Bastion

by Kyle West

  She kept herself from saying anything more, and she fought the urge to cry.

  Presently, she felt a presence in her mind. It wasn’t Alex, though — that much was clear.

  She opened her eyes and stepped out of the Sea.

  Who are you?

  I am the one who Called you.

  Anna looked at Quietus, but Quietus wasn’t privy to the words entering her mind.

  You aren’t Alex.

  Would you have come had you known I wasn’t?

  Betrayal stabbed Anna’s heart. She had been cheated of seeing Alex, and a burning anger consumed her. Alex couldn’t have known about this.

  You used me.

  I do what is necessary.

  You still haven’t answered me, Anna said. Who are you?

  I am the only hope for the human race, the mysterious voice said. I have seen the future, and it is grim. Without guidance, the people of Earth will fall when Xenofall comes again.

  That gave Anna pause. The next Xenofall was not for another almost four hundred years. It would take that long for the Radaskim to send their new invasion force, if Quietus’s past revelation was true.

  How can anyone know the future? Anna asked.

  Perhaps I can just show you?

  Before Anna could say anything else, all went dark.

  * * *

  Anna stood in a forest. Trees with straight, silver trunks shot into the sky, what seemed to be impossibly high. Despite their height, their boughs grew in such a way that blue sky could clearly be seen above. The blue sky shocked Anna most of all. It had been years since she had seen one, and to see it from the earth took her aback. A thin veil of mist hung over the shadowed forest floor, interspersed with patches of xenofungus.

  A stream trickled nearby, and in front of her, the land sloped downward.

  Anna followed the stream, and it wasn’t long before she came to a trail. The trail was well-worn, though its narrowness told her that it was only used by people and not any sort of vehicle.

  As she walked down the trail, the serenity of the forest flowed through her. Birds sang in the trees, and the sound of the wind was calming. The aroma of nature was thick and deep, a smell she had been denied almost all of her life living in the Wasteland.

  What was the voice trying to show her?

  Ahead, she could see a break in the trees, and somehow, she knew what he wanted to show her was beyond them. The last of the trail passed quickly, and soon, she found herself out of the forest.

  And gaping in awe.

  Before her spread a vast city, dominating her entire field of view. Towers and turrets made of a strange, luminescent material shot into the sky, gleaming silver and green in the sunlight. Interspersed with the buildings were giant trees, even larger than the ones of the forest. The trees and the buildings seemed to perfectly complement one another, and arched bridges connected the buildings like lacework. Surrounding the city were fields that grew rich, bountiful crops — there were grains, vegetables, orchards of fruits and nuts.

  There was something strange about the city, though, and it only took Anna a moment to realize what it was.

  It was empty.

  It stood to reason that she couldn’t see anyone inside the city itself, but on the single, wide road leading out of it, there were no people, either. Neither were there people working the fields, nor the orchards.

  “Is this it?” Anna asked. “Is this what you wanted to show me?”

  This is the city of Hyperborea, the voice said. The heirs of Samuel will construct it, two hundred years from now, in Ragnarok Crater.

  Ragnarok Crater?

  They will use the Sea of Creation to create their fields, their gardens, their buildings that reach the sky. But in the end, it will be their undoing. And perhaps it will be the undoing of the Elekai.

  How do you know all this? How can you see the future?

  I know many things, Anna. The power of the Xenofold can work outside of time…though admittedly, its methods of prediction can be inaccurate. Although, you can take this vision for truth.

  You’ve never told me who you were. How can I trust you when you baited me to travel all this way?

  The voice went quiet, seeming not to have an answer for once. Anna waited for what seemed an eternity for him to respond.

  Your husband trusted me, the voice said at last. And it was because of me that he learned that he must accept the mantle of godhood to defeat Askala.

  Anna remembered what Alex had told her — that defeating Askala was not simply a matter of infecting her with the Elekai version of the xenovirus. In a sense, he had to become her. Maybe he hadn’t meant to become her, exactly, but he had certainly meant to supersede her and become what she was — essentially, the Xenomind of the Great Blight.

  “You’re the Nameless One,” Anna said. “You were the one who helped us enter Ragnarok Crater in the first place. Why didn’t you just tell me who you were to begin with?”

  Because I knew you would come to that conclusion yourself.

  Still… Anna thought. What was it you wanted to show me?

  Many aspects of this future cannot be changed. But some still can. If the people fail to remember the past, then Earth will fall. I wish to give the Elekai — the only Elekai who gained a victory — a fighting chance when the Radaskim Reapers come again.

  It was supposed to be four hundred years. That means we have three hundred and ninety-six left. That should be enough time to stop them…right?

  It should be, the Nameless One agreed. But for one thing.

  This city? What do they do that’s so bad?

  The power of the Xenofold is housed in the Sea of Creation and the Sea of Destruction. The two Seas, working in tandem, produce the Point of Origin, and within it lies all Elekai thought, memory, and power. But the Hyperboreans — the heirs of Samuel — will commit a grave error. They will tap into the Sea itself, and use its ichor to build their city.

  The ichor that composes the memories of the Elekai?

  That is correct. And unless they are stopped, the Heirs of Samuel will destroy the entirety of the Great Blight. The Elekai will be defeated long before the Radaskim ever arrive.

  If this is all true, Anna thought, then what do you expect me to do?

  What do I expect you to do? I expect nothing. I am merely unveiling the future of humanity and the dragons before you. Do with that information what you will.

  Anna looked at the resplendent city and could only wonder how to change the course of the future. Indeed, looking at the city, it did look like something out of the future, but instead of being based on metal and machines, it was based on xenolife itself.

  I’ll do what I can, Anna said, but I still need more information.

  More will be revealed in time. It takes time for even my power to gather future viewings such as this, and I hope that you can find a way to preserve them. I hope you can become an intermediary between myself and the Elekai. You must do all you can to preserve what you have seen here and write it down to be kept in perpetuity. If humanity fails to remember the past, then your doom is self-sealed.

  The vision of the great city shimmered, then faded.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  I WOKE TO FIND IT still dark. More of Anna’s past was the last thing I needed — I didn’t want any additional stress after the massacre at Nava Village.

  The startling revelation of my dream only compounded my anxiety. Through Anna’s eyes, I had seen the city of Hyperborea. Already, the image of it was fading, as dreams so often do, but Anna knew about Hyperborea before it had even been built, and the Nameless One had revealed it to her. Though he had warned her about it, the city was built, anyway. If Anna had written of it, could they really have not heeded the warning?

  Could it be that the Prophecy of Annara contained Anna’s viewing of Hyperborea? I still didn’t know enough, but I did know that Isandru would need to be told, but that might be hard given the present circumstances.

  Because it w
as still dark, I went back into a dreamless sleep.

  * * *

  When I awoke, the first of the morning light streamed through the upper window. Isa and I got ready before heading down to breakfast. The mood was quiet and grim. I noted that many of the Champions, including Garin, were absent; likely, they were either guarding the Sanctum or the village. Elder Tellor was absent from the Elders’ table.

  Breakfast was served as usual, and as everyone ate, they kept glancing up at the Elders, expecting some sort of announcement.

  At last, the Great Hall quieted as Chief Elder Arminius stood. Despite everything that happened last night, his wrinkled face was stoic, and his gray hair and beard made him seem almost grandfatherly. The only sign of distress was the tiredness in his brown eyes.

  “We don’t know why we were attacked,” he said, at last. “The Mindless are only known to attack settlements close to their aeries. This tells us one of two things: either the normal behavior of the Mindless has changed, or that there is a Mindless aerie nearby.”

  This comment was greeted by distressed murmurs, but they were soon dispelled when Arminius continued speaking.

  “We have our finest Champions scouting for any possible location of an aerie, since that’s the most likely option. To believe that the Mindless would raid a village hundreds of miles from their usual habitat is beyond reason, bypassing even the northern Samalite holds on the way. When we find the aerie, we will destroy it, of course, using the full power of the Sanctum. The Sanctum and its environs are ours, and have been ever since its founding. With our Champions guarding the skies, there is little reason to fear. If only three dragons attacked, the power of this aerie cannot be great. We regret the loss of life among the Navans, and even now, our Clerics work tirelessly to tend to those who can be saved. As such, your normal lessons might be canceled if your instructors are otherwise occupied. I encourage you to use this time to focus on your studies, and to help where it is necessary.

  “Despite this attack, I still believe the Sanctum is a safe place. Far safer than anywhere for a hundred miles. Given the threat of the recent reversion, and now this, it is all the more important that we train hard and do all we can to protect the Red Wild — our Elekai inheritance.” His eyes scanned the crowd, and it seemed as if he was looking at me. “You may all return to your duties.”

  Isa and I split directions, and I could only wonder if my usual lessons with Seeker Garin would take place, given that he was gone. My question was answered when I walked out in front of the Sanctum to find Martin and Aela taking it upon themselves to instruct us. We went out into the Grove, finding a nearby meadow where it was common for people to practice their forms. Losing myself in various blade sequences was a momentary distraction from the madness. Isaru was there — apparently, he had been in the library the entire time, which I found unsettling. I didn’t see how he could consider studying more important than letting everyone know he was safe. At the same time, I realized I should have guessed he was in the library. When he and I sparred, he seemed distant and off his game, and it wasn’t hard for me to get the better of him in most of our duels.

  Oddly enough, the rest of the day passed peacefully, and as the hours passed, things seemed to quickly return to normal.

  It was while I was eating dinner that I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Isaru.

  “Have you had a chance to get to the library yet?”

  The question confused me at first, but I realized he must be talking about whether I had opened Judge Kais’s book yet. It had been a few days since I’d checked it — we’d only had one other meeting since our first, where nothing of note was really shared.

  “No. Why?”

  “You should go,” Isaru said. “I hear Sage Alan’s examination will be especially difficult.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “I’ll be sure to study.”

  He turned away, returning to his table.

  “That was strange,” Deanna said.

  “A little,” I said, looking at Isaru, who was now silently eating his meal. The meeting was supposed to be tomorrow, and I knew I should have checked the book earlier. I hated going to the library because of Seeker Haris, who was always a pain to deal with.

  I quickly finished my meal and hurried to the library. I would be a little late to my work in the kitchens, but if Isaru said I needed to go, then I had to trust him.

  I went into the empty library, going for the corner where Kais’s book had been stashed. I found it easily, and opened up to find two notes inside.

  The first was from Fiona, dated from three days ago:

  I must leave the Sanctum for a while. My friend invited me south to discuss that thing we talked about. I hope to both speak with him and do some research myself. I don’t know how long it will take, but if I had to guess, no more than two weeks. I suggest one final meeting at the same time and place. If I don’t hear back from either of you, then I will assume that is agreeable.

  — F

  The next note is from Isaru, dated today:

  F, S…I know you are both probably busy, but I suggest we meet earlier. Tonight, if possible, same place and time. I feel last night, added to what I’ve recently discovered in the library, warrants an earlier meeting. If neither of you arrive, then I’ll assume the meeting is still on for tomorrow. Otherwise, I will be waiting.

  — I

  I hurried back to the kitchen, earning a reprimand from Roland, and set to work. Everything was cleaned and squared away within the hour — tonight’s preparation hadn’t made a mess of things. I headed for the Grove, and by the time I reached Old Silver, Fiona and Isaru were already there waiting.

  We each stood under the tree for a moment. Since Isaru had called the meeting earlier, we waited for him to start.

  “I think I’ve found a possible location for the Prophecy, and it’s not Colonia.”

  Fiona blinked in surprise. “Where? Did you find something in the library?”

  Isaru nodded. “There are so many books in there that some probably haven’t been read for decades. I found such a book concerning the history of the Samalite people. It’s called Trails of the Exiled.”

  “Never heard of it,” Fiona said.

  “It’s a large book,” Isaru said. “And it’s written in English. Hand-written, that is. It looked a little out of place in the stacks, which is why it caught my eye. It’s more of a travel journal than anything else, written by an anonymous author. The author had to be educated, though, given that it was written in English.”

  “And it referenced the Prophecy’s location?”

  “Not directly, but I believe that the Samalites had the Prophecy in their possession when they went north to Ragnarok Crater. Tradition states that the Samalites were led north by the dragon Tiamat, the son of Askal and Quietus. But at least according to this book, the Samalites didn’t encounter Tiamat until they were halfway to Ragnarok Crater.”

  “Why is that important?” Fiona asked.

  “According to the text, the Samalites only knew to go north because of the Prophecy of Annara. Apparently, she had seen visions of an Elekai city in the Crater, and the Samalite people were traveling north in order to fulfill that prophecy.”

  I felt a chill at those words. They were all too familiar, but I decided to keep my silence for now concerning my dream. It would have been terribly ironic if the Samalites went to Ragnarok Crater to build Hyperborea. That would not have been Anna’s intent.

  “So, Anna knew about Hyperborea, and it was part of her Prophecy,” Fiona said. “At least, according to this journal. You think they were using the Prophecy as a guide, and if they had the Prophecy with them, then that Prophecy would be in Hyperborea.”

  Isaru nodded. “That is correct.”

  “It’s not enough,” Fiona said. “Is this journal corroborated by anything else?”

  “Yes,” I said. Both Isaru and Fiona looked at me, seeming surprised that I knew something for once. “I had another vision last night.”<
br />
  “Of Anna?” Fiona asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “If true, it would help validate what Isaru is saying.”

  I proceeded to tell them everything about my dream — how Anna had gone to the Crater to speak with the Nameless One, along with the prophecy he had shown her concerning Hyperborea.

  “It was a bit different with what I saw, though,” I said. “Apparently, Anna wanted to stop the city from being built, but from what Isaru is saying, the Samalites went to Ragnarok Crater simply because Anna mentioned it in her Prophecy. Could there really have been such a miscommunication? Had she never mentioned it, the city might have never been built to begin with.”

  “An incredible coincidence, that you would dream that,” Isaru said.

  “It does seem a bit incredible,” Fiona said. “It can’t be a coincidence…”

  “They had to know about the Prophecy,” Isaru said. “And they probably had it with them, or at least a copy of it. Such a priceless artifact would have been protected at all costs.”

  “Elder Isandru doesn’t think the Prophecy is in Hyperborea,” Fiona said. “Could he really be wrong?”

  It was hard to imagine the Elder being wrong, but if what Isaru had researched and what I had dreamed was true, then all signs seemed to point in that direction.

  “Of course, if the Samalites were only taking a copy, the original could still be in Colonia. Isaru and the Elder could both be right.”

  “That’s a good point, Shanti. The Prophecy could be in either Hyperborea or Colonia, or possibly even both.”

  “Perhaps we should show the book to Isandru,” Fiona said. “He might not know about it.”

  “I see him tomorrow, so I’ll ask him then,” Isaru said.

  If the Elder knew about the book, then he probably also knew that the Prophecy could be in Ragnarok Crater. The fact that he would still consider going to the Red Bastion before Hyperborea was a testament to how dangerous he believed the Crater was. Though Isaru’s discovery was interesting, to me, Elder Isandru’s words held more weight.