by Jeremy Dwyer
“That’s right. It’s what I do,” Fantine said.
“You build what people need you to build, because you love them,” Niven said.
“I call it purpose. You call it love. But know this – I will never love you, so please don’t ask. Just let it go, Niven. I’m still the same person, and I still feel the same way,” Fantine said.
“I love you anyway. And I always will. I would still do anything for you, even if you never love me back. My life is worth the effort – the hope, that one day, you’ll understand,” Niven said.
“What does it accomplish? Couldn’t you achieve something productive with your life?” Fantine asked.
“If I help you achieve your goals, isn’t that productive?” Niven asked.
“How can you help me?” Fantine asked.
“I’ve learned a lot since we first met. We need to talk,” Niven said.
“About architecture, crystals, design, construction?” Fantine asked.
“All those things – the things you truly love – that’s what we’ll talk about,” Niven said.
“I’m willing to hear what you have to say…after I’m done helping with the reconstruction. There was tremendous damage done to the homes along the perimeter from the collapse of the wall,” Fantine said. She then drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from her vial and was energized.
“I’ll help, in whatever way I can,” Niven said.
“Alright. I’ll take whatever help I can get,” Fantine said as she walked over to help the villagers, followed by Niven.
Fantine began manipulating the large piles of crystal shards – breaking down their alchemical structures quickly – so that the people could dig out their damaged homes and recover their possessions.
Niven worked with her and the villagers, lifting what of the crystal rubble that he could, though he was unable to manipulate the crystal the way that Fantine could. The shards were sharp, and he cut himself numerous times. The Trerada waters that flowed through him healed the cuts quickly, so that he could continue to work unabated, lending his strength and energy, day after day.
“Your help and energy are appreciated,” Fantine eventually said.
“When people are in need, action is what counts, getting the cleanup work done, so the rebuilding work can begin,” Niven said.
“You meant what you said about helping. We’ll talk soon…about what you learned,” Fantine said.
~~~
The Chronicler Silvius traveled about Baradaxa, and witnessed the shattering of a section of the giant crystal wall, including several people near that particular section who had been killed by the shards. He was protected from the danger by Ondothel, the Guardian Angel of the Chronicler’s Oath, and not so much as a splinter of the crystal touched him. Still, he was troubled by what he saw, and made careful notes of it into his book.
Soon, his journey brought him near to Fantine, Niven and the villagers as they labored through the wreckage along a different section of the wall, and he recorded all that was said and done. Silvius focused intently on Fantine’s own manipulation of crystals, as she did much of the work to clean up the shards of crystal from the shattered wall.
“What is that object, still standing?” Silvius asked, pointing at a large pillar that was capped with a crystal, all the while drawing sketches of it, and everything around him, into his book.
“That’s part of the constructor – the machine that built the wall,” Fantine said.
“If it could build a wall around the entire continent, couldn’t it be used to rebuild the homes of these villagers?” Niven asked.
“First, it needs to be configured into generating a different pattern. Then, it will rebuild their homes – and everything else – like never before,” Fantine said. She considered what she had learned from working with Cassius and then from reading the book of castle designs and crystal manipulations. From all of that, she envisioned far greater possibilities, and architected many innovative things within her mind.
~~~
The spirit of Sebastian entered into a place of swirling flames and sounds of screams. It was not clear which direction was up or down, yet the confusion meant nothing to him, as a storm raged within him.
A deep and terrifying voice spoke out in the darkness, saying: “You are many things – each of them a great failing. You are greed: your fortune was built from endless theft. You are hate: you murdered parents and children. You are lust: seducing wives and mothers. You are pride: demanding that others love you most of all.”
“Who are you to judge me? What do you know of my life? What do you think you have seen in my mind?” the spirit of Sebastian asked.
“I am Gadamalto – Master of Spirits in this, the Maelstrom of Vengeance. You are no longer flesh but spirit, and your spirit has been given over to me. It reveals all truths – your own memories condemn you, because you could never forget your own deeds: they are written upon your very soul,” the voice said.
“There is no soul – that is a myth born of religions. Like all of them, this is a deception. You are a deceiver, and your lies will falter under the truth, as will religions and their laws and deities,” the spirit of Sebastian said.
“You are still more things. You are folly: you do not believe that which is clearly before you. You are wishful: you believe that your will can overpower that of your Creator, whose very existence you denied. Yet, in the end, you are only one (1) thing: condemned. You will thus receive only one (1) gift: eternal torment.”
The spirit of Sebastian was subjected to torment without end, screaming and writhing in pain that far exceeded what his flesh had felt in its final moments. Yet, there was no sorrow in him, only envy, for he wished that the demon’s power could be taken as his own, and be used to control multitudes, compelling them to give him their love.
CHAPTER 56: Knowledge of Secrets Lost and Found
After considerable study, entering various buildings and recording the details and inscriptions, Danek satisfied himself that he had seen enough of Thalkalana for the moment. He formulated many theories about its contents, but each was incomplete. Still, it appeared to him as if these buildings were oriented toward observation of the suns – even worship. The large, octagonal tower appeared to have the design of a giant sundial, by which the suns would have cast a shadow on the other structures. The only problem with this theory, of course, was that the buildings were underground. He suspected that the city may have once been above ground, and then lowered by some mechanism.
Caemgen followed him dutifully, recording all of it into his own book, but not formulating any such theories.
“I’ve seen enough for the moment, Chronicler. I will return to this city, in time, after I have researched other matters that may help penetrate its mysteries,” Danek said.
Danek then made his away across the island on which the city’s buildings stood inside the cavern. Caemgen followed him as he went to the shore to find a ship.
“First, however, I intend to learn more about this liquid – whether it is a water like the others, or something altogether different,” Danek said. He took a spare vial of his own and used it to take a sample of the water from the ocean. Danek then climbed the boarding ramp to one (1) of the ships with tattered sails – there were two (2) waiting there – and Caemgen followed.
“I still do not know the source of the illumination in this cavern,” Danek said.
After only a few minutes, the ship with tattered sails began to move very quickly across the ocean in the cavern.
“Nor do I know the mechanism by which this ship is moving. In time, many will learn of this place, and by sheer numbers, some will discover its truths. If I were an alchemist, or had sight into the darkness by light, I could learn for myself some of what might be hidden here,” Danek said.
Caemgen understood what Danek meant, and agreed without saying anything: the choice of the Ursegan waters gave many opportunities, because it greatly extended the duration of life; yet, it d
id not grant power over other elements by which insight could be gained. By the Ursegan waters, a person could slow time and thereby live ten thousand (10000) years, and still see less than what another person saw in a moment, because that other person drank of the Lujladia waters and could thus generate light to peer into the deepest darkness – where even an ordinary flame could not.
“Presented with the choice of waterbinding, it would seem that all powers were within reach; yet, when the choice is finally made, most opportunities are lost, so that few can be found,” Danek said.
After three (3) hours, the ship with tattered sails reached the rocky ledge at the edge of the cavern. Danek walked down the boarding ramp and onto the ledge, followed by Caemgen. Before them stood a cave entrance.
“This is not the same entrance as before; still, it may lead us out. Time will tell, and time is our ally,” Danek said, walking through the cave entrance.
Within that cave was a riverboat with tattered sails – smaller than the vessel that had crossed the ocean – and Danek and Caemgen both boarded it. Within a few minutes, the riverboat began moving uphill, slowly, through a dark tunnel.
Caemgen recorded all of these things into his book until the tunnel became almost completely dark. Then, he noticed something faintly glowing while staring in Danek’s direction.
“I should like to see that vial of unknown water you hold,” Caemgen said.
Danek took the vial of unknown water out of a pocket in his coat and handed it over to the Chronicler. He then saw what Caemgen had first noticed – the liquid inside was glowing, and now it was brighter, not being partially concealed by the coat pocket.
Caemgen stared deeply into the liquid vial, and then noticed by its light that he tunnel walls were visible. He also noticed that they had what appeared to be burn marks on them.
By the glow of the waters in the vial, Danek was able to see the direction of Caemgen’s gaze and he followed it to the tunnel walls.
“These walls appear to be burned – scorched by some intense heat, as they are rock. Though this liquid gives off light, it does not appear to radiate heat – at least not in the small quantity that is present. Still, I can’t rule out the possibility that the ocean of this liquid may have been responsible for scorching these walls. An alchemist would know better,” Danek said.
Caemgen continued to record into his book the markings on the wall, as well as Danek’s words, if only to record the events of the moment, rather than to suggest that they were correct.
It was a four (4) day voyage uphill along the river, after which the riverboat came to a halt and they stepped out onto a riverbank.
Danek climbed a set of stairs up to another cave, and Caemgen followed him to where they discovered its contents.
“Reflections of reflections,” Danek said while looking at an arrangement of a large number of mirrors.
Caemgen counted them – one hundred twenty-six (126) mirrors were arranged in a parabolic shape along the cave walls. The vertex of the parabola was on the back of the cave. Each mirror was nine (9) feet in height and four (4) feet in width, which he determined with quick and careful measurements.
There was a border of stones around the staircase opening – the stones appeared to have an inscription. As Caemgen recorded it into his book, Danek read it aloud, saying: “Of the squares within your sight, count them all, yet miss not one. Unlock the gateway to the sea, when all of your counting is done.”
“It would appear to be a puzzle – a clue to operating an elaborate mechanism to unlock the way to the ocean. Someone had already solved it, to enter from here, down to the place from which we just came,” Danek said.
Danek then walked toward the exit to the cave, through which bright lights entered. Caemgen followed him and they saw that they were in a mountainous region, but did not know where.
“The suns are no longer dark, so that travel should be of only ordinary difficulty. Remember the path to return to this place as we leave; this entrance has its own interesting features that may be worth studying, aside from the underground city,” Danek said.
Danek then walked carefully and slowly down a mountain trail, and Caemgen followed in his footsteps, until they reached the shore.
Ships could be seen passing by and a nearby small port town could be seen toward which ships seemed to be sailing. “We will book passage on a ship from there,” Danek said.
After an hour of walking, Danek realized that something was amiss, and then realized where he was. “The waters of the Lujladia Ocean distort the light around us, creating illusions and displacements, such that the near can appear far, and the distant can appear to be close. As the waters are to the east, this is the Elaja’s Walkway land bridge – I have little doubt of that,” Danek said.
Caemgen did not record the conclusion, only the words, but he trusted Danek’s sense, and concurred with the conclusion.
After another three (3) hours of walking, they arrived at the actual port town, from which they booked passage on a ship to travel to Emeth.
Caemgen recorded the path they had traveled – step by step – into his book, so that it could be reversed later in order to return.
Their journey lasted six (6) days. First, the ship sailed east across the Lujladia Ocean, then it traveled briefly over the Wandering of Shadows land bridge as an airship, after which it returned to sea level in the Ikkith Tar Ocean. It continued sailing east, then briefly converted to an airship as it traveled south over the Prince Jalvin’s Crossroads land bridge, and then it returned to sea level in the Medathero Ocean, heading southwest toward Emeth.
When they arrived in the City of Emeth, Danek and Caemgen returned to the Library of Tedorik.
Outside, they were met by the Verifier Alyona, who took Caemgen’s book of events and began to inspect it.
Danek went to his own chambers and said: “I need to speak to him.”
Suddenly, a cloak of darkness encircled Danek, and he found himself being taken, by an unknown path, to a place he did not know. The darkness lifted, and he was in a familiar room. There, he saw the old man – Sava’Tzefanya – waiting as usual.
“I have been to Thalkalana, and I believe that I know something of its purpose,” Danek said.
“I believe that I know all of it, and it is a grave danger to everyone. Do not ask me why or how, and do not share what you have learned. The suns have returned from the darkness, but there are still those who would cause havoc should certain secrets be made known to them. Leave now, and say no more of it,” Sava’Tzefanya said.
Before Danek could respond, he was whisked away in the darkness much as he came, and released from the darkness in his chambers in the Library of Tedorik.
Danek realized that, for the old man to be concerned, the matter must be quite clearly serious – it just wasn’t clear to him.
~~~
Halina and Danielle traveled discreetly – under the cloak of darkness – while carrying the baby boy whom they had abducted from Duchess Uliana. They made their way traveling on various ships to reach Av’Tovenka Island in the Ikkith Tar Ocean. Once there, they entered the water-worshipper’s temple and sought the Matriarch’s Room, where they knocked at the door.
Tanith Orenda sat upon her throne of bone and heard the knocking and said: “You may enter!”
Halina and Danielle then brought the baby boy in to the room and saw the old woman sitting on the throne.
“Whose child was that?” Tanith Orenda asked.
“He belonged to Duchess Uliana. The boy was to be sacrificed in a ritual to consecrate the sun-worshipper’s temple, but we abducted him before that could be done,” Danielle said.
“Very good. Nurture him and raise him as our slave. His life will be far more complete and fulfilling as our slave than as her ritual offering in his infancy. How ironic,” Tanith Orenda said.
“The suns have returned from the darkness, and the sun-worshippers have a singer who repelled the attacks of the king against their temple by call
ing down fire from the sky,” Halina said.
“I am aware of their power – this does not surprise me. Still, the suns may rise, but the cult of sun-worshippers will fall. You have served me well, both of you. Now, Danielle, leave us alone, that I may speak to Halina. Yet, stay near, that you may serve yet again,” Tanith Orenda said.
Danielle left the room, closing the door behind her, and went to the Ocean Room to seek out highly purified Elanatin Ocean waters to energize herself for future missions. After drinking anew of the Elanatin waters, she returned to wait outside the door to the Matriarch’s Room.
When Danielle was gone, Tanith Orenda spoke to Halina and said: “I know what you truly want, Halina. You seek a male for companionship, and no longer wish to be among us. There are whispers of it, and you were a fool to think they would not reach my ears. You have been a loyal servant; yet, since a lover is what would most please you, you must leave us, and never return. I will not have your disenchantment erode the morale and have the other women be turned against our purpose. Now, go,” Tanith Orenda said.
Halina had felt her own needs grow – she wished to be a lover and a mother – and knew that she had given subtle and not-so-subtle hints to the Ahitan women around her. That Tanith Orenda discovered this was no surprise – that she had not ordered Halina killed was a surprise.
Halina left the Matriarch’s Room and made her way to the exit.
As Danielle watched her pass by, she knew what was necessary, and she used her telepathic powers to enter Halina’s mind and erase from it all memories of the location of this place, so that Halina knew the way out, but not how to return.
Halina traveled away from there, under the cloak of darkness, in pursuit of the fulfillment that her lifelong companions – and the old woman – could never provide.
~~~
The Amber Lantern arrived in Emeth and Neva’Raka was the first to walk down the boarding ramp and onto the pier leading into the city. Taesa and Emerond came down next, with Caroline following them while holding their son, Trent. Zoe and Brant followed, and Judith was the last to step off of the ship.