Ethereal Ascendant

by Luke DeSalvo

  There was no anger now. Just sorrow, to succumb with his acts. The last thing he remembered was Aurora with tears in her eyes.

  God, he hoped she was safe.

  There was no telling what the beast inside him was lurking to do, in the end, even he prayed for a merciful death.

  He thought of the dire mission at hand. To the sounds of the scion, the world was a stake here from all Amethyst Divine doings that ultimately revolved around him and his tampering of the gods.

  Even now, he wondered why he summoned Malifer. At the time he sincerely thought it would bring peace to the globe, instead it haunted Systralas and all its folk. Killing them, but somehow knowing deep down that he had a place he had to visit. The center of the universe awaited. Ildarachi did not intend for matters to go this far, somehow it always led down to Amethyst Divine and their crazy goals to create a newfound order. Tarnishing the name of the gods. He could do better. He was the perfect fit for such a destiny.

  Who would have thought a high summoner's ambitions would leave him to this trial? To be this close.

  “Another mass killing,” Jason finally breathed in silence.

  The man edged his way closer to the scenery reaching to the bars of his gated domain. It was a night sky filled with stars that were entangled by leaves. There was the forest that stretched out before him and many elvish guards whispering below. The sight gave him thought before his final hours, and he seemed transfixed by the sight. It was the heard in the far-off distance, among the chirping crickets was a voice he would never forget.

  Aurora!? His heart leapt with love once more.

  He waited and after several moments of pain doubting memories from the recent attack, Ildarachi gazed down, at arrivals many feet below him. Ashamed. It was the party as he feared. He first caught sight of Sleet and her brother, Xerrast seemed anxious, but the Scion serene that brought him much comfort. The next to follow was Codiac and Suzette who were holding hands? What? Ildarachi simply ignored this, but simply stared at the next two members, Kaeltrys and Aurora, his lover with tear stained eyes.

  They all looked haggard and in doubt as they approached the many elvish guards from below.

  He did not know the elvish tongue well enough to decipher what the scion said to the guards, but with a command, the branches along his cell began to stoop him gracefully down to the grasses below. He took reprieve of this, as his cage slowly began opening, vines parting until hitting with a thud and a squish once it reached the surface.

  His companions greeted him immediately, Codiac in remorse, a strong faced Suzette, a stern Kaeltrys and an embracing Aurora. They hugged and kissed, remaining silent until they're attention was troubled by the oncoming elves.

  Sleet came forward from the party, a dazzling image of perfection, she was almost too calm for Ildarachi's liking, like a dream entrancing him slowly into a meditative bliss.

  “You stand trial, Ildarachi,” She said, with an authoritative tone.

  She came up quickly and embraced him.

  “We'll make it,” The scion whispered in his ear.

  They parted, leaving the staggered summoner to nod quietly among himself.

  There was a long silence that Ildarachi felt to be awkwardly uncomfortable.

  “I am sin,” He said silently.

  It was Codiac's turn to come close and he placed his hand on his shoulder.

  “Don't worry so much,” He said with a grin.

  The knight captain then turned his attention on the scion.

  “It's time, right?” He said, trying to read the beautiful image.

  “Right,” She replied. “Come,” was all she said before the entourage of the elvish guards joined the crew, swallowing them before leading the company to the darkest recesses of the forest.

  Chapter 29

  “Just when I believed my heart would stop, I took the freshest breath of my life and rejoiced. Simply rejoiced.”

  Aurora Bendix

  Summoner of Silver Aura

  The party continued through the forest for some time, trudging along the beat path in the cool of the night, before finally analyzing the Tree of Judgment, a powerful life artifact that stretched out for thousands of feet. Roots parting for entry. There was a crowd of gathered, panicked elves that made their way to surround the companions, with only a thin guard to keep the beings at bay. So many shouts and whispers were being used to punish the poor Ildarachi, who kept his head low to the ground, cuffed in a shameful recognition.

  “Is it a zodiac!?” He could hear one shout.

  “Demon!” Another shout.

  “He has no right to walk on Systralas!” the yells continued.

  Ildarachi shuddered at the lack of regard of his being but could not point the blame. He truly was a monster, perhaps even a god, but this was permissible with the rage of the mob.

  At times, the city of elves would be stunned by the appearance for their very own scion, she knew it too and would simply smirk.

  “This is bigger than us,” An elf said, before turning away.

  “But, why did this have to happen?” another said, following the departing elf.

  Ildarachi could not agree more and swore an oath that he would never lose control again. Aurora noticed this and pulled on his sleeve.

  “I still love you,” She said quietly.

  Jason smiled, but said nothing. Would he ever be able to hold her again? He wondered. The journey just to get here was long and treacherous and they have not even begun the actual mission. There was so much at stake, all Systralas was hinging on this moment and for now, all he could do was take the blows to his already wounded pride.

  They entered the Tree of Judgement now, a dazzling form of natural architecture, where the leaves emitted seats along with its branches high above. The floor was tiled green and white with flowering designs. It was tranquil, and the magic presence of the place seemed to keep everyone in better spirits than outside. Its halls were crowded now, by many elves ordained in an assortment of many colors, all eyes were kept on the party. Juggernaut elves, in plate armor and long shields aligned the walls and one of the closest came forth to address the company and hail Xerrast.

  “Hero!” He exclaimed, shaking the ranger's hand. “Welcome home, we knew this was important, but to see you here? Your presence is demanded. This must be fate.”

  “I suppose it is,” Xerrast said, keeping quiet.

  “The jury needs you, but-” The guard hesitated for a second, and cast a nervous glance to the outsiders. “But, the others must wait in the observatory room. This is a holy place.”

  “Agreed,” Xerrast stated.

  Another Guard came forth for assistance, bowing slightly for the scion.

  “Just wait for us,” Sleet managed a smile to Codiac and the others.

  With that, one guard led Xerrast, Sleet and the accusatory and were led up the trial's branches and the other guard took the remaining party, humans, down the halls and into a small dimly lit monitor room. It composed of many screens where sat a lone elf typing away on a keyboard. Behind him sat three benches all carved in wood and decoratively designed.

  They sat down, saying nothing at first, there was a clock ticking in the background driving them all mad. Codiac and Kaeltrys did not know much about the man on trial from their journey, he was the mystery, but they did rely on their instincts and knew both Cidher and Sleet chose him for a reason. Aurora was a mess that was choking down tears, biting her thumbnail nervously, gazing to nowhere, whereas Suzette sat coolly in her guardian attire in complete meditation.

  “Do you think we can win this one?” Aurora asked quietly, taking a break from chewing from her thumb.

  The noise stunned the party who had been quiet for near an hour. It had been a hard night. A meeting and date ruined for the companions with the loss of so many lives, evil and innocent alike. It was Codiac’s time to return to subject first.

  “I don't like this,” he said sternly. “These wood elves are not like the high elves
in Nosta. They slay for fun. They are Hunters. We’d be lucky if we made it out of here alive.”

  “I don't like this either, but we must have faith in the elves at times like this one,” Suzette remarked.

  “Agreed,” Kaeltrys said, “Besides master, our mission remains the same, even if this goes sour.”

  “Can't you show any remorse?” Aurora cried.

  There was a pause of empathy at the sight from the summoner leaving Codiac to shut his eyes momentarily.

  “She's right,” he said, opening his eyes shortly after, “Fate is calling, this should only be a minor inconvenience.”

  “Minor!?” Suzette questioned with a hiss.

  “In the grand scheme of things, this was meant to happen,” Was all the young man could retort.

  “Besides, it was written.”

  “Are you saying you're a believer now?” Suzette questioned.

  “No, I'm curious though,” He replied.

  “The first rule of magic is curiosity, well said, sire,” Kaeltrys said with a nod.

  The monitors in the room all flashed to the same room, revealing rows upon rows of vine-like seats with a central circular parting of wooden stands that above showed a judge's throne. The jury was already quietly seated with their newfound ally on the board. Xerrast seemed to notice the cameras and looked directly at the remainder of the crew through them.

  Everyone was seated on their leaves and vines and when the silence became unbearable, a door opened. Light shown forth through two massive doorways. Entered Ildarachi, worn tired and booed upon. He walked slowly to the center of the chamber and took a kneel on the cushioned seat among the vast audience's stares.

  Whispers commenced quickly and shortly as from the adjacent archway, the judge entered, clad in black armor and a sharp sword among his waist. In wood elf tradition, the judge also acted as a swift executioner.

  Everyone stood up, including Ildarachi, to pay the intimidating warrior respect.

  The judge walked slowly around Jason in one fell circle, analyzing him with a timid gaze.

  “State the oath,” He said, pulling out his sword and placing it on Ildarachi's left shoulder blade.

  “For my life, I honor it to be reprieved with only truth and divinity, allow my story to be heard through eyes unclouded from lies,” Ildarachi recited, that he only memorized moments before.

  It was a long ritual to get prepared for this. No human had ever been tried in the Tree of Judgement for centuries, only to the wood elves, humans were not that important anymore. Jason went over the ritual many times over and even now found in more intimidating, hoping he recited the right words.

  With long silence and a nod, the judge parted and went to his own desk just beyond him.

  Whispers came forth again but were hushed immediately as if a form of resolve was well known to the crowd. Elves still had their manners.

  “Jason Ildarachi stands here on trial on the moon's night for the acts of forbidden magic that have slaughtered our people,” The judge announced.

  “Scion's orders swear that she gives first statement that proceeds this trial by divine law,” The judge said.

  “You may come!” He boomed.

  Entered Clairvona Aya, in majestic green clad robes with sterling silver trim, marking her rank of authority. It was a ceremonial uniform that caught the audience's attention with a grip as hard as steel. They too, stared at her beauty which was remarkable. Her sand blond hair was tied back in a single green ribbon, pink lipstick parted in a smile, emerald eyes coolly gazed at the multitude, painted with white eye shadow and mascara.

  When she reached the central parting, the crowd hushed, and she gave a low kneel to the acting judge.

  The scion then turned and stood to address the mass.

  “People of all of Systralas,” She began. “I urge you to stop this trial at once,” She paused and scratched her left eyebrow.

  “No,” She said quietly.

  “I demand you to.”

  The people were in an uproar, shouts and curses were slammed among the chamber. Cameras began to flash in a hasty abrasiveness pace.

  Sleet quieted the crowd with a flick of her wrist. She shot energy all around that projected a harsh wind, climbing to fifty miles per hour within the chamber, shattering the remarks all at once. With the silence, the wind too stopped.

  “Now, then,” She said, almost all too pleased with the results.

  “This evil act was not entirely in control of this innocent man.” She regarded the helpless Ildarachi.

  “This is my dream,” She announced, “It's destiny,” turning to address the entire spectrum of elves.

  “Danielle Avilya has struck war not only on Entos, but our great kingdom to kill me,” She spoke. “Twice now, and it has gone overlooked through lethargic means. Golden Hearts, destroyed. My temple, tarnished. She is the true enemy here, not this man.” She paused for effect.

  “An assassination attempt was made for my head, and Jason Ildarachi will not pay the price of death for protecting me at any and all costs!” She cried.

  “I have assembled a special task force to end Avilya's evil conquest once and for all.”

  Sleet turned and stared directly at the judge.

  “I am the protector of Systralas!” She shouted in a strong breath.

  “I need this man to save it,” She said quieter.

  The scion turned once again to camera rolls and flashes.

  “I have the seven now, and if you haven't forgotten, it is I too that will bring the seventh season to fruition. This man, whether you like it or not, is coming with me, and that is final!”

  Applause struck the chambers, shouts and screams of the legend burst throughout the hallways, even the judge clapped his hands until he finally rose to say his words hushing the mass once again.

  “The scion's dreams are law.” He said with his hands up.

  “Case dismissed.”

  Ildarachi rose from his feet with a gladdening relief, smiling brightly at Sleet.

  They both embraced, and she led him out of the chamber, with a laughing Xerrast behind them. They left, taking turns within the trees in silence until they reached the monitoring room where the rest of the party remain, and they could hear laughter.

  The door opened.

  “Ildarachi, you son of a bitch!” Codiac greeted the tired, but happy Jason. “You survived again, champ.”

  It was Aurora's turn to embrace the man and they took a long time alone in the hall.

  Suzette and Codiac smiled among each other.

  “I hate to break bad news, but we just stated our mission objective to the world.” Xerrast said.

  “The secret is out,” He continued, “We must be leaving immediately.”

  “Immediately,” Sleet agreed. “We'll catch the next tram to Nosta, and sleep on the way,”

  Sleet suddenly appeared worn, and she went to embrace her brother, who held onto her closely. They were twins again and it was as if the remainder of the world did not matter.

  “Are you going to make it, sis?” Xerrast asked quietly.

  “Yes brother, let us depart.” She exclaimed, clinging onto her brother's cloak, yawning slightly afterwards.

  Chapter 30

  “Life is everlasting. Not even death can deny rebirth in the cosmic sway of chaotic uprising. It is everlasting. Somehow we always exist.”

  Clairvona Aya, Sleet

  Scion of Systralas

  The orange metallic tram took the Scion and her heroes swiftly to the capital of the high elves in Nosta at outrageous speeds. Covering many miles in an instance. Until finally, The machine slid into the wooden docks of their terminal, then commenced a clinching hatchet screech to a halt as it locked into place. Steam blew from the engine as the destination was reached signifying the sound with a loud horn. The steel doors to their cart opened slightly, entering the sun's first light as dawn approached them.

  Beyond the terminal's tracks laid a city bewitched by jewel and st
one of every kind, crystalized with ruby, emeralds and sapphire through towers of majestic proportions. The sight floundered the newcomers, all save the elves, the rest of the party seemed to love the theatrical sight, for them it brought hope and despair. Such richness and beauty were uncommon in the new lands. Gems were far too rare now to be in such a horrific display of dazzling light from the grace of this city.

  Codiac was glad however, for him it seemed he reached the ultimate horde of fathomless riches and his mood was soon rubbed off on the archmagician Kaeltrys, who finally took it all in with a breath.

  “We made it,” Kaeltrys exclaimed.

  The others nodded quietly among themselves and departed the cart to the already busy terminal. News got around fast, for all eyes were on them. They were guided by points, cheers, and sometimes solemn prayers as they moved about freely, exiting the ramp to the bejeweled and glowing city from sun’s awakening.

  The first remarkable landmark the crew stumbled upon was the auction house, that was etched in silver and solid gold bricks, that seemed a fortune that not even the richest of humans could buy. All were startled by the giant pearl hanging above the entryway, locked by stone and steel.

  Not looking to get too distracted, Sleet took lead as she led her party through to the heart of the city where a maze of garden embraced them. The party was astounded at the hedges which soared many feet above them. They were led among a stone pebbled walkway walking silently for several miles until stood a single black cat that gazed at them coolly.

  “Wait a sec,” Codiac stated, eyeing the feline with surprise. “I know that cat!” He began walking towards the creature finger’s poised in a treat like motion.

  Codiac’s heart was on fire, thudding solemnly in his chest.

  “Dizzy pretty kitty,” He playfully said, in a tone that was overly friendly.

  The cat simply gazed and sat down.

  “Come on, Diz,” Codiac continued. “Talk to me.”

  “Cats don’t talk, Codi!” Aurora called behind him.

  “She does!” Codiac whimpered.

  The cat stood up sharply suddenly.