Prince of Banyan: Final Sacrifice

− Final Sacrifice –

Letting you go doesn't mean I'll forget you…

Far from it. I will watch over you

till the end of time...

Written by

Irene Kueh

Edited by

Veronica Kueh & Tana Pullen

Copyright © 2017 Irene Kueh

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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For:

Linda Jenkins

Thank you for the gift of friendship

&

In Loving Memory of

Tuaku

Thank you for all you did for us

ONE

Alessir…

Alessir's ears perked up at the mention of his name. Orfinnor's quivering tone echoed in his head. Before he could react, another voice called his name. Prince of Banyan… Kate sounded so distant. Her words came out barely above a whisper. The intense fear pouring out from her drowned him.

At the same, a thick black smoke gyrated toward him, lifting him above the ground. He lost his balance, and the spirits threw him against the wall. The sharp dagger pain brought him back to the gruesome reality. As the spirits encircled him, a fierce energy flowed through his veins. He spun around and thrust out his palms. The smoke exploded into tiny bits of silver rocks. He scanned the room. Pak Ladin was nowhere to be seen.

Alessir flooded his heart with so much rage, his whole body shook. The pieces of rocks slammed against each other and the spirits reunited. No, he couldn't let that happen. He channeled all his force through his mind and centered on the spirits as they formed into a smoke-filled orb. Alessir fired up the energy building up inside him and let out a loud cry. A fiery flame burst out from his eyes, setting the orb on fire. Yet that didn't stop the spirits.

The orb turned into a giant head of a beast with sharp fangs. Alessir's raging flame swirled around the beast. The beast sank its teeth into the flame. The blaze grew bigger and turned bloody red.

The beast rushed toward Alessir. He planted his feet firmly on the floor, stretched his arms, and moved his hands in a rapid circular motion. The flame swirled around faster and faster. The beast snapped its jaws.

Now! commanded Alessir.

In seconds, the flame turned into a hungry twister and swallowed the beast whole. Shrilling cries echoed in the room. Alessir made a fist with his hands. Just before he clenched them, the flame shrank into his palms and vanished.

Alessir closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Within seconds, he stood at the edge of the woods. Orfinnor carried Alex in his arms.

Is everyone all right? asked Alessir.

Orfinnor spun around so fast, he almost dropped Alex.

We got away from the Bhatus, said Orfinnor.

The rock creatures? asked Alessir.

Orfinnor nodded. I forgot how much of a nuisance they are.

Alessir took Alex from Orfinnor and laid him on the ground.

I couldn't get to him in time, said Orfinnor. I think he broke his leg… I'm sorry, Alessir.

It's not your fault, Orfinnor, said Alessir.

Not just for what happened to Alex, said Orfinnor. I lost…

Alessir looked up at his friend. You tried your best, he said, trying hard to hide his fear.

I don't understand, said Orfinnor. The potion they drank should have protected them. He knelt beside Alex's body. Why is he unconscious? Do you think they used a powerful spell?

Alessir shrugged. It could be from the impact of the fall, he said. Besides, the potion can't shelter you from your own fear. He moved Alex's legs. His legs are fine. He simply sprained his ankle.

Orfinnor let out a sigh of relief. How about… Kate? he asked.

Alessir stood and stared at the sky. I can feel her, he said. She's still alive. Go back to Banyan Island and take Alex to my parents.

No, said Orfinnor. We still haven't found Joe and Seth.

If you didn't find them in these woods, they aren't here,' said Alessir. I'll look for them. He placed his hands on Orfinnor's drooping shoulders. Alex's ankle wasn't due to the spirits, but his fall, said Alex. My parents can heal him."

But… Orfinnor scanned the surroundings.

I don't have much time, Orfinnor, said Alessir. I fear Pak Ladin has Kate. I have to get her back. The potion can protect her from the spirits, but not for long.

Orfinnor lowered his head and nodded. I'll drop Alex off at your parents and help you find Joe and Seth.

Alessir thought for a while. He couldn't blame Orfinnor for being stubborn for he'd do the same. No matter what he said, Orfinnor would return to Lucent Island.

All right, said Alessir. Take Alex back to Banyan Island and you can search for Joe and Seth.

Orfinnor smiled from ear to ear. He carried Alex and nodded at Alessir. I'll come back to help you.

Alessir waited until Orfinnor vanished from his sight before racing into the sky. He closed his eyes and whispered, I'm coming, Kate.

TWO

Timothy Williams couldn't believe his naiveté. He seemed to have lost his touch. It did not cross his mind that Jayde could overpower him. Never in a million years! His foolishness cost him his life. The invisible being kept choking him. Jayde's smiling face distorted. Timmy's body went limp. Just as his vision grew blurry and his breathing slowed, a strange burning sensation burst from his veins. The grip around his throat loosened. Cold freezing air flowed into his lungs.

Jayde's smile vanished. Timmy's body felt warm. He looked down. The familiar blue radiance glowed from his pocket.

Sadie, whispered Timmy.

The blue light swirled around him. After Timmy's breathing returned, the light zipped toward Jayde and transformed into a young girl.

Who is that? Timmy asked himself.

At the same time, Jayde pointed at the girl. Sa… Jayde didn't finish.

The girl's figure distorted like TV static. A few seconds later, the girl disappeared. A long, jet black haired woman took her place. She turned to Timmy.

Are you hurt, Timmy? asked a very familiar woman. Her brown eyes bore into his.

Timmy shook his head. I'm fine, Sadie, he said.

Something hit his chest. He swayed a little but kept standing. Sadie brought both her hands to her chest. She held them together for a few seconds before extending her arms out with so much force. The blue light around Timmy flickered. He flipped his palms and stared at the glow. His whole body was covered with the haunting luminosity.

Jayde's chest rose. Stop her! she yelled at the invisible spirits.

Sadie spun toward her sister. Stop this, Jayde, she ordered. You've gone too far.

Jayde inched forwards. No, this is only the beginning, she said. Go away!

Sadie sighed. I don't want to hurt you.

Jayde let out a nervous laughter. Try if you dare, she said. The spirits won't let you touch me.

Sadie shook her head. Do you know how many of our ancestors are standing by me right now? THEY will not let your spirits touch me.

The hair on Timmy's arms and the back of his neck stood straight up. All the while, he thought he was alone. Oh, how wrong he was. The spirits of his ancestors had never left him. Now, he understood how he escaped the life-threatening dangers all these years. It wasn't just his spells, but the protection of his guardians. The horrific events flashed before his eyes. He cringed, and at the same time, was forever grateful.

Finish off the prisoners, yelled Jayde.

The first thing that came to mind was Lucy.

NO! yelled Timmy.

Sadie straightened. You give me no choice, Jayde, she hissed and stretched out her right palm.

A thick black smoke appeared from the woods behind Timmy and dashed past him.

Sadie, watch out! cried Timmy.

Sadie spun around. The smoke enveloped her. Sadie exploded into small blue grains and hit the ground.

Timmy clenched his fists and dashed toward Jayde. I'll kill you, he said.

Jayde pointed at him. The smoke whirled toward him. At the same time, the blue light grew brighter. The smoke burst away, as it reached Timmy.

Jayde mumbled some words. A shrilling sound pierced Timmy's beam. He cowered and covered his ears. Lucy returned to his mind. He had to help poor Lucy. She must be scared out of her mind. Timmy mumbled a few spells. Jayde rubbed her shoulder and laughed.

Is that all you have? asked Jayde.

Timmy hated to admit it, but Jayde's dominance shook him a little. He couldn't hold off Jayde's power. Just as he was about to let everything go, a woman's smiling face flashed before his eyes. Linda… Why did he suddenly see Linda in his thoughts? Her smile turned to a frown. A tear rolled down her face. Linda, Timmy whispered, as he reached out his hand. Before he could touch her face, another man's face took over. Healer Bachtiar… It was then the Healer's last words rang in his ear, and both the Healer's face and Linda's vanished. Timmy lifted his head and stared Jayde in the eye. He repeated the phrase the Healer whispered to him.

Jayde jerked her head back and pulled on her hair. The blue light reappeared from the earth and coiled around Jayde.

Jayde let out a deafening cry. The light grew bigger and brighter until it blinded Timmy. He covered his eyes and looked away. Just as the glow around him faded, an eerie silence filled the woods. Jayde lay on her back with her eyes bulging. Her mouth was foaming. Sadie knelt by her sister.

She glanced at Timmy over her shoulder. Are you hurt? she asked. Her eyes filled with concern and love.

Timmy shook his head. I'm fine, Sadie, he said. How about you?

I'm fine, she said. Your friend is safe.

So, that was where she went when she vanished. A huge burden was lifted from his shoulder.

This is the real beginning, sister, said Sadie. See you on the other side.

Sadie closed Jayde's eyes and turned to Timmy. She nodded and smiled before evaporating in thin air.

He touched the mirror in his pocket, but it wasn't the same. It felt empty. Sadie's time with him was over. He understood and suspected as much. Still his heart sank.

Rest well, Sadie, he whispered. And thank you for being my Guardian all these years.

THREE

Kathleen Bernard floated in the foul air and listened to her heart racing in her chest. The clouds enveloped her. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks. She started to choke from the raw emotion swelling inside her. Her breathing turned haggard.

I'm going to die, she mumbled to herself.

Just as she was about to surrender to her dreadful fate, a calming voice played in her head.

Do not be afraid… Remember, they can't hurt you.

She breathed in the words until they were etched in her heart.

Prince of Banyan… Prince of Banyan… Alessir… Alessir…

After repeating the mysterious name a few times, a deep sense of serenity overcame her. She opened her eyes and studied her surroundings. A cluster of white cottons drifted around her. It took her a few seconds to recall where she was. She inhaled and exhaled slowly. The puffs of whiteness around her faded away. Her eyes widened. A pair of black wings flapped to her left.

No one can hurt me, she said in her head over and over.

She turned to the right. Another pair of smaller black wings spread next to her.

No one can hurt me, she murmured a little louder.

The creature to her left must have heard her as it shifted its bald head toward her. It had a dragon-like face with two big round eyes, but no lashes or brows. Its fiery red eyes stared at her. The beast opened its mouth and snarled. Kate's stomach somersaulted. The smaller creature to her right growled, silencing the bigger one.

From the corner of her eye, Kate watched the creature with bigger wings. It stretched its muscular hind legs, revealing long feet with sharp, jagged talons. Kate shivered and looked up. There was nobody and nothing above her or below her.

How on earth do I soar in midair? She eyed the creatures again. Who or what are they?

Her heart started to gallop once more. At that same moment, the larger winged beast roared like an angry lion. Kate wanted to cover her ears, but she dared not make a move. The fear of plummeting to the ground shook her to the core.

Her worst nightmare came to fruition. The winged beasts zoomed toward the ground. Kate's stomach hurled. She moved at a fast speed alongside the beasts. Within seconds, something green came into view. Kate squeezed her eyes shut, as they zipped past the trees. A strong sense of helplessness crept in. She opened her eyes and wished she hadn't. They were nosediving straight for the ground, and the creatures didn't show any signs of slowing down.

This is it, Kate murmured to herself when her face was inches from the earth.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Joe grabbed Seth's arm before he tumbled into the river. Ben helped him pull the unconscious Seth back into the boat. They lowered Seth on the seat, and Ben grabbed the tiller.

Can you feel his pulse? asked Ben.

Joe leaned forward and checked Seth's wrist. Yes, thank goodness, said Joe, as he blew a sigh of relief.

Ibu Siti will take good care of him, said Ben.

Who's Ibu Siti? asked Joe.

She lives on a small island in the middle of nowhere, said Ben. You'll be safe there.

So will you, said Joe. Why did you want to stay behind? Pak Li will kill you.

Ben smiled. I'm not afraid of him, he said.

Joe shook his head. This is not about fear, Ben, he said.

Again, Ben smiled. Joe decided to drop the matter before he lost it. Ben glanced up at the sky. With his eyes fixed on the sun, he made a sharp turn.

Joe's body jerked forward. What are you doing? he asked.

Ben lowered his head. I'm sorry about that, he said. We should be fine now.

Joe turned his head from side to side. He didn't see any logs or debris floating.

Fine from what exactly? asked Joe.

Ben pointed behind him. Back there is a mooring place.

HUH? Joe spun his head.

They were surrounded by a body of water. Joe began to wonder if Ben had gone mad.

I don't see anything, said Joe.

Ben shook his head a few times. Joe's heart started pounding. He eyed the river. He'd jump if Ben did something crazy, but he couldn't possibly leave Seth behind. He sighed.

I'm sorry, said Ben. I forgot you're not from around here.

Blood slowly rose to Joe's head. I live around here, said Joe, as he drew a circle in the air with his index finger. I'm from the mainland.

I don't mean to be rude, said Ben. I'm sorry if I offend you. Folks from Lucent Island give that mooring place a wide berth. One wrong move, and you get swallowed whole.

Joe blinked his eyes. What are you talking about?

There's an invisible piece of land gliding along the river, said Ben.

If it is invisible, then how do you see it? asked Joe.

You follow the sun, said Ben. Or the moon when you're out here at night.

Now, Joe understood why Ben was staring at the sky while he made that wide turn. A strange tale of invisible land ignited his curiosity.

You said you get swallowed whole, said Joe. Do people die when they steer their boats over the… invisible land?

Ben glanced over his shoulder and accelerated. Joe's heart pounded harder.

Are we being chased by invisible beings now? Joe wanted to ask but kept his mouth shut.

After a few minutes of silence, Ben reduced the speed. Why do you think nobody is chasing us? he asked.

One wrong move and they get swallowed whole, Joe repeated Ben's words.

Ben smiled. Exactly. Most people avoided this part of the river.

Why aren't we? asked Joe.

Because we want to see Ibu Siti, said Ben.

Ibu Siti again… Who is she? asked Joe out loud.

Like I said, she can keep you safe, said Ben. And I need her help to keep my island safe.

What's wrong with your island? asked Joe. As far as he could tell, the island wasn't going anywhere.

Ben sighed. Lines of worries replaced the smiles on his face. Have you not seen it? asked Ben. We're under attack.

Joe pointed at Ben. You… Correct me if I'm wrong, I was under attack. He pointed at Seth. We were under attack.

I really am sorry about that, said Ben. Blame it on Pak Ladin. He has lost his mind for starting a war with Banyan Island.

Are the folks from Banyan Island here… I mean on Lucent Island? asked Joe.

Ben nodded. Rumors are The Heir is coming, said Ben. Lucent Island won't survive his wrath.

Joe stared at the young man slouched in the stern. Although Joe didn't have any sympathy for Lucent Island, he sympathized with Ben. If it weren't for Ben, he and Seth would have been slaughtered like animals.

Then Joe recalled the last words Ben had said before he pulled him into the boat. You must ask Ibu Siti to send news to Banyan island that you've been found… Please ask them to spare Lucent—

Island, Joe finished the sentence.

What island? asked Ben.

Joe squeezed