This image in mind, Seth went about again locking away any stray thoughts and memories that might interrupt him. Finished with the mental exercise, he was once more shrouded in the empty darkness of his mind. A moment later he became aware of something tugging at the edge of his consciousness. Thinking it was another memory, or perhaps even a stray emotion, Seth sought it out with his senses. Much to his surprise, it was nothing belonging to him at all. He could feel the power more than see it, though it was visible. Not as one would see with the eyes, but something more ethereal, something like smoke or water churning this way and that. It pulled at his mind as if seeking a way to escape or a weakness that would permit it to leave. It twisted and churned in incoherent patterns, and as it did so, Seth recalled his instructions and went to work. The ethereal being that was the power had found no way of escape and so it had eventually made its way through Seth’s mind to where he waited in the darkness alone with Sara’s memory. Seth monitored its every movement. He watched it come. The smoke-like substance reeled away from his consciousness when they nearly came into contact, trying to escape him. Seth did not let it go. Instead he tightened the walls of his mind, decreasing the area the darkness filled and so making it darker. The smaller Seth forced his subconscious domain to become, the nearer the power was forced to him. Seth squeezed and squeezed mentally until there was no more space between him and the power and he could feel it whirling around him.
Seeking a means of escape from the non-worshipper, the goddess’s power struck at the only thing it could find in the darkness. With smoky tendrils the power grasped Seth’s memory of Sara nestled in his lap and tried to wrench it away from him.
Seth, the power swirling all around him, did not anticipate the mental attack. He felt it as if it had left a physical wound. Realizing the power’s intent, Seth grasped his cherished memory of the woman he loved with his consciousness and held it firmly. With the memory secured, he focused his mind once again, and this time heaved his subconscious into itself with all his mental might. The empty darkness that was his mind folded into itself, submersing Seth within the goddess’s magic. He opened himself to the power and let it flow into him. As they became one, Seth could feel his body once again, could feel the power pulsing in his veins and beating in his heart. Seth reveled in the sensation, allowing himself to slip deeper into its depths, feeling it caress his mind when only a moment before it had tried to escape him. The sensation sent feelings of pleasure through his body of the like he had never known before. The magic was fulfilling, satisfying, and intoxicating. Seth loved the thrill of it in his body and thought briefly about how he had come to this enchanted bliss. He disconnected his consciousness from the blackened space of his subconscious where he remained one with the magic. Concentrating once again upon the image of Sara to focus himself, he molded the power to his will. The power strained against him momentarily, but Seth was able to overcome it quickly, forcing it to follow his purpose.
Assuring himself he was in control of the power, Seth once again reconnected with his body. He opened his eyes to reveal his companions around him, watching him intently. Seeking out Sara, he focused his gaze on her. Seth raised his hand before him, and turned it palm up. He found it easier to focus now that he could see Sara in person. Seeing that she now regarded his raised hand, Seth mentally checked again on the power contained within him, assuring himself it still remained bent to his will. Finding his control on the power intact, Seth’s lips parted into a wide smile as he released the magic.
CHAPTER 91
Sara
Sara sat watching Seth intently. Long minutes had passed since Ashton had stopped chanting, yet Seth remained unmoving, showing no sign of the battle being waged within his mind. The group sat motionless as well, waiting, refusing to blink until something happened. When nothing did happen, however, they still remained unable to take their eyes off the motionless boy before them. Many more minutes passed and Sara began to worry something had gone wrong. She watched the man she loved, hoping for any sign, besides his breathing, that he was still alive. As if in answer to her plight, Seth’s expression changed. The change was miniscule, but it was better than nothing. Another moment passed and Seth’s eyes fluttered open. Sara watched breathlessly as Seth turned his head to face her. She locked eyes with him momentarily and then left his gaze as he raised his hand toward her as if holding out something for her to see. She looked upon his empty palm and then back to his face. Seth smiled. Sara did not understand what was going on and so looked back to his hand to see if maybe she had missed something.
CHAPTER 92
Seth
Seth watched as his palm was consumed in blue flames. The fire twisted and slithered around his hand as if it were alive. It swirled upon his skin, ever moving, ever burning, but left his flesh unscathed. The blue flames licked at his fingertips and finally settled again into his open palm. The unnatural blue fire then expanded upward from his palm in a short pillar of fire. The pillar twisted then, and split in two. The halves of it flared and sputtered as they twisted around and over, back upon themselves to meet once again at the base of the pillar in Seth’s palm.
CHAPTER 93
Sara
Sara gasped when she noted the flames consuming Seth’s hand as did Garret and Ashton. She again looked to his face, certain to find there pain and torment. She beheld his face again only for a second and was amazed to see he was still smiling at her. Returning her gaze to his open palm she now saw the flame growing into a pillar of fire reaching skyward from his hand. The flesh of his hand was unscathed, unburned. She no longer watched in horror as the flame again began to change and split into two halves. A look of pure wonder stood on her face as the two halves of the fire pillar bent back to once again meet at the palm they had risen from.
Extended towards her as if in offering, Seth held in his hand a perfect heart formed of blue flame. Sara had barely enough time to see the flame, and note its shape and intended meaning, when it disappeared with a sizzle. She sat in awe, her mouth open and her eyes wide in astonishment.
Ashton sat at Seth’s feet, clapping like a child who had just watched a play. His eyes sparkled with wonder. Garret too clapped loudly at the spectacle he had just witnessed and laughed heartily at his brother’s success. To Sara it was like a miracle, something out of a fairytale. Yet here was Seth, seated across from her, offering her his heart, both literally and magically. She knew that she belonged to him in that moment. That no matter where his life took him, no matter what path he was chosen for, she would follow him and be there to help him and support him. No matter what The Choosing ceremony brought with it, she would find a way to remain by his side.
CHAPTER 94
Seth
Seth took a moment to regain himself, lost momentarily in shock at the fact that he had consumed all of the power lent to him by Ashton. He had enjoyed the feelings it had inspired within him, and now that it was gone, he missed it terribly. Pushing the empty feeling aside, Seth focused on the woman he loved, sitting in open-mouthed wonder before him. He reached out and took her hand, and as he did, she was able to compose herself.
“What did you think?” Seth asked Sara.
“It was amazing. It was beautiful. But at first it was a little scary,” Sara admitted.
“Sorry if I frightened you, angel, I just wanted to tell you in a special way that I love you,” Seth said with a tone of sincerity in his voice.
“Well, you succeeded, my love. It is a moment I shall never forget,” Sara replied honestly.
“Well, Seth how did it feel?” Ashton asked.
“I don’t know,” Seth began. “It was hard at first for me to focus, but when I finally found a way to, it really wasn’t difficult.”
“Each time you use the magic it gets easier,” Ashton stated.
“It felt good, though, almost natural,” Seth added.
“How do you feel now?” Sara asked, her concern evident in her voice.
“I feel terrific, Sara.
I promise I was not harmed in any way,” Seth reassured her.
“Well then.” This time it was Garret who spoke. “It seems to me that we both passed the test, so what do we do now?” He was honestly unsure.
“There really isn’t anything to do I suppose,” Ashton said, and then thinking further on the subject, added, “It will all depend on what you are chosen for, and which god you choose to worship. Even then you aren’t guaranteed a blessing from the god. Even if you are, each god only lends their power with a predetermined purpose, and that purpose will be the only way you will be able to wield the power. Some of the blessed ones are able to perform various tasks with their blessing, but usually you are only able to perform one thing specifically.”
“So that means the only way I will be able to do that again is if I swear myself to a god and worship them like you do?” Seth asked.
“Yes and no,” Ashton answered. “Like I told you before, there are many gods and each requires from their followers different things. I would suggest waiting until after The Choosing and then learning which god fits the best with what you are chosen for, and what they expect from their followers. Then you choose the one whose teachings you want to follow.”
CHAPTER 95
Sara
Sara sat quietly listening, trying to learn all she could about the ability Seth possessed. She knew he held no intentions of worshipping any god. This much she had gleaned from him in past conversations with Ashton. She too realized that the only way he could use the gift would be if a god blessed him and allowed him to summon their power. She found that she was happy with the fact that he was likely to never worship a god, and so would probably never use the gift he had been born with. Sara was unsure why it made her happy, and she felt guilty about the feeling. She was pondering both her happiness and her guilt when a knock sounded on the door.
They all rose from their seats at the sound and, curious about the interruption, approached the door together. Sara was the first to reach it and unlocking it, she pulled it open wide. Sasha stood in the hallway and looked at each one of them briefly. A look of relief washed across her face as she noted their condition, and she quickly replaced the look with a smile.
“Sorry to interrupt you,” Sasha said. “I have just returned from visiting my husband. In my absence the servants said they heard explosions. I assumed it was the god’s tear, but it appears to be intact and so I’m checking on our guests.”
The group nodded their understanding, unwilling to admit to being the source of the blasts. Sasha invited them to come and eat as the evening was growing late. They assured her they would come to dine shortly. Accepting their reply, Sasha turned and strode down the hall, her hips swaying in her near transparent gown.
Sara quickly closed the door on Sasha’s retreating form and turned to face the others. They all shared a knowing smile and Sara couldn’t help but giggle at what had just transpired.
Chapter 96
Sara
Sara and her companions arrived at the dining hall shortly after their conversation with Sasha. This time the hall was not empty as it had been earlier in the day. A few random tables were occupied, however, the one they had sat at before was vacant and so they resumed their places around it. They spoke quietly for a time, a little uneasy with others in the room. Before long the man who had served them earlier appeared in the same outlandish white clothing.
“Greetings honored guests,” he said to them, a wide smile splitting his face in two. “What can I have the pleasure of preparing for you this evening?”
Sara found herself once again unprepared for the question, but quickly decided upon a solution.
“I really hadn’t thought about it, sir, but it seems to me you enjoy cooking. Is there any dish in particular you enjoy preparing more than another?” she asked him, happy to see his surprised reaction.
“Indeed there is such a dish,” he stated honestly. “Would you have me prepare it for you?”
“I most certainly would,” Sara answered.
“What will you be having, Master Seth?” the man asked Seth with a smile.
“I will have what she is having, if it’s not any trouble,” Seth replied.
“Me too,” Garret added.
“And I would like the same as well,” stated Ashton.
“You are all so very kind,” the smiling man told them. “Four of my specialties coming up,” he added with a twirl of his finger in the air.
With that the man spun and limped his way back across the room and disappeared into the hall. The four companions watched him go. Speaking quietly once more, while waiting for their food, they saw Sasha pass through the room once and each of them flashed her a smile.
It was not long before the man returned with their food. He placed in front of each of them a steaming plate containing a small duck smothered in a thick tangy sauce that made their mouths water. Beside each duck was a large pile of mixed steamed vegetables, and several fried apples carved into the likeness of rose buds and drizzled with honey. Each plate was its own astonishing masterpiece and they each thanked the man wholeheartedly before he left them to eat their meal.
The meal was beyond delicious. Each savory bite left Sara’s mouthwatering for another. The duck was tender and nearly fell from the bone. The vegetables were also tender, but not overcooked so as to lose their flavor. The apples were like nothing she had ever tasted before. They were soft but not mushy, and the tart flavor hinted at wine and lemon, all the while added to by the sweet honey filling every carved crevice. The entire meal was like ecstasy to her taste buds.
Sara and her friends finished their food and waited a while, hoping the man would return so they could pay him their compliments. However he did not and so they decided to head off to their rooms early for some sleep so they could begin exploring the city in the morning. Pushing in their chairs, they made for the hall. Bidding one another goodnight, they parted company at the room Seth and Sara were sharing. The two other boys continued down the hall to the stairs that would lead them to their own room before Sara followed Seth into their own chamber.
CHAPTER 97
Seth
Seth let Sara pass as he turned to the door and closed it behind him. As Sara crossed the room towards the bed, Seth locked the door and tested it to be sure it worked correctly. Turning, Seth witnessed Sara picking up a small package which she peeked inside with a smile as he approached.
“What’s that?” Seth asked, eyeing the package suspiciously.
“A surprise,” Sara answered, a teasing smile on her lips. “There is one here for you too,” she added pointing to another smaller package.
“Hmm…what do you think it is?” Seth asked reaching for it.
“Why don’t you open it and see?” Sara suggested, again with the teasing smile.
Seth put his hand into the small container and pulled out a small bundle of silk. He unfolded the small bundle, and holding it before him, revealed a pair of black silk men’s underpants. These particular ones were fashioned as quarter length shorts. Seth eyed the garment, scrutinizing it, certain it would hurt him somehow.
“What is it?” he asked quizzically.
“Something for you to sleep in,” Sara stated, eyeing what he held with a big smile on her face. “I like it.”
“What did you get?” Seth asked, silently hoping she did not have anything to sleep in.
“I guess you will just have to wait and see,” she said in her most angelic voice. “Why don’t you change here, and I’ll go change over there,” Sara instructed, pointing to the small partition in the corner.
Seth nodded his agreement and waited for her leave. Watching the accentuated sway of her hips, he knew he was in trouble before she even stepped behind the partition to undress.
Undressing as fast as was possible, not wanting to get caught in the act, Seth pulled on the black silk garment he had been given. Looking down at himself he realized he didn’t look nearly as silly as he had imagined he would. He cli
mbed onto the bed and sat watching for Sara to reappear, trying to flex various muscles while looking relaxed.
CHAPTER 98
Sara
Sara stood naked behind the screen. She was not worried that Seth might come and catch her in this condition. She knew he would wait patiently, though she thought it might be more convenient if he did appear. She reached into the package she had requested and pulled out two silk garments. Looking them over she realized they were actually two halves of one garment. She placed the bigger of the two upon the clothes she had just removed, and attempted to ascertain what the remaining piece was meant to cover. It was a small triangle of silk no bigger than her palm with a satin cord attached to all three corners. Two of the corners were connected by the cord in a large loop. The other cord was sewn by its end at the middle of the loop created by the first cord. Sara held the piece before her face, turning it this way and that, when it struck her. Holding the garment by each end of the large loop, the triangle in front of her, she stepped into it with each leg on either side of the remaining cord. She pulled the garment up her legs and into place expecting it to be uncomfortable. The placement of the cord that wrapped under her and up her backside was not as unpleasant as she had assumed it would be, but it wasn’t exactly pleasant either and would take some getting used to.
Age of the Gods: The Complete, twelve novel, fantasy series (The Blood and Brotherhood Saga) Page 22
