Lore of Sanctum Omnibus

by Elaina J Davidson

  DAWN LIGHT STREAKED THE SKY.

  Five men stood upon the edge of the cliff, gazing out to sea.

  Parting was upon them.

  Teroux made the first move. “Sorry, I’m going to sob any moment … the drink, you know?” He was utterly sober. “So, come here, man hugs and all.” He dragged Tianoman into an embrace, swift and hard, and then moved to Tristan to grip him in turn. “Love you both.”

  “Love you, cousin,” Tianoman said. “Don’t go drowning in that boat of yours.”

  “You sure about this, Teroux?” Tristan asked.

  A smile bloomed on the young Valla’s face. “Never been more sure about anything.”

  Tristan nodded. “At least one grandson will be here. That’s good.”

  “Fuck,” Teroux muttered. “Going to lose it any second. See you in an age or two, right?”

  Tristan winked. “Without a doubt. Love you, cuz.”

  Teroux nodded vigorously … and vanished.

  Tristan, expressionless, abruptly swung away to face the ocean. Tianoman stared at the vacated space, tears streaming. He was close to weeping, continuously swallowing.

  Elianas laid his hands on two wet cheeks. “Tianoman Valla, may every moment bring you joy. These tears? Allow them to gift you peace.”

  Tianoman crumpled against him. “I will miss you so much.”

  Elianas gently smoothed his hair. “And I will miss you.”

  He stepped away then, handing the weeping Vallorin into Torrullin’s arms.

  Tristan swung around. “Don’t say goodbye to me. I will not bear it.”

  The dark man gave a lop-sided smile. “Until we meet again?”

  “Yes, that I can handle,” Tristan responded.

  The two men embraced, and then Elianas strode away, heading indoors, gifting Torrullin these last minutes in private with his two beloved grandsons.

  Tianoman straightened, convulsively wiping at his face.

  Torrullin captured those roving hands into his. “I love you, Tian. You are a true-hearted man and I am proud of you.”

  “I love you,” Tianoman choked out.

  Tristan gripped his shoulders from behind. “Go home, cousin. Go to Lunik and see in him your future.”

  Nodding, weeping, Tianoman stared into Torrullin’s eyes, and then simply dematerialised.

  Torrullin swiped his hands through his hair, muttering under his breath. His eyes had silvered to their otherworldly sheen.

  Tristan watched him. “I cannot imagine a universe without you in it.”

  “Partly why I must go,” Torrullin sighed.

  “Yes, I understand that now. You have been a dominating figure in our lives always. Ever it felt as if we operated in your shadow.”

  “I meant no harm; forgive me.”

  Tristan smiled. “No need. We loved you for it. You were always there for us, protecting, guiding …”

  “Guiding? Really?” Torrullin snorted his disbelief.

  “I know you, remember? I am you. I accused you of idealism, but it was an accusation I levelled at myself because I too want the best for everyone, especially my family. Makes it rough sometimes. Torrullin, this is best for you, and that makes me happy.”

  Pinching his nose, Torrullin muttered, “You are the hardest to release, Tris. You get it, all of it. And day after day you will understand who I am, more and more …”

  “Stop. We will meet again.”

  Torrullin stared at him.

  “Am I right? Was Alusin right?”

  Inhaling and releasing, Torrullin nodded. “Yes.”

  “Does Elianas know?”

  “Not yet. He needs a period of utter isolation.”

  “Don’t lie to him, Torrullin.”

  “I omit at this stage,” Torrullin laughed. “He knows that about me.”

  Tristan laughed as well and then the two men naturally embraced, holding on for some time.

  “Until we meet?” Tristan offered as he stepped away.

  “Until we meet indeed,” Torrullin agreed.

  Touching his forehead, Tristan then left between one heartbeat and the next.

  Torrullin stumbled to the bench, and sat for hours.

  AT PRECISELY MIDDAY ominously roiling clouds covered Avaelyn’s skies, veiling a world from all sight.

  Standing beneath the Emerald Pyramid, a sacred site, Torrullin and Elianas offered up their home to the Song of the Spaces.

  No note was discordant.

  Chapter 76

  Now is the time

  ~ Glint of the Sagorin ~

  Akhavar

  IT WAS SOON KNOWN that Avaelyn had vanished.

  If ever the Valleur portrayed the image of grief, it was in the aftermath. Many huddled together to weep and some hunkered to discuss what the ramification were. What would now become of the Valleur?

  The Elder Emeren approached her Vallorin hours after the news became more than rumour, to reveal to him her conversation with Caballa before she died. Apparently Tarlinn had intimated it would not be forever, and that was why he suggested the need for Elders on Avaelyn. Someone needed to keep records for when the future of inclusion arrived.

  Tianoman, red-eyed, asked her to repeat what she told him to a gathering in the Throne-room.

  She did exactly that, an hour later. Grief remained, indeed, but it was somewhat mitigated by hope.

  Aislinn, after murmuring in her husband’s ear, stood at the edge of the ebony dais and surveyed the gathering. She understood the Valleur needed more than a thread of hope. They needed a cause for celebration.

  She gave it to them. “Your Vallorin and I are expecting. Soon Lunik will have a little sister!”

  It worked. Smiles exploded onto faces and cheering commenced soon after.

  “We need to celebrate!” Emeren declared.

  Indeed.

  And so they did.

  TWO DAYS LATER TIANOMAN found himself alone in the Throne-room. This was a rare occurrence. Glancing swiftly around to see no one other than his familiar guards, Tianoman stood before the Throne.

  “Tarlinn?”

  He said it softly and there was no reply. Raising his voice slightly, he called again. Still there was no reply. Almost he shouted, knowing his guards would not reveal his actions, and then reconsidered.

  Perhaps he needed to sit.

  Turning, he sat in the golden seat. Closing his eyes, he sent out a summons to Tarlinn.

  Still there was no reply.

  Suspicion grew in his mind then, but he gave it the benefit of doubt. Leaving the Throne, he went to supper with Aislinn and Lunik, to return in the dead of night.

  Again he sat. Again he called.

  Still there was no reply.

  Suspicion became certainty.

  Leaning forward, elbows on knees, he shook his head. Had he not always believed the damn sentient seat gave its truest loyalty to one person only? Tarlinn’s world centred around The Valla, first, last, always.

  Tarlinn went into the mists as well when Avaelyn did.

  Tianoman rose from the inanimate seat and made his way to the warm space beside his sleeping wife.

  The Throne was now again what it was originally intended to be in its creation. A symbol and no more. Tianoman smiled as he curled into Aislinn’s back. It was wonderful to know there would be no more surprises from that quarter.

  Tianoman Valla was now, in truth, Vallorin.

  The Path of Shades

  RIVALEN STRODE WITH INTENT along the winding path.

  He sought the hexagonal circles, those strange contradictions which enabled him to escape the Path before, to assume his destiny.

  This damn path seemed to wind into eternity, however. No matter where he turned. No matter how frequently he stepped off it, there it was. He suspected it was Torrullin’s doing, him being the master in the Path.

  An age later he finally surrendered to the inevitable.

  There was no escape.

  Rivalen came to a halt upon a rise. Well, then it w
as time to assume mastery in this place, was it not? Anyone who stumbled onto the Path of Shades in the future needed to understand who was lord of this realm. He smiled and the shadows moved across his white skin.

  Indeed.

  Be wary, future travellers.

  The Dome

  FEELING BEREFT OF PURPOSE, Tristan rummaged amongst the scrolls, hoping to find something interesting to read.

  The universe was so quiet at the moment, the inaction drove him bloody mad.

  “What are you looking for?” Alusin called out from the slab, still reading his infernal book.

  Tristan nearly stalked back to grab it and tear it to pieces. He did not bother replying. Pulling out scroll after scroll, only to slide them back, he muttered dire threats to anything he could think of. In the lower set of pigeon holes he encountered something other than paper. Kneeling, he slid scrolls out the way.

  A rectangular stone? Smirking at the object, he dragged it free and set it on the white floor.

  He noticed then the catch.

  His heart began to hammer.

  Lifting the vessel - for it was a vessel - he hoisted it up and saw there the words of a prophecy.

  In the fourteenth cycle a golden coin comes. Here is its sanctum. It has greater value than time itself for it is created of sacred space. The internal marriage is the external wedding march.

  All gods.

  Tristan’s breathing shallowed. “Alusin,” he whispered.

  Despite his summons being virtually inaudible, the white-haired man joined him immediately.

  He kneeled beside Tristan. “What is it?”

  “This,” Tristan said, “I suspect is the receptacle for the master mechanism.”

  The man hissed a breath. “That is the keepsake of a Timekeeper.”

  Tristan showed him the words. “Timekeepers, Alusin. Always there are two.” He stared at the man beside him.

  The man’s face wiped clear of expression. “I thought the master mechanism was far larger.”

  Tristan looked away. “I did as well. A vessel this size cannot contain much, can it?” His head jerked up. “Oh.”

  Alusin released an explosive breath. “Unless it is the size of a coin.”

  Roughly releasing the box to the floor, Tristan flipped the lid.

  And there it was.

  The Maghdim Medaillon.

  Both man stared at it, fascinated.

  A small rolled up note was tucked into the lid. With shaking fingers, Tristan retrieved it to swiftly unfurl.

  Dear Tristan

  The Maghdim Medaillon now belongs to you.

  I freely gift it and thus know it will not burn you. It will not harm your Eternal Companion either. Ask him to touch it and then you will know he is beside you already if he remains unmarked.

  Your true future begins now, grandson. I wish for you peace, but I am afraid it may be a doddery old man’s wish, for much lies ahead for you and for him, the one who will be at your side. The road will not always be easy. It will be interesting!

  Live, Tristan. Grab your future with all the courage I know you possess. And love with all your heart.

  I love you.

  Torrullin

  Gasping in breath, Tristan passed the note to Alusin, who read it swiftly and then again slowly, word for word. In the aftermath, they stared at each other.

  “It is the strangest thing,” Tristan whispered. “Now I feel able to begin my healing.”

  Alusin smiled. “He knew that. Torrullin is a wise man.”

  A tear tracked over Tristan’s scarred cheek. “He would deny wisdom.”

  “Yet he has it.”

  “Indeed,” Tristan smiled. Carefully then, he lifted the Medaillon from its ancient receptacle. The chain he had so often seen around Torrullin’s neck spooled through his fingers.

  The device did not burn him.

  “All gods, this is the Maghdim,” he whispered.

  “I would like to touch it,” Alusin said.

  Tristan looked at him. “I have no need to test you.”

  “Tristan, I need you to test me. Now, here at the beginning of all things.”

  Inclining his head, Tristan held the coin out, allowing it to fall to the end on the chain. It swayed slightly.

  Alusin clasped it without hesitation. When he displayed his hand, his palm and fingers were unmarked.

  They smiled at each other.

  Tristan passed the chain over his head and allowed the Medaillon to rest against his chest.

  “Timekeepers, hmm?” Alusin teased.

  Tristan laughed. “Now it gets interesting!”

  Avaelyn

  RIDING LIKE THE WIND, they raced together across the green expanse. Teighlar had chosen their horseflesh well. These noble creatures were bred to run. Laughing, with hair flowing out behind then, Torrullin and Elianas galloped with the speed spirits in the ether all around them. The horses felt it, too, for they gave all and loved it.

  In the distance a man walked alone.

  As they closed in, he turned and waved. It drew their attention and gradually they slowed their mounts to a slow trot. All four, men and beasts, were heaving from the exhilaration of the race.

  The man waited for them, clothed in Valleur leathers.

  Reigning in before him, they stared down.

  “Hello to you. This is a glorious world, my friends,” the man said, squinting up.

  A generic man.

  “You have managed to utterly astonish,” Torrullin laughed.

  “Excellent. I do enjoy being a surprise.”

  Elianas shook his head in amazement. “I suspect we will never be bored if you are staying. Are you?”

  The man bowed over his hands. “I too made my choices. The Throne is now autonomous. I hope I am welcome?”

  “Very,” Torrullin grinned.

  Elianas slid from his mount to step into a ritual clasp with the man. “Welcome to Avaelyn, Tarlinn.”

  EPILOGUE

  THE SENTINEL CHAMBER glowed in rosy and cerulean glows. Stalactites sparked emerald and stalagmites glittered saffron. It was akin to entering another realm, one of swirling colours, one of silence, other than the distant drip of water.

  Fourteen massive trunks wandered ponderously to a semi-circle of perches, twig hands moving in their manner of speech. Slits serving as eyes opened and closed as they studied their surroundings.

  It was the same and yet it was different.

  As one they sat, facing the pedestal Torrullin and Elianas raised there. Its presence was an addition to tradition. It also meant the two men had prepared for this eventuality of return. In doing so, they altered the flows. What was, was no more. This was their new home.

  Here the Sentinels of Reaume would wait while a portal world swerved through Ariann.

  “Clever,” murmured the central trunk. “They have speeded our renewal and growth in preparing this grotto in this place.”

  “Here the internal marriage is the external wedding march,” a Sentinel at the very end murmured.

  “One wonders if Elixir and Alhazen understand they have created eternity. All realms will now expand without boundaries in time,” another said, wheezing a laugh.

  The central trunk nodded. “One wonders, yes.”

  At the other end a trunk twitched a limb into place. “They are the true Timekeepers, after all. Have ever been and will ever be.”

  Silence descended then, and the multi-hued light in the grotto darkened into night.

  It was time to sleep until they were again needed.

  ~ The End ~

  Appendices

  This is the full Appendix to encompass Lore of Arcana, Lore of Reaume and Lore of Sanctum

  The Fourteen Steps of the Game

  These fourteen steps relate to the Steps of Enlightenment, which in turn relate directly to the fourteen sites sacred to the Valleur.

  Sacred Rhythm of Pyllanthos - Valleur Throne

  Square Pyramid – On Tor Island, Valaris, containing wit
hin the Retrogressive Spheres

  Obelisk – On Tor Island, Valaris, the audio for the Spheres in the Pyramid

  Queen’s Chessboard – Queen Mantra’s chessboard courtyard in the White Palace

  The Three Gates – The three arches of Dreams, islands off the west coast of Valaris

  The Round Temple of Rees – The Round Temple of Truth

  Seven-sided Fountain – Magical Rainbow site, build by Vannis in homage to his father

  The Maze – A place of challenge on the Vall Peninsula

  Lifesource – The Magical Temple situated where life-giving waters spew from the mountains

  Tunnels of Two Town – Containing within the Scared Pool where the Sentience of Valaris may be communicated with

  Graveyard of the Ancients – The Valleur graveyard

  Circular Mystic Island – Rock of the Ancients, built with bedrock from Nemisin’s world

  Rose Garden of Moshesh – A glorious rose garden on the Nor Peninsula

  Tower of Stairs – A might spike in an arena in the Stairs Mountains

  The Steps of the Magical Condition is a manual used by sorcerers and wizards to train apprentices and inform laymen of the basic of sorcery. Below is an excerpt that lists the fourteen main talents.

  Manifold are the talents of the sorcerer. We tend to list the majors, 1 to 14, in a dictionary of terms such as this, because the authors attempt to instil the principle of the ruling number. But, reader, manifold are the talents of a sorcerer.

  The Sight – seeing over distance

  The Sight – employing visions

  Mind Reading and Speaking

  Retrieval of objects from afar, both from the physical plane and the ether

  Transport of Mind and Body across Space (foundation)

  Transport of Mind and Body across Time (mastery)