“So much that did,” said Jeom, kneeling next to the bones of a child.
Lessa frowned. “They seem to change the deeper we get, so who knows if we could make it back out again. Mundar’s map doesn’t track this far in.”
Everyone turned to Arianna who paid them no attention as she studied the scroll for the hundredth time.
“I don’t understand…” Jeom focused back on the massacre around them. “How didn’t we see this before?”
“Because, Jeom,” said Lessa, hugging him around the waist as he trembled. “We hadn’t really entered yet. Magic obscured our vision.”
“How so?” he said.
She gave him a soft smile. “You really aren’t very good at remembering what you read, are you? The podium in the stone room said that all would remain blind unless bidden into the city. That door…” She pointed to where they just left, “is the entrance and exit to Undor, and, if we take it again, we’ll just end up right back where we were… lost as ever.” She let go of Jeom and pulled Sano close to her chest as he vied for attention.
Everyone started fidgeting, more than ready to get out of there. The gloom surrounding them put them on edge.
“We need to go. There’s nothing for us here,” said Arianna with a ferocity in her eyes as she unsheathed her dagger, still clenching to the scroll.
She began to lead the group around the exquisite city, looking for another way out. They passed several tunnels as they followed the wall and saw lavished homes built into each one. They carved right into the stone walls of the passages like hundreds of tiny hollows fit for hundreds of tiny families.
Stacked on top of each other, ladders reached to the ones on higher levels. The four stole a glance inside one of the hollows and found small furnishings, beds, and fire pits, each with their own quirky styles.
“Dwarves were quite the artisans,” said Jeom. “I’ve never seen nor crafted any architecture such as this. It’s incredible… I’m sure not even my trainers have this kind of ability.” His fingers twitched around the axe, and he longed to know their secrets.
“Look, Jeom! It’s the axe,” said Demetrius, pulling his brother away from the path of the wall and into the center of the city.
As they headed towards the core, they came upon a statue plated in gold. It stood ten feet tall, fenced in by a grand fountain. As soon as they reached the border, water shot up in dancing strings all around the sculpture. For a moment, the devastation around them erased in light of the spectacular water show. “It seems this city’s magic lives on,” said Arianna, her eyes glued to the enchanted demonstration.
As the water settled, Jeom gawked at the detail of his axe carved to perfection. Even more so, a very regal looking dwarf with a serious look on his face was attached to the weapon. His hair fell around his shoulders and his beard touched his chest. Armor covered every inch of his body, and he even wore a helm embroidered in the same motif as the axe. Seated upon an ornate, white throne, without a doubt, this dwarf had been a royal of Undor.
“Here’s a plaque,” said Lessa, circling the fountain. “I think it’s some sort of tribute.” She looked up at Jeom, grinning. “Have at it,” she said, stepping aside.
Jeom scoffed and cleared his throat as he bent over to read the inscription:
King Undoriamus—founder of the great City of Undor. The great king slayed the three-headed dragon of Crissy who once dwelled in the tunnels of Blancoren. He crafted the golden axe from the bowels of the Vanishing Tunnels, the first of its kind. The Axe of Crissy, fused with the teeth of the slain dragon, is said to possess peculiar powers as the essence of the creature flows within the weapon. The beholder must have unbendable loyalty and strength in order to retain true control over the axe for our king was a believer in both.
Everyone looked at the axe in Jeom’s hand. “What happens if you can’t… control it?” said Arianna.
Jeom rubbed at his neck. “It doesn’t say,” he said. “It just goes on to tell of how the king died in a later battle, protecting the city. You were right, Lessa. That’s how it came to be called Undor. He left the Axe of Crissy in the protection of his people, and it has been passed down for centuries to his descendants.” He gulped, surveying the giant statue as he finished summing up the plaque.
“Does it say what kind of power it possesses?” asked Demetrius.
Jeom only shook his head. His eyes locked on the great dwarf king, and he almost felt the need to drop to one knee.
“That’s a very special weapon you have. Care for it, but I really think we ought to get going now,” said Arianna, breaking his reverie as a chill ran over her body. Her head snapped up, expecting to encounter another ghost, but, to her relief, she saw nothing lurking nearby.
“Yes,” he said. “Lead the way.”
“Okay.” Arianna turned in circles and then threw her hands in the air. “I have no clue where to go!” Her shoulders slumped.
“I think we should follow the birds,” said Demetrius as he started walking away.
Everyone followed behind him, muttering at his vague logic.
“What are you talking about? What birds?” asked Lessa, raising an eyebrow as she pulled at his robes.
“We’re in an underground fortress. Birds might be a bit hard to come by at the moment,” said Arianna. Sarcasm dripped from her tongue, but she didn’t feel like guessing at his rationality. Her patience grew thin, and they all needed a break from the doom and gloom underneath Blancoren.
“Those look like birds to me,” he said, nodding his head to the ceiling. He continued along his path, feeling sure with every step, as the others stayed close behind.
Everyone raised their heads to the ceiling, and, sure enough, saw hundreds of birds. Not real by any means, but painted in iridescent colors, creating the facade of a peaceful outside world on the face of the architecture. The images dazzled Arianna’s mind as she recalled the painting turned dream from her night in Solomon’s home. She pinched herself just to be sure she hadn’t fallen back into her dreams.
As her eyes adjusted in the dim light, she saw the images glowed in the dark. Clad with portrayals of forests, rivers, and an open sky, the high walls mimicked the best of nature. Craning her neck, she found it impossible to even see where it stopped as the dome narrowed inwards with the mountains.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Lessa, her voice lost with the wind painted in wisps above her head. “How… Why?”
Arianna closed her eyes, savoring her imagination. She knew why. “So they could have some fresh air down here in the dungeons of the mountains. Just like your paintings… a break from reality,” she said.
The birds flocked around the city over wispy, white clouds and through green, swaying trees. Bizarre orange, pink, and lilac flora sprouted from the bottom of the walls, and wild creatures lurked through the tall grasses. Even a sun with swirling, golden rays melted into a vermillion sky—the most beautiful depiction of any alfresco they’d ever laid eyes upon.
So beautiful. Too beautiful. Arianna doubted it came to life by brush. This art seemed touched by magic, the colors almost standing free from the walls. She knew magic could be overlooked by those who had no will to see. General Ivo had proved that to her. Still, it was a wonder they didn’t notice it before. Then again, the devastation around the city was just as mind-blowing, and she understood how that could steal their attention.
Arianna narrowed her gaze at Demetrius. “But what do you mean follow the birds?”
He gave a low chuckle and explained his theory. “Look,” he said. “I spent all my life learning about nature and how things work. See how the birds are all flocking in one direction?” He pointed up ahead. “Even the trees and the grass are swaying in the same breeze because that’s the way it works.” Everyone gazed around as understanding replaced their confused expressions. “If we follow the nature, maybe it’ll lead us to the real thing. We can only hope, but that’s my guess.” He shrugged his shoulders as he sauntered away, guided by the bir
ds.
“It’s not like we have anything to lose by trying out his theory,” said Arianna, running after him.
Jeom and Lessa agreed, following Demetrius’ lead.
Guided by the paintings, they saw shining tigers watering by a lake and antelope galloping through the pastures. Even a myriad of butterflies suckled at the painted flowers on the ground. The lustrous images seemed so life-like that they felt as if they walked free of the mountains.
With all eyes glued to the walls, no one was watching their step until they stumbled over each other when the images subsided. Everyone let their eyes wander back to the front, and Arianna staggered as she looked upon her nightmare.
She stepped forward, drawn to her reflection in a mirror. This is not me. Her reflection donned the crimson robes of her district, her presence just as alluring as that of a ghost’s. Arianna’s hand flew to her face as the reflection smiled, a flash of blue-silver flickering across her eyes. I am not her. The reflection reached out her hand, and Arianna took another step forward.
“It’s a door!” said Lessa, pushing past her.
Snapping out of the daze, the girl of her nightmares vanished. Arianna faced the mirror with Lessa by her side, only now she saw her true self. White robes covered her skin, tangled curls fell around her face, her cheeks covered with dirt, and brown eyes stared back. She shook her head as the nightmarish image faded, turning her mind to the present.
“You’re right,” said Arianna. She titled her head up and saw high double-doors reaching the ceiling of the first floor. The doors were crafted of dusty mirrors, laden with curly gold handles, and piles of dwarves had died very close by. Stepping around the bodies, the four placed themselves in front of the mirrored gateway. Their faces looked tired and long from the trying journey, and their eyes burned with a lust for fresh air.
“This has to be it,” said Demetrius.
Arianna tucked away her dagger and grabbed the handles with both hands, pushing inwards. She still held the parchment, so it crinkled under the contact. As the doors slid open, a cool breeze splashed her face. A long, twisting hallway stretched out before them as they stepped inside. Every inch clad in mirror, and a soft light trickled from up ahead. The mirrors mimicked the City of Undor as another fresco decorated the walls, floors, and ceilings. The sight was breath-taking, maybe even more so than the city itself.
Soft strokes of gold created a sunny meadow filled with wild flowers and humming birds. Violet-leafed trees with swaying limbs sprouted up the walls, and gilded clouds floated across the ceiling with cerulean dragons peeking out with sleepy eyes. The more Arianna looked, the more she felt certain the pictures moved, and her heart smiled in the presence of another spectacular magic trick.
They tested the durability of the floor, but it didn’t crack, so they moved onward through the golden-glass portal. Glancing back for one last look at the city, Arianna swore she saw several sets of eyes watching as they went. Then, the doors swung shut behind them, sealing off the city tomb and replacing their immediate thoughts with visions of hope.
The hallway cleared of any indication of death or despair, only images of an ideal, golden world filled their heads as they walked along in silence.
Moving further down the corridor, the light grew brighter, and the space grew colder. Lessa bundled Sano into her robes, and everyone began to tighten their cloaks and pull up their hoods. Even their breath became visible in the chilly air.
Soon, they stood at the end of the glass tunnel, realizing the source of the light.
“We made it,” said Arianna as tears sparkled in her eyes.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
STOLEN FREEDOM
The four gathered at the end of the tunnel, sucking at the fresh air. Mirrors of gold no longer stole their vision, and the dark engulfed them once more. They stood on a rocky platform covered in a light frost, and when Arianna turned around to have one last look at the gilt tunnel, she saw nothing but a stone wall. Her eyes traveled up the cliff, and her heart skipped a beat as she gazed upon the other side of the Blancoren Mountains.
The mountains rose tall above their heads in dark gray slants, beautiful she had to admit. Soft white peaks curved inwards away from them, and flimsy trees trickled up the sides. Shelves of rock covered in thick bushes with cherry-colored leaves, and enormous boulders surrounded them from every angle.
Arianna tilted her head towards the midnight sky, and the moon smiled down at her, accompanied by a billion twinkling stars. She couldn’t help but smile back as she grabbed for Lessa’s hand. Nobody could move nor speak. Never before had they seen such a clear night sky.
As they all reveled in the spectacular view, a light wind swirled the fallen leaves and caressed their faces in welcome. From the wide platform on which they stood, they saw everything. They could see the boundless landscape and a tiny town. Lanterns lined a single street, and lights flickered in windows.
At the foot of the mountain, feathery flowers spread out in a massive, silvery sea towards the edge of the town. Arianna had never seen any plant like this before, and her eyes gleamed as her mind tried to memorize every detail of the scenery. A winding stream created a barrier between the town and the field, and she could just make out a wooden bridge connecting the two. She could hear the stampede of horses as she watched a herd of black stallions led by a stunning white steed gallop across the field, and she even saw a frost-covered trail which led all the way to the edge of the mountain. Apart from the meadow and the city, nothing else could be seen for miles.
Arianna let her gaze drop, and she noticed a trail of stone steps. From what she could tell they led right down through the mountainside from where they stood and coiled all the way to the bottom. She took a step forward, anxious to get on with her life.
“When we reach the ground, consider your freedom earned,” she said.
“Stolen is more like it,” said Lessa, closing her eyes and savoring the moment.
Demetrius roared in infectious cheering, and everyone struggled to contain their happiness in the overwhelming bliss. Even Sano brightened as he popped his tiny head out of Lessa’s robes to breathe in the fresh air.
“Stolen freedom,” said Arianna, tasting the words. She nodded. “That sounds infinitely better.”
“We’ve got the world at our fingertips now,” said Jeom. “So, where to next?” He twisted his sparkling axe between his fingers as a Solomon-like grin grew on his face.
“Why don’t we start with getting away from this forsaken heap of rock?” Lessa began to move down the steps.
“Wait!” said Arianna, tugging at her robes. Lessa gave her a perplexed look. “You forgot something…”
Just as Lessa opened her mouth to protest, Arianna threw her arms out and her head back. “I’m free!” The feeling of ecstasy washed all around her, and her voice bounced around the walls of Blancoren, echoing with a boundless range into the open skyline. The group cheered, not hesitating in the slightest to join in on the fun.
One by one, with Arianna in the lead, they climbed down the steps. The further they went, the denser the undergrowth became. In the shade of the giant trees, the path grew very dark, and everyone kept their eyes on the ground, careful not to lose their footing on the steep trail.
“Ara…” said Lessa a while later. “What’s that in your hand?”
“Oh, I didn’t realize I was still holding the scroll. Here, maybe you should put it back in your bag so it doesn’t get ruined.” She handed the crumpled parchment back to Lessa as she continued forward.
“Hey, what’s the hold up?” called Jeom, bringing up the rear of the group.
Arianna turned to see Lessa had stalled on the path, her eyes now pinned to the parchment in hand. With the stairs being so narrow, the boys had to stop behind her as well.
“What are you doing? Let’s go,” said Arianna.
Lessa said nothing, never stealing her eyes from the scroll.
“How can you even read right now?” said Arianna,
stomping back up the steps. “It’s too dark, and I’m sure you know that scroll like the back of your hand by now. Is this really the time?” She rested her hands on her hips while she waited for some response.
Jeom and Demetrius peered over Lessa’s shoulder, reading the parchment as well, seeming to be just as captivated by the story.
“You must come see this,” said Lessa. Her voice quivered as she ran her fingers through her hair.
When Arianna reached the step Lessa stood on, she saw her reasoning. She didn’t have to squint to read the glowing words, and she was awed at what she saw. At the bottom of the parchment, red lettering blazed in-between the lines of the calligraphy which detailed the downfall of the Olleb. It looked as if the dark had triggered some reaction from the ink and what stayed invisible by day burned a glowing red by night.
Arianna began to read out loud as her eyes scanned the words at Lessa’s shaking fingertips.
Light is light and dark is dark, but never shall they live apart. One shall seek what the other denies, and, if it is found, thus follows the demise. When one eclipses over the other, life shall end for he and his brother.
For a moment they all stood in silence, soaking it in until Demetrius broke the thick quiet. “It’s the Golden Rule?” he said in a hushed voice. The lettering of the paper still shined bright as he reread it again.
“It’s a prophecy,” said Lessa. Her mouth hung open on the last word as her master’s parting words flitted through her mind.
You will always find the answers if you only remember to have faith during the darkest of hours.
“It must be!” said Arianna. “But how is it suddenly written here? Why didn’t we see it before?” She shook her head of the bafflement. “And how… I mean, it’s got the same wording as the note from General Indra.” Looking to Lessa for the answers, she hoped she had another theory waiting.
Belvedor and the Four Corners (Belvedor Saga Book 1) Page 35
