by Bob Nailor
"They are here in Zornal?" The guard stepped back and prepared to remove his sword.
"I was wrong," Halia quickly added. "I apologize." She took the guard's arm and headed him toward the door. "Perhaps you could assist my servants as they search for the diamond. It seems I may have lost it in the street before coming into this inn."
Isa smiled as Halia moved out of the room. Nanzo nodded to Jopab, turned, and left, following Isa out the door. Jopab gazed about the room. Suddenly, it was empty, and he was alone.
"It is now time for me to head to the Temple of Hagontha," Jopab said. He listened.
The shuffling of sandals revealed what he expected. Jopab waited before opening the door. Voicing his actions served two purposes: one, to rid the walls of ears, and two, to let the ears above him know his plans.
# # #
Jopab strolled the street, waiting, while all the time he slowly worked his way toward the temple. He knew the others would join him quickly, and very discreetly.
The temple came into sight and he enjoyed the view having never seen it before, arriving in a covered litter with the Holy Father. The holy shrine reached skyward, the turrets ascending in impossible angles. Very similar to the temple in Bashiwa, he thought. Bashiwa. How long ago was that? Jopab admired the colorful tiles of the building which carried no pattern but a chaotic morass of gaudy paints.
"My husband," Jewyl said and moved closer to him. "I thought you'd await my return before leaving for the temple."
Jopab gazed down at Jewyl and frowned at her words.
"I came back through the window and startled Isa as she sorted through our foods." Jewyl kept her voice low and draped a veil across her lower face. "I am being followed. Chardo and Percho are at the market behind us." She grabbed Jopab's arm. "Come. We must buy an offertory gift before we enter the temple."
As Jopab turned he could see the two men absently fingering items at a market table. Near them, two guards stood quietly watching them approach the market area. At another market table he saw Halia.
"Good sir," Jopab called to one of the men at the table. "Could you recommend a suitable gift as an offering?"
Percho's eyes widened in surprise.
Chardo kept his face down and pointed at the collection of trinkets. "Any of these would make a satisfactory offering." He paused. "We, too, are but humble seekers of Hagontha's chaotic grace."
Percho picked up a necklace to display to Jopab.
"That would be an excellent choice," Jopab said and took the necklace from Percho." He nodded to Percho and lowered his voice. "We will enter the temple and slowly walk to the left. The guards will follow us but we will disappear before they even enter the temple. Percho, you know the second entrance. Take it and we'll meet in Exchange Room number three." Jopab lifted the necklace into the air to view in the sunlight.
"You've been here before?" Chardo asked.
"Twice. The temples have very similar hidden tunnels." Jopab turned away from the two men and faced Jewyl. "Now we pay for this and head into the temple." He smiled.
Jewyl dropped the diamond into the merchant's slotted container. "An offering," she said.
"Hagontha accepts all offerings as part of chaos," the merchant muttered with no emphasis or regard. "Blessed chaos."
Jopab lead Jewyl toward the main doors of the temple. "When we get inside, we will need to make haste to the first column on the left side. I will trip the mechanism, help me push the door and we'll disappear before the guards realize what happened." He nonchalantly gazed back and could see the guards moving toward the temple. Very close behind them was Chardo and Percho. Halia still waited by the market table. Jopab shrugged as the shadow of the temple entrance engulfed them.
Jewyl breathed softly as the stone moved back into place. The guards hadn't come into the temple and now they would never know. She smiled and felt Jopab's lips caress her. She kissed him back, leaning into him as the darkness turned to the sickly green she recognized.
"Quickly!" Jopab said. "We must make haste and get to the exchange room before Chardo and Percho."
"Why?"
"Because Percho does not know the combination and there are no pliocas here, but they will be very near that room."
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The Chaos of Hagontha
Jewyl shuddered, feeling the shiver run a course down her spine. Pliocas! She was not about to let Jopab see her fear of the creatures.
"Lead on," she whispered.
Jopab clicked the flint, a spark ignited the torch and Jewyl could see, even if she didn't want to know what could be crawling on the ceiling above.
"Listen, you can hear the stone on the other side being opened. They'll be at the room shortly." Jopab grabbed her hand pulled her down the steps.
Suddenly Jewyl saw another torch coming toward them.
"It is Chardo and Percho," Jopab whispered. "The four of can enter the room at once." He reached above the center of the door and then pushed on the center of the stone.
Click.
Percho and Jopab pushed together and the stone quickly moved. The four rushed into the chamber before any young pliocas could enter.
"Drop your weapons," the guard ordered. His sword drawn and mere inches from Jewyl's neck. "All of you."
Jewyl glanced around the room at the three other guards with their swords drawn. Four of Lord Azre's men held them at bay. She gently dropped her sword and dagger. Jewyl could hear the others as they released their weapons and they clanked to the floor.
"How is this possible?" Percho asked.
The guard grinned. "Simple. Ballec bargained his life for yours. Make sure those knots are well tied." He turned to the lone cleric who stood in the corner. "Open the other door and we shall see what Lord Azre has to say of our bounty." He leered at Jewyl. "He hasn't forgotten your escape from Dianiya." The guard reached up and slowly massaged an area of his rib. "I've not forgotten your escape, either." His lip curled in a sneer. "My ankle has healed but my side remains to heal. Still, I am capable of serving my lord." The guard played the tip of his sword down the front of Jewyl's body, lingering a moment near the breasts and then continuing to match where she'd driven the dagger into his side. "I still remember your look as I crawled away. Perhaps you'd like the return of a favor?" The guard pulled back the sword in a mock move to plunge it into Jewyl's side. He stopped, laughed and placed his sword in its scabbard. He leaned in and pushed the guard who was tying the ropes around Jewyl's wrists. "I will personally make sure this bitch doesn't get free." He tightened the knot and Jewyl attempted not to show any pain.
"Are we ready?" the cleric asked.
"Get that door open," the guard yelled. "Move it."
He pushed Jewyl and she saw him winced in pain. Jewyl tried not to smile at his discomfort.
The group moved into the dark tunnel.
"It would be best to move quickly," Jopab said. "There are too many of us."
"Yes," the cleric whispered. "This way."
He led the group along the passage and finally stopped. His fingers fumbled along the wall as he attempted to find the release mechanism.
"If my hands were free, I could open the door," Jopab muttered.
"None of that," Jewyl's guard snarled.
"What was that?" A voice from the rear was loud and emphatically scared.
"Untie my hands," Jopab demanded. "If not, we'll all die in the passageway."
The scream was blood-curdling.
"Now!" screamed Jopab.
Suddenly the door outlined in light. The young cleric stumbled into the room, followed by Jewyl, her guard, Jopab, Chardo, Percho and another guard.
Another scream gurgled to an abrupt stop.
Jopab and Percho immediately leaned against the door and shoved it shut. Jopab glanced at the skittering ball as it dashed across the floor.
Jewyl cringed and slammed her foot down on it. A small squeak was followed by a squishing sound. Jewyl trembled under the shiver coursing through her
body.
"I don't want to do that again," she whispered.
"What happened to Harco and Menlen? Where are they?" Jewyl's guard looked about the room for the two men.
"For your information, the screams you heard in the tunnel was their last sounds. The pliocas are enjoying their bodies as we speak." Jopab stared at the guard with disdain. "I tried to warn you."
"They have never approached this close before," the young cleric mumbled. His face was as white as his garment. "I've walked that tunnel many times." The tremble in his voice was obvious.
"Only the Holy Father is safe from the pliocas," Percho added.
"Ah-hem." The new voice was loud.
Everyone turned to stare at the man who made the sound.
"Holy Father." The young cleric bowed.
"Why have you all come to my private quarters?" He gazed at the group. "Ah, Jopab. And Percho. I see the traitors to Hagontha have been captured." Ballec allowed himself a few extra moments to take in Jewyl. "So you're the one who thought she could assassinate me in my holiest temple? Jewyl, is it not?" He turned to Chardo. "And you must be her servant friend. Chardo, right?"
"He is not my servant," Jewyl said. She took a deep breath. "He is my friend, though."
"It matters not to me," Ballec replied and waved his hand to dismiss the conversation. "Tonight my goddess will see chaos rule." He grinned. "A sacrifice."
"My goddess, Hagontha, does not need a sacrifice," Jopab said and stepped defiantly toward Ballec.
The Holy Father wavered and stepped back.
Jopab stood straight and glared at the man before him. "If you mean to sacrifice us to Yendisa, then state that. Do not befoul my goddess."
"Chaos be," Percho whispered.
"Who is to be sacrificed?"
Lord Azre stepped into the room. The guards immediately bowed, as did the priests of Hagontha. Chardo gave a nod of his head. Ballec acknowledged his brother. Jewyl stood defiant, glaring at the man she despised.
"So good to see you again, my love." Azre strode across the room to her. "Our last tryst was abruptly, and rudely interrupted by swordplay."
"What brings my brother to my chambers?" Ballec asked.
"I may ask the same question, my brother. It seems you have gathered together those who I wish to arrest." He turned to his guard. "Take them to the main hall." Azre turned back to Ballec. "You did intend to give them over to me, am I not correct?"
"Of course, brother. Why would I do otherwise?"
Azre smiled and sauntered to the door. "A wise answer. Now, about this sacrifice. Once more I ask, who is being sacrificed."
"To honor my goddess, Hagontha, and to begin the deification of Lord Azre." Ballec bowed respectfully to his brother. "I felt a sacrifice of those who were traitors to you would be worthy of the ceremony."
Azre's lips curled in a smile. "Yes, Holy Father. I can understand how you would want to prepare such a grand exhibition, but you have forgotten one little detail."
Ballec faltered. "What detail?"
"One of those you planned to sacrifice is to be my bride. You may make me a god, but it is with my marriage to her I will assure my position as rightful king." Azre strutted to the doorway. "Think about what I have said, and you will realize your folly."
"As you wish, brother." Ballec turned away from Azre, but gave him a sly sideway glance. "As Yendisa demands," he whispered, stepped to the hidden passageway entrance, pushed the release lever, and disappeared.
Azre shook his head and continued his saunter of the hallway toward the main hall. Finally, my dreams are within my grasp. Jewyl is once more my captive. He stepped into the main hall and once more surveyed the group.
"Who spoke of Yendisa? Speak now or all of you will lose your tongues." He glanced at Jewyl. "Except her. It was man's voice."
"I did, Lord Azre." Jopab stepped forward.
"I am not an unreasonable man." Azre motioned to the guards. "Everyone is to sit while we talk." He turned his attention back to Jopab. "You come with me so we may discuss this matter in private."
Jopab glanced at Jewyl, then Chardo who could only shrug as support.
Azre stopped and turned to Jopab and scrutinized his face.
"I recognize you. One of my guards the day Jewyl escaped."
Jopab hung his head. "A disguise, my lord."
"Is this another?" Azre pointed to a bench. "Sit."
"Nay, my lord. I am truly a priest in the service of Hagontha."
Azre sat on the bench and again motioned to Jopab to join him. "You speak of Yendisa, and I have just learned of the atrocities performed at Bashiwa."
"Yendisa is a goddess to fear. She seeks blood, human blood." Jopab avoided Azre's stare.
"Look into my eyes, priest. Tell me true. Who serves Yendisa?"
Jopab inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. There was no way to avoid death with the answer he was being forced to give.
"Forgive me, Mother Hagontha. My service has been short." Jopab turned to face Azre. "There is a small group of priests at Bashiwa who I know not only serve Hagontha, but also favor Yendisa."
Azre leaned in close. "How many priests are involved?"
"Only a few, maybe ten. Perhaps fifteen. Less than twenty, I am very sure."
"Which priest leads this group?" Azre's eyes were wide with expectation. "I will make sure this group is removed from this land."
"You would exile them?" Jopab asked.
"I will have them executed. Now speak. Who leads them?"
Once more Jopab inhaled and glanced at his companions in the distance. "Into your bosom, Holy Mother, I now offer my soul. Protect my travels to you."
"Why do you recite the death rites?" Azre placed a hand on Jopab's shoulder. "Whoever is in charge will not be able to kill you."
"My death will be at your hands, Lord Azre. The leader is the Holy Father, your brother."
Azre jerked back his hand, stood and held his sword at the ready at Jopab's neck. "You dare to insinuate my brother leads this dark group against me?"
Jopab closed his eyes and waited.
"Speak, priest." The sword's point pushed against Jopab's skin.
"I discovered the Holy Father performing a rite of sacrifice to Yendisa. With those close to me within the priesthood, we hired The Emerald to dispatch Ballec."
"You'd have my brother killed by an assassin?"
"To protect the priesthood of Hagontha. Yes, the chaos of the goddess must be controlled in it recklessness. If the Holy Father wishes to bring Yendisa to the people, then he must be put to death."
Azre stepped back and sheathed his sword. "What do you know of the deification of me?"
"I don't understand," Jopab said and frowned at Azre.
"My brother said he was preparing the rites necessary for the deification of Lord Azre to assure myself the kingship."
"Proper deification can only be performed if you are a martyr. To be a martyr, you must be deceased, killed by one who is considered a traitor." Jopab glanced once more at Jewyl.
Azre followed Jopab's stare.
"Even in chaos, the pattern emerges." Jopab nodded his head approvingly. "Sacred is the Holy Mother's chaos."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ballec
Blinded by power, my brother cannot see the truth about him. Ballec’s thoughts swirled with the possibilities before him with Azre’s demise.
A creature curled around his shoulders as it slid from the ceiling.
"Ah, my pet," Ballec whispered lovingly and stroked the head of the plioca. "What is this? A gift?" He took the proffered item from the plioca's mouth where the myriad of teeth glistened in the dark shadows of the tunnel and flickering torch light. The bone was still warm with blood. Probably one of Azre's guards. "I'll let the little ones enjoy this treasure," Ballec said and gently tossed the bone to ground. The plioca curled into the air and caressed Ballec's cheek before slithering over his shoulder and down his back to the tunnel's floor.
Ballec reached and
pushed the release mechanism. The stone door swung quietly on its hinge. The steps curled and led down into the bowels of the earth where the walls of the passageway flickered from the light below.
Suddenly the cavern chamber came into view and he saw the gathered men as they waited for him. The sacred flames of Yendisa danced in the large chasm which opened to the bowels of the earth. Shadows flickered on the reflective cave walls.
"Hail the Holy Father."
Eleven men fell to their knees in veneration, mumbling a repetitious 'Hail Holy Father.'
"Yendisa's design has been revealed to me." Ballec raised his hands in supplication. "Brethren, the true mother, Yendisa has spoken. Through me she reveals her wishes."
"Yendisa, the Mother of the Beginning," the eleven men chanted.
"Above us, the blasphemy of Hagontha is being appeased. Lord Azre wishes to be deified. Mother Yendisa grants him his desire at the hands of The Emerald. Stand and hear the wishes of Mother Yendisa."
The men stood and gathered about Ballec as he revealed the plan to not only seize the four captured by Lord Azre, but also Lord Azre. All, including the guards, would be disabled during the evening meal.
"Go! Prepare the banquet." Ballec raised his hand and the men bowed for the blessing as the Holy Father performed the half-circle motion followed by the hand moving toward them.
"In the name of Mother Yendisa, go in her blessing."
The men lifted their arms outward with palms up. "We accept Mother Yendisa's blessing."
Ballec smiled and his eyes narrowed to hide his delight. Mother Yendisa will have her fill tonight with five sacrifices. He turned and slowly trudged up the stairs. As the only surviving sibling of Lord Azre when he is deified, it is my right to take rule of Dianiya, and guide the people to the true mother, Yendisa. He rubbed his hands together. Abriela and Meisa will fall and come under my rule. I will bring them to Yendisa.
# # #
Ballec strolled into the main hall and immediately noticed only Jewyl and Chardo were now in chains. He glanced about. Azre sat on a bench, waiting.