by R. Brown
She then put her hand out in invitation. “No Urquay. Urquay dead. You are free.” She again held out her hand.
“Free,” one of them repeated.
“Yes, lima free,” said Ashlyn looking at the man who had spoken. He looked frail, old and like the others, his hair was thin—but the vibrancy in his eyes told a different story. Ash believed he was likely in his late twenties, no older.
“Free. Lima free,” Ash repeated to him, her broad smile encouraging him to step forward. Albeit slowly, his walk unsteady and weak, he stepped forward from the back of the growing crowd. Others began to follow, some holding the hands of small children.
A man off to Ashlyn’s right stood and took the elbow of a woman who sat on the cold cement floor, suckling a baby. He helped her to her feet and together, they took a few steps toward her, anxious to leave.
It was all Ash could do to contain herself. Her happiness for being able to help them, completely overshadowed the despair she’d first sensed in them. In a matter of minutes, the sadness of their plight had been washed away. She was witnessing their evolution into a brave new world—a world where their children would see the stars for the first time.
Gently, she held the hand of the young man who had come to her, leading him up the stairs. The others followed.
***
Ashlyn stayed with them throughout the night, welcoming them, and alleviating their fears as the endless procession of people trickled out from below.
They had much to learn, and generations of instilled demons to conquer. First and foremost, though the Urquay lay dead all around them, was their need to believe that they were safe. Ashlyn couldn’t imagine how hard it must have been to accept that the Urquay were really gone. It was a concept they’d not thought possible.
Cautiously, they spread out, leaving the safety of the others behind. Ash casually walked amongst them, her touch and encouragement alleviating their fears.
Most of the humans were subdued and unsure of what to do, but there were others who stood-out. They would be the leaders of the new society that was forming. They were talking, taking charge, and helping those that were crying and insecure. Many appeared overwhelmed by experiencing hope for the first time, realizing that their lifetime of torment was truly over. Every tear shed that night was a tear of joy.
Near everything was a new experience for the humans. Most had never seen the sun before. Their fear of the heat upon their skin forced them into the shadows. Ash knew that for many, it would take years to adjust. For the first time in their lives, they’d have to hunt for food and sustenance. Given time, Ash was confident that the world would someday be theirs again. Mankind had been given a second chance.
The hours slipped away as Ashlyn did what she could to aid those who were sick and needing help to come above. There were some that Ash knew weren’t going to survive more than a few hours, but she took comfort in knowing that they had tasted freedom. They would die seeing the stars. She’d given thought to healing them, but she could feel the nexus telling her not to. She had done what was needed.
Morning came quickly. With the sun rising above the horizon, it was time for Ashlyn to say her goodbyes. As she was doing so, the three people she’d rescued atop the mountain found her. Heartfelt embraces thanked her for all she’d done. As Ashlyn walked away, though she couldn’t understand the words, she knew that they were retelling the miracle they had seen her perform in the cavern. The freed humans would forever come to believe that Ashlyn was a god. The dead Urquay was their proof.
Before leaving, Ash stopped to see the Sphinx. With each step down the grand walkway toward it, her awe of it grew. Though it was only a replica, her heart sped, its magnificence astounding her. Unable to resist touching the paw, Ashlyn laughed at herself. “I’m such a tourist.”
Ash moved toward a small stand with a bronze plaque atop it a few feet away. Next to a missing button were the words, “Press here to upload a holo to your Facebook’s, Favorite Memories Page. Proudly partnered with Disney Theme Parks.”
Ash grinned. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Heading out of the park, she passed by the Colosseum. Walking through its archways, Ash felt deep respect for all it signified. It was a symbol of human innovation and heritage. It represented mankind at its best and its worst. Looking down onto the arena, she could almost hear the roar of caged animals, cheering crowds and gladiators battling. It was mesmerizing. “I hope you can see this, Steven.” Ashlyn laughed, “For all I know, you probably built the original.”
It was almost noon when she came to the large gate that exited the park. As she passed under the ancient arch, a fallen wrought iron looking sign beneath a broken stone column caught her attention. The only portion of the sign that was visible, had but three letters. “Dis.” Ashlyn laughed. “So that’s where Siri got the name of the city.”
The pieces of the puzzle came together. “I’m the reason why the mutants in the city of Dis disappeared?”
Sensing the time wave approaching, Ash took a seat on the fallen, white marble column and made herself comfortable. The sun’s rays were casting beautiful golden beams of light through the tree branches. It was entrancing.
As the wave approached, a stirring breeze swept through Ashlyn’s hair. Its touch was soothing and lightened the burden upon her shoulders. Appreciative for the brief respite, Ash closed her eyes and opened herself to a moment of peaceful calm and quiet serenity. She knew it might be her last for a long time.
When her eyes opened and Ashlyn saw that she was back in the void, surrounded by gray nothingness, her mind balked. She panicked as a surge of adrenaline raced through her. All the memories of despair, sorrow and loneliness came flooding back. I can’t endure it again, I can’t.
Chapter 19
Her pangs of despair were short-lived. A large image of Anu appeared. Her speeding heart slowed, allowing her to grasp onto the comfort his voice provided.
“I am Anu, and I speak for the Council of Twelve. We have summoned you to the nexus, where according to Anunnaki law, you will do battle in the arena. You are accused of disobeying the decree issued by the Council, which is a treasonous offense, punishable by death. Your disobedience has also resulted in the loss of many Anunnaki lives and the lives of innocent people indigenous to Tiamat.
“The accuser who brings the charges against you has earned the right to have us summon you, by having passed through the gauntlet and surviving the trials within the netherworld.
“By Anunnaki tradition, and in accordance with the laws established long ago when the nexus was founded—your guilt or innocence will be determined by the outcome of the battle within the arena. Should you survive, you will be deemed innocent of the charges against you and sent back to the world from which you came.
“And, as is the right of both the accuser and the accused—you may now behold the face of your opponent.”
Anu’s image faded, giving way to that of a vast army of Anunnaki. They were standing shoulder to shoulder in a gray void, like her own. Ashlyn swallowed. She’d not known there would be so many. They were two-hundred abreast, forty or more deep. Eight-thousand, maybe more, she thought. Ashlyn had no idea how she could defeat so many, not without her Transor powers. It was impossible.
“This is my accuser? A lone woman?” shouted one of the Anunnaki males. Like the others, he was dressed in clothing befitting a warrior. The image enlarged, showing Ashlyn the man who had spoken, bringing him to the fore. “Send the others home. I volunteer to battle her alone—in my bed! You have my promise that by morning she will be dead from exhaustion.” The army behind him laughed and cheered.
“Silence, Krall,” shouted Anu, addressing the large man directly, his voice loud and angry. “Show respect for the arena and what the challenger has endured to be here today. There is not a single man among you that could have passed the trials. Nor should the charges against you be taken so lightly. Your words bring no honor to you or the Anunnaki
people.”
“We have heard no charges, just false accusations,” retorted Krall.
“As is your right—you may now hear the charges brought before the Council,” said Anu.
The visual imagery changed, now showing Ashlyn standing in the temple on Olympus, appealing to Anu. Solon could be seen kneeling at the base of the stairs behind her. “Lord Anu, I seek your permission to enter the netherworld.
“I wish to face my enemies in battle. The people on Tiamat are caught in a war between your sons, Lord Enki and Lord Enlil. Many Anunnaki lives have been lost in Enki’s defense of us. As have many Anunnaki lives been lost by Enlil’s forces in his attack upon us. I want to put an end to the war. I want to save my world and my people—as I want to save the lives of the Anunnaki who are faithful to the decree issued by the Council—before it is too late.”
Anu’s image reappeared. “The request made by Lady Ashlyn is honorable. She fights to save the lives of her uplifted people, and the Anunnaki, upholding the decree issued by the Council. The nexus knows the hearts of all men, and it has summoned those who have aligned themselves with Lord Enlil, and against the Council. Even now, the Anunnaki on Heaven are bearing witness to these events. We will continue to watch and see everything as it occurs in the arena, so that it can serve as an example for all who seek to betray.
“It is now time to reveal the arena that the netherworld has prepared for you.”
The image changed to that of a bleak and ominous world. It was a place of dark, nightmarish shadows, lit only by the flashes of lightning in the churning clouds above. Heavy rumbles of thunder crackled, carried by a strong wind that had twisted the barren forests of trees into grotesque caricatures. Ashlyn could almost believe they were alive and moving, as the shadows played tricks on her eyes.
The image of the world disappeared, leaving Anu standing before them. “Let the battle begin. May justice prevail.”
Anu disappeared. A few seconds later, Steven reappeared. Now of normal size, he calmly approached her. “Only you can see and hear me.” Looking at her warmed his heart. “More than anything—I wish I could hold you right now. You look beautiful, Ash. I miss you terribly.” He swiped his ethereal hand through hers, his emotional need unable to resist.
The longing in his eyes told Ashlyn that he was holding something back. She decided not to ask what it was. Inside, she wasn’t ready for the answer. “I miss you too. The others—are they already in the arena?” asked Ash.
“No, I left them in the void,” said Steven with a sly smile. “They needed a little humbling.
“And I wanted a moment alone with you before you enter the arena.”
“Speaking of the arena—how can I fight so many?” asked Ash, her voice strained. “Without my Transor powers, I can’t defeat all of them.”
“You have an advantage that you aren’t aware of. There is much that you have not yet learned about Anunnaki history, and it is why I needed to speak with you,” said Steven. “The arena is designed to balance the scales. It provides a level playing field regardless of which side has the greater number. And because you are so greatly outnumbered, the nexus weighted the arena heavily in your favor, giving you a much greater portion of control over its manipulation. The balance of power will continue to shift as the numbers of your enemy change, and if at some point the battle becomes one on one, that individual will have equal control to your own.”
“Control over what?” asked Ashlyn. “I don’t understand.”
“When we built the arena long ago, we made it to be a living world. Think of it as a place where magic exists,” said Steven. “You can make near anything happen. You just have to think the commands. It has limits, but they are few.
“Remember the gauntlet at Olympus—the lightning? It was doing more than testing your resolve. The nexus was making an imprint of your genetics. It was discovering your strengths, skills and abilities. Based upon those results, it designed an arena that is literally, made for you. It is your right as the accuser and the one who sought justice. I don’t mean to imply it will be easy. It won’t. A single mistake can kill you.”
There was a moment of silence between them. Steven’s words hung heavy in the air.
It was Steven who finally broke the silence. “One more thing before I leave. I’ve been watching your progress through the netherworld, and I saw the moment when you discovered your ability to see your enemies from afar. You are the only person I’ve ever seen to possess such a gift. I urge you to call upon it, use it. It will be your greatest ally.
“The arena is without limits as to size. It is a world unto itself. Your enemy will need to find you, and that special vision is invaluable. Use it to your advantage. Force the enemy to find you. Set traps, cut their numbers down before they even lay eyes on you. Surround yourself with barriers, and dangers for them to conquer. The more you can slow them down, the more traps you have time to set.
“But I urge you to use caution, because the dangers you create for them, can kill you as well. Be specific, give focused commands. And don’t forget that at some point, it’s likely that they will discover that they too can control the environment around them. That is when the war will really begin.” Steven’s image began to fade.
“I know there’s a lot of pressure on you, Ash. I wish I could help you fight them.”
“I wish you could too. I love you, Steven.”
“Ditto.” Steven’s familiar response brought a smile to her face.
Chapter 20
As the void disappeared, Ashlyn found herself alone, standing in the unearthly forest. Towering, black, lifeless trees surrounded her. Her toes sank into the soft, dank ground. The air smelled like rotted compost, a dense mist clinging to the ground around her knees. The clouds glowed, flashing from within. The sounds of heavy rumbling thunder came at her from all directions, sending tremors through the puddle forming around her feet. The shadows cast by the lightning were deep, menacing. An occasional bolt lanced the darkness, striking the dead trees and ground. It was a world that embraced death.
Unsure of where her enemy was, she took Steven’s suggestion and engaged her mind to search for them. Ash assumed the unique ability was one of the genetic enhancements Tynabo had given her. She was thankful for his foresight.
Ash had learned to let the ability flow freely, letting its intuitive sense guide her. Like a passenger on a train, she watched it soar above the treetops, winding its way through twisting valleys that snaked through a nearby mountain range. A moment later, it came to a stop before her enemy, twelve miles away.
Surveying the scene, Ashlyn saw that each man now bore a sword. The arena had balanced the scales, equipping them with a weapon equal to her own. Not surprisingly, Ashlyn saw no females among them. She’d learned from the Keeper that the Anunnaki didn’t allow women to participate in war or politics. Lord Malor’s disrespectful conduct back in Eridu had proven that. Women weren’t respected. It’s the dark ages all over again. I’m going to have to spank Steven for letting that happen.
Ash saw that the men were looking upward, watching the skies. As her mind-vision followed their gaze, she saw that eight of the Anunnaki men had shifted into the Naga form, the same flying creature that Solon had chosen on their journey to Olympus. They were scouts, sent out to search for her.
All right, let’s see how this whole thing works. Steven spoke of limits. Let’s see what they are.
“I command a large meteor to strike the army, destroying them all.”
Ash watched the skies, but nothing happened. “Guess I knew that wasn’t going to work. All right, let’s try something—smaller.” Knowing she needed to remain hidden for as long as possible, Ash made the scouts her first priority. “I command large, fiery hail to fall from the skies and attack the flying Naga creatures.”
Instantly, random spots within the dark churning clouds began to glow, radiating a reddish-orange color. From each of the glowing clouds, watermelon size pieces of fiery ice rocketed through th
e atmosphere, targeting the Anunnaki that were in flight.
One of the scouts fell almost instantly as the heavy hail caught him by surprise, killing him. The other Naga were swooping, spinning and dodging the bombardment. Their flying skills were masterful, and they had little trouble avoiding the sporadic hail.
Ash saw that she’d scaled it down too far, and needed to think bigger. She envisioned the hailstorm being a hundred times heavier, blanketing her enemies in the air and on the ground.
Instantly, the skies released a spectacular assault of biblical proportions. Thousands of icy fireballs rained down, racing toward the enemy. The Naga still in the air were struck down, torn apart by the impact, the flaming pieces of their bodies transforming back into their natural state as they fell to the ground.
The thousands of men below scrambled for cover, taking refuge behind the large trees and natural cover afforded by the terrain. It was of no use though as within seconds, the ground was ablaze, the meteors destroying everything in their path. The heat boiled the fog and moisture on the ground, making the air thick and hard to breath. Injured men called out for help—hundreds of others screamed in pain as they died.
Wanting to take advantage of her enemies’ confusion, Ashlyn stepped up her assault. “I command the trees around my enemy to attack. Destroy them all.”
Ashlyn watched as the trees suddenly came to life. Like arms, the long, gnarled branches reached down, spearing the men. Terror-filled screams rang out as the trees lifted the men high into the air. Like competing giants, the attacking trees tore at the men, pulling them apart. Crushed skulls, legs, arms and torsos fell. Roots rose from the ground wrapping around the men, dragging them below the surface.
Those that were able, hacked at the roots that slithered along the ground and chopped at the branches that came at them from above. It was clear that the trees would win, if not for the fiery ice indiscriminately taking its toll on the trees as well. They exploded, shattered and burst into flames. The forest was an inferno, and yet the trees fought on—doing as commanded. The men died a terrifying death.