The chanting stopped and Martin’s voice became clear, as though he stood right next to her. “Whatever you’ve done to the Eye of Jupiter prevents me from commanding it directly.” He raised his arms and held his palms out toward the altar. “So I’ll just have to command you instead. You’re going to be my surrogate.”
There was a sudden pressure on the back of her skull. Her body tensed, grating her exposed skin against stone. The strange chanting resumed, but this time it was the background to a stream of short interconnected phrases, seemingly voiced by Martin. She pushed back with her mind, but met a brick wall for her efforts. The mental exertion reverberated through her head, forcing her to stop her advances.
Again, Martin’s voice came to her. “Save your strength, child. You don’t have the fortitude to take me on. I’ve been studying the dark arts for centuries. Besides, once the process is completed, you’ll be a goddess.”
“Never.” She pushed out into nothingness, wondering if her feeble effort even registered.
The darkening of her vision told her it hadn’t. She still had a sense of her physical body, but she now sat inside the Eye, Martin’s dark eyes watching from above. He drove his will through her like a spike into soft soil. She resisted, but found herself relaying his commands to the Eye.
“Imperio solum digamma.” Her words were strained, but the Eye still pulsed lightly. “Respondere!”
Sicut dicitur. Awaiting digamma.
Once the gateway opened, Martin pressed harder, reciting command after command in a litany. It was obvious he had once held dominion over the book. He knew its every nuance and all it was capable of.
Ana tensed as the words were forced from her lips, unleashing unfathomable founts of power. The ground shook as bright golden threads erupted from the center of the eye and snaked their way upward and through the ceiling. She was both inside the Eye and outside it at once. A cruel punishment indeed, she thought. For now she witnessed not only the unleashing, but also the surge of power as it responded. Brilliant light burst from the top of the Eye, through a shaft in the ceiling, and finally, disintegrating the rocky apex of the mighty pyramid of Khufu. She recognized where they were now. One of the seven places of power, a stone chamber some three-thousand feet below ground, hidden for thousands of years.
The book beneath the Eye trembled. The first seal broke. A peal of thunder boomed above the pyramid. A spider web of golden threads arched out across the land, diving below the surface and racing toward the core. Some of the threads rocketed back up from below the Earth and returned to the chamber, fanning out like spokes in a great wheel, until one by one each protector was pressed back into their sarcophagus, held in place by a pulsating beam of light. Ana jolted as the energy from the beam radiated from her chest and through her body. Still Martin’s litany continued.
The second seal broke. Oceans boiled as chains of massive volcanoes erupted and spewed their molten contents upward. The eye reflected the devastation as though pleading with her to stop. She was powerless.
The third, fourth and fifth seal opened in succession, and rained fire from the skies, sweeping across plains and mountains alike. Tears streamed from her face and she called out in agony, writhing against stone, unable to call back what had been unleashed. The collective anguish of a thousand souls assaulted every fiber of her being. And still Martin’s litany continued.
The sixth seal broke and brought a momentary stillness. Just a short reprieve before the ground lurched. The Earth fractured, opening up great chasms, pushing up mountains and reducing others to rubble. Whole cities sank into the ground within the span of her heartbeat. The sun was obscured and the moon became as blood, as though witness to the death and destruction at her feet. The golden threads seemed to be drawing energy from the core and pushing it back toward the protectors. Ana knew she was becoming stronger, even as the world weakened and was pushed to the brink. The light inside the chamber blinded her, forcing her to look back into the Eye.
The seventh seal slipped free. The Eye of Jupiter rose above the altar, and the great book flew open, its pages turning as if propelled by a mighty wind. The alien script written therein retraced word by word as Martin spoke, his voice like nails on stone. She recognized it now, the tongue of her forefathers, creators of worlds, gods and plunderers alike.
Ana wept.
The trembling ceased, the pressure fell, and the brilliant light subsided. She wiped the tears from her eyes and scanned the chamber. The only protector who still looked familiar was the child, and there was even something different about him. Verner and Flins had stepped out of their coffins and now flanked Martin. Martin. Was it truly the same man who was a withered shell only moments ago? Yes. The eyes were still dark and full of malice. But now they resided in the body of a god. His form looked as though the great master, Michelangelo himself, had chiseled it. His hair fell in great golden locks over his shoulders and his skin was taut and smooth. His smile, though brilliantly white, was laced with the same malevolence his eyes held.
This time he spoke aloud. “It worked, child. Now come take your rightful place as my Queen and we will remake this realm in our image.” Gone was the gravelly tone. His words carried the presence of youth.
“Your image sickens me. I’ll not stand by your side.”
Fire danced behind his eyes and she fell to her knees. He pushed his will back into her skull again. “Either stand as my Queen or kneel as my servant. The choice is yours and I care not which.”
Her physical being had indeed been strengthened by the process, but her will was still no match for Martin. He was a mountain of force and she was but a summer breeze.
Even a breeze can move mountains, Protector.
Had the book spoken to her?
Reach within.
Yes. It had spoken directly to her.
The answer is within.
Had Martin seen the smile forming? Had he seen the glimmer of jade from within the Eye still hovering above the book?
From behind her, Frederick screamed and launched himself over the altar. Martin’s grip on her mind lessened for just a second. A second was all she needed.
Surrogate
The Sea Dragon and her crew settled into a regular rhythm quite quickly after their harrowing escape from the Imperial army. Apparently Sheng-Li was accustomed to making hasty departures from port. Despite the disheveled appearance of the crew, they were exceptionally capable. They kept the sails full and the shoreline in sight. Wang Xu was reluctant to leave land completely behind until the book gave Xi Shi a better idea of their destination.
Their third day at sea was just dawning when she felt the book summoning her. Since they had been on the ship, she kept the book in its pouch on a small table next to her bed. Master Jing had told her that she would need to attune herself to the book in order to learn its secrets, but their training had been cut short and, as a result, she had never learned the process.
She brushed against Wang Xu as she made her way below deck.
He grabbed her arm. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes. I must take counsel with the book. It beckons me.”
Noticeable relief lightened his features. “Good. Maybe now it will tell us our destination so that we may put the Motherland behind us and steer away from the Emperor’s grasp.”
She only nodded in reply, and as soon as he released her arm, she turned and continued below deck. The truth of it was, she had no idea what the book would tell her, or if it would tell her anything at all. The longer she was in its presence, the more she believed that Master Jing’s plan and the book’s were not one in the same. Not that Master Jing had anything but the best interest of mankind at heart, just that the book was of a higher order, and as such, its motives were not always apparent to the likes of men. It certainly wasn’t anything she could convey to Wang Xu, just a feeling.
Light escaped from the leather pouch and spilled out into the hall when she opened the door. The book’s call was both urgent and
reassuring. To be in its presence made her feel whole. She wondered if it was the same for the others.
Protector, we must take counsel.
Xi Shi removed the book from the pouch, a tiny charge racing up her arm, warming the base of her neck. She set the ancient artifact in the center of the bed and assumed the lotus position in front of it. She stretched out her arms and placed her palms on the Eye of Jupiter. The sensation was immediate.
While her physical form sat perfectly still in front of the great book of power, her essence poured into the Eye as though she dove into a pool. When the sensation passed, she was still sitting cross-legged, only now she was atop a snowy hill surrounded by delicate trees flowering with pink blossoms. The air popped, rustling their branches. She was aware of a presence.
They are plum blossoms. They are most vibrant in the harshest winters. Like you, Protector, they persevere despite great adversity.
“It is the only path I know.” Xi Shi spoke aloud, though the presence took no physical form.
And you above all of the others have remained true to your calling. Great evil moves against us, even now.
“The Emperor? Can you see him?”
Not the Emperor. He has no knowledge of the power contained herein. I speak of the others.
“Others?”
Protectors.
“Protectors? I don’t understand. The other protectors are evil?”
Not all. Three. They seek to pervert the power within me to reshape this world and hold dominion over all of mankind.
“Can you not stop them?”
Not directly. Like you, they are attuned, and as such, I am beholden to their will. Only another protector may stand against them. You are the only of the seven to honor your bond.
“What of the others? You said only three seek your power.”
The others are afraid. The three have used dark magics against them. They will use such magics against you.
“I will not forsake you.”
A gentle breeze pushed the tree limbs, sending petals like butterflies through the air. Several of the pink flowers landed in her hair.
I know you will not forsake me, but I fear they are too strong for you.
“We can take you to a place of power. Master Jing told me you would be safe there until the time of the gathering.”
Jing is correct and a wise man indeed, but the Three have amassed a mighty force, and plan to intercept us.
“What would you have of me?”
A terrible sacrifice.
The wind picked up, grew colder. She knew what she had to do.
Without another word, Xi Shi was back in her physical body, sitting atop the bed. The Eye of Jupiter glowed faintly. She slipped the book back into the pouch, noticing the jade dagger, tucked the pouch underneath her robes, and then headed back up toward the deck.
***
The deck was a bustle of activity. Sheng-Li shouted orders and jumped in to help his men, putting his back into the work. Wang Xu stood at the bow, Kang at his side. The boy pointed out to sea. She rushed to meet them.
Before she reached them, she saw the objects of their attention. Ships. Like none she had ever seen. They were still too far away to make out much detail, but there were six of them, narrow with wide blood red sails. The deck shifted beneath her feet. Sheng-Li was steering the Sea Dragon farther out to sea.
“What is it?” She touched Wang Xu’s arm. He turned to her, concern etched in his features.
“Ships coming at us fast. I fear they are here for us, but their markings are not Imperial.”
Kang tugged at Wang Xu’s sleeve. “Do you suppose those are oars?”
“Possibly, but there are so many of them. Kang, go tell your master to steer hard out to open water and keep those sails full of wind.”
Kang started to go, but Xi Shi put a hand on his chest. “Wait.” She addressed them both. “We must turn back to shore and get the book off of the ship.”
Wang Xu shook his head. “That would mean death for the crew. They would never be able to get back out to sea and escape our new pursuers in time.”
“No. They will have to abandon ship and accompany you and the book to the place of power.”
“Me? What of you?”
“The book has shown me the only path. I will make a stand and hold them for as long as I am able.”
The look on Wang Xu’s face spoke of his disbelief. “How will you be able to stand against so many? There is surely an army aboard those vessels.”
“Do not fear for me. The book has enlightened me as to my true abilities and bestowed some of its strength upon me. This is the path I have chosen. The one for which I was destined. You and I will meet again one day.”
“I do not agree, but I do not pretend to understand the book and its ways.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Master Jing always told me to trust your judgement, even if it meant my death.”
“Thank you.” She caressed his cheek. “Perhaps in the next life there will be more time for us.”
He nodded and turned back to Kang. “Tell your master to turn back to the shore. Tell him the book must not fall into the hands of these men.”
“Wait.” Xi Shi put her hand back on Kang’s chest. “I need you to stay here with me. There is little time, and I must attune you to the book so that you may be my surrogate.”
Kang looked to Wang Xu. “What about him? Can he not carry the book?”
“No. She is right, Kang. I am a gatherer. I am bound to protect those who take on the burden of the book. Its power would corrupt my senses and distract me from my task.” He smiled at Xi Shi. “I’ll instruct the Captain.” He left them alone on the bow.
Kang’s brown eyes were filled with fear. She could see it as well as sense it. “Do not be afraid. I will show you the way. The book will guide you when I am gone.”
“I’m not strong enough. Surely one of the other men would be better suited to such a task.”
“No. There is no truer heart here than yours.” She took his hands in hers. “Please, Kang, you are the only one who can help me.”
He nodded. She smiled.
***
They sat cross-legged facing each other, the book between them. Xi Shi placed one hand on the Eye of Jupiter and held Kang’s in the other.
“Look into my eyes and do not be afraid. No matter what happens don’t let go of my hand.”
Kang nodded his understanding. The sounds of the ship cutting through the water faded into the background. They were heading back to shore. Wang Xu had obviously convinced Sheng-Li it was the only way.
The air around them grew still. She allowed some of the energy from the Eye to travel from her arm and into Kang. He pulled briefly against her but seemed to settle back down when he realized it was causing him no harm. If he had touched the Eye without Xi Shi as a conduit, it might have killed him.
“We must travel to the center of the Eye.” She squeezed his hand to reassure him.
She didn’t hear his response. The sensation of falling into the Eye had probably rendered him speechless.
This time they stood at the apex of a mountain that towered above the ground below. She heard Kang gasp. The sight was truly spectacular. From their vantage point, they could see distant lands and the gentle arc of the horizon. A point just before the land fell away glistened in the sun. It was obviously some sort of structure, but its origin was unclear. Xi Shi knew it to be a place of power.
Warmth traveled from the pit of her stomach, up through her body and down her arms. Kang watched with eyes wide. A golden light pooled in her cupped hands, and when she could contain it no longer, she kneeled and let the light spill from her hands. The light flowed as water over the edge of the mountain, first as a trickle, then a stream, and finally a mighty golden river carving out a path through the land below.
The light pushed forward, rushing toward its destination. When it reached the base of the strange structure, it enveloped it and shot upward like a golden rod piercing t
he sky. The river it had been was now a solid thread even in width, stretching from their feet.
“Do you understand what has been set before you.”
“A path?” Kang’s eyes spoke of uncertainty.
“Not a path, your path.”
“But how will I cover such a great distance?”
“The book will guide you.” She turned him to her and looked directly in his eyes. “It will not be easy, and perhaps your path will be cut short. That is not for me to know. The most important thing is that you put your feet on the path. The book will keep you moving forward.”
Sixth Seal Page 26
