Chapter Seventeen

Words could not form to explain what Elidra, Shani and Kerve witnessed outside of Blackroot. Sickening grounds seemed to span from the base of the Tower peaking from behind twisted and gnarled vegetation. Dead and hardened to stone, it released a smell that took everything Elidra had to keep her stomach from wrenching.

Carefully they had moved around what appeared to be countless Rhiyan soldiers. Kerve and Shani instantly pulled their troops back and began sending reconnaissance teams out. In short order the count mounted to more than ten times their numbers, a far cry beyond what the generals felt could be conquered or broken. To her dismay, Elidra gave the order for the main soldiers to carefully escort the litter carrying Vrok toward Tova under the leadership of General Kerve.

Shani maintained a small escort to help keep Elidra safe as they continued to watch the armies as more seemed to arrive in a steady stream. There was no denying it was an invasion force, yet they were almost gathering too far to attack Tova.

As night fell, Elidra slipped from her tent and moved beyond any potential eyes. Once clear Elidra slipped from her clothes and took to her leopard form. Seeing with eyes stronger than hers and moving with a grace she could not achieve otherwise, she darted in and out of surrounding dead foliage.

No other creatures moved in the night air, but she could smell every last soldier, whore and cattle they traveled with. Primal rage filled her as she smelled refined oils and linens seeping from the inner structure of Blackroot. With a low rumbling growl, Elidra bound back toward the soldiers, scanning for the largest test.

Carefully she moved from one dimly lit area to another. Padding carefully Elidra spun her head to follow the scent of a soldier very close to her. As their eyes met, he moved to call out. Instantly Elidra bound at him, closing her powerful mouth around his neck. Effortlessly it snapped against the pressure.

Licking the blood from her snout she left him gurgling on his own blood, but not before she tore her clawed paw against his chest, tearing both skin and fabric with ease. Satisfied with her work, she continued on her path.

Easily slipping into a large tent, two men sat talking to one another bare chested, drink hung heavily on their breath. Without either noticing Elidra made her way behind their vision and prepared her pounce. One of the men leaned forward and exposed a strange series of markings that almost seemed call out into the night.

Concentrating Elidra realized there was magic around her and it was bouncing off the man as if the markings were protecting them. Sighing she realized too late she was louder than she intended to be. Immediately the man not leaning started to turn. Elidra closed the gap between them before he could finish his turn. Using her powerful paw, she mauled his face instantly filling the air with the smell of ale and the faint metallic scent of his blood.

Paint bit into her side as the other man swung wildly at her with a small dagger. Growling she leapt to knock him off his feet, knocking over his chair and table as they both tumbled to the ground.

Landing on her feet Elidra snapped at his throat only to find his forearm instinctively moved to protect him. Slapping at him with her claws extended, Elidra quickly shredded the skin of his arm and face. Turning his head to call out, only a whisper escaped as the leopard crushed his jaw, ear and eye socket clenched n her mouth.

Around her the air cackled and compressed as the first man had returned to his feet, despite his wounds, began using magic against her. Elidra could feel her body changing back against her will. Loosing her breath she almost fell into darkness, yet her mind refused to let go.

Standing before the man completely naked, Elidra witnessed his attention fall onto her body itself. Carefully and gently she moved it against the night air as she carefully moved within range to touch both him and the man dieing on the ground next to them. As he raised his eyes to meet hers, horror spilled forth from his eyes.

With her foot touching the dieing man on the ground, she held the maimed sorcerer with both her hands. All around her the air compressed and removed them from the rest of the world. Everything the dieing man knew flowed through her body, only to exit into the man she held. Every ounce of pain threatened to split her own flesh as bruising appeared all over her skin.

In response, the new pain the maimed sorcerer felt was returned to the dieing man, convulsing as the new pains entered his body. Their tattoos protected them from unseen magic, but it couldn’t protect them from her touch. Mixed in their thoughts of death, she could feel their lust for her exposed form. Rage filled Elidra’s every through as she forced into both men the pain she felt as the poison wracked Vrok’s body.

Both men were now on the ground convulsing as Elidra continued to fill them with every pain in her body, her memories. Only when she felt her unborn kick suddenly did she finally release them. Looking down she knew they were dead. From all over their bodies small wounds opened spilling their blood onto the ground, causing the ground itself to hiss and blacken.

Fear filled her immediately as she realized something was terribly wrong with what was happening. While she knew her own powers, something here was enhancing them, twisting them into cruel and vicious versions of her own thoughts. Quickly she returned to her leopard form and sprinted out of the tent.

Moving between two tents, Elidra heard a familiar voice, causing her to stop instantly. Digging quickly into the blackened ground, she pulled just enough of the sickened earth back to dip her head under the tent edge. Inside the tent, sitting on the lap of a large and armored warrior Elidra saw the unmistakable face of Jade laughing with them. For a moment she thought out of the corner of her eye Jade had made contact with her.

Scanning the room there were simply more than she could handle alone and Elidra didn’t want the strange amplifying of her powers to take over again. Elidra knew one thing; Jade would not survive back to Tova.

****

“I know what I saw Shani. She was laughing and joking with them. Those that killed my beloved, she was laughing with.” Before the sun had rose, Shani had come to Elidra to find her pacing back and forth in anger.

“I do not doubt this my Empress, it’s the nature of Jade’s work. I know you don’t agree with this, but it is her craft and her service to you.” Shani remained calm almost pleading with Elidra. “I sent her to do what she does best; gather information we could not.”

“No.” Elidra said flatly. “There was a genuine joy in this, not the actions of some common whore.”

“Yes my Empress, she does her job well. It is for this she has always served. Without it, much information we have we would not.” Shani tried to keep her eyes on locked on Elidra’s.

“What if she has been playing us all for fools? Shani my gut tells me something is very wrong with what I saw.” Elidra stopped finally collapsing heaving into a small mound of furs and linens she never set out.

“I only know the Emperor trusted her completely as she had been in service to the Rakshar Empire a long time.” Sensing Elidra, after hours of debating with her, was tiring faster than what was safe; Shani asked the question Elidra didn’t want to answer. “What are we going to do here my Empress? We cannot continue to toy with the borders of this army while you do whatever you do at night. We have to get you back to our people or you risk the child.”

Elidra looked up at Shani completely exhausted. “There is something terribly wrong with this place. There are powers moving here. We have to find out where they intend to go and why they are gathered at this awful place. Two more days.”

“We will have to move back more as they continue to grow.” Wincing slightly she added, “I expect Jade any moment with her report. Once we have it, we will send her on another mission away from you.”

“I appreciate what you are doing Shani. Whatever it takes to find out what is happening here is what we will need to do.” Elidra offered a kind smile as she spoke, and then suddenly turned away.

“Your Grace.” Jade knelt quickly as she entered. After a quick look at Elidra, she stood and faced the General. “General Shani, Mora of the Black Legion is here with her legion. They are preparing for some type of ceremony to transfer power to the new Seom.”

Watching both women, Elidra noticed the shock on General Shani’s face as Jade continued to give her report but had changed over to the finger language of the Silence; Vrok’s personal informants through all the realms. Elidra was happy the Emperor had taught the language to her, no matter how much she hated it when they started.

Her proficiency made it effortless for her to watch the conversation continue. All the Ministry Legions were at the ceremony. From it they would launch offensives against both Tova and the cities of the South. For some reason the ceremony had to be conducted to empower the legions with the assistance of Rhiya.

Joliel was there as well, waiting to take his title as Seom and become the leader of the Ministry and all Rhiyan affairs. Most importantly Jade discovered the Ministry’s council was dissolved. No longer was there a representative of the original families. All of Vrok’s mutes, agents of the Silence, were killed so none could deny the appointment of the new Seom.

Jade continued her report for almost an hour. Several times she made eye contact with Elidra only to look away quickly. Once it happened again, Elidra stopped her.

“Is there a particular reason you keep looking over at me Jade?” Elidra questioned her harshly. “I find there is something in your eyes you are not sharing. I find it most concerning.”

“My Empress, I keep looking because I am concerned. You look so very tired.” Jade answered quickly.

“I am tired. I can not shake the feeling you are not telling me something.” Clarity suddenly filled Elidra’s mind. “Who me your back Jade.”

Hearing the sternness in Elidra’s voice, Shani moved behind Jade. Quickly Shani removed her weapon from his sheath, leaving it calmly at a relaxed ready. Jade shot her a quick look then back to the Empress.

“My Empress, what I have done? Have I upset you?” Jade stiffened as she spoke.

“I said show me your back Jade.” Elidra got to her feet and almost charged at the informant.

Slightly stepping back, Jade was nudged back forward by General Shani.

“Show her your back Jade.” Shani took one of Jades hands and twisted it sharply. “An order was given by the Empress. To not follow is death. Show her or die where you stand.”

Shani’s weapon sat poised to strike up through the back and chest of Jade. Before Jade could answer Elidra turned her and lifted the back of her tunic. Letting out an audible gasp, dropping the lifted tunic, Elidra stumbled back.

“Oh Jade.” Elidra’s eyes filled with tears. “I am so sorry. I am not sure what entered my head.”

Her own eyes filled with tears, Jade calmly loosened and then started removing the tunic. Instantly Shani let go of Jade’s hand and resheathed her weapon. Lifting the tunic over her head, Jade turned to look at Shani as her back was exposed completely to Elidra.

From her shoulder blades to her buttocks, deep welts and bruises covered every inch of skin. Carefully Elidra stepped forward.

“Rhiyans lash their whores to be sure they are telling the truth. Every strap has a special brand on it so it is known who you belong to.” Jade explained slowly. “If you look closely you will see several of those brands, if my skin hasn’t bruised too much. Without such markings, whores are killed. I endure this for you my Empress, as I would have done for our Emperor.”

“Jade I can heal this.” Elidra started and reached out to touch the wounds. “You do not need to do this work any further. Please let me help you.”

“If I am healed and I return to them, I will be killed. I serve where I choose. I thank you for your concern.” Jade answered as she turned and pulled her tunic back on.

“Jade I am sorry.” Elidra answered as she reached out to touch Jade’s hand.

“You are the Empress; there is nothing to apologize for. If I may be excused your Grace?” Jade knelt again and waited.

“Yes of course.” The Empress answered as she sadly watched the woman leave. Immediately after Jade left, Shani and faced Elidra very closely as she spoke with her fingers.

“I am sorry for doubting you my Empress. I don’t know what has happened, but I know this, Jade was lying.”

Elidra collapsed as exhaustion simply took her.

Welcome to those I don't know

I realized there were a couple of names of people I don't already know. So to those people I thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.

*Cheers*

Chapter Sixteen

After the incident with her dream and the nose ring, Mora didn’t have another dream of Joliel. After giving Amadagu the ring and his disappearing for the day, he promised her she would have them no longer. While he offered nothing else, his eyes held a weight she didn’t understood. She wanted to be free and take revenge on the beast, but the druid stated they had to translate the Seer’s words first. Everything else would have so wait.

Day after day they continued to poor through Amadagu’s writings. In a week they had found nothing. Each morning followed the same routine, Nohric would arrive with Delvakhan and would state how they needed to mobilize the people and at least attempt to stop the onslaught of the Rhiyan legions. In response the druid would only say ‘not until we at least have it’, never explaining any further.

Amadagu read more than the others, always sending them for one text or another, which typically meant Mora. Delvakhan and Nohric were always looking at maps of the area and talking strategies. Keeping their same schedule, they began practicing combat again. Mora couldn’t help noticing errors in stance and action. Everything they did was based off of brawn. There was a key elements missing. Carefully Mora stepped in and offered an alternative to their moves. While Nohric remained skeptical, Delvakhan however was quick to take to her moves.

Continuing to train the king, Mora became absorbed quickly going into the advanced moves she taught all of her legion. Pushing her charge he responded well to the new moves. His adaptation quickly brought about strikes and counters that were not only fast but typically caused her to take a step back to adjust for the strength of the blow. With her urging, she convinced Delvakhan to finally get his actual weapon so the moves would feel familiar to him.

Taking the chance to catch her breath, Mora looked up and found Amadagu watching them as well.

“He is a quick study isn’t he?” Nohric asked.

“Indeed.” Mora responded. “The speed in which he adapts is pretty extraordinary.”

“He is a child of prophecy, it is always that way.” Amadagu interjected.

“To the shadows with the mystical, it is simply rich in his bloodline. No amount of will could alter the training he has gone through or that of his kin. It’s natural to us.” Nohric stated with pride.

“Unfortunately, you are always looking for strength. There is more to a fight than just strength.” Mora added. “There must be balance of each. Strength to counter strength yet combats the agile. Thusly, agility to counter agility and combat the strong. If you are lacking either one you will lose. This is what makes the legions so strong; Berric’s strength and my agility.”

“I have never faced a legion. Fending off the assassin teams however became a way of life for us of the South. Young Delva was sent away to keep them from them.” Nohric stated.

“Ministry protocol, something neither Berric nor I cared much about. It was left to Tolin to handle the gifted. Too often those with the will simply caused more destruction than could be allowed. That and a fear of him.” She stated as she pointed to Amadagu who had returned to reading.

“There is a healthy fear of him throughout the entire South as well. The only thing we fear more is...”

“Dragon’s.” Mora interrupted him.

Both looked at each other and laughed realizing the similarities between them. Mora stood impressed of her adversary. His knowledge and battle prowess she felt matched her own. She couldn’t stop the nagging thought he would have been a good King for the south over the boy that continued to make her uncomfortable.

When Delvakhan finally returned, holding his weapon up for her to see, Mora was immediately entranced by it. The blade itself almost seemed to hum as it cut through the air. Watching her, Delvakhan held it up for her to get a closer look. Its hilt bore symbols and sigils she had never seen before; except for one. Casting her eyes toward the druid, she found him staring at the blade from his seat.

“Where did you get that from?” Amadagu demanded as he stood up and approached them. “I haven’t seen this for an eon.”

“Its mine. My mother had it.” Delvakhan stated defensively pulling it slightly out of view.

“Bohr Wethrin.” Amadagu almost whispered.

“Wait, Bohr Wethrin, the thing Death fears?” Mora stated in shock.

“The very same thing Tagor spoke of.” Amadagu stated still almost in a whisper. I remember when Kunellos and I made this so Zhandoga would be returned to the demon pit.”

“Bah the demons are a myth. I have never seen a demon Ama.” Mora cut in. “Our oldest legends talk about a demon but only when others speak of Rhiya in a physical form.”

“I can promise you it is not a myth. Zhandoga was a demon.” The druid stopped and suddenly got up and grabbed one of his tomes. Opening it, he set it down in front of them.

“I can’t read this.” Nohric stated. “I don’t know that language.”

“I can’t either.” Mora answered.

“Zhandoga, Fiend of Death, Master of the Pit, Scourge of Terra can only be summoned with life’s blood taken without life passing. Once life has begun, from the bloodied soil surrounded in consuming blackness of a thousand souls, Zhandoga will emerge, sundering all in his path at the will of the Seom of Rhiya.” Delvakhan blurted out the words. Looking up in shock he looked up to Amadagu.

“Keep reading King of South.” Amadagu pointed to the tome.

“Destiny known and destiny accepted, the King of South must save the Chosen as the Empire crumbles.” Delvakhan stopped. “There isn’t anything more.

“How did he read that?” Nohric demanded.

“It was written for him only.” Amadagu answered.

“What does it mean then?” Delvakhan questioned. “I got the King of the South. What does the rest mean?”

“It means Joliel; the Seom of Rhiya has a copy of your work Amadagu and has brought Zhandoga back. And I helped him. But there was no blackness...” Mora began and stopped.

“The legion soldiers. They were the consuming blackness.” Amadagu added.

“My legion of one thousand was all dressed in their ceremonial black armaments. They were all around me as Joliel took me. In the end, I made this all happen.” Mora choked on her words.

“Lass you had no way of knowing.” Nohric placed his hand on her shoulder. “But I see the next step. We have to go face this Zhandoga before he gets to Tova and attacks the Empress and her child.”

“Do you know how hard it is to assault that mountain? Why do you think we held it for so long?” Mora interjected.

“I can promise you, we will have free passage in. I have long been in contact with the Emperor and his Empress through special means.” Nohric stated. “In fact when I picked up Delva here, I sent his guard to update her Grace. Sooner or later they will expect us, though under different circumstances.”

“But why is the Empire crumbling?” Delvakhan asked.

“I don’t know.” Amadagu answered as they all looked to him. “But if the Empire crumbles the south will never be able to survive. Legions of Rhiyans and a demon. By the Light this cannot come to pass.”

“It will take a month at least for all the forces to gather from the south.” Nohric answered in exasperation. “This is why I have been demanding leave to gather them.”

“You have your leave now. Delvakhan and I will head to Tova while you gather the south. Keep Mora and the child safe.” Amadagu answered quickly.

“I’m going as well. If I stay with Aura her death is certain. You will need me in battle. But you better keep her safe southlander.” Mora’s tears filled her eyes as she leaned her head into Nohric’s chest.

“And you keep the lad safe Mora. We will see you on the field.” His toothy grinned flashed from beyond his red beard.

Mora held his eyes for several moments looking for the one thing missing from her life. Mora was inside begging for hope.

****

Barely alive, broken in more ways than he could count anymore, Burakani could see the base path to Tova. For three days he fled from the countless army he wondered into. While he could see the mountain Tova rested on, his bearings to get there were completely lost as he avoided the towering trees that seemed to have voices.

It wasn’t long after that began trudging through the disgusting blackened ground that filled his senses with foul odor of death and decay. The army however seemed to be devoid of its existence, moving along it as if it empowered them. Before Burakani could find the ending edge, the army was encamped all around him. As the sun rose, the differences in their appearance gave him away and the pursuit began.

His first encounter left his arm broken and an eye no longer able to see beyond the swollen damage the mace had done to it. Yet he survived only to fight more. By the time the day had ended, Burakani lost all concepts of time and distance. At the ends of his barely working fingers, he could feel the pressure of caked dirt under his nails black and foul.

Looking up as several pairs of boots appeared before him, Burakani was relieved when he saw facial structures that were similar to his. While he saw their lips moving, he couldn’t understand a word as the ringing in his own ears would not quit.

Not sure if his words were heard, he forced himself to say them again and again.

“I am Prince Burakani, I must see the Empress.”

Chapter Fifteen

“When are you sending me away?” Tagor sat quietly in the atrium waiting for the druid to arrive. It had been several months since he had a vision to write, but the last one had left him not ever wanting to write one again.

“Once Mora’s child is born you will be heading far north where I stayed during my solitude.” Amadagu’s eyes locked onto his as he spoke. “You will have to take your writing with you.”

“I don’t ever want to have these visions again. Ever since I met you I find myself lost.” Tagor stopped suddenly holding back the emotions.

“Seeing death is always hard, particularly when it is someone you care deeply for. Even worse is seeing someone you care about become something you abhor. It is a terrible price we pay. It is not something you can run from. For this reason alone you will be leaving.” The druid set his hands upon some other volumes and dropped his head in a sigh.

“Why don’t we simply stop it? I have seen what you can do. Why do you not simply stop it all?” Tagor questioned as a flash of anger swept across his face. “You move mountains, literally and you don’t bother to stop this. Wipe that demon from the Terra and end all of this damn you.”

Amadagu spun druid fire flamed from his eyes. “You don’t think in the eons I have tried that? I have wiped out entire races of creatures and people. I have scorched more earth and torched more skies than any creature should ever be allowed. No matter the course, it has not swayed. The names change, the actions do not. Over and over again the cycles continue.”

“Then what is the point? Why do I bother to write this?” Tagor questioned, his voice booming suddenly. “I am tired of living in service; I just want to be left alone.”

“And this is why you must go.” Amadagu immediately calmed. “You have been gifted something that will cause your mind to wretch and twist. If it is done around others, you will do things to those around you. Things that will twist your very essence into a blackened tar you will never be able to clean yourself of.”

“Then Xhuri is a cruel God and deserves no devotion at all. He is no better than Rhiya!”

As the words left his mouth, Amadagu was on him, slapping him with a fiery hand. The air around him crackled as the druids hand hit his cheek. In his mind it felt as if lightning was ripping through him.

“Never again will I hear you speak such. All you see around you is a part of something larger, much larger. Your words hold more power than that of the common folk around you. You have a duty, like it or not, to see whatever happens to its end. How it ends for you is still completely up to you.” Heavily Amadagu sat down still looking at Tagor.

“To the shadows with it all.” Tagor muttered as he turned away and saw Delvakhan and Mora watching them both.

Dropping his eyes from them, Tagor attempted to quickly leave. Passing Delvakhan his hand for just an instant touched his arm. Instantly he fell to the ground and screamed out holding his head. As each of them attempted to help him up, he continued to push them away roughly continuing to scream out.

With a strong grip, Amadagu took Tagor by the shoulders. The air around them condensed as Tagor became calm and finally dropped his hands from his head. Opening his eyes, Mora and Delvakhan gasped while Amadagu swore under his breath. Tagor’s eyes were milky white orbs, all color drained from them. For several moments he stood still looking off into an unknown distance.

A strange language escaped from Tagor’s lips catching Amadagu off guard. As Mora began to question, Amadagu held up his hand. Waiting another moment, he began to translate.

“The Seer awakens while an empire crumbles and a child is born. She who would be a God marks her cycle of birth as the plague claims her old debt. Chosen of the South shall be lost and then found as the Guardian betrays. That which is dead will find life and that which is life shall entrench within death.

Fiend of Death fears only Bohr Wethrin, yet so long as it sleeps the devout will suffer. Fear not the Fathers for in the sons all are set right. If the sons are broken She who would be a God shall be born as the sky emits her fire.

Seek the Daughter of the Seas and Book of Souls she guards and know the life read. Protect what is hers as the First Brood slumbers only so long as the Book is not read. Mark this as the era ending and the façade takes its power.

Only as the world erupts can the façade break and the true end be sealed by the final combination of blood. Yet the Siblings will sunder Terra and only in that wake shall the Will of the One be done.”

Emotion was drained from Tagor’s face as he finished his speech and moved toward the table he typical wrote from. Taking the book without opening his eyes, he flipped to a particular page and handed it to Amadagu.

“It matches the Boh Modrin doesn’t it Timewalker?” Tagor asked directly but calmly.

“Yes it does.” Amadagu answered without reading it. “I am sorry Tagor; there was no way I could tell you.”

“I have no anger Timewalker. Heed the words and maybe this time they will save you.”

Tagor turned from the druid and stood in front of Mora. Carefully he took her sash and made a blindfold for himself. Saying nothing more, he left the atrium in slow careful steps.

“What was that?” Mora questioned, standing in one place stunned.

“That was the trigger of the most dangerous prophecy beginning. My student becomes the Seer of Terra and the Apocalyptic Prophecy engulfs the world.” Amadagu said as he closed his eyes.

“And what does that mean exactly.” Mora asked both anger and fear filled her eyes.

“It means the war has begun and many many people are going to die. At the end is the end of everything, existence itself wiped from Terra.” He stated. “We have to figure out the references.”

“Mora help me get every tome with my sigil on it we have to search for the references. Delva, get your Uncle we need all the help we can get in finding what we need.”

“Why not just get everyone?” The young man questioned.

“Because only those involved in the prophecy are safe in reading it.” Amadagu waved the young man away as he began looking over tomes and pulling some out. “Hurry up Lord Delva, go.”

Already Mora had a small stack of records growing on the table nearest to her. Suddenly she took a knee and groaned; one hand steadied her while the other immediately went to the low part of her stomach.

“By the Light now?” Amadagu yelled as he saw Mora. “Delva get the nursemaids and hurry.”

“It’s not possible... to be having birth yet.” Mora stated behind painful breaths.

“A bit early isn’t uncommon considering how active you have been. But trust me; the child is coming right now.” Taking off his robe exposing a great deal of his skin, Mora gasped as she saw all the scars.

“Ama, what is that?” She continued her labored breathing as she absently touched a few of the scars.

“Memories Mora. Now try to keep breathing and whatever you do, ignore your instincts a bit. Your body will want to push the baby out; you have to not do it.” He stated as calmness returned to his voice.

“It’s gone now.” She stated as she went to sit back up. “What is that?”

“The fluid holding the baby has been released. Your baby is entering this world today.” Amadagu stroked her hair as she suddenly squeezed his hand as another flash of pain filled her body. “That damnable lad had better hurry.”

“Tell me the baby won’t be a demon Amadagu.” Mora suddenly snatched his head and looked deep into his eyes. “I know you won’t lie to me, but tell me this child won’t be a demon.”

“No Mora she won’t be a demon.” His kind smile calmed her.
Mora’s face was filled with a smile. “Will she be free of all of this?” Once again she winced and gripped his hand tighter.

“No, she is a child of Prophecy. But she will change the world in your name dear child.” His soft smile continued to radiate warmth. “She will be everything you are and more. Now be calm, you will be a mother soon.”

Delva ran into the atrium with several women behind him. Immediately each began barking orders. Quickly Amadagu got out of their way and allowed them to work their craft.

“So is that the demon child Tagor spoke about?” Delvakhan asked as he watched the child being born.

“No and you had better never say that again. You will protect that child King of the South, for that child being born is hope.”

****

Thundering rain, normally a calming event for her, but tonight it was anything but. Mora awoke drenched in sweat but it wasn’t the sweat that woke her. She could smell him on her, heard his voice and felt his rough touch. Joliel clouded her dreams for almost a week now. Most nights she struggled to wake from the nightmares.

Breathing slowly, she laid her hands upon her belly and swore she could feel the heartbeat of her child right against her skin, slow and sure. Yet the flatness of the stomach reminded her of the bundle beside her.

The soft warm breath of her daughter brought her peace each day. Whenever Aura moved, yawned or cried, all Mora’s fears were calmed. Small soft red curls framed the chubby face. Nothing in the face reminded her of Joliel.

Thunder rumbled, snapping her away from wondering thoughts bringing her right back to her dreams. They weren’t like dreams of her past. They were terrible vivid and Joliel seemed to be taunting her with the touching. Reaching up to wipe some sweat from her face, she let out a scream as she felt metal once again in her nose.

Just a quick note

I apologize for not getting more chapters put up, I have been feeling pretty shitty and normally that leads to not using my computer or typing.

However, that said, I look to do some catch up this weekend on transcribing what I have on paper into digital format.

Also as a reminder, I encourage anyone and everyone to post up any comments, questions etc. I am a social creature and I enjoy such conversations, if you want them.

:)

Chapter Fourteen

Three weeks since rejoining with Burakani, they finally sent foot on the vast plain that marked the base of the mountain. Delvakhan couldn’t help but be taken aback by the sheer vastness of the open field as far he his eye could see. As they descended the mountain strange new smells filled the air, yet there was something almost comforting. It made no sense to Delvakhan as they also seemed familiar.

Delvakhan was amazed as he turned around once they stood upon the plain how the hidden path they took was no longer visible to his eyes. It was certainly not a path he would recommend to anyone. Along the way they had lost the others, leaving it only Delvakhan and Burakani. Hasty death ceremonies were done as Burakani had no desire to stay in the mountains stating they were haunted with lost spirits, which he blamed for the deaths of the other Templars. Delvakhan only dismissed the beliefs as the focus of getting down the mountain claimed him.

True to the words told him, his Uncle Nohric was waiting another day south from where they departed the mountains. Relaxing in a camp just outside the shrine that stood there, thirty or so men just nodded when Delvakhan and Burakani approached. While none gave Delvakhan a second look, several looked a bit shocked at the fur clad larger youth that accompanied him.

“Templars of the Rakshar, I never thought I would see the day.” The man commented as he exited from his tent. “And you Delvakhan are the spitting image of your father. Come here lad!”

While the man opened his arms to receive him, Delvakhan felt no urge to respond in kind. Standing there taking the man in, no words found his lips. Suddenly he felt terrible uncomfortable, something inside of him pushing the man away.

“Hmm. I am right in guessing you are Delvakhan am I not?” The man offered instead a large hand in greeting. “I am your Uncle Nohric. But everyone calls me Red, so Uncle Red will do just fine.”

Delvakhan clasped the man's hand. It was easy to see why they called him Red. Hair wild and red covered his head and flowed seamlessly into his beard which fell like waves onto his upper chest. Shockingly the grasp was strong to the point he thought perhaps the man was part Rakshar.

“This is Burakani, a friend.” Delvakhan said quietly.

“The rest of the required escort met their demise in the mountains my Lord.” Burakani clasped the outstretched hand and explained himself. “It could not be helped, however Master Delvakhan has been delivered as agreed, completely safe.”

Delvakhan stopped and looked harshly to Burakani. “You were ordered to serve as an escort? What is this master garbage?”

“Easy my friend, while I volunteered, the others were assigned. Emperor’s orders Del.” Burakani’s eyes pleaded with him to understand.

“Easy there lad, all have a duty to perform. Nothing wrong with your friends being part of that duty. Come we have some things to discuss in private and I will need that letter you carry.” Nohric stated as he taped Delvakhan’s chest right where he kept the parchment.

Pointing to Burakani he continued, “You too, inside. Your task isn’t complete.”

Burakani only nodded and followed them in. Immediately Nohric held out his hand for the letter. To Delvakhan’s surprise, Burakani produced one as well. Taking the parchments, Nohric sat in a large chair and read them, motioning for the other two to take a seat in the other chairs surrounding a table. Burakani stood just inside the tent flap, just out of the light pierced through the crease.

Breaking the silence as he read Nohric continued to tap on the edge of his chair, releasing an audible sigh or ‘humph’. Setting down the one Delvakhan had carried; he looked at Burakani and started reading his as well. Periodically he would look up at Burakani only to raise an eyebrow and then continue reading.

Finally setting the second parchment down, Nohric sat in silences looking back and forth between Delvakhan and Burakani. When Delvakhan moved to speak, his Uncle only held up his hand to stop him. There was no denying there was a presence in his Uncle.

Whistling loudly, a smile spread across the man's face as a large dog came bounding into the tent startling both the boys. Obediently the creature sat as his side and placed its head on the man’s lap. Scratching the animal’s ears he spoke to it.

“Well Key, what are we going to do with these two?” The animal’s eyes looked up at its master then half closed as the man continued to scratch its ears.

Shuffling a bit in his chair, Delvakhan drew his Uncle’s attention to him. Offering a smile, he pointed to the second parchment.

“Says there you are to head north of here and visit your Emperor himself in a place called Tova. Can’t miss the place, it’s a huge city at the crest of a mountainous outcropping. Can’t say I envy you boy. Haven’t heard a peep or a word out of that place in more than a year.” He continued after a chuckle, “Pissed those Rhiyans off proper your Emperor did taking that city.”

“Why?” Delvakhan questioned, surprised to see Burakani shaking his head at him.

“Because his Emperor told him too and it’s not a request.” Nohric pushed the dogs head from his lap as he stood. “Around her we follow the orders of our leaders, without question. You didn’t learn this during your Templar training.”

“I simply asked a question.” Delvakhan barely finished the words when he felt the sting of the slap.

“Let me explain something to you boy. I don’t care what you have learned, you are still a boy and you haven’t earned the right to question me. But if you must question me, you do so with respect.” Nohric held a finger up to him as he spoke. “You will learn manners or you will find you don’t like me very much.”

Turning to Burakani the tension in his voice was still strong. “You have been ordered to do this alone. Tova is tightly guarded and watched, all I can say is may the light be with you. Rest here one day, you will be safe, then go.”

Burakani only nodded, his eyes still locked into Delvakhan, who got up from his chair, walked over to Burakani to place a hand on his arm. Only nodding, Burakani turned and left the tent.

“Sit back down Delva. There is more you have to hear.” When the boy hesitated he continued. “Get over getting slapped, you deserved. Not sit your rump down or this is going to be a painful journey Windra.”

Slowly Delvakhan returned to his seat, refusing to meet his Uncle eyes. His mother had struck him a time or two before, he remembered them well. However, none of the woman he had known among the Rakshar had ever raised a hand to their male counterparts; not spouses nor parent to child. For that matter he had never seen a male strike a female either.

“Your Templar training was only the first part. You are a bit over the age to learn combat tactics and social interaction, but it has to be done. As I think about it I am not even sure we can make it to Windra before Amadagu arrives to help determine the next Lord of Windra. To the shadows, you are old enough, read it for yourself.” Nohric returned to his chair and sat it in roughly.

Carefully Delvakhan read the message he carried with the strange seal of the ‘silence’.

“Barons of the South, when you read this my debt paid. The protection of Vakhan’s son is complete, as the training requested. Those that have journeyed with him should have their own orders, please see they are followed. If they do not arrive to you with Orders they are to die. This is without question.

If I have taken the Rhiyan city of Hammerhold, I will expect the forces of the South to secure its northern border, just as I expect the child to take his father’s place. His Templar training will make him part Rakshar and this is an alliance you will need. There will be an alliance only when the boy is of mature age, a Templar and the King of the South. If any of these are not true, an alliance with the Rakshar is simply not possible and you must resign yourself to you fate.

I have never learned who the second chosen is, but I will continue to seek him out. Each member of the Silence is simply required to continue to look and report accordingly. Always remember the Silence doesn’t report to me, it reports to the Timewalker. Though we are Lord, Kings or Emperors, we have sworn an allegiance to Xhuri and this must not be broken.

Once this is received send word to Hammerhold and we will begin our moving the folk from beyond the mountain. This time we must stop her rebirth and our efforts must be as one. For this I pray to the Light your young charge is not ignored or dead.

His Grace, Emperor Vrok, Chosen of the Light, Master of the Rakshar, bearing witness Empress Elidra.”

Delvakhan put the parchments down, shock clear in his eyes.

“I happen to know through other sources the Emperor Vrok is dead. We can only hope the Empress will honor the decree.” Nohric commented with his eyes closed. “We however have to prepare with or without the Rakshar. By the Light this is a mess.”

They could hear someone calling out Nohric’s name, followed by them bursting into the tent.

“My Lord Nohric, Rhiyans have taken Droga and push past Serpents Head bay on west!” The man was out of breath panting, almost doubled over. “The Rakshar have retreated to Tova.”

“To the Shadows!” Nohric cursed under his breath. “Have them break camp; we have to get my nephew to the gathering at Thor Syle immediately.”

“It has begun Delva. The war your father wanted to stop has come. We don’t have time for Windra; we have to get you to Thor Syle. If you have your father’s blood, steel it and be ready for the task boy.”

Chapter Thirteen

Echo’s from those surrounding the fighting pit could be heard throughout the village. Their chants and cheers seemed to echo loudly off the nearby mountains. However, in his lean-to as he prepared for his battle, the boy heard nothing. All throughout the day he had battled. This was his graduation. All of his peers were much larger and stronger than he. They were in fact an entirely different people, known as the Rakshar. Yet they were his family and his friends from the day he and his mother arrived, arranged between his father and Rakshar Emperor. Since the very first day they were treated as one of them. For twelve years he was taught their ways and now he had to prove he was ready. Burakani, his dearest of friends, was the favorite. He was also all that stood in Delvakhan’s way. They had fought together, laughed together, shared silence together and played. Today they would compete together. Never had he been so nervous. Never had fear held him so tightly.

“You are concerned young sire. Burakani is too I assure you.” An older man walked into the lean-to, absently testing the bindings on the armor of Delvakhan.

“No master, I am sure Burakani is confident as well as arrogant right now.” The young boy answered, almost laughing. “To make it worse, I am sure he knows I am like this right now.”

Grulan chuckled as he continued to test bindings. “You have been a wonderful student and could not be more ready for this. One day you will learn to have a real confidence about yourself. Your strength has served you well, but in this battle with Burakani it will cost you the fight.”

“Without my strength...” Delvakhan was cut off by his master.

“Without your strength you force your mind to think. You would do well to listen to it more. When this day is done, you will need it far more than any brawn.” Grulan turned Delvakhan to face him offering a hard but kind smile. “Worry not about questions today whose answers are writing tomorrow.”

Delvakhan couldn’t help but be confused. Snapping him out of his thoughts, he heard the announcement of his name and that of his family. It was his Rakshar family for it was not openly known that he was the son of Vakhan, but it was still his family as Vakhan and anything east of Dragonspine was an infants dream.

Grulan slapped him roughly on the shoulder and jogged toward the pit. Delvakhan squatted, pressing the binding of his armor and breathing deep, attempting to clear his mind and refocus. This was his graduation. He would no longer be a student and would earn his title as a Templar. Only his friend Burakani stood in the way. Already a Templar, he knew Burakani would not offer him any mercy.

With a slow purpose he rose and began taking long strides toward the pit, stretching his legs, feeling the blood course through his body. People parting to give him a path, his eyes locked on one thing; Burakani on the opposite end. He found no thoughts in his head, only a desire to win.

Taking his stance, he didn’t bother looking in the crowd for his mother, he knew she was simply too sick to attend. It was obvious to him she was dieing, although she wouldn’t admit it. Purposely he pushed those thoughts away and returned to a mental emptiness. His eyes locked onto Burakani’s and his mind exploded in thought. Realizing the sheer size of Burakani, Grulan’s message made so much more sense. If he attempted to overcome his friend with strength, Delvakhan would quickly lose the fight and he would have months to wait for a final attempt.

Quickly he began loosening the bindings of his armor and tossed his wooden weapon to the ground. Immediately the crowd began to laugh and make various less than flattering yells. Burakani shared in the laughter as he moved at Delvakhan, flickering his whip. The moment Delvakhan was in range Burakani lashed his whip forward wrapping it around Delvakhan’s neck. Falling to the ground from the snap of the impact, Delvakhan quickly jumped back to his feet as the tension around his neck increased rapidly. Instinctively his fingers curled around the weapon attempting to break it free from his neck... Without a second thought he ran towards Burakani. As the tension lessened, he took it into his hands. Inside him the excitement gained tremendous heights. Confusion crumbled Burakani’s face into a deep frown, only adding to his friend’s intensity. With adrenaline enhanced speed and strength Delvakhan snatched the loops of the whip and bound his opponent’s hands. Due to the decreased distance and the sudden pressure on his wrists, Burakani dropped the whip handle while Delvakhan pulled the strand from his neck.

Burakani struggled to free his hands, sensing his peril only to have Delvakhan step behind him and trip him into the clumpy ground. Using the extra whip length he wrapped it around Burakani’s ankles and then neck. The more his friend struggled, the more the whip tightened around his neck. Triumphantly and slowly, Delvakhan walked over and began putting his armor back on. A huge smile spread across his face.

An explosion of cheers escaped the crowd as Burakani became motionless. Casually Delvakhan walked over and released the main knot that held his friend. After a few moments his large friend woke obviously dazed. Realizing what had happened, he suddenly jumped to his feet and bear hugged Delvakhan. Laughing the larger young man teetered a bit.

“Defeated by a scrawny one!” He laughed as he spoke. “I am definitely your junior this day Del. I didn’t realize what was going on till you dropped me. I did think for a minute you were trying to taunt me like a woman.”

Laughing and shoving each other the made their way out of the pit and through the crowd, stopping only an instant to see the smile of pride on Grulan’s face. Ahead of them a feast awaited as the new Templars were celebrated.

****

She should have been there. It was a thought he couldn’t get out of his head as he made his way back to their home. Knowing she was sick didn’t stop the thoughts in his head. The twinge of anger simply wouldn’t leave him. He tried in quiet desperation to hide his expression before his mother could seem him. Yet as he entered the door, he knew his mothers eyes were on him, sharp as always. He watched her from the doorway for a few moments, her eyes sad as she beheld him; like they had been all his life. Delvakhan knew the story how she lost his father the day they arrived, and his eldest brother. He often had dreams that played out the scene even though he was only a baby when it happened. All faceless bodies playing out some play, telling him a history he didn’t understand or actually care to know. Yet always he would remember the terrible screams that came from his mother as she was given the news. Those eyes from that day were the same sad tearing eyes he looked upon this night.

“That is quite the furrow on your brow.” She started in her same quiet and yet piercing voice. “And at me no less.”

“It’s not you Mother,” he started while he continued to stand in the doorway. “It is so many things all at the same time.”

Deep frown lines creased her forehead as Xynari’s eyes almost scorned her son. “Now you lie about it, Templar. It is about me not attending your fights or graduation.” She paused as she sat up to catch her breath.

Her look refused to allow him to step away from her gaze. “You hold the anger of your Father’s death and your life here. It will consume you if you allow it to. Do not couple that with lying.”

“It isn’t the death, we all die. It’s the stupid dreams I have about something I shouldn’t in any way remember. This is about some stupid fight beyond the mountains. Why should I care?”

Fire lit in her eyes as a finger waggled at him. “You forget yourself and by the Light you should be slapped. Those are your people Delvakhan and you will return to them soon.”

“And if I choose to stay?” He already knew the answer as he finally closed the door and sat in his chair opposite of her, turning his eyes away and looking at the dying fire.

“You can't because the terms of staying here in safety are now over. You are a Templar, as your Father wanted and the Emperor Vrok agreed. There is nothing more for you to do but to return. You will abide by this.” Her voice was heated and strong.

Delvakhan poked at the fire and absently added another dried branch to it, watching the new plume of smoke writhe through the hole above it. “Master Grulan already told me the same. I already know this part. I get to have my life uprooted just so I can return to a place that is alien to me.”

“All about you is it? Have you once thought about what was given up for you? Your brother and father died doing what they knew was right for their people. You only care about yourself. My entire life, my family taken from me and my choice was blatantly ignored. But then I knew and embraced the fact my choice was to protect and serve my only remaining child.”

“For what Mother? For what?” Delvakhan never realized he had gotten up and moved to him until her arms were already around him embracing him.

“It is a choice I would make over and over again. To see you becoming a young man, you will fulfill your duty, as your father did. Tomorrow you will gather your things and you will leave. Your Uncle Nohric should be expecting you. You will do this son.”

Delvakhan knew there was no argument here; he had always been told his graduation would be met with his returning to his ‘homeland’. For days a part of him had some happy anticipation about it, but the rest of him hated what he had to do. While he knew he wasn’t Rakshar, he also knew he was completely unaware of ‘his’ people. The entire world seemed to be alien to him.

Eventually his mother unwrapped her arms and retired to her bed. For hours Delvakhan played with the fire until it began to sputter and die out. As a complete darkness filled the room he felt himself nod off a time or two, but in short order, light began to fill the room. Moving quietly he gathered his things, looked at his mother for just a moment, pushed all his thoughts away and walked out the door.

****
Letting go a deep sigh, Delvakhan sat up from his makeshift bed. Around him Burakani and the others still lay fast asleep. Yet another dream refused to allow him to enter a deep sleep. It was a bit different this time. There was far too much truth in the dream. They had only let their village a few days prior. Were it a clear night he would not have to strain his eyes to see the towers that speckled along the mountains. They were going to burn his mother as the custom of their culture, yet something in him found it too cruel for his sleep to continue. A suddenly bear like hand clasped his shoulder, shoving him forward.

“Another dream Del?” Burakani questioned. “Do you ever sleep at night? I often wonder who it is you angered to cause such a curse upon sleep. I simply love to sleep.

Delvakhan could only shrug as he often wondered the same. “My mother has died.”

Burakani didn’t hide the shock in his face. Awkwardly he commented. “You are just being odd Del, I am sure she is still alive.”

“No, she is dead. I can no longer feel her essence. I have to go back.” He replied.

“For what, they will send her off properly.”

Delvakhan lunged forward and grabbed Burakani’s loose tunic. “NO!” I will not allow them to burn her!”

Burakani knocked Delvakhan back roughly. “Do that again and I am going to knock you out for your own good. Calm yourself. What are you going to do if she is already burned? Not to mention I have no desire to make the climb already behind us a second time.”

“Maybe I wasn’t clear. I will carry her myself, I don’t care how long it takes, and she is NOT being burned. I will either carry her over the mountain or I won’t make it over the mountain.” Delvakhan looked directly into the eyes of his friend and calmed.

“If you say so Del. You never mentioned being bothered by the death ceremony before.” Burakani searched his friends face for some sort of understanding.

“It must be this way. As much as we are the same, we are still different. Something in my mind tells me she has to be returned to the ground.”

“The ground? Is the air clouding your mind up here? You don’t let something dead stay in the ground; it will curse and ruin the soil.” Burakani stated genuinely shocked.

“I will be back in a couple days, go on or wait; it’s all the same to me.” Delvakhan stated as he stood up and began gathering his pack.

“Del I have never known anything about my mother other than she died at my birth. But you know for the Rakshar death is simply a part of life. You have to remember that, it is part of being a Templar.” His friend offered Delvakhan a sad smile.

“I’m going to bury her. I will be back in a few days.”

****
Tears fell from his eyes and were immediately absorbed by the earthen dirt. Deeply his fingers dug into that same dirt. He told himself he was prepared to see her lifeless. He was sadly mistaken. Delvakhan could smell the oils and herbs they placed all over her body to prepare her for the death ceremony. He couldn’t bear to see her burned and refused to allow them to continue. Many had sworn at him with threats of their old legends of the dead haunting the lands when they weren’t prepared for death properly. With an angry glance they retreated from the young Templar and left them at the grove he walked to. All he could hear was his own sobbing and the soft patter of his tears as they hit the soil.

Carefully and delicately he wrapped her body in a white cloth as she instructed him years prior when she first had gotten sick. As he finished his tears fell in greater force. Sorrowfully he dropped his head to her chest and held her close. Heat still seemed to escape from her body, almost as if it were embracing him on final time. Delvakhan took comfort that somehow it was here. There was so much he had wanted to say to her the day of his graduation, yet couldn’t seem to get the words to come out. Finally he lowered her into the whole he created. Quickly he began covering her in the dirt until the mound crested over.

Returning to their home, he began preparing for the second half of the death ceremony; burning everything else she owned. As he rolled her bedding, he found a scabbard sword partially dug into the ground. Carefully he pulled out the blade and examined it, shocked his mother ever had something like this in her possession. Strange symbols flowed from hilt along the dull edge all the way to the tip. Light almost seemed to permeate the blade as he held the hilt, feeling the weight of the weapon which felt heavy and light at the same time.

With the door opening, he carefully put it back into its scabbard, setting it aside and continuing to make his preparations. Delvakhan already knew it was Grulan. He was sure a lecture was coming about him leaving so early in the morning without saying anything.

“I still don’t want to speak about this.” Delvakhan turned to look at his master and teacher.

“There is a lonely curse when one decides to be alone. However I am not here for any reason but to be sure the rest of the ceremony is followed. And I have something for you to take to your Uncle Nohric.” Grulan handed Delvakhan a rolled parchment with a strange seal holding it closed.

“What is it?” Delvakhan asked while he looked closer at the seal.

“It’s from the Emperor himself. I have no idea the contents, I would not question him. It is also not for you to read, only your Uncle. Those are the instructions that come with it.”

“I have seen the Emperors symbol and this isn’t it.” Delvakhan carefully tried to seen inside the ring.

“Boy that is not for you to read.” Grulan stated harshly. “As for the seal, it’s the sign of the Silence. A special group of people that serve the Emperor.

Delvakhan stood a bit in shock. All Templar only knew the Silence existed and any duty they were on was not to be interrupted, talked about or questioned. They all assumed it was just another fable used to aid mystery to their otherwise simple world.

“There is one more thing Delvakhan. You need to take that band off.” Grulan pointed to the band that encircled the young mans upper arm.

“Why I have always worn it.” Delvakhan questioned.

“Because it’s a Rakshar ceremony and one that will not serve you well beyond the mountains. There are many things there so different you will find yourself lost. That band will cause some people much concern. Keep it, don’t wear it.” There was seriousness on Grulan’s face that almost startled him.

Pulling the band off, he rubbed the area, feeling a bit naked without it. Resolving himself, he grabbed the sword and moved past Grulan. Suddenly he felt completely alone in the world, as if he was shoved into the cold. The cold he had wanted, but didn’t want to be pushed into. Anger grew line a stone around his head.

As he moved toward the mountain, Delvakhan looked back and saw flames growing around his home. There was only one thing that was clear; he would never return. Not by choice, not by force.

Chapter Twelve

Three days prior Amadagu had left a single book on the atrium table for her. Mora knew she was alone, Tagor had not written in his tome, which too was gone now. The druid told her she would have the time and peace to read at her pace. It was a volume she had seen before although some of the symbols on the cover were different. Radiating of magic, the book waited for her. Regardless of what her heart wanted to do with the book, she knew her mind had to read it. Placing her hand gently on belly, she took a seat and began on the first page, reading the Boh Modrin.

Without form or purpose, the three wondered the universe and danced with the stars. None of the three knowing where they would end as they admired and counted the stars in the sky. There unknown and unseen force pulling the three, they could only call it The One. Each could not resist nor did they want to as they began to culminate at one star. Finally giving in completely their desires began to manifest into a new world that seemed to cry out to them for life and thus it became life.

As they touched the moist soft soil, a transformation began within them. Formless shapes began to define themselves with arms, legs, hair and skin. Eyes surveyed the landscape; hands felt grass and ears heard the winds while lips kissed the air. Individually they traveled into different directions, exploring every place upon this new world, created of their essences. Nothing escaped their senses, every cave, waterway, mount, plain and every single spec of soil was seen by their eyes, touched by their hands and kissed by their lips. Without word their bodies began to shine, dimly at first yet growing to an intense and blinding white glow. In a sudden flash, the planet shook, the mountains trembled and their clouds dispersed for the birth of the Gods had come to pass.

From his birth Xhuri whose heart was filled with reverence for all things touched by his breath both physical and spiritual. Next to him came Rhiya whose heart filled the longing to control all it would create. Last was Pegalious, with a heart filled with the desire for growth and life itself.

Xhuri was the first to step forward and speak in his deep thunderous voice. “I am Xhuri and my children shall be known for their love and respect for the lands that surround them. The trees, the waters, the winds, the spirits and the very soil they lay their heads upon shall know and keep creations and know they are my children.”

With the finalization of his words, he pulled a strand of his soft brown hair from his head, spat into his palm, slapped his hands together and threw them into the air. As the mixture touched the soft ground, a swirling tempest raged and then receded. Thus the first of the world were given life and the life of the world embraced Ur.

Following her brother, Rhiya spoke, her voice was powerful and songlike, “I am Rhiya and my children shall control and show no weakness to the lands they walk and the lands below. The trees, the waters, the winds and the soil, they will crush under their feet and the lands will know their masters. The very air they breathe shall tremble and bow before them for fear of my wrath.”

Saying this she pulled a fingernail from her hands, cut her palm and slapped the mixture together with a fantastic flash of light. A pillar of fire growled and scorched the earth burrowing deep into it. Once it abated giving life to Minoc and the world shuddered.

Pegalious spoke last his eyes twinkling and a smile pierced his lips. “I am Pegalious and I shall create, but only if I am allowed to add something to all the creations that spawn from our lips.”

Slight taken aback by his request, Xhuri and Rhiya stood paused for a moment. Knowing they could not deny their brother, they gave their approval and blessing. Immediately Pegalious pulled a flake of skin fro his arm and a tear from his eye.

“I give life to my beautiful creatures of flight. To them and all the races that are born of our wishes I give the everlasting gift of choice.”

Putting his mixture together he spread it across the waves in the air watching it mix and mingle in the currents. Before him with a mixture of thunder, lighting, fire and wind, the ground was pummeled. Shaking and coughing in fits that shook the world, finally it took rest and the world smiled upon Daelis.

In outrage, Rhiya struck Pegalious, knowing her control over her creations was no longer complete. “You have doomed us to a death! If they do not believe and follow, we shall cease to exist! What have you done?” She screamed at him.

“Because it is what is right my sister.” Pegalious bowed to her as he spoke. “All things should have choice.”

Immediately Xhuri forgave his brother, seeing the wisdom in his works. Yet this only increased the growing rage of Rhiya to the point her form began to change and mimic her creation Minoc.

At that moment the world knew death as Rhiya lunged at Pegalious, ripping his physical form apart with her demon claws. With each slash she screamed and spat blood upon her already dead godly brother.

Spinning in blood lust, she charged after Daelis and Ur, only to find Xhuri standing before her in defiance. In blinding speed, he grasped her into a bear hug, pinning her arms and legs, whispering into her ears, trying to calm here. Wildly thrashing about, the air crackled under the power of her will, only to be negated by Xhuri’s.

“If you seek death, continue by beloved sister. Already this land is cursed in turmoil for Pegalious’ death. There can be no more or this world will be lost in death.” Xhuri pleaded with her. “You are forever cursed with is death, a pain that will torment you for eternity. Let there be no more of this between us.”

Finally shoving him away, her face showing the defeat, the Goddess Rhiya levied her curse. “There will be hatred betwixt my peoples and all others. Each will know they are the slaves of the people of my life. This pain shall endure for all eternity upon your essence Xhuri.”

For the entire age of the Gods, Rhiya rampages and ravaged the lands. So great was her destruction almost all of men began to follow her, seeking refuge from her wrath. Without warning, Rhiya left from the faces of man and slept thus giving birth to the Age of Races.

Every self aware creature and manifestation from the skies, the grounds surface, the waters and the world below the soil multiplied and grew. With that growth knowledge and society itself gathered its foothold. Throughout the world various races and creations began to mix and breed causing an explosion of population. In this, the bitter words of Rhiya took hold.

Groups of men and woman began to hunt and subjugate the other races of the world, offering tributes and sacrifices to Rhiya. Entire races, cities and cultures were wiped from existence as the earth continued to billow forth more of her demonic creations. While she slumbered, Rhiya’s power grew as nearly the entire world spoke her name threatening to blot out her brother Xhuri. Thousands upon thousands took organized arms against the world, led by Minoc.

Only Ur stood against them, rallying more and more to Xhuri’s Light as he called it. Finally hearing his please, Xhuri himself walked the world showing all there was another way. Speaking of the horrid death of his brother Xhuri caught the attention of Daelis and her broods, who began to carry the banner of Xhuri.

With this struggled between what was now called good and evil a small few chose not to choose and began to develop the written words and refined crafts beyond anything already understood. From every race throughout the known these few began to keep records, a history of time of all they saw and every event that occurred. None could determine how some of the incidences where discovered, however it was all put into words and stored in bound volumes and tomes. This was the first step in to the Age of Enlightenment and also the beginnings of the Race Elders.

Within the age of Enlightenment, knowledge grew at incredible rates. The creatures of old tales, myths and legends were proven. Herbalism and alchemy entered their infantsy. It was rumored that some learned this from speaking to Daelis and her broods that dwelt far to the west, among the soil the gods first walked. Yet others agreed it was Daelis and her dragons that shared the knowledge, it was so the other races would destroy one another in vengeance for some past wrong.

Armed with their new understandings and abilities, the races only grew hungry for more. Bickering began of who was better at what arts. Struggles even amongst those not already fighting started to grow and manifest. Fear created treaties and alliances between families, clans and eventually the races themselves. The first major treaty was the Ixon Vaein or the Mutilated Alliance. The uniting of the most viscous creature races gave all other pause, but none so much as the united creatures of the Hnor forest region. A short passage of time witnessed the slow steady destruction of the creatures of the forest begetting the splitting of the creatures. Soon the conflict grew and grew till it threatened to encompass all surrounding races, regardless of their deity. In response those not a part of the Mutilated Alliance formed the Valaresha, or Holy Treaty. The sides had been drawn and almost all were either the Ixon Vaein or they were the Valaresha.

Daelis, previously holding back her hordes released them upon the world. Those in the Ixon Vaein and the Valaresha predominately followed Rhiya. In her rage and before the races could even begin to realize what was at hand, they found themselves on the brink of complete annihilation. Each and every formed city was a shell of blackened and crumbled stone. The races could do nothing but defend what was left and fight to their deaths, crying out to Rhiya. Yet no response came from the slumbering God. Some then turned their cries to Xhuri. However he too had retreated from the world leaving those of choice to do just that, choose.

Not a sole believed they would live when word spread like wild fire about an organized army that fought back the dragons and their attacks. With those that used their ‘will’ to create magic, dragons by the dozens were being defeated; all under the leadership of Minoc, Rhiya’s anointed. At Eagles Pass the army led by Minoc defeated the larges of the dragon hordes causing Daelis herself to retreat.

Stories passed through the night like a dream shared by all. With each new tale, the legend of Minoc grew, filling the people with hope. Both the Ixon Vaein and the Valaresha were dissolved as they united under Minoc, continuing to push back the dragon broods. Even the defeats they met no longer broke their confidence as they refused to end their push.

In the final battle, the collective dragon broods totaled ten thousands against Overlord Minoc’s army of two hundred and fifty thousand. All races and creatures other than the dragons stood in his army. It matter not if they were human, demon or some other mixture, they stood united against Daelis’ broods.

Dawn broke in the clutches of battle and lasted into the night. As the sun rose the following day, it was greeted in silence. No one knew exactly when the battle ended, but all knew it was over. Not a single dragon flew the air and those that lay wounded on the blood soaked ground were laid next to their fallen kin. Most believed all the dragons had perished, but there were those that saw and knew several had gotten away. None would hear their words. They felt the fought the battle of existence and won. There could be only celebration.

A year long celebration drew to a close, the realization that all races needed to work together to rebuild that which had been destroyed, became clear. Out of those collaborations emerged new alliances, treaties and friendships. Some old feelings stayed but were awash with the goodness and shunning of the masses. The Age of Kingdoms had arrived.

Bursting with energy to help all those that suffered in the war, it became clear leaders were needed. Soon vast lands and the creatures that worked them were separated into kingdoms as determined by Minoc, according to his terms. The largest was retained by Minoc. All others gave to him freely and crowned him Emperor and thus began the reign of the Rhiyan Families.

Quickly the kingdoms not ruled by the Emperor’s direct blood began to bicker. Carefully and under the terms of protecting the lands from magic and all that was mystical, Minoc created a ministry that paid tribute to Rhiya. Those that refused were stripped and placed into work camps. Entire races became servants. Other sought refuge at the far reaches of the kingdoms, beyond the control and power of Minoc. The people of the world were broken again.

Settling some of the discontent Minoc married one of the mystical women that once lived in the Hnor forest. Michala gave Minoc five children; Seom, the twins Hakan and Ahryn, Shimshal and then Kunellos. From the moment his first born Seom was born, he began the construction of a great library which didn’t finish until his final child Kunellos was born. Gathering the entire world’s knowledge, he stored it in the great library. From this library Minoc ordered those already gifted to hone those gifts for the betterment of the kingdoms. There was as short peace between the kingdoms as all came to visit the library and learn from the knowledge there.

Peace ended ten years later when Ur, Xhuri’s first creation arrived to visit the library. After a heated argument Emperor Minoc was found mysteriously dead in the library. Ur was blamed. Discovering Michala and Ur were of the same family, Michala was banished by Michala while Ur was hunted. Although Michala claimed Seom was witnessed killing his father, Seom, Minoc’s eldest was instantly crowned Emperor. Discovering his father was killed by magic, all magic throughout the kingdoms was declared illegal. Those gifted were brought to the library where Seom personally destroyed them with his own magical powers.

As each of his siblings came of age, he removed the ruling family of this kingdom of the next and placed them in power. The library itself was closed to all but the royal family. While Seom and his siblings continued to learn and grow in their power, magic throughout the kingdoms began to disappear.

Two years later one named Amadagu came to visit the Emperor Seom, bartering for freedom for Michala to return to her children and home. A peace was bartered and Empress Michala returned. Seom immediately took her as a wife. Kunellos, youngest of his siblings rallied his brother Hakan in an assault against his brother and Emperor. Immediately they were stripped of their titles and positions not only in their kingdoms but their place in the Ministry as well.

Amadagu, Kunellos and Hakan each disappeared the day of their executions as Seom believed the visiting druid had orchestrated the rebellion. Sending execution teams throughout the kingdoms, the three were never found.

Empress Michala died giving birth to the child of Seom. From her dead body, Seom awoke the sleeping Goddess Rhiya, plunging the world into a new era of terror and pestilence. Granting him even more power after awaking, those that didn’t believe in Rhiya began to feel her wrath as she and her people ravaged everything west of the Great Library. Those that did not submit were destroyed.

Meeting her forces at the tip of Serpents Head, Ur, Amadagu and Daelis lead a charge of tens of thousands of people and creature in one wave after another against the Rhiyans. Each side fought so intensely the mounted dead reach such a catastrophic level; the count was halted at five hundred thousand dead. All assumed if a member of a family were to go to fight, they would be dead. Death rituals were preformed all day and all night.

For the second time in the world’s history, those that had the power of magic played a strong and decisive role in history. Kunellos armed with a sword forged by Amadagu and Ur, drove through the masses, protected by his own magic and beheaded the twisted form of the Goddess. As her blood feel upon soil her essence was witnessed screaming back to the Great Library. In a deafening explosion the cataclysm of her demonic blood tearing through the earth opened the lake of Serpents Head and pushed its frothing waters all the way south to the great southern sea. The dust in the air, the boiling water of the lake continued for days, creating a defining split between the kingdoms and the other lands.

Mora closed the book, unable to read anymore as anger filled her thoughts. She had now read two different stories of how the families came to be. But this was the first time she had heard Seom had killed the great Minoc. She wanted to believe this version was a lie, but there was a denial of Ur in her version. Always she had known about Amadagu and Daelis, never was a connection made between the great Empress Michala. Additionally it was always told to her Michala was Seom's wife, not also his mother.

Mora paused once again resting her hand on her belly. Feeling the child kick she realized history was attempting to repeat. Joliel anointed or not, was copying the actions of the first Seom. He was going to try and bring Rhiya back and had intended Mora to be the vessel. What else could be the reason for his actions? Creating his own stronghold, diving deeper into magic than anyone she had ever seen.

On thing stayed strong in her mind; she was no ones puppet. This he would learn.

Chapter Eleven

Day after day she sat next to the young man as he scribbled almost endlessly in a language she didn’t understand. Page after page were added to the tome which always stayed opened and ready for him. As she watched him write, she couldn’t help he wasn’t much younger than her. Their differences however were stark and rather shocking to her, however subtle they may have been to others.

He never spoke to her, nor did anyone else. She ate well. Each day she was allowed as much time as she liked to bathe and dress herself. Every meal was delivered by a robed servant who offered only a smile. Before the atrium she stood at now was a vast library with more books than she had ever seen. The histories she was fond of reading were not the ones she was familiar with. It was as if she lived in a different time or place. Too often it left her mind swimming.

While she longed now for some kind of conversation, the mending of her wounds were still fresh in her mind. The recovery had been long and rather painful. Innately she could sense there was magic about, it wasn’t used on her. Every wound had to recover on its own. Many times she had set bones or had her own placed back in the right order to have one from the Ministry finish the healing with magic. None of that was offered here. Only very recently did her leg feel strong enough to begin some exercising.

Mora’s need to hone her body was strong, but her thirst for the knowledge in the books proved stronger. While she worked her body to keep it limber, there was zero desire to return to the rigors she regularly put her body through. She was happy to note she was still extremely quick. At one point, the man writing dropped his quill only to have Mora catch it before it hit the floor. Deftly she caught it and tossed it into her other hand, setting it gently in front of him.

He gave her a smile and a nod, the most conversation she had in months. Staring at his writing she attempted to understand the words he wrote, yet in the end it was all a bunch of symbols that seemed to have no rhythm or structure to it. Early curiosity had led her to looking through the books haphazardly attempting to find something that would explain it.

Getting up from watching him right, Mora walked the atrium again. She found it odd it brought her a peace she didn’t understand. Such things had never affected her in the past. In fact she remembered a general disdain. Walking slowly, she found herself patting her stomach, finding it odd to see herself doing such. A deep frown pressed her forehead. She was never foolish and the growing bulge was not lost on her. She was with child. Regardless of how, she found some strange comfort in the knowledge she would have a child.

There was something different about it all. How could she deny she was certainly not within the Rhiyan realm? The slightly different phrases used in her readings led her to believe she was in the southern part of Terra. Any other time that would have given her a sense of angst, again she found only comfort. None made sense to her.

Stirring in the air, she turned expecting to see the man writing in the tome to be leaving. Instead a new person had walked into the atrium. Dressed in a dark robe, almost black, she recognized the image of a druid. While she hadn’t seen one in years, it was hard to miss a follower of the Timewalker.

Wonderment filled her as she realized she was reading what some called the ‘true history’ of Terra. There was an entire group that was dedicated to keeping accurate records of the events that passed. Mora however understood any writer held a bias. She stopped when she saw a pair of eyes staring at her behind the cloak. Part of her wanted to trust the eyes, but for years she had only contempt for those that followed the Timewalker.

Pulling back the hood and offering her a smile, Mora took a few steps back. Everything that ran through her mind stopped cold and begged her to run as far away as she could. Her sensibilities returned; there was no where to run. Yet standing in the atrium with her was a man with a face she had seen on statues. Was it possible the Timewalker himself was there?

“Yes.” He answered calmly, still smiling and waving her to a cushioned bench, where he took a seat. “Come let us chat a bit.”

Slowly she made her way to the bench and sat, careful to not get too close to him. Mora’s mind was filled with thoughts she couldn’t understand and frankly didn’t want to try. A bitter enemy of Rhiya, there was not a single Rhiyan that didn’t want to personally offer the head of the Timewalker in tribute to the Goddess. Yet, even as it was with her, sitting next to him there was no strength in desire to carry out the old lingering desire.

“I want to apologize for making you endure the pain of your recovery. It was however necessary.” He began with his piercing eyes never leaving hers. “There is an order to things and sometimes even I have to abide by them. But not often.”

He offered a chuckle to prompt her to his humor. Mora felt none, only an unreasonable fear of the unknown as to why she was the guest or prisoner of the Timewalker.

“Amadagu is more proper than Timewalker. I get rather loathsome of that name. It was one I have never wanted.” Still he smiled and refused to look from her. A part of her was started at the jitteriness she felt realizing he was rather striking in features and attractiveness. Suddenly, as a slight rose color filled his cheeks, she realized he was reading her thoughts.

“That is rather rude.” Mora commented before she could stop herself.

“Indeed, but often a necessary deed. As you have found a voice, I suppose I should stop that now.” His smile pressed on his lips and a kindness was offered in his eyes.

Absently she stroked her slightly bulging stomach. Dropping her eyes she asked, “I know it’s his. But I can’t be happier about it.” She stated.

“Not that it’s his, but that I am having one. I had forgotten as a girl how much I had wanted a child.” She corrected herself as his expression changed, offering an arched eyebrow that seemed to judge her.

“Any child has it own chance to be something more, less or equal to those that brought them into the world. There is just as much of a chance the child will be like you as it will be like him.” Amadagu commented as he looked down at her belly.

“There is no comfort in that.” She stated quickly.

“Rarely is the truth comfort.” Amadagu responded immediately. “Truth simply exists. The only way to prove it is to see it remain unchanged. But you aren’t worried about the child being like him.”

“I don’t see how I am any better to bring a child into the world.” Mora stated before she could stop the words from spilling from her mouth. A horrible guilt filled her as she thought about what kind of life the child would have considering its parents.

“That is entirely up to you and what your wants are.” He began to explain. “If your loyalty is to Rhiya, this child will be a demon as the goddess is. If you wish something else, that too can be provided.”

“This is why I am here. Because you want something of this child or of me.” Mora looked away from the druid.

“No, you are here to recover in safety. Anyone tossed into a whoring pit deserves better. Tagor over there saw you in a vision. We acted on that vision of someone dying without any dignity and well, I interfered.”

“Why?” She questioned with remorse.

“Because everyone, well almost everyone deserves some dignity.” There was sadness in his eyes as she lifted hers to look at him again.

“I have done terrible things to people. I deserve no such dignity.” Mora stated with tears heavily in her eyes. From her side view, she watched the man writing in the tome suddenly get up and leave.

“What do you want Mora, from this moment forward what do you want?” The fierceness in Amadagu’s eyes made her pause and really thing about his question.

How could she explain she had no answer for such a question? Life had always been set for her. Rise to the top of the Ministry and upon Berric’s death become the head of the Ministry Council. Things were simply a fog to her. A child of all things. A dream of a young girl coming true under circumstances she still shivered about in fear and loathing. There was nothing in Terra she could see that would be any form of answer. A land torn between factions. A place where survival was all that counted and everything else was simple fantasy.

“I simply don’t know that answer. I really don’t think such answer are simple or easy to explain. Is there a simple word for that?” She questioned.

“Life.” Was all he offered.

“Life? Are you that naive? A slave has a life, a whore has a life, and a king has a life. But that really isn’t an answer is it?” She suddenly spat back. “It’s not enough to just have a life. We have to have a purpose, a reason for what we are, no matter how simple or complicated that may be.”

“What purpose for this child then Mora?” Amadagu pushed.

“To be free to choose!” She suddenly exclaimed. “To make all those choices for itself.”

“That is the same thing I am offering you. A choice and chance to be free to follow what you like. If that is to return to the Ministry, then it shall be. If not, then you have some other options.”

“I am listening.” He offered a kind smile and took her hand. To her surprise she had no desire to pull it away.

“Mora, if you have this child away from the ministry, I can promise you it will achieve some form of happiness. In fact if you wish it, there is a peace for you here as well. In the years to come, I will send you orphans, you must protect them and teach them here. Once your child is of age, they get to choose to leave this place or stay and teach.”

“It will not be easy, many of these children are or have been running for a long time to stay away from the Ministry. Eventually you will have to teach one that has the potential to destroy the entire Ministry.” Amadagu continued. “You would be doing this in atonement to the people you helped persecute on behalf of Rhiya.”

“Why would you wish this from me?” She could sense there was something he wasn’t telling her. Yet everything in her wanted to accept his offer.

“Because you are best suited for it. I have no doubt you still hold a battle prowess that several of these students, if not all, will need to learn. Your understanding of your culture is without a doubt a valuable asset. But know this, it requires a dedication and a sacrifice. I spoke to you the very first steps months ago when Tagor and I pulled you from the pit.”

Mora tried to clear her mind as it spun at the thought of what was being offered. The simplicity of it scared her to death. Never in her life had anything been offered without a terrible cost. Most of the times had she known the cost she would not have taken the offer.

“What you are asking makes no sense.” More finally stammered out. “I know battle and honestly my taste for it has gone away. That bastard took it from me!”

She broken into heaving sobs. Yet she found comfort in the arms that wrapped around her. Dropping her head, Mora buried her face into his chest.

“That is the penalty of guilt Mora.” He said softly to her, holding her against her sobs offering his comforts. “Nothing can change what is, but what can be, that is within our grasp to change. Or at least attempt it.”

Amadagu paused then continued. “There is another choice. I can send you on your way and you can forget about this place and leave life into the hands of chance. Where you would be free from other worries here, you would have to fend for yourself once you left. But know this, to give you clarity of choice, you do not have a time limit on when you make your choice. Simply make it when you are ready.”

“You already know my choice don’t you Amadagu?” She questioned between her sobs. Whether he answered or not, she couldn’t be sure as all sounds were lost in her crying. But Mora already knew her choice. There wasn’t another she could make.”

****

“The child of Vakhan is to be the Lord of Windra.” Amadagu announced to the group of men before him.

For days they deliberated on who would be the Lord of Windra and King of the South. Each of those days, Tagor explained his visions causing uproar each time. Many took out their frustrations on Tagor because they refused to do such at the Timewalker.

Before they arrived, there was already a consensus on who it should be and it wasn’t Delvakhan, son of Vakhan. Vakhan had a reputation of being a fair and just man, quite the opposite of his son. Del wasn’t terrible, yet held very loose morals and his fairness left a lot to be desired. It didn’t help that since his father passed, Delvakhan was running into a bad habit of getting loans and such from the other Barons to keep himself at a level of luxury that caused all to question his motives.

When Amadagu put in his call as a tie breaker to raise Del to the title of Lord of Windra and King of the South, there was a silent and then not so silent outrage. It was then to explain his reasoning, Tagor was brought forth as a true Seer of future events. Amadagu had tested the man thoroughly before he began training him.

In order for a Seer to be true, they had to speak in the eldest of languages known as the language of Divinity, only bestowed upon those granted true visions, regardless of the Deity they followed. The pictured language caused the electing party to pause and then burst into more arguments.

There was nothing Amadagu could do to get them to see the light of the choice. It wasn’t Delvakhan he was interested in, but rather what would follow, if they followed the vision.

“The Seer has written it true and without interference. Additionally, the King of the South will become the personal charge of the Seer. He will always have my council. I trust and will follow the vision.” Amadagu’s voice filled the air, stopping all other discussions.

“The final complete bloodline will have to be nurtured and not ignored. I wrote the Boh Modrin, I know what it says.” He continued defiantly. “Every piece is in place, the Seer, the teacher and the Silence. It is through Vakhan’s bloodline the war will find its end.”

“Amadagu, there is no guaranty of this. You have said so yourself. There is no war, just silly skirmishes and the like. Would you have us in fear of this react irrationally? Was that not why you originally set up this group? So there was no undo influence?”

“There is no other selection I will accept. The Lord of Windra is Delvakhan, this circle has fulfilled its duty. Fealty to the King of the South or be scattered to the winds!” Amadagu suddenly announced knowing none would challenge the official decree.

Albeit slow, all saluted; “Fealty to Delvakhan, King of the South!”

Toward the back of the room a young man walked confidently to the center chair and took his place. Delvakhan, Lord of Windra and King of the South sat with a cocky smile on his lips. At that moment, Amadagu paused to wonder about his forceful choice. Giving him more doubt, the young Kings voice filled the room;

“Now let us see the best way to finance an attack on the Ministry. My father’s death will not go unpunished.”

Looking to the Barons, Amadagu closed the Kings mind to his thoughts. Walking away with Tagor at his side the Druid could only think about it all and shake his head. For the first time in an eon, he seriously doubted his decision but rested his faith on Mora and the task before her.

Chapter Ten

“Is that what you want for me to be just like you? Attached to this religion and this God without a thought or without merit?” Joliel’s anger burned heavily in his eyes and he stood in front of Mora. “I have seen more than you could see or understand. I have seen the source of it all.”

Agony was heavy in her face as she struggled to remain standing. “Joliel, I am here to help you.” She struggled. “Please, allow me to help you.”

Joliel laughed in a haunting voice that would turn the most courageous of warriors into creatures of doubt. “You don’t even realize you are here because I wanted you hear. Tolin is not in control anymore, nor has he been in some time. You are here because I wished it. Berric is dead because I wished it. Vrok is dead because I wished it. Tolin will be dead soon, because I wish it.”

Casually, keeping a smile on his face, he walked around her, patting her head as if she was a toy, the moment she finally crashed to her knees.

“You do realize, Tolin knew I would ‘dispose of you’. In his way, he helped me understand exactly what I would do to all of you.” Carelessly and intentionally he tossed the message he received from Tolin at her. As it bounced off her head and fell to the ground he laughed again. “You were sent here to die. Make no mistake you will die. Power is not meant to be shared, merely used for a single purpose. The Ministry and your games are over. If there is to be order, it will be from my hand and all will be subject to me.”

Mora suddenly jumped from here feet and charged him. Just in time he ducked from her telegraphed blow. But there was something new in the air, he could feel it. Someone was interfering with his control over Mora. A new strand floated around him trying to choke back his power. It was strong in its own right, but not to the intensity of his own.

Quickly he moved his thoughts and lifted his voice higher as he lost his vision to his gift of will. The embers and strands giving life and form to Mora were easily sequestered a safe distance from him, entrapped for now. With tremendous zeal and power, he moved to purge the new strands from all around him. He never noticed them before they almost had him strangled.

It wasn’t one, but many, focusing together to attempt to breach him, but he found the source and guide to the other powers; Tolin. With quick motions he began to unbind the strands protecting the High Priest. As each strand was destroyed, he could feel the tremor of the power wane. Joliel knew, wherever they were, Tolin’s support was dieing. Finally he found him, encased in dozens of others. Striking quickly, spanning both spiritual and physical, he pulled Tolin to him.

Opening his eyes to the physical world, Joliel found his hand buried in Tolin’s chest, seemingly merged into his flesh. In his still existing fingers he felt the man’s pulsating heart, increasing its beat both in fear and pain. Tears streamed down Tolin’s face from the sheer pain. All around him the powers of his disciples continued to weaken and falter.

“I am not your puppet High Priest. I am the face of death for you.” Joliel almost spat in Tolin’s face.

“You are but a child, this power is unnatural for one of your age. What have you done, what have you taken.” Tolin spoke in halted breaths struggling to breathe.

“I am Seom reborn. You should have known that. You have attempted to control what you are not even aware of.” Joliel squeezed his hand tighter, suffocated the heart by controlling its beating. “You have always been my puppet I am not yours. So many things I didn’t understand until I began to explore my own powers. Your Ministry has held too many secrets. Secrets that should have died long long ago.”

“But only together.” Tolin started, “can we keep the Ministry together and her troops loyal.” Regularly his head dropped as he struggled to stay alive.

“You are a fool priest. The Legions are already loyal to me, only waiting for my arrival. Each has seen and knows me and will see me for who I am. The power of Rhiya is not one for the blind. She blesses those that act on her behalf. With all of you she is sorely disappointed. I am now her anointed and as such, you will all suffer the Shadows.”

Losing his vision into his power yet again, Joliel drove the tendrils of his power throughout the high priests mind, ripping from him every thought, memory and secret. Beyond he could hear the sound of the High Priests screams as his bones and skin cracked and split against the intrusion. Nothing was hidden from the boy, in moments everything was stripped away from Tolin and became part of him.

With every memory he stole from those around him, starting with Visrook, Joliel aged. As he stripped Berric’s thoughts at his moment of death and now Tolin’s his body responded as well. Growing out of time through the infusion of knowledge and life, his body strained, yet he understood. He was absorbing not just their memories but their life essence. Committing them to the Shadows, he was actually committing them to him, absorbing them like a darkness that could only grow.

It was the gift he was promised, the future he saw in his dreams and finally he understood. He was indeed Seom reborn, first creation of Rhiya and her human avatar. He was himself the embodiment of the Shadows, gateway for Rhiya herself.

Once again returning to the physical, he found he could even more easily move through them. Using his voice was no longer needed as his power responded to his becoming without any theatrics. Yet even in that he could see the source; Blackroot, his own personal temple to Rhiya. Joliel’s temple was her gateway back to the physical.

The sobs at his feet broke his attention. Standing taller than her remembered, he saw his own hand, older yet still his, reach down and grab the sobbing woman’s hair. Lifting her harshly to her feet, but not releasing her hair, he yanked her head back so he could see her eyes. Mora was completely broken before him.

“My Lord, forgive my ignorance and my pride. If I had known, I would never have allowed such to be. I thought I was in service to our Lady.” She begged. “Surely I may prove myself and regain the confidence of her graces.”

“Oh you will stay in service. And when that service ends, you will end your own life.” His voice seemed to scream through the walls, causing her to shrink back, yet still restricted by his grasp upon her hair. “You will enter the Shadows and you will be fed upon. But first you will serve to bolster her great Legions.”

With a cruel smile he drug her behind him, making his way down the halls of Blackroot.

****

Assembled in mass before him, the Legions of the Ministry were organized in file and rank. Half a dozen generals, all bearing the smoky symbol of Rhiya against a golden background, took a knee and looked up, focused on him. As Mora was finally released from his grasp and he held up his hands, a salute was heard from all of the Legions;

“Seom of Rhiya!” They recognized the anointed of the demon goddess.

“Loyalist of Rhiya, our time has come. Released are each of you from your bonds of blindness. To all of the cities you will guaranty their loyalty or destroy them. It matters not. The south will suffer for their insolence and those that have taken Hammerhold will pay with servitude. The Ministry Council is dead as is the fallacy it commissioned.” Joliel’s words took on their own life. “To ease that which you have suffered, this whore is now yours.

Kicking her like a dog, Joliel pushed Mora away from him into the crowd. Screaming out she fought against those that took her.

“You were my soldiers, trained by me in service. Release me.” Her words fell deaf upon their ears.

Her words were met with a sudden brutal strike into her cheek. Reeling backwards she lost her footing. Immediately she was struck against by several fists as an entire squadron encircled her. Each she knew, it was her personal guard. Without dignity her garments were stripped from her body, leaving her exposed. With extreme malice she was fondled and groped, each being met with a new outcry from her.

Being spun around, her eyes found Joliel and the horrendous smile upon his face. As she moved to attack him, her personal guard grabbed her arms and legs and forced her to the ground. Keeping her exposed, each obeyed only the commands given by Joliel. To her horror in front of all the Legions, he loosened his garments and knelt between her legs. Everything from there became a blur as her eyes were squeezed shut and her voice screamed out.

“This is the price of failing.” It was the last thing Mora heard before her body finally gave out and collapsed.

****

Murky smells filled her nostrils as her mind continued to grope in darkness. The cold danced along her skin, reminding her she was still naked. Lingering pain remained on her nose. Lifting her hands to her nose to test the skin, she found herself bound, barely able to lift the clasps. As she attempted to flex her fingers, she knew several were broken. Finally touching her nose, she felt the coldness of metal. A hoop had been pierced through her skin. Still tender to the touch, she left it alone.

Mora was still in Blackroot, it was a smell she would never forget. It smelled of death and decay, a smell she was familiar with but yet it had become alien to her. She knew Rhiya and all those that worshipped her were familiar with death and the power it gave. Never one for the religion itself, she always relied on her physical powers. It was something Joliel had taken from her.

Painfully she took an accounting of her body. Quickly she realized the horrid state she was in. Beyond her fingers, at least one leg was broken. The piercing pain when she attempted to breathe in deep notified her of the broken ribs beneath her skin. Still seeing blackness even though she was certain her eyes were open let her know she was terribly swollen or her eyes had been blinded. Carefully reaching up and touching the grossly spongy skin, Mora remained hopeful once the swelling dropped she would see again.

For hours she remained unmoving trying to catch some type of bearing. No sounds entered the room nor did anyone come with food or anything else. Feeling warmth she thought perhaps there was some sun suddenly upon her. Yet as a lingering pain stayed between her legs, she realized she had relieved herself. Behind all the other pain, she never noticed the urge, nor did she maintain control of her normal functions.

Wincing from the pain as she breathed deeply and sighed, she once again fell into a slumber. In her mind her last thought was a hope to simply pass to the Shadows, yet in a dream she felt, a pair of arms, strong and warm, gently lifted her.

“Go, ahead of me, you are not ready for what I must do here.” A voice whispered.

“She was tossed away like garbage. Who would do such a thing?” A second voice exclaimed struggling to keep the tone hushed. “That wasn’t a vision, it was a nightmare.”

“Now Tagor, go. She will succumb to the shadows soon.” Strange splashing sounds echoed softly away from them. Mora attempted to look at the sounds as she found herself lost in the dream.

“Easy now.” A voice soft and warm whispered in ear. “If you want to live you only need squeeze my hand. But living comes at a cost and a choice. All that you have known will have to end and you must renounce what you were. It is terrible for me to ask this of you now, but it must be your choice. If you understand squeeze my hand.”

With everything in her, she gave the order to her hand to squeeze. Every fiber of her being screamed out in agreement, yet her body refused to respond.

“Good. Easy Mora, I have you. I am sorry for your pain and the more you will endure for your choice.” The voice seemed to encase her pain holding it tight to her. “If you agree to live, you must squeeze my hand again and know tomorrow will begin the most difficult journey of your life.”

Again she told her voice to scream and her hand to squeeze beyond the pain wracking her body. Immediately somewhere deep within her she felt a terrible cold stretching out. Her pain deepened as a cold wind whipped at her skin. Over and over again she screamed out unable to escape the pain tearing her apart. She could feel the arms still around her but also felt as if she were moving. Unable to fight it any further, she collapsed with the sense of drowning in the winds around her.