“We should look for armor, perhaps Caisa was right for a change.” Mara fingered a pair of woven-metal leggings. “Something supple so I can move in stealth, but it will provide me with both a magical and physical defense.”
“You’re not asking much at all,” Nikulo quipped. “Might as well find something that makes you invincible. Besides, don’t your daggers defend you? We’re the ones who need armor.”
“What are you doing?” Rikar asked, and gave Nikulo a suspicious eye. “You’re talking to Mara, aren’t you? I can tell because you’re covering your mouth. What are you guys up to?”
“Searching for suitable armor. And I found this.” Nikulo showed Rikar the hammer.
“How do you know it’s not cursed or useless?”
Nikulo chuckled and made a movement with his hands like he was studying a map.
“Oh, I get it. I should have figured you guys were up to something.”
A shadowy cloud formed and Aurellia appeared next to them. His voice was a whisper. “What exactly are you up to?”
12. The Voices Return
Nikulo gave the dark lord a polite bow, trying to calm his beating heart. Why was Aurellia so damn sneaky? “We were finding items of use. Does this look like a suitable weapon?”
“Don’t deflect the question, boy,” said Aurellia, narrowing his eyes as he sniffed. “I can smell them. Talis is here, isn’t he? And with Mara. They’re hiding.”
“Would you care to go outside and enjoy the view? It’s rather stuffy in here.” Nikulo gestured toward the door.
Aurellia raised an eyebrow, but followed him outside. They walked over and sat on a bench underneath a tall oak tree. Nikulo glanced around, admiring the view. The Starwalker sanctuary was more like a small city nestled inside a glass tube. It never ceased to amaze him.
“Why have you brought me here?” The dark lord looked irritated. “And why has Talis gone invisible?”
Talis and Mara reappeared next to them, though Nikulo noticed that Talis had put away the map. “How could you see through my invisibility? I thought my daggers blocked everything from view,” Mara said.
“Next time command them to block your smell. I’m not so easy to fool. Now can someone please explain?”
“Mara and I wanted to talk without being overheard, so we decided it was the right time.”
“Talk about what? You have something to hide from me?”
“Perhaps not you,” Talis said, “but certainly from your master.”
The dark lord nodded in understanding. “So do you plan on sharing what it is you were searching for?”
“Like everyone else, items of power, items of use—”
“For instance, armor that could protect you in upcoming battles… and perhaps rings or amulets useful in overcoming specific types of magic, like dark magic.” Aurellia twisted his face into a smirk.
“Yes, you’re not thinking incorrectly.”
“Then I imagine a certain map might be of aid in your search, if you asked such a map for assistance. And I recommend masking yourselves from all the senses, in order not to be discovered.” The dark lord gave them a knowing look. “The specifics of which, I don’t want to know, so keep me out of it. But don’t be so foolish as to give yourselves away so easily.”
With that, Aurellia left and returned to the relic room.
“He just gave us a clue,” Nikulo said, feeling excited. “Ask the map to show us objects that can defend and help fight against dark magic.”
“First, let’s go invisible.” Talis looked at Mara and the two of them disappeared into melting shadows.
“I asked the daggers to mask our senses to others, but we can still talk to Nikulo and Rikar.”
“The map is showing a number of relics useful in blocking dark magic,” said Talis. “I’ll lead the way.”
Soon they were back inside the moody room, selecting necklaces, rings, anklets, bracelets, coins, and other relics. They grabbed all they could, while avoiding being noticed by Caisa and her allies. Talis then asked the map to find magical armor to aid in their upcoming battle, but were disappointed to only find a few. There were silver, intricately carved bracers for Nikulo that filled him with strength and energy. Rikar gained twin short swords, the blades gray with ghostly patterns along the steel. He shared one with Devonia. They discovered woven mail leggings and a tunic made of some strange, lightweight metal for Mara. Talis gained a colorful, metallic belt that looked like it was made of fabric. He claimed he felt clearer and more focused when he wore it.
They were about to finish their search when Caisa came over to talk to Nikulo and Rikar.
“I see you’ve found a few things.” She glanced at his hammer and bracers. “How did you pick them?”
He shrugged. “They felt right.”
“And you, short swords?” She studied Rikar and Devonia.
“One for Devonia and one for myself. They’re balanced and swing clean, and help me to aim true.”
The Nameless chuckled. “I wish all my devotees were so in tune with their inner voice. You have all chosen well, though gathered little for such a long search. Where are Talis and Mara? I have not seen them.”
“They went outside to rest. It’s dusty in here with all the old artifacts.” Rikar gave Caisa a small bow.
“Hmm, perhaps. Though I suspect you are lying. I can usually tell. No matter. When they return, send them to me.”
She left to join the high priestess and the other elders. Nikulo let out a sigh of relief, worried about being found out. Ever since he’d heard the news that he had to leave his family for another quest, he lived with a constant fear of dying. He didn’t want to leave Callith a widower twice over. When her first husband had died, Nikulo had been the one to murder him. He wondered if fate was bringing his ill deeds back to haunt him. No matter how many offerings of penitence he’d done at the altars to the gods, the stain was never fully washed clean. The guilt remained in his heart.
Outside, the light from the sun was falling over a whitewashed building, the apex crowned with a large ruby that caught the sunlight. Nikulo’s face was momentarily bathed in red. A shudder went through him as he stood there, dumbfounded, staring at the ruby. A dullness came over his mind as he remembered the long journey across the Nalgoran Desert with Callith. The madness of the Naemarians churned through his mind. Did they ever go away?
A frenzy slowly built up inside, one that he found himself unable to control. Voices rambling and mad.
Kill them all, said the voices. The sound vibrated through his body.
A tap on his shoulder shook him from his reverie.
“Are you ok?” Mara studied him. “You were off someplace… you looked strange.”
“It’s nothing. I was remembering the past, a bad time.”
“With the Naemarians?”
Nikulo eyed Mara. “How did you know?”
“Because you were glowing with energy, like you were on Vellia when we first fought the Starwalkers.”
“What?” He was stunned, remembering the vicious battle. The day had been crazy. He had acted insane. If it wasn’t for Talis and Mara saving his life, he’d have been lost that day. But the curse of the Naemarians had stayed with him for a long time, until Master Holoron cured him of the affliction.
But had he really been cured? Nikulo wasn’t sure. In quiet times he could still hear their voices off in the distance, calling him. They were ever near to his mind.
“Maybe you need to rest,” Talis said, and motioned for Nikulo to sit.
“I’m ok, really. I was caught in a bad memory. The sunlight was shining through the ruby.” Nikulo aimed a finger at the top of the building.
Talis and Mara followed his gaze and frowned. “It’s a bad omen. We need to careful.”
“You’re right, I need to rest, I think. Maybe I should sleep.” Nikulo sighed, feeling utterly exhausted suddenly.
“Let me talk to Caisa and Jared. They were expecting a fight and now the battle is over, at
least, so far.”
Nikulo decided to sit and close his eyes for a moment. Footsteps receded off in the distance. From somewhere a cool breeze came, lulling him to sleep. The Naemarian voices were stronger now, like the buzzing sound of bees. He caught a snippet here and there, shouts of “lies” and “liar” and “kill them.”
He nodded off then snapped back to wakefulness, glancing around. Hundreds of faces floated in a dark sea: the faces of the insane, the faces of the eager and the desperate. They came at him like hungry wolves. He scrambled backwards, trying to find something to fight them off, but there was nothing around.
Their mouths opened, hungry. You are a liar. Your voice spews lies. Redeem yourself. Kill them all. Kill the Starwalkers and steal their relics, steal their power.
Nikulo tried to scream, though no sound was heard; his voice was consumed by the void.
Surrounded and overwhelmed, he gave in, releasing himself to their power. He had no choice but to surrender.
When we call, you will listen.
He would listen, he had no more willpower to fight. There was no other way. He fell back, slipping into unconsciousness, and faded into the dark sea.
13. Wonders of Darkness
Talis returned to the relic room with Mara, visible this time. They made their way directly to Caisa and bowed when they reached the haughty woman.
“Nikulo said you were looking for us?” Talis kept his face expression flat and disinterested, hoping to allay her suspicions.
“Ah, yes, the young traitor.” The Nameless seemed annoyed by his presence. “This one professes to be loyal to his master. Lord Aurellia, does he look loyal to you? I’ve not seen him the whole time we’ve been here searching.”
“I have encountered him once since we arrived here, though he did not appear successful in uncovering many relics of use.” Aurellia held the air of someone tired of dealing with inferior people. “I’m not really surprised, honestly. He’s always been a bit of a wildcard.”
“I can assure you—”
The dark lord interrupted Talis with a wave of his hand. “You have my promise that I will deal with him. We cannot afford any missteps on our journey to the Origin World.”
“Indeed.” Caisa appeared satisfied. “Then I think we are finished searching here. Although I’d like to conduct a longer and more thorough search, I think this is all the time we can afford. I will ask my elders to prepare us for our departure.”
Aurellia cleared his throat, glancing at the Nameless.
“Yes, Lord Aurellia?”
“If I may suggest a period of sleep and rest. Not all mortals possess our stamina.”
“Oh, yes I suppose. You are correct once again. Let’s locate a suitable place to lodge for a time. Jared will lead the younger ones to find a place of rest, though I’ll ask one of my elders to watch them. You, singer, and your comrades, join me. We will find my elders and see to the business of securing the other Starwalkers on this sanctuary. Let’s see if my allies have succeeded. We must go now and quickly assemble our army.”
Selana bowed. “Follow me. They will submit to your power and majesty.”
“I’m quite certain they will,” Caisa said, and gave her a smug expression.
As they they left, Talis turned his attention to Jared, and wondered how the Starwalker was handling the situation. His proud face remained fixed, without any sign of stress.
“Finally, I have a moment alone with you. Follow me, I need to discuss something with you in a secure place.” The Starwalker left the building and paused at discovering Nikulo snoring on the bench.
“When he’s really hungry he usually sleeps to save energy,” Mara said.
“Should we let him rest?” Jared chuckled softly. “He’ll be safe here. We can always come back for him later.”
“No, at the mention of food he will perk up.” Talis watched Nikulo, and sure enough, his eyes opened slightly, though his friend looked very groggy.
“What’s to eat?” Nikulo groaned and pushed himself up, running his hands through his hair. “I barely have enough energy to make it to the closest place to eat. Lead on, fair maiden. I pray our journey is a short one.”
Talis whistled, calling for Charna, and soon the lynx came bounding up, proudly displaying a rabbit in her mouth. The invisibility was still working. The poor prey didn’t have a chance. He praised the cat and scratched its ears. Charna soon began to purr.
They followed Jared a long way through a side street until they reached an expansive, multi-storied building made of glass and smooth stone. They found the entrance filled with colorful couches, voluminous plants, and a few younger Starwalkers engaged in quiet conversation. Jared nodded to them as they passed, and the Starwalkers scowled in response, but said nothing.
“Aren’t we supposed to pretend to be prisoners?” Mara asked, glancing up at Jared.
“Who knows.” He glanced at the elder priestess Caisa has sent to watch them. “I suspect that many have already left. Whoever joins with us will do so begrudgingly. I doubt anyone actually believes their ruse. Consider those Starwalkers who follow Yavreel. Who do you think they’ll fight for when we are on a battlefield opposite the high priests of that dark god?”
Talis knew the truth of what he was saying, but wasn’t sure if it meant much for him. If Caisa failed in her quest to overthrow the Origin World, then he and his friends were doomed as well. But if they won, he doubted the Nameless would let them go. Either way was unfavorable. Each moment he felt like their plight was more hopeless than ever, and at each move closer to the Origin World it seemed they were spinning out of control. To him, the promise of the Origin World was only darkness, a bottomless pit leading nowhere.
“We have to do something,” he said, unable to stop himself. “I mean, this seems like a one-way trip to the Underworld. I don’t see a way of us winning, and by us, I don’t mean Caisa. If the Nameless wins, we lose, if she loses, we lose.”
“Perhaps there is a way,” said Jared, suddenly lost in thought. “But you’ll have to trust me. It’s in both our best interests if we survive this insane expedition.”
“So you believe that even I can survive?” Rikar said, and studied Jared with dark eyes.
Jared paused at that, turning somber. He was about to retort, but clamped his mouth shut, conflicted.
“People can change.” Devonia gave Jared a hopeful look. “He has a good heart. What happened to him was Caisa’s doing—”
“He’s an abomination. What would you do if someone killed your family, then cut off their faces and sewed them onto a murderer? Could you stand to look at them? Wouldn’t you crave to burn them as an offense to the memory of your family, as an offense to your gods?”
Devonia looked horrified at the man’s comment. She was about to speak when Jared stopped her.
“That’s how I feel about your young Rikar. Assuming I won’t ever have to see him again after this quest is over, I will do my utmost to tolerate the sight of him.” Jared sighed. “Enough of this discussion, we have much to do to prepare. But we won’t accomplish anything on an empty stomach.”
“I second that sentiment,” Nikulo said, and they followed Jared down a hallway, until they were greeted by the savory smells of roasted meat, pepper, onions, and the tangy smell of ale.
Nikulo smiled, delighted, looking like he’d just entered paradise.
14. To the Origin World
Mara woke feeling like she didn’t care if she ever returned to Naru, as long as she was free and could be with Talis. To her, Naru only reminded her of her obligations to the throne and the expectations of the citizens and the nobility. Here she felt relaxed, lying next to Talis, without a worry in the world. They had been so tired after eating they simply collapsed in bed after Jared had showed them to this room.
She realized, eyeing her daggers, that the things that once gave her a curse, now provided her with confidence and power. She could use that power to protect them both.
Her gaze turned to
Talis slumbering peacefully next to her. She slid a finger across his cheek and smiled. She would do anything to keep him safe. Even if it meant killing whoever got in their way. She didn’t fear brutality and violence anymore, in fact, a part of her craved it. As much as she hated the idea of being forced to join Caisa to the Origin World, she was thrilled by the thought of what they might discover there.
A loud rap on their door jolted her, startling Talis from his sleep. “What is it? Who’s knocking so loud?”
Mara slid out of the bed, irritated that the knocking continued, louder now. “Hold on a minute. Can you stop knocking? We hear you.”
Charna turned her head toward the door, tail flicking in irritation.
“We’re leaving now!” shouted the gruff voice of an old woman. It sounded like the high priestess. “Get your things and let’s go.”
Talis groaned. “Can’t we just kill her? She’s a vile, evil woman.”
Wouldn’t that be nice, thought Mara, touching her daggers. “I could do it, you know. We could pick them off one at a time, starting with the old crone.”
“Not yet, it’ll be noticed.” Talis slipped out of bed, his clothes disheveled. “Let’s wait until we reach the Origin World. We’ll have plenty of fighting and chances to slit throats when no one is watching.”
“I like how you think.” She slipped on her backpack. Talis went to open the door and they were greeted by the bright light of the sun and the scowling face of the high priestess.
The old woman looked them up and down, then turned to go.“You will come with me.”
Mara scoffed, but they followed the old crone deeper into the gardens for a long while until they reached a clearing. They were met by Lord Aurellia, Nikulo, Rikar, and Devonia. Farther in, Caisa, her followers, and perhaps fifty Starwalkers were gathered in a grove, standing in a circle around a massive white stone carved in the shape of some strange god. The Nameless was bound by a silver, magical rope tied around her wrists, though her eyes beamed in excitement as she caught sight of Talis and Mara.
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