“It would’ve been an honour to be in the presence of Lira, but this privilege rests with you three. Take care of yourselves,” said the bear.
I replied, “I’ll see you soon, old friend.”
We left the realm of Hethenheim and I looked upon the very sun that blinded me and Sammy during our first outing. The yellow lit up the long grass and within the distance, the hole to the pyramid was clear to see; although, as we edged closer something was amiss. The cave had been collapsed.
“Now what?” said Thea.
“This was Mantra’s trap for those souls who decided to dwell within the tarantula’s cavern. The top of the pyramid is there...” replied William.; he pointed towards the tip of the golden pyramid. “That is the true entrance to the Divided High Grounds.”
Chapter Four - The Empty Thrones
We headed through the long grass and to the golden needle top that shone in the obscure sun. The whole sequence sparked a vivid memory of Sammy, jumping around like a dolphin; it was one of the last times, I felt truly free, and I missed my dog.
We stopped in front of the tip of the pyramid and a familiar white wolf vanished from the doorway.
“Come,” gestured William, “Agatha awaits us.”
The guardian of the Divided High Grounds waited next to the King’s ley-line. Her long robed touched the floor, she bowed. Her blue piercing eyes where intense and I felt bare in her presence.
“Welcome back, Lucius Domhill and with a telluric-current-key,” observed the Wolf. “Keep it close.”
“Are we worthy Agatha?” asked the green man.
“Of course, Ullpli. You three will always be worthy to cross into our Kings realm, but I sense there is something amiss in the lands of Maylok...” said the wolf. “The Darkness feels stronger provided by a helping hand.”
“You talk of Dante?” asked William.
“Yes.”
“Who is this helping hand?” said Thea.
Agatha responded: “I have seen a vision of an ancient lost soul, who dwindles within Maylok. He’s trying to awaken his master.”
“I’ve had similar vision. A vail hides a beast within,” said the priest.
“I have seen your thoughts too William. In a dream, beneath the night sky in Alaise. There was a figure, hidden by its dark robe, who lurked in front of the vail. Maybe that figure is the helping hand...” I replied.
“You could be right Lucius... I feel we must make haste to the Celestial World and find this minion.”
“Go forth. Lira awaits your arrival,” said the white wolf. She disappeared once more, and we entered the Divided High Grounds.
The golden door closed, and my ears latched onto the calm sound of the wind coasting through the large trees that almost touched the sea above. Although it had been years since I’d seen the upside-down realm, to be under the ocean again was still an odd feeling.
The atmosphere was calmer and tranquil. There were many fishing boats in the sea, and I could see land animals helping to catch the fish in unity; how things can change in such little time. The war between the land and ocean creatures had abruptly ended once the darkness claimed the realm. Iobar had done a magnificent job in restoring the Divided High Grounds. There was more colour on the horizon and the plantation had thrived. I could see strong branches of red ivy grown around the spiral palace. The original murky black had washed away and there was a silver tint to the pillar.
“William. Where is the Celestial World doorway?” I asked.
The green man gazed at the Palace and pointed at the structures belly. “In the central column, there is a room behind the earthen throne. Kings of the past were guardians of that door and that is where we will find the Celestial’s World.”
Into the woods we went and travelled a familiar path. We came by the river and the family of bears were still hunting for salmon; they hadn’t a clue what had previously happened and carried on with their simple lives.
We headed further into the realm of Kings and came across a new structure; a manor was being constructed by all species. It was built into the earth, resembling a large warren. It had a Nordic feel towards the architecture.
A familiar Cat strayed from the workers and was accompanied by an enormous Lobster. The feline wore simple clothing and had shed the battle-worn cuirass that I was accustomed too.
“Tidious! You survived the war!” I shouted.
“Just – that was a fine battle for a sad day,” replied the Tiger. Our last meeting ended when my friend defended us from Nordaious’s forces. I thought he’d met his end, as the circumstances looked incredibly dire. He was one of the animals that stayed behind to linger in the darkness, whilst the rest were released into the real world.
“It is good to see all of you unharmed and well,” said Tidious “Ullpli, I must thank you for keeping me and my new friends safe, whilst we waited for our world to be fixed.”
“It is I who should thank you all. Without your light Tidious, things might’ve been different,” replied William.
Tidious introduced us to his crustacean friend: “This is Bioxbane. He’s one of the ocean creatures that we’ve liberated from Nordaious’s prison.”
“Prison?” asked Thea.
“Not all ocean creatures followed the shark. Those who didn’t were locked up. The remaining followers after that day of darkness, were banished to Maylok,” said Bioxbane, as he looked to the cave that housed the doorway to the dark realm.
Thea looked to the animals new building and asked, “What is this?”
“A memorial hall,” answered Tidious. “Where all creatures can come and celebrate the fallen heroes of Land and Sea.”
“We will elect our new King or Queen to unite the two kingdoms. There should only be one royal to represent us all and hopefully, no more wars,” said the Lobster.
Tidious asked why we were heading towards the palace? I knew from the look of Thea and William that our recent discoveries should be kept under wraps; the animals had been through too much and we didn’t want to hinder the new alliance. And so, we kept our lie short and inspected the animal’s achievement.
The building was certainly bigger on the inside and was very humble. The oak beams that held up the structure were the main centrepiece for the shape. The hall was spacious, oval, and had a high roof. Tidious had shown us their design to place a throne within its middle. Large tables were being constructed from the rock that was originally dugout. A crab and beaver, happily clipped and gnawed at the rattan chairs. The furniture would surround the elected royal during future festivities.
I did wonder about the chairs and how the animals would struggle to sit in them... but most Eve critters walked and talked like us, humans.
We retraced our steps after saying goodbye to Tidious and the ocean creatures.
After a few paces, the Palace came into full view...
We stood at its base and looked up at the spire. There were confused birds trapped in the gravitational zone between the two worlds. They flew in the oddest directions; one was flying backward, whilst having a decent conversation with a passer-by.
There were fewer guards at the entrance this time around, but I still had the same stares from the animals. I’d noticed some Ocean critters were stationed at the front door too. A shark nodded my way with acceptance and most likely a thank you.
The doors opened and we went inside.
The reformed colour of the Palace influenced the decor. The strange patterns on the steel walls were brighter; antlers of our fallen king.
It wasn’t long until we ventured into the armoury room. It was scarce for weapons. Only a few remained untouched and the arms administrator sat silently in the corner, asleep.
“Like most Toads, Jarvis is stubborn. He’ll be waiting for all the weapons to return, but what he doesn’t know is that Iobar has erased the ones used in the war,” said Ullpli. “Take this job away from him though, he’ll have no purpose. So, best to keep it a secret.”
“He’ll be waiti
ng a while then...” replied Thea.
The poor Toad still had his clipboard to one side but appeared content.
We came to the empty throne room and the squeaky door closed behind us. It was silent. The water above was still and the garden around Eirik’s throne had withered away. The council of animals had not set foot in the hall of Kings since the Elk’s demise and Nordaious’s treachery. It had been years since I’d been in that room, begging the two monarchs to help find my Grandfather.
“Lucius!” shouted Thea. “Over here!”
William and I came forth to the door that was behind the Earthen Throne. A circular symbol enclosed a black and white dot; an apple at its centre.
We brushed away the dead vines and pushed on the stone, but nothing happened...
“I think it’s time to use Orion, Lucius,” advised William.
I drew my sword and tapped the handle on the stone. Open, I commanded. A streak of light shone through the cracks and the throne’s back opened to a familiar sight; the blackness of space and stars.
“The ley-line is open. Shall we?” gestured the Priest.
I stepped in first...
The experience gave me a nauseous feeling. My heartbeat quickened, as the stars shot by like a streak of light. My fingers tingled and as I looked down, particles floated off my skin. I couldn’t scream because there was no pain; just a numbness.
I landed on soft grounding and unusually bounced on impact. A colourful haze covered my surroundings and the horizon was invisible. The sun managed to filter through, and I felt its warm touch.
Thea and William arrived behind me. The Priest was fine, but Thea had to take a minute to adjust.
“So, this is the Celestial’s World... bit cloudy,” I said.
“It is unless you know what to do,” replied William. He waved his hands parted the clouds like a wave. A path opened and the sky became visible. We were on the edge of space, a solar system comprised by thousands of colours. Hundreds of planets and moons were so close that they felt reachable and we could pick them like ripe fruit. It was an extravagant and surreal experience; Thea’s eyes glinted from a nearby star that shot past. It left a shiny trail of yellow.
“Where are we exactly?”
“In a dimension capable of housing gods. This is the biggest observatory in the universe. Perfect for a Celestial to watch over her subjects...” said William. “Come on, we’re not too far from Lira.”
Ullpli had taken the lead and waved his hands to create a long path to somewhere unknown to me. After a small period of walking, he abruptly stopped...
“Can you feel that? Agatha was right, something is wrong.”
A small tingling sensation caused me to shiver. Usually, I’d take no notice and blame it on the cold, but that feeling was a sensor; a sixth sense if you like. Darkness approached and my green friend knew all too well.
“Thea, get behind us. Lucius, draw your sword.”
Orion rang into the blackness of space and recognised its former place in the cosmos. The atmosphere changed around us, and a black hooded figure lingered from afar. We crept closer and to our surprise, our guest stood its ground.
“Who are you!?’ shouted William. “How are you here!? Explain yourself!”
The deep voice replied: “I answer to only one being of these worlds. The superior Celestial; the father of darkness.”
“Tell me, minion. Does your master still live?” questioned William.
“You will see... You will see...”
The cloaked minion dispersed and vanished into the mist. The light over yonder had dimmed, and we raced towards our destination; the Great Hall of Lira, Lithillion.
Chapter Six - Return to the Shadow Realm
Lira’s home was not too far. The chimney breasts of an old Georgian manner distinctively poked through the low clouds. William brushed the mist to one-side like a true artist and I was shocked to see the building on the clouds. It had a likeness to my own home, except it appeared tidier; an opinion my housekeeper Mrs Turnside wouldn’t had agreed with.
It was boxed shaped, with lovely red bricks, and white shutters; there wasn’t a sign of depreciation and whoever had the glorious job of maintaining such a place, was incredibly house proud. It made me think, would a Celestial clean? Isn’t that slightly below a god’s duty? Unless living for eternity is that boring...
My curious questions were answered when we rang the doorbell. It was very quiet in the realm and there wasn’t much sign of life; it reminded me of the Timekeepers home; white walls and silence.
The bell bonged to announce our arrival.
A scurry and patter of feet resonated from the other side. A pentagram flashed on the door and it opened. We walked into a narrow hallway filled with antiquates. An old grandfather clock chimed, but the hands didn’t move... but there was something amiss. Nothing felt real, only the company who travelled with me. The house was too perfect, like it was a mirage, an illusion; something that had been fabricated for our eyes only. The Celestial World was certainly different than the other realms I’d visited. Thea looked as confused as me, but William kept his stern expression. He had been in Lira’s home before and the priest confirmed my suspicions. We were present in a chameleon realm; ever-changing to the theme of one bored Celestial.
“My last visit here was certainly different to this. She’s had her fun,” said the green man.
“Too much fun if you ask me!” squeaked a fuzzy, black and white Guineapig. He was dressed in a formal striped and grey suite. “And who has to clean up her mess! Only me and Ms. Figby!”
“Hello, Bob.”
“Mr Frankfurt... good to have you back sir,” quivered the Guineapig, “and perfect timing too!”
“You seem quite distressed, my friend. What is the matter?”
Bob squeaked erratically: “Lira’s door is locked, and I can’t get in!”
“How long has it been locked for?” asked Thea.
“I’m not entirely sure... time in the Celestial World can differ to most dimensions,” replied Bob.
William looked worried, which made me feel anxious.
Why would she lock herself in? I thought.
We followed the small animal through the extravagant rooms. The decor gave me a few ideas on how to revamp Roan Hall; there was a regency feel to Lira’s manor. My home certainly needed some professional maintenance, especially the roof. We had problems with leaks and nesting starlings.
We’d taken a turn into an orangery or conservatory, where a few plants and fruit thrived. The room was hot and stuffy, but a perfect climate for the plants. At the end of the glassed space, an extravagant door was shut. I held onto the golden lion doorknob and turned to no avail.
“You see!” squeaked Bob.
“You said there’s another servant, Miss Figby. Where is she, Bob?”
“The other side too! I have cried out, but no response... the silence worries me,” replied the Guineapig.
My swords pentagram flashed, and William’s eagle eye saw Orion’s call. “Lucius, try the blade... the star offers her services.”
I drew my ley-line key and tapped the pommel on the door’s inscription of a strange map of the universe. The engraved stars on the door lit up and the sky responded in unison. The locks clicked and panged; Lira’s door opened...
I gazed upon a small abattoir within a courtyard and an empty throne.
“Miss Figby!” yelled Bob.
A smallish white goat laid silently still.
William came forth and knelt beside her. He whispered into her ear and Miss Figby gradually came too. She gasped at the sight of Ullpli, but fear was spread across her face.
“Namir...” she whispered, and we followed her gaze towards a dark portal. The man in black waited.
“Necromancer!” shouted William.
The black mage pulled down his hood to reveal a hollow man. The expressionless face was pale and the eye’s sunk into his head. He bared markings of an ancient text on his body; Namir s
miled and vanished into the dark haze. The portal suddenly grew, and William quickly stepped forward and conjured a white veil, which settled around the hole like a blanket.
“Lucius! The mage has Lira!” yelled the green man. “You must bring her back! Find her!”
“Won’t you come Ullpli!” shouted Thea.
“That is impossible for me. I am sorry, but this ley-line cannot remain open... because it is a doorway to the shadow world! I was wrong about Dante! It was Namir’s presence and this portal that we foresaw!”
Maylok... I thought.
“I will give you time! But there is a reason why Lira’s door was locked! Seal it again Lucius, to stop the evil from escaping!” commanded William.
I closed the golden door once more and we were sealed in. Our journey had taken a turn for the worse and the Light of all things was held captive by Dante’s minion; for reasons unknown to us. The green man had to stay behind and once again, to use his strength against the encroaching darkness.
William opened a small hole in his veil. “Quickly now! And please... look after yourselves,” said William. “And do not worry about me, I have experience in these matters.”
“How can we return if you seal us in?!”
“You’ll find another way! Once this is done, I will find you. Now go!”
Thea and I vanished into the portal and a coldness swept over my body.
*
I was blinded by high wind and sand from a dull beach. My face stung from the small shards of shells and debris. Thea struggled too and we sought after shelter.
“Lucius! Can you see any cover!” she shouted.
There was nothing ahead, but darkness. It caused me to wonder whether the Maylok realms experience the light of day because it was certainly night. We had no choice, but to huddle together and hide our faces from the dust storm; it felt like it was going to be a bad start to our journey.
Celestial's World Page 3
