Diligently following custom, Razkaul waited patiently for the words of the Prophet. Like all who reside in the Aelaa, he knew that the Prophet’s words were held to the highest importance among the Empire. Himself included, the Aelaans believed that the Prophet was the mouthpiece of the gods, and his words as their speaker were tantamount to their own. That aside, Razkaul held a personal respect and envy to the man who could be in direct contact with the Aelaan gods themselves. The Prophet leaned to Razkaul’s ear to deliver the words that were seen as the collective will of the god’s.
The elderly man began speaking into Razkaul’s ear. The Prophet’s age even showed from his voice, it was so soft spoken and silent, that the Emperor simply had no chance in hearing in. After the Prophet had finished speaking silently into the Chosen one’s ears, Razkaul diligently lifted his head up before beckoning to those waiting outside the room’s door to see the Prophet out. The Prophet’s servants quickly entered to properly escort the elderly man on his way. Dutifully showing their respect, the Aelaan Emperor and Chosen waited patiently for the Prophet to leave the room, without so much as saying a word.
When the doors closed behind their Prophet, Razkaul hastily started heading towards the platform, just beyond the Emperor. With a fire lit inside him, Razkaul was practically jogging, as he briskly made his way forward. And seeing how anxious he had become, the Emperor enthusiastically spoke.
Mesolum: "Hmmm, I wonder what the gods have in store for us. I can imagine it will only be a matter of time before this world is under one banner." He said grinning, trying to bait the Chosen into sharing what he knew.
Razkaul: "Patience, you and the rest of Aelaa are about to find out." He said, unable to contain his grin, as he made his way by the Emperor.
Noticing Razkaul's smile, Mesolum eagerly followed behind. Once both of them had made it to the platform, Razkaul stood at the furthest point, in front of the Emperor. The Chosen then looked down at the hundreds of thousands of Aelaans that stood in the open corridors, all of which were waiting anxiously just below for precisely this moment. Seeing the multitudes of those gathered, Razkaul grinned, reveling in the importance of this point in time, as he outstretched his hands to gather the masses notice. Once he ensured he had their undivided attention, the Aelaans Chosen proclaimed at the top of his lungs.
Razkaul: "The gods’ have spoken!!!" His voice echoed across and all around the corridors, being heard by many as the crowds cheered on.
After a few seconds, Razkaul outstretched his hands again to silence the crows before exclaiming further.
Razkaul: "The time of the Aelaan Empire is nigh! We lucky few of this generation have been chosen as the harbingers of a new age! The gods’ have declared that we will see firsthand the dawning of a new world! From the South, to the North, and to the far reaches of the West!" Giving only a slight pause for the crowd’s cheers, he then continued growing louder as he spoke.
Razkaul: "The gods have proclaimed that in six years’ time, the Aelaan flag will fly over all nations!!!" He said while raising his hands and face to the sky.
His words gave way to a tempest of roars of excitement from the great masses below. The sound shook the very ground underfoot, as the Emperor looked on with a profound grin. Razkaul’s next words were drowned out by the constant chorus of cheers and applause, relishing in the moment as he spoke to himself.
Razkaul: “With this sacred duty that was bestowed upon me by the gods’, no matter what it takes, I will see to it that the Prophet’s words become a reality. I will be the harbinger of this new world, and all who stand in my way will be crushed.” He said before turning to the Emperor to give him a fiendish grin, and passing him on by, as he returned to the refuge of the palace halls.
CHAPTER 16 – INTO THE WILDLANDS
On the mountain tops known of the Stairs to Heaven, Obi had been leading the three eastward on their journey to the Forest of Giants.
Typical as ever of Ira, as soon as Keller was out of sight, he immediately threw off the upper portion of his robe. And likewise, as confident as he ever was, Ira also didn't bring any more than one meal's worth of rations in his pack. Such self-confidence would be considered foolhardy if not for the unique level of talent he’d possessed.
However, Ira’s lack of preparations for any future meals on their trial was in stark contrast to Theo, who was sweating due to the few hundred pounds of provisions he saw fit to bring. He carried so much that one could reasonably assume he was lugging around all his worldly possessions on his back. As ridiculous as it appeared, the overly cautious abundance of supplies he brought suited him. For better or for worse, Theo was never known to do anything half way.
And even though it was Theo and Ira's trial to overcome, Cherise was more enthused than the rest. Now having the chance to appease her adventurous spirit, she was more than excited at the prospect of exploring new parts of the world. Occasionally referencing her precious map, Cherise made sure to stay closely behind Obi, so as to not lose her footing. Talking lightheartedly amongst one another as they continued making their way to the forest, Ira decided to have a little fun.
Ira: “Before we give the old man our trophy from the trials, I wanted to make sure we give him this first.” The others looked at him expectantly, and with a mischievous smile, Ira pulled out a hare’s skin from his otherwise almost empty pack.
Ira: “I can’t wait to see his expression when he gets a load of this!”
The others laughed out loud. And it was decided immediately, everyone was on board with the plan.
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A few more hours passed as the group continued on their way over the lush green mountain side. The ocean of clouds were just below them, when Cherise noticed a small pond in the distance. As the four came closer to the water, Cherise saw something unusual about it. The pond was encompassed by large roots all around it, holding the water inside like a bowl. Upon seeing this, Cherise remembered the time when Obi told her how water gets to the great heights of these mountains, which even the water giving clouds couldn’t seem to reach.
Back when they were kids, Obi once told the three that on mountains of the Stairs to Heaven were these magnificent trees, that people aptly called life giver trees. Few and far between on these great heights, these great trees’ roots spread out deep and wide like the roots of the mountains themselves. Even though the trees themselves rested atop the mountain peaks, their roots dug so deep, and so wide, that they could be seen miles down the mountainside. Sticking out the sides of the mountainous cliffs’, the roots greedily absorb the water directly from the clouds that hang underneath. The plants then somehow bring the water up to the top of these mountainous peaks. As it so happens, the life giver trees always absorb much more than the plant itself requires, and all the excess water overflows from its base, delivering water too all in these lands.
Who can say for certain on why the trees were always so consistently at the very top of these mountains. Whether it by chance, or whether they were planted by an ancient people who traversed these lands, no one knew for certain. There was one thing that everyone knew who lived on these heights, and that is that the life giver trees were a constant and reliable source of water, from the abundance of mountain streams to the ponds they create, the trees support all life in region on Aya.
Cherise had always found it a magnificent wonder that such a tree could possibly exist. Such magnificent things in the world only encouraged her adventurous spirit. Even though every green mountain top in this part of the world needs a life giver tree to survive, peculiarly, the sight of the tree itself somehow managed to be rather elusive. In all her years living at the Order on these heights, Cherise had never had the opportunity to see them herself. But noticing how large the roots were getting, she was quick to point it out.
Cherise: "Look, Uncle! Do you see how big the roots have gotten?" Slightly annoyed being called uncle again, he paused for a moment before answering.
Obi: "We're actuall
y really close to the tree now. I didn't tell you all earlier, but it just so happens that the Forest of Giants is where I also took my first trial." And after exhaling largely, he continued.
Obi: "Every step is bringing back old memories." He at first said smiling before suddenly frowning, as he lingered on the thought.
Obi: "Ugghhh… Sure hope it isn't as difficult as that last time though." Ira grinned as he ran up to Obi’s side before throwing his arm around his shoulder.
Ira: "Don't you worry, old man. You got me here with you this time!" Ira’s mischievous grin was returned with Obi’s own.
Obi: "I don't know Ira… You don't really strike me as the reliable sort. If we’re being honest here, I think it'd be more likely that you'd end up falling off a cliff, rather than you end up saving my butt." He said while giving a nonchalant shrug, then proceeding to make whistling sound before clapping his hands together.
Obi: "But in case that does happen, you don't need to worry about your reputation, because I got your back. If anyone asks, I'd tell them it was a Tulak what got ya!" He jokingly said, unable to contain the smirk on his face.
And smiling back, Ira couldn’t help finding it funny himself as he responded.
Ira: "Aww, thanks old man. It's nice knowing that you've got my back old man."
Obi: "Anytime!"
I’m pretty sure if Ira were to fall down one of these cliffs, he’d still manage to come out of it okay. But I’m certainly not going to tell him that. Wouldn’t want him to get any ideas…
Cherise couldn't help but giggle at the ridiculous conversation, and enjoying the fact that they seemed to be in such high spirits.
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A short while later on their walk forward, Obi pointed out the life giver tree that was emerging in their sights.
Obi: "What’d I tell you? You see right there behind it? That life giver tree is right next to the path descending down the mountainside, leading directly to the forest floor. We’re not too far now." He said optimistically, as the group got closer to the tree.
Cherise paused for a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the tree before they approached. When they came closer, they found themselves needing to weave their way around the enormous plant that spread out all over the area, while avoiding pockets of water, and stray roots underneath.
Seeing it for herself, Cherise was amazed to see that all these pools of fresh water were brought to the surface by the trees roots alone. Additionally, she was similarly astonished by the life giver’s size, as it spanned across the entire area.
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After making it passed the tree, the group stood near of the cliff side which soon led to a rapid descent into the depths below. Before long, all of them found themselves looking curiously over the edge. While gazing down, Cherise noticed it was practically a vertical decline.
Maybe even Ira would have a little trouble just brushing off a fall like that… In fact, he’d probably need to sprout wings to come out of that okay.
She thought to herself, now feeling slightly uneasy about making her way down this steep path. Lying shortly below them were the same blankets of clouds they've become all too accustomed to, obscuring the sight of how far below the bottom really was. Cherise looked over the cliff nervously, and the near vertical drop was a daunting sight to anyone who could be effected by heights, as it appeared to be unending. Her expression was noticed by Obi, who decided to have a little fun with the situation.
Obi: "Yes, Cherise. It's just as high as it looks." He said mischievously, before letting at a laugh at the sight of Cherise's pouting face.
Waving his arm over the vast sea of clouds underneath, he continued.
Obi: "It's hard to see them now, but under these clouds lies the Forest of Giants. And at night or at least in the early morning, when the clouds are usually dispersed, you'd see the forest clearly from the glow of the moons. From the basin floor, the enormous trees inside this forest nearly rise up to the height these clouds reach themselves. I once saw the forest from this spot one night, and I can say for certain, it was something impressive." Now pointing towards a narrow path down on the side of the cliffs, he said.
Obi: “That there is our path. There’s not much wiggle room, so try to lean up against the cliff on your way down. A fall from this height is certain to only have only one kind of outcome for you." His sincere words made everyone else, including Ira, a little uneasy.
As they started making their way down the mountain, Obi couldn't resist yelling back at Ira, who was looking over the side.
Obi: "Watch out Ira! It's a cliff!!!" His laughter was shortly followed by the laughs of the others.
And finding it slightly funny himself, Ira couldn’t help but grin at the joke before following shortly behind their lead.
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Roughly an hour of descending later, and the four had finally made their way below the sea of clouds just under the clifftops. With the obstruction of the clouds gone, they witnessed a surreal sight, as Cherise looked out in amazement. Before them were the giant trees Obi had spoken of, but words alone couldn’t do them justice. All the trees were easily ten to twenty times the size of any other Cherise had ever seen before. Each one of them, in their own right, were almost as daunting as a mountain.
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Several hours more had passed before the group reached the bottom of the basin. Cherise noticed that the ground on the forest floor was relatively lifeless. It seemed that the bottom of the forest, there was only enough room for the massive roots of the surrounding trees. It was rather spectacular sight in its own right, but it also certainly guaranteed that any travel in this part of the world would be considerably difficult.
Cherise decided it’d be best to appreciate the surrounding beauty for what it’s was, rather than dwell on the fact she’d have to traverse over tree trunks and roots the size of houses. After all, it was a wondrous part of Ehya that held many unique qualities found nowhere else.
With every tree towering overhead, small pockets of the cloud choked sunlight broke through the canopy above to show a way through the forest. On the basin’s floor, the trees’ heights seemed to be without end as they climbed into the blanket of clouds above. Even though Obi had already seen this before, alongside the others, he too looked on with amazement at the wonders of this strange land.
Having been waiting her entire life for an adventure like this, Cherise could hardly contain her excitement, running ahead of the group as they delved further into the forest. Even Theo had to share his opinion of this otherworldly place on Aya.
Theo: "This is just ridiculous." The comment wouldn’t normally mean much, but coming from him in particular, as he looked around in wonder, it spoke volumes.
After Theo had likely said as much as he would on the matter, suddenly a thought came into Cherise's mind. Immediately struck with worry, she stopped before turning around to Obi.
Cherise: "If everything here is supposed to be enlarged, are there giant bugs here too?!”
Looking at Cherise, Obi noticed that she had a face almost begging for him to say no, but at the same time he couldn't help but notice something else. Just behind her, flying off in the distance in front of their group was a giant beetle, likely the size of a full grown man. Cherise hadn't yet noticed the giant bug as Obi nervously stalled for time.
Obi: "Ummmmmm…" And looking back at Cherise's worried expression, he decided to grab ahold of her firmly by both her shoulders so she couldn't turn her back to notice, and utterly failing at trying to remain calm, he exclaimed aloud.
Obi: "I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY!" He said suspiciously, just seconds before being relieved to see the giant beetle pass from his sight.
Although finding it strange that Obi got so worked up, Cherise calmed down after hearing his rather assertive assurance on the matter. Exhaling in relief, she smiled back.
Cherise: “That’s a load off my mind. Giant cockroaches or
spiders would be the thing of nightmares."
Witnessing everything that had transpired, both Ira and Theo gave Obi an awkward judgmental stare in shock of his blatant lie. And catching wind of their looks, Obi felt the immediate need to do something. Determining himself that the discussion had been settled, he then promptly started pointing in a seemingly random direction that was deeper into the forest.
Obi: "Let's keep moving!" He said eagerly looking for any excuse to change the topic, before walking suspiciously ahead of the group in an ever increasing pace.
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After some time of walking through the forest, it started to seem that there were no animals, or any more giant insects for that matter to be had anywhere. In particular Ira's disappointment was obvious, as he grunted frustratingly.
Ira: "Does anything even live in this forest? How can we be back before nightfall when there's nothing to hunt?!" Cherise knew It wasn't a realistic goal to begin with, but she decided to walk beside him to lift his spirits.
Cherise: "Don't worry Ira. I'm sure if we keep searching, you'll be able to find one soon!" Her reassurance and uplifting smile ended up giving way to him smiling himself.
Almost as if responding to Cherise's comment, on cue, something could be heard from the distance. Loud thuds in a repetitive beat were continually getting closer. Even though the sound was from a great distance away, it didn’t take long until the culprit was seen. It was a giant reptilian creature that was lumbering through the forest, and it was heading closer to the four. The enormously fat reptile had greenish skin, and was massive, at least the size of several houses, with a mouth so wide it could easily swallow a regular sized tree in one gulp. As it was dragging its massive frame through the forest floor ever closer, the creature took little notice of the four, and intentionally decided to deter its path from them as it walked on by.
The Shadow of Death Page 13