have been easy for you. You control the opening of the time portals. So why ask me the question? Why not just look for yourself?’
‘Why? Because the act of your conception was shrouded in a blanket of invisibility!’
This news stuns me so much that I find myself falling into the chair for support. To create a shroud of invisibility would have taken the powers of a Magician. So the legend of Dartemis must be true! He does exist, at least on some level, in some place, to have performed this enchantment to conceal the identity of my father. But why was this secrecy necessary? If my father was someone of importance, why was I abandoned after my mother’s death to be raised by peasants and soldiers?
‘Tell me, Arkarian, everything you know.’
I look up at Lathenia, lifting my hands. ‘I know nothing. I was raised by strangers, sent from one house to another.’
‘Surely someone from those houses told you something!’
‘Who would tell me anything? I was a foundling. I had no status.’
Her rage increases with every second she realises I can’t give her the information she wants. Of course the question arises, if I did know who my father was, would I tell her anyway? Even if this information was of no significance to anyone, I would die first.
Hearing my rebellious thoughts, Lathenia lashes out, striking me across the face with the back of her hand. The force of her simple slap sends me careering backwards.
From my position on the floor I catch sight of Sera, huddling beneath the table, head buried deeply in her hands. It’s the sight of this tortured innocence that forces a surge of anger through me, so powerful that for a second I feel it break through the confining bonds of the enchantment. Quickly, glancing up at Lathenia, I raise my hands and force as much energy in her direction that I can, considering my weakened physical state.
The room ignites with a flash of power that hits Lathenia front on, surprising her. She falls sideways, screaming. Staggering quickly to her feet she yells at her Magician. ‘Quickly, Keziah! Your magic has expired.’
I can’t let this opportunity pass. To try to fight them all is pointless; they would destroy me in an instant. But what if I use my wings? I might end up anywhere in this underworld, but surely anywhere would be better than certain death here, except perhaps for that ‘pit’ Lathenia sent Bastian to!
If I use my wings I’ll be leaving Sera, yet, what use am I to her in this state? It would be better to escape now with my powers, and return for her when the danger is passed.
I close my eyes and visualise the rocky escarpment by the side of the lake, and the path from here to there. The Goddess’s screams penetrate, stalling me. ‘Hurry, Marduke! He’s escaping!’
Marduke raises his arms. And from the doorway the sound of squawking breaks my concentration. Dozens of birds swarm in and head straight for me. I freeze at the sight. Their strange human-like eyes seem to devour me, and their bone-piercing shrieks slice into my consciousness.
Any chance of using my wings disappears as the focus I need to concentrate shatters beneath the onslaught of these strange birds as they attack me. I try to use my powers, emitting a burst of energy, and they scatter, hovering over my head. Some of them squeal and fly off. But Marduke sends them back to me, and Keziah begins to chant.
As I try to fight Keziah’s spell, my skin forms tiny bubbles, as if singed with hot oil. But my concentration keeps breaking as the birds attack, pecking at my flesh, and, where none is exposed, they dig away at my clothing until they find some. I try to beat them off, but there are just too many. They overpower me quickly and I fall to the floor.
Through all the noise of the screeching birds and Keziah’s chanting, I catch a glimpse of Sera, still hiding under the table, curled up in a tight ball, shivering violently. I would call to her, to give her comfort, but I don’t want to attract attention to her position. For now, at least, Lathenia’s main interest is me.
Keziah’s chanting finally stops, and the old man withdraws to the back of the room. After a series of rasping coughs he says, ‘He is contained, Highness.’
She motions to Marduke, who calls his flock of birds off me and sends them out