“What’s this?” Natalia asked, sliding the parchment closer and getting a better view.
“I discovered it in Merglan’s journal,” Anders said.
“But we read it cover to cover,” Natalia said, meeting his eyes. “This wasn’t in there.”
“It appeared to Anders when we were in Hardstone,” Ivan said.
Natalia shot Ivan a look of confusion, “You knew about this and didn’t tell me?”
“I only found out about it when we were riding back to Cedarbridge. At the time, there seemed to be more pressing matters than discussing a drawing of a crystal,” Ivan said defensively while motioning toward Nadir.
Natalia held the diagram Anders had traced closer as she tried to make sense of it. “I don’t recognize the language, aside from the inscription at the bottom.” She handed the paper to Ivan.
Ivan eyed the paper and asked Anders, “You’re sure you got the wording, exactly right?”
Anders nodded, “I made sure to check it three times before I put it away.”
“And the original?” Ivan asked, glancing up at him from across the desk.
“It vanished. The journal is as it was.”
“Strange,” Ivan said glancing down at the diagram again. “The words appear to be in Norfolk.”
“Let me see,” Nadir said, holding out his hand.
Ivan raised an eyebrow at him as he handed him the paper.
“Father made me learn it when I was in school,” Nadir said taking the parchment. He examined it closely and said, “It’s an ancient dialect. The Norfolk didn’t write much down so their language varied greatly over time and region, but I think I can translate most of the words.” Nadir picked up a quill from the desk, dipped it into a jar of ink and began to translate.
“What do you make of it?” Ivan asked.
“It appears to be some sort of instructions for the crystal,” Nadir said. “The words are descriptive in nature I believe. This one at the top translates to inhabitance. Lower on the page the lines pointing inward say, ‘energy in.’”
“That refers to the crystals’ ability to store energy,” Ivan said. “We’ve known they have that capability. Does it say how to identify which crystals possess the ability to harness energy?”
Nadir examined the words and shook his head, “No. None of the words I can identify say anything relating to the powerful crystals’ identifying attributes. There is a curious phrase though. This line pointing out from the center of the crystal includes the words ‘growth,’ ‘displacement’ and ‘expel’,” Nadir looked to Ivan. “What do you think that means?”
Ivan took the paper back from Nadir. “The arrow pointing out in combination with expel probably refers to the energy out.”
“Isn’t that what the girl in the prison did?” Anders blurted out.
Ivan nodded, “Yes, like that. But these uses are already known to have been in existence. We’re looking for clues as to whether and how Merglan is using them now.”
“Like bringing Thargon back and transporting Lageena out of Cedarbridge?” Natalia added.
“Exactly,” Ivan said. “So, what do the other words mean? They must also relate to things that can come from within the crystal.”
“Well, if expel refers to energy out, the displacement must mean the crystal can be used to displace objects,” Anders said.
“And growth would explain re-animation of a dead kurr,” Natalia said.
“Lageena must have had a crystal,” Nadir said.
“And we know Thargon had one,” Anders said. “He wore it.”
Ivan nodded, “But this still doesn’t tell us how we can defeat Merglan. Even if we knew how to identify which crystals could be used in this way.”
“Well, we know we have one,” Anders palmed his sword.
“True, but we don’t know how to use it. It could be dangerous. My knowledge of them is minimal. No rider I’ve ever known has successfully used them, except for Merglan,” Ivan said.
“Well, we do have his notes on how it works,” Anders urged. “Translating all of the words on this diagram could help us discover what the crystals are capable of.”
“It’s too dangerous,” Ivan said. “We need to know more about them before trying to use it. What if the crystal draws energy directly from you to create its power? You and Zahara have some training in using magic but not enough to stop it if the crystal used all your strength in one go. It could kill you both.”
“But this is our chance to see if we can,” Anders halted when Ivan slammed his fist into the desk.
“I said no!” Ivan shouted. “These are powers that the most evil human in history is playing with. Do you really want to follow in his footsteps?”
Anders was about to speak in protest but stopped when he saw Natalia shaking her head at him. He dropped his argument as the four stood in silence around the desk. What Ivan said struck a chord in him. He spoke of a fear he’d been trying to suppress since he’d started reading Merglan’s journal for the first time. Was he too similar to Merglan at his age? Their lives ran parallel in more ways than he would’ve liked to imagine.
Nadir was the first to break the uncomfortable silence, “I’ll have to do some research, but I’ll try to translate the rest of this diagram.” He folded the paper and stuffed it into his pocket. Returning his attention to the maps, he and Ivan began to discuss strategies of how to best approach Southland.
Natalia motioned for Anders to step aside from the desk.
He followed her into the center of the room. Pulling him close, she whispered, “I know it appears like he’s being hard on you, but he’s just trying to protect you. You and Zahara are the last hope we have right now. You’re the only rider pair in our arsenal and we can’t risk your lives by experimenting with the crystals right now.”
Anders nodded and replied, matching her hushed tone, “I know, but does he have to be so mean about it?”
