Series: Empire of Stone — 1: Cages of Fear «

Fading Light

Contact The world rejects us, as we hover in the sky above the city. Lightning, thunder and rain are everywhere. The storm tries to crush us, and take us down.

Dilasa grabs hold of me, frightened by the raw energy. “We’re safe little one,” I tell her, “as long as we stay within my [...]

Forgotten Memories Shazira and I take back the tower at first light from Berek’s parents. In the heart of the summer, even the night brings no relief from the heat. Dark clouds cover us, and the air is thick with humidity. The lightning storms will reach us soon.

We dance the greeting to the [...]

Challenging the Guilds

Mind Weavers I find it easy to locate Jiku over twenty years old with Bizra eyes, even half a world away. They have a unique energy. The energy is more chaotic in children and harder to find. Besides, it’s extremely rare to find young ones with Bizra eyes that have the mental strength to [...]

Caves Of Dreams

Wild Child Dilasa has a scowl on her face as we walk out of the council hall. “They’re not wise or brave, ina,” says Dilasa, spreading her arms wide. “Why do you follow them?”

“They’re the council, Dilasa, the leaders of the guilds, not some random group of Jiku.” “Can’t you listen quietly for [...]

Crystal Paths

The Last Vision I wake in the tower to the sound of Dilasa’s screams. Shazira is up and holding her.

For a moment, half-asleep, I wonder why Dilasa is with us in the Dreaming Room. Only the guardians sleep here. Their children stay with relatives, or sleep in the common rooms of the tower, [...]

Worlds Within Worlds

Death The bed is hard, and my head aches as sleep leaves me. A groan escapes my lips. I can’t remember who I am, or how I got here. My heart beats quickly as fear takes hold of me. Then I take a deep breath and clear my thoughts to push aside the fear. [...]

Black Fountain

Dreams of Power The inner cave is warm and soft when my awareness returns. I think that I’m lying in a bed until I open my eyes. I’m resting on a spongy material that looks like crystal, but sinks down under my weight. A thick colored mist floats over my body like a blanket. [...]

Secrets of the Game

Games of Fire and Ice While we eat, and during the blessing that follows, Tzina’s face is troubled. She takes me aside and whispers, “Ina, I need to speak with you alone.”

“Open your mind shield,” I tell her, “and I’ll touch your thoughts.”

“No.” “Let’s go to your circle, away from the others.” [...]

Fast and Slow

Night Night is the same as day, here in the cave. Only our inner clocks tell us that the day is gone. Every Jiku knows whether it’s morning, evening, or night, even in a dark place, with no clues from the sun. We always know the exact hour and minute.

Time is twisted [...]

Slavery and Death

Little Clouds “Continue the training, Tzina,” I tell her. “It’s time for us to enter the network.”

“Not yet,” she answers, “but my fire twin will join you briefly for the next step.” Tzina and Shazira go back to their nests, and I send Berek away. I don’t want him to watch while I [...]

The Heart Fountain