The Hall of Doors

by Phillip Locey

  Each head of the Aasimar stuck out as a colorful splash amongst so much polished white stone and the greenish-grey backdrop of the mountain. He wondered, as he finished scaling the final step to the doorway, if there was any social meaning derived from the pigmentation.

  The inside of the building was cavernous. More stairs lead to wide landings, elevated above one another in a series of levels. Upon some of them, Thaelios could just make out what appeared to be shelves with cubbies holding scrolls of parchment. More Aasimar, as well as a couple of Seraphs, many of whom were reading from the scrolls, populated the temple floors.

  Palomar led the way to an inner sanctum of sorts – a closed off space, barred by golden doors, where he stopped. Jubilex waited in front of the entrance, and the two Aasimar seemed to hold a private conversation with one another.

  Finally, Palomar nodded and turned toward the collection of mortals. “Hiruth Jeshu, may His light shine forever, awaits you beyond these doors. I wanted to warn you to shield your eyes, for his brilliance can be blinding. You will not be able to look at Him directly, but it is not considered rude to turn away, so fear not for decorum.

  “He knows a great many things and holds a great deal of power, but that does not mean He wields or shares it indiscriminately. If you ask for something and He declines, please, do not press Him on it.” Palomar took a moment to look at each one of them. Thaelios nodded to show he understood. “Well, then,” the Aasimar added, “I hope you find much of what you’re looking for.”

  Palomar and Jubilex each grabbed a vertical handle of one of the doors and pulled them open, the task seeming to require a good deal of effort. A flood of light poured out of the room, making it impossible to see what lay within. Shielding his eyes with his hand, Thaelios followed the others in.

  Once the doors were shut, however, the bright light vanished. Palomar had come with them and was still squinting and turning his head away from the center of the room. Thaelios noticed that Be’naj was likewise staring at the floor and using both hands to shield her eyes. Like himself, though, Saffron, Dyphina, and Rhazine had no such issues with the room’s radiance, which to Thaelios seemed comparable with a sunlit courtyard in spring.

  “Welcome, mortal travelers.” While clearly telepathic, this voice seemed to vibrate like a plucked harp string, speaking to Thaelios in every language he knew, simultaneously. The effect was a bit jarring, though remarkably didn’t affect his understanding. “I am Hiruth Jeshu, Lord of the Near Summit of Mount Celestia.”

  The chamber they’d entered had a high, domed ceiling, plated with gold, but was not extensively wide. There were no windows, leaving Thaelios to deduce that the source of the ambient light was somewhere within the room. He saw a massive Seraph standing beside a throne, its identity concealed by armor.

  Seated in the gilded chair was a lithe humanoid, no larger than a tall Eladrin. The creature’s skin was black as onyx and polished smooth. Its eyes were large and gold, with irises just like Thaelios’s people. It wore a stylized golden tabard, marked with inky runes. Could this have been the being that just spoke?

  Thaelios wasn’t aware of how long the silence stretched until Saffron broke it. “Lord Jeshu,” she bowed deeply from the waist, “Thank you for gifting us with your time. I am Saffron min Furasi of Begnasharan. My friends and companions, Ladies Be’naj and Dyphina, as well as Thaelios, hail from Ifelian. We are joined by Rhazine of Zeblon, though she is new to our company.”

  “You are all welcome,” the vibrating voice responded. None of the Celestials seemed to be moving, leaving Thaelios uncertain of who the speaker truly was. He certainly couldn’t account for any blinding light, though Be’naj still shielded her eyes.

  “I am not often surprised, but I admit your arrival here was not foreseen. The power to travel from one Plane to another is rare, especially among mortals. I suppose I put this all into motion by sending my own subjects to your world first.”

  “I cannot speak to that, my Lord, but it was dire circumstances that led us here.” Saffron glanced at Be’naj, seeming concerned that she could not look up at their host.

  Thaelios took the opportunity to continue the narrative. “We were trapped in the buried city of Ancient Tarmuth, and Planar Gates were the only available means of escape.”

  “Ah, I see Trigilas the Intrepid has a hand in this, even though his body has withered. He was one of your people, Thaelios, if I am not mistaken – the first resident of your world to ever set foot upon the Mountain, though centuries have passed since that day.”

  “Yes. The site was once Trigilas’s magically laboratory, according to what I’ve read.”

  “I am pleased you were able to find a way out of your predicament, but I sense that was not the only factor leading you to my realm.” The onyx creature turned his eyes to gaze upon Be’naj, finally convincing Thaelios that he must be the speaker.

  “You are correct, Lord Jeshu.” Saffron resumed as the group’s mouthpiece, having stepped closer to Be’naj. She lay her hand upon the half-Aasimar’s shoulder. “I counted myself a friend of Palomar’s while he visited Elisahd, and my interactions with the Aasimar led me to suspect that one of them may have fathered Be’naj, for she grew up without knowing one.”

  Hiruth Jeshu nodded slowly. “I have heard Palomar’s accounts of his time upon your world. I was pleased to welcome him back into the fold following his return to the Mountain. He mentioned you specifically, Fire-Singer, and his stories bring you honor. I was saddened to learn that not all of the Lost have yet made amends, though I hope to be reunited with them someday.

  “As for the young Be’naj, let me assure you of your place among the Celestials. You are welcome to remain for eternity, should you choose to stay.” Hiruth Jeshu’s gaze shifted ever so briefly to Saffron before returning to Be’naj. “But I expect you won’t. Most rightfully cherish what they know above uncertainties, even if those exceed in potential. You are indeed one of our children, Be’naj, though half your blood is mortal.

  “While I have never sent a Celestial to Elisahd – for those who were punished had been stripped of their divinity – even mortals have access to magic that can summon citizens of the Outer Realms. Occasionally, one of my people is magically compelled to grant aid to a Summoner, though the duration is always limited. One such occurrence must have resulted in an unsanctioned union, for your parentage is without question half-Aasimar. Rest assured, I will discover your progenitor, though it may take time.”

  “That would be beyond my expectations, Lord Jeshu, but I thank you.” Be’naj’s voice was directed at the floor, and Thaelios couldn’t stop wondering why their experiences were so different. It clearly had something to do with Celestial blood, given Palomar’s similar state. Did that allow them to see a different spectrum of light than those with mortal blood?

  “What hasn’t been mentioned yet is that we’re currently on a quest – one for which we are woefully short on information. Such knowledge would be an even greater boon, if you are able to help us.” Be’naj finally shut her eyes so that she could lift her head.

  Hiruth Jeshu stood from his golden chair and took a few steps closer, prompting the statue-like Seraph to come to life as well, uncrossing his thick arms and leaning slightly forward. It certainly looked like the Celestial Lord was not comprised of flesh, though he had familiar musculature. His skin, if that’s what it was, seemed more similar to sanded wood, or perhaps polished stone, for its surface gleamed.

  “Tell me about this quest, Be’naj.”

  Even though her eyes were closed, Hiruth Jeshu’s proximity necessitated Be’naj raising a hand to cover them. “I received a riddle as part of a prophetic vision,” she began, going on to recite the rhyme. “Most of the elements within have been revealed, though we’ve yet only traveled through one portals, by my count. It may be we have further to go, or perhaps we made an error coming here. Either way, we need to discover the nature or whereabouts of the Name of the Beast in order to confront them. And it so
unds like we only have until the end of the season, for winter had started on Elisahd before we left.”

  “In this, I may be able to assist you. For uncounted ages, those who serve the Mountain have waged war against the hordes of the Abyss. Palomar, in fact, knows this well, for he has fought to protect the Ulimar near the Abyssal Rift on many occasions.

  “The Name of the Beast sounds like something from the mind of an Abyssal, or at least someone aligned as such. Their nature is Chaos – they thrive on it, and often fittingly refer to it as the ‘Beast.’ The Name of the Beast therefore is Chaos, and this cult you mentioned may be doing everything it can to sow despair and confusion in your world. They likely worship some demonic force or even receive instruction from some denizen of the Abyss.”

  Thaelios felt his prior enthusiasm and sense of wonder drain from him. This did not sound like good news at all. He envisioned having to face dozens of those creatures that wounded Phaerim, in order to set things right.

  “I think we have to go there – to the Abyss,” Be’naj said, though Thaelios was deep enough in thought that he barely heard her.

  “What are you, crazy?” Dyphina cried. “Why would we want to go there?”

  Be’naj turned toward her. “I’m not saying we all must, but I think I do.” She shook her head, slowly. “I think we have to pass through other portals, and I think that’s where we’re going to discover who is behind the plot against the Eladrin. I just feel it. It’s hard to explain.”

  Hiruth Jeshu’s voice once again entered Thaelios’s mind. “I’m sorry to have to say it, but if there are demons directly involved, the danger is likely more widespread than just one culture. They likely won’t stop until they’ve turned your Plane into a second Abyss, or something very close to it.”

  “I will go with you,” Saffron directed to Be’naj, “if that’s what you choose to do.”

  Dyphina waved her arms across one another. “Hold for just one moment. We don’t even know how to get home, let alone to the Abyss. Unless Lord Jeshu can send us there?”

  Thaelios joined his mortal companions in looking to the golden-eyed, onyx Celestial. Ultimately, this was the issue that mattered most to him – how were they going to return home, if Hiruth Jeshu could not facilitate the journey?

  “I can send those in my presence to any of the Prime planes, though I do not do so lightly with my own people, given that I cannot bring them back. However, I would gladly send home those not of this world, if that is your wish.”

  Thaelios looked to his peers. “I have to say, that sounds pretty good to me.”

  Dyphina nodded.

  “What about saving the Eladrin, Thaelios?” Saffron questioned. “Don’t you want to discover the nature of the threat and possibly how to stop it?”

  Palomar took a step closer from the door. “For those who decide to journey to the Abyss, I will defend you – if my Lord allows it.”

  Saffron placed her palms together and bowed in the Aasimar’s direction. “Thank you, Palomar. Thaelios, Dyphina, I would feel better if we were not separated, but I understand there’s danger ahead. Whatever you choose, I think Rhazine should remain here where it’s safe, until we return.”

  “You have my consent to enter the Abyss, Palomar, in order to protect those of good intent. But do not let your zeal for redemption place you in unnecessary danger. You have already made your penance.”

  “What say you, Thaelios? Dyphina?” Saffron was not giving up easily. “Shall the apprentices of Cauzel Blackfeather honor his last endeavor?”

  This last plea stung a bit. Thaelios owed most of his magical knowledge to his dead mentor. Traveling the outer planes was an experience beyond what most Shapers could ever hope for, and if he could help save his own people from danger, he’d end up a hero …

  “You really have to do this, huh?” Dyphina asked, reaching to touch Be’naj’s forearm.

  She shrugged, but kept her eyes closed. “If not us, who? My god wants me to follow this path, and my intuition tells me the answers lie through more portals. Hiruth Jeshu seems to think the root of the cult lies within the chaos of the Abyss.”

  “May His light shine forever,” Palomar added, still shielding his eyes.

  “All right, then,” Dyphina continued, turning back to Saffron. “I’m not leaving you two.”

  Saffron smiled widely and lunged forward to catch Dyphina in an embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered into her ear. “And what about you?” she asked Thaelios, arms still wrapped around the half-fey.

  “I suppose the trip is worthwhile. Having an Aasimar escort does make me feel better about it.”

  “Thank you, Thaelios.” This time, the gratitude came from Be’naj.

  “Wonderful,” Saffron said, finally releasing Dyphina and standing straight. “Palomar, we would like for our companion, Rhazine, to remain on Mount Celestia until we return for her. She is not prepared for such a voyage.”

  Dyphina laughed uncomfortably. “Are any of us?”

  Saffron shot her a look. “Is that acceptable?”

  Palomar nodded. “We will find a place for her to reside, nearer to the base of the Mountain. We have to enter its roots to cross the Abyssal Rift, anyway.”

  “When can we leave?” Be’naj asked, though Thaelios didn’t understand her hurry. He wouldn’t mind taking a few days to soak in more of the environment and hospitality. If their waters alone could heal, what other wonderful mysteries might await his discovery?

  “If everyone now feels strong, we can leave forthwith. Just let me summon a few companions to quicken our way down the slopes.”

  After thanking Hiruth Jeshu again for His insights, they left the inner sanctum and waited outside on the steps of the temple while Palomar rounded up a few more Aasimar.

  “Is everyone ready?” he asked, stepping behind Saffron and looping his arms under and around hers.

  “Wait, are we flying?” Be’naj asked, a smile fighting its way to her lips.

  “It’s faster than walking, and it’s a long way down, my friend.”

  With that, each Aasimar took hold of a mortal and launched into the air, soaring toward the drop of the slope.

  Chapter 7

  The Abyssal Rift

  B e’naj couldn’t believe she was finally getting the chance to fly, even if it wasn’t with her own wings. It was more like a controlled dive, actually, the wind pushing furiously past her face, whipping through her hair as they pierced a layer of thin clouds. The vapor was cool and slightly damp, but whatever moisture her skin accumulated was quickly whisked away by the wind.

  Beneath her, the valley was opening up and coming into clearer view. It appeared to be mostly primordial forest, a glorious green textured carpet with spatterings of white and gold that must’ve constituted settlements. The slanted rays of the sun kept her skin warm enough, despite the coolness of the rushing air.

  Be’naj looked to either side and saw her friends also falling in a state of wonder, wrapped securely by their more stoic Aasimar hosts. The trees were getting close and she felt in her bones that it was time to start leveling off and slow their descent, but the dive continued. Green filled her entire field of vision, and her heartbeat quickened as they hurtled toward the canopy. Be’naj instinctively raised her forearms to shield her face, not understanding why the Aasimar were willing to let them crash.

  Just before striking the trees, however, the air in front of her burned with golden energy as if she were wrapped in an invisible bubble that forced itself against radiant resistance. A vague sense of passing through the trees flashed by in the span of an eye-blink as the lighter air was consumed by color.

  She didn’t hit the ground, though. Be’naj never felt a brush or scrape as they pierced the dense green of the living forest. They just continued straight by as if it were all an illusion, and once again fell through the open sky, a new ground far below. She wished she were capable of telepathy so she could ask her carrier what was going on, but the raging wind made normal sp
eech useless. She had to trust the Aasimar knew what they were doing.

  Tucking her head, she could see the slope of a mountainside flying past, as if their descent had somehow begun anew from near the peak. This time, as she fell further, the ground beneath distinguished itself as a great blue lake, shimmering in the light of the sun that retained its horizontal orientation.

  They had been diving for a good while, and tears streaked across her face, forced from her eyes but quickly drying in the wind along her tightened skin. As they neared the water, Be’naj found herself holding her breath, readying for the plunge, but once again they simply passed right through as if nothing were real beyond the wind and their fall.

  Three more times they were greeting by new terrain below, traversing the ground each time as if ghosts, searching for a new place to haunt. Finally, when Be’naj was questioning whether they’d actually ended up in Limbo instead of Mount Celestia, and had been doomed to fall for all eternity, the Aasimar spread their wings and they jerked upright.

  Be’naj felt like her stomach had repositioned into her throat, but relief washed over her when it looked like they were finally going to land. Her guide set her down lightly on her feet, though her knees almost buckled at the reintroduction of her weight. They’d ended up in what appeared to be a quaint village, with ample gardens and doors painted in vibrant colors. The people here had luminescent skin like the Aasimar but no wings, and a few had come out of their homes to gather during Be’naj and her friend’s arrival.

  “Mortals?” an unknown speaker entered her mind, “on Mount Celestia. What does it mean?”

  “Do not be concerned, my friend,” Palomar responded as he landed. “We are here under the authority of Lord Hiruth Jeshu, may His light shine forever, and won’t be here long.”