"My apprentices," Akielas whispered and frowned.
"I would say they are the offspring of your darker self," the elder disputed. "Now, onto serious matters. Why have you come here today?"
At that very moment Akielas became nervous. He was unsure of how to answer or ask for the help of the great Effeelions. Looking at all seven sages, they seemed like demigods themselves. That same vibe he felt from Caim radiated from the elders. Perhaps it was the maju of the people of Kazenolumos. Nehushine was their leader. To his left was Kazemee, a brunette with olive skin, followed by the twins, Nova Linda and Nova Luna. To Nehushine's right was Tortori, a bulky Effeelion with a thick white beard and bushy eyebrows. On the other side of Tortori was Areira, she had white hair with blue eyes, and Tweng, a long haired Effeelion with small narrow eyes.
If Caim, who was a demigod, had rejected him, then what chance did he have of convincing the council of seven? They are not demigods, Akielas thought, they are mortal. Sure they have lived longer than humans and Elves, but they are still of flesh and blood. They have a heart and soul, no matter how spiritual they claim to be. Destruction is coming their way. If I can convince them, then Caim will surely join me and we will have a greater advantage on our side.
"I have come here because I want what you want," Akielas commenced.
"You want to find the realm of Cosmus as well? Do not mock the Effeelions Akielas."
"I do not mock you. What I want is security and safety. I want to live long enough to see my son, Ajira, grow into a strong young man before I die on my deathbed of old age. The same way that you want to live long enough to find the realm of Cosmus," Akielas explained. "You already know that the monsters I created, the ghosts of my past that call themselves the Specters, will arrive to this fortress soon enough. They have successfully taken two remnants of the dragon gods known as the cosmo jewels. The Aero Cosmo Jewel is next and, if the Specters take it from you, then Kazenolumos will fall and you can say goodbye to your sanctuary."
"Very persuasive," Tweng said. "But you overlooked one thing Akielas."
"And what would that be?" he asked.
"You can't conclude that these Specters will bring about the end using the cosmo jewels," Tweng argued.
Akielas clenched his fist and felt the frustration beginning to boil inside. He looked back at Caim and the demigod only shrugged.
"By our understanding, these Specters want to rid the world of magic," Tweng continued. "They believe that what they are doing is for the greatest good. That is no different than any other creed, religion or dogma. They are not out to destroy, but instead creating a change. It is hard to consider them evil."
"But Lord Tweng, they are murdering innocent people," Akielas argued, his tone rising with anger. "We need your help. We need the help of Caim. Only a demigod can fight against their cosmo."
"Yes, I know," Nehushine agreed. "It saddens me to know that so many people have been murdered. But we still cannot get involved. Our priority is peace. Odealeous will balance chaos and peace on its own. We cannot interrupt the transformation of this world, otherwise it will become more corrupted. The age of twilight is upon us."
"The age of...what?" Akielas was dumbfounded. "What are you talking about?"
Nehushine sighed then looked at his fellow council members. The twins shrugged, Tweng gestured to continue and Kazemee nodded in agreement. Akielas thought they had plotted something, as if they had known of his arrival.
"Lord Nahushine, what is the age of...twilight?" he asked again.
"It is difficult to explain. I am not sure if you are ready to learn of what this means," the sage said.
"Sounds to me like it is going to happen regardless, so I will find out either way," Akielas insisted.
"Very well then." Nehushine cleared his throat. "Every two thousand years we enter a new age, when the tri-eclipse occurs. We are moving out of the age of light and into the age of twilight. The age when all opposites unite as one. We Effeelions, as well as our guardian demigod, have predicted the age of twilight to be the best time for enlightenment in Odealeous. Enemies will become allies. Nations that were separated will join forces. Light and darkness will become one. Salvation and redemption will be redefined as the people of Odealeous change the way they live. It is the rotation of the eight elements. The age of light is coming to an end. The age of hope, when people began to realize their own power. This is the age that Prodigus Kollos started. He was the catalyst that helped people realize their potential. Had it not been for Kollos and his apprentices, there would be no mages today. In the age of light religions were also born, and thus nations were formed to protect their religions. Many monarchs who had ruled in the time of Kollos had fallen to their people. So now in the coming age of twilight, the chaos that is currently happening is but a cleansing. So you see, we cannot take part in this event. Our purpose in this world is much different and we must continue to pursue it."
Wind whistled as it entered the dome of the council of seven. Akielas somewhat understood what Nehushine spoke of, but he could only think, What does all that have to do with the Specters taking the Aero Cosmo Jewel?
"So the Effeelions are but watchers?" Akielas asked. "You believe that the role the Specters are playing is for this new era you speak of. Are you approving of their plan to rid the world of magic?"
"That is not what Lord Nehushine meant," Kazemee answered.
"Of course he would not understand," said Tweng.
"We do not approve of what the Specters are trying to do," Areira added as she fixed her white hair behind her shoulders.
"But you will sit here and wait for the Specters to attack and take the Aero Cosmo Jewel from you?" Akielas asked, frustrated.
Nehushine sighed again. Akielas thought something was eluding him, yet the solution seemed obvious to the council.
"We will defend ourselves if the Specters attack our sanctuary," Nehushine explained, "but, we cannot join you in your quest to stop the Specters. We believe that Odealeous will find a way to deal with the Specters, the same way it did when that lustful apprentice attempted to conquer the world two thousand years ago."
"Apprentice? Who's apprentice?" Akielas thought that Nehushine was speaking about one of his apprentices.
"Prodigus Kollos had thirteen apprentices. One of them turned against him and tried to conquer the world. Does that sound similar to what is happening now?" Nehushine asked, leaning forward on the crescent platform.
Akielas was speechless. He now realized what Nehushine was trying to tell him. "You are saying that history is repeating itself?"
"And here I thought you would never understand," Nehushine said and laughed.
Akielas fell into deep thought. He mulled about the past, as he usually did. He recalled forty years ago when everyone on the islands of El Nido told him that he was the reincarnation of Prodigus Kollos. Akielas had read about the thirteen apprentices of the legendary sage. Yes, he did remember about one apprentice that turned against Kollos. Alundra was her name, in the book of war, the sixteenth book in the dragon bible, the Draquark. He was beginning to believe it again. Perhaps I am the reincarnation of Prodigus Kollos. As far as history went, the only difference between he and Kollos was that all four of his apprentices turned against him. This is grim, he thought. History was repeating itself and now he understood why the Effeelions did not want to get involved. To try and change the outcome was too risky.
"These masked fiends are your responsibility Akielas," Nehushine stated.
"The only thing we can promise you is that the Aero Cosmo Jewel will not be taken from us," Kazemee added.
Akielas was empty of words. He felt as though more and more were piling on his shoulders. Not only are the Specters the monsters of my past, but I am the catalyst. It is because of me that history is repeating itself.
"The original sin of mages was not a sin. It was the start of a much more spiritual event in history," Nehushine lectured. "Prodigus Kollos fought for the spirit of mages. Mag
ic is not a sin as the Specters believe. Even our ancestors said that magic belonged to everyone, not just those at the top of the pyramid. Do you see the pattern here? This must be your fate Akielas."
Akielas stared at the floor, ashamed. I am nothing like Prodigus Kollos, he wanted to say, yet for so long it appeared to be his fate. He had no words left. What else could he say to convince the council to fight on his side? No worries, there are countless mages and warriors out in the world that are willing to help.
He remained optimistic.
"I will apologize one last time, Akielas. This conversation is now over," Nehushine said and stood up on the platform, as well as the other six sages. "You are welcome to stay here and enjoy our library, but these Specters are not our concern."
All seven elders jumped off the crescent platform, landed gently and went their separate ways. Tweng, Tortori and Areira flew up to the oculus in the ceiling. Nehushine, Kazemee and the twins browsed the shelves in the chamber.
Caim placed a hand on Akielas's shoulder and said, "I hope you still consider us friends. The Effeelions are aware of what is happening in the world and have made the wisest decision."
"I just don't understand how they can be so calm and sit here reading scrolls while the world is in chaos," Akielas said. "Every race has their own way of life and creed, but this is about all of us. We are all in danger. But I will wait. When the end is near everyone will put their philosophies and differences aside and fight as one."
Akielas smiled and looked at Caim. "Would you mind if I mark your floating island with a pentacle?" he asked.
"What for?"
"So that I can teleport here whenever I need to visit," Akielas answered.
"Yes, you may," Caim approved.
Akielas flew with Caim to an island that floated just east of the sanctuary. Sakura trees surrounded a small cottage. They landed on the short grass and Akielas immediately used his teleport crystal to mark the ground with a pentacle under the trees just a dozen feet from Caim's hut.
"If the Specters attack I will be the first one here," Akielas said.
"We appreciate your support, Akielas. I hope that you meet your objective," Caim replied.
Akielas stepped on the pentacle portal, activated the blue crystal in his hand and lights rose from below. Surrounded by blue lights, Kazenolumos disappeared and he now fell through a blue abyss. Within seconds the portal transferred him to his sanctum on Halo island. His place was still a mess from when he had left and Auron was sitting by a wooden table sipping pomegranate tea. He noticed Eckxio standing by the windows while a sweet warm wind drifted in. Willow lay on the floor covered in cognac sheets, her skin paler than before.
"Were you expecting us to clean up this mess?" Auron asked and calmly sipped his tea with eyes closed.
"Where is Ganicus?" Akielas did not hesitate to ask.
"He...has reached the realm of light," Auron answered.
Caim
After Akielas had left Kazenolumos that day, Caim meditated under the stars. He felt the twelve constellations of the Odealian zodiac, their energy flowing through his body like water. He remembered even, when he was a human living in the mountains as a monk sixty years ago, he still loved to star gaze. He meditated during the night and looked at the constellations of the twelve sacred creatures. The Nine-Tailed Fox, the Phoenix, the Dragon Lion, the Hummingbird, the Avian, the Griffin, the Seahorse, the Mermaid, the Lion Turtle, the Crowned Deer, the Dino Wolf and the Minotaur. Three signs for each season of the year. Caim was born in the second month of autumn which was the Avian, the half-human, half-bird creature. It was the symbol of knowledge, an air sign; it meant freedom, long travels, superiority and detachment from the earth. The description of his Odealian zodiac was really accurate; although it was not always correct, it explained so much about him.
The people of the Yama country used the Odealian zodiac as something romantic. However, it was a five thousand year old art and Caim used it to predict the future. The Effeelions had little interest in the zodiac but Caim found it useful. In the Yama country, it was the month of the Griffin, which was the third and final month of autumn. Winter was coming, the cold weather was arriving and Caim could already feel the chilly winds from the west.
Caim found it ironic how Akielas returned during the last month of autumn, the time of the Griffin. The Griffin was an air sign. It meant wisdom, legacy, unity, courage and it was also the sign for schools and libraries which was what the Effeelions valued. On the negative side, the Griffin was also a sign of vanity and vengeance.
Akielas asked for our help, Caim pondered, yet the Effeelions rejected him. If I were human again perhaps I would be more compelled to assist him, but my duty is to the Effeelions and the search for Cosmus, the dragon god of all that ever was. However, I fear that we will pay dearly for our vanity. Here in Kazenolumos, we are proud of our detachment to the world. Eventually, we will be brought back down to earth. Perhaps that is why Akielas came, perhaps he is a messenger. A part of me wants to help, yet I do believe in what Lord Nehushine said, that history is repeating itself and this is Odealeous' way of entering a new era, the age of twilight. However, I think we should take some part in this event, regardless. That is the flaw of us here in Kazenolumos, we are too passive. We won't be able to live in the sky forever. The age of twilight means that eventually we will have to make some kind of unity with the world. Opposites will unite. Has Lord Nehushine realized this?
Kazenolumos was below him. The great city shone with the moonlight, glinting gold from its gilded walls. Effeelions flew in and out of the city. Some of them were returning from the Yama country, bringing back food and water. Some shifted into owls and hawks, disguising themselves so that they could explore the world undetected.
"I've been living as a demigod for sixty years," he spoke to himself. "If I were human right now, I would be eighty years old. It's only been ten years since I last held her in my arms. I would not go back to my human life again but I do miss her love. That feeling that spirals throughout my being whenever I held her, I would do anything to feel it once more. Kairi, I wonder what you are doing right now."
"Love, sweet love," came a voice from behind him.
"I would like to enjoy my solitude, Kazemee," Caim responded without turning around.
Kazemee orbited Caim, floating in the sky. Air filled the wide sleeves of her blue tunic and her hair danced with the wind, strands tickling her face. Caim always found her annoying for she loved to criticize him. She was Nehushine's partner..
"Still dreaming about that human girl from the Yama country?" she asked and giggled.
"Why don't you go stuff your face with toricarrots," Caim remarked.
"I hate those awful vegetables. I'd rather stargaze here with you," Kazemee said.
"You will make Nehushine jealous," he replied.
"Nehushine is five hundred and ten years of age, jealousy is a childish emotion to him. Unlike you, he is no child," she said.
"You are disturbing my meditation, Kazemee. What do you want?" Caim asked annoyed, wishing he could blast her with a pulse of wind.
"I just wanted to let you know that you are not allow to help Akielas," she said.
"I know that already."
"Yes, but, Nehushine suggested that I remind you because you are oblivious to your task at times and have a tendency to break the rules," Kazemee said.
Caim stared at her vilely but she only smiled at him. Her presence always made him feel uneasy. She never tried but she always managed to bring out his ugly side.
"Why is the council still treating me like a child?" Caim asked. "I am here of my own free will. I want to find the realm of Cosmus as much as you. I journey with the feathered ghost throughout Odealeous and research with the team. I use my own cosmo energy to open portals and see far beyond the stars. So then why am I still treated like a child? As if you have to keep an eye on me. It frustrates me that the council still does not trust me. If so, then they can find themselves a
new demigod because I am the only hope they have."
"Relax Caim," Kazemee responded. "We know that you are worried about our friend Akielas. I just wanted to make sure that the human side of you does not hinder your judgment of what needs to be done."
Caim winced and began to descend to Kazenolumos. He was always pestered about his human side. Abruptly, he paused as a thought manifested.
"You know, this just came to my mind right now. I am not sure why it suddenly dawned on me but I must ask. Why do Effeelions dislike humans so much? It can't just be their flaws and their history of war. So tell me, what is the problem with humans? Are we trying to find the realm of Cosmus to escape from them?"
Kazemee's eyes widened and she gaped. Caim could feel her nervousness, the vibration within her body increased and her heart pounded faster. When he tried to look into her eyes, she turned away.
"The Effeelions respect all living creatures. We do not hate humans," she answered. "Effeelions do not hate. We are creatures of peace."
"You don’t hate them, you just really dislike them," Caim said and grinned.
"Don't mock me Caim. And stay focused on our goals," she snarled.
"I've been focusing for the last sixty years. What more do you want?" Caim laughed.
"Sixty years you say. Most Effeelions here have lived for more than six hundred years. You are still a child in our eyes," Kazemee remarked and flew away.
"Sixty years and she still finds ways to annoy me," Caim grumbled. He was relieved to see her fly away.
He returned his attention to the stars and, just as he gazed at the mermaid constellation, he thought of that human girl in the Yama country. The mermaid in the zodiac was a water sign, second month of the winter season. The mermaid was the sign of love, songs and emotions. It was the symbol for seduction, jealousy, femininity, illness and beauty. The time that he had met her eleven years ago, it was the second month of winter. She had his child and Caim loved her, or at least...he once did. Yet to this day I still think of her, especially when both moons are full, he thought. And my son, he is ten years old now and I have not seen him in a year. It's time I visit my family.
Spirit of Mages (Rift of Chaos Book 2) Page 4