A Lady of Quariumora
t was a total pitch black inside the portal. Drinn couldn’t see anything even though his eyes were widely open. All the cheers and the noise from Fantezze Quon’zt slowly faded out and soon it was so still and silent. It was very quiet that Drinn could hear himself breathing and his heart beating, and from a pitch black color the place slowly changed to a dark blue place and was getting a colder. All of a sudden Drinn swallowed something; it was salty water. The place brightened up and brought its full color as he found himself below the ocean. His bag fell from his hand and everything inside the bag floated, clothes, food, a jar of water, but what worried him more was that the Amulen Stones were falling fast to the ocean floor. He followed the stones to the sea floor and succeeded but he had no time to pick them all up for he will surely loose his breath any moment. He took one Amulen Stone and put it in his right pocket, and when he was about to come up for an air, a seaweed clutched his right foot. He pulled his sword and cut the seaweed off of his foot. He was loosing his breath as he tried to come up for an air, but then the seaweed clutched his foot again and the sword fell from his hand for he seemed to notice a silhouette from nearby beside him. As he turned he was surprised for he saw a lady coming for him and she swiftly held Drinn’s cheeks with her soft palm and gave him a kiss. Drinn then realized that the lady indeed gave her an air and then she went a little farther from Drinn. To Drinn’s wonder he was breathing as if he was not under the ocean. He looked intently at the lady for he never seen anyone as fair as her, because her skin was so fair as white as a snow in the winter. She looked as if she was a goddess of the sea. Her flowing hair was lavender and waving at the water. In her forehead tied a blue gem, diamond earrings were sparkling from her ears and a pearl necklace was hanging on her neck. She was wearing a lilac dress and her deep green eyes were fixed at Drinn.
“You are a human isn’t it?” said the soft voice of the lady. But the voice was not audible and Drinn could only hear it from his head.
“You… You are conversing with me through mind.” Drinn replied amazed. “Yes I am a human, and thank you for saving my life.”
“But this place is too deep for a human to go through.” the lady answered.
“Oh, is this?” said Drinn looking up, trying to figure out how deep they were at. “It’s a long story, believe it or not I just found myself here in the ocean.”
“Again thank you for saving my life. I’m Drinn of Hywel.”
“I am Shayna.” she replied and was still on a deep thought.
“I still don’t believe in you Drinn of Hywel. Tell the truth or else I will leave you here alone. I gave you only an hour to breathe under the water. That seaweed would not let go off of you. And if you might escape,” she said looking at the sword on the ocean floor “It will take you two hours or more before you reach the surface of the ocean. I won’t help you if you tell not the truth.”
“I’m telling you the truth!” Drinn said. “I suddenly found myself here. Look my things were floating everywhere and this is the only one I saved.” as he took the Amulen Stone from his pocket.
“It’s an Amulen Stone!” said Shayna. “Where did you get it? Or stole it?”
“Whoa! Hold on I’m not a thief! As I said I came from a different world to get this stones. And…” Drinn replied and seemed to realize something. “Wait, I’m not in Fantezze Quon’zt isn’t it?”
“I’ve never heard of that place before.” Shayna said. “This is the Ocean of Quariumora and I am a Quariumoran.”
“So I was brought to the place I needed to go. I have only an hour to find the Blade of Quinlan.” Drinn said to himself.
“The blade of Quinlan?” Shayna interrupted him. “How come that you know it? It’s a secret only known by Quariumorans.”
“I have told you that it’s a long tale.” Drinn said. “If you will help me I promise to tell you everything.”
The Quariumoran lady paused for a moment to think, “I guess I have no choice.” replied Shayna and she felt that Drinn was telling the truth. Or if not, she was too curious about Drinn for it was her first time meeting with a human. And lots of question started to puzzle her mind.
Drinn picked the sword up and cut the seaweed from his foot. He picked the remaining Amulen Stones as well and was having a problem where to put them in as he tried force all the Amulen Stones to fit inside his pockets.
“What’s so funny?” inquired Drinn for Shayna seemed to hide a laugh from her face with her right hand.
“Nothing,” said Shayna as she quickly put her hand away from her lips. “Just be quick or you might run out of air.”
And as soon as Drinn put the stones in his pocket and that his pants look as if it is going to blow he said “It’s all done!”
“Come follow me as quick as you could.” said Shayna who started to swim.
Drinn followed her, and it was then that he realized how beautiful the ocean was. From above, the radiance of the suns was gleaming and the ocean floor sparkled with seashells and corals. Bright was the color of the deep blue water and fishes off different colors were everywhere swimming merrily all over the place. Couple of times Drinn saw fishes that he never seen before and made him to stop for awhile, but what really slow him down was from seeing a giant whale. It was a huge blue whale that Drinn was stunned as it passed by above him. Drinn turned around and followed the whale with his eyes when Shayna said “I know you’re enjoying the scenery but you have no time.”
“I’m sorry!” said Drinn as he turned around. “Where are we going anyway?”
“To our city, the city of Quariumora.” said she. “From there you can breathe.”
“You mean there is an air over there?” asked Drinn.
“Yes there is.” Shayna replied, “Quariumorans breathe on both water and air. Now save your questions, we must be quick.”
As they went deeper and deeper, the cheerful scenery turned dreary for the light was weakened at the depth of the ocean. Everything seems to be dark blue in color and Drinn had a hard time to see where he was going. Soon he can’t see anything but the dark water surrounding him, and he can’t even see where Shayna was.
“Is there any problem Drinn?” Shayna asked for Drinn had stop.
“Yes there is a big problem.” Drinn said. “I can’t see you anymore.”
“You mean you can’t see where I am going?” said Shayna.
“Yes, and not just that, I can’t hardly see anything.” answered Drinn.
“I guess human eyes can’t see anything in this part of the ocean.” she said.
“You mean you can still see everything from here?” inquired Drinn.
“Yes I could.” replied Shayna as Drinn felt her hand touched his. “Don’t worry we’re just a few minutes from Quariumora. Just hold my hand.”
Before long Drinn saw a small light from afar, it was like a white round gleaming light. And as they went nearer the light grew bigger and wider and slowly everything was returning to its color for he saw Shayna’s lavender hair waving beside him.
“We’re here Drinn, we’re coming up.” Shayna said as she glanced at Drinn.
The blinding light shined as they reached the surface of the water. For a few seconds Drinn couldn’t breathe and then he was relieved when he felt an air coming in. He looked around and found out that the water was just like a pool. Shayna was already sitting at the rim smiling at Drinn. He looked above, and was amazed for there were thick clouds above and he could hear the chirps of the birds in that peaceful place.
“Welcome to Quariumora!” said Shayna. It was an audible voice.
“Are we on an island?” Drinn said looking around.
“We’re still under the ocean.” she said. “But we’re inside a mountain below the ocean. This is the secret city of Quariumora!”
“So humans can’t really reach this place.” Drinn said.
“Yes, I guess you’re the first one.” said Shayna as she stood looking at her wet dress and seemed worried.
“I guess I have to dry this up, my father will kill me if he sees me like this.”
“How can the sunlight reach this place?” Drinn said.
“No, that light comes not from the sun.” replied Shayna. “It comes from the Peiheesa Stone, it is a very rare stone only found deep in the ocean. The stone acts like a sun; it shines twelve hours a day and gives heat and it dims out the next twelve hours.”
“It’s amazing!” said Drinn looking high up above.
“Now can you tell me where to find the sword?” he said as he went out of the pool.
“First things first,” Shayna said, “Who told you about the Blade of Quinlan and why are you looking for it?”
“Quinlan.” said Drinn softly that it was almost a whisper. “He sent me to look for it.”
“Quinlan?” asked Shayna in a confused tone. “Quinlan sent you? You mean– you mean you can hear him?”
“Yes, not just hear but–” Drinn said hesitantly “I don’t just hear him but I met him.”
Shayna was astonished and then she said slowly “Are you telling me that you are the White Warrior?”
“Yes I am.” replied Drinn who can’t even looked at Shayna’s eyes.
“But it’s impossible.” Shayna said.
“This is what the prophecy says. ‘He will rise on the battleground with the eagle’s eyes. In his right hand was the Blade of Quinlan that summons the Great Dragon. He will gather the warriors of Quariumora to end the war of Neriwonda.’ Drinn if you are the White Warrior you must have the Blade of Quinlan.”
“I don’t know Shayna– and I can’t answer your questions right now. I know that what I’m saying is hard to believe. But please trust me.” Drinn said and then he continued. “I came from Hywel; there were three of us whom Quinlan set free from a dream world cast by Celandine the Sorcerer. We’re brought in Firolwen by Cuauhtémoc but a battle separated me from them. I was badly wounded and when I awake I met Quinlan. He told me to go north and find Prophet Glahei. When I found him he told me to look for Amulen Stones in the castle on the clouds the portal to Fantezze Quon’zt. There I found the Amulen Stones I’ve shown you, and as I told you when you found me, I just suddenly appeared there in the ocean.”
“Maybe my father can help you.” Shayna said.
They sat there near the pool for about a time and when their clothes were half dry, Shayna decided that they should go. From the pool, the ground was all paved with white smooth bricks. And Drinn found out that they were only at the garden of the castle for he saw the towering white castle of Quariumora.
When they were at the castle’s hallway, they found a few servants, their skins were as white as Shayna but theirs were scaly and they were looking intently at Drinn. And when they were about to passed them by they bowed their heads at Shayna.
“You are a Princess am I right?” inquired Drinn.
“Yes I am.” she said.
“So I guess I should call you Princess Shayna.” Drinn said.
She smiled at Drinn who was walking abreast her and said “Don’t mind it, after all you’re not a Quariumoran.”
“But a Princess is a Princess no matter what.” Drinn replied. “And what does the Princess of Quariumora doing on that part of the ocean? Where you found me is too far from here.”
“My pet Bubu.” she said. “He went at the garden and jumped on the pool. I was following him, but he swims too fast and now I’ve lost him. I wonder where he is right now.”
“And like what I’ve told you my father will surely get mad at me. Look at this dress it’s a mess. And I bring a human with me, and not just that, a human claiming that he is the White Warrior.”
“What does a human doing in here your highness?” said a soldier from afar for they were about to reach the castle’s door.
“He’s with me.” Shayna replied.
“But your father might–” the soldier said.
“I’ll take care of my father.” Shayna said. “I’ll see to it that you will not be held accountable for him.”
“Very well then you highness.” replied the soldier. “But he must surrender his sword.” So Drinn surrendered the sword given to him by the prophet and they entered the castle.
IT was huge inside the castle and what Drinn quickly noticed was the giant chandelier of candles hanging at the high ceiling. Everything was painted white and decorated with silvers and crystals. There were also lots of old paintings hanging at the wall; they were paintings of the kings of Quariumora. The floor was carpeted red smooth and spotless straight and seemed unending. From there a vague sound was heard, it was like a sound of crowds cheering and applauding.
“What is that noise Princess Shayna?” Drinn inquired.
“There is a feast today, and it is a three day feast.” replied Shayna. “This is the second day of the feast and whenever there is a celebration in Quariumora, there will always be a fight in the arena, the warriors, and the gladiators of Quariumora.”
“Most of the people of Quariumora are warriors, their training begins when a boy reach the age of seven. It has been a custom when the prophecy was brought in Quariumora a long time ago. For they all believe that there will be a day when the Chosen One will summon the Quariumoran warriors.”
As they walked at the long hall of the castle the noise was getting louder and louder, until they reached a hall filled with armors, swords, shields, bows and arrows, scepters, battle axes, battle hammers, and all sorts of weapons in war. Shayna pulled two small swords and then she threw the other one at Drinn.
“What’s the meaning of this Princess Shayna?” asked Drinn who was very surprised. But the Princess suddenly attacked him and it was an inch or Drinn’s shoulder was pierced with the sword. She answered not but kept on attacking Drinn. He was surprised at the skill of the Princess with a swordfight and finally it was over in a few seconds for Princess Shayna’s sword was pointed at Drinn’s neck.
“My father King Dunates won’t believe you Drinn.” gravely Shayna said as she slowly put her sword down.
“I still must try Princess Shayna, whether he believe it or not.” Drinn replied. “Please you’re the only one who can help me, I have nowhere to go. I beg you.”
The battle arena was filled with the deafening noise of the crowd and their unending shouts and cheers when Drinn and Princess Shayna entered, for the Princess made up her mind to take Drinn to her father. Drinn was wearing a Quariumoran clothes that Quariumorans did not notice that he is a human, while Princess Shayna on the other hand was changed to a blue dress. They were on the place of the nobles and the important persons of Quariumora. At the center of the arena was a round battle ground where an eight feet warrior of Quariumora was holding a big battle axe. He was boasting for he crushed his two opponents just a minute ago.
“I guess we’re late for the show!” Drinn said in a sort of a shout, to go beyond the noise of the crowd.
“You will be sorry to watch Shokurr in a fight!” the Princess shouted back referring to the warrior on the battle ground. “It’s bloody, and he’s merciless! Come on my father is over there!”
The noise of the crowd lessened as the crowd slowly diminished for the battle was over for that day. And so Princess Shayna introduced Drinn to the king.
“Where have you been Shayna my daughter?” asked the king who was holding a gold goblet of wine and quickly noticed Drinn’s face. “And why did you bring a human in here?”
“I’m sorry my father but I went looking for my pet Bubu.” Shayna said “He escaped and went at the pool, I tried to follow him but I lost him. And by chance I met this person. His name is Drinn, he’s from Hywel. He needs your counsel for he knew something about the blade of Quinlan. He may speak for himself” Princess Shayna ended and glanced at Drinn.
“It’s my honor to meet you King Dunates.” said Drinn as he bowed his head.
“Where have you learned the legend of the sword young man?”
“From a prophet your majesty.” answered Drinn.
“A prophet?” said the king “To my knowledge, the prophets were long gone. They were all killed during the great war of Neriwonda.”
“But one is alive his name is Prophet Glahei. But he might have pass away by now.” Drinn said.
“Prophet Glahei, the prophet of King Daryn?” said king Dunates “He died a long time ago, it must be a mistake young man.”
“I’m telling you the truth your majesty I met him a week or days ago.” Drinn said.
“And why should the prophet tell you about the blade?” asked King Dunates who was very suspicious of Drinn. “Don’t you dare lie to me young man! Are you saying that you are the White Warrior?”
“Yes I am your majesty.” Drinn answered.
The king stared at Drinn from head to toe and started to laugh. “You are funny young man!” as the nobles and the soldiers with the king started to laugh with him.
“And how will you proved it?” the king continued but Drinn was speechless.
“Oh you just arrived in time young man.” the king said as if he got a clever idea in his head. “I know how you can prove it. Tomorrow is the last day of the feast you are to challenge my champion Shokurr three in the afternoon.”
“But father!” interrupted Princess Shayna. “You can’t do that. Someone is set to challenge Shokurr tomorrow.”
“I don’t care. I am the king I can do anything.” said king Dunates. “So, will you take my challenge young man?”
“I do your majesty.” Drinn replied as the king, the nobles, and the soldiers laugh aloud.
“Very well then, I’ll see you tomorrow young man.” the king said and then he looked at the Princess “You gave this young man a special room at the castle Shayna.”
“Are you out of your mind Drinn?!” retorted Princess Shayna as they went out of the arena. “You are going to kill yourself!”
“That’s all I can do to prove him who am I.” Drinn said. “I might also prove it to myself.” The Princess saddened her face at Drinn’s reply. And remembered how his father, his nobles, and the soldiers mocked Drinn inside the arena. She also felt that Drinn’s faith on himself was shattered. She was speechless for a minute and they exited the arena.
“I’m sorry Drinn.” Princess Shayna said.
“For what?” replied Drinn.
“For my father’s behavior.” she said. “Please don’t go to the fight Drinn. I know Shokurr, he is ruthless, he killed hundred gladiators, and he is merciless. If you might be the White Warrior, possibly you’re not ready. Please take my advice Drinn, do not go to the fight.”