Except now, the books were demanding Charon’s attention.
Charon had lived on this island hidden in the translucent waters of the River Styx many years before the book had suddenly appeared. His only true companions were the Tree of Life, the book, and the River Styx. And here he had remained since the downfall of the Olympian gods, waiting, preparing, and watching until recently when he had felt the pull of Jaiden’s soul.
The island floated in the invisible river that separated the Heavens, the Earth, and the Underworld; there was no better hiding place. He turned and stared at the silver palace towering above the granite hillside as his mind wandered with thoughts he had never had before. Thoughts that now puzzled him.
The robe covering his face fell away, his red eyes glowing in an ashen, yet beautiful face. With one hand curled around a red-and-black bone scythe, he held out the other and called forth the book. Hundreds of years had passed since he had read from the pages he so precariously protected.
One corner of his lip lifted as the book appeared open in his palm, eager for him to read. He watched the pages turn until midway a page fluttered, its soft glow shimmering as words appeared before his eyes. The translucent waters of the River Styx bubbled and whispered to him, a vortex of water opening at the edge of the island.
The page turned, the words churning in his mind as he slowly closed the book. The fate of the Universe hung in the balance of good and evil, dangled on many single choices, and Charon managed a cold laugh. And now the world’s hope lay within the Destroyers’ choices, as they had free will if they chose to use it.
He paused before turning to Styx.
Styx bubbled and gurgled around him announcing a visitor. Charon’s eyebrow rose. No one had ever visited this place.
With a purple flash and a wisp of smoke, Terror Sky of the Elemental gods appeared before Charon in full dragon glory. Large red scales melted and molded into human flesh. His body contorted and decreased in size until standing before him was a man with long black hair and a single red braid hanging from his temple.
“What brings you to my world?” Charon asked suspiciously.
“As much as I don’t want to trust you, Isten informs me that I must do so. He has seen a vision of a new age, insists that you be made aware of the importance of a male known as Varick. His destiny is uncertain, leaving the future uncertain as well.”
“Yes, a new age is approaching, and soon these prison walls will crumble around us and the doorways will once again be opened.” Charon’s face shimmered, leaving behind the bleached white bones of a skull with red eyes. “Soon the tides will be set in motion, and the game shall begin. Only destinies chosen wisely will lead the sun to set on a new era.”
“I have kept watch over Varick for many years.” Terror Sky ran his hand through his long, dark hair. “He must be protected until the time comes for his decision.”
Charon grinned under his hood. “A game of life and death. No doubt you’re aware of his former life and what he’ll become if the wrong decision is made.”
Terror Sky narrowed his swirling eyes. “We must set things right and force the right decisions on these Destroyers if Isten’s intended future is to be realized.”
The book opened in Charon’s hand as Terror Sky said, “Now is the perfect time to push Varick toward the life Isten intended for him.”
Pointing a long talon at the words that had appeared in the book, Charon whispered, “This Varick Ta Farg, a half-breed vampire, must rise from his own ashes, choose a destiny that lies before him, and … ” He paused as Styx rushed around him, causing small whirlpools to appear chaotically across the island. “And he will pave the road that will lead to salvation or destruction.”
Terror Sky replied, “The fate of the world rests on a half-breed vampire’s head. Are you prepared for that, Charon?”
Charon laughed. “The book has commanded, and I must obey.”
“Someone is changing the words of Jaiden’s books. I don’t know how or why they do so, but they must be stopped before more harm befalls this universe.”
“If the books are to be found, the Book of Creation will guide me to them,” Charon stated.
Terror Sky paused, listening to the River Styx gurgling and swirling faster around the island. “Varick will have the power to restore the wrongs, but he must choose to do so freely.”
Charon shook his head. “Perhaps his death will set things on the proper course.”
“With my life, I’ll protect him and his power even against the strongest of the gods.” The Elemental’s voice dropped dangerously low. “Even from that book and from you.”
“I will not harm Varick at this time unless the book commands it — you can bet your immortality upon that.”
“Or ever. Do we understand each other?” His silent threat hung in the air. “Or do I need to make myself perfectly clear on the subject?”
“Don’t threaten me, Terror Sky.”
“Harm one single thread of hair on his head, and you’ll have no need to worry about your precious book!”
Abruptly the Elemental vanished, his telltale purple flash the only reminder of his presence. Charon laughed. Terror Sky’s visit could only mean one thing. Whoever was meddling with Jaiden’s books had to be found and stopped.
Styx churned with power as Charon stepped into the vortex of translucent water. Styx swept him up and cradled him as the Tree of Life groaned and settled deeper into the island’s core, preparing itself for whatever might come.
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