by Luke DeSalvo
“This way,” the cat whispered, then sped off into the tunnel of the garden mazes.
Aurora, Suzette and the others gasped in astonishment save for Kaeltrys who simply smiled.
“See?” Codiac said quick to follow. The others joined them frantically chasing the black cat down.
There were twists and turns in every corner, with nothing to see of the city except for the many types of fruits ranging from strawberries, watermelon, valberry, and the occasional apple tree. They were used as landmarks along the way that Codiac noted as him and the crew leapt through three turns at the blueberry patches. The sights were of full of flowers now as they followed the cat for what seemed like miles, but the aromas that were quite pleasing for all with the acquired senses. Even Sleet managed to lighten up as she was taken up by this brief nature's stretch.
As they reached the center of a garden, runes began as gateways to a far golden temple that seemed rather unoccupied for its glory. There was a lone elf in black robes where Diz reached him and rubbed her tiny head against his leg. Codiac was stunned from the sight but could not tell the identity of the man for he was too far off, black robes twisting in the wind, that was slightly hunched over, all too familiarly.
It had to be him, Codiac thought.
When they reached the elf, all doubt faded concerned the identity of the subject before him, and the elf simply nodded and smiled, with the realization, bringing a cold sweat of anticipation.
“Cringe!” Codiac blurted, a squad mates nickname.
“Codiac, Kaeltrys, good to see you again,” Cringe smiled, and embraced the two comrades.
He parted from them and took a step towards Xerrast, nodded, then bowed low before the scion.
“Mistress,” He remarked carefully.
Codiac stood amused, regathering his racing thoughts on the guild and himself. How many else still survived? Do we have a chance to stop Avilya? The thoughts continued until the young man began making his way back towards his long-lost companion when the elf smiled a twisted grin at his approach.
“That's right, Codi,” Cringe stated, gathering his robes to his feet.
“We are still abundant.”
“But, Kaeltrys said we were completely wiped out! What happened to us!?” Codiac uttered, grabbing the necromancer by the shoulders.
“Tell me,” He pleaded.
It was Kaeltrys turn to step up.
“I know this will be hard for you, master,” He began. “But, before your father's death, Cringe was promoted as temporary commander and sounded the retreat. It was he, who told me not to tell a soul, for we needed the escape. The enemy still believes that we were destroyed, but Cringe camouflaged us with the feign of death. We are still very much alive.”
Codiac's hands went down, and tears of joy mixed with sorrow stained his cheeks.
“Then, where are they?” He asked, regaining some composure.
“At mission site,” Sleet came up to Codiac and wiped a tear from his face.
“It's all alright, Codi,” She cooed. “We will win this war,” She said straightening the young man up again. “But, we must go on. We're almost there,”
“Right,” stated Cringe. “Please, this way,” He proceeded to open the temple gates, and instead of expecting a shining bright eminence like the rest of the city, it was dark with two bronze braziers illuminating a cellar door. When the doors closed behind them, Cringe stopped and grinned at Codiac.
“There's one more thing, I haven't been so truthful about, master.” He exclaimed his eyes gleamed with menace.
Codiac said nothing, he was too stunned to talk, but something sinister was running along his old friend’s expression. He watched the elf grab at his own flesh from his face and tore it off as a mask, revealing a blue indigo skin color underneath.
“A dark elf!” Aurora screamed, she went backwards nearly falling on the ground before Suzette caught her, the guardian drew her sword sharply.
“Wretched beast!” Suzette cried.
“No, no, no,” Sleet cried, putting her hands up for caution.
“He's not the enemy,” the scion continued, gathering the party together.
Cringe, now blue, in his dark robes picked up the mask and pocketed it by his left breast pocket.
“My people welcome you to our lost city,” He said, white contrasting teeth smiling before him.
“Now come, honored guest,” He said with a bow, “To the forbidden kingdom of Sai’lek, we go.”
Cringe and the other elves began to depart, but everyone else was too startled to move, including Kaeltrys, who just stared wide eyed in wonder.
“Did you ever know, Kaeltrys?” Codiac asked in surprise.
“The Dark elves were a race that sent in a global war of terror thousands of years ago. They wished to rule the world themselves and was one of the many factions that went extinct. To see one, was bad fortune for a lifetime, they were supposed to be nearly extinct, but Cringe, one of our own, as one of them? I did not, nor know that their lair was in the heart of Nosta.” Kaeltrys put, standing there abashed.
The elves parted a cellar door to reveal a rank cave structure that Cringe did not hesitate to enter, followed by Diz, where Xerrast trailed closely after, however Sleet before entering turned to gaze coolly at the petrified crew.
“Actually, it was them that won the war,” She stated with a smile, she began to depart, but turned around once more. “Do try to hurry, a lot is at stake after all.”
Kaeltrys nodded and glanced to Codiac, who simply looked at Suzette who then returned the nod.
“Cringe, a dark elf?” Codiac questioned himself, the only to find the comment lingering in the air as Kaeltrys and Suzette took their leave.
When Aurora and Ildarachi were left alone, Aurora embraced Ildarachi and whimpered.
“What do you think of that, love?” She asked, tightly clutching his shoulders.
“It’s bullshit,” He muttered back to her as he took her hand.
“Come on,” taking a step forward, nearly dragging the worried Aurora.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter 31
“War is deadly. War is benign. It is sweet, dark, and bitter. A disaster to thrive on the wings of bandits, the mystical creatures, and treasure hunters alike. In fact. I believe war leads to treasure. Even higher beings seek this attribute. I hope that one day I’ll find peace through it.”
Suzette Monroe
Guardian of Thyne
Codiac muttered something unintelligible to himself as he glanced at Diz, the feline from the corner of his eye. Never stopping to keep track of his footsteps. The way was deep and dangerous. They made their descent down a stone enclaved spiraling staircase, that they seemed to go down for hours. The stairs were moldy and rank, even slippery to the touch that movement was slowed, but none paid too much mind, all too focused on what awaited them below.
There was so much at hand, yet Codiac kept his silence for the most part, other than quick whispers in the dark. His guild being alive did much to enthuse him, but the ancient lost lore of the dark elves was not amusing to him. Rather than focusing on his team Cringe’s identity, he shifted his thoughts on Golden Hearts and their wellbeing. He wondered what members that were still among the living and the future that would be bestowed upon them. The world thought they were dead, but there could be hundreds of them remaining. A perfect sneak cover for an attack such a large scale against the powerful Amethyst Divine. It brought him hope and he would occasional sneak glances at Suzette, who seemed to be with him even if she too kept her silence.
It was still so wet in the cave structure, goo covered the stones and it was cold to the touch on the walls. Their heading was a mystery in of itself. To think that dark elves still wandered Systralas, and that they were alive and well in a city underneath the jewel of all cities.
They were all baffled at this secret place, at times, runes would decorate the walls, glowing blue at their passing. Slowly as they reached the bottom, the city took shape into c
olumns surrounded by underground rivers, revealing etched stone temples by the dozens, enormously tall, glowing green. They reached the basis of one, a magnificent tower reaching a mile high and the leader stopped them.
“Home,” Cringe said at last. He turned to regard the others.
“This is a rare and honored gift, my beloved friends,” He said, turning to Sleet and embracing her.
“We drow, the dark, have been nurturing all of Systralas for millenniums. The great everlasting shadow that guides us all,” He said, kissing Sleet on the forehead before turning to Codiac.
“Brother of the Golden Hearts,” the necromancer said with a smirk. “Your guild awaits.”
Codiac nodded and tried to say something comprehensible but could not find the words but tried.
“Thank you,” He managed, with a slight bow.
Suzette came up behind the Codiac and hugged him.
“Glory to the Golden,” She whispered.
“Aye,” He whispered back.
The gates to the gigantic shining structure opened, but the temple itself appeared empty. Not a dark elf in sight, just hallways riddled with books and trinkets of every gem and magic stone.
“Now, I kept my peace,” Kaeltrys stated smoothly. “But, what is exactly do you do here? Why all the secrets buried by a treacherous past?”
Cringe entered the temple and stated nothing, Sleet seemed a little worried.
“I'd like to know too!” Aurora cried, following quickly after.
Cringe smoothed back his black hair, his smile shining radiantly from his blue skin.
“You really want to know?” He asked curiously.
“We all do,” exclaimed Suzette.
“Fine,” He said, “Follow me,”
They obeyed and went through the halls, greeted by no one. Just a scholar's haven, that reminded Codiac of Kaeltry’s study in the astral. It seemed that everything was shining but hidden in the shadows.
“We are at war with many nations around the universe,” Cringe stated at last, when the quiet was becoming too unbearable.
“Trans dimensional warfare,” He added, entering the courtyard of the massive ziggurat, and down more steps.
“And this mission we're on will demand God’s favor to us once again,” Sleet chipped in.
“Or awaken the dark ones for future destruction,” Xerrast replied.
The others listened as they followed the necromancer through a library's maze.
“There are plenty of magnificent beings in the galaxy and far beyond,” The dark elf said. “We fight to give them back their Star, at the moment.”
“And that would be me,” The Ildarachi said.
Cringe lifted a questioning eyebrow.
“I mean,” Ildarachi stammered. “I just feel it from within.”
“True, but you have yet to drink the Dalamoris first,” the necromancer stated, walking furthermore.
“When you do and after entering the portal, you will bring the seventh season to us. Bringing hope for our world in this ever-changing cosmos.”
“Right now, Avilya has the key to an ancient portal, built by her enormous riches to gap the distance to the zodiac within Ildarachi. No doubt, it was the portal what started the wyverns from waking the dragons in the first place. Avilya knew and hid our findings from us. But, nevertheless, we need you. No, Systralas needs you.” Cringe stopped and examined the comrades faces.
“Tomorrow, we enter the Amethyst Divine fortress that our satellites spotted in the north pole. We will kill the wretched woman, Danielle Avilya, reclaim the potion and destroy the ancient portal ourselves,” Cringe said with anger, he pulled back his hair and breathed in fresh air. After several seconds he looked upon the comrades.
“All of you are destined and treasured heroes of the Systralas.”
Codiac gulped and he found Suzette's hand firmly placed within his. It was comforting. Immediately soothing his doubts and fears.
“Come comrades,” Cringe stated. “This will be your last night before the longest hour,” He turned to leave. “Codi, your guild awaits.”
The knight captain’s heart leaped for joy at the news of his guild remaining and he tightened his grip on Suzette's hand then continued his trek after the dark elf.
Within a few moments, the party exited the emerald pyramid and was placed in a courtyard with a mana essence fountain with many swirling portals surrounding the circumference. They were left unto a halt until a dark elf appeared from one of the shimmering portals and it closed swiftly behind him.
“Ah,” Cringe exclaimed. “Phimos, you've arrived just on time.”
“With pleasure, your excellence,” Phimos replied dipping low in a bow.
He unlike Cringe, was wearing white robes with glowing blue runes etched into the side of the magical cloth that resembled the rest of the cave structure. His skin was indigo like the necromancer.
Phimos stepped forth and greeted the companions first stepping towards Sleet and Xerrast.
“Brother and sister, it is so good to see you at last.”
“Yes,” Xerrast agreed. “A fitting destiny awaits us all.”
“And this must be the rest of the seven?” Phimos questioned, turning his attention on Codiac and the others.
The dark elf came forward and inspected the group one by one, each stiff and rigid and the frightful sight of another one of these beings. No one said a word until Phimos stopped at Codiac.
They locked eyes unto each other for what seemed like hours, until the young man shook his head in defiance.
“This is all fine and well,” Codiac exclaimed. “But where is my guild?”
“You're looking at them,” Phimos replied.
“What the hell are you talking about!?” Codiac nearly shouted.
“Now don't be hasty, sire,” Kaeltrys exclaimed. “There is some sort of magic here that binds them to us.”
“By means of what!?” Codiac cried.
The group was led by their own mysterious all pondering the loud call of the knight captain until Cringe cleared his throat.
“Telepathy,” he answered, with a sly smile.
The party was shocked, a foreign art considered as impossible magic only a few have acquired in centuries.
“I want to talk to them,” Codiac said without hesitance.
“Place your right hand on my left shoulder then…” Phimos said gently.
Codiac obeyed and did what he was told.
“Good. Now, shut your eyes,” Phimos quietly ordered. “Clear your mind and breathe.”
Codiac let out a sigh and focused only on his prana of breath. It took him several moments, but with his lessons and instructions of the past he silenced his mind and simply let out air.
“Good,” The dark elf repeated. “Now, sense the person you want to talk to.”
Codiac exhaled and immediately pictured Toston, the nord, second of command of Golden Hearts.
“You found him. Remember your lives together, be one with the heart of his soul.”
Immediately visions flowed of his childhood years with the giant. Learning how to fight with a sword, box and wrestle with many vigorous years of training. Weight lifting came into mind, the constant dinners, war study lessons, cheers from spirited mugs came to mind as well, over a lifetime of love together.
Finally, a new image of Toston appeared, wearing cobalt armor and one good eye piercing through the captain's psyche.
Toston! Codiac thought with reasoning.
The image of the man appeared surprised then doubtful hurting his dismay.
Codi, what are you doing here? The nord questioned looking deeper at the young man.
Wait, Toston continued. I don't see you, yet… The voice paused. I do.
Tears rolled down Codiac's cheeks at the sight, eyes still closed he focused more on the image.
It's so good to see you, commander, Codiac stated with his mind.
I need you, He finished.
Aye, the nord agreed. And we need yo
u.
How many of us are still in action? Codiac asked eagerly.
Plenty. Toston replied. Will you be joining us tomorrow?
For the glory and honor of the Golden, I will be there.
Then to the battlefield we go, blood brother. Toston said at last.
I'm looking forward to seeing that sword of yours in action.
Danielle doesn't stand a chance. Codiac telepathically charged.
Toston's good eye flickered with hate for a moment.
Do not fail your mission, was all he could muster.
Roger that, Codiac responded and the image flickered and disappeared.
“Well?” Kaeltrys asked his long companion.
Codiac said nothing at first, but stared off in the distance, bewildered, but with a stronger sense of hope in his being.
“We're ready for operation,” Codiac replied. “But how do we get there? We're miles underground!”
Cringe and Phimos laughed in unison, a bold laughter that changed the atmosphere and left Codiac blushing.
“The same way I got here, young lad,” Phimos replied.
Codiac smiled brightly and gazed at Kaeltrys. “Revenge at last,” the knight captain stated to his companion.
“Revenge,” the archmagician agreed with a smile.
Suzette could not help but to grin either at the Golden Hearts reprieve. It was not like her to get excited before battle, but she saw something in Codiac stature that made her very own eyes glimmer with anticipation.
Chapter 32
“A traumatizing call, destiny is. One can never face her alone. It is brought by the continuous freedom of determination through past events, and of comrades both new and old.”
Xerrast Aya
A Bounty Hunter
Codiac awoke under black sheets, entangled in Suzette's form. She was naked, her skin in complete contrast with the black sheets that engulfed them. A dark room laid out before them, completely empty save one bookshelf, and their own queen-sized bed that suited well for the newly acquainted experience.
It was heartfelt. Destiny, and gentle reprieve for the battle to come.
To Codiac, she appeared calm, serene, in her sleep from last's nights arrival in the city from the deep caverns Nosta. Sai’lek, Codiac mused before turning aside, fully awoken. He wondered how could he be so lucky? With the death of Brittaney, he thought he would never love again, but somehow, he met this strange guardian, in dream and world alike, a ruthless warrior, but still a little girl deep inside. Smiling at the last notion, he staggered to his feet, the black marble floor cool to his touch.
