by Jeremy Dwyer
“Is that why you wanted me to read the star charts?” Melony asked.
“Yes. We’re looking for the tomb, which was designed by an architect who received inspiration from a demon. It will allow the king to return yet again,” Lady Onora said.
“Unless we destroy the tomb before he can be revived,” Desmond said.
“That’s too crazy to believe,” Melony said.
“I don’t know that I believe the story, either, but we just can’t take the chance that someone that evil could ever come back,” Desmond said.
“Alright. I’ll show you how to get there. You figure out how to destroy it,” Melony said.
“Take us to it,” Lady Onora said.
“Yes. We will do what is necessary, if only you lead the way,” General Joshua said.
Melony, Lady Onora and Desmond boarded the Persistent along with General Joshua.
“Under the authority of the Oath, I will travel along with you, to record all events I witness,” Gisella said, and she stepped from the deck of the damaged ship onto the deck of the Persistent.
Melony drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from her vial and was energized. She followed the sounds of the stars and led the crew of the Persistent to the position she had previously determined, which was that of a particular region of swampland in Ihalik.
~~~
The spirit of King Xander came to rest in the Tomb of the Ten (10) Kings. The stone chamber had ten (10) sides, was over one hundred (100) feet across and thirty (30) feet in height. There, he reposed yet again in a sarcophagus surrounded by ten (10) stone thrones, one (1) at each corner of the room.
His defeat had been bitter this time – more so than on prior occasions, some of which were merely due to old age – and so he sought to rest for sufficiently many years until he felt strong enough to appear again. A willing accomplice would have to summon him from the spirit world and help him to possess a host body; until then, however, the spirit of King Xander was quite safe here…for this one (1) last time. The tomb would be of no use to him next time, so he would need to make a decisive move – a final move that would secure his eternal reign. Gadamalto was waiting for him, and he needed to avoid dying a normal death, because his condemnation would not be normal: instead, it would be especially horrid.
The spirit of King Xander waited and rested for what seemed like brief moments, because they were, before the walls of the tomb cracked and crumbled. Curved blades emerged from the darkness, cutting swiftly through the stones.
The tomb was quickly decimated around him, and the sarcophagus in which he planned on resting for tens of thousands of years was suddenly turned to rubble around him.
“He is here, in spirit,” a voice said.
“I sense him,” another voice said.
“His end is near,” another voice said.
Spirit powers surrounded the spirit of King Xander and a woman could be seen kneeling and praying. Her words were these: “I pray to Thee, One True God, that no false kings or gods shall present their deceptions to our ears or eyes or minds or spirits, but that their lies should be banished by Your True Glory. This I believe, for You are Supreme.”
~~~
No longer shielded by the spiritual powers of the Tomb of the Ten (10) Kings, the spirit of King Xander was then pushed away by other spiritual powers – those of the crew members of the Persistent who drank of the Zovvin Ocean waters. As a result of this, the king’s spirit then appeared in the Maelstrom of Vengeance.
Gadamalto was filled with nearly every delight that a demon could feel, having his enemy delivered to him so soon.
He spoke to the spirit of King Xander and said: “I am the conductor and every instrument of your condemnation. Your suffering will be my greatest composition: a symphony of horrors without end.”
The spirit of King Xander was subjected to unspeakable horrors for eternity, as the demon dedicated himself to causing the greatest of pains.
Gadamalto no longer sent forth the swarms of haunts, as they were deployed only to bring ruin to King Xander while he was alive. However, the haunts that had been sent out into the world were not recalled, so they remained to cause havoc for the living.
~~~
Several Hidden Paladins – under the cloak of darkness – had secretly accompanied Lady Onora, General Joshua and Melony on board the Persistent. Their Vague Blades had struck the stones that made up the tomb which was hidden in the swampland of Ihalik, destroying it completely.
Gisella had openly accompanied them, however, and quickly and accurately recorded the visible destruction of the tomb, though not the hidden powers carrying out that destruction.
“He is gone,” one (1) of the Zovvin water drinkers under General Joshua’s command then said.
“His spirit has left us, now that the tomb has been destroyed,” another of them said.
“We’re not done. The King captured all of Ihalik, as well as Meridianus and Waderav. The spirits of the people in those regions have to be freed as well, so that they’re no longer under bondage,” Lady Onora said.
“You freed these people with your song. We will take you where you need to go, to free all the rest. A number of the crew of the Persistent are also drinkers of the Pirovalen waters and can assist you, by lending their voices to your music, so that your song carries far and wide,” General Joshua said.
“I’m ready,” Lady Onora said.
At this, General Joshua and his crew, along with Lady Onora, Desmond and the Hidden Paladins returned to the Persistent. Gisella traveled with them to record their actions in those other places as well.
Melony went with them for a short trip, only to return to the Frigid Cornucopia off the eastern shore of Ihalik.
Lady Onora continued to pray to the One True God, to drink anew of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean from her vial and to sing her Absolute and Eternal song in different parts of Ihalik. A chorus of voices from the crew of the Persistent who also drank the Pirovalen waters amplified the effect of the music. From there, the Persistent traveled to the continents of Meridianus and Waderav, to continue this process of prayer to the One True God, drinking of the Pirovalen waters and song. In each of those places, the song carried far and wide, dispelling the spirits that had invaded the people to subjugate them, and liberating their true spirits. All the enchantments were lifted, setting billions free from bondage.
At the end of their mission, Lady Onora returned to Emeth, to resume her studies, and return to prayerful meditation. Desmond and Gisella returned to Emeth with her, while General Joshua and his crew returned to Revod.
~~~
While in Emeth, Gisella turned in her book to the Verifiers, giving her account of all that she saw and heard, including all of the songs. She took no small pleasure in the demise of King Xander, and she looked forward to more travels, and better times, and invitations to more parties by wealthy men – or men who at least had enough financial security to be interesting companions. Even a Chronicler’s life should have some celebration, Gisella thought, and she then went in search of other opportunities to record the events of the world.
Desmond returned to his scholarly studies in the halls of Emeth, seeking to avoid any more conflict, as he had already seen enough.
~~~
Melony rejoined Captain Linette aboard the Frigid Cornucopia and resumed their fishing business, returning to life as normal, with their usual sibling discord. Linette worked hard and Melony refused, but they, somehow, loved each other, despite irreconcilable disagreements on the family business.
~~~
Aura wandered Ihalik, sickened to her soul that she had failed to bring about great success through the power of King Xander. She regretted that two (2) of her sisters – Rivka and Lyssa – had died because of her hatred and resentment, and the other – Kassia – had died for unknown causes. She had no way of knowing that Kassia was still alive, however, in a different region of Ihalik. Aura was alone now, having achieved nothing by her hatred, and ha
ving no one left to love her – except, perhaps, the child she still carried. She went into hiding, moving carefully and quietly, before any of the newly awakened people could recognize her and remember the evil actions she had enabled by her enchanting songs.
CHAPTER 55: Rejection of Lies from the Kingdom of Hate
Laurentius, Daven and Przemek arrived at the docks and saw Rayner and Guillermo waiting near the Sun Lynx, engaged in a discussion.
“If you’re ready to leave, I’d like to return to the Admiral Ramalaxis Bridge and visit the temple again,” Laurentius said.
“I think that there are greater concerns now. Dangers are lurking, even though the darkness has ended,” Guillermo said.
“What are you talking about?” Daven asked.
“It’s that walled city in Baradaxa – where everybody was going for safety while it was dark and they were running away from that king,” Rayner said.
“Now, no one can enter…or leave. The wall is sealed and ships have been turned away. There are reports of angry spirits waiting outside the wall, to destroy the man within who built it. He murdered them, supposedly, to steal their wealth and thereby grow his fortune. Worse, there are fears that the people within are being murdered,” Guillermo said.
“No ship can fly over the wall to get the people out – it’s too high. So don’t get any ideas of rescue missions. We’d just be more corpses. I’m in business – I’ve seen enough war. So did Daven – I was there with him for part of it,” Rayner said.
“But if it were possible to break through that wall,” Przemek said, looking toward Daven.
“With a song, perhaps?” Laurentius asked, also looking toward Daven.
“Poor guy – you can’t get a break. Daven, tell them. Enough’s enough – you need to get on with your business, I need to get on with mine,” Rayner said.
“Life is to be celebrated, not ignored. The world should be filled with love rather than hate, and generosity rather than greed,” Daven said.
“I’ve seen too many people be ruined or murdered because of lies and hate. It’s happened to my family for centuries, because of false accusations,” Laurentius said.
“Didn’t millions of people go there? If this is half true, something should be done, by someone,” Przemek said.
“I know where this is going, and it isn’t good. If I take you there, I just might live to regret the mistake. If anything happens to my ship, then what? I’m out of business,” Rayner said.
“I’ll build you a new one, any size. No cost,” Laurentius said.
Rayner’s eyes lit up – he had a few thoughts of what he might like. “Any size?” he asked.
“If you can steer it, I can build it,” Laurentius said.
“If we help these people, their appreciation may be good for your business,” Guillermo said.
“As long I get through this alive,” Rayner said.
“Just get us to Baradaxa. To that wall,” Daven said.
“Pay up now. One (1) platinum coin each,” Rayner said.
“This is your business? Lower rates?” Laurentius asked.
“Pricing is part of my strategy. The others charge for high risk along the way,” Rayner said.
“Now you think this is low risk? A moment ago you were worried about survival?” Laurentius asked.
“I know what I’m doing, so I’ll get you there safely – that’s the low risk. Other captains charge more for travel in case of an accident along the way: they have to pay for your injuries, because they’re not all that great at handling a ship like I am. The high risk – if you get killed after safely arriving in a warzone – that’s not covered,” Rayner said.
“Good to know your policies in advance,” Laurentius said.
“Everything to you is business. At least you’re honest,” Przemek said.
Laurentius reached into his own coat pocket and found three (3) platinum coins. He gave these to Rayner to pay for transport for himself, Przemek and Daven.
Rayner then led his passengers on board the Sun Lynx. As he took the ship’s wheel, he drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from his vial and was energized. He listened to the sounds of the stars to hear their positions and movements, so that he could chart a course toward their destination.
With occasional steering assistance from Guillermo, Rayner then sailed the ship northeast across the Medathero Ocean toward Baradaxa. The ship was briefly converted to airship mode to travel over the Crypt Trail land bridge, returning to sea level in the Dead Waters Ocean.
~~~
“The spirits are still coming. There must be over one hundred fifty thousand (150000) gathered here now, and they’re becoming even angrier,” Carter said, while still standing on the shores of Baradaxa.
“This isn’t going to end well. Leaving may be best. Before long, they will attack someone. You don’t want it to be you, and I have no intention of becoming a shield for anyone,” Lavakara said.
“Selfishness returns! What a relief!” Nina said.
“Some positions have little hope of victory. Adding yourself to the number of the dead doesn’t accomplish anything of worth,” Lavakara said.
“I agree that standing around and waiting isn’t the optimal strategy. We need to act here and now or reposition ourselves,” Tomiko said.
“We need to stay and confront the hatred, and the lies,” Claudia said.
“Ending up underground, in our graves, isn’t the repositioning he had in mind,” Nina said.
~~~
Sebastian drank anew of the waters of the Elanatin Ocean from his vial and was energized. He sensed a distant mind – a powerful emotion, but nowhere nearly as strong as his own. It came from the south.
Sebastian then turned to Fantine and said: “Let’s begin by looking at the southern wall.” He then led her to an airship that he kept nearby and boarded the vessel. It was a small craft – only thirty-seven (37) feet in length with two (2) pairs of pivoting double-masted sails, each twelve (12) feet in height. He moved levers to pivot the masts to the side to form the sailwings. The ship took to the air and quickly traversed Baradaxa, reaching the southern extent in little over two (2) hours. It touched down in a small village.
“Why did you choose this location? The constructor pillars aren’t here,” Fantine asked.
“I have a different reason – what I want you to build is different this time,” Sebastian said. He continued probing the thoughts that he had detected earlier, and they were more powerful than before because they were closer. It was worse now, however, because they were onto him, and attempting to probe him.
Sebastian grew angry and took his vial of Elanatin Ocean waters and said: “Purify these waters, to the best of your ability. You do have your purification implements, right?”
“Yes, I usually keep at least two (2) kits with me,” Fantine said.
Fantine drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from her own vial and was energized. She kept a purification limestone crystal with her and empty vials, so she took the vial of Elanatin Ocean waters that Sebastian had given her and poured its contents into one (1) of her empty vials along with the limestone. She then manipulated the Elanatin water crystals using her own powers so as to move the impurities from the water toward the limestone. After this, she poured the purified Elanatin waters into Sebastian’s vial and handed it back to him.
Sebastian then drank the more purified Elanatin Ocean waters from the vial and was energized. He reached out with his telepathic powers and focused on the people in the village around him – he hated them with all of his ability and he told them to hate, and hate without end, and they did, not knowing why.
~~~
Yared and Claudia both felt the powerful wave of hatred and stepped backward.
“The hate is stronger!” Claudia said.
“Yes. I feel it – it’s stronger than the love was,” Yared said.
“I feel it, too. It’s coming at us,” Tomiko said.
“No! No more hate,�
� Nerine said.
“This is too much!” Stephan said.
Tristan and Alistair both stepped back, sickened by the wave of hatred that was palpable to everyone, even those lacking telepathic and empathic powers.
Genevieve felt it, but was less affected, because the Trerada waters protected her, at least in part.
Lavakara felt it, and Carter did too, and they were forced to step back.
Ovid sensed it, but he was shielded from its effects, because Ondothel, the Guardian Angel of the Chronicler’s Oath, stood nearby to protect him.
Nina felt it and stepped farther back than the others. “Somebody’s angry…really angry. Now would be a good time to reposition. Actually, a while ago would be better,” Nina said.
“Can a song get through that wall? Something?” Tomiko asked.
~~~
The Sun Lynx approached the southeastern shores of Baradaxa, in the Dead Waters Ocean, after a three (3) day voyage.
“There. Look. People are standing on the shores,” Daven said.
“We came to the right place,” Laurentius said.
“Just our luck,” Rayner said.
“Good fortune, indeed. We are meant to be part of this story, to experience it, and to learn from it,” Guillermo said.
“Bring us closer to the shore,” Przemek said.
“That’s where I’m going to let you off,” Rayner said, and he steered the Sun Lynx to the shore. He lowered the boarding ramp when the ship was close enough.
Daven, Laurentius, Przemek and Guillermo stepped off of the Sun Lynx and went onto the narrow strip of shore.
“More people came here to die? The surprises never end,” Nina said.
“We’re here to end the hate, the death, the despair,” Daven said.
“Ending the hate? That’s their job. But since they can’t do it, you’re welcome to try,” Nina said, pointing to Claudia and Yared.
Daven felt the wave of hatred as he stepped onto the shore, and Przemek and Laurentius and Guillermo did as well.