He ignored her and returned to his goddess. The commander approached Kallisto and embraced her. Kallisto caressed his face and leaned in to kiss him. Mara tried to get up again. She couldn’t let her get away with this. Unfortunately, she was flanked by the Holy Blades. They stabbed her to death with their weapons. Blood spilled from her wounds and she grew weaker. Her vision of Kallisto and Karl became blurry and bloody. Everything faded to black.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hope’s Chime
Here she was again, laying in the darkness. Within the silence, Mara could hear herself crying. The image of Kallisto kissing Karl was burned deep into her mind. The goddess took her prince away and turned him against her. She couldn’t save Karl. She felt useless. What could she do? How could she defeat such an opponent? Mara wished she had the strength to defeat a god.
A lonely chime echoed in the darkness. Mara heard the bell before, making such a delicate sound. It chimed again as if to grab her attention. A call of desperation to pull her from her death-like slumber. The bell rang again, seeming so close, but was nowhere in sight. The melodious ring came from the other side, calling out to Mara.
“You already have it,” a disembodied voice told her. The mask of the Watcher appeared before her face. Seven blue eyes glowed in the darkness. “Mara, wake up!”
The tingling sensation returned one more time. It was like little embers dancing in the darkness. Soon they touched every nerve in her body and caught fire. The burning sensation rushed through her, jolting her awake.
Mara’s eyes flew open. Looking around, she saw only darkness. There was no sign of the Watcher. She was alone. Mara tried to move, but was confined in a tight space. Trapped in a casket, the lid wouldn’t budge. Mara began to hit it, trying to force it open. She bashed her fists repeatedly, her knuckles began to bleed. The smell of blood added to the stench of her blood-soaked clothing. A large crack formed and a faint light poured in. She kept at it and the lid eventually broke open.
She took a deep breath before sitting up and looking around. She was inside a black and gold coffin. Looking at her surroundings, Mara saw torches adorning the brick hallway. Little flames danced in the darkness. She was here before—the Dark Labyrinth. Clearly, Kallisto had her tossed down here again. To make matters worse, all her weapons and valuables were taken away. Only her necklace, the mementos, a brass key, and the flask filled with Moon Water remained. Seemingly useless trinkets they allowed her to keep. But with the brass key, Mara still had a chance of escaping.
Getting out of the coffin, she heard a familiar growl. The guttural sounds bounced off the walls and echoed all around her. Mara recognized the sound. She had to get out of here. She chose a path and began to follow it, hoping it would lead her out.
The path grew so dark, she couldn’t see her own hand in front of her face. Remembering the Moon Water, Mara took her flask and began to shake it. The glowing particles in the water grew brighter, but she still couldn’t recall her surroundings.
‘Did I go the wrong way?’ Mara wondered to herself. Even though she had been here before, everything was unfamiliar. Was this a different part of the Dark Labyrinth?
As Mara searched for a way out, her mind continued to reel from all that happened. She could not believe someone would want her dead. Why should Mara be judged for the actions of a predecessor? There had to be more to this.
While being deep in her thoughts, a creature ran at her and grabbed her head. It snapped her neck and she fell to the ground. Everything went black.
***
After some time, she awoke to the fire rushing in her veins. Opening her eyes, Mara saw the monster towering over her. She recognized the bird-like head and the four bulging white eyes. The Dark Dweller made a creepy guttural growl. The smell of her blood attracted the creature. It had no problem finding her in the dark.
Mara saw this creature before. It happened thirty years ago, after being struck down by Kallisto. She resurrected and sought a way out of the Dark Labyrinth, but encountered this creature. It killed her in a similar fashion. She returned to life again, only to find the creature tearing open her abdomen. The mystery of the ugly scar was finally solved. The Dark Dweller ripped out her uterus. The massive blood loss killed her. Not only was it disturbing, but the way it gazed at Mara showed its intentions to do this. Afterwards, it pretty much left her alone, unless they crossed paths again. She didn’t know why it mutilated her like that.
The monster stared back at her and began to cry. Mara was baffled. What brought on this strange behaviour? The cries sounded like a man overwhelmed by grief. The creature walked away, but didn’t go too far. It crouched down and continued to weep. Mara recalled a similar sound the last time she escaped from the Dark Labyrinth. Trying not to make any quick movements, she slowly rose to her feet. The creature whipped its head around and stared at her.
Mara ran for dear life. Her heart pounded like a drum. The creature chased her, making a low growl. After a moment of running, she stopped. The creature was no longer pursuing her. She wandered into a large dark room filled with corpses. The stench of death invaded her nostrils and made her cringe. Not wanting to stick around, Mara left the room.
Where was the exit? Wandering the maze, she could hear the creature. Its growls echoed throughout the hallways. Finally, she found the gate to her freedom, but someone locked it again.
“Damn it,” Mara hissed, shaking the bars open.
She remembered the key, but the rattling of the bars echoed in the hallways. The creature responded with a guttural growl. Turning around, Mara saw it dashing towards her. Despite having no weapon, she was prepared to fight. Mara wasn’t going to let it kill her again. As the creature tried to grab her, Mara fought back. The two struggled to the ground. The creature rolled on top of her, trying to grasp at her head and pulled the mask off. Managing to wrap its dirty hands around her neck, it strangled the life out of her. As the life began to leave her again, her eyes flew open. The next thing Mara saw was her hand diving into the creature’s chest. Bright red blood gushed out of the creature. It fell off of her and slumped to her right. Mara stared at the monster. Her heart was pounding and her head spun. She lifted her hand to her face and wiped the blood away.
After being killed and mutilated many years ago, she finally got her revenge. Still stunned at what happened, she scrambled away from the creature. It was still alive. The Dark Dweller looked up at her, trying to reach out. It made gurgling sounds once again as if it was trying to form words.
“Ah… Ama… ra…”
Mara was mystified. Did the creature try to call her by name? The Dark Dweller began to transform. In its place was an emaciated man with brown skin and short black hair. He bore some resemblance to her, yet she didn’t recognize him. Tears spilled from his dark brown eyes.
“Amara, I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me,” the man said to her.
Mara shook her head. “I’m not Amara. Who are you?”
He looked at her in bewilderment. “Oh, you’re one of them? So was my daughter…”
She shrugged, unsure what he meant.
“I never meant to abandon her. He wanted to buy her, but I refused his gold. She was my daughter,” the man continued in a feeble tone. “That evil king sought to defile her. I would not allow his seed to grow. He threw me out and took her away…”
Mara stared at him. Now she knew why he mutilated her. He thought she was his daughter.
“They hurt her, lied about her… I confronted them. That vile witch tried to fool me, but I knew the truth. They trapped me down here, so I would never tell anyone. I remember now. My daughter is trapped within Aazalith, and she will not free her until what was stolen is returned.”
Mara stood frozen, staring at this mysterious man. She recalled Harold’s words about a certain monk who hadn’t been seen in a thousand years. According to Lady Isabella, he also had a daughter.
“Are you Khan?” Mara asked.
The man nodded feebly. He lifted hi
s hand to her. “I beseech thee,” he began. “Save my daughter. End her suffering.” His body began to crumble away into dust. “I failed to protect her from those wicked gods…”
Mara watched as Khan faded away. In his place was a healing stone. After claiming her prize, it was time to escape the Dark Labyrinth. She took the brass key out and looked at the gate. Mara unlocked it and left. Why no one took the key away was beyond her.
***
As Mara headed for the exit, she heard voices in the distance. Her escape from the Dark Labyrinth was too good to be true. Two men came her way. There was nowhere for her to hide. At the end of the pathway, she saw two Holy Blades wielding gold and silver swords. They took notice and dashed towards her. She suspected they were sent down here to prevent her escape. Mara needed to fight. There was no going back.
One of the men lunged at her with his sword. She stepped back and dodged him. When he came at her again, she grabbed his sword hand and pushed his blade back onto him. The sword sliced through his face and neck. He died before he fell to the ground. Mara grabbed his sword—she was now armed. She stared at the dead man before turning on the other. In her blind rage, she stormed over to him with the intent to kill. He backed away and lifted his hands.
“Wait! Let’s talk this over!”
Mara stared at him in confusion. Since when did a Holy Blade want to talk? Then it dawned on her—she recognized that voice. The short black hair and smug face was also familiar. She grabbed Boyd by the collar and scowled at him.
“You! I should have known,” Mara hissed. “You have a lot of nerve showing your face here.”
“Well, just hold on a minute here,” he pleaded. “I know I’ve done you wrong. I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? You’re sorry?” Mara shook her head. “That’s not going to undo all the shit I went through!” She really wanted to kill somebody. One Holy Blade was not enough. Mara lifted the sword and pointed it at Boyd. She was about to stab him in the face. He squeezed his eyes shut.
“Wait! The commander did it,” Boyd spat out some words to save himself. It worked.
Mara gazed at him in confusion and lowered her sword. “What are you talking about?”
Boyd opened his eyes and looked at her. He took a deep breath and lowered his hands.
“Commander White killed Saskia,” he said candidly. “She knew what you were and intended to take you to Greyward Hold. The commander found out, broke into her home, and fatally stabbed her with a moonstone weapon. We conspired to frame you for murder.”
She gaped at him for a while, then lifted her sword again.
“You knew?” Mara grew furious. “I was executed for a crime I didn’t commit!”
“You were a prisoner! It was the only way to recapture you,” Boyd claimed.
She shook her head. “No, you knew I was innocent!”
Mara had every reason not to trust him, but Boyd had more to reveal. “Wait! The deaths of the other possessors is also the Faith’s doing!”
She looked confused. “What are you talking about? Hema’s ruler was responsible for the deaths of Saskia and Heru. I had to save Karl from Isabella and Anna!”
“That’s what the Faith wants everyone to think,” Boyd confessed. “The commander was never glamoured into writing that letter. He did it of his own free will, to make Heru and you kill each other! With Lady Isabella and Anna, Karl placed himself in danger and had his old man beg you for help. He knew Hema’s queen planned to hold them hostage. And he had the seal on the Black Tower tampered with, so the darkling’s powers could reach out. The commander knew you’d save him and used you to avoid suspicion to themselves.”
She stared at Boyd with surprise and softened her grip on his collar. She released him and backed away after hearing this new revelation. Looking back at him, the aggression faded from her face. Though curiosity and confusion remained.
“Who are you?” Mara asked.
“Boyd Masterson, Church Spy,” he revealed. Then, “I should warn you: the exit is guarded by four Holy Blades.”
“Why are you helping me?” Mara questioned.
“I’m really helping myself. I’ve been trying to pay off a debt to the Faith for a minor infraction they took serious offence to.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing too serious,” Boyd said. “But they still don’t trust me and kept me on a tight leash. Well, I have a few choice words for them—praying has never put food in my mouth nor anyone else’s! The Faith doesn’t care for the common or poor folk. It is run by nobles and their money, like your Prince Charming.”
Mara shook her head, feeling embarrassed to know another was aware of her attraction to Commander White.
“I was a petty thief and got caught,” he began. “I was given a choice—serve the Faith or be tossed into the Dark Labyrinth.”
She folded her arms. “Now you want me to help with your great escape from the Faith?”
“I’ll never cross paths with you again. You have my word,” Boyd promised.
She raised an eyebrow. What kind of promise was that? Then again, if she never saw his face again, she won’t miss him.
“Fine, I suppose I can help you,” she sighed.
Boyd nodded. “Good, now let’s get out of here!” He walked ahead of her. “This place makes me feel sick.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t you feel it? There’s a strange power in this mountain. It doesn’t feel right. To be honest, I don’t even know why anyone would want to build a temple or a palace on top of it. It feels dark, almost wicked.”
Mara looked at him. She never expected to hear those words from his mouth. Following Boyd to the exit, she heard voices.
“Oh, that’s them,” Boyd said. She unsheathed her sword, ready to fight them. Boyd held his hand out in front of her. “Wait! I have an idea.”
She gazed in confusion while he walked out. He began to limp, holding his right arm. The Holy Blades noticed him.
“What are you doing out here, Masterson?”
“We were attacked,” Boyd told them, appearing to be shaken up. “My partner is dead.”
“What of the prisoner?”
“We couldn’t contain her. She’s coming this way!”
Boyd then gestured to Mara. The Holy Blades took notice and approached her with their swords drawn.
Whatever Boyd’s plan was, it wasn’t a very good one. Then again, Mara had to fight them. As she got ready for a fight, Boyd pulled a blade on one of the Holy Blades and stabbed him in the back. The Holy Blade cried out before falling to the ground dead. The others turned around and looked at Boyd. They were not going to tolerate his betrayal. Mara took the opportunity to kill another Holy Blade before they realized their mistake of ignoring her. With their unexpected teamwork, Mara and Boyd turned the tables on their opponents. However, one of them escaped.
“Damn it! One got away!” Boyd exclaimed.
She looked back at him and shrugged. “So?”
He shot a glare at her. “So? So? In case you haven’t realized, one of them survived! He’ll report to the Faith and the Holy Blades. They will turn every village, town, and city upside down in order to find us! We’re now wanted fugitives.” He began to pilfer the corpses. A bag worth five hundred gold was tossed at Mara. “Here, we’re going to need this to buy some equipment or provisions. Don’t feel bad about stealing from the dead. The gold was likely yours before you were captured.”
Mara gazed at Boyd for a while, and then turned around. She began to walk down the same mountain path, towards Ozin Village. He looked at her in bewilderment.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Boyd demanded.
She stopped, but didn’t look at him. She stared down at the path. “I’m going to find my parents. I need to make sure they’re okay.”
She began to walk again, but Boyd ran in front of her.
“Maybe you misunderstood me? You are a wanted fugitive! Once the Faith learns about your es
cape, there will be nowhere for you to hide!” Boyd then gave a sombre look. “Besides, your parents are probably dead.”
“What did you say?” Mara snapped her glare onto him.
Boyd gazed at her. “I saw everything. If it’s true and thirty years have passed for you, then your parents might be gone. It may not be worth going to Mirahyll.”
She stared at him.
“Thanks for caring,” she murmured in a cold tone, walking past him.
Boyd gazed at her and shook his head.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said calmly, and then went the other way.
It was the last time Mara saw him.
***
Mara wandered the forest. She was here before, except all the leaves have fallen and snow covered the ground. The birds were absent and it was dead quiet. She eventually saw Ozin, where she first met Saskia. It was also the place of her execution. The village was crawling with Holy Blades. If they weren’t looking for her now, they would in due time. She needed to keep a distance and leave. No allies would be found there. Mara felt alone, but that wasn’t true.
There was Harold, given he remained alive. If the Faith were responsible for the seals failing, no doubt the last two would be targeted. Why Kallikratés would do this remained a mystery. Mara needed to find a way back to him. He might have the answers to her questions. After meeting Khan, Mara obtained the knowledge that an undying was trapped within the Dark One. It was hard to fathom such a creature being imprisoned within the bosom of a divine. The former guild master might have known about it. That could be the reason why he turned down her offer to kill the Dark One. However, she might be the only one who could kill the undying.
There was also Talon. The old blacksmith had been an invaluable ally. She needed to find him and see if he could forge a new weapon for her. Mara really missed her straight sword.
Thinking of Dr. Moen and the Watcher, she had to see them. They were very helpful—she got most of her memories back, thanks to the Watcher. Her mind began to wonder about Dr. Moen. The last time she saw Allen and James, they were around her age at twenty-five years. Today, they would both be in their mid-fifties. Thinking about the doctor’s bright blue eyes, Mara began to realize who he really was.
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