The Lost City of Sorianne

The Lost City of Sorianne

Copyright 2017 by John O’Riley

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Carefully tuned and precisely modulated streams of power flowed from Josephine’s, Maggie’s, Alice’s and Colin’s outstretched hands as they finished up their work on their current project at the Siesta Key MADA field office. Josephine studied the complex energy matrix of the enchantment using her third eye chakra to pick up every delicate nuance at the molecular level. When they reached the point where it was safe to stop, she stopped generating power and slowly lowered her hands to her side to signal the others. They took the cue and ceased their efforts as well. Three thin, brass cylinders that measured six feet in length and five inches in diameter rested on the worktable in front of them. The cylinders radiated with a turquoise luminescence for several seconds as the magic settled.

Josephine loved crafting enchantments, especially new ones that were cutting edge, like these, and it was great working with a team who shared her enthusiasm. Because her spacious offices were located on the fifth floor, they had a spectacular view of the Siesta Key beach.

Terrific work, team. Josephine rewarded them with a warm, congratulatory smile. We should be able to finish these new terramezic initiators by the end of the day.

Her blue captain’s uniform fit loosely over her tall and slender frame. She had a beautiful, kind face, warm brown eyes, silky black hair that flowed freely just past her shoulders and possessed the smooth, youthful skin of a woman in her early twenties although she was much older than that. Her entire team was immortal so they understood that with the perks of immortality came great responsibility, inherent danger, and endless government regulations.

I’m certain that this new design will be more reliable than anything else that’s on the market. Maggie’s brown eyes sparkled with a fervor as great as her intellect. Her passion for applied science and the fairly recent discovery of terramezic particles had already led to groundbreaking innovations. She was average height with a pretty face that shared many of the same features as Josephine’s husband, Mark. She wore her typical outfit of black jeans and a navy-blue polo shirt with her black hair secured in a ponytail. Her wardrobe of comfortable, dark-colored clothes reflected her practical and solemn nature. Josephine found her easy to work with in spite of the fact that she was her sister-in-law.

The field office is scheduled to have a terramezic generator with state of the art shielding to enhance the wards in three weeks, Josephine said. These prototypes will probably be used in the assembly.

Our world is changing so fast. Alice’s tone implied this wasn’t a positive development. I think we need to be careful to understand ancient technology before we start using it for everything.

Everyone understands that we can’t rely on terramezic devices, but they are a great security enhancement, Josephine said.

The more we learn and practice using this technology the more reliable it will become, Colin interjected, surprising them by his remark as he was the youngest and rarely volunteered his opinions. Because of his quiet and reserved nature, Josephine usually had to verbally prod him to speak out.

That’s a very good point, Josephine acknowledged.

Everyone returned to their desks to work on paperwork and research. Genevieve rose from her desk and strode over to Josephine, carrying an oversized, brown envelope in her hand. Even though she was a legendary White Knight, she made an excellent administrative coordinator. Unlike other long-lived white magic practitioners, Genevieve possessed a humble and easy-going nature. She wore a turquoise, formal, satin gown, which was a popular style worn by the ancients.

I have something for you. Genevieve handed the envelope to Josephine, her green eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

Thanks. Josephine flashed a smile at her before tearing the envelope open and pulling out a frosted glass nameplate labeled Josephine Freeman. Even though she and Mark had married almost half a year ago, seeing her new last name still caused butterflies in her stomach and a surge of happiness to rush through her. She regarded her administrative coordinator in puzzlement. It’s beautiful, but why did you get this for me?

Genevieve’s smile widened as she turned over Josephine’s old nameplate, revealing that it still had her former name, Josephine O’Connor, etched across its surface. I thought after half a year, you might want to update your desk.

Josephine laughed in amusement as did Maggie who had turned to watch them. Colin and Alice looked up with curiosity so Josephine showed them the new nameplate.

It’s about time, Alice remarked.

I’ve changed everything else, but sometimes the things I see every day sort of turn invisible, Josephine said sheepishly.

I understand completely, Genevieve said. The same thing happens to me.

Maybe if you’d gone on your honeymoon already, you’d be able to remember the little things, Alice teased.

Mark and I had a very pleasant honeymoon, Josephine said defensively.

One day doesn’t count, Alice quipped.

We didn’t want to leave Luke alone for longer than that, Josephine said in reference to their newborn. It was exceedingly rare for immortals to have children, which made Josephine and Mark especially protective towards their son. Don’t worry; we’ll take a vacation on our anniversary.

Alice snorted. Probably a one-day vacation.

It’ll be longer than that, Josephine replied with faint amusement. How long are you going to hound me about this?

As long as it takes.

The door to their workspace opened and Callan stalked inside the room followed by Helen. At times like this, Josephine was grateful for the additional wards that blocked teleportation; otherwise, Callan and the other leaders of the Earth Coalition would materialize unannounced directly in front of her. Helen, like Alice, was a very dear friend. She was average height with smooth, flawless skin, gorgeous green eyes and brown, curly hair that fell just shy of her shoulders. Helen’s expression was apologetic as she met Josephine’s gaze. Callan’s navy-blue uniform reflected his no-nonsense and authoritative personality, which could be quite intimidating. He had short, black hair and blue eyes, and he was tall, but he didn’t quite meet Josephine’s height.

Josephine rose from her desk and pasted a neutral smile on her face. Councilor Rhizalis, Helen’s diagnostic enchantment for the Selection Fountain must be ready.

We must test it out immediately, Callan responded.

Your timing is impeccable, Josephine said. I’m at a good stopping point.

Maybe I should go with you. Alice stood up with haste, preparing to join them.

Maggie will need you to continue with our prototype, Josephine said. Thank you for volunteering though.

Josephine understood the motivation that had prompted her friend’s request. She still didn’t entirely trust the original White Knights of legend, and, truthfully, Josephine didn’t either. The vast majority of them were quite full of themselves with seriously inflated egos that made them challenging to work with. For an enlightened and technologically advanced community of white magic practitioners, their personalities didn’t fit with modern society’s expectations.

Josephine’s gaze dropped to the hand mirror clutched in Helen’s right fist. You brought the diagnostic enchantment with you?

Yes, I didn’t feel right about leaving it in my lab, Helen explained.

I understand. Josephine’s tone was sympathetic. I’m glad you’re taking precautions against sabotage. We can’t take any further risks with the Selection Fountain.

Your diagnostic tool would be perfectly safe on Briodanis. Callan leveled a patronizing look at her. The White Knight criminals who tampered with the Selection Fountain are in jail where they belong. Our city is completely secure.

Josephine refrained from pointing out that members of the Earth Coalition had been saying that ever since she had rescued them from their enchantment that had imprisoned them for over a millennium yet Vesta and her White Knight cohorts had managed to tamper with some very important white magic enchantments on more than one occasion. Josephine, Helen and Callan strode down the hallway to Helen’s workspace, which contained several worktables, a couple of modest-sized desks and locked, white cabinets that lined part of one of the walls. Large quartz crystals were positioned in a circular formation on the floor at the far side of the room, infused with a white magic intergalactic teleportation enchantment that allowed White Knights to transport groups across vast distances in the blink of an eye.

Helen extended her hand towards the circle of stones and activated the portal. The stones lit up with a beautiful silver and turquoise luminescence. Several seconds later, a reflective silver energy sphere, measuring approximately forty feet in diameter, winked into existence within the boundary of the glowing crystals. Josephine, Helen and Callan stepped through the portal, which brought them to Helen’s workshop in Briodanis. The room was spacious with a very high ceiling and the walls and flooring were composed of a stunning shade of gold wizard glass lit from within by a sparkling glow. The silver portal rotated slowly clockwise behind them within the confines of a ring of crystal stones that made up a second intergalactic teleportation enchantment that Helen had created.

Josephine feigned curiosity as she addressed her friend. Helen, why didn’t you call ahead to make sure I wasn’t in the middle of something?

I ordered her to accompany me to the Selection Fountain and employ the diagnostic enchantment immediately. Callan’s tone was haughty. When she refused without your consent, I made her take me to see you.

Josephine had known this was the case and it wasn’t the first time Callan and other councilors had done this to her. If she didn’t nip this in the bud, she knew she would regret it later.

I work for the U.S. government, and sometimes I won’t be able to drop what I’m doing, she said.

You also work for the Earth Coalition Council, Callan said. Our objectives are always a priority.

Josephine pinned him with a stern, uncompromising gaze. You will do me the courtesy of a call next time so that I can prepare for your visit. If I’m working on an important enchantment and I’m interrupted at the wrong time, it could literally destroy days, weeks or even months of work.

I understand, Callan acknowledged in a tone that sounded peeved rather than apologetic.

He led the way down the corridor, which was composed of the same gold wizard glass as Helen’s workspace and the rest of the immense pyramid. They took an elevator to the main floor and came to a room with a local teleportation unit, which resembled a large doorframe made of gold wizard glass. Callan and Helen could have used their white magic to transport the three of them directly to their destination, but it was best to reserve individual teleportation enchantments in case of an emergency. Callan issued a pulse of light energy at the computer console, which entered the desired coordinates, activated the portal, and brought them to the transportation room of an immense, dome building made of blue wizard glass, which housed the Selection Fountain.

I hope your new enchantment works. Callan’s words carried so much doubt that he sounded absolutely certain that Helen’s diagnostic tool would be a dud. Even though Helen’s ability was rare, it was at times like this one that it was painfully obvious that many citizens of the Earth Coalition didn’t trust the magical capability of anyone younger than three hundred years of age. If the Selection Fountain fails, Briodanis will become vulnerable to attack.

It’s a good thing you already have plenty of ancient wards in place as a backup, Josephine pointed out.

I fear they won’t be adequate, he replied.

The latest engineering reports indicate at least half a year before the Selection Fountain fails, Josephine pointed out.

It is the most sophisticated and ancient magic in our possession so we can’t rely on that timetable, Callan fretted.

They strode down the blue corridor until they reached an enormous atrium that could easily accommodate over three thousand people. A wide variety of lush, exotic plants, shrubbery and flowers grew in abundance with winding, granite pathways cutting through the entire area. Plenty of benches made of gold wizard glass were positioned throughout the expansive room. Josephine, Callan and Helen made their way to the Selection Fountain, located in the very center of the atrium. It was a four-tier water fountain made of lapis lazuli that was cut in elegant, curved designs with rainbow moonstone accents. Josephine wasn’t surprised to find the rest of the councilors were waiting for them, including Perry, who was her adoptive son and also the prime councilor, and Mark. Perry White was incredibly tall at just over seven feet and a light being. He wore a white tunic and white pants that fit snugly over his solid, muscular frame.

Perry favored Josephine with a brief, warm smile before addressing the group. I want to thank everyone for meeting here to observe Helen’s new enchantment in action. When his attention shifted to Helen, his gaze softened, making it obvious that the two of them were very much in love. We appreciate your help with the Selection Fountain.

It is an honor to assist the Council. Helen extended the hand mirror towards the fountain with the reflective surface angled away from it. When she activated the enchantment, the reflective surface of the mirror shimmered with a silver and white luminescence. After several seconds, a three-dimensional holographic display materialized directly above the fountain, showing a complex chart with labels and algebraic equations that represented just a small part of the entire enchantment that operated the Selection Fountain. Parts of the schematic were labeled in red with error messages while the rest of the information was shown in blue.

Many of the councilors looked shocked and it was clear they had fully expected the enchantment to fail miserably just like all the other enchantments that had been constructed by other White Knights who possessed more experience with white magic than Helen.

Excellent work! Josephine beamed at her friend, heartened by the results she was seeing. Perhaps now the White Knight engineers would be able to fix this problem that had been looming over them for months.

Don’t celebrate too soon, Callan warned her. We still need to find a way to implement the corrections.

The holographic display changed to show another part of the Selection Fountain enchantment with a list of errors caused by energy imbalances and tainted magic.

Go back to the first section, Callan ordered.

Of course. Helen made a sweeping motion with her free hand towards the holographic display, but the image failed to change. She frowned in puzzlement and tried again with the same lack of results. Josephine’s heart sunk as she took in the expression of disappointment and defeat on Helen’s face. Callan opened his mouth to say something but stopped when the image on the holographic display changed on its own. Instead of showing more schematics, there was now a picture of a luxurious, taupe house with exquisite architectural details such as large ornate pillars, a grand entrance and a three-car garage. It reminded Josephine of a mansion. She pulled out her sleek, maroon DPU and set it to record the holographic display as a video. The image shifted to show the house at different angles. The numbers on the house were visible for just a brief instant and she hoped that, when she played back the recording on her DPU, she’d find she had captured that information.

The front yard offered a panoramic vista of vibrant flowers, tall ornamental grass, shrubbery, trees and other decorative landscaping. Josephine noticed that some of the clusters of shrubbery and trees were bordered with basketball-sized, turquoise larimar rocks. The image changed to show a grand personal library. The view slowly angled towards one of the bookcases and zoomed in on the title of one particular book labeled Lost Knowledge of the White Knights. The book looked old, but it was in great shape and bound in a leather cover. The holographic display changed to show the front of the spectacular house once again, and an instant later, the image expanded to include the neighboring houses and then lifted up to show the neighborhood from above.

Some of the councilors murmured among themselves, but Josephine kept her attention fixed to the holographic display, struggling to catch every detail. The image shifted to show a close-up of a short, frail-looking woman wearing a long, flowing gown made of a fabric print that depicted a clear night sky with stars gently twinkling. To Josephine’s utter amazement, the stars actually did radiate with a soft, flickering light. A blue, disc-shaped, opal pendant hung from her neck on a black, silk cord, which was reminiscent of the jewelry worn by White Knight councilors. The woman’s eyes were closed and her face was relaxed as though she was in a deep, restful slumber; however, she was standing. Gold, wispy strands of energy wafted around her like mist. The councilors stared at the image in stunned disbelief. After several seconds, the holographic display rippled and vanished.

That looked like Raelyn, Pasi said. He was a short man with blond hair and hazel eyes. Josephine found him tedious to work with due to his very serious nature and his ingrained belief that white magic was superior to mainstream magic. He was a friend of Vesta’s and made frequent visits to her jail cell on Briodanis.

It can’t be, one of the other councilors said.

Josephine gazed at them in curiosity. Who is Raelyn?

Raelyn was an elder and a councilor of Sorianne. Callan’s expression was grave as though he were imparting tragic news. As you are aware, she died along with every other citizen of Sorianne when the carceris incircumscriptus enchantment captured all of us.

What if they had their own version of the carceris incircumscriptus enchantment or an enchantment similar to it? Josephine asked. They might still be alive. We could find them and rescue them from their prison.

No, the Sorianne Council refused to even consider creating an enchantment like that. Pasi’s voice was thick with scorn. They believed that white magic couldn’t be used to create such a large scale incarceration device and that it was too much like a weapon. They said that any attempt to create and employ such an enchantment would lead to complete and utter disaster.

Based on what happened to all of your kind, I would say they were right, Josephine pointed out.

Pasi narrowed his eyes at her. They were fools and they were weak. That’s why none of them survived the carceris incircumscriptus enchantment.

I think that’s a load of poppycock, Josephine said, causing many of the councilors to flinch and stare at her as though she’d slapped them in the face with a dead fish. I believe the citizens of Sorianne are alive and that they are trapped by a spell similar to the one you were caught in.

I told you that’s impossible, Pasi bit out. They would never create something like that.

We have important matters to attend to, one of the councilors interjected. We should return to the primary operations center and continue our meeting.

We will reconvene in fifteen minutes, Perry announced.

Most of the councilors teleported out of the room without another word while several of them said a few sympathetic words to Josephine or Helen before leaving. Perry, Mark and Firenze remained behind.

You certainly know how to ingratiate yourself with the councilors. Firenze’s green eyes sparkled in amusement. She was average height and wore a blue tunic with gold accents and blue pants over her curvy body.

I just couldn’t help myself, Josephine said apologetically. The people of Sorianne aren’t here to defend themselves and I think they may need our help.

You may be right, Firenze said. I’m guessing you will probably try to look for them.

You bet I am, Josephine confirmed. The first thing I’m going to do is find out who lives in that house that we saw.

That’s an excellent idea, Firenze agreed. It would be best if you kept your investigation a secret for now. The councilors may impede your efforts.

Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll be discreet. Why are they so determined to believe all the White Knights from Sorianne are dead?

They don’t want to face the possibility that the Selection Fountain enchantment may be tainted by gray energy. You will find that most of our people will find that idea too terrifying to contemplate.

I can understand that, Josephine acknowledged. I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous white magic enchantments can become when they’ve become tainted.

Farewell and good luck, Firenze said just before she vanished.

We don’t have much time. Perry moved closer to Helen and his expression turned apologetic. I probably should have called for a half hour recess instead of just fifteen minutes.

You did well, young man, Josephine said. If you had asked for more time, the others would have insisted on a vote to determine exactly how long the recess should be or if there should even be one in the first place.

Mark chuckled. You’re probably right.

Do you really think my enchantment worked? Helen wrung her hands in agitation. I would hate for you to go on a wild goose chase because my diagnostic tool sent random images that have no meaning.

I would like for you to activate the enchantment again, Josephine said.

Really? Helen asked.

Josephine’s lips curved in a determined smile. Definitely. I’m going to record the images on my DPU so I can compare them to the first set of images. We may discover something new and vital that will give us the answer to repairing the fountain.

Helen’s face brightened and she activated the enchantment hand mirror once again. A large, holographic display sprang into being above the fountain. A complex series of symbols in blue lettering depicted a different section of the Selection Fountain’s enchantment compared to the images shown previously. Scattered warnings in red were interspersed with the images, showing several areas infected by gray energy. A trickle of unease ran up Josephine’s spine as she took in the information. After a brief moment, another portion of the enchantment replaced that image. The holographic display rippled and the picture changed to that of a lanky, young man with black, wavy hair and robin egg blue eyes. Josephine had never seen eyes that shade of blue before.

When the image ruffled and changed, Josephine’s blood ran cold and terror surged through her body. The display now showed her baby, Luke, wrapped in a gold energy cocoon on the couch in the living room of her home.

She shoved her DPU back into her pants pocket and turned to Mark. Take me home!

Mark had already started to reach for her before she had made the request. He grasped her hand, and an instant later, they stood in their living room. Just as the holographic display had shown them, their son was encased inside a gold energy cocoon. Nathan Freeman, who was Mark’s great-uncle and Lucas’s nanny, was lying unconscious on the floor beside the couch. Josephine’s attention was solely focused on her helpless child so it didn’t even register that there may have been an attack or that whatever spell had been used to dispatch Nathan might still be active. She was about to rush towards the couch to check on Luke but there was no time. She immediately succumbed to the powerful magic that mercilessly dragged her into a deep sleep.

Chapter 2

Groggy and confused, Josephine opened her eyes to find herself lying on the living room floor staring up at the ceiling. Mark, Perry, and all of the councilors of Briodanis stood over her with their hands joined in a circle. An instant later, Josephine remembered the attack on her son and she shoved herself up into a sitting position. She could see Luke was still trapped in an energy cocoon as she rose to her feet. The councilors dropped their arms to their sides and turned to stare at Luke with undisguised concern.

Who could have done this to him? Josephine’s voice shook as terror flooded through her. She couldn’t allow anything to happen to Luke. She shoved her third eyes open so