The chamber was egg-shaped, designed to preserve the items it held through the test of time. Glass cabinets lined its walls, holding various odds and ends, some of which were mere tokens and most considered valuable. Several shelves had the common clay and crystal tablets and the rare ancient scrolls of varying sizes and material. The most priceless of all were the vials. Each contained sharp unpolished crystals. These were the memories of his ancestors. The last vial looked vaguely familiar. He remembered from his childhood, a necklace his mother always wore with a stone setting just like it. Surely, it was hers. Arturion had not known that she had been able to add her memoirs among the others.
It called to him, urging him to touch it and look into his mother’s memories. He had long ago resigned himself with the knowledge that his curiosity about his parents would never be satisfied. But, all this time, it was kept here, just waiting for him or another descendant to enter and discover its secrets. A pang of regret filled him for being so stubborn in his refusal to claim his inheritance. He was also torn between hope and apprehension as to what it might contain.
His hand trembled as he lifted the vial off its case. He shuffled across the room and dropped onto the cushion by the low table, examining the stone suspended within its container. It was only then that he noticed the pair of brown eyes studying him.
Arturion dropped his hand onto his lap, clutching his mother’s memoirs tightly; willing it to be real for he felt the whole thing too good to be true. Finding his voice, he asked: “How long have you been here?”
It was the wrong thing to ask and could not be taken back. He had forgotten his initial objective when he entered the archives. Internally, he was still struggling to put order in his thoughts.
“Long enough,” Karina retorted but not unkindly. She scowled as her eyes roved all over his face. “I had wondered if something had happened to you. When you didn’t show up after a week, I thought you forgot about me. Later on, I was beginning to think you were just a dream turned into a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.” Briskly, she organized the papers she had managed to acquire into neat piles.
She stood abruptly and strode out, the beads rattling at her wake. A few minutes had passed before she called out: “Are you coming or not?”
In the kitchen, they shared the food between them. Arturion had not eaten properly in days and thoroughly enjoyed working his way through his portion. On his left, Karina ate hers with less enthusiasm as if the simple activity tired her. Her eyes wandered everywhere but him.
He recalled his previous assessment of her a month ago. She was thin, then. Now, her collarbone jutted out sharply beneath her dress. The conversation he had with Sara earlier returned to him.
Karina had been asking for him during her second week in Merleina. The high priestess and Kala tried to address it without betraying Arturion’s confidence. They distracted their guest as much as they could by teaching her the customs and traditions of their land. But Karina had seen through it. One day, she disappeared into the forest.
A messenger of the Devatas, also known as the Forest Folk, greeted Kala when she came in the morning. He was sent by one of the lesser princes of the Court. The message had been short, stating that they would return Karina to them by day’s end.
Kala had been frantic the whole day that she burst into tears when a dazed Karina returned, whole and unharmed. When asked about what had happened to her, she would only answer that there was music and dancing at the Court.
“You are angry with me,” Arturion began.
“Maybe. I don’t know what I should feel about you anymore.”
“I am sorry.”
“It would be nice if you could tell me what you’ve been up to.” She was offering him an opening.
He was at a loss where to begin and admitted it to her apologetically. Karina gave him a measuring glance.
“Let’s play a game. You’ll answer my question and I’ll answer yours. Deal?”
Arturion agreed.
“What is a Gate Keeper?”
“A Gate Keeper assists people in transition or what is more commonly called ascension. It does not apply to just anyone. We help those who have found it difficult to remain in the third dimension – your world – or those who are ready to make the leap towards the higher fourth dimension and beyond. Merleina is situated between the lower and higher fourth dimensional plane.” Abruptly, he changed the topic. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine. My turn,” Karina said quickly.
“That’s not a real answer.”
“It is.”
“The truth, Kristina.”
“It’s Karina. I said I’m fine. I’ll tell you if it changes to better or worse,” she said irritably. “I’ll give you another chance. Ask me a real question.”
“Why did you seek out the Devatas?”
“The music.” Her expression softened. “I always hear them at night. But that evening, it seemed close. I wanted to see it. I didn’t leave my doorstep. Not really at first. I didn’t want Kala and Sara to worry. I just wished for the music and the dancing. I knew there was a dance because Kala had told me. Someone came and invited me to join them in the celebration. I told him that Sara had forbidden me to leave without Kala. He said they were all waiting for me. He promised that he’ll send word to Kala that I’d be back and that I would have fun. So, I came.” She smiled at the recollection. “Anyway, Sara lifted the ban. I can come and go as I want in Merleina and by the edges of the Forest as long as it’s during the day.”
“The Forest Folk are wary of humans. Still, they’ve accepted you as their own. Who invited you?”
“Kelor-dan.”
Arturion blinked at the mention of the prince’s name. Prince Kelor has been a favorite of the Devata for centuries. A lesser prince but favored by the High King and Queen of the Devatas. He had never involved himself in human affairs before. To have his friendship would mean having the Devatas as powerful allies.
“You realize it could have been a trick, someone posing as Kelor-dan.”
“Yes. Either way, I would have gone.”
“Just for the entertainment?” he asked incredulously.
“For everything.” Karina sighed. “I’m sick of hiding just because I’m the foreigner here. And I wanted a breather – away from...”
At last, the truth was revealed. It was understandable. He knew firsthand how Sara paid attention to the people she cared for. The high priestess did not fuss. Her ability to perceive every action you have made or will have done could keep anyone on their toes. Sara’s impeccable comportment made temple worshipers self-conscious of their behavior when faced before her. Simply, no one wanted to be on the receiving end of the high priestess’ displeasure.
“Enough about me. What did you tell Aly and the others?” Karina asked.
Chapter 10
Karina
She didn’t tell Arturion that Kelor-dan had hosted a feast to celebrate her arrival in Merleina. The prince had been a gracious host, attentive to her needs and comfort. He even played a string instrument to the delight of the Court and had led her through several complicated dances. For the first time in days, she enjoyed herself that Karina had completely forgotten about Kala.
The Devatas called her Liyanna, a being of light and air, yet born of earth. The prince’s eyes had shone at the pet name. Kelor-dan had helped her come out of her shell. She had felt truly at one with herself and with everything.
He delivered his promise to take her back to Merleina at sundown. Before he left her, Kelor-dan had kissed her on the forehead and extracted a promise not to forget him.
Reality returned when Kala almost tackled her on the path, hugging and sobbing, asking if she was alright. Sara followed slowly with eyes full of knowing. Right behind the high priestess, Sola had the look of surprise again. At her daring to break Sara’s rule; risking herself by attending her own celebration; or, for having Kelor-dan accompany her? It would remain a mystery to Karina.
A
rturion, however, only blinked once when she told him about the prince. She had thought he would scold her for her lack of self-preservation. In return, she would accuse him of leaving her behind in a world she barely knew. Nothing had gone according to plan. The moment he walked into the archives, she was relieved to see him alive and well. The longing in his eyes when he picked up the vial was her final undoing. All her prepared speeches for the day she came face-to-face with him vanished.
Karina had asked him as casually as possible about her sister and friends. The reaction it created filled her with apprehension. Arturion had flinched at Aly’s name.
“Arty, what did you tell her?”
His tanned face had gone a few shades lighter.
Did Aly do something to him? she wondered. Her sister had a fiery temper and could scare off even the toughest man. Aly’s knowledge of the law didn’t help. She had the habit of spouting it to those who had offended her and her loved ones.
She remembered his expression when he told her about Merleina in her living room. He was wearing it now. Slowly, he recounted the events to her – his encounter with a drone, the assistance of the Black Guards, and her funeral.
“They’re alright, then. As long as I’m…”
“That is correct. The Guards are keeping an eye on the situation. They will do so until the danger has truly passed. Your family and friends are currently under surveillance, as we speak.”
Arturion wasn’t hiding anything anymore nor did he defend his decisions and actions from her. She had met him as a foreigner and became his friend. Now, she saw him in a different light. He had donned the mask of a Gate Keeper fulfilling his job. The manner he used as he told her the details was similar to how an officer would report to his superior.
Her home was gone, along with the people she had loved all her life. The Arty she had known for the past two years had ceased to exist. The dutiful Gate Keeper had replaced him.
“Thank you, Arturion. Please extend my gratitude to the Black Guards, as well. If you’ll excuse me, I need some fresh air.” She didn’t wait for his response. Karina got to her feet and left the house.
Among the trees, her vision blurred with tears. She swiped it away, yet it kept flowing. Karina walked on without any real destination. She stumbled on a tree limb, her arms flailing wide. She landed face first on the forest floor, the carpet of leaves cushioning her fall. She sat up and looked around trying to get her bearings. She was at the center of a large clearing, the trail nowhere to be found. It was eerily quiet.
Sara had allowed her to wander in the forest as long as she stayed on the path. The Devatas were not the only creatures of the forest. There were still wild animals roaming deep within. The footpath was not only for convenience’s sake, it served as a guide away from predators.
The snapping of twigs echoed ominously in the clearing, making Karina jump in alarm. The instinct for fight-or-flight overtook her senses, momentarily sobering her from all the crying she’d done. She groped for any object that could be used as a makeshift weapon and came up empty-handed. If it was a wild beast, she had no means to protect herself and running would only delay the inevitable.
A winged creature with a lion’s head and tail and talons for feet emerged from the foliage. It sniffed the air and licked its chops hungrily. Its eyes rested on hers. She stood frozen on the spot as it approached her slowly.
Suddenly, a shrill note pierced the air. The thunder of hooves advancing towards them shook the earth. An arrow whistled past the trees and struck the ground near the creature’s forelegs.
The beast recognized the danger for its life. It backed away a few steps and took flight.
Men and women on horseback entered the clearing and circled her. They wore the colors of the forest’s greenery. A bow and a quiver of arrows were strapped across their backs. A rapier and a short sword hung at their side.
One of them held his bow across his horse’s withers. He addressed her in a strange language. When she didn’t reply, he switched to Merleinan. The woman beside him spoke in their tongue. She recognized the words human and mortal in the rider’s speech.
“What is your name, child?” The man asked Karina in English, the universal language of her world.
She had acquired a number of names during her stay and had to pick one that would grant her safety.
The riders and their steed displayed an impressive amount of patience and discipline as they waited for her answer.
In a small voice, she managed to say the name the Devatas have given her.
The man nodded his acknowledgement. He turned to the woman, once again, shifting back to their language. The conversation ended quickly. Commands were given. The riders filed out westward, leaving their leader behind. The latter slung the bow on his back and descended from his horse.
“You are a long way from home, Liyanna. Come, I shall take you back to your people.” He motioned to the north.
“I have no home,” she said dejectedly. “They’re not my people.”
“A manner of speech.” He tilted his head, unperturbed. “Is there a place you wish to go?”
“Are you a Devata?” she asked to confirm her suspicions of the rider’s identity.
“We have been called many things. Gods, entities, the Good Folk, nature spirits, elves, diwata, engkanto, Devata. Merleinans call us by that name.” He grinned. His stance straight and proud, he bowed to her with the litheness of a hunting cat.
“Do you know where Kelor-dan lives?”
“Everyone knows he rules these parts, thus he is likely to reside here,” he said mischievously, a nature of his race. His personality had taken a turnabout; from the serious and commanding soldier, he seemed to enjoy playing with her now that there were just the two of them.
“Please take me to Kelor-dan’s palace,” she carefully phrased.
“We are already here.” He shrugged.
Their surroundings became hazy. She had to blink a few times before her vision cleared. Karina’s eyes registered a fountain bubbling happily at the middle of the once empty space. The ground had evened out underneath the carpet of leaves. Flowers bloomed at every tree and bush around her. Its floral scent filled the atmosphere.
The courtyard was the first glimpse she had of Kelor-dan’s palace. All the while, it had been under her nose. Karina sensed invisible eyes on her. This became inconsequential as she heard the quick and light footfalls of a person descending the steps. She knew he could be as silent as a hunter stalking his prey. The sound of his footsteps was an attempt to let her know that the prince himself had come to receive her.
She found her legs again and took the last remaining steps, closing the distance between them. Overwhelmed with relief, she hugged Kelor-dan. The prince briefly stilled at her impulsiveness; then, placed his arms about her. Karina breathed in the scent of sunshine and of the forest, which clung to him like perfume, just to ascertain it was really him. The sound of his deep voice reverberated in his chest. He was speaking to one of his people – the rider, from how he framed his questions.
The rider answered deferentially. He had assumed his previous demeanor.
“Wait,” Karina called when the rider mounted his horse. “What is your name?”
He glanced at the prince. Then, stated: “I am called Pellinor.”
“Pellinor,” she pronounced. “I won’t forget.”
He bowed his head and left.
“You have done well, Liyanna,” Kelor-dan whispered. “In a handful of words, you have won the respect of one of the Sentries’ captains.”
Chapter 11
Arturion
Let her be. Give her time. He had anticipated her departure. She had wanted his honesty. He had given it to her because she deserved to know. Karina had received it too well – too self-composed. She was definitely in shock. She had yet to grasp her situation fully. So, he let her go. Later, he would realize too late that he had misjudged the impact of his news.
Arturion did not follow her. K
arina would not take it kindly if she discovered he was shadowing her. He remained in the kitchen and entered into a trance. It was part of his training to discipline the mind and enable him to endure the harshest circumstances. Almost at once, his Higher Self separated from the limits of his physical awareness and his consciousness expanded outward. He felt other creatures’ life force and…Karina’s. Immediately, he cut off his connection. He would not intrude on her privacy.
There were still a number of rooms left to explore on the upper level. Sleeping quarters awaited him. One of these belonged to his mother. The traditional bed consisted of a futon, a bolster, and blankets. In his mother’s room, however, stood a low bed frame with intricately carved whorls on the headboard, a mattress, pillows and a covering.
He resumed the use of his extended senses. A whiff of lavender permeated the air. Karina must have used it on a number of occasions. He thought of his house in the third dimension. The furniture and fixtures were almost the same, apart from how the humans generated energy to power their technology. She must have been homesick.
Arturion sat at the edge of the bed, allowing the scent to soothe him. He nearly overlooked the papers hidden underneath the bed covers. Moving it to the other side of the bed, he lay on his back. His eyelids fluttered open once, twice; finally, closing as he succumbed to exhaustion.
Dusk had fallen when Arturion woke to the sound of his name being called downstairs. The voice was Kala’s. Why would she be looking for him, when she should be with Karina at this hour? Anxiety pulled him to his feet.
He rushed towards the door and would have collided against Kala as the girl walked in. A glow globe hovered inside, extinguishing the shadows of the gathering darkness.
Kala looked at Arturion, took in the crumpled sheets of the bed, and came back to him. Her eyes were guarded, forbidding him from asking about Karina’s well-being.
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