“Nor did I. But it’s there, and I find myself volunteered. It nicely coincides with the quest to revive your brother. So, I guess we make the best of the situation.”
Tyler was surprised at his own words. It just came out, and amazingly, was a concise answer to one of the main issues plaguing his mind – the self-doubt, the outrage at being a mere tool, and the ensuing rebellious streak in his confused thoughts.
I was absorbed with the trees, and forgot about the forest, the revelation dawned on him. I had the same outlook at the beginning, but I guess I lost it somewhere along the way.
Tyler noticed that Eira was quiet for a while. She was biting her lower lip, clearly thinking about something. Then the forest spirit turned to him, and the mage noticed that Eira had been silently crying. She took his hands and held them.
“Tyler,” she said, her tear-filled eyes looking at him. “I don’t want to lose you. Forget your promise about Nakki if that would help keep you out of danger. I want you alive and well by my side for the rest of our days. The pantheons can go to whatever hell they choose.”
“I am in this too deep already, Eira. I doubt if my conscience would allow me to close my eyes to what would happen if I don’t do anything. Don’t worry, I will make it through this entire sorry mess,” replied Tyler and then added with a smile. “With luck, I get to live as long as you. I know the shortness of mortal lives is proving to be a hindrance not only to you but also to me. I will fix that and come back to you.”
Eira removed her hands from Tyler’s grip.
“I don’t care anymore. I can’t take it. I’ll take what I can get!” Eira cried out before covering her beautiful face with her hands, the sobbing breaking Tyler’s heart and composure.
Things like this make me want to damn this world, the mage thought as he embraced the crying Eira.
And may God have mercy on whoever and whatever stands in my way, Tyler promised himself as he felt Eira’s body shake as she cried. For some odd reason, he felt like crying too.
Eira’s sobs slowly subsided, though her embrace grew tighter. Tyler didn’t say anything, but as the hug became too painful to bear, he gently loosened her grip on him and kissed her forehead.
“There. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine,” he reassured Eira.
“I want to believe that, kerasti. With all my being,” whispered the forest spirit.
“Then believe it. This world could make it so, I heard Adar reads intentions. No harm in trying to convince it to make things go our way.”
Eira broke away from the mage and started wiping her face.
“I must look terrible,” she said.
“No, you look beautiful. Even when you cry,” replied Tyler with a smile. Eira smiled back while still daubing her face.
“Are all mortals as considerate as you?” she asked.
“No. Unfortunately, some are even worse than feral beasts in thought and deed. It’s also a cruel world out there, Eira. Humans, deities, and other beings made Adar that way,” he answered with sadness.
Eira stared out the open window.
“My worries about us. Anxieties about the future. My promises to myself. Concerns about who and what we are – our differences. Now they all seem all too inconsequential. Childish. Selfish even,” she softly murmured.
Tyler stayed quiet. He knew he also had his own demons to defeat. She turned to Tyler, a faint smile tugging at her cheeks.
“I’ll leave for a while, kerasti. I’ll be back later. Rest. I know you need it. Don’t overthink. Food and drink are in the kitchen and on the table. Oh, and your ‘coffee’ is there.”
“There. I see a smile. You still look beautiful, don’t worry,” joked Tyler. “Crying doesn’t suit you. Or my heart. It tears me apart just to see your tears.”
Eira leaned over and kissed his nose.
“That’s sweet. And I know you meant what you said about your heart.”
She stood up and walked to the door. Eira stopped on the doorsill and looked back.
“I’ll be here for dinner. A walk through the forest would be good for me. A lot of things on my mind. Oh, don’t give me that look. I am fine. A gentle wind and the forest calm to clear my thoughts.”
“If you say so, but I think I’ll grab a nap. I know I need it,” answered Tyler as he also stood up.
“You want Brovi to keep you company?” asked Eira, a mischievous look dancing in her eyes.
“No! For the love of my ribs, no! He’s a lot bigger now!”
Laughing, Eira left.
Now that’s the Eira I know and love, thought Tyler as he ambled towards his room, aided by his staff. And my body muscles do hurt. The lady really doesn’t know her strength.
The mage embraced the comfort of his bed as soon as he entered the room. Then his eyes fell on the staff which was left against the wall.
You’re another continuing mystery. Though for the life of me, you now look as if you’re made of wood. I remember Hephaestus turning you into a light metal alloy. What about the energy of fear you absorbed from Phobos and Deimos – what did it do? And I forgot to tell Eira about you. Surprisingly, she didn’t ask about where I’ve been or what I have been through. Questions, mysteries, and enigmas. I won’t be able to relax if I go on like this. Worry-wart, that’s me. Just as Viracocha said.
As Tyler’s mind wandered, the pull of Hypnos strengthened and sleep finally came.
Dinner was a pensive affair. Eira was relativity quiet, and the conversation was all table talk. Tyler could sense that whatever was troubling her was still unresolved. But he let it be. Eira would tell him when the time comes. She may be innocent in the ways of the real world, but deep inside, she had a strong and stable personality. Her mind was of a practical bent, and the firmness of her resolve was a foundation as firm and solid as the hardest material on Adar.
For one, she’s more leveled-headed and focused than I am, thought Tyler.
The mage could have slept in and missed dinner, but Eira’s voice called him back from the welcome oblivion of a deep slumber. Even the squids didn’t put up an appearance. Tyler thought of asking his guides whether they already did something about it. This far from the temple’s unstable, interfering energies, the mage expected that the bizarre entities would take the opportunity to make themselves uninvited and unwelcome guests once more. Though Tyler wondered if the power of the forest was also blocking the squids. Either way, he was grateful for their absence.
But being around Eira was a refreshing salve to his battered psyche. Tyler could feel his mood improving, his mind clearing itself of obstructing cobwebs. The overpowering tension he felt before had considerably eased and Tyler found himself enjoying an ordinary conversation.
This really is home, he suddenly and happily realized. Nowhere on Adar could I find myself feeling this way.
The two decided to call it an early night. Tyler suspected it was because Eira wanted him to rest as much as possible. Not that he had any objection. After the peaceful afternoon nap, he found himself looking forward to more of the same.
Washed and changed, he went directly to bed, and as he closed his eyes, Tyler forced his mind not to think about any of his concerns.
Thinking about those freaking problems is bound to give me insomnia, he concluded. Let me rest for once. Adar can take care of its own concerns, even for a day.
He woke up in the middle of the night. The door was open, and Eira stood there.
“Problems?” Tyler asked as he prepared to get out of bed.
“A lot,” replied Eira as she closed the door and walked to Tyler’s side.
“I finally decided to be happy now, rather than wait for an uncertain point in the future. I have been selfish. Bound by fears and apprehensions which I now realize are senseless in the greater scheme of things.”
Tyler understood what she meant. He’d really be a doofus if he didn’t.
“Marriage? I thought you’d want to wait for that.”
“I don’t know about y
ou, but I also realized that true marriage is a state of mind, everything else is form and not substance. If we both believe that we love each other that much, then we could be married in each other’s eyes.”
“Guys. Sleep mode,” Tyler quickly instructed his guides.
Chapter Twenty-One
Lumeri
The ancient temple appeared in front of the mage. As usual, momentary disorientation accompanied the return to the Olmec ruins. Tyler was back where when he left the place – right at the rear of the structure. With one significant difference. This time Habrok was waiting for him. The ranger jumped from the stone wall where he was sitting.
“Heill og seil, sire. I hope you are well-rested,” greeted the ranger.
“Habrok? What are you doing here?” asked the surprised mage.
“The old mage asked me to wait for you here. Told me to inform you to wait for a visitor who wanted to see you.”
“Did he tell you who?”
“No, sire. Just what I told you.”
“Thanks, Habrok. I guess I have to wait here. Tell the others I just arrived,” instructed Tyler.
“Done, sire,” confirmed the ranger but Habrok didn’t leave immediately. The man appeared to have something on his mind. Tyler knew him too well.
“Anything wrong, Habrok?” he asked.
“It might be nothing, sire. But it’s about… Tyndur. He’s a good sort and all. An einherjar. Just like Jorund. I have been spending time with him though it’s not as if I could spend time with Asem or Astrid. They’d think I am flirting. I prize my balls too much to do that. And Kobu, well, the man is inscrutable. He’s older than me and clearly born to command. Quite above my level. So, I am left with Tyndur. But the man seems to be two persons. One is the einherjar, born to battle, and a berserker or in the eyes of my people, a champion. Talks like one too. But the other is a totally different man. In quiet moments, when we get to talking he sometimes goes on and on about ‘ascending’ and ‘knowledge beyond the gods.’ I might not be a religious fellow, but that sort of talk makes me watch the heavens for a thunderbolt or two. I do get the impression that he accepted this quest to be with you for his personal goals. And that makes me uncomfortable. I just thought I’d let you know, sire.”
“I appreciate it, Habrok. I did have a discussion with him about his personal quest. He gave his word, and I’ll hold him to it. But it doesn’t hurt for us to keep your eyes open,” said the mage.
“I will, sire. I do hope I am wrong. He is an excellent fighter and good for morale,” said Habrok.
As the ranger left, Tyler walked to the stone wall and made himself comfortable. The stone was cold, but he didn’t mind. Beats standing, thought the mage as he watched the dirt track leading to the temple, the only access to the religious structure. Tyndur is indeed a wild card, but he is useful to the group. Like Habrok, I pray he doesn’t break his word.
Only a few minutes had passed when suddenly a figure appeared on the road. Tyler was caught unaware by the unexpected occurrence. And the visitor was but twenty feet away. There was no reason for the mage to miss seeing his arrival.
As the figure neared, Tyler saw it was a tall man in his late fifties, his black hair tinged with white streaks, and a long beard. His attire was similar to what a mage wears, though the blue cloth was dusty and tattered in places. A large cloth bag was slung over his shoulder, and a long gnarled wooden staff was in his hand. He had olive Mediterranean features. The man was smiling at Tyler as he came close. A strangely disconcerting expression, Tyler thought. A smile of greeting yet it feels as if there was an unbelievable sadness behind the facade.
Could be Greek, Roman, or Semitic in origin, concluded Tyler.
“Greetings, First Mage,” said the visitor when he was near enough.
First Mage? This guy knew that? thought the startled mage. He got down from his seat on the wall.
“My greetings likewise. Though I believe you have the advantage of me,” replied Tyler.
“My apologies, First Mage,” the man said. He had a soft voice nor was his bearing threatening. “I am Lumeri, a wandering scribe.”
Viracocha did vouch for him, thought Tyler as he reassured himself. There was something peculiar about the man, and the intangible forms he discerned around the visitor didn’t make matters easier.
“Come, let’s sit in the shadow of those trees,” said Tyler. “I believe that would be preferable than standing out here.”
“I agree. Standing in the open attracts attention too,” said Lumeri.
As they sat down, Lumeri apologized again for taking up his time.
“Oh, stop that, Lumeri,” said Tyler. “It’s not as if I’m a deity or a powerful being. I am but a mortal like you are.”
“Oh, I am not exactly a mortal now. Somewhere in between worlds, I think.”
Curious answer, thought the now interested mage. But he let it pass. The sooner the meeting was over, the better. Tyler really wanted to go and see his companions.
“A friend I trust, except during the times he’s screwing with me, vouched for you. What would have of me?” inquired the mage.
“Directness. Unquestionably a mortal trait. Though you’re lucky you found favor with your friend. He doesn’t trust easily. I don’t blame him. But to the matter at hand. There’s nothing I want of you right now. I just wanted to meet the First Mage of this world. Even the deities don’t remember, or don’t want to remember, the last time a First Mage walked on Adar. Some powerful deities must think highly of you for them to bestow that title on a mortal. The person is usually of mixed parentage, if you know what I mean.”
“A meet-and-greet then. Reminds of a deity who did the same thing,” replied Tyler.
“Oh, they’re fond of that ‘meet-and-greet’ affair, as you perfectly described it. Usually the result of a nosy, intensely curious, and childlike personality. Though I would like a promise from you. I know, I know. I have nothing, or done anything, to have a hold on your time. But hear me out.”
“Okay,” said the mystified mage.
“I am a scribe, a chronicler of events. The matters I record are those of Adar itself – deities, momentous events, individuals who have helped shape this world. It’s a curse, or a blessing, depending on one’s point of view. All I want is the opportunity to talk to you when the appropriate time comes. You have the freedom not to answer any of my questions, or even say no to my request.”
“A historian. One who records historical events,” said Tyler. “You write all of the information down? And to whom do you report?”
“Ah, excellent questions. But please note that there are also questions I cannot answer – the various geas placed on me takes care of that. But your questions I could answer. I don’t write things down. I am gifted with a virtually limitless eidetic memory, and as to reporting, I have nobody as my superior. Only a simple mandate which unfortunately is grafted to my being.”
“A man who is not exactly a mortal. A scribe with no paper or pen. A historian with nobody to report to, with a directive embedded in his soul. You know, I do know Adar is strange, bizarre even, but what you said is too weird for me,” replied Tyler. Numerous geas?
“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” said Lumeri with a grin. “But remember this too. I can only give important information by way of an answer to allowed questions. I know it’s not an ideal situation, but to assuage your doubtful mind, ask away.”
“I’ll play that game,” Tyler answered. “Who really are you?”
A soft glaze came over Lumeri’s eyes, and the man replied, his voice still soft.
“I am Lumeri, a scribe of Egypt known in this world as Kemet. Once also a merchant, and was at one time the governor of the city of Yuma. I am of the First World. I think I died. Once.”
From the First World? Like me?
“How did you cross over?”
“I was left by my master, an entity known as the Black Pharaoh, in a place between the two worlds when his journey was interrupted by his
enemies. To save himself, he let me go and used the energy sustaining me to continue his voyage. One of his foes found me in the void and brought me over.”
“Who’s the Black Pharaoh?” asked Tyler.
“An enemy of man and the gods. Beyond that, I cannot say more.”
“What are you now?” Despite himself, Tyler was starting to be intrigued by the being before him.
“Neither man nor spirit. Cursed to wander around this world, forever seeking knowledge to record. A scribe I was at the beginning, and a scribe I am at the end. That was the declaration made by the deities about my fate.”
“Wait, wait. Let’s double back. Who found you?”
Lumeri stayed silent for a while and then answered.
“I am allowed to give you that information. It was the deity Thaut of Kemet.”
Now this is starting to be interesting, Tyler thought. Deities and dark beings. Again. I’d hate to be caught between them.
“When did you cross over?”
“It was during the infancy of man in this world. I have met deities now gone, peoples nowhere to be found in this day and age, and seen wonders which have left this world.”
“You’re that… ancient?” exclaimed the incredulous mage.
“Immortality was one of my punishments. Same with food and drink. I don’t need them to sustain me. But when I eat, it always tastes like sawdust. Drink and water have the flavor and odor of piss.”
“Aw, shit, man. That’s cruel!” the mage cried out. “What did you do to deserve such a fate?”
“I was… a collector of men for my dark master and his followers. I send them to him under the guise of treasure hunts, explorations, trading caravans, and the like. I admit the greed and avarice of mortals made my task a lot easier than I expected.”
“What did your master and his followers do to the victims?”
“Blood, flesh, and soul. Beyond that, I cannot say.”
I think I just fell into the middle of a horror story, thought Tyler, his mind refusing to imagine what Lumeri’s words meant.
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