by Ben Alderson
“Have you seen this magick before?” I asked.
“Never,” she replied, shaking her head. “I have heard of it. This is not power the druids ever had. It’s common knowledge to know they do not create life. Whoever did this is strong and can control earth in more ways than Jasrov or other earth Elementalists.”
“Do you think it was the other Dragori?” Hadrian asked.
“For our sake, I hope not,” Emaline replied, pushing past us. “Let’s keep going and hope the Goddess sees us safely through this temple.”
We walked further in, passing smashed stone walls and crumbled slab flooring. The room we entered was as tall as it was wide. Only the halo of blue light that Hadrian created meant we could see an arm’s length in front of us.
“We should split up,” Jasrov spat out.
We all turned to him, confused at his sudden confidence. His hands were shaking as he held onto the dagger Emaline had given him, but his eyes burned with an intense emotion that I could not place.
“Don’t look at me like that.” He frowned. “If we go in twos, then we might find the Keeper quicker. The temple is monstrous as it is. We will cover more ground if we separate. And I want to get out of here as soon as possible.”
“Have you met this Keeper before?” Emaline questioned.
Jasrov looked at the floor. “No. In truth, I never knew one existed before you told me. But, since you don’t know either, we all have the same chance of finding someone who claims to be the Keeper. Unless they are dead, of course.”
Hadrian nodded. “Jasrov speaks sense, but you are going to need some light to navigate this place.” He ripped a large part of the dry vine from the wall and placed his hand at one end. Blue fire burst forth and coated the top of the vine. “This will burn out quickly, so as long as you relight a new piece of vine, you will be fine.”
Jasrov took it from Hadrian. “I was almost hoping you would come with me.”
“I think it’s best I stay with Zacriah,” Hadrian replied.
Emaline patted Jasrov on the back. “I am more than capable of keeping you alive. Ask those two; I have a reputation for it.”
A slight pop sounded from Emaline’s waist. We watched the water skin open and a steam of blue seep into the air. Emaline controlled it with her hand until the steam formed an orb that spun inches from her open palm.
“Point taken,” Jasrov said, awe fixed on Emaline’s display.
Satisfied, Emaline clenched her fist, and the orb dispersed into a steam once more that retreated into her water skin.
“If we keep walking, we should come to a divide in the room. Two walkways…”
Just as Jasrov explained, the open space we stood within separated into two hallways. One to the right, the other to the left. Between both paths, a large statue stood untouched by the hungry vines. Dalibael. She stood proudly, her right arm extended out before her where the other was held behind her back. White stone, veined with black like marble. She had been carved out like the many depictions of her showed. Flowing hair, tall body. Pure power.
“We are going this way,” I said, pointing to the right corridor. “You take the other.”
Hadrian just looked at me for a moment, but the look I gave him made him turn back and not ask any questions. I couldn’t help but feel the Goddess was trying to direct me through her stance. If this was a sign, I was prepared to take it.
“There is nothing but an old library and eating hall down that way,” Jasrov said. “A tree and benches.”
“A tree?” I asked. “This far below ground?”
“You’ll see,” Jasrov said, turning to Emaline. “Then that leaves us with this pathway.”
Bell was perched beside my leg. With her snout, she nudged my leg and directed my attention to her.
“Bell will go with you,” Jasrov added. “That way she can alert me if you get into any trouble.”
I looked down at the familiar and smiled. “Fine. Let’s get going. We will alert you through Bell if we find anything, and you can do the same. I only want to meet back when we find the Keeper.”
"If they are still alive," Jasrov said again.
With that, we departed from one another, Bell at my heel as I followed Hadrian with my hand in his.
I’d be lying to myself if I said I didn’t acknowledge the twinge of fear in the pit of my stomach as we took our steps into the corridor. The dark had never bothered me before, but after seeing it spill from the beasts and creatures the Druid created, I was beginning to fear it.
Hadrian’s gleam guided us through the narrow corridor, illuminating the many carvings that’d been etched into the stone walls beside us. They were incredible. Swirling sigils and marks of a language long lost. I ran my hand over one, my fingers dusting over a deep cut into the stone that up close looked like a star.
Empty bowls hung above us, starved of flame. Those would have lit the way for the many who travelled these passageways. Guiding them as Hadrian now did for us.
We reached yet another set of stairs, starting narrow at the top and leading down into another open space. Our footsteps echoed across the barren stone walls, blending into sounds that made me jump and twitch with nerves. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as we made it down into a room like no other.
Pillars of marble stood on each side of the room, acting as the ribcage for the many cases of books that lined the main floor. This space was lit by a single window high above. Streams of light brushed over the cases and filling the room with a fresh scent. We were so deep into the temple that the window providing daylight was far up. Unreachable.
“This place, it's untouched by the magick,” I said, turning slowly to get the best look at every detail. I could see some vines leaking in from the ceiling far above, but none reached the many shelves that lined the room.
I walked over to the closest bookcase and picked a volume off the shelf. It was heavy in my hands, its face smooth and new.
“I have never seen so many books.” My voice echoed, which prompted me to whisper.
“Whatever is held within these pages is important, not only to those who dwell in this temple but to the Druid himself. If it was he who was behind this, he must respect books more than life,” Hadrian said.
I opened the book, and my eyes scanned over the many words that graced its yellowed page. “There are names and dates. Lots of them.”
Hadrian leaned over my shoulder to get a look. “It seems that we have stumbled over archives of those who live in Eldnol and those who have passed on. It is not uncommon that the births and deaths are recorded. A census.”
“So, these names are of Alorian elves?”
“Not necessarily. See here… Malerious Jall has been marked down as Morthi.”
I read the name over and over, trying to figure out why a Morthi elf would be marked down here. “I don’t understand.”
“Because Malerious was born on Eldnol soil, he must be registered here,” Hadrian replied, pointing to other names but not touching the page of the book.
As we flipped through the massive tome, we found other names of those born in Alorian who were of different descents. Now and then, there would be a name scratched out or a date not completed.
“Why are they kept here? Why not in the capitol where they are most protected?” I looked over the many books before me, at how innocent they seemed to be.
Hadrian whispered his answer into my ear, “This is a temple. There is nowhere believed to be more protected than the home of the Goddess. At least before the Druid.”
Hadrian’s comment highlighted just how dangerous our world was becoming. Even places of respect and worship where targets of the Druid’s hate.
I placed the book back in its place. “We need to keep looking. What if Jasrov is right? Maybe the Keeper is dead… where is Bell?”
Hadrian shrugged and began to look around us. He raised his arms before him to spread his glowing light. “She was right with us the last time I checked.”
/> “Bell,” I hissed, picking my speed up with each bookcase I passed. Maybe she returned to Jasrov. But somehow, I didn’t believe that.
I could hear Hadrian calling for her behind me, but I caught a blur of movement in my peripheral. I turned and saw Bell's bushy red tail moving behind another bookcase ahead of me.
“Bell!” I raised my whisper into a low shout.
As I rounded the corner, I spotted the familiar up ahead. She turned her head to look at me as if she waited for me; trying to show me something.
Away from the window’s reach, this part of the library should have been bathed in darkness. But it was not. As I reached the other side past a few more bookcases, there was a pulsing white light that grew with each step. Bell screeched around the corner of the final bookcase, and as I rounded it, I saw what it was she reacted to.
A tree made entirely of white light stood in a courtyard of stone.
This far down into the earth, a tree of its size should never have been here, but it seemed the very temple had been built around it. The temple walls curved around the tree, opening into a circular space. As I looked up, all I could see was an open domed ceiling, which welcomed the view of clear sky far above.
Unlike the library, these walls were covered in vines and cracked stone. They looped in and out of the walls, devouring it within their earthy grip. But one thing was clear: the vines never reached the glowing tree. As if the very light acted as a shield, not a single sliver of earth reached the many white roots that spilled beneath the strange tree.
“Have you found—” Hadrian stuttered over his sentence as he joined me.
We both stood in pure silence, bathed by the impressive light.
From this distance, the trunk bowed to the right, giving the impression of a body in mid-dance. The foliage that graced its branches had a pale pink tint which matched the glow from the roots that flowed like water across the courtyard around it.
“Goddess above,” Hadrian prayed.
Bell sat amongst the vines. She yelped and turned her head towards the tree.
Faint at first, a humming noise enveloped us both. It grew until its sweet sound made my feet move. As we stepped, against our own minds’ command, into the shield of light which oozed from the tree, I felt my shift happen. I had no control over my body as the song controlled me. I could see Hadrian beside me stuck in the same trance.
I was not panicked. I was not worried. The light calmed me, and I gave into the pull.
The light called for my wings to burst free, and horns sprouted from my head. I couldn’t move my neck, but out the corner of my eye, I saw shadow wash from Hadrian as he also shifted. The blue gleam faded until his skin pulsed with his golden hue before the Heartfire took over his body. No longer was he consumed by the lurking Heart Magick. He looked healed.
Welcome my children. The light voice filled my mind. It was both beautiful and powerful, causing a trickle to run down the back of my neck. I tried to locate the source but saw no one with us.
I have been waiting for your arrival.
I tried to open my mouth to respond but couldn’t form words. We were still being pulled toward the tree, walking over its roots toward the gentle voice.
You are not the first to seek answers. A sister, not by blood, visited me, but her mind was not pure. I denied her, will I deny you? I sense a darkness lurking, following you like a shadow.
I came to a stop before the bark of the tree. The voice echoed in my mind each time it finished speaking. Finally, my body was back in my control. I turned to Hadrian who was already looking at me. His cheeks were red as he looked at his arms and hands then back up to me.
"No more fire..." he whispered.
“Did you hear that?” I asked.
He nodded, turning back to the tree.
“We come seeking the Keeper,” Hadrian said, low and urgent.
That is the name given to me, although I have many names. As the voice spoke, an explosion of light burst above us. Pale birds flew from the branches, leaving them bare. They flew up, passing out of the temple from the open ceiling above. What I thought had been leaves turned out to be pale birds. As soon as they left, the tree looked different. Ominous.
I cleared the lump in my throat. “We are here to seek the location of the Staff of Light.”
I know what you are here for, Zacriah Trovirin. It is your companion who is unsure what he seeks to find.
“We are here for the Staff’s location, nothing more,” I murmured.
It is not you to whom I speak. The Prince of Flames desires more, for it is I who can find that which is lost. Place your hand upon me, and I shall answer your desires.
Hadrian moved quickly and placed his hand upon the tree first. There was a loud crack, and the bark began to grow over his hand and crawl up his arm. His head was knocked back by an invisible force; his eyes glazed over.
"Hadrian," I shouted for him, trying to reach across the space between us.
Do not worry, my child, for I will not harm him.
"What are you doing to him?" I couldn't tear my eyes from Hadrian as the white bark engulfed his arm.
I will show him what he seeks most to find.
The bark morphed before my eyes into the silhouette of a face. The vision stole my breath.
Ask what you wish to find. I shall show you. Place your hand upon me before your chance is lost.
Reluctantly, I raised my hand and hovered above the bark. I trusted the voice, for it sang to me like the light ring of bells. Whatever magick this was, I knew it to be safe. I placed my palm upon the tree. The moment I touched it, the bark began to swallow my body.
As the tree faded from view, and I stepped into the white void beyond it, I stood before a woman with three faces.
THE GODDESS WAS more than I ever imagined her to be. I knew it was Her as clear as I knew myself.
Pure light rippled from her tall frame. An aura of magick seeped from her very pores in waves of overwhelming splendor. Hues of red, gold and black danced amongst her veins, trailing up to the three heads that rested above her strong shoulders.
She stood before me, hands clasped gracefully in front of her. I raised a hand to my eyes, shielding them from the light that pulsed over me. Streams of tears cut down my cheeks and landed amongst the white floor.
With my gaze directed, I saw she wore a dress woven from beads, ivory and silk. It hung off her frame, constantly moving like water. The bodice was a mesh of silvered bark, and the glittering gems caught the light of the white space we stood within.
Look at me, my child.
Her voice rang out like the sweet chime of bells. The trickling of water. The high chirp of birds. As her command filled my mind, body and soul, the light dimmed. I looked up.
The first face was full of youth. A red mess of hair framed a freckled face with eyes of emerald. I knew that face. Nyah. I would recognize her cattish grin and laugh line creased eyes no matter what age she was. Why did the Goddess show me Nyah in youth?
The middle face had me gasping for breath as I looked upon my Mam. She smiled at me, crow’s feet crowning her eyes and the corners of her mouth, her hair up in a bun of grey and silver. Her expression was placid and peaceful, the very same as it was when she waved me off all those weeks ago.
I wanted to reach out and touch her cheek to check if this was real, or no more than a horrifying illusion.
The final face was that of a crone.
She glared at me, her face gaunt and hollow. It took a moment for my brain to recognize who it belonged to, as it was not the same as I had seen before.
Browlin glared at me, aged by years from when she was killed. She opened her mouth to smile, showing off her toothless grin. I couldn’t look at her. The memory hurt too much. A puckered red line shadowed her sagging neck—the mark Petrer gifted Browlin when he ran his dagger across her neck.
This version of the Goddess had never been drawn, painted or sculptured. Not once had I seen her depicted in such a way. With
three heads, showing each stage of life.
You still have a lot to learn, my child, more than I fear you will get the chance to uncover.
She floated forward, two arms outstretched for me.
Her touch was ice and fire. It filled me with a cold breath that spread up my arms and into my chest. I found it confusing to pick which eyes to stare into until I settled on the middle face. I had longed to see Mam again. Now was my chance to drink in this vision of her, to see if it quenched my thirst for her company.
“Why them?” I asked, my hands passing through her hands like they were nothing more than a cloud.
You see what your heart wishes to see. I am youth, life and death.
I wanted to ask after them, to see if Nyah was safe. If my Mam was out of harms reach. And If Browlin finally lived with the Goddess herself in the land beyond our own.
The Prince who holds your heart has shown me his true desire. Now it is time for you to seek what you find. He was given a choice and followed his heart rather than his mind. What will you want to see? I see many questions in your mind. Do you want to find my Staff of Light? To see how your parents are faring? I will answer one, and only one.
The possibilities of seeing my parents again, to find out if they were still safe, was almost too much to pass up on. Even now, I could conjure an image of their kind, hardworking faces. But that was not what I needed most.
“I need to help Hadrian, to keep him safe from the Druid. I needed to know the Staff’s location. Please, Goddess, show me where I can seek it.”
All three faces shadowed with a pained expression. Although their gaze never faltered from me, they did darken.
With this knowledge, a lot shall change. For years the rise of the druids had been nothing more than a fading memory, but now I see its possibility. Are you certain you wish to find the Staff? Do you understand what it is?
“I fear if I ask, then I will not be shown the Staff’s location.”
You are smart and brave. I shall show you the location but heed my warning. Tell no one; I have kept the location bounded and safe for many years. In the wrong hands, I fear my reign will end.