Izikiel

by Thomas Fay

  ‘But how do you know who I am?’ Izikiel asked, a strange sense of discomfort rising up within him as he felt another memory stirring in the depths of his mind.

  ‘I know because I am one with the Eternal Flame. And you are Izikiel, the first true disciple in almost a thousand years.’

  NINE

  Izikiel’s mind raced as he struggled to comprehend what he had just been told. He attempted to find something within him that would indicate that it was true. But there were only vague, incomplete memories. Miniscule fragments of names and places. Nothing solid or complete that would help him to make sense of this latest revelation.

  ‘But I have no memory of whom or what I am. How is this possible?’ he asked.

  Da’Amo looked at him for a moment before turning and walking across the chamber towards the other side. He stopped in front of a large doorway sculpted into the cavern wall.

  ‘You were brought here by the Eternal Flame. It is your destiny to challenge the Void Lords,’ Da’Amo said, before he disappeared through the doorway.

  Izikiel closed his eyes as he attempted to remember how he had arrived on the planet. A series of dormant memories rose up from within as his mind conjured up vivid images of a flaming solar trail leading to a devastated planet with twin suns. Izikiel found himself looking at it from space. He could clearly make out a cluster of lights and a single domed structure denoting civilisation on the night side of the planet. He wiled himself towards it but instead found that he was accelerating into the northern polar cap. As his speed increased, he pushed against it with every fibre of his being. But he was powerless, unable to affect his trajectory. The ground loomed up before him. Dazzling white sand exploded in his eyes and he blacked out.

  Opening his eyes, Izikiel looked at Te’Anne. Her green eyes registered concern.

  ‘I remember,’ Izikiel said. ‘I remember coming to this planet, being swept along on a solar trail and landing on the northern polar cap. Try as hard as I could I was unable to steer myself towards the settlement on the other side of the planet.’

  ‘New Babylon,’ Te’Anne said. Her eyes clouded over for a moment as she seemed lost in thought. ‘The settlement you speak of is the New Babylon trade outpost. It is the only functioning star port on the planet.’

  ‘Then we must go there. I don’t know why but I know I must go there.’

  Te’Anne nodded her head as the two of them stepped through the doorway into the side chamber. Inside, the walls were sheathed in a shimmering metal with black conduits running through them. There were several glowing images projected into the air which Izikiel recognised as holographic displays. The centre of the small chamber was occupied by an array of what appeared to be surgical equipment. Probes, scanners and other devices hung suspended from various flexible metallic appendages. In the centre was a single steel slab. Xavier lay on the slab, his body half covered by white gauze. A dozen robotic arms swivelled frantically across parts of his body, splaying green beams of light into his tissue.

  ‘No!’ Te’Anne cried out as she ran towards Xavier.

  Izikiel experienced a sense of nausea as he noticed that most of the man’s right arm had been ripped off. Dozens of deep gashes marred his chest, while one of his eyes was covered with a thick green fluid. His stomach turned as bile rose up into his throat. Turning away, he found himself looking directly at Da’Amo.

  ‘I am sorry. I barely got there in time to save your friend,’ the true believer apologised in a solemn tone.

  ‘Will he...be alright?’ Izikiel asked, taking a few deep breaths.

  ‘I was able to stabilise him. The medical robots will do the rest. It will take some time to rebuild his arm and chest. Much longer for his eye.’

  Nodding, Izikiel looked around the room. The equipment was truly astounding given the desolate landscape above.

  ‘Where did all of this come from?’ he asked.

  ‘This is one of the last surviving pieces of advanced technology from the Great City. It has remained here for centuries, protected from the elements and the passage of time.’

  ‘You mean this chamber is…?’

  Da’Amo looked around before returning his sightless gaze to Izikiel. When he replied, it was as if a heavy burden were weighing on him.

  ‘Yes. Like the rest of the cavern you have seen this was all part of the Great City. It was once a place of learning and knowledge, filled with thousands of people. Now, I’m afraid, this is all that remains of the stronghold of the Eternal Flame.’

  TEN

  The medical chamber’s holographic displays flickered intermittently. Izikiel realised that they were showing detailed readouts of Xavier’s condition, which Da’Amo had explained was stable but critical. Te’Anne knelt next to the prone figure of her companion, holding his left hand. Her soft sobbing drowned out the constant hum of the robotic machinery.

  A white robed man entered the chamber. Izikiel was unable to tell whether it was the same man who had escorted them earlier. He had the same flawless youthful features, white hair and green eyes.

  ‘Forgive me, Da’Amo. The deep space scanners have picked up something that I thought you should see.’

  The white robe handed Da’Amo a small metallic disc. Looking at it for a moment, Da’Amo let out a long breath.

  ‘It is as I feared. The Void Lords have been alerted to our presence.’

  ‘Who are these Void Lords that you keep referring to?’ Izikiel asked.

  Handing back the observation disc to the white robe, Da’Amo lowered his head. After a moment, he began to speak in a subdued voice.

  ‘The Void Lords appeared in colonised space over a thousand years ago. At first we sought to make contact with them. Our efforts were greeted by a wave of devastation which led to the destruction of three colony worlds. The last remnants of the Earth expeditionary fleet were recalled into service as mankind rushed to mobilise. We created the greatest battle fleet in human history. Towering ships the size of small cities, equipped with the most advanced micro fusion weaponry soared through the darkness of space. The human colony world’s mobilized fully for an invasion of Vesta, in an attempt to retake the planet. But they were no match for the Void Lords and their anti-matter fuelled dark citadels. The invasion was a massacre. Just when it seemed that the entire human force would be wiped out, a woman named Lady Serafine, appeared. She was the first true disciple and showed us a way of defeating the Void Lords by joining with the Eternal Flame. It took many years but eventually mankind halted the Void Lords’ advance. We built the Great City on the planet Vesta as a symbol of our faith in the Eternal Flame. It became a vibrant and thriving city, filled with the most advanced technology and diverse people from all across the colony worlds. The faithful would set out from here to do battle with the Void Lords. More and more joined the cause and soon the Void Lords were pushed to the edge of colonised space.’

  Da’Amo paused to catch his breath. He still had not looked up. Izikiel waited patiently while his mind conjured up visions of the Great City filled with thousands of people of all races basking in the light and knowledge of the Eternal Flame. A smile spread across his face as the incredible euphoria of a bygone era washed over him.

  ‘In one final desperate attack the Void Lords turned the tables on us. They managed to cause a powerful explosion in the asteroid belt of a nearby ringed planet. The resultant meteor storm destroyed the Great City. The true believers unleashed the power of the Eternal Flame to destroy the meteors but they were overwhelmed. What you see as white sand today are the remains of that battle. A few escaped off world but the majority, seeing that their end was close, joined with the Eternal Flame fully. Their light shines on us to this day.’

  Da’Amo lifted his head up towards the glowing rocks within the cavern. Having finished his tale, he fell silent.

  Izikiel looked at Te’Anne. She had a stunned expression on her face. He realised that his own feelings mirrored hers as he attempted to comprehend the world that he had found himsel
f in. Something within him demanded to know more.

  ‘But who are the Void Lords? Where did they come from and what do they want?’ he asked.

  ‘They are beings from beyond our Universe. Their bodies are more ethereal than substance, forever shrouded in a veil of dark matter. They are the opposite of the Eternal Flame. They are never ending darkness.’

  ‘But wait. You said that they destroyed the Great City. What happened then?’

  ‘They knew they had defeated any chance humanity had of fighting back. Sweeping through the remainder of colonised space, they wiped out most of the human population. Then they turned their attention to other Galaxies and other species, leaving behind the scattered remains of humanity.’

  ‘So why would they return now?’

  ‘They are drawn to the power of the Eternal Flame. But unlike all other beings, they do not wish to embrace it. They seek to destroy it and all those who believe in it.’

  ELEVEN

  The revelation that he was a true disciple of the Eternal Flame had shocked and surprised Izikiel. It had also given him a sense of purpose which had allowed some of his memories to return. Learning of the Void Lords, a truly alien race bent on his destruction had unnerved him, even as a more concerning thought began to form at the back of his mind. Standing in front of him, Da’Amo seemed to sense what he was thinking.

  ‘Yes, Izikiel. I am afraid that you will have to face the Void Lords in battle. But you will not be alone. Nor will you be helpless.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Izikiel asked.

  ‘All true believers will stand by you to the death. Although there are very few of us left, we are still powerful. Many have been granted unique abilities by the Eternal Flame. Some can manipulate the elements, as I can. Others can alter the flow of time. I have even seen some with such extraordinary healing powers that they could bring back to life those on the brink of death.’

  ‘That’s incredible!’ Izikiel exclaimed, letting out an explosive breath.

  ‘Yes, but all their abilities will pale in comparison with what you will be capable of once you fully understand your calling and accept your destiny. Until then you must learn the ancient language so that you can draw upon the Eternal Flame’s power to help you on your journey.’

  ‘Journey to where?’

  ‘You will learn the answer to that question soon enough. Now, let us begin your training for our time is short. The Void Lords will descend upon the planet Vesta within a matter of days. I must teach you all that I can. Follow me.’

  Taking one last look at the hunched over figure of Te’Anne holding Xavier’s good arm, Izikiel followed Da’Amo out of the chamber. Walking down a darkened corridor, he could feel the air getting warmer. A slight breeze washed across him as the glowing stones guided them. After a while the corridor opened up into a large chamber.

  The periphery was covered in shelves filled with ancient books. In the centre of the chamber stood a large black vase filled with water. Next to it was an empty transparent container, a burning torch and a pile of grey rocks. Staring at the items, Izikiel attempted to fathom their purpose as Da’Amo moved to stand in front of them. It was only then that Izikiel noticed a thick circle marked out on the floor around the items. It had been carved into the stone of the cavern floor and was filled with a dark blue powder.

  ‘Behold the power of the four elements!’

  Da’Amo stretched out his arms even as his voice echoed around the chamber with powerful conviction. The circle on the floor erupted in blue flame, causing Izikiel to shield his face from the heat. As he took a step back, he heard Da’Amo utter four distinct words over the steady crackling of the fire.

  ‘Aqua Aquilo Ignis Terra’

  TWELVE

  Izikiel could only stare dumbfounded as the four elements were brought to life before his eyes. The water flowed upwards and outwards of the vase where it hung suspended in individual drops. The air from the container formed into a barely perceptible funnel which swirled at incredible speed. Fire flowed between the suspended drops of water as rock shards circled the wind funnel. Da’Amo’s mastery of the elements was clear as he managed to keep them all in motion.

  ‘Now, it is your turn,’ Da’Amo said, lowering his hands.

  The four elements flowed back into their vessels as the blue flame on the floor died down to a flicker. Looking at him in surprise, Izikiel was unable to comprehend what was expected of him.

  ‘How?’ he asked.

  ‘You have heard the words. Now you must believe in them, in the Eternal Flame. Reach out to it and draw upon its power. Then channel that power into the world around you.’

  Izikiel closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he attempted to clear his mind. Images of Te’Anne and Xavier, of the ferocious desert wolves impinged on his concentration. Pushing them aside, he attempted to reach out into space. All around him, he could see the endless white desert punctuated by jagged rock formations. The light and intense heat from the twin suns beat down upon him as he attempted to find shelter. Every time he moved towards a rock formation, it seemed further away. As he spun around desperately searching for an escape, he suddenly realised that he was no longer in the desert.

  The planet Vesta rotated slowly in the darkness of space below him. Stars shone in the distance as a fiery comet hurtled past. He found himself staring at a flaming tendril of molten plasma. It hung suspended in space, neither moving towards him nor retreating. Izikiel finally understood that it was there because of him. It had brought him to the planet safely and now it was waiting for him to join with it. Reaching out with his hand, he felt a searing heat shoot through him as he made contact. Then it stopped. Opening his eyes, Izikiel found himself looking at Da’Amo.

  ‘Speak the words and become one with the Eternal Flame,’ Da’Amo urged.

  Izikiel looked at the four elements arrayed before him. Choosing one, he spoke a single word.

  ‘Aqua’

  The response was instantaneous as he felt the fiery power of the Eternal Flame flow through him. It burned with such intensity that he hunched over from the pain. Twisting his head, he watched the water rush upwards out of the vase. Exerting his will upon it, he held it there. Individual drops reflected the light as they hung suspended in mid-air.

  ‘Good, very good,’ Da’Amo said.

  Izikiel felt his body explode. Lurching to the side, he stumbled as the water under his control streaked towards one of the bookshelves at incredible speed. The ancient wood splintered into pieces as the water struck it. Large pieces fell to the ground as the bookshelf groaned and slowly toppled over.

  Unable to bear the pain any longer, Izikiel released his hold on the Eternal Flame. He collapsed to the ground. His mind was filled with images of light and flame. Clearing his head, he slowly stood up. The glint of metallic equipment behind the fragmented pieces of the damaged bookshelf caught his eye. Walking towards it, Izikiel was shocked to discover that one of the white robed men was strapped down to a metallic seat. Numerous tubes and wires were embedded into every part of his body siphoning away his vital fluids. Incredibly, the man was conscious and not making a sound. Turning around, Izikiel found Da’Amo standing directly in front of him.

  ‘What have you done?’ Izikiel demanded, falling back a step in revulsion.

  ‘What was necessary for me to survive,’ Da’Amo replied. ‘The price for true belief is high and without the advanced technology of the Great City, I would have died a long time ago.’

  ‘But these people, how could you do this to them?’

  ‘It is their purpose, the very reason I created them. The medical chamber you saw before is not only capable of reconstructing damaged tissue but of growing a fully living, breathing human being. I have created enough of them to help maintain the underground caverns and to keep me alive.’

  Izikiel looked away, unable to fathom what he was hearing. Thinking back to his encounters with the white robes the similarities he had noted earlier became clear. Surprisingly,
he found that his mind offered up a term to describe what he was seeing.

  ‘You cloned yourself?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes,’ the true believer replied as his gaze moved to the prone figure of the white robed man. ‘They have kept me alive for hundreds of years. For you see, Izikiel, I have been waiting for you for a very long time. Nine hundred years, in fact.’

  THIRTEEN

  Izikiel returned to the medical chamber. Walking through the underground passages, his mind still burned with images of the Eternal Flame. What Da’Amo had shown him was incredible. It fascinated and terrified him at the same time. He was also beginning to understand why the true believer had made such a great physical sacrifice. Izikiel wondered if he would be willing to do the same.

  He put the thought aside as he walked through a stone archway into the gleaming metallic landscape of the medical chamber. The first thing he saw was Te’Anne resting her head on Xavier’s chest. Walking up to her, he reached out and touched her shoulder gently. She flinched and pulled away. It took her a moment to realise who he was.

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in,’ she said.

  ‘How is he doing?’ Izikiel asked.

  Te’Anne sighed heavily as she looked at Xavier’s prone body.

  ‘It looks like the medical robots have repaired much of the damage to his chest and vital organs. The loss of his eye will be a difficult thing for Xavier to accept,’ she said.

  ‘Da’Amo has assured me that they...’ he paused as he realised how inaccurate that description was of the cloned true believer, ‘...that they will do everything they can. But our time is short. We’ll need to leave in a few days.’

  ‘I will not leave him here,’ Te’Anne said.