Divinity: Transcendence: Book Two (The Divinity Saga)

by Reid, Susan

I followed her direction and everyone else shuffled into place, forming a semi-circle around me.

  “Are you excited?” Lorelei smiled.

  “I, ah…yeah.” I nodded. It was a half-truth.

  “This is the most horrendous part. It’s gets better when your essence kicks in. Do you know what it is yet?” Crystal asked me.

  Horrendous? I shot a quick glance at Diana.

  “We’re working on it,” She answered for me.

  “Well, she was slow to rise; I wouldn’t be surprised if her essence is also delayed.” Jamie commented with a sarcastic smirk.

  “I’m sure there was a reason for that. I can’t wait to see what it is too.” The new guy flashed a flirtatious smile. He was definitely sizing me up with his piercing eyes; defined by dark brows, and thick, dark lashes. He moved over to stand next to Durien, leaning in as Durien whispered to him. He then looked at me with a curious half-smirk.

  I hate it when people do that.

  “I should probably just come back when it’s done. I want to stay but I really don’t like this part.” Lira said.

  Now she was really psyching me out.

  Jamie crossed her arms over her chest, and then grinned at me. “I would have paid someone for me to be here and witness this.” She commented.

  I eyed her, and then looked at everyone else’s silver brandings with determination. Hell, if they had all gone through it, especially Jamie, then I would too—no matter what the process entailed.

  I briefly looked down at the double circle under my feet. It was a huge inscribed, symbol, etched deep into the floor. It looked like two wings folded inward, holding a blade in the middle. At the hilt were several stars, a branch with slender leaves, and three round things that resembled berries attached to it. The branch was coiled around the downward pointing blade. Around the outer part of the circle, were those same strange glyphs.

  “Alright, let’s begin. Starling, you’ll need to kneel down in the middle of the engraved symbol there, and answer the questions as I ask them, ok?” Diana said as she opened the book in her hands, and moved to stand in front of me.

  I nodded and slowly knelt down. Diana gently rested a hand on the top of my head.

  “Starling Marie Roberts,” She began.

  Hearing my full name was weird at first, but the familiarity of many things began to seep in after that. Like, I think…I had been in school. I was sure of my age now. I was nineteen, so it wasn’t high school. I had been in college! But where?

  How had Diana known my full name anyway? The more Diana began to speak, the more random images began to sputter behind my eyes.

  My breathing quickened slightly. I began to see — sand and water, and a two-story, three-sided brick house. An elderly woman that I instantly felt an intense love for, was smiling at me with her arms out for a hug. I wasn’t sure what this meant. Should I be seeing these images? I saw a gym, full of equipment that a gymnast would use, many ribbons, and shiny trophies. Then a school cafeteria zipped by. I saw myself younger, with shorter hair and wearing braces. Lots of water; so much it nearly covered the two-story house. People of all ages were drowning —dying.

  I shivered involuntarily and pinched my eyes shut for a brief second. The sudden rush of the images left me slightly dizzy.

  “As a warrior of light, you are honor and soul bound to preserve mortal life from darkness without exception. Do you accept this given path of honor?” Diana’s voice cut through the images that I had been intent on piecing together. I was determined to remember something.

  “Yes, I do.” I replied.

  Immediately after my answer, a third section of the symbol beneath me lit up. It threw a pale, glittery, shimmering curtain of light rays upwards.

  “The Divine is limited. Should you forsake, abuse, fail to protect, or become dishonored; you will be forfeit and shunned. Your soul will immediately become an open vessel. Do you understand and accept this?” Diana then asked.

  That sounded harsh, but I understood both the honor and necessity. “Yes, I accept.” I answered.

  Another section of the symbol lit up, adding to the forming shimmering curtain. What if had said no? That I wouldn’t or didn’t want to accept these things? I mean, it all seemed automatic to me, without question, but what would happen to me if I didn’t agree? I had already died, technically.

  The portion of the symbol that had just begun to shimmer, suddenly winked out. The entire air in the room stilled. Everyone paused, including Diana—and looked at me with suspicion. My heart pounded. Uh-oh.

  What did that mean?

  “You have doubts, Starling?” Diana asked curiously.

  I shook my head, “No, of course not.” I replied, searching everyone else’s eyes. Jamie gave me a snarky look, as if she knew something that I didn’t.

  “Are you sure?” Diana asked me.

  I swallowed and nodded eagerly.

  Was this symbol a truth gauge or something? It was apparently registering my true internal thoughts and emotions, regardless of what was coming out my mouth.

  Of course I defied and despised darkness, that was a given without hesitation. I was only curious.

  Diana nodded, and then repeated the previous question. This time, I answered with determined fervor.

  There was a breathless pause. Everyone’s eyes anxiously went to the symbol.

  The section of the symbol that had winked out a moment ago, instantly shimmered once again. Sighs of relief, nods, and smiles returned to everyone’s faces, except for Jamie.

  The cluttered images in my head, that were more than likely memories, had ceased. It made me wonder what had revealed them? Why did I even have them to begin with? Clearly, I shouldn’t have.

  “And finally, do you Starling Marie Roberts; accept the gift of, and the responsibility of the weapon that will become cleaved to your being, as a chosen divine warrior?”

  “Yes.” I said with determined enthusiasm.

  The circle of light, emanating from the symbol on the floor, was now complete. It began to rise up; creating a completed curtain of light that surrounded me. A warm, peaceful, yet powerful feeling began to envelop my body. The sensation began to seep deep into my soul and my brain, forever ingraining itself to become a part of me — permanently.

  The energy and mind-set of being a warrior began to fill my thoughts. Darkness and evil was the enemy. All things associated with it must be destroyed. I began to feel —warrior- worthy. All of my former thoughts of doubt had suddenly vanished, completely.

  Once the light was gone, everyone began to clap. I did feel different, in a way that I could only describe as powerful and renewed, like some sort of baptism or something.

  “Congratulations Starling, you have been accepted and will now join the army of Divine Warriors. Welcome.” Diana smiled and clapped. She then offered me a hand.

  I took it and rose back up to my feet.

  “Well, alright, let’s get the rest of this show on the road,” Durien commented.

  “Congratulations Starling.” Lorelei smiled excitedly.

  Everyone expressed genuine welcoming, until I glanced at Jamie’s sour, suspicious gaze.

  She was really getting on my nerves.

  “Yes, let’s get to the weapon choosing and the branding,” Jamie then clapped excitedly.

  I was beginning to think that the reasoning behind her sudden enthusiasm about my being branded, had to involve some sort of either humiliation, or worse.

  Everyone began to back away from me, spreading out towards the outer most edges of the room. The look of near terror on Lira’s face made me fearful.

  “I can’t…I’ll— go wait out in the gardens.” She said, as she quickly scampered over to the doors and let herself out.

  My heart began to pound. Why did she just run out of here like that?

  Diana waved the new guy over as she stepped away from me.

  “Why did she feel the need to leave?” I pointed and asked everyone.

  “Lira
has always been extra sensitive, that’s all.” Crystal assured.

  “No worries, you’ll be fine.” Durien said, as he began suiting up into his apron and headgear, once again.

  “Yeah, she finds hearing people screaming in pain, very disturbing.” Jamie added, giving me a wicked smile.

  I paused, staring at her incredulously.

  The new guy then approached me, holding a, long, black scarf in his hand.

  “What’s that for?” I pointed at it.

  “You have to be blindfolded. Don’t worry; you’re in the company of friends and comrades.” Diana added.

  “Relax,” the new guy said. He gently placed the silk scarf over my eyes, and tied it securely at the back of my head.

  “You’ll be fine. My name is Spencer, by the way.” he leaned into my ear and whispered. The sound of his voice, and the warmth of his breath against my ear sent chills down my spine.

  He then gently placed his hands on my shoulders, turning me at a slight ninety-degree angle, which I estimated and assumed, had me facing the largest wall of mounted weapons.

  I tensed, awaiting some sort of group beat down, like a gang initiation, upon hearing him step away.

  “Everyone, remain silent. Starling, relax and breathe in and out, slowly.” Diana coached.

  Easier said than done.

  I followed her instruction, focusing on breathing in deeply, and exhaling slowly.

  It was amazing. In my mind’s eye, the same way I had seen Durien walking up behind me in the corridor; shapes and images began to emerge in front of my field of vision. Even though I was physically blinded—I could see the outline of the fire pit, the shape of the lounge chair, the outlines of both Durien and Spencer, and the walls of mounted weapons all around them.

  “What can you see, not with your eyes, but your mind?” Diana asked.

  I licked my lips. “I can see everything in front of me.” I replied.

  “Except for the wall of weapons.” She more stated instead of asked.

  That was strange. I couldn’t see the wall of weapons right in front of me at all. However, I could see everything and everyone else. How weird.

  “Why can’t I see the wall of weapons?” I asked.

  “You aren’t supposed to.” Diana simply answered.

  I don’t know that I felt comfortable with that notion. I tried to remember the set of tapered blades, with the bling-bling U-shaped guards above the black hilts, that I had admired earlier. Maybe thinking about that weapon would get it to choose me, I thought.

  I saw the forms of both Durien and Spencer move to the furthest parts of the large room, in my periphery. I now remained standing alone —facing the wall of weapons.

  I was really getting nervous now.

  “It would have probably been easier if she knew what her essence was already.” I heard Crystal whisper.

  “Shhh.” Someone replied.

  I did know what my essence was and so did Diana.

  Hearing her mention it made me think of the flames suddenly leaping to life and engulfing my hand. The flames were white and ghostlike, and it was mesmerizing. I felt powerful, basking fully within its flames —my flames.

  Visions of something else briefly invaded my mind just then too.

  I was flying. I could clearly see a grand span of supernaturally, glowing white wings. They were marred with black feathers and symbols, and were spread out on either side of me —but they weren’t my wings, obviously.

  I don’t know what happened next. It was as if I had gone into some sort of otherworldly trance. Clouds, sky, the moon, sparkling stars, the harsh brightness of the sun, and then…the sensation of stinging and burning pain across my chest and stomach.

  Something clinked together. Something sparkled and

  gleamed in my mental periphery.

  An object, no…two objects were flying straight at me. They twirled end over end in a reflective blur, and I reacted without even thinking, let alone commanding my hands to reach out and catch each one expertly by their smooth hilts. Had the ones I wanted chosen me? I thought excitedly. I was even more impressed with how I had been able to sense them coming, and catching them perfectly—while blindfolded.

  I distinctly heard soft gasps all around me, but everyone essentially remained silent. The feel of the smooth handles against the palms of each of my hands and fingers, sent a fiery titillation coursing throughout my entire arms, and electrified my entire body.

  Shortly thereafter, is when the shockwaves of burning pain came.

  I bit my lip to stop myself from automatically screaming aloud. A burrowing, fiery flash of intense pain, nearly made my knees buckle. It felt like a thousand searing, razor sharp hooks, claws and thorns, being scraped across my flesh, and then trying to embed themselves deep into the veins of my hands and forearms.

  My fingers clasped around the handles of each weapon tightly, even though I desperately wanted to drop them. My fingers absolutely would not uncurl or let go. It was equivalent to nerve reaction during an electrocution…times a thousand.

  The invasion was excruciating. It infiltrated my skin, racing into each vein like sharp, jagged rocks, wildly forcing and ripping their way through. In my mind, images began to take form. Twin, double-sided blades about the length of my forearms each, with small, sharp spikes, or thorns edging the tips, like serrated teeth, became clear.

  As they spun, the blades glinted as if diamonds were embedded in the metal. They were both engulfed inside of white fire, resembling flaming torches.

  Tears stung my eyes. I clenched my teeth so hard, my jaw felt bruised. I trembled against the force of the power being cleaved into me. The pain was so intense, that it felt as if I were roasting my own arms inside of a blazing fire. When was this going to be over? I wondered. I couldn’t take this anymore. It was too much!

  I had spoken way too soon.

  Suddenly, a powerful shock of pain, feeling like a saw edged icepick, digging and grinding into the base of my brain, took me off guard. The treacherously racking agony, traveled throughout my entire body, and every single nerve ending responded simultaneously. For all my tolerance, I couldn’t stop myself. Finally, a scream erupted out of my throat.

  I fell to my knees, trembling as warm tears began soaking into the blindfold. It pressed wetly against my eyes and cheeks.

  Just as quickly as the pain had crippled me abruptly —it was suddenly over. At least, I hoped it was.

  I gasped, catching my breath, and seeing the image of the twin blades make one final turn in my minds’ eye before dissipating altogether. The searing burning along my palms and arms, dulled to a throbbing ache, finally beginning to subside, slightly. I didn’t dare try to move them or flex my hands, if I even still could. I was no longer physically holding onto the blades. They were simply —gone.

  I didn’t hear anyone move or speak for a moment, and then footsteps slowly began approaching me. There was someone on either side of me, gently helping me to my feet.

  “Please…please tell me it’s over.” I whispered and sniffed.

  “It’s done, well…that part anyway.” Came the reply.

  It was Spencer’s soothing voice.

  The blindfold was removed. I blinked rapidly, having to refocus my vision through the lingering tears. My first curiosity being, what my trembling hands and arms must look like now.

  My first assumption was that of raw shredded meat, as I slowly raised them up for inspection.

  I wanted to scream again.

  At first glance, the markings resembled random, reddened, dark, jagged lines, slashes, and shapes. It was as if an angry, vindictive tattoo artist had taken out his anger on them. I nearly freaked out and fainted, staring in horror at my forearms, and my hands splayed out in front of me.

  “In case you were wondering where your weapons went, you’re looking at them. Amazing huh?” Spencer pointed to my new crazy markings.

  “They’re pattern outlines written in ancient, symbolic coding. The glyphs are wh
at forms your weapon, like a recited recording. Now, you’ll be able to will them whenever you need to. The infusion of consecrated metal is needed, so that it can forge itself within your body, which is why warriors are branded. You’ll never lose, or be without your weapon. It will always return to you.” Spencer explained.

  “You’re already healing as we speak, which means that they’ll disappear altogether soon if we don’t start now. There’s only one opportunity for the weapon choosing process. So, unless you want that to have been for nothing, let’s do this.” Durien added with an enthusiastic grin while rubbing his hands together.

  Do I even get a moment to rest and recover? I honestly think that my soul was more in bruised shock than my actual skin, and I was still reeling from it internally.

  “This is amazing! Congratulations, Starling.” Diana said as she moved in front of me with an excited smile.

  “You did great, Starling.” Lorelei complimented.

  “For sure. You have the highest threshold of pain I’ve ever witnessed. I’m impressed.” Scarlet bowed at me.

  Everyone moved in closer behind me, to get a closer glimpse of the markings.

  “What is it? What weapons were they?” I asked with another sniff.

  They all looked at one another for a moment.

  “A challenge for me, I’ve never done them before.” Durien noted.

  “Deific blades. You’re the only warrior known thus far, to have had them cleave to.” Diana answered.

  I didn’t remember seeing them on the wall.

  “Deific blades are extremely rare, powerful, and deadly.” Lorelei commented.

  “I’m jealous, those are wicked blades.” Gabe added.

  Anthony nodded. “One of the best if not the best. You’ll be able to cut down and kill anything of darkness without effort.”

  “Huh, well now it’ll really be cool to see what your essence is gonna be. I can’t wait.” Crystal said.

  “She could just have a talent.” Scarlet said.

  “Times wasting, we need to hurry and start.” Durien cut in.

  “Alright, well, I’ll let you two get started quickly, seeing as this may take a while. I’ll go grab Sean to come witness. I’ll be right back, Starling.” Diana said to both Durien and Spencer, and then looked at me with a smile.