by Ema Alves
- Magic is something difficult, everything must be pondered before one cast a spell – Elektra commented, noting that she had yet to master the knowledge on ethereal energies that move throughout the Universe. Magic.
- A simple thought is a spell. Such is the strength of our mind. That is why we inadvertently harm the other – Meridian remarked. – If magic was something easy to control and master, everything would be perfect, all the particles in the Universe would vibrate, everything would be feasible and nothing wrong could happen or be corrupted. But nothing is perfect, good and evil shall be present, male and female, hot and cold, the eternal opposites, which, plunged into an eternal struggle, keep everything created in balance. The odd thing is that this same balance gives birth to perfection, therefore evil has to exist, if it doesn’t, then one loses the notion of good, of right and wrong. Therefore, the cycle is vicious and perfection is always a matter of perspective.
As always, Elektra was marveled by her father’s teachings. Magic had always dazzled her. It carried a layer of doctrinal perfection that allowed the spirit’s development. It was a source of inner peace.
The night had turned into something beautiful. A gentle breeze cooled the temperate air inside the inn, which, warmed by the daytime sun, had accumulated the king star’s heart to keep it burning during the evening.
Sleep was unbearably tasty, the beds were soft and a restful night could be expected. They had to recharge their batteries after such a journey, so that they could proceed in a fresher condition.
*
The first sun rays quickly and quietly robbed the village from the shadow. The balance between light and darkness was about to be reached, the March equinox was approaching. Daytime would match nighttime and both their kingdoms would be on an even keel. The perpetual struggle between opposites that, when tied, fostered perfection. The balance still needed a couple days more, something positive for Elektra, after all, the night was still slightly longer than the day, which allowed her to rest a bit more before Meridian woke her. Although she felt more than ready to know new things and more freedom since she had left Heidegger, the day before had been strenuous and the longer she was in bed the better.
With the sun emerging in the horizon, Meridian had awakened. Hypnotized by the flowing sunlight, his body was now refreshed after a regenerative rest, which promptly forced him out of the bed. He got ready quickly and knocked on Elektra’s door immediately after, forcing her to stare into the daylight that entered her room and hurt her eyes, still used to sleep’s darkness. She crankily turned away, surrendering herself once more to the delightful sheets she had missed. Sleep, that tidbit of death, pointlessly tried to force its own ambition into the girl’s dog-tired body, but it was impossible to escape, she would have to stand up and face the new day.
*
Already fully aware, Elektra no longer recalled the coziness of the inn’s bed. It was daytime, she felt invigorated and now she wanted to know things, to live.
After a fortified breakfast, they were ready to leave. Samana and its inhabitants would remain behind. Many of them were already up to work the land, they depended on their crops to survive, and there were also those who seemed to be there on purpose to see the beautiful sorceress, like the young men who, yet again, were pushing each other to find the best spot draw the beautiful figure’s attention, in an attempt to show who was the stronger. Elektra found all of that ridiculously funny. They looked like troglodytes fighting for a receptive female. But Elektra felt good, more and more like a woman. Beautiful as an angel and sensual as a demon. The perfect balance between opposites.
For the first time, Samana’s inhabitants ceased to be afraid of the sorcerers who often spend the night there. They no longer waited for them to cross the visible boundaries of the village to finally sight with relief.
The sorceress had beauty and goodness envious of another, which was remarkable evident, something that touched the heart of the Samanes. From that day on, they began to welcome all wizards with respect and hospitality without the uncomfortable presence of fear. The transformation which had taken place in their hearts allowed them to live happier. Now more tolerant, they ascended and, in the eyes of God, a new step had been taken towards perfection.
7
The secret is discovered
Heidegger was now only an illusory dreamlike vision, dissolved by the continual and violent awakening of the eternal present. The past only managed to leave its imprints in the feeble conscious mind, like far-fetched and nostalgic memories.
They had been walking for several days. Elektra had left behind a trail of subtle, invisible, ethereal and yet palpable perfume to those touched by her essence. Her presence had been noted, loved and respected wherever she passed by. The most beautiful flower of the magical Sybil forest emanated a scent which, although not perceived by the most experienced olfaction, was identified by the heart and, as a balm, cleansed the reeking stench of fear.
Other villages, settlements and small towns had followed Samara and they felt the presence of Heidegger’s little sorceress.
Close to the border of the kingdom of Telema, of which Heidegger was part, was its metropolis. They would just have to cross it to enter the kingdom of Safed, where Danui-an was serving as the wizard advisor.
Soamandrakrisal was a massive city, encircled by granite walls. Only ten-meter high four wooden gates gave access to it. Each gate was accurately placed facing one of the cardinal points.
Meridian and Elektra were close to the Southern gate and, even though they were still a bit distant, the city’s splendor had already hit Elektra. They would enter through the South to cross the city, then they would walk through the North Gate to access the adjacent kingdom.
This was the place where Meridian feared for his daughter’s secret. The men were gentle, perfumed, were more educated than the rural people and even the rudest court knights displayed a sort of class that had to be admired.
Meridian stopped his horse’s progress. He put his hands on the saddle and, as if to rest a little, he looked at the immensity of that hub of debauchery. Brusquely exhaling some air, he feared what was coming.
The rhythm of the wizard’s heart was now throbbing as if about to explode. Yet again, the guilty presented itself as capable of massacring him. He blamed himself for having raised her without telling her how different she was, without letting her know the dangers engrained in such difference. The impact of those thoughts materialized externally in silence that could have aroused his daughter’s suspicion, but she was too busy staring at the imposing city which, still behind the white walls, exposed the lofty roofs that magnificently decorated the skies of its interior. She also noticed four large and finely built towers that stood out amid a torrent of tiles. She puckered her away and asked with curiosity:
- What are those towers, father?
- Hmmm??? - the father asked, stepping out of his alienated trance.
- That! - she said pointing to them - what towers are those that appear to be part of a huge temple?
Without needing to look at them, Meridian replied:
- Those are the towers of a cathedral. The terrestrial symbol of the kingdom of Heaven. The dwelling of the Christian God.
- So that’s our God’s house as well!! – the sorcerer cheerfully concluded. For her, God was the whole and the whole was the Universe. God could live under a simple stone, on top of it, inside and around it. It was the energy that enlivened all things created. The One who was worshiped by all, regardless of religion or the countless names and locations attributed to Him.
- Yes, that’s true - Meridian said, staring at her with his mouth open.
He was happy to know that she found everything sacred. Such a perception would be of utmost importance when she realized what makes her different. At that point, she would know that she was sacred soil as well, and would not allow herself to be carried away by unsolid ideas about being a demon’s offspring.
They had to be quick. Dusk was
coming, darkness would again impose its kingdom and the city’s gates would be closed until a new day was born. If they lingered there much longer, they would have to sleep on the outside, exposed to all sorts of dangers.
Meridian still thought about going around, circling the city walls to access the North, but the road was not viable and unfriendly. It was a region populated by different groups of bandits who plundered any imprudent traveler who risked passing through that region. It was preferable to enter the city, cross it, even if that meant to have her secret disclosed.
- Well... God shall know what is better!! - Meridian said to himself, continuing his walk towards the citadel.
They were just a few meters away from the interior. Hurrying the steeds, they passed beneath the elevated threshold that gave access to the citadel. Its bustling was evident. Tents assembled by tradesmen presented the most different products, sold at low prices. The turmoil was never-ending, with all sorts of noises; arrhythmic voices were entangled in shrikes and howling sounds of different animals that, trapped in makeshift cages, failed to distract themselves from the gloomy fate that awaited them. Tents of pseudo-mystics accumulated the last dimes of pocket change – what was left after all the buying – of people who could not resist the chance to know if they would experience a happy future down the road. But, on the other hand, if they actually felt happier to believe that a luminous destiny waited for them right around the next corner of time, perhaps they were not being robbed of money, after all, the hope and the jubilation now engraved in their minds already foreshadowed moments of true bliss. No one can do anything against the power of the mind!
Those were house-filled streets. The main lane ended in the city center, flowing into a large square where the cathedral stood.
Horses, carriages and people walked all over it, the lane was so wide that no one feared the possibility of being run over. The presence of those two travelers was watered down in the crowd. People, indifferent to the lives of others, tried to lead a more or less solitary existence, fed up with the constant human presence. In Elektra’s eyes, those people longed for some privacy. Deep down, they failed to realize how alone they were already and, if they ever needed help, no one would, for as they were profoundly embedded in so much indifference.
Meridian realized that Elektra’s presence would not be that much noticed, which was something positive, her secret could be kept. She would be just another traveler, a beautiful visitor fading under the day-to-day muddle, where people could not afford to waste time while looking at a simple girl.
Elektra had never seen anything like it. She had already visited many settlements, but none like that metropole.
They rode their horses for about an hour, heading towards the center. The cathedral seemed even bigger now, albeit still distant. Suddenly, Meridian jumped off his horse and said, turning to his daughter, who just kept looking at everything:
- This is it. This is where we will spend the night.
It was a wonderful place, quite different from the inns they had stayed in the previous nights. She was suspicious of the fact that this little palace served as a harbor for travelers. She quickly got off from her mount as well and, trying to contemplate the building as a whole, took a few steps back without noticing the permanent flux of people on the road.
Abruptly, vigorous animal shrieks forced her to quickly look left. The scene was frightening: black, throbbing and sweaty furs, flaccid and contracting muscles with an emaciated stone-like appearance, hardened hooves that reached the height of her head. A hellish vision made her fall back. The greenish eyes, taken by the painful sense of horror, exposed themselves as if looking for an escape impossible to conceive.
A simple gesture was her only defense, a reflex that would give a false sense of protection. The arm stood between her and whatever was about to hit her. Just one gesture, one purpose: survival. It was a way to stop looking death in the eyes. She felt smaller, she had fallen back and the floor touched her other hand.
The eternal momentary silence was torn apart by her name.
- Elektra!!!!! – Meridian yelled, seeing her daughter on the ground.
Two black horses which, at great cost, stopped their motion, led a finely ornamented chariot.
- Stupid creature! How dare you block the way of the count’s car? – the vehicle’s driver said brusquely, raising his eyebrows, as he tried to look over the horses at the figure he had almost run over.
The only reason that would make people stop and look at what was around them was an event. The unexpected. A different and macabre moment that could color they greyish lives. Something they could see, comment on the spot and later at home or at the tavern. The moments of others’ misfortune.
The crowd surrounded both the car and the young sorceress. Not with the intention of helping, but of seeing something exciting. Blood, sadness, horror, death. Something that did not impact them directly, but made them feel luckier than those affected. It was to feed their souls with a strong and spicy snack, very different from the persistent sour taste of ordinary life.
- What happened? – the bystanders asked in order not to lose a single detail of the story, which, of course, would make their own wine-centered evening much more perfect.
- Did someone got injured? – others asked, trying to show some compassion, waiting at the same time to see some blood, to satisfy their own appetite for misery.
- Oh, it’s nothing special after all! – others remarked, turning to the other side, enraged for having lost time without actually having their soul-corroding evilness fulfilled.
- Get out of the way, you ill-intentioned creature - a tenacious man yelled, wearing a seignorial mantle, pushing the thirsty people aside.
Kneeling right next to Meridian and Elektra, who, still attempting to get herself together after the accident, hid her face against her father’s chest, who caressed her, he said:
- Forgive the evil ways of my servant, who is more irrational than the beasts he tames!
The rude driver, used to dealing with the animals, disciplined his own temper at his master’s words.
- Did you manage to leave unscathed? – the count kept saying, trying to see Elektra’s face, which was concealed between her father’s chest.
- Yes - Elektra replied, staring at him.
The dazzling sight of a heavenly creature brutally struck the young master’ inevitable squeezed heart, his throat was stuck, and he was now being consumed by the anguish of not having words to utter before such immense beauty. He was standing next to an inhabitant of the forest, a sorceress. He had seen many, but none like her. His own kindness surpassed the fear of looking to a woman who dominated the occult forces. Possibly, she would have already cast a spell for the evil that he had unintentionally caused. From the moment he heard about these people when he was a child, the evil eye was seen as something disgraceful to anyone, it caused grief and death in a short space of time. But he did not fear the innocent kindness of that girl, who was now placidly breathing just a few inches away from him.
He helped her stand up. The people shuddered when they noticed the mantles worn by Meridian and the young Elektra. They all took a step back, consumed by a stormy chill, trying to evade the scene without causing any raucous. The man who led the animals was no less affected. These were witches and he almost killed one. He felt disturbed, he was a lost man, surely a spell had already been cast, and nothing could save himself. He humbly lowered his eyes and, coming down from the platform where he had total control of the horses, he knelt down in front of Elektra and apologized.
- There’s nothing to feel guilty about, I was the one who was distracted – she answered.
The sorceress’ sweet voice made him raise his head so that he could look at her, absolutely stunned. He had also been touched by the subtle nature of humbleness, which evaporated his fear of being the target of a spell.
The count smiled sarcastically, noticing the kindness of his footman. It was the first time he had ever see
n him afraid of anything since he lived with him.
Staring again at the beautiful girl’s eyes, he took off her hat and bowed down, introducing himself:
- I’m Count Drakur, a servant at your disposal, travelers from Heidegger.
- How does he know about us? - Elektra wondered in awe.
- I insist that you stay in my house until you are properly rested to pursue your journey - the young man added.
Meridian, albeit unwillingly, accepted the invitation, sensing that it was a good way to hide Elektra from the superstitious people.
