Chapter Nine
Orion
A cool breeze stirred across Andrew's face. He awoke with a start, looking around him in confusion.
“Andrewwww,” a low, loud, windy voice murmured, blowing his brown hair away from his face from the force of the sound.
Andrew groaned, slowly stood up, feeling stiff and sore.
“Andrewwww,” the voice murmured again.
Andrew looked around in alarm, worried that he was hearing things. The glowing coals of the fallen star burned with such sweltering heat that it consumed the earth around it, smelting it into a dark lava-like liquid.
“Hello?” Andrew ventured.
“Ha, ha, ha!” a deep voice laughed, so loudly that a series of tremors shook the earth, causing the fallen star's glowing coals to light up the night more brightly, like it had been fanned with a huge gust of wind.
“Stop!” Andrew pleaded, covering his ears.
The rumbling abruptly ceased.
Frightened, Andrew turned around and ran, only to fall down as a series of tremors again shook the ground. “What do you want with me?” Andrew asked, getting to his feet, and throwing his hands up.
“I want,” the voice boomed, “you to come closer to me---so I can see you better.”
Andrew looked around him in confusion. “How can I come closer to you, if I don't know where you are?”
“Very good observation,” the voice said. “Come, come into the fallen star.”
Andrew shook his head. The star was still burning and crackling hot. The coals from it would surely burn him to death. “I can’t. It's too hot.”
“Come anyway!” the voice thundered, blowing a great gust of wind over Andrew, almost knocking him down. “Come, or I'll push you in myself!”
Afraid to disobey, he walked closer to the star, far more angry now than afraid. Sweat trickled down his forehead and dripped off his back. The heat was overwhelming. The burning coals glowed strangely, and gave off different colored flames.
“I'm getting impatient!” the windy voice bellowed. “Hurry up. Through the flames. Your refining begins here, small star of Tanzinite,” the voice resounded. “Come! Follow my voice and no harm will come to you.”
“Fine,” Andrew murmured, slowly making his way into the vast impression of earth. He felt like he was making his way into a volcano with molten lava flowing from its core.
Smoke coursed around him, blinding his view.
“Please,” Andrew coughed, holding his hand over his face. “I have no shoes, its burning my feet.”
“Walk on the blue stepping stones,” the voice rumbled.
Andrew squinted through the heat and mist, seeing the blue stones for the first time. Then stepping carefully over to the stones, he paused, feeling a cooling sensation tingle his feet as he stepped onto them. He followed the blue stones until a thick fog of smoke drifted into his face. It made his eyes water and caused him to cough uncontrollably.
“Come!” the voice rumbled. “Come!”
Andrew trudged onward, wondering why he was even doing this. Waves of heat rose up from the coals. A terrible black smoke filled his lungs and made his eyes water. His head reeled and he swayed back, almost falling onto the hot coals, but a cool wind swiftly rushed about him, tipping him back upright, clearing the stifling smoke.
In front of him he saw an amazing sight. Rising up from the burning coals and smoke were shining glass steps leading up to a great throne. On either side of him, he saw fields of sparkling diamonds, rubies, and precious stones. There was a mist of heat rising off them, like fog. The gems shimmered in the firelight, giving off a most aromatic smell. The fields of jewels were not just ordinary diamonds, rubies, and emeralds that you see in jewelry shops and stores. These stones had green stems, with leaves on either side of them that protruded out of the ground, as any normal flower would have. Some were shaped like sparkling, glittering flowers. Others were shaped like flower buds, as if they were about to blossom. The glowing coals behind him made the glittering, vast garden of gems sparkle and shine opulently. It was if the very stars of heaven had settled into the ground.
“Welcome,” a grand voice sang out. “WELCOME!”
Andrew looked up and saw a man at the top of the glittering stairs, sitting on a grand ruby throne, smiling as if he'd swallowed the moon. The man looked strong, happy, and ageless. His hair was ebony black, and he had a look of pure contentment and self-confidence on his radiant face. He was wearing a crown with three pointed star-shaped jewels on its golden spires. He wore a glittering cape around his shoulders that looked as transparent as liquid glass, sparkling as if he wore the entire galaxy of the Milky Way on his shoulders.
Andrew stood in fear and awe of the man. The man looked so bright and grand, it made his eyes ache. Andrew shaded his eyes, feeling very dirty and naked before this grand person.
“Who are you?” Andrew wondered.
“I am the great Orion. I rode a great distance from my home in the heavens, on my faithful steed-star, Nebula, to see you.”
“Nebula?”
“Yes,” Orion laughed. “That's the name of my steed---Nebula, the fiery steed of fury. I had to get here in a hurry, and Nebula was the only one who could get me here fast enough so that I could talk to you, Andrew."
"How do you know my name?”
Orion stood up and smiled, shaking out his lengthy cape, so that it unfolded and draped behind him like a sheet of endless galaxies. “Everybody knows your name, Andrew. At least, where I come from they do.”
“They do?”
Orion looked at Andrew’s trembling frame in disgust. “Why are you shaking? It makes you look silly.”
“Sorry. I can’t help it.”
Orion shook his head and frowned. “This trembling means only one thing to me---that you have yet to learn how the truth can refine and carve out courage in a man, like nothing else can...” his voice trailed off as he inspected Andrew with serious eyes. “But...now…I guess you’ll just have to do.”
“Do for what, sir?”
Orion raised his brows and pointed his staff towards Andrew. “Didn't the people you live with tell you of your lineage?”
"What do you mean?”
Orion looked irritated and sad, at the same time. “So you are completely ignorant. This is great.”
“Ignorant about what?”
Orion laughed. “That’s just the point. You see, Andrew, you and I are related, even if it is generations and galaxies apart. You, Andrew, are the only remaining heir linking the earth and the heavens together.”
Andrew laughed. “Really? You’re kidding, right?”
Orion let out a loud earth-shaking roar of anger. “Do I look like I’m kidding?”
“I’m sorry,” Andrew cried, falling to his knees, and holding his hands over his ears, unable to stand the sound of Orion. “I can see you are telling the truth.”
“You see, do you? But do you really? To see and really perceive is a very rare gift.” Orion motioned to the fields of gem flowers that surrounded them. “Tell me what do you see, Andrew.”
Andrew slowly stood, and looked around him. “I see beautiful fields of gems and sparkling flowers---something more beautiful than I have ever seen in my life.”
Orion put a strong hand on the boy's shoulder, and gently pushed him closer towards the gems. “Breathe deeply, Andrew, and behold the glory of the heavens displayed on earth, for you will not see anything like this for a very, very long time.”
Andrew breathed deeply, basking in the beauty of the gem fields. Delicate, transparent butterflies and bees fluttered and buzzed over the field, gathering sparkling pollen, and spreading it like fairy dust over the flowers. Andrew could hear the insects’ wings as they fluttered against the flowers, chiming like a spoon hitting a crystal glass. The smells that permeated the air were intoxicating. The ruby-colored flowers smelled like cinnamon, and the emerald- colored gem flowers smelled of mint. Some flowe
rs smelled of watermelon, others of fresh rain. Some smelled of honey, taffy, or popcorn. There were even flowers that smelled like freshly baked bread. Andrew leaned over a flower that was shaped like a clamshell. Inside it was a beautiful pearl. The flower smelled of sea salt and fish. He couldn’t resist the urge, so without thinking, he touched one of the delicate, sparkling flowers. It felt soft, yet hard---cold, yet warm.
Unexpectedly, Orion reached out and grabbed Andrew's open hand and forced his clenched palms open. “In your hand you bear the mark of a half star. For that is what you are, half star half elf. No one has your abilities. No one else has your calling. No one else can do what you were born to do. No one but you remain.”
Andrew pulled away from Orion, more confused than ever. “Star? Elf? If I’m any sort of star, I’m a flickering one. One that does more harm than good.”
“Andrew, every star flickers. What matters is that you do not forget that you were made to shine. A butterfly’s cocoon may look strange from the outside, but with time, that once perceivable, strange thing will become magnificent. Never underestimate the strange, son.”
Andrew threw up his hands in exasperation. “I'm not an elf, or a star. My mother and father are humble peasants. They could tell you that I'm not what you say I am."
Orion shook his head. “Are you sure that’s what your parents would tell you?”
“I’m not sure of anything anymore! Okay?”
Orion drew a diamond symbol in the sand, before Andrew’s feet. “Regardless of what your parents have told you, or haven’t, your true elf parents---elf queen Tanzanite, and elf lord Gemini brought you to Hollyhock Hollow when you were very small, as a way of preserving your life.”
“Lies!” Andrew cried, covering his ears. “I don't want to hear anymore!”
“You will hear!” Orion thundered. “You will hear of the great sacrifice of your people, and of your parents in preserving your life. Levwood, the true city of elves was your first home. It came under attack by The Fallen, shortly after you were born. Rumors of an elf, star child, matching the description in the prophecy written in the quicksand's of time, disturbed The Fallen so much, that he sent his armies of Barnacles---things that can drain the life out of most elves, in a matter of minutes---into Levwood. You and your parents escaped. But all the rest of the small children your age, in Levwood, were killed. The elves haven't been able to venture out from their city ever since. The Barnacles are now continually guarding Levwood’s borders. Your parents traveled to the farthest place they could think of---Hollyhock Hollow. Once there, they trusted you into the care of a good family, to be raised up in secrecy. After your parents left Hollyhock Hollow, they were killed by the Barnacles.”
Andrew looked stunned. It confused him even more. “What about my other parents? They would have told me if I wasn't really their child.”
“Perhaps they were too afraid to,” Orion said, in a gentle voice. “You must know that you were born an elf lord, star of Levwood, child of light, and no belief in the matter can change it. Neither can you change the fact that while you live you are an enemy to Vargas, Morack, The Shade, and most of all, The Fallen, as you earth dwellers call him. The Fallen and his Shade are the ones you must now seek out and destroy. You must know that all those who died on account of you, are now watching, waiting, and wondering what you will now do.”
Andrew’s face became downcast, and his frame drooped. “If this is true, then I’m sorry to disappoint them. If anything, I am a curse. The only ability I posses is, killing plants."
Orion laughed. “You sell yourself much too cheaply. You are no curse. All elves are blessed with gifts. Some elves can talk to trees, some have gifts of healing, and others can see far distances. Some can talk to the wind, and hear things others cannot hear. Some can even talk to the animals, the winds, and rocks. Elves, like you have much power over plants, and some can even talk to the stars and hear their secrets and see things far into the future. Some have strength in their hands and fire in their breath. Some can do all that and more. Because of your celestial heritage of being part elf, part star, you have been given particular gifts in a more concentrated magnitude, for a very good reason. What you see as a curse is actually great blessing."
"What do you mean?"
"You will see for yourself, in time. You live in a strange age, Andrew. A time where not everything is as it seems. The Fallen has taken all firstborn into slavery, trying to weed you out, trying to find and destroy you, trying to turn the earth into his home, where all are subject to his hoarding nature. His only compassion is for himself. He cares for no one. You see, Andrew, because of your relation to the heavens and the stars, you have the power and ability to destroy the blackened star, The Fallen, who fell to the earth when he erred.”
Andrew's face filled with confusion. “Destroy him? But how?”
Orion glanced around him cautiously as if to make sure no one else was listening. “With a weapon I am going to bestow upon you. But I must warn you, as soon as I give you this great treasure that it will cause something very powerful to be set in motion. Your enemies will follow you, hunt you, watch you. One wrong move and they will crush you! You, without the weapon, are only a small threat. With it, you could destroy The Fallen, and return my belt that was stolen from me, thus restoring peace again to the earth. The belt of protection that was bound round the earth to keep it safe from such darkness as he.
Andrew stared at Orion, looking almost amused. “The Fallen stole your belt?”
“Yes,” Orion said. "The loathsome, deceitful thief! The Fallen was once a great star, but I believe his heart was black, even at birth. He wanted to be bigger and brighter. Even with all that he had, it was never enough. He wanted my power---the guardianship of the heavens. Soon, his black core consumed what outward light he once had, and he fell---taking with him, not only my belt, but the bow of Sagittarius, Scorpio’s Stinger, and Hercules’s strength. So if I came to retrieve my belt, The Fallen would destroy me by the power that formed the heavens. So thus, The Fallen fell to earth, taking with him much of the light of the heavens. Still with all that, it is not enough. His darkness is too great, and he still seeks more light for his endless hunger. Earth is now his home. Here, he uses alternate light sources to fuel his life, leaching light from the greatest thing on earth---the spark of human life, and even the smallest thing as a candle. He fell from the heavens because he refused to give any light of his own. He donned my belt of protection about his waist, borrowing the strength of Hercules. With the weapon of Sagittarius, and the stinger of Scorpios, we are all powerless against him.”
“But you seem so strong,” Andrew said, “Why don't you just go take your belt back from him, and destroy him yourself? I hate to break it to you, but you look much stronger than myself.”
“If it were only that simple,” Orion cried. His kind eyes looked sad, and his voice shook with emotion. “As it is, I have no power to destroy him, here, lest I die. His very presence would consume what light I have left. Against such a dark void, all heavenly guardians are powerless. With The Fallen's borrowed power, his blackness will soon cover the earth and reach far out into the heavens. All the constellations will soon cease to give light. The sun will go dark, the moon will not shine. In this blackness, The Fallen will reign. War, death, and limitless power are his aim---his wicked heart is a magnet to it. So now, here we, celestial beings stand, totally powerless against him, lest he smite us with the weapons meant for his own blackened heart. You, Andrew are now our greatest weapon we wield. It is you who will shine the way for those who still have a small bit of light left in their hearts---in the battle against this darkness, summoning the world to drive out the darkness it has accepted. You are to unite the world in truth and light, there is no other way to eradicate the darkness The Fallen has created. The Fallen seeks to subject all the earth and the heavens to his will. And sadly, there are many here who work after his manner of darkness, so he is more powerful on earth than we eve
r could have supposed. Although he wears our light and claims it as his own, all the light he gives is really darkness. And what great darkness it is.”
Doubt showed in Andrew's eyes. “Unite the world?”
“Don't you see? You are the clear voice that will awaken thousands." Orion drew out a beautiful sword from his cloak. “Here. You must take this.”
“A sword?”
"Andrew, you must hold the sword with strength, so that the truth that gives it light wakens the world!"
“But how?" Andrew asked. "What am I to do?”
Orion held the sword up high, his shining face gleaming in its hilt. “Do you Andrew, Elf lord of Levwood, take this sword, Cosmo---forged by the Seven Sisters and cast in the first era of the beginning of the Danspieronian reign, made from Cancer's old stars, woven with the might and strength of the Milky Way, and cast by the good of the forefathers of Danspire. Do you promise to take it in sickness and in health, in good times, as well as in times of trouble, when it is weightless, or heavy---in darkness, or light, when standing alone---or with many, do you promise to use it in the cause of light and freedom, and above all, truth?”
“Will...I...what?” Andrew wondered in confusion.
“It is a type of marriage,” Orion said, reading Andrew's confused thoughts. “The second you hold the sword in your hands, the quest is conferred upon you and you cannot let it go---even when things get tough. You must understand that it not just a sword, but a vessel of light, and of truth, like a lantern, it has the power to hold every good deed, every good thought, and every ounce of courage, truth, and light from the hearts of the souls it represents. It is a force of truth, when united, with light, will be unstoppable before The Fallen.”
“What am I to do with it?” Andrew wondered.
“With the mighty sword, of truth, Cosmo, you must break the darkness of The Fallen and bring his power to naught.” Orion held the sword high, so its light could be fully seen by Andrew.
Andrew gasped. The sword was beautiful. It glimmered and sparkled like water. It looked like it had been made of stardust, and lightning. Its hilt was made of a magical golden metal, and embedded with seven, large diamonds, each one representing the Seven Sisters.
Mesmerized by its beauty, Andrew reached out to touch it.
“Not yet!” Orion cried, pulling the sword back. “Once you take the sword, you take the quest that goes with it. The sword's strength is powered for good, according to the number of people who are standing behind its bearer, and those who are united to one cause, the cause of light. but only if completely united, fueled by hearts full of truth. Otherwise it as useless and empty as a body without a soul. You see, Andrew, you must be alight with truth yourself, and ignite the world to fight for the cause that you stand for. Alas, there are many causes in this world, but there are very few good causes of light in these dark days. It is precisely for those few good causes that you must persuade the world to fight for. It will be your duty to rally those whose hearts are filled with light, to stand with you, to cut down the shroud that has covered the world in lies. In this sword, contains truth so powerful that you will know many truth things about yourself, and your enemy just by holding it. Because of the dark influence of The Fallen, the earth is under a curse of great bondage. Few peoples are now free. Few people fight for their right to choose. Most have given into the illusion of freedom, under the guise of safety, thus denying the world of true light and liberty. A deep sleep is on all the land, and it is up to you, and your friends to awaken them! With the sword, you must go throughout the land and raise your voice in a loud, awakening cry for freedom for truth! This cry must be heard throughout the land and your message must sink deeply into men’s’ hearts so that they will be compelled to follow you into battle. You must spark the flame of freedom in all lands, therefore bringing a great power of truth and light to the sword for good that will enable you to bring The Fallen to his knees. But if no one answers the call for freedom, and no one desires good men to rule over them, the sword will be useless against The Fallen. For the power and light and truth the sword holds, is only a reflection of the power and strength, of the people standing behind it. For truth is the most poignant and powerful light that has or will ever exist. For that reason, The Fallen will never be able to shine his brightest, for he seeks light, and dilutes it, and when truth becomes diluted, it soon disappears. Andrew, you must never give in to the lies. You must hold onto the truth inside you, to the light that you were born with. To be the light you were meant to be. So that the world, together, can drive out the darkness. And if you cannot gather the world, you must have at least 500,000 fighting for the cause of freedom, whose hearts are strong and unwavering when you go before The Fallen with your sword. If you do not have such strength, the sword will be powerless against his darkness, and all will be lost. But that is not all. Foremost in your journey, you must find the lost prince of Danspire, and make your way to his kingdom to rescue those who still believe in him. Without him, the great Summoning will not take place. Then you must scour the land and find the dark trees that The Fallen has planted in the earth---his first dark act when he fell from the heavens. The trees’ black roots sink deeply in the earth and darken the ground around them. They are guarded by The Fallen's own shadow, The Shade. You must use your great gift over plants to uproot the trees, before they become anchored in the earth forever. If they are not destroyed, The Fallen’s dark power will still remain after he is gone. But beware of The Shade, keeper of the dead forest, for he is in The Fallen Lord’s own likeness, and he will try to dilute you, as he has so many others. If, and when you have destroyed the dark trees, you must plant good seeds in their places. Remember that, always.” He held up a small velvet purse. “Inside this small purse are the seeds you must plant in the dark trees’ places. If you decide to take on this quest, take care that the seeds are well tended to, for if nothing is planted in dark trees places, nothing good will fill them.”
“You really think I can do all that?” Andrew asked, feeling truly overwhelmed. “What you ask is more than any one person can do.”
Orion stared at Andrew with fervent eyes. “Andrew, you are not meant to do this alone. The message of the sword is that one is many, when united with many ones, no matter their race. For that is the power of the sword. It of itself is nothing. The light of truth, the goodness inside your heart, the love that exists in all people is the real power. You see, Andrew, this task is not just for you alone. Your friends will also play a great part in the work ahead. Hope must be reawakened by many. For everything is connected, and one is not without another. The smallest thing as weightless as a whisker can influence the changing of the tides and seasons that divide light and darkness.
Andrew's eyes filled with doubt. “How can I summon the people when I can't even summon up my own courage?”
The wind suddenly caught Orion’s robe, making him look far more magnificent and powerful than before. “Andrew," he said, "reflect the light that was given to you at birth, then your path will always be lighted, no matter how dark it gets. That light comes to you from the heavens. Your path is before you. If you choose to follow it or not is your choice. But there is a voice stronger than mine that will follow you wherever you go, a voice like the voice of thunder, and yet as soft as melting snow, a voice that will echo in your heart---the voice of truth which calls each man to his duty, no matter the cost.”
Andrew looked troubled. “But, I don't even know how to handle such a sword.”
“You only need to know one thing in order to wield such a sword."
"And what is that?"
"The truth. Wield that, and you will always know what to do."
"But why me?"
"Because,” Orion said, “Because it was written in the stars before you were born.”
Andrew stared at the great master of the stars, feeling the strength of Orion's words sink deeply into his heart. Humility, fear and a sense of courage filled his heart. "If it is
written in the stars," he said, kneeling before Orion, "then I will look to them to guide my path. I will do as you ask. I will take the sword.”
Orion smiled, and lifted Andrew to his feet. “This day is the beginning of the end for The Fallen One. Your courage will inspire nations. Take the sword, and with it, take the promise of hope, where truth can cut through any darkness."
Andrew reached out took the sword from Orion, and as he did, a flash of light lit up the night's sky, meeting at the sword’s point, like lightning. A surge of energy passed through Andrew’s hand, filling his entire body with light and truth. He suddenly stood taller and he felt instantly braver, stronger, and noble. He knew, in an instant, the truthfulness of what Orion had spoken. He was enveloped in truth, covered in it, filled with it. He knew who he was, and that deep within him, there was both truth, both light and darkness, of fear and courage. He knew that out there in the darkness, somewhere, there were people who's hearts were good, and full of light, giving him extra courage and strength. He felt it.
“The deed is done!” Orion exclaimed. “You are now, irrevocably, entrusted with all that I have asked of you."
“Yes,” Andrew murmured. “I know.”
“Then it is complete,” Orion said. “You, Andrew, are now the rising Nebula of many hopes.” He smiled and handed Andrew a grand-looking belt and sheath. “You must always remember who you are, and reflect the light of the heavens, so no darkness may have power over you. You are strong, Andrew. But the truth is stronger. Hold to it, and you will never be afraid.”
"I will," Andrew said. "I promise."
“I believe you," Orion said, looking deeply into Andrew's eyes. "And now, I must leave. My mission here is complete. Come, Nebula, it is time to depart.”
Orion let out a shrill whistle, and clapped his hands. Almost instantly, a great rumbling shook the earth and the fields of gem-flowers folded up into a magnificent, pulsating, swirling, spiral of color and light. The seemingly-fallen star arose from the ground, taking the form of a huge war horse made from clusters of stars, steaming with purple, red, and green smoke and fire. The horse shook the burning embers from its flaming mane, shooting sparks into the air like dazzling fireworks. The horse stomped its huge silver hooves, shaking the earth, jarring sand dunes for miles around. Nebula whinnied, and a sound like rushing waters crashing over boulders resounded through the air so deafening that Andrew had to cover his ears.
Nebula swished its sweeping multi-colored tail back and forth, and bounced its head up and down with great impatience. Its body was huge and its long tail flowed out and sparkled like a great river of water.
“Goodbye," Orion said, getting atop Nebula's back. “Take courage, Andrew.” He reached down and handed Andrew a small leather purse with a blue string tied around the end of it. “These are message reflectors, diamond seeds grown from...” he paused and pointed to a row of stars in the sky, “the Milky Way. Your mother, Elf queen Tanzanite, left these for you. If all else fails, grow these seeds, and soon they will come up and sparkle to the heavens, if you have need of help. Goodbye, wielder of truth!” He gave Andrew one last look, before Nebula reared up then hit the ground with a terrible earth-shaking rumble.
Andrew fell to the ground and watched as the great star horse took off through the desert, over and up one of the tallest sand dunes, leaping off into the sky, leaving an amazing trail of fire behind it. Its grand tail sent out a stream of colors. Its huge body glowed and shone like a horse whose body was made out of purple, orange, yellow, pink, and green fire.
There was a brilliant flash of light, then all trace of Orion and his horse vanished from view.
Andrew stared at the sky in wonder, thinking of what he'd been asked to do. Then the familiar sound of Lizicks unexpectedly broke the silence. Startled, he looked around him at the growing gathering herd of Lizicks.
A flickering light shone in his eyes. The truth held in his sword guided him. He held his sword high, unafraid.