Still, he held his peace until the others had gone. Then, believing his case just, he approached the Creator.
“You wish to question me, Rengailai?” asked the Creator as he approached.
“I do not understand why you passed over me?” replied Rengailai. “For eternity the creatures of Preterlandis will sing of Anhj and Crog, of Sylph and Solein. But there will be no song for me.”
“I have other plans for you, my dear Rengailai. You must accept this and in time, all will be made clear.”
But Rengailai was not happy with this answer. He went away angry and resentful. The Creator knew what he would do, but gave Rengailai the choice to do it.
After thinking for an age about the offense that was committed against him, Rengailai stole away and made his way to Preterlandis. There he hid himself away among the people, creating doubt in them about the Creator. How could one, who would deny one of his own, be worthy?
The Creator watched as Rengailai sowed his seeds of doubt, discontent and fear. He watched and waited for the proper time to punish Rengailai for his disloyalty.
After another age, many people had succumbed to Rengailai’s insidious message and turned away from the Creator. Instead, they turned to themselves. More and more, evil crept into Preterlandis, murders, greed, jealousy, lust. Sadly, the Creator knew that he must act to rein in his misguided crafter.
Calling Rengailai before him, he demanded an account of his actions, which Rengailai was delighted to relate.
When he finished, the Creator shook his head and banished Rengailai from Jeru forever. “Those you have corrupted are yours for now, but there will come a day when I will require them of you.”
Rengailai turned his back on the Creator and left, never to return. But he began to gather his minions together and plan. There would be a day of accounting, but it would not be as his Lord expected.
The hate inside Rengailai grew with every day he was away from the Creator, and his evil grew stronger in Preterlandis.
He was no longer content to leave the people who worshiped him to their own desires. He wanted to see them suffer the way they made others suffer. It amused him to reward his loyal servants in this way.
One day, Rengailai went to the mountain of his father’s volcano and began to speak his creation, the one his Creator had denied him.
With his words the earth shook beneath his feet, a crack appeared.
Rengailai continued his invocation and the ground split, a chasm formed and deepened until it reached the center of the world. The shaking continued until the whole of Preterlandis was affected by it. Many good people died that day as did many evil people. Few were left to continue after the cataclysm.
Only when the chasm reached the center of the earth did Rengailai cease to speak. Looking first at his handiwork and then toward Jeru, he shook his fist. “Now have I, Rengailai, added to your creation and my servants shall be destroyed within my creation. I have added to your creation and I shall also take away from it.”
The Creator knew that Rengailai would do all that he did. Still, he let him choose to do it. And so, the Chasm of Ceryk was created, a place of immense beauty and also of great destruction.
For now, the Creator allows Ceryk, but it will not always be so. And on that day, Anhj, Crog, Sylph and Solein will mount the fight against Rengailai.
A glorious battle for the Creator will ensue and Rengailai shall meet his destiny.
In that day, the power of the Creator will be shown and Preterlandis shall return to what it was meant to be.
Solein grew silent and his hands ceased to move over the strings of the harp. “That is enough of Rengailai for today, I think.”
“Once Rengailai was as you are.”
“Yes and no. He was one of the first crafters that resided with Jovan. He wasn’t one of the four who were with the Creator in the beginning. That honor and responsibility belongs to Sylph, Crog, Anhj and myself,” said Solein solemnly. “There was a time when we existed outside of Preterlandis. The four have always been loyal to Jovan. Rengailai chose to defy him. Everyone has the right to choose. No one can know for certain how a man or woman will choose except Jovan. The rest of us can only see what is shown in mists. Even those of us who were with the Creator in the beginning spend an eternity trying to know and understand.”
“You are more than a crafter then, since you were there in the beginning?”
“I’m not more than a crafter. Nor do I want to be more than I am.”
Leilas didn’t understand how that could be, but she let that strain of the conversation go. “But Rengailai did, want to be more than he was?”
“Yes, he wanted more. He wanted to be placed on the same level as the four, to be honored, remembered, and revered.”
“Are they such bad things?”
“That is for you to choose, Leilas. But keep in mind the path down which those desires led Rengailai.”
Leilas fell silent as she considered the story she’d just heard and tried to piece it together with the vision she’d seen in the cave with her family and Joshuas. Solein left her to her musings and began to softly strum his instrument.
Leilas moved her finger from the ring and once again she was in the room Rengailai had provided for her. What was it he wanted of her? What were the prophecies concerning the Chidra? Solein hadn’t told her any of the prophecies, telling her she’d have plenty of time to learn them.
But they might have helped her in this meeting. Because it seemed clear to her, this meeting was about her being the Chidra. A knock at the door brought Leilas out of her musings. Before she could answer, Marlette pushed the door open, her hands laden with a tray that emanated tantalizing smells, and walked to the table near the window. Leilas wasn’t far behind as Marlette began setting out the meal.
“The master will want you at dinner, but thought you might appreciate a bite now. After you finish, he said to take you to the library.” Marlette paused a moment, “How did he say it? Perhaps you’ll find what you’re looking for there.”
Leilas cursed silently to herself and shrouded her thoughts. She definitely needed to be on her guard here, no matter how nice the master was being. She needed to remember what his people had done to Brenth, Joshuas and her mother. He was their leader. They didn’t do such things without his consent. The story Solein had related, he told to prepare her for this meeting. She just wasn’t sure what he expected her to encounter.
“It smells wonderful, Marlette. Thank you and perhaps I will find what I’m looking for in the library. Your master seems to think of everything.”
Marlette shuddered slightly. “So he does.” She picked up the heavy tray and made her way back to the door. It opened immediately for her, but Leilas could feel the force repelling her from leaving.
Shrugging it off for the time, she attacked the food set before her. Savory stew, fruits, breads, wine, a feast after her time in the woods and the years of memories in Neothera. She thanked the Creator for his protection and for the food. She thought she felt the room shake and heard a low guttural rumble, but she couldn’t be sure.
Marlette appeared as if by magic just as she finished the last of the bread and the wine. “If you’re ready, I’ll take you to the library.”
Leilas didn’t bother to offer to find her own way. It was apparent she was on a short leash, even if it was a comfortable one.
Marlette shuffled into the dark hallway and disappeared into the gloom. Leilas hurried her steps until she was close enough to see the old woman as she turned down this hall and then another on her way to the library. She did her best to keep track as Marlette led her in the darkness.
Leilas was tempted to ask why they had no torches or lamps, but decided to keep her questions for later. If she wanted to see the hallway, she could always conjure a light another time and study them. That was, if Rengailai ever let her wander unaccompanied.
Wondering what Marlette would do if she cast a light, Leilas kept close to her escort as they des
cended a stair to the floor below.
The light from the library was almost blinding as Marlette threw open the door and allowed Leilas to step inside. But it was also a welcome relief to the oppressive darkness of the hallways. The light streamed in through a heavily curtained window, which had the curtains drawn back. On the wall opposite the window, was a staircase that led to a second story of books and scrolls and parchments. There were chairs scattered around the room in little alcoves with their own lamps. In the wall facing the door was a large fireplace, with a fire burning. Everywhere other than the door, window and hearth was floor to ceiling books. It must have taken many lifetimes for the master to collect this treasure. And a treasure it was to a crafter. For to a magik, knowledge was power.
“The master said he would collect you at dinner time. Until then, you’re free to explore.” Marlette stumbled a bit over the phrase and Leilas knew those were the master’s words. She had to wonder how often Marlette actually had to worry about visitors.
“Thank you again. I’m sure I can find plenty here to keep myself occupied.”
Marlette bowed her stooped body to the floor again and shut the door behind her. Leilas heard the whisper of the mechanism as the door was locked.
Rengailai didn’t need to go to such extremes to keep her here. She’d given him her word. She would stay for now. Moving to the wall by the fireplace, Leilas began to pull books and scrolls from the shelves and look through them. It wasn’t until she reached the first alcove that she realized Rengailai had left the books she was looking for on the table there. Turning up the lamp, and settling into the comfortable armchair, Leilas opened the book that spoke of the Chidra. It became apparent quickly that this wasn’t the book of prophecy, but a collection of writings about the book. At least it was a place to start.
Chidra meant chosen. She already knew that. The word was from the ancient tongue and had a different meaning then, although the writers couldn’t all agree, it seemed to have been in reference to marriage or soul mates.
Greyan had taken this word and used it in his book of prophecy to mean the one who was chosen to hold the balance and proclaim the beginning of the battle between Rengailai and the Creator.
How she was actually supposed to hold the balance and how long it would take and who she would be had been the subject of many scholarly conventions since the time Greyan had written the book.
There were only two copies of the book of prophecy, one book for the masters of light and one for the masters of dark. They guarded them religiously. No one knew the exact location of either book. All reference to the keepers of the books had disappeared, or was kept silent intentionally. There were copies of segments. Some had been copied in this book. There were a dozen interpretations for each segment.
The only piece that no one seemed to disagree on was that the Chidra would name the Champion and proclaim the time at hand. Leilas closed the book in frustration and pushed it aside. She’d spent her whole life on the outside watching, never able to use her power to affect change. And now it seemed, if what the scholars and the prophecy said was true, it was her destiny to spend the rest of her life watching and not acting. She’d hoped that once she became a master, she’d be given the opportunity to make a difference. But it seemed fate had destined otherwise.
So why had Solein spent the time to teach her so much if her lot was to do nothing? Leilas had a brief moment of hope. And why would Rengailai be interested in her if all she was meant to be was a signal vane?
Leilas reached for the book again then changed her mind. Perhaps it was better she didn’t know what the prophecy said. Perhaps she would be more content to live each day if she wasn’t anticipating the events prophesied and wondering when they would happen.
Leaving the book Rengailai chose for her on the table, Leilas began browsing through the many volumes. She finally stopped in front of a section that called out to her with power. Reaching her hand out, Leilas let the power guide her. When she pulled her hand back, she held a scroll covered in ancient runes, which seemed to glimmer gold when she looked at them.
Knowing that this was an important document, Leilas brought it back to the chair and attempted to decipher it. When she looked up again, the shadows had replaced the sunlight and the fire and lamps cast an eerie glow around the room. Leilas wasn’t sure when Rengailai would come, so she returned the scroll to its place and then returned to her seat. Opening the book Rengailai left for her, she feigned interest in it until she heard the lock being turned to open the door.
“My dear lady, I’m sorry I left you alone for so long. But I did have some matters that needed my attention.” Rengailai bowed slightly in her direction as she rose. He was still in the crimson and black of the School of Fire. Leilas wondered if it was a tribute to his father Crog.
“I managed to entertain myself in your marvelous library. There are so few these days. I’m surprised I haven’t heard of this one before.”
“Not many know of its existence. I’m certain Gidron Frey isn’t aware of it. I’m amazed the masters at the School of Sky allowed him to tutor the Chidra.”
“Perhaps they didn’t know I was to be the Chidra.”
“Ridiculous. They’ve known as I’ve known. I wonder what game they’re playing.”
“You mean you don’t know? The great Rengailai?”
“I know what games they play,” said Rengailai arrogantly. “I wonder if you do, or if you still believe the lies that you’ve been taught.”
“I suppose that depends on what teachings you’re talking about. I believe all they taught me about Jovan and the light magic. I believe in the power of the light magic. I believe that truth, justice and goodness will prevail.”
Rengailai’s thin veneer of a smile became strained. Clapping his hands, he turned away from Leilas and waited for Marlette to enter the room. He didn’t have to wait long. “We’re ready for dinner, I think.”
Offering his arm for Leilas, he waited until she had reluctantly taken it and then led her into the dining room. The dinner table was laden with venison and vegetables, cheeses and wine. Despite her sense of danger being here with this man, Leilas was delighted with the feast she saw set before her.
Rengailai held her chair for her to the right of the head of the table. Once she was seated, he sat at the head of the table. Servants appeared mysteriously and began serving them. As soon as they placed the food on her plate, Leilas began to eat. Rengailai was slower to join her.
“No thanks for the food this time?” he asked, as he watched her eat.
Leilas put her fork down, guiltily. “I always thank the Creator for all he gives me.”
Rengailai sneered. “You thank him for what? Letting people go wanting while you feast?
“I thank him for giving me the food I need for the day. I thank him for letting me live.”
“You believe he cares whether a person lives or dies? When is the last time anyone has seen Jovan intervene in the lives of crafters or humans? No one has seen or heard from Jovan since the Cataclysm. If he is even still alive, he has no interest in the people of Preterlandis.”
“He has set the laws in place that guide Preterlandis and lets the people choose how they will live.”
“Even when they choose to do evil things? He does nothing for the people who say they believe in him. He lets those good people die at the hands of the people who chose to do evil. He lets them want for food and clothing. He could reach out his hand and save them, yet he does nothing.”
“He gives all people the freedom to choose. With that freedom come the consequences of their actions. Sometimes innocent people suffer because of the choices of others. One day, he’ll return Preterlandis to its unspoiled condition and those who serve him will live in peace and prosperity.”
Rengaliai shot her a probing glance then replied. “You don’t really believe that drivel? He’s deserted Preterlandis. He cares nothing for it. He’s left the people to fend for themselves. It’s for us, the ones with
power, to shape the destiny of Preterlandis now.”
“Even those with power are subject to the laws that have been set in place. We should be careful what we do with the gifts we’re given.”
“I find it hard to believe you’ve never wanted to do more with the power that you’ve been given, to help your people, to make Preterlandis a better place.”
“I have wanted to do more. I hope that in the future I’ll be able to make a difference.” Leilas wondered where this conversation was leading. It was the second time in less than two days that someone had posed this question to her. Was it so obvious to others that she chaffed against the restraints of the master crafters and the rules they imposed on those who were born with power? Or was there something more sinister in the question, something that she wasn’t seeing?
“You could save Preterlandis, if you chose to use the power that is within you, if you chose to defy the masters of light and their restrictions.”
“That way leads to destruction and chaos,” replied Leilas. “You of all people should know the consequences of defying the Creator and the laws. You, who were cast out of Jovan’s land and stripped of any honor he may have bestowed upon you.”
Rengailai’s eyes flashed red and he slammed his fist down on the table, knocking the wine glasses over with the force. “You know nothing about me. You would be wise not to listen to old wives’ tales. As you have said, I was and am free to choose my destiny and I have chosen.”
“You’ve chosen to follow the Dark Lord and to do his bidding. In doing so, you’ve become his slave.”
Rengailai’s hands were around her throat before she knew he’d moved. “Do not presume to know me or assume I’m not the willing servant of the Dark Lord.” His hands tightened around her throat. “I hold your life in my hands this very moment. You’re no match for my power. You’re supposed to be the best, great hope for Preterlandis, to set in motion some great destiny. Yet, this night, all that will end. If you don’t choose to join me, I’ll kill you.”
“I’ll never join you, Rengailai. I’ll never serve the Dark Lord.” Leilas choked out the words.
First Comes The One Who Wanders Page 14
