Northland Chronicles–Mother World in Peril

2.  The Rhododendron Valley

At dawn, Radhana attached the medallion to a silver chain around her neck.  Studying it carefully, the artifact was gold with a small emerald inlaid in the center.  The entire disc was three inches in diameter and weighed about four ounces.  The tiny hole at the top was large enough for the very thin chain.

When Radhana pointed the emerald medallion toward the north, it shimmered with a green glow.  She studied this phenomenon with deep concentration for several minutes.  Then she went to Arjan’s room and awakened him.  She mentioned nothing about Baben or the medallion.  She wished to understand the significance of the artifact before discussing it with anyone else.

After a cold, but hearty breakfast, Radhana brought out the ancient map again.  She pointed out the trails that would be reliable on their trek north.  She spoke slowly with a deliberate sense of self-confidence in her voice.

We’ll travel through the Rhododendron Valley that passes between the Purple Desert and the Florena Forest.  It looks like a natural gateway to the Northland and allows us to enter either region depending on our need.  I’ve loaded our packs with essentials.  We’ll employ five porters to help us during our journey.

What about weapons? Arjan interjected.

Radhana replied sharply.  No weapons.  Patience will be the only weapon needed.

But how will we defend ourselves? Arjan complained.

Radhana drew an impatient breath.  Listen, Arjan.  If we bring weapons, we will identify ourselves as adversaries.  The Northlanders have no lethal arms, and I seriously doubt they would allow anyone who carries them to enter their borders.  Our weapons would be seen as an indication of our intent and attitude.

But isn’t it dangerous to travel through this foreign territory when we’re not prepared to defend ourselves if we are in danger?

If your goal is to defend yourself, then your desire to find the Northland Realm has already been thwarted, Radhana warned.  They will protect their homeland and easily turn us back even if we attempt to use force.  They may stop us whether we’re armed or not, but they’ll surely defeat us if they know we possess firearms.  So, what will it be?  Do we proceed or not?

Arjan realized that no amount of persuasion would change Radhana’s position, so he reluctantly agreed to leave his weapons behind.  However, he secretly hid a revolver in his pack.  As the dawn gave way to morning, Radhana, Arjan, and their five porters began their fifty-mile trek to the narrow trailhead of the Rhododendron Valley.

Radhana and Arjan were fortunate in their choice of porters for their expedition.  All five were well known for their reliability and honesty.  Even in the most harrowing circumstances they would be fearless and loyal.  Still, the the porters - the Phylem brothers (Inka, and Louis) and the three women (Lasan, Lokham, and Tanta) - had never ventured very far into the Northland.  As lifelong residents of the South, they didn’t know the terrain, and their knowledge of Northland inhabitants was based on legends and hearsay.

The responsibility for understanding the vast knowledge about the Northland remained solely on Radhana’s shoulders.  The obligation weighed heavily on her.  The need to reach their destination was clearly essential, because of Baben’s cryptic remarks and Radhana’s intuitive sense of impending danger.  Now that the expedition was approaching the Rhododendron Valley, her fears and reservations about their quest increased with each passing step.  At the trail head of the valley, Radhana was compelled to warn and inspire the newly formed band of pilgrims.

Before we begin our trek in earnest you need to understand that our expedition has more importance than you realize.  Deep within the Northland near the pole, there is a form of mysterious energy.  Its power and purpose continue to be a mystery.  This powerful force threatens to roll through the Northland world and perhaps annihilate it.  Equally disturbing, the inhabitants of the Northland have been sensing this energy field and, they are asking for help.

Wait a minute, Inka interrupted.  I thought we wanted to explore the Northland.  How can we possibly help the inhabitants of the Northland?

Radhana considered Inka’s question and realized her fellow sojourners deserved to know the truth.  Although she was concerned they wouldn’t understand her, or even believe her, she began to explain.

I know an ancient sage named Baben, who described this polar energy to me.

Louis listened to the somewhat strange revelation and suddenly smiled.  Did you say his name was Baben?  Now it was Radhana’s turn to be stunned.

You know Baben?

Of course, Lasan exclaimed.  He’s our friend.  He visits us in the cold season almost every year.  But he never mentioned this mysterious energy that you say exists.

Tanta remained unconvinced about Radhana’s encounter.  Baben is a common name in some parts of our world.  What does he look like?

Radhana replied, He is tall, slender, and has long white hair, and he always looks like a twenty-year old adult.

That’s him all right, Tanta acknowledged.

By now Arjan, who had been listening intently, was perplexed and irritated.  He didn’t appreciate information about the expedition being concealed from him; an expedition he had organized and financed.  Radhana, what’s this all about?  Why didn’t you tell me all this as soon as you knew?

She replied reluctantly, All right.  I’ll tell you.  Baben represents the one person who understands more about the Northland than anyone I have ever met.  He explained to me about the conscious energy that flows through the polar regions, and he strongly advised me to find out more about its origin and dangers.  We met in an evergreen grove near the village, the night before the expedition began.

So, what else are you hiding from me? asked Arjan angrily.

Radhana stood silently for a few moments then finally answered, Baben also presented me with a medallion.  He instructed me to study it carefully.

Radhana took the chain from around her neck and revealed the emerald medallion to Arjan and the porters.  When it began to shine, Arjan stared at it in amazement.

That medallion must be extremely valuable! he greedily exclaimed.  If we could find more of these necklaces, we could become rich.  Who knows how much we could sell them for in the Southland.

Radhana was disappointed and disgusted by Arjan’s selfishness and avarice.  Now she understood her sense of trepidation about discussing her meeting with Baben.  In her mind, she now understood that Arjan wasn’t the man of virtue that he at first appeared to be.  In her heart, Radhana felt her confidence in the expedition slowly eroding.

However, if Arjan seemed superficial, the porters were not.  Having known Baben for many years, they acted far more interested in the real importance and purpose of the medallion.  Lokham was particularly inquisitive about the relationship between the emerald medallion and the Northland.  The other porters were also deeply affected by the medallion and felt a sense of reverence for its design, especially since it once belonged to Baben.

※ Arjan in the Purple Desert ※

IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG for Arjan to remember his anger about Radhana’s deception.  He reinforced his pride with thoughts of self-importance.  Wasn’t it he, who had created and sponsored the expedition?  Shouldn’t he be the first one to know all the important details about their plans?  Arjan eventually confronted the rest of the group with his troubling thoughts and blurted out, From now on we will all be truthful and hold nothing back, especially information about the expedition.  Is that understood?

After an awkward moment of silence, everyone agreed; but they were concerned about Arjan’s autocratic tone and questionable character.  The group’s suspicions only increased when Inka asked him a direct question, "Arjan, are you hiding something?"

Of course not! he bellowed.

Then why are you concealing a revolver in your pack? Inka replied evenly.

That’s a lie! Arjan aggressively replied.

Undeterred, Inka yelled back, When I reorganized your pack, I found it in the bottom wrapped in a shirt.

Hearing Inka’s accusation, Radhana burst out angrily.  I thought we agreed to leave all weapons behind?  Don’t you remember what I told you about the Northland culture?

You know what, Arjan yelled, I don’t need any of you.  I can find my way alone!

Radhana immediately began to center herself, realizing the quickly unfolding dangerous situation.  She took a slow, deep breath and replied, Look Arjan, we simply can’t take weapons, especially firearms.  So, please, leave the revolver behind.

Forget it, snapped Arjan.  I’ve seen the map.  I don’t need your help.  I especially don’t need another lecture from you!

Arjan shouldered his pack and headed into the Rhododendron Valley.  But his short, uneven strides and pumping arms could not hide his lack of mental clarity.  He appeared vulnerable and childish as he disappeared down the trail.

What do we do now? Lasan asked.  Do we wait here?

No, Radhana asserted.  We need to stay in contact with him.  Inka and Louis, I need you to trail Arjan.  Stay out of sight unless you absolutely must intervene.  The rest of us will follow you.  Remember, even though we’ll be separated, we’re all on the same trail.

Louis and Inka disappeared down the footpath.  Lasan was very uneasy.  What if we do actually lose them?

Listen, Radhana explained.  Arjan financed this expedition, so we will do our best to find him.  But, if in the end we can’t locate him, we will continue our journey until we learn what we need to know about the Northland.  What else can we do?  Besides, you know Inka and Louis can find us whenever they need our help.  They understand the map almost as well as I do.  Those two brothers will watch out for each other.  I’m certain of it.

Without further discussion, Radhana, Lasan, Lokham, and Tanta followed Arjan and the two brothers down through the Rhododendron valley.

Meanwhile, Arjan was so self-absorbed that he failed to notice the magnificent valley through which he was passing.  The six-foot rhododendron bushes glistened, with their sturdy green leaves and beautiful flowers of red, white, yellow and purple.  They lined the trail for miles.  On either side of these hardy sentinels towered a giant forest of majestic redwood trees, shading the entire trail.

As he hurried ahead, trampling through the rhododendron branches that grew over the trail, Arjan slowly began to compose himself.  When he finally discovered that Inka and Louis had been shadowing him, he decided to let them catch up.  When they approached him, Arjan’s voice was less than welcoming, but still polite.  So, you two have been following me, huh?  I suppose Radhana sent you?

Louis gazed at Arjan patiently and suggested that they rejoin Radhana’s party.  He tried to explain the risk and foolishness of traveling in separate groups as diplomatically as he could.  He also tactfully explained about the revolver as well.  But Arjan remained adamant; so all three continued moving through the valley.

Radhana felt no need to compromise either, but she worried about the imminent danger they all faced.  The arguments and recent separation could attract unwanted attention.  At the moment Radhana’s only logical choice was to follow Arjan and the brothers down the valley.  By late afternoon, they still hadn’t caught up with Arjan and the others.  They decided to camp by a small clearing near a shallow stream.  At dawn, Radhana and her three remaining porters would continue their journey.

To prepare for the approaching cold night, Radhana gathered wood for a fire.  Lasan pitched their tents and organized supplies.  Lokham and Tanta cooked supper, washed dishes, and offered to keep watch over the camp for the entire night.  As the indigo sky engulfed the redwood trees, the crackling fire and nocturnal sounds of an alien valley filled the frigid air.

Meanwhile, Arjan had been hiking in the wrong direction, wandering around lost.  He was tired and irritable.  Blaming Inka and Louis for his own incompetence, he insisted on traveling west, instead of due north, believing they had gone too far east.  By the time Arjan realized his miscalculation, it was too late.  He had led Louis and Inka directly into the southeastern border of the Purple Desert, where the Azlet River flowed at its lowest.

Initially, Arjan was frightened and confused.  He couldn’t help but remember the warnings and lectures about the desert.  The terms madness and despair began to feel more real.  He especially recalled the warning that madness could occur in a single day.  As he gazed upon the ominous expanse, he sheepishly instructed Inka and Louis to change course and return with him to the valley.  Then, unexpectedly something caught his eye and then held his attention.

Only a few hundred yards into the Purple Desert, Arjan noticed a strange purple radiance emanating from a short shrub-like tree.  Before he could think clearly, he decided to investigate, but first he sent the porters away.

In a kindly voice, he asked them to return without him.  Inka, you and Louis return to Radhana and the others.  I need to rest awhile before I go back.

But Inka and Louis wouldn’t be so easily dismissed.  Louis especially noticed that something was wrong.  Please Mr. Arjan; we’re supposed to stay with you until the others catch up with us.

Look, Arjan answered slyly.  It’s my fault we’re here.  I took the wrong path even though you both tried to warn me.  I feel terrible about it.  I promise to follow along behind you in a few minutes.

When Inka and Louis refused to believe his deceitful confession, and still refused to leave, Arjan’s courteous approach gave way to a veiled threat.  He reached into his pack and pulled out the revolver.

As he waved it in the air, he said coldly, "You know I paid for this little excursion, including your wages.  So, I make the decisions.  You are required to follow my orders and return to the others.  Don’t make me say it again.  When I hired you, I was told that you both were loyal and could be trusted.  It looks like I was misinformed."

Arjan’s arrogant words stung the pride of the honest porters.  They followed Arjan’s command.  The brothers left the Purple Desert, and reentered the Rhododendron Valley.  Soon they stopped to discuss the situation.

Inka commented first on Arjan’s strange behavior.  I will not leave Arjan alone.  No matter what he says, I’m still responsible for him.  We can’t leave him to die because he remains stubborn and pompous.

Louis was far less sympathetic.  I won’t risk my life, nor will I take orders from someone who threatens me with a revolver.  Our loyalty hasn’t created the problem here, but Arjan’s anger has!  Why did he insist on lagging behind at the boundary of that horrible desert anyway?  He can’t truly believe that he can find the Northland by hiking through that desolate wilderness.

I don’t think exploration is his only goal at this point, Inka replied.  I think he observed something in the Purple Desert while he stood gazing at its violet landscape.

So, now what do we do? Louis interjected.  Do we return to Arjan or warn Radhana?

Arjan will die if we abandon him.  I am certain of that, Inka replied.  His mental condition may already be deteriorating.  The only logical choice is to split up.  I’ll follow Arjan at a distance and try to discover a way to lure him back to the valley.  You warn Radhana and the others.

Just a minute, Louis exclaimed.  Do you realize you could die yourself, even if you can convince Arjan to follow you?

I know, Inka answered.  That’s why you must return to Radhana and tell her our situation.  I’ll be all right.  Now, go quickly!  Time is not our ally today.

This expedition grows more ominous with each passing day, Louis muttered.  It feels like we’ve failed, even before we’ve really begun.  All right I’ll go, but you be careful, my brother.

After the Phylem brothers had separated, Inka gathered his courage and hurried back to the Purple Desert.  He knew the circumstances would be difficult especially if he had to confront Arjan about the weapon.  He also was certain that only Radhana could solve the problem permanently.  But, he thought perhaps he could at least give his brother enough time to return with their leader.

Soon after their separation, Louis became frantic.  Believing his brother to be in imminent danger, he raced up the Rhododendron Valley trail, darting around trees, and stumbling against jagged rocks.  Running until dark, he finally found Radhana and her companions near their camp beside a tiny, quiet meadow.

At first, Radhana was elated to see Louis, but her joy quickly faded when Louis informed her of the developing crisis in the Purple Desert.  Both Arjan’s blatant disregard for the warnings about the Purple Desert and his threatening behavior couldn’t have been more reckless.  Radhana felt responsible.

Equally disconcerting, Inka felt obligated to protect Arjan.  Although Inka’s actions might be considered heroic, they could also be seen as foolhardy.

As the night shadows slowly dispersed across the meadow, Radhana was more fearful and bewildered.  She summoned the porters to the campfire and solicited their advice.  To understand their views of the dilemma, she listened intently to each one.  Lasan put forth the most original idea.  When she began to speak, the rest of the group remained receptive and silent.

We know the Rhododendron Valley borders the Purple Desert, Lasan began.  We also know, most likely, that we can last a day in the desert without it affecting our thoughts and feelings.

Yes, Radhana agreed.  Go on.

So, what if we proceed along the edge of the valley, just where it joins the Purple desert?  Every few hours, one of us could penetrate its borders, try to locate Arjan and Inka, and then return before the effects of the deadly curse take hold.

Hesitant, Radhana answered, I’m not sure.  I know you’re all brave and exceedingly loyal, but I’m uncertain about this idea.  We could lose everyone.

Lokham spoke next, to reassure their leader.  "Radhana, as you know we porters are members of an ancient and venerable race called the Daden Tribe.  Our kinship bonds have remained intact for thousands of years.  Inka is one of our own.  We must come to his assistance regardless of the dangers."

Radhana realized the rest of the group felt the same as Lokham.  She knew the porters possessed great physical strength despite their short stature; and their minds remained self-assured and incorruptible.  Radhana understood that these qualities would be imperative for any rescue mission.  She also remembered the significance of the revolver that continued to haunt and threaten the entire expedition.  She understood more than anyone that the Mystics of the Florena Forests, using their remote viewing ability, could locate the weapon if they sought it out.  The consequences could be disastrous.

In the end, Radhana agreed with Lokham.  She wished to solve this crisis for which she was at least partially responsible.  All right, we’re agreed.  We must move quickly.  If they’re still wandering in the Purple Desert, Inka and Arjan may have already been affected by its insidious power.

3.  Crisis In The Desert

Radhana and her companions immediately packed their gear, doused the campfire, and hurried to the desert border.  Their quick pace and silence bore witness to their fears for Arjan and Inka.

While Radhana and the others raced through the Rhododendron Valley, Arjan remained in the Purple Desert.  With Inka secretly watching from a distance, Arjan approached the violet bush that had fixated his attention and began to investigate.  Before long, he discovered the source of the illumination - another medallion.

Believing he was alone, Arjan let out an excited shriek and raised the artifact high in the air.  He danced around the purple tinted bush like a drunkard until he was breathless.  Regaining a measure of composure, he studied the medallion carefully.

It was about the same size, shape, and weight as Radhana’s medallion with one essential difference.  The inlaid crystal wasn’t green like Radhana’s; its crystal was a peculiar purple/indigo color strangely resembling the desert landscape.

Ironically, even while Arjan continued to celebrate his discovery, the Purple Desert and its insidious dangers had