardly keep up with all he was saying and how quickly he moved in such a cluttered house. General Corwinn just smiled and made a noise every now and then to Riven when he’d look at them for assurance that they were still listening.
“Enough!” the Paragon shouted, which made Riven finally become frightened and seek a corner of the house to hide in for comfort. “We are getting nowhere. He was once a great student. Should’ve been the Paragon instead of me, but I suppose it was too hard for him, and now look at what has become of him.” He turned away in disgust. “Let us leave before I am forced to put such a fool out of its misery.”
“Wait, surely he must have answers,” General Corwinn reasoned. Then, kneeling before Riven, who had covered his face with his hands and was mumbling incoherent words as if to make himself invisible, he heard a much more soothing voice. “Why was your sister here? Did she tell you something important?”
Riven lowered his hands to reveal tears in his eyes where his childlike expression once was. He now wore a look of sadness that matched his age all too well. “I have not seen Nelle in nearly two decades. She came here for the compasses I made special, just for her. Came here with a pirate, she did, then left, and I never saw her again.” He wiped his eyes with his hands and hung his head in despair.
“See…” General Corwinn looked up at the Paragon who had a large grin on his face. “What is it?”
“Seems our backwards friend here isn’t as foolish as I believed. He speaks of the Spell of Immortality.”
“The what?”
“Come along, general. Plans have changed. I will no longer be able to simply kill Captain Silverblade. She is immortal. We must locate these compasses and destroy them in order to destroy her.” He laughed loudly, shaking the walls and all the compasses that hung from them. “I never thought that witch had it in her.” He raised his hand and brought forth a ball of fire, readying it to throw at Riven.
General Corwinn stood in his path. “Wait. What if she returns here? Would it not be wiser to leave a man behind?”
The Paragon extinguished the flame. “You may be useful to me yet.”