by Dean Cadman
“No, there is not,” he said calmly, turning straight back to Hershel as if Lusam had never asked him anything of importance. “Hershel, where is Coldmont?”
“Renn said they discovered it high up in the Elveen Mountains, Your Grace,” Hershel replied. The High Priest nodded his head slowly, but instead of questioning Renn about the precise location of Coldmont, he continued questioning Hershel.
“Tell me Hershel, when you first met Lusam in The Sanctum of Light, did he reveal to you his ability to hide his aura, and the fact he could perform magic without speaking any incantations?” the High Priest asked, surprising everyone in the room with his sudden change of topic. Hershel was obliged to answer the High Priest’s questions truthfully, and so he did.
“Yes, Your Grace, he did,” Hershel said bowing his head.
“Then why did you omit such important information when you reported the captured spy to me?”
“Your Grace, I was warned to keep Lusam’s abilities a secret by Aysha herself, I—” he replied, but was cut short by a sudden outburst from the High Priest.
“A secret! I am Aysha’s High Priest! Do you think she intended you to keep that information from me, her own High Priest?” he shouted at Hershel.
“I apologise, I meant no disrespect, Your Grace,” Hershel replied. Lusam had been wondering why Hershel hadn’t already told the High Priest about his abilities, and now he knew.
The High Priest was now standing behind his desk, glaring across it at Hershel.
“So, tell me about the other Guardian book you mentioned,” he said in a much calmer voice. Hershel momentarily looked at Renn, realising he had never asked about the second Guardian book.
“I’m sorry Your Grace, I don’t know anything about that Guardian Book,” Hershel replied truthfully.
“Renn?” the High Priest prompted. Renn was also obliged to report truthfully to the High Priest, but he knew how important it was for the location of the Guardian book in Helveel to remain a secret. The fewer people who knew of its existence the better. Renn remained silent, torn between his duty to the High Priest and what he believed in his heart to be right.
“I’m waiting Renn,” he said impatiently.
“Your Grace, I beg you don’t make me reveal the location of the Guardian book, I believe it is in the interest of everyone that its location remains a secret,” Renn replied bowing his head.
“I don’t care what you believe Renn, you will tell me its location… right now!” the High Priest commanded.
At that instant there was a blindingly bright flash within the room, causing everyone to cover their eyes and look away. When they looked back, they gasped as they saw the incredible sight of Aysha standing before them, with her long silver hair blowing in a breeze that did not exist within the room. Renn and Hershel immediately recognised the beautiful Goddess and fell to their knees, heads bowed before her, quickly followed by Alexia. The High Priest seemed confused by the sudden appearance of Aysha, and it seemed to take him much longer than Lusam would have expected for him to realise who was standing before him. When he did, his eyes went wide with shock and he too fell to his knees, head bowed. When Lusam glanced at Neala, he saw that she too had knelt before Aysha, so he quickly followed her example.
“I am afraid that some secrets must remain just that, even from you Jasper,” Aysha said to the High Priest in a heavenly voice.
The High Priest looked mortified at her words. “I beg your forgiveness, my lady, I meant no disrespect. I sought only to better protect the Guardian book,” he said almost in tears.
“There is nothing to forgive, my child, no harm was done,” Aysha replied soothingly, then she turned her attention to Renn.
“Renn, my faithful paladin, you were wise indeed to keep the location of the Guardian book a secret. If the location of it is discovered by our enemies, the entire world will be in grave danger. Even though my brother Aamon remains trapped within the Netherworld, I have recently sensed his presence in our realm. It seems he has discovered a way to communicate with his followers, even from within the confines of the Netherworld. He has set in motion a plan which, if successful, will tear open The Great Rift into the Netherworld once more, allowing both himself and the vile creatures there to escape into our world. I believe he intends to use Lamuria’s Heart of the City to achieve his goals, something we cannot allow to happen, or the entire world will perish.”
Lusam had so many questions for Aysha, but wasn’t sure if he could, or even should ask her anything. After all, he wasn’t a priest or paladin, so he had no right to ask her anything, surely.
Aysha turned to face Lusam and fondly smiled down on him. “Of course you may ask me, Lusam,” Aysha replied to his unspoken question, startling him somewhat and making his face redden. “What do you wish to ask, my child?”
Lusam thought about which of his many questions he should ask her, but decided most of them boiled down to the same question.
“I was wondering why you haven’t filled the Heart of the City with your own magic, or simply killed the Empire forces outside Lamuria?” Lusam asked sheepishly, hoping he didn’t offend the Goddess. Aysha’s smile faded, and was replaced by a look of sadness.
“I wish I could, Lusam, but as I told you before, I am bound by an oath to my brother Driden, never to directly interfere with humankind’s destiny again. Just as you are able to see the difference in colour between one of my children’s auras, and one of the tainted souls from the Empire, so too is Driden able to detect the difference between my magic and yours. If I were to fill the Heart of the City with my own magic, either directly or through someone else, he would see it clearly, and the consequences for humankind would be equally catastrophic. More than that, I am unable to say.
“It is… unfortunate that the decision was taken to place the Heart of the City in full view of the world. A decision made a long time ago, through arrogance and pride, at a time when Afaraon was powerful and feared no one. If it had been hidden within my walls, where only I can see, things would have been very different now. Something I very much regret not enforcing all those years ago, I can assure you.”
“I don’t understand, you gave me and Renn your blessing before,” Lusam said slightly confused.
“When we first met in The Dark Forest, I was responding to the prayers of one of my paladins, something I am still entitled to do within the bounds of my oath. If my actions there had been witnessed by Driden, he would have assumed the same thing. Driden has been rather preoccupied lately with problems of his own, so it wasn’t until you read the Guardian book in Coldmont that he first became aware of you. Once any living creature reaches a certain level of power, the Gods start to take notice of them, especially if it is a human. It is a certainty that Driden’s attention will be focused fully on Lamuria right now, so anything I do will be subject to his scrutiny, therefore we must tread very carefully, my child.”
Lusam thought about Aysha’s words, remembering her regret that the Heart of the City was not concealed within the walls of her High Temple, and he suddenly realised something.
“Would I be right in assuming that Coldmont also has a similar power source?” Lusam asked, also wanting to know about Helveel too, but unable to ask openly about it.
“You are correct, my child. Coldmont does indeed have a power source of the same type as Lamuria,” Aysha replied.
“Then why doesn’t the Empire simply take that one to open The Great Rift? They already know its location and it’s completely unprotected,” Lusam said.
“I’m sure The Thule Empire has already looked at that possibility, but Coldmont is in a very precarious state. Its power source is the only thing keeping the structure intact. If they were to try and remove it, the entire building would collapse, destroying everything, including the power source. But, enough questions for now, my child, let us not waste time we do not have. You came to Lamuria with but a single question, yet curiously you have not asked it,” Aysha said smiling divinely at Lusam
. She turned to face her High Priest, and he visibly paled under her gaze.
“Your dedication and devotion to your post has pleased me, Jasper. You have done well,” Aysha said to him.
“I am humbled to hear you say such words, my lady. I live only to serve you,” the High Priest replied reverently, positively beaming with pride.
“You will allow Lusam access to the Guardian book without further delay, Jasper,” Aysha said, making the High Priest squirm slightly.
“My lady, forgive me, but wouldn’t he need weeks, if not months of preparation and meditation before he could possibly survive reading a Guardian book?” the High Priest asked averting his eyes from his God.
“If you’re trying to suggest he might not survive reading a third Guardian book, I have to say that I share your concerns,” Neala said, looking up at Aysha with tears in her eyes.
“Fear not, my child, I will ensure Lusam survives reading the Guardian book, that much at least I can do within my own walls. It is for the rest of you that I fear. Even I cannot speed up the process of reading a Guardian book, and during that time Lamuria will be vulnerable. The responsibility of gaining Lusam enough time will fall to you… all of you. I cannot promise you will all survive the battle to come, but if you fail, not only will Lamuria pay a heavy price, but the entire world.
“I have heard your voice calling to me on many occasions, Neala, and I could clearly sense your faith in me, but you keep denying yourself that same faith when it matters most. Let go of your doubts, Neala, and you could join Alexia as one of my paladins,” Aysha said, waving a hand over Neala’s knives. They began to glow an intense blue colour, before fading back to normal a moment later.
“Once, not so long ago in Prystone, you wielded my power, Neala. I felt you call out to me, with faith as pure as can be. Open your heart to me again, Neala, embrace your faith in me, and your new weapons will become one with me on the battlefield. Then together we will gain Lusam the time he needs to save us all.”
Neala bowed her head, overwhelmed that Aysha would grant her such a gift. “Thank you,” she whispered through her tears, hoping desperately that she could fulfil Aysha’s request. Aysha gave Neala a knowing smile, then turned to face Alexia, who still had not lifted her head since Aysha had first appeared.
“Alexia, my child, it gladdens my heart to welcome you as my first female paladin. Rarely do I sense such unerring faith in a person, as I do in you. I see you still have your blessed bow, but few arrows to use with it. I will ensure you find a plentiful supply in the armoury, my child, but for now, let me bless your knives as I have Neala’s,” Aysha said smiling down on Alexia. She raised her hand, and a bright blue light washed over Alexia, making her weapons glow brightly for a brief period of time, before returning back to their normal appearance once more.
“Thank you, my lady, I’m honoured that you think me worthy of such gifts and praise,” Alexia replied in barely a whisper, her head still bowed.
“You are most welcome, my child,” Aysha replied turning finally to Hershel. “Hershel, my faithful paladin. Long have you served me, and served me well, but I fear I must ask even more of you now. As their leader, my paladins look to you for guidance on the battlefield. Many will not live to see this day through, but assure them, I will be there to greet them if they fall. The odds against you and your paladins will be overwhelming, but you must prevail, no matter what the cost. To do otherwise, would mean the destruction of your entire world. I will see to it that every weapon and shield in the armoury is blessed in preparation for the battle to come, but more than that, I cannot do to assist you in this fight. It will be down to you… all of you…” Aysha said, fading away before their eyes.
Chapter Forty-Two
Nobody moved within the inner sanctum. The silence was almost palpable, as each person came to terms with what Aysha had just told them. Lusam was the first to stand, closely followed by Neala; the others however, remained knelt in prayer for several more minutes before moving.
Lusam had expected Hershel to look concerned at what Aysha had just told him, but instead he wore a broad smile on his face as he turned to speak with Alexia.
“Congratulations, Alexia, and welcome to our order. It will be an honour to have you serve among us,” Hershel said offering her his hand. “And also to you, Neala. I hope you take up Aysha’s offer and join us too, after all this is over,” he said offering her his hand as well.
“Thank you, sir,” Alexia replied nervously, hoping she had just used the correct form of address for what was now her commanding officer. Neala stayed silent and simply nodded, unsure whether she should commit herself to anything or not.
“Well, Alexia, it seems like it’s official now. Congratulations, and welcome aboard,” Renn said grinning at her, whilst offering her his hand too. “You too, Neala. That was high praise indeed from Aysha, you should be proud of yourself.”
“Thanks Renn, I appreciate it. I just hope I don’t let anyone down,” Alexia replied looking around the room.
“My thoughts exactly,” Neala said very quietly to herself, but Hershel still heard what she said.
“If Aysha has faith in your abilities, then so should you. I’m sure you will do just fine, both of you,” Hershel said confidently, then he turned to speak with the High Priest, who had thus far remained silent since Aysha’s departure.
“Your Grace, if there is nothing further I beg your leave to withdraw, as I will require time to prepare my paladins for the coming battle,” he said respectfully bowing his head. The High Priest seemed to only half-hear his words, and it took a moment for him to respond to Hershel’s request.
“Of course, you may attend to your duties Hershel. I will also attend to mine, and show Lusam to the Guardian book. May Aysha bless us all, and watch over you on the battlefield,” he said, sounding almost like a different person after his encounter with Aysha. Hershel and Renn nodded their thanks to the High Priest and turned to leave the room, indicating that Alexia should also join them. A moment later only Lusam and Neala remained in the room with the High Priest.
“I’m afraid I cannot allow you to accompany us to the Guardian book room, Neala,” the High Priest said, sounding a little unsure of himself.
“You have to let me go! I need to be with Lusam, to make sure he’s alright,” she protested, firmly taking hold of Lusam’s hand.
“Neala, my child, you heard Aysha say that she would take care of Lusam while he read the Guardian book. There is nothing you can do there that Aysha cannot. Aysha also gave you a wonderful gift, and asked that you use it to gain Lusam enough time to read the Guardian book. Surely you can see that Aysha wants you to help Lusam in a different way, other than sitting vigil by his side? Have faith, my child, and all will be well.”
Lusam hated to think of Neala being in danger while he was unconscious through reading the Guardian book, but he couldn’t fault the logic of the High Priest’s words. Neither could he deny what he had heard Aysha tell them all: either they won this battle, or the world and everything in it would perish.
“He’s right, Neala, you should go help the others while I do this. If we fail, we lose everything. I’ve seen how well you fight, Neala, and I know they could use your skill out there. Just promise me that you’ll stay safe, and not take any unnecessary risks. If I lost you, I’m not sure I would care what happens to the world anymore,” Lusam said quietly, trying hard to hold back his emotions at the thought of losing her. Neala threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace, tears flowing freely down her cheeks.
“I love you, Lusam,” she whispered in his ear.
“I love you too,” he whispered back, hugging her tightly.
During that long embrace Neala made a promise to herself that she would gain Lusam the time he needed, no matter what the cost. It was a promise she intended to keep.
***
Lusam felt terrible at having to send Neala away and putting her in harm’s way, but he knew if they were to
succeed, Hershel would need every fighter he could get on the battlefield. He wished he’d had the opportunity to speak with Renn or Hershel about keeping an eye on her, but he trusted they would do so anyway, knowing how much he cared for her. And if they couldn’t for any reason, he was sure Alexia would. Even so, he found himself in silent prayer to Aysha, asking for her to watch over Neala while he was unable to.
The High Priest led him down a series of long corridors before they reached a large oak door. When he unlocked and opened the door, it revealed a wide stone staircase leading down into the darkness below. Lusam created a small light orb, startling the High Priest a little as he did so.
“Sorry,” Lusam said smiling at him.
“It’s perfectly alright, my child. It’s going to take me a while to get used to that I’m afraid,” the High Priest replied pointing towards Lusam’s light orb. Lusam nodded, and let the High Priest lead the way down the stone stairs. When they reached the bottom, Lusam brightened his light orb to reveal a room not dissimilar to the basement in Mr Daffer’s book shop. If anything, this room was even larger than the one in Helveel, but it didn’t have the numerous corridors leading away from it like that one did. Instead, it had only a single corridor at the far end of the room which disappeared into the darkness beyond.
As they walked through the large chamber Lusam couldn’t help himself looking up at the ceiling high above them. It didn’t surprise him at all to find another intricately painted image of a temple up there. He created a second light source up near the ceiling and increased its strength to reveal the incredible detail the artist, or artists had painstakingly crafted there. The image was of a large temple, seemingly carved out of the face of a mountainside. Only the front of the building was visible, the rest seemed to be part of the mountain itself. He recognised the image as probably being that of Irragin in Mount Nuxvar, the seat of power for Lord Zelroth and the Thule Empire. He remembered Renn’s earlier description of it, but he couldn’t help feeling disappointed that it wasn’t a picture depicting another, more accessible location of a Guardian book instead.
