“I’m guessing that’s not all you needed,” Saffron joked from where she lay across from the half-fey. She smiled and wrestled Dyphina’s toes with her own, then looked up at Be’naj and bit her lower lip as her expression grew more serious. It was like she was daring Be’naj to look back at her, to see her body exposed and willing and still maintain the reserve not to act—
“I’m going to trance,” Be’naj announced, trying to push such thoughts from her head. “The rest of you should sleep as long as you need to recover, then we can continue up the Mountain.” She left the three women to dry out and enjoy one another’s company, instead looking for where Thaelios had gotten off to.
Be’naj found him sitting cross-legged under the fronds of a giant fern half-way around the lake. She headed for him, stopping at a respectful distance so as not to intrude, then assumed the position herself and started to clear her mind.
Be’naj’s subconscious mind never strayed far from thoughts of Saffron as she tranced. By the time she emerged, she realized that her earlier behavior was only running from something that she wanted because she was scared. She had crossed a continent to find Saffron, and loved her, and now it appeared that Saffron wanted to be with her as well. She was no longer an adolescent, and Saffron wasn’t the eladrin boy who’d played such a hurtful trick on her.
Summoning her courage, she arose and headed back to the beach. Thaelios was no longer nearby, but she didn’t bother looking for him. Instead, she walked to where the women had fallen asleep on the sand, both relieved and perhaps disappointed that Saffron had dressed again before nodding off.
Be’naj knelt and gently shook Saffron awake, then held a finger to her lips when Saffron started to ask a question. Not wanting to wake the others, Be’naj boldly took Saffron’s hand and led her toward the waterfall with the carved-out hollow behind it.
The crushing weight of the falling water grew louder as they approached, but she wasn’t sure that it made more noise than the rapid beating of her heart. After looking back to make sure the others were still asleep and they were unnoticed, Be’naj led Saffron carefully over the wet rocks and behind the waterfall.
It was too loud now for talk, but she sensed that Saffron understood her intent. They stood facing each other for a couple of deep breaths before Saffron pulled her hand from Be’naj’s grasp to cup her cheeks in both palms. Saffron leaned forward and pulled Be’naj’s face toward her.
Be’naj was led willingly, and closed her eyes just as her lips parted slightly to meet Saffron’s. The instant they touched was electric. A latent hunger took over, and they kissed desperately as if afraid the moment would never come again. Be’naj’s hand found its way into Saffron’s hair, and she used it to push Saffron’s head forward, as if somehow they might find a way to melt into one another. They kissed deeply until both had run out of breath, and when they finally parted they were panting for air.
Be’naj breathed raggedly for a moment, wanting to say something to express how this moment had instantly made the rest of her life make sense, but her head was spinning and she couldn’t find the words, and then suddenly they were kissing again.
Saffron’s hands went down to Be’naj’s armor and Be’naj’s did likewise to Saffron’s. They both struggled blindly finding a way to disrobe the other, unwilling to break their kiss again. The attempts proved futile, so they eventually parted, simultaneously deciding it would be easier for them to each take off their own armor.
“Ah-ahem!” The unnaturally loud sound of Thaelios clearing his throat came from deeper in the cave along the bending waterfall. The Eladrin soon appeared from his concealment, walking closer to make himself known. “I was, uh, just exploring the falls earlier and I, well, didn’t want to see something I shouldn’t.”
Be’naj felt her face bloom with the heat of a thousand suns. She quickly looked herself over, making sure her body was not accidentally exposed.
“I noticed from my vantage that the others had risen, and thought it might be time to be on our way?” Thaelios continued, speaking loudly to be heard over the deafening water.
“Of course,” Saffron replied, recovering her wits first. “We should probably discuss our plan for when we return to Elisahd, no?” She looked to Be’naj as if including her on the discussion would erase the sight of their carnal pursuits from Thaelios’s mind.
Be’naj managed a nod, then waited her turn to step carefully across the slippery rocks as they exited from behind the waterfall. An awkward silence hung over their walk back to the others, mitigated by the roar of liquid descent.
“There you all are!” Dyphina said as Be’naj, Saffron, and Thaelios rejoined them on the beach. “Investigating the falls, huh? This place is from out of a dream, yes?” At least she didn’t seem to have any suspicions about what they’d been up to, which relieved Be’naj.
“Before we go,” Saffron said, “this might be a good time to talk about where we’re headed when Hiruth Jeshu sends us back to Elisahd.”
Thaelios murmured agreement.
“As Shecclad explained, we’ve got more than the cult to worry about. While they certainly must be stopped, it sounds like Be’naj is the only one of us who may be able to thwart Hadrian No More’s plan to descend our world into permanent Shadow.
“We’ve been through a lot together,” she continued, looking specifically to Dyphina and Thaelios, “but I keep coming back to the same answer: in order to save Elisahd, we’re going to have to split up.”
Be’naj watched the faces of her companions as Saffron’s words sank on. One at a time, Dyphina and Thaelios nodded, though the former kept her head down afterward.
“I’ve been preparing for that since we left Ishmere,” Thaelios admitted.
Saffron placed a hand on Dyphina’s shoulder until the woman raised her eyes. “I wish it weren’t necessary, but there’s simply too much ground to cover. Be’naj needs to find the Touchstones, and I’m going to stay by her side.”
Dyphina forced a smile. “You should.”
“We’ll take on the Name of the Beast,” Thaelios assured with unusual certainty. “Once we’re back at Blackfeather Perch, I have no doubt we’ll be able to strengthen our cause. Even Iliana might be willing to help,” he smirked.
“I do think you should return there, but not until you’ve gone to Selamus first,” Saffron said. “Criesha promised to enlist Jaiden Luminere to our cause, and he has plenty of resources at his disposal to give you aid. Willem the Shaper lives in the palace as well and might be a valuable ally – he corresponded with Cauzel, after all.”
“So that’s it, then?” Dyphina asked. “I’m going with Cauzel, and I suppose Rhazine will stay with you and Be’naj, seeing as how you’re the only one she understands.”
Saffron nodded. “I’ll make my way back to the Perch as soon as I’m able.”
“We’re not saying our goodbyes yet!” Be’naj asserted, feeling the early sting of oncoming tears. “Come now, we’ve got a mountain to climb. Four more times,” she added with a laugh.
She gathered her pack and let Saffron lead the way toward the break in the rocks that would bring them outside the Mountain. The flora looked different at the base of this layer – more like a jungle. Numerous birds called back and forth, and Be’naj caught their colored plumage as well as some curious, monkey-like creatures amongst the high canopy.
The change from one peak to the next kept the journey from being monotonous, even though it felt like they were continually starting over. The view was different each time they ascended the slopes of Mount Celestia: one layer held a golden metropolis sprawling across the valley beneath, another hosted a great sea, stretching to the horizon. On the fifth layer, the clouds acted like prisms, casting rainbows across the sky at numerous angles. Finally, after stopping to sleep a few more times, they reached the temple of Hiruth Jeshu, built into the mountainside of the sixth layer.
It was the only time they encountered any structures upon the slopes. Indeed, they had not ev
en seen another Celestial since leaving Grennald on the first layer, until they neared the temple. Aasimar stared at their approach, but none confronted them. Upon the stairs, they were greeted by a violet-haired Aasimar who bowed before addressing them.
“Fair returns, mortal guests. I am Athendra, servant to Hiruth Jeshu, may His light shine forever. He sensed your presence and bid me bring you to Him.” Athendra was slim, but well-muscled and fair, just as all the Aasimar.
“We are honored to have another audience with your Lord,” Be’naj replied and bowed. She followed Athendra into the temple and her friends came behind. The sound of string instruments, far-off yet omnipresent, hung in the air as they approached the Sanctum. A pair of Aasimar, flanking the double doors, each opened one of the portals, allowing a blindingly bright light to escape into the greater chamber.
Be’naj continued following Athendra but had to shield her eyes until she was inside the smaller room, where the radiance suddenly became bearable.
From his throne, Hiruth Jeshu gazed upon her with kind eyes. She remembered that others had seen him differently, but she saw an ebony-haired man with smooth, caramel skin. His eyelids and fingernails were painted bright silver, and when he moved his arms, they trailed vibrantly colored motes of light.
“I, I can see you now!” she exclaimed. “Before, your visage was blinding.”
“Something within you has changed, my child. I wonder, did you find the answers you sought from the denizens of the Lower Planes? I hope the patrol of Celestials I dispatched on your behalf facilitated your quest.”
Though he seemed to be speaking to the group, Be’naj felt like his eyes were trained solely on her. “Yes, my Lord,” she responded. “Arinome and the Aasimar gave us the protection we needed to infiltrate the Abyss. We are sorry for the losses suffered on our behalf – there is one in particular who has fallen beyond our reach that we were hoping you could help recover.”
“Speak your request, Child of the Mountain.”
Be’naj swallowed the lump rising in her throat. “Our friend, Palomar, was sent to an unknown layer of the Abyss by the Cyclone. He is very resilient and I’m sure he’s finding a way to survive, but could use help. Is there any way you could send him succor, my Lord?”
Hiruth Jeshu stood, clasped his hands together, and descended the few steps down from his dais before responding. “Alas, Be’naj,” his voice became even more calm and soothing. “I have no power over the nether realms. The Abyss is beyond my reach, and I can no longer see Palomar.”
Saffron stepped forward. “Is there nothing that can be done?”
“His soul is sacred and will be honored, just as every Celestial lost. We will look to others to rise and take his place, as is our way.”
“But he’s Palomar. No one can take his place,” Saffron objected.
Hiruth Jeshu eased into a toothless smile. “I do not expect you to understand – we do not stress the importance of individuals here. We are interested in the improvement of souls and can celebrate Palomar’s achievements while not losing sight of those who remain.”
Be’naj couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She assumed the Aasimar might hold a wisdom to help deal with loss, but this sounded like they’d forsaken one of their own. It felt like her chest was constricting around her heart. Was Palomar so unique among the Aasimar? She was certain he would not cease searching for any of them until he knew they were safe. But she didn’t see how they could find Palomar on their own, nor stop the threats against Elisahd while crusading on the Aasimar’s behalf. She envied Rhazine, who was at least mostly unaware of Palomar’s sacrifice.
Saffron’s face was also painted with disbelief – if she had any more words, she was keeping them to herself. Dyphina stepped over and wrapped her arms around Saffron, leaning in until their heads rested against one another. In the silence that had taken hold, Hiruth Jeshu returned to his throne.
“I’m afraid I have more unwelcome news for you, Be’naj. The soul of the one who fathered you is no longer upon Mount Celestia. He most likely perished in battle against the Tanar-ri or Baatezu. I am sorry you did not get to meet him.
Be’naj was already so bewildered, she wasn’t sure the news changed anything. “I see.”
“If you found what you needed, I presume this audience includes a request to return home. Have you given thought as to where on your world you would like me to send you?”
After no response from Saffron or Be’naj, Thaelios cleared his throat. “We were actually thinking we’d like to split up.” He looked to Saffron, who nodded, before continuing. “Dyphina and I would like to visit the palace in the human city of Selamus. And the others ...” Thaelios deferred to Saffron again.
“We would travel to the mansion of the Circle of Twelve in Zeblon,” she said, straightening and stepping out of Dyphina’s grasp.
“But we promised the Wolfspider we’d never return. Won’t that put you in danger?” Dyphina asked.
Saffron remained resolute. “We’ll have to risk it. Without Cauzel to lean on, they seem the most likely to know something about the Touchstones. There are twelve of them, after all.”
Thaelios raised his eyebrows and tilted his head.
Be’naj had only heard stories of the Wolfspider from the others, but she was confident she’d be able to protect Saffron from the ruthless guilder.
When no one else added anything, Hiruth Jeshu raised his hand. “Very well. Join hands with those you are traveling with. Have you been to these places before?”
“I have,” Saffron answered. She took stock of the others as she reached out to Be’naj and Rhazine. “But I’m the only one who’s been to both.”
“Then close your eyes, Lady Saffron, and picture the palace.” Hiruth Jeshu waited as she obeyed. “Good. Now, imagine the abode of this ‘Circle of Twelve.’ Excellent. That should do nicely. You may open your eyes. Are you ready to go?”
Saffron twisted her head to address the other group. “Don’t worry, we’ll see one another soon. I believe in you and wish you success.”
“Yes, may you all stay safe and bring safety to Ifelian,” Be’naj added.
“Don’t take too long,” Dyphina cried back. “And take care of each other.”
“Good fortune,” was all Thaelios uttered.
Then, after a final nod from Saffron, the stonework of the vaulted Celestial temple disappeared.
Chapter 14
The Ruins of
Rinn-Rhulian
A nnoxoria knew that, if he had to wait even a single day more, Thuvian might literally start climbing the walls of the castle. He’d tried to practice patience while waiting for her to heal, but the combination of Sepathia’s overdue vengeance and Izefet’s unanswered treachery had left him paranoid and anxious.
Though still sore, Annoxoria’s own seething at the half-fiend turncoat’s betrayal seemed to have fueled her recovery, and she was confident in her ability to travel after several weeks of rest. The downtime had provided an opportunity for her to parse through a number of scenarios in her mind, as well as for the laborers to repair the damage to Nightwing Castle.
It was obvious all along that Izefet had coveted the Living Fire, but she’d never been able to determine for certain why. After reflecting on the sum of their interactions while lying in bed, however, she finally started piecing things together.
Izefet had admitted, even flaunted his connection to Hadrian No More, and after seeing Gullagion in Thuvian’s throne room and the dweomercraft of the Living Fire kraken statuary, she believed it. The relationship he hadn’t been forthcoming about was the one with Sepathia. With the thralls they’d already encountered in the valley, she had to consider that the two had been working together for Thuvian’s demise and maybe more.
Pereen Guillory, the spymaster, had found evidence that members of the Name of the Beast had not only infiltrated Pasaxtree, but had been operating within Drachenmark. She knew one of their agents had wormed his way into Cauzel Blackfeather’s tower
as well. Although she found the idea revolting, she’d acknowledged that the cult had probably found a hold inside the castle – all the more reason to employ misdirection going forward.
Izefet the Damned had tried to change the subject when she’d brought up Rinn-Rhulian, and his body language betrayed his professed ignorance. Annoxoria didn’t typically pay credence to ghost stories, but she knew of the legends surrounding the ruins and didn’t dismiss that there was something to them. She’d felt the power of the place personally, and knew the Ellafous considered the site sacred and watched over it, though none lived there. Perhaps Rinn-Rhulian held more secrets than they had already discovered.
Investigating the ruins would at least give them something to do instead of waiting for Sepathia or the half-fiend to act. Like Thuvian, she favored conquering over cowering. She’d nearly finished packing for the westward trek into the next valley, where the ruins of the abandoned eladrin city lay well-hidden by the undisturbed growth of nearly as ancient trees. Reaching Rinn-Rhulian would take a couple of days, for the way was too steep for a conjured steed, and crossing the mountain was never easy. She wondered what had possessed the Eladrin to choose such a spot in the first place.
Annoxoria’d stowed a couple changes of clothes and enough food to get them by, but she knew Thuvian could hunt or forage if they needed more. She entered her private study to retrieve a few spell components, but stopped when she saw the Living Fire statuary sitting on her desk. It seemed to stare at her, the imbued ruby winking with a knowing light. Obeying her impulse, she grabbed and stuffed it into her pack before buckling its top and vacating the room.
She hurried down to the courtyard where Thuvian waited for her, yet taking care on the numerous stairs so as not to aggravate her injury. Leaving before dawn, they planned to keep their journey as secret as possible lest a spy leak news of the Castle’s vulnerability. Only a few chosen individuals had been told, and they’d been left with a list of excuses to give others who inquired about the Lord and Lady’s whereabouts.
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