Allegory of Pain (The Unearthed Series Book 2)

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Allegory of Pain (The Unearthed Series Book 2) Page 27

by Marc Mulero


  "I enjoyed the partying more than the work." Aldarian chuckled after his words.

  "Yes, you did, but you’ve always had a raw talent for turning situations to your favor, no matter how hungover you were," Blague replied with a grin.

  "You're an old man in there, but you lack all of the regrets that come with an aging body."

  "I have much to grieve over. When living as long as we have, it's impossible not to."

  Aldarian whacked his old friend in the thigh with his cane. "Yes, but you're still able to resolve your sorrows."

  The Sin Leader didn't flinch. "Death is still permanent."

  "How sure of that are you?" Aldarian allowed himself a smirk under his wrinkled brow.

  "Hmph, I guess there are a lot of things I'm not sure of these days."

  "Well now, maybe I can do some good today. I may have a relic that could lead you to some answers." Aldarian winked before hobbling toward the back room. “Come.”

  He kept it all of these years. Fate is playing a strange role in the timing of this…

  "The key… you kept the key to the Neraphis," Blague said in wonderment.

  "I gave up the chase, Blague, but there will always be some part of me that believes they exist."

  "They do exist. I'm sure of it now."

  "See? Without aging you can maintain a youthful spirit."

  "Don't patronize me, old man," Blague joked.

  Aldarian let out an emphatic laugh, purely enjoying the irony, the sound bringing Blague back to a lifetime ago.

  "We lost the best parts of us at nearly the same time. Esmi's beautiful face is as clear as anything in my mind. I feel like I hugged her goodbye just yesterday. And Elaina, your gorgeous better half. I miss her, too."

  Blague reflected on his words for a moment. "We failed to protect the best parts of our lives. What does that make us?"

  "It makes us what we've become: outcasts. I have to hand it to you, though. Where I've fallen and made a bigger mess of things, you rose to the occasion. And I don't think the damn Ayelan has anything to do with it. Your immortal youth fits you, just as my wrinkles fit me."

  "Cut the melancholy act. The old you must be floating around in there somewhere."

  Aldarian motioned to the door where Mars cried and scratched. "Has he grown into the man I hoped he would?" he asked, avoiding Blague’s words.

  "And more. He has all of your gifts and none of your weaknesses."

  "Hah, so he doesn't like to have a good time then?" Aldarian quipped.

  "He is surely the life of our lot. He just doesn't give up," Blague twisted the figurative blade into his friend's heart.

  "I suppose I deserve that."

  "I say it only because we could've used you much sooner," Blague amended.

  Aldarian agreed.

  "Push this alliance. We can topple the Hiezers, together."

  "My heart is weak. I intend to use what I have left to reconcile with my son. Besides, the deed they forced upon your spy complicates things."

  “Your people are alive because of Volaina’s actions. Convince them.”

  Aldarian glanced at the door being clawed at by Mars. “I made a fine mess of things.”

  Part II

  The Mark of the Exiled

  Chapter 14

  Armored feet clinked against a flight of golden steps suspended high in mid-air. The Highest Lord was calm. No harness to catch him or rails to balance him, no falter or fear, just unwavering poise amongst high altitude winds. He reached the dais level with Nepsys’ crescent spires, looming over a swarm of the city’s elite citizens.

  A colony of ants. My ants… gathered to learn of their fate.

  They were assembled into orderly rows behind mechanical panes, heads cocked to the sky, to their leader, Mulderan, who appeared as an orchestra’s maestro - elevated, isolated, and in control of all beneath him. Rays of sun radiated off of his glossy pedestal and armor, masking him as a saintly being. Directly below was a floating panel of Hiezers to support him as the pyramid’s tip, his wife Eldra among them. The stage was set.

  “Hiezers, elites. I call upon you to bestow and inform. So, listen.” The streets quieted, conditioned by their leader’s voice. Satisfied, Mulderan clasped his hands behind his back, his elegant black cloak resting under sharp pauldrons. “I've just adjourned a meeting with our top geologists. To say that we are in a state of crisis is an understatement. Temperatures of the earth's core are fluctuating up to thirteen thousand Kelvin, mimicking the same behavior of the Global Quake long ago."

  He paused to let the shock set in amongst the horde, observing calmly while the sea of Hiezers reacted with unrest. They squirmed in place like a disturbed ant farm before the volume of chatter began to rise.

  "We are surprised the tremors have not already begun," he added amid the collective mumbling. "For those of you who are old enough to remember, I challenge you not to dwell on suffering and loss, but instead on survival and progress. The first Quake is your legacy. It brought you here now, rigorously prepared by generations of adaptation to overcome the coughs and belches of this dying world. Look around you, to our city, look what we have built. There’s no choice now but to watch Nepsys withstand full ruptures in the earth's surface. And make no mistake, we will endure. I stand before you with no doubts, not only of our survival, but of our advancements in civilization. Nothing will be lost. We will preserve our technology, ourselves, and our way of life. It is with great difficulty that I must reveal that there is but one way to accomplish such an objective. We, the Hiezers, and our selected colleagues as we currently stand, represent the maximum allowable population within these city limits. We are the most suited to carry out our duties, to ensure that we do not descend into chaos or get thrown back into the Stone Age. The rest of the world, unfortunately, will be left to fend for themselves within their own fortified constructs until the quake has dissipated."

  The crowd fell silent at his attempt to provide a sense of security for the select group.

  "Our resources are pooled within this city. Enough food has been stored that could last for a decade, our finest military forces have been gathered to protect us from civil chaos, and our walls will continue to stand as the Gates of Eternity." Mulderan used his arms to showcase the extravagant gates beyond. "Now, it's time to decide. You are not prisoners to the reality of what’s to come, for you are all free to leave these walls. But know this - if you do, you're forfeiting your privileged position within the city during catastrophe, and the next most suitable citizen will take your place."

  The Hiezers remained with their heads tilted upward, listening to the painful, yet optimistic words of the Highest Lord.

  "Prepare yourselves, for we will endure the wrath of our planet once more. And when we do, we will resume our quest for Ayelan, with the goal of increasing all Hiezers’ lifespans by triple digits," he added.

  The Hiezers saluted him by framing their eyes, eagerly, all begging for acknowledgement. A colony of well-dressed insects craving individuality. They would all be faithful. They have been faithful. Consider me, they selfishly thought. Pick me for Ayelan. I deserve it. I’m valuable and should live on. The closest form of immortality was at the center of their minds, even in the face of Armageddon.

  “Citizens, begin preparations as deliberated. Soldiers, heighten our defenses. Highlords, overcome the planet’s wrath as it tries to swallow you. And I… I will laugh when it does.” Mulderan finished with a reciprocated Hiezer salute, his hair whipping in the wind as he turned and began his descent down the hovering steps.

  Each pace was met with a clack of boot to strange metal, a slight bounce to restabilize with Mulderan’s weight. Eldra waited ceremoniously to fall in line behind him, one level down, like some organized graduation ceremony. She couldn’t wait to dismiss herself from her pedestal.

  “Now, Eldra. This is the time to elect a new candidate for the Ayelan shot. Opportunity strikes at odd intervals.”

  Eldra narrowed her eyes. “Yes
,” she considered, thoughts falling into place. “It will mask the disappearance of Alek and remind the people of Nepsys how genuine the Hiezer vision is. A distraction with purpose.”

  Mulderan nodded. “Have the gatekeepers been informed that isolation is now in effect?”

  “Yes, they have been, and our most talented elites have been pulled to take refuge and protect this city,” she responded, her sword lightly swaying on her hip with each stride.

  “You’ve done well, Eldra. You are fit to help run the New World.”

  It all makes sense now… why no one bothered me the first few years. No responsibilities, no dues. That bastard left the bare essentials for me to cope with my losses. I was left to fend for myself, while he fled to drink himself blind.

  Sabin paced around Aldarian’s workstation while Mars continuously scratched and cried outside the confined room. He could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts, disturbed by all that had unfolded before him.

  The audacity of that man... only reacting to what’s in front of him. He came back to Templos territory and convinced himself that not coming forward to his son was acceptable. And now he wants to reconcile. In his dying days, he wants to be at peace.

  Voices resonated through the vaulted door. The sounds acted as white noise in Sabin’s mind, like he was in a coma unable to wake.

  He never would’ve searched. It always worked out that his family would seek him out. My mother, my sister, my niece and nephew. They all catered to him. It’s just a coincidence that we’ve met. That passive, narcissistic prick. It will be that coward’s ultimate punishment if he outlives us all.

  Sabin stopped in his tracks, experiencing a minute of stillness when he looked up to see a picture of himself as a boy, laughing within his parents’ embrace. It sat in a wooden frame, crinkled like it had once been rolled up in someone’s pocket. With his emotions running haywire, a sudden tear escaped into his beard.

  Am I no better than him if I make this about myself? Maybe the best way to stick it to my father is to show him that I can rise above our faulted nature and fight for my mother, and everyone else who was taken too early from this world.

  His moment of inverted thought was overcome by a wave of crushing sorrow, feelings of betrayal that stuck as a thorn in his mind.

  Blague, Volaina, my friends… how could they all deceive me? Why would they do it? I never gave them a hint that I was unfit to handle the truth.

  Sabin about-faced from his bewildering family photo and hastily headed for the door.

  Running will do nothing. Being passive will do nothing. If I’m to take anything away from this hell, it should be that my father showed me how not to act. Get ready to deal with your choices, assholes.

  He gripped two of the eight protruding steel handles on opposite sides of the vault wheel and leaned into his push to unhinge the weighted door. A burst of steam released as the hunk of metal opened, halting the chatter. Mars scurried between the opening to nudge his head into Sabin’s leg, letting out a cry of grief for his master.

  The hunter knelt to one knee to meet eye to eye with his companion. He caressed his head while reciprocating a sympathetic, aggrieved expression. “I’m sorry, buddy. This has nothing to do with you. Forgive me.”

  Mars licked Sabin, his worried whimpers tapering off.

  Sabin forced a smile through his pain and stood with the wolf at his side. He looked up from his most loyal friend’s concern, over to his least trusted deserter: his resurfaced father that appeared from the depths of hell, standing amongst others that he would actually call family. Blague, Eugene, and Lesh crowded Aldarian, who kept saddened eyes forward. His full head of gray hair was woven with black streaks, mirroring the inverse of Sabin’s mane. A tilted chin revealed a leathery neck beneath it, and a deep sigh depleted his whole body like air out of a balloon. Aldarian winced, readying himself to receive his son’s judgement.

  Sabin proceeded toward the group, portraying an unusual seriousness. “We’ve been friends since I was a boy, Blague. You’ve entrusted me with all of your life secrets.” His bloodshot eyes fixated.

  Blague looked equally disturbed, appearing drained of all of his energy. Within hours, his vitality faded to naught, face growing pale, and dark circles inching under his eyes once more.

  Sabin ignored his leader’s faltering stature. “Tell me, what if I had known all of these years that your creep of a father was still traveling the world, doing whatever it is that he does?”

  Aldarian turned to Blague in disbelief. “Orin lives? How could that be?”

  “He lives,” Blague answered Aldarian while keeping his focus on Sabin. “I would be devastated, and confused as to why,” he struggled to stand up straight, “but I would also consider what your reasoning might be.”

  “See, that’s what confuses me,” Sabin raised his voice. “Your reasoning isn’t good enough. Protecting the dignity of this old prick because you knew him longer than me? What the hell is that about?”

  Blague lifted a defensive hand. “If you remove Aldarian from this equation, you would see that I’ve always been a friend to you in your times of need, and we’ve watched over one another to overcome our troubles. Recall our past and ask yourself, would you hold a hellish secret of mine if I asked you to?”

  Sabin tensed his jaw, at a loss for words.

  “Our past is similar to your father’s and mine. I did what I thought best to uphold both friendships. But I do apologize if you feel betrayed. I know I would share that feeling, too if I were in your position. I’m sorry.”

  “Son, don’t hold my decisions against your friends. You’ve spent your life with them and I’m sure the bond that you all share has led you here, alive. Forgive them and let me work, so that one day, you can forgive me,” Aldarian pleaded, his arm shaking over his cane.

  “You never would’ve searched…. this meeting was entirely a roll of dice.”

  “Some might argue that our nature to fight for what we believe in, that our efforts for a righteous cause, is what brought us together,” Aldarian rebutted. “Not some simple dealing with chance. We are both living out our destiny.”

  “You’re not talking to the child that you left, pop. People are accountable for their choices. All you’re doing is trying to shrug off the responsibility and con me into agreeing with you.”

  Aldarian looked to the floor in sorrow, his body becoming frailer with each passing minute.

  After a tense silence on both ends, all eyes flew to Blague, who was muttering something to himself, working to create a sense of foreboding for everyone around him yet again. He blinked hard, pupils constricting, focusing on something in the corner of the room that was simply not there.

  “Elaina,” they heard him say, before he collapsed to one knee.

  Everyone flinched, but a fast hand waved them back.

  “I can’t function like this anymore. I’m falling hard… fast. It kills me to say this… but I fear that my state of being has become too erratic to guide the Sins… when I, myself, am lost.” He looked at the two ancient relics in his hands – the Obsidian stone that Biljin had given him, the bone that the Society threw him to resume his chase, and of course the key – the one that Aldarian had kept all these years. He shut his eyes tightly, praying that this would lead him on a path to catharsis. “It’s time that I depart in a quest for answers. It’s the only way to make this right.” He slowly rose, eyes trembling with converging realities. “Is… everyone clear on their roles?”

  “We’ll work as one, Blague, and keep our people safe,” Eugene confirmed, knowing full well that this day was long overdue.

  Lesh folded her arms. “Don’t get lost for too long. I really hate being in charge of idiots.”

  “Watch over Volaina and Cherris, please,” Blague requested. “They will both need you.”

  The Sins then looked to Sabin, who stood with notable anxiety in his chest.

  Eugene sighed. “I never thought I’d say this, but we could really use yo
u, with Blague gone and all.”

  Sabin shook his head uncomfortably. “I’d be of no use to you like this. I need time.”

  Feeling a fresh wave of fatigue, Blague lifted his radio. “Have a pilot ready and send me the coordinates. Covertly inform Biljin that we must speak and that I’m inbound to Iceland.”

  “Copy,” Drino’s voice projected through the receiver.

  Blague hesitantly stepped forward and raised his arm to lay a hand on Sabin. “Whatever you decide to do, remember that we are all your family, regardless if you feel we slipped in our judgement. I’m sorry for hurting you. It was never my intention.”

  Sabin refused to look Blague in the face, but nodded in response to his words.

  The lethargic leader patted him again before turning to Aldarian. “It was good to see an old friend. I wish circumstances were better.”

  Aldarian delicately reached for a hug. “I can’t thank you enough for keeping my boy well.”

  Blague embraced the fragile old man gently. “You can thank me, Al. Our groups could be a powerful force if united. Make this alliance work,” he said, breaking the hug. “Until we meet again.”

  “Until we meet again.”

  Blague mustered up his remaining energy and trudged off.

  “Where is he even going?” Sabin asked.

  “Apparently, a relic that we’d obtained long ago is the key to mitigating his current state of anguish,” Aldarian answered. “He’s going to pursue his chase of Society N, to get answers. And while he does, he hopes that you will all be strong in his absence.”

  “Yeah well, his timing couldn’t be better,” Sabin muttered sarcastically.

  “You’ve seen what he’s been going through,” Eugene defended. “We obviously need him back on his feet, even if that means he has to disappear for a bit.”

  The hunter didn’t respond.

  “We should get going,” Lesh spoke, failing to comfort her friend in his time of need.

  Sabin began to walk toward the exit of the cove with his head down. “I need time,” he repeated.

 

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