He placed the device on the left side of the wall in front of them. Immediately the object glowed deep red. Gabriel pulled out three small stones placing them in a semi-circle below the first device. They began to glow a soft blue
During this process Thad had woken up. As he rubbed his eyes he caught sight of the glowing dots on the wall before him.
“What is that?” He asked.
“I am not really sure,” Traiden replied.
They watched with great curiosity as Gabriel grasped the blue stone on the right and moved it straight towards the opposite side of the room. As he did, a thin silver strand appeared. Suddenly the stone burned a deep red.
“Whoa” Thad said his eyes full of amazement.
Gabriel pulled the stone on the left towards the bottom of the wall till it connected to the other stone by a silver thread and turned red. The object and stones begun to hum softly as Gabriel grasped the last stone. A strand shot out and connected itself to the other stones and the device. The humming noise grew louder. Gabriel pulled the stone diagonally towards the opposite side of the wall directly under the first stone. As he did the wall captured between the thin strands of silver vanished. Everyone watched in amazement. As the final stone turned red, a bright beam of light shone from the other realm.
“He did it,” Thad said hopping off Traiden’s back, “He opened the door.” Thad reached out to see if the image was real. When his hand found nothing but air, he eagerly stepped through to the other side.
In the heart of the city Madron crawled his way to his secret quarters below the labyrinth. A set of polished, dark cherry wood doors stood boldly before him. Madron dragged himself to the doors and with all his might threw them open as he collapsed. His eyes stared into the beauty. A dazzling stream of light played across the floor and over his broken body.
The doors enclosed a place of undefined beauty. It was an architectural master piece. His own personal Eden created beneath a repulsive city of death and destruction. Smooth polished walls shimmered in sunlight, the floors glistened like water. Hundreds of colorful plants and flowers flourished in every corner. A naturally heated waterfall spilled out from the eastern wall, snaking through the garden. Birds hummed and fluttered about while the silent pulse of butterfly wings filled the chamber.
“Is it finished,” a tiny voice asked.
Madron nodded his head reaching out towards the voice. “It is finished,” he mumbled, his eyes struggling to stay open. “It is…” his voice trailed, his eyes closed allowing the darkness to take over.
A breath of fresh air
Mathias left his friends behind not knowing if he would ever see them again, and unsure if he would escape the realm himself. It wasn’t until he came upon the barrier that an unlikely soul was waiting to answer that question.
“Quickly now, I cannot keep the door open for long,” the individual instructed waving him on.
“Who are you?” Mathias asked before stepping through to the other side.
“My name is Merrick,” the stranger replied, “Now please step through the door.”
Mathias did as he was told. As soon as the cool clean air washed over his face, Mathias’ heart thumped with relief. “You are almost home,” He whispered to the Professor as he gently laid him on the ground. Mathias stretched out his arms and wings, sitting for a moment to regain his strength. He gathered the Professor in his arms once again and began heading out of the valley.
“Pardon me sir, but I am required to take you to the world of Minerva, you are expected there.”
Mathias stopped in his tracks, turning back to Merrick. “Sorry, I had forgotten you were here.”
“No apology needed,” Merrick replied, understanding the horrible experience he jsut endured.
“How are we getting to Minerva?” Mathias asked. He knew only of the way to Minerva from his home world or going directly through the door at the estate.
Merrick did not respond. He was concentrating on a little device in his hand.
“May I ask what that is?” Mathias inquired over Merrick’s shoulder.
“This is a transporter. It will open a door to any world no matter where you are,” He answered. "They are extremely rare and on most occasions, being caught in the possesion of one will land you in a room on the prision world."
Mathias just nodded his head not really caring about anything going on. He absently watched as Merrick tinkered for a little while longer before placing the device on a rock beside the oak tree. Immediately a door was opened to the world of Minerva. Appearing on the opposite side of the door, stood five of Minerva’s high council ready to greet them.
“We have been waiting for you,” A beautiful older women announced, helping Mathias through the door. “Please let us help you,” She insisted kindly.
Before Mathias could react, three council members gently transferred the Professor’s body from his arms to a waiting carriage.
“You must be weary,” she discerned, offering Mathias some water. “Hayyel and Micah will take you to the home of Naarah. She has kindly offered up her spare rooms for you and your other companions when they arrive. Now go and rest,” She commanded softly, pushing him to follow behind his friend's body and the other Keepers.
Merrick followed behind the group in nervous silence. His mind formulated thought after horrible thought, wondered what his fate would be. The women who shook his hand at the sensed his nervousness.
“You have done a brave and noble deed,” She said trying to reassure him, “Your courage has saved countless lives. You know that don’t you?”
Merrick nodded his head leaving his eyes attached to the ground. He was unconvinced.
Ignoring his obvious hint to be left to his thoughts, she continued. “My name is Emma-Maris, but you may call me Emma,” She smiled, introducing herself. “This is Anael,” she continued, pointing to the younger women, “Azreal is the rather intimidating red head, Hayyel is the stocky blond and Micah is the tall lanky one of the group.”
Merrick barely nodded his head in acknowledgement.
“You are not here to be punished,” She said trying to convince him and hoping her last words would ease the poor souls mind. But she was still met with silence.
It was not until they had nearly reached the inner city that Merrick finally spoke. “I am very grateful for what you have done for me,” his voice barely above a whisper.
Emma smiled gently resting her hand on his arm. “It is us who should thank you. Your bravery and the will to follow your heart, has set into motion a chain of events that will change history for the better. Be proud not ashamed.” Emma’s kindness finally seemed to comfort Merrick’s anxious heart.
Time passed quickly and soon the lights of the city could be seen.
“Amazing,” Merrick gasped as he took in the sights.
“Wait till you see the chambers,” Emma grinned with a wink.
The city was humming with activity. Peopled waved or shouted a friendly hello. Sidewalks were full of venders displaying their goods. Children skipped through the crowds happily chasing one another down the streets. Merrick’s heart began to ache. He’d longed to be a father, then a dotting Grandfather, but his life was chosen for him. “More like taken,” he thought to himself. He waved timidly at a small girl who had stopped and smiled. She scampered off in a rush of giggles and bouncing curls.
“Here we are,” Emma announced.
Merrick’s eyes widened. They’d come to the end of a road and were standing at the base of an immense stone staircase.
“Now I must stress to you how important it is that you are brutally honest, do you understand?”
“Yes,” Merrick nodded, barely taking his eyes of the monstrosity before him.
“You might want to take a deep breath,” Emma suggested, “You’re going to need it going up these ghastly things. Obviously they were built and designed by some young hooligans,” she huffed, directing her last comment at the younger councilmen who’d already made i
t halfway up. “Yup, if they were made by old people like us,” she said looking back at Merrick, “we would have made them so they moved, and all we’d have to do is stand here and enjoy the ride.”
“I am would have to agree with you!” Merrick let a partial grin dance across his lips.
“You’re much handsomer when you smile Merrick,” Emma replied. “When you frown you look as old as your grandfather.”
“You knew my grandfather?” Merrick glanced at her, puzzled.
“Excuse me, but do I look that old,” she pouted, her hands on her hips.
Merrick blushed trying to stutter an apology.
“I am just teasing you,” Emma chuckled. “You’re Grandfather and I used to create quite a stir back in the day,” She giggled.
“So you did know my Grandfather?” Merrick was feeling quite puzzled.
“You could say that,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye.
Merrick shook his head. “I don’t think I want to know.”
“Yeah this old coot has been around for almost six hundred years,” she announced, quite proud of herself. “I might have even known you’re Great Grandfather,” she said barely able to contain her laughter.
“Like I said, I don’t think I want to know,” he said putting his hands up as if they would block her words.
The two remained silent until they reached the top of the stairs. Merrick’s mind was running nervous circles, anxiously waiting to see what was to be done with him. In the service of his master he had been ordered to carry out tasks he found morally despicable, but he still bowed to his master’s wishes. Could he trust Emma’s words; was he here to be rewarded and not punished. The old man’s heart beat heavily with guilt. He hoped his recent defection from a world of wickedness would help settle his heart, but so far his actions proved unsuccessful.
Emma noisily broke through Merrick’s remorseful train of thought. “Thank the stars above I made it. I swear one of these days they will find me dead half way up,” She puffed, her face a rosy color. “How you doing old man?” she asked looking back at him.
Merrick waved his response.
“You know,” she said gently as he reached the spot where she stood, “Living in the past will only build your coffin faster. Why do you think I look so young?” She turned towards the massive doors of the Hall of Chambers. “Oh by the way,” Emma said her eyes focused ahead. “There’s a wonderful word you should acquaint yourself with, it’s called forgiveness.”
Her last words struck a cord in Merrick's heart and a small tear slipped down his cheek. “How can anyone forgive me for the pain I inflicted? Let alone forgive myself?” He mumbled, absently stroking the religious medallion he wore around his neck. He was so distracted by his wallowing he failed to realize Emma had grabbed his arm and lead him into the hall.
“Didn’t I tell you it was beautiful?” Emma whispered drawing him back to the present world.
He looked up, focusing his eyes on his new surroundings. He was in such awe he’d almost forgotten how to breathe. He swore the room was built upon the very soul of the universe. The roof disappeared into a stunning display of vibrant, velvety colors. At small intervals a sharp crack could be heard as the colors shifted, stealing off like shooting stars to paint another segment of the roof. The color ran wild, tamed only by the shimmering border of copper that fused the wall and the roof together.
After staring at the wall he was unsure if it was anything more than a mirage. He gently touched an area to see if it was truly there. He was startled by what he felt. A cool rush of crystal water danced along his fingertips then skipped merrily down his arm. He smiled, moving his hand over the water causing ripples to scamper across the surface, playing an amusing game of bumper tag as they rebounded off the copper before colliding into each other. He swore he could hear the sound of laughter as the ripples frolicked about.
But the most wondrous feature of the hall was the floor. Beneath his modestly clad feet flowed the blood of the universe. Every planet, star, sun, solar system and galaxy revolved on their axis inches away from his humble toes.
“Is that…..” Merrick stumbled in awe.
Emma’s eyes sparkled like a young child. “Yes, it is,” she replied. “From here we can see the pulse of gravity as it pulls on the oceans. We can witness the birth of new light in the darkness, and we can see the universe reclaim what is hers.”
“This is truly magnificent,” Merrick spoke, his voice full of appreciation “I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.”
The two stood breathing in the wonder of the stars while their hearts beat with the rhythm of the many moons.
“I hate to interrupt, but our session is about to begin.”
Merrick turned rapidly on his heels with a startled look of recognition on his face.
“Hello Merrick, it is nice to finally meet you face to face. You may call me Pieus,” The well built, olive skinned gentlemen said shaking Merrick’s hand.
“You’re the voice?” Merrick stuttered “But I don’t understand why you…..” Before he finished his sentence an idea dawned on him. “You needed to start a rebellion. When you are nothing but a voice it is like the conscience planting an idea rather than a being.” But Merrick was still baffled as to why.
Pieus chuckled as he saw the look on the old man’s face. “Come now, we have much to discuss with you.”
Never want to say goodbye
After three and a half hours of nightmarish sleep, Mathias awoke with a sense of unease resting in the pit of his stomach. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, swinging his legs around to perch on the edge of the bed. A single tear fell, winding its way down his arm before resting in the crook of his elbow. His shoulders began to shake as tear after tear followed its path. Hoards of emotions raced through his veins each biding for a spot on the podium. Hatred, anger, Sadness, regret, and guilt all flowed into his heart. His face felt hot and his eyes burned.
“WHY,” He screamed, picking up a small lamp and hurdling it at the wall. He watched as it shattered into a hundred pieces on the floor.
Hearing the commotion Naarah knocked softly on the door before slowly opening it. She found Mathias half naked, kneeling in the center of the room crying. She rushed to find a blanket to throw over his shoulders. She gently helped him to his feet “Come now, no one ever received any answers from the shards of a broken lamp.”
Mathias followed her down the hall to the kitchen. “Sit,” she ordered, pointing to a chair at the kitchen table as she pulled on a bright patchwork apron.
Mathias did as he was told. He watched as Naarah puttered around the kitchen filling a kettle with water, pulling a honey pot and mug out of the cupboard, setting it on the table in front of him. A sense of calm washed over him as he watched her simple routine.
A few minutes later the kettle whistled a happy little tune signaling the water was ready. She grasp the handle of the kettle with a hand knit cozy and brought it over to the table. She set it down and readied Mathias’s cup with cloves, cinnamon, vanilla bean and slivers of lemon and orange peel. She poured the water over the loose tea blend. Immediately a soothing aroma was released.
“Drink up,” she ordered kindly, placing the mug in Mathias’s large hands. “It will help you relax.”
He looked down into the cup, its warmth running up his arms and radiating over his body. “Thank you,” He mumbled quietly.
Naarah turned and smiled. “You’re very welcome dear. Would you like a little something to eat,” she asked producing a plate of sweet smelling muffins.
“No thank you, just the tea,” he replied.
Naarah nodded and continued about her business.
Mathias watched Naarah prepare the days’ dinner. “Excuse me,” he said hesitantly, not wanting to disrupt her routine. “I appreciate you taking me into your home like this.”
Naarah smiled “It is nice for there to be another body in the house again.”
“You live here alone?” he said
in surprise.
“My husband and son passed away over eight years ago,” She explained a sad smile creeping across her face. “This was the last photo taken of our family,” she said staring at a small framed picture on the window sill.
“I am sorry to hear that,” Mathias replied, resisting the urge to hug the kind woman.
“You know it might help if you talk to him,” Naarah piped up, changing the subject.
“Talk to whom?” Mathias asked confused.
“Your friend,” she replied, “the one you’re mourning. Come,” she instructed, wiping her hands on her apron, “I will take you to him.”
Mathias wondered if Naarah was short a few buttons as he watched her pull a silky pink shawl from the hall closet.
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