by Reid, Susan
I understood that, but I eyed him with curiosity anyway. “Disappeared? You mean people don’t know that we’ve died? That’s stuff that they usually put in the news, or in some police report, isn’t it? That’s how you found your accident, right?” I asked.
He grinned. “Not for everyone. Memories and knowledge can be altered. All chosen go missing without a trace from those we know, and who know us. Then we die alone in obscure places. It’s all predestined. When the time comes, it happens, and nothing can be done to change or stop it. It has to be that way, because we’re retrieved and brought here by Seraphim soldiers. No one in the human realm, apart from divine warriors, can ever witness or know it.”
We die alone. Those words brought on a deep sense of sadness in me. Though it was a morbid thought, I was still struggling to remember anything about myself. Maybe even— how and where I had died.
Did I even want to know?
We passed a several other warriors, all going the opposite way. I caught the indiscreet sideways glances, followed up with airy whispers. When I turned around to listen in on their words, I saw three warriors, all staring back— at me.
Durien stopped and turned around to face them too. “Problem?” he asked with a hint of sarcasm and attitude. He held out his arms, as if waiting for them to say or do something in response.
What was the deal? Mean mugged in the dining hall, and now in the corridor by people who didn’t even know me. This was a Divine Hall wasn’t it? I was a divine chosen too or I wouldn’t be here, right? So, why was I picking up so much untrusting and suspicious energy from them?
The three guys didn’t take on Duriens’ challenge. They continued walking with one last glance back at me, and then shaking their heads without further incident or comment.
“A holes.” Durien said, watching them before turning his attention back to me.
We continued to walk.
I was tickled at Duriens G rated curse word. I assumed because it was forbidden here, or maybe he was just being a gentleman in my company.
“What’s going on? Why are people looking at me like that?” I asked him.
“Don’t even let it bother you. It isn’t everyone. You know, no matter where or what you are, you’re always gonna have haters.” Durien shrugged off.
“Yeah, but I just got here. How can people be hating me already?”
“They don’t hate you, believe me.” Durien replied.
I raised both brows. Yeah okay, I then thought.
Durien was right; the hall was a huge place. We’ve been walking for a quite a ways. The entire hall remained pretty quiet, except for the occasional whisper of conversations, amid the trickling lull of a gentle fountain somewhere nearby.
A sudden thought entered my mind after the incident, and I broke the brief silence. “How many of us are there?” I asked.
“Here or worldwide?” He asked.
“Worldwide.” I replied slowly, in curious fascination.
He thought for a moment. “I’m sure there are many hundreds of thousands all over the world by now.” He said.
That was good, big numbers for us meant more strength against darkness.
He seemed to read my personal comment. “But that’s nothing compared to how many the darkness has.” He added.
I sighed. “You said we die alone. Will the people that knew me—still know me, even if I never saw them again? And will I remember them?” I asked.
Durien nodded. “Yeah eventually. They certainly will remember your disappearance, so that’s something to consider and remember. As for me, I make it a point to stay away from Mississippi. Way too many friends and relatives between the two.”
I gave him a solemn look. “I bet that’s hard though. Knowing that you want to see them but you can’t.”
We made a right, the corridor split into yet another ‘T’, but there was a single arched opening on the right side, before the end.
He sighed and thought for a moment, a glimmer of sadness passed briefly in his eyes. “I can, I just choose not to. It was hard in the beginning, but I look at it this way. The best way I can show them that I’m still around, is to continue to protect them, being what I am now. You know what I mean? Besides, it’s our memories that are erased, not our knowledge. Remember that.” He raised a brow and pointed at me.
I nodded. I knew exactly what he meant, and it made me think about my own relatives. Who and where were they? How many friends did I have? Where did I live?
Durien continued. “I know this all sounds crazy to you now but after a while it will all makes sense. One thing to always remember though, is that you will always have free will.” He finished and looked over at me.
“I guess it’s a good thing in a way, having those memories erased. It sounds like it would be a morbid curse to be able to remember how you died. I imagine the fear, sensations, and the strong emotions would all be a part of that memory. That would be horrific.” I replied.
Durien nodded and scratched behind his ear. “Yeah, I agree. On the up side, we’re superhuman now. We all acquire either unique essences or talents, and weapons. I’m one of the weapon branders. It’s my talent— so I may have the pleasure of branding you personally.” Durien then said with a grin.
“Branding me? Now why does that sound a tad…disturbing?” I commented.
He laughed, “Not disturbing, but it will leave a lasting impression on you that’s for sure. As a warrior, you’re not gonna survive without a weapon.” He said.
He ran his fingers over the shiny, silver brandings along his own forearms.
I admired the small arrow tip outlines, randomly entwined with triangular shapes. The flow of lines and the interspersed strange, symbolic lettering were similar to the ones on all of their arms. All of the angles were done with extreme, artistic skill and precision.
“So, is there more than one brander or did you do your own?” I wondered.
“There’s more than one. There’s no way one could do their own.” He replied.
“What’s your weapon?” I asked him.
“Bolt thrower. Easy to hold, handle, aim and shoot. My bolts are spirit forged, I never run out.” He explained with a wide smile and a wink.
A few groups of other people, also dressed in the same style tunic and pants that I was wearing, passed us up. A few of them were wearing either white, dark gray, or black, form-fitting, futuristic looking suits with built in metal plates woven onto the torsos. They wore different style uniforms, which was a relief. It meant that there was a sense of individualism here.
A few older men and women passed by quietly too, holding stacks of books, baskets of cloth and cotton, and others with flowers, breads, and vegetables. They eyed me with an innocent curiosity.
“This way.” Durien said with a nod of his head, once we reached arched opening on the right.
A set of dimly lit stone stairs curved upwards inside.
There was room enough for both of us to climb them together, but I lagged behind just a bit to let him lead the way.
“Lorelei said that the weapon chooses you.” I told him, continuing our conversation.
“Yep.” He affirmed.
“How is that possible?”
“How is anything possible? Forget about everything you thought you understood and knew in the human world. All of it does exist, it was just never meant for mortals.” He replied, looking back at me over his shoulder.
I paused. My eyes fixated on Duriens back and his words in fascination. I always knew that there was more out there, things we weren’t supposed to see, know, or do. There had to be. The universe is way too big and complex.
Shadows…shadows, I remember being able to see them all of the time. Wait…I remember being able to see them? But I can’t remember what they looked like?
That was randomly weird.
“So, why doesn’t Lira have any?” I then asked.
He slowed a bit so that I could move in beside him, before he replied. “Aside from being pre
destined, there are different kinds of warriors and chosen, each with a specific task based upon what they did in their human lives. I loved to work with my hands; sculpting, designing and building things, so I became a weapons maker. Lira was predestined as a scout, so she doesn’t leave the hall.” He explained.
“Based on what we did in our human lives?” I thought to myself, wondering what skills I possessed.
Durien took my moment of silence to add, “Everyone has something they excelled at. Believe me, it will surface soon, just like your ability to see auras. I’m sure your sensitive hearing is probably driving you crazy right now too.” He finished.
I nodded in absolute agreement. “That’s for sure. So, why can’t Lira leave here? How is she a scout then?” I asked.
“All that in due time, and you’ll have plenty of it here to learn and to understand everything.” He simply smirked.
All this having to wait and find out what was really going on here was driving me nuts now. The stairs seemed to go up and on forever, but I never once at any point, felt tired or winded. In fact, I felt a constant, yet subtle endorphin high coursing throughout my body, like the kind you get after a good workout.
Natural firelight lit up the stairway though it was still somewhat dim the higher we climbed. Once we made it to the top of what looked like a bell or lookout tower, we were bathed in a brighter, flickering orange glow that illuminated the walls from eight, lit, bowl- shaped sconces. A row of five, huge, silver bells hung in a line, with roped clappers that dangled low enough to be rung by whoever the bell ringer was. At the moment, we were the only ones up here.
On each side of the tower, was a carved out arched window, giving a panoramic view of the darkened landscape beyond. I could make out the sparkling surface of water, way off to the right of us. Beyond that, lie ridges of dark, extremely high mountain peaks that faded off into cloud cover. I wouldn’t have been able to see any of this with my mortal eyes.
Even in the darkness I could see very well. Each moving shape had an outline of luminescence around it. Some were either yellow, pink, or gold. There were blues and oranges, and many others were orange, purple or red.
“How come everything that I’m seeing from here, has a colorful glowing outline to it?” I asked Durien.
He grinned, “Aha, see, you’re seeing auras already. Nice. That was quick. You should be able to see your own soon.”
A flutter of excitement went through me, and I smiled. “That’s what an aura looks like? Wow.”
I marveled at all the different shaped colors in the far distance.
“Are they people, like us?” I asked him.
He smiled. “At this time of night, some are probably doing drills, but most of them are beings of this realm. Anything red, green, purple, blue, orange and black—avoid, or be prepared to fight. Those are dark and evil beings. You’ll get a map that shows you which areas to avoid while here.”
Durien hopped onto the inner ledge of one of the arched openings. He sat with his legs extended, crossed at the ankles, and leaning against the wall behind him.
I hopped up to join him, sitting down across from him. I continued to marvel at what I could see from this level. I wondered what those beings were and what they looked like up close…the good ones anyway.
“Wait till you see the view during daybreak.” Durien then said, as I panned the dark landscape.
His face was shadowed but I could make out a slight outline of his cheek in the dancing firelight.
“I can imagine.” I whispered.
I could actually hear the night insects out there. I concentrated on the sound of waves, and the rippling of water. It was refined, bringing in the scent of fresh, cool moisture and earth.
“So, level with me. I mean, the real reason why I seem to be so popular already, and what that girl was talking about in the dining hall. Is that why you wanted to talk to me?” I finally broke the silence.
I heard him breathe in, followed by a hesitant pause, and then a sigh.
Durien drew his legs up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his knees, and clasping a hand around his opposite wrist.
“I’m not trying to freak you out or anything, but keep in mind that when you move past the boundaries of the Divine hall, and past the sanctified lands, things get extremely dangerous. Every word and sound you make, your every move…even your smell is being heard, watched, and tracked.” He began.
I tensed but I was paying attention.
He licked his lips, glancing out into the darkness.
His eyes returned to mine. “The dark ones single us out by auras. If we were actually just a few feet outside the vicinity of the hall grounds right now, they could see and hear us talking. By that, I mean that they can actually hear every single word of our conversation. That’s what makes them so sneaky and deadly. Even though they can’t cross into sanctified lands, let alone the divine hall, all they have to do is wait, because at some point— you will be in their territory. Now, with your aura, you’re gonna have to be extra careful. You’re a walking spotlight— literally and…” He trailed off.
My eyes were round with intrigue, my mouth parting slightly, wondering why he stopped.
“And what?” I finally asked.
He exhaled and shifted, standing back up, and gazing out into the night.
“Remember when I said earlier that the dark ones prefer us over normal mortals?” He began.
“Yes.”
His hesitation was beginning to annoy me. I stood up too.
“Process of either elimination or temptation. Each of us were chosen. Because of that, we were able to see things of this plane during our mortal existence. The dark ones already know who we are, but we don’t always know who they are, and we still have choices. We’re not off limits, meaning we can still be killed— and turn on each other. It’s happened many, many times before.” Durien began to explain.
That wasn’t positive news. Why was he telling me this? I wondered.
“We can still be killed? I thought we were immortal?”
He smiled. “We are. All that means is that you won’t age, you’ll heal extremely fast from most injuries, and it will take a lot to really do some damage, but we can be killed. We’re superhumanly stronger, faster and smarter now though. We have to be, it’s our only edge. We’re going against beings that have the advantage of time, immortality, great strength, magic, and abilities that we can only dream of having. Here in this realm…they aren’t bound to any universal laws. The only reason I’m telling you all of this so soon…” he explained, and then turned to look at me, “Is because they already know who you are, by face— and by name. You’re wanted, not just by the dark fallen but by Morning Star. And, there’s another one…” he gauged me with a serious look in his dark brown eyes.
A freezing chill suddenly spread throughout my body, as my mouth fell open. My heart began to thump rapidly in response to his last few words, but it was more than simply hearing this.
I swallowed hard.
“There you guys are!” Lira’s high-pitched voice rang in out of nowhere.
It made me jump slightly.
We both turned to face her. Durien did say she would find us. I supposed she followed the sounds of our voices, which I found remarkable, given how big this place was.
She was smiling, as she hopped up in one smooth leap to join us where we stood inside the open, arched window.
I wasn’t that tall myself and she appeared to be about two inches shorter than I was.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt. Are you ready to see your room?” Lira asked me.
My eyes remained on Durien for a moment.
I needed him to finish what he was going to tell me first.
“Well,” I began.
“Go on, we can talk again tomorrow.” Durien said with a nod of his head. He jumped back down onto the floor.
“No, go ahead and finish Durien. I’ll come back later.” Lira replied, looking at the both of us.
>
“I’ve got some materials to gather. I have a branding to do in the morning.” Durien winked at Lira.
“When do I get mine?” I blurted as he turned to leave.
Durien was grinning when he faced me again, “Very soon.” He said in a jokingly dark way.
Lira didn’t seem that enthused or excited about that at all, in fact, she gave me a sympathetic, yet slightly terrified gaze.
I made note of that.
“Okay, night Durien,” Lira then waved at him.
Durien was already out of sight. I could barely hear his footsteps on the stone steps.
She turned to me. “Durien is really cool and really cute too, isn’t he?” She smiled.
I smiled, knowing that he was still in earshot and was probably waiting to hear my response.
~~~***~~~
The room was quaint. Nothing spectacular or spacious, but with just enough temporary living space for two people— like a dorm room of sorts. Two twin-sized beds sat on opposites sides of the room. A wooden writing desk and chair were positioned beneath a small, square window, and two separate chest of drawers were set at the end of each bed, along with mirrors mounted above each. Hooks for lanterns were embedded into the wall, above the desk and by the door.
How cozy, I thought.
“You can pick whichever bed you want.” Lira said, stepping aside and allowing me to enter first.
I scanned the room again, and this time—something caught my eye. I had apparently missed it the first time. It was a lone, dying flower, sort of floating rather than standing in a small glass bowl on the left chest of drawers.
I paused.
A dozen fragmented images materialized, but quickly faded and shuffled away before I could recognize anything.
I walked over the bowl for a closer inspection. The flower was dying. The petals were edged in brown and almost crushed. Fading colors of dark pink-brushed lines, and speckles on white petals, brought back a quick glimmer of a faint memory.
It had been… a Stargazer lily.
My heart began to beat with—sorrow.
“Oh, that was found in your hair when they went to get your body from the field. I figured you’d want to keep it. It’s still clinging to life.” Lira said, moving in beside me.