“I felt like stretching my legs. And I’m glad I did by the look on your face,” he said. Solon was caught in his thoughts thinking about his next move.
“Well?”
“The Prophet wants me to open the seven prisons,” he said. The Alchemists gasped, as did Cornelius who had the look of a miscreant, waiting to start trouble.
Solon, who was fresh out of ideas, turned to his smarter, more cunning husband. “Cornelius, you once said to me that your love for me had no bounds,” he began.
“And I stand by that statement,” he said grabbing Solon's arm.
“Then your counsel in this matter would be true and sincere. And I know, there is something foul and devious stirring in that brain of yours,” Solon said to Cornelius at a whisper.
Now is my chance to prove my love once and for all, he thought to himself as he quickly came up with a plan.
“If we, let’s say, accidentally make a tear; one just large enough for the Knights to notice, we could trick them into descending to the Oubliette and trap them,” he said snickering. Solon smiled at him, remembering the Baron's command to release Kriminel. He pondered on how he could get away with it under Rufus's nose, now he had his resolution.
“But how can we sneak in? The only way into the seven prisons is by passing through Joachim and Boaz, which stand smack in the middle of Temple Salamanca,” Solon said, thinking of a back way in. Cornelius smiled.
“Was it not the Gentlemen of the Haze that found the seven prisons to begin with? Let’s convince Nicky to help us. The Gentlemen are still pissed at the Council the sanctions placed against them and their magic, so he has nothing to lose. That way, we can bypass the Magia and trap them once and for all,” Cornelius said.
“And how will we lure them?”
“We can tell them that a rift has been made. Blame the Prophet since he’s on everyone’s shit list. Think of it love, without Rufus Sosius and the Magia, you will be the most powerful magician in the world,” he said, attempting to solidify his fealty in Solon’s mind.
Solon loved the sound of dominance; something he sought for a long time.
“Since you have business in Smyrna, let’s just trap them there,” Cornelius added.
“No. Not Smyrna.”
Cornelius titled his head back, raising a brow. “Why not Smyrna? Is there something there that frightens you?” he asked.
Solon stared at him with the eyes of a mad dog. He pulled him to the side.
“I know what you’re trying to do. Perhaps, it is me you wish to have trapped in Smyrna. You want to take my place. I know this now. But if you don’t wish to meet a premature end to your measly life, do not ever seek to make me weak before the brotherhood, lest you find yourself in Smyrna beside him,” Solon said walking off.
“I love you Solon, why can’t you understand that?” Cornelius said, under his breath.
Although Solon held the title of Grand Alchemist, it was Cornelius whom the Order believed deserved the title. He garnered the respect from the Order, more so than Solon, because he spent more time with his fellow Alchemists. The Rubedos watched Solon walk away with a look of disdain on each of their faces, disliking the disrespect displayed towards Cornelius. Johnny Dee looked at Cornelius who’s face reflected one of a broken heart and wanted to console him.
“You deserve better than that. I don’t understand why…”
“I have to return to Castle Panchrest,” Cornelius said, stopping Johnny from finishing his sentence.
“I’ll go with him,” he said, patting Cornelius on the shoulder. Solon pondered on his scheme as he returned to Temple Eliyon while The Prophet prepared himself to host the grand feast which could be smelled down the long, towering halls.
His wife, Mother Recia, helped dress him in silence as she knew his mind was off in another place. She smiled at him with her round face and took his hand; silently reinforcing her support of his vision.
“The Orders have begun to gather outside,” she said, as she placed a jeweled hat bearing the crescent and star upon his head. “Open our doors,” he said calmly, smiling back.
13
Dante Ascends
Dante the Seer descended from the Promethean Mount to meet the Black Knights at Temple Salamanca. The daily songs of the Dactyl choir brought joy to his heart as he walked through the pixie fields where large, purple flowers bloomed.
While it had been several hundred years since Dante ascended to the Upper Earth, he would not do so this day without the escort of the Black Knights. He gripped his wooden cross and placed a palm sized Bible in his inner coat as he tied the flaps of his hat around his face tightly.
He knocked three times on the temple door, granting him entry. He inhaled the strong, pine like scent filling the air in the main cella as Rufus and Cesare waited for him near the Pillars Joachim and Boaz which stood as tall as the temple; standing alongside the Tree of Knowledge.
Dante bowed to the colossal statue of the order's founder Achilles, whose ashes were buried at the base of the Tree of Knowledge. The red robes of the master seer swished across the marble checkerboard floor as he approached the humming tree which glowed a deep crimson.
“What a marvel she is, standing at 300 cubits. There is truly nothing in this world that compares,” Dante said, as his voice seemed to echo upwards.
The tree was surrounded by twelve cherub guardians which stood as still as stone. The deep hum which came from within the tree could send even the most powerful of magicians into a trance; the branches swayed back and forth as though a soft breeze were passing through.
“Indeed. The master masons built the temple around the tree for her protection. It is truly an honor to be her keeper,” Rufus said.
“It seems that she dances with the spirit of Mars. Perhaps war is inevitable,” Dante said, sounding somewhat hopeless.
Jin-Lu and Caden came down the long spiral staircase descending from the Grand Rotunda; which sat above and behind the Tree of Knowledge. Jin-Lu wore a long, loose silk robes as black as the hair still tied in a man bun on top of his head.
Caden's black tank exposed the many Celtic knots tattooed along his arms which Dante poked at; finding them fascinating.
“And you are the young Knight which wields Excalibur yes? The noble house of St. Claire is proud yet again,” Dante said to Caden.
“Yes sir. It’s nice to finally meet you,” Caden said as Dante took his hand. Dante's eyes began to roll as Caden's touch sent him into vision. Rufus watched, but it happened so quickly that Caden paid it no mind. Cesare also took notice, but didn’t care. He just wanted the day to be over with.
“Alright Knights. While Borgia and I go break bread with the Prophet, keep your eyes out for anything strange. I'll have Lance, Adonis and Quintus topside for back up if some shit pops off. Hammer and Colt are manning the Ludus. I don’t want any Red, Blues or Whites near the Obelisk as this goes down,” Rufus ordered.
Rufus and Cesare headed for the sigil portal but Dante cleared his throat causing both of them to turn.
“I truly hope this isn’t a bother but, I was hoping you would take the horses today,” Dante said smiling.
Cesare thought it was hilarious and happily complied. The three men got in one of the order's Challengers and Dante sat in the front pressing buttons. Cesare watched Dante indulge his curiosity by turning the mirror light on and off.
“This cart is splendid,” Dante said smiling.
“It’s a car sir, not cart,” Cesare corrected.
Dante didn’t care, he was in awe.
“Seat belt,” Cesare said pulling the strap around Dante's chest. The sound of the engine starting made Dante shriek.
“My, the horses are angry! But I've never understood this magic. How do you get eight horses in such a small compartment,” Dante asked the laughing Knights.
“What type of music do you like?” Cesare asked him.
“Music? My dear boy I have not heard music other than the sounds of my order in ages,” Da
nte replied.
Cesare bluetoothed his phone to the car and began playing Amor Sin Barreras. Dante sank into the seat of the car as Andrea Bocelli's tenor brought a soothing touch to his spirit. Dante untied his hat and pulled it off to hear. Bliss, was the only word to describe this moment and the Knights let him have it. Suddenly Dante's ears began to bleed as the deafening screeches of angels clawed at him.
He quickly placed the hat over his head and cupped his face as tears began to fall down his face.
“Too long have I lived in fear dear Knights. I have missed so much of the beauty of the world, for all I see is darkness. It is my own inferno that I cannot navigate myself out of,” Dante cried.
“Don’t worry old friend. Your life is your own. It is time you start enjoying it. If I could take your burden I would,” Rufus said.
Cesare was angered as he saw firsthand why the High Dactyl was afraid to ascend to the upper Earth. As the car began to move, Dante stopped weeping and held on to the side of the door. He quickly forgot what just took place and suddenly became excited.
Cesare drove down the tunnel as fast as he could, giving Dante the thrill of his life. Dante laughed uncontrollably as his heart raced from excitement.
The excitement did not end for him once they reached the Upper World. Dante pressed his face against the glass as he looked upon a changed world. Cesare could feel the shift in Dante's emotions as he gripped his wooden cross.
Excitement quickly turned to fear as he jumped from each passing car. In the sky, a plane was landing and the sound of its engine cause Dante to gasp.
“It’s just an airplane Master Seer,” Cesare said trying to ease his anxiety.
“Leonardo's flying machine. He would’ve been pleased to know it worked,” he said softly. Rufus sat quiet as he began to think of his primitive past.
“Rex, I admire your gift of adaptability,” Dante said as they pulled up to two other Challengers.
“Trust me friend, some days I prefer the time when we churned our own butter,” Rufus replied.
***
Three Knights and Four Blue Goddesses stood watching as the Orders from the mountainside adjacent to Temple Eliyon. Mila and Victoria, Rufus's wife, were dressed in the least revealing gowns they owned. Victoria was an elegant woman in her late 40's, but still wore her Blue Goddess body well.
Upon her face was wisdom, and her comforting smile was something that Rufus loved about her. She had a perfect tan, not as dark as Rufus’, and brown hair pinned in a bun.
“My lady, you look splendid,” Rufus said, shocked to see her standing there.
“You too.”
“I’ve missed you Vicky. I’m so sorry –,” he said, but she placed her hand over his mouth so he wouldn’t finish his sentence.
“Today is a new day love. There things we all wish to be forgiven for,” she answered.
Bibi and Miss Chrissy smiled at their embrace, wearing their blue cat suits; ready for battle if need be.
“Oh my! I see the Order of the Blue Goddess has lost none of its elegance,” Dante said smiling.
“Mr. Dante?” Chrissy asked looking shocked.
“The one and only,” he said bowing.
“Wow sir. I’m honored. I’m Chrissy and this is Bibi,” she said, as he kissed their hands.
“In my day the Order of the Blue Goddess had beauties, but nothing like that which my eyes have laid upon this day,” Dante said giggling.
Mila laughed as she hugged him, remembering her earlier encounters with the High Dactyl.
“Don’t get too touchy,” Cesare said grabbing Mila's arm jokingly.
“Not to kill the mood of our happy get-together, but how are we supposed to break bread with the same people who are trying to kill us? I mean, did we forget about last night just that quick?” Lance asked, shaking his head and running his fingers through his thick, black curls.
Rufus could feel Lance's apprehension but as Magia Magnificent Rex, he had no choice but to indulge the other leaders with his presence.
“In all my years leading this Order I have learned that it is best to drink from the same glass as those who would see you killed. I don't like this either, but we need to know what he's planning,” Rufus replied.
The tinted windows of the large, square building made it impossible for one to see in with the naked eye. The Order of Magia Chaotica were always suspicious of acts of peace as there was typically an ulterior motive for domination on the part of the host.
“I agree. This shit is suspect Rex,” Adonis said as he tied his long, amber hair in a partial ponytail. Adonis was the self-proclaimed pretty Knight as his square jawbones, dimples and green eyes made him famous at the Blue Palace.
He often took to laughter as his therapy; laughing at some of the most morbid of events. He stopped his philandering when he married his mixed beauty Bibi and honored her by staying true to his bed.
“Agreed. How can you parade the Great Hudna as the ultimate peace agreement, yet my order is not allowed to step foot into the temple?” Mila asked. Rufus laughed.
“It’s not that the Order of the Blue Goddess wasn’t invited, just not like that,” Rufus said as he stared the women up and down. She and Victoria wore tight, sleeveless corsets, long leather skirts with a split to the hip; the deepest blue the Earth could offer in reverence to the Blue Goddess.
Mila folded her arms and frowned as Rufus made jokes.
“If you, Bibi and Miss Chrissy cover yourselves and throw a towel around your heads, you can accompany the Order of Magia Chaotica without being stopped at the door,” he added, laughing even harder.
Before Mila could respond, a large hand wrapped around her throat from behind. She giggled as she closed her eyes and welcomed the warm tongue of her husband.
He pulled her close as he tightened his grip; caressing her breasts with the other hand as he kissed her.
“Never change who you are love,” Cesare said, as Dante watched and smiled.
“Oh how I do love, love. But I tell you. My tongue has been a bit dry as of late,” he said happily. The Knights and BGs laughed with Dante about his loveless state as Mila enjoyed the sweet Spanish nothings of her husband.
“Porque no hay nada mejor que una pieza lisa de chocolate. El tipo que se deshace en la boca,” Cesare whispered.
She laughed as he nibbled on her ear. Lance rolled his eyes and scoffed, shaking his head.
“Get a fucking room,” he said under his breath as he took another puff. Miss Chrissy grabbed Lance from behind and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“There’s plenty of loving to go around,” she said smiling. Lance smiled back as he always enjoyed Chrissy’s company, but she wasn’t his type for anything further.
As a lady standing six foot, it was often difficult to find a man taller than herself. She liked Lance as he and his brothers were tall enough to rest their chins upon her head; something that gave her comfort.
Rufus stroked his fuzzy beard, as the prospect of war tickled the kundalini rising up his spine. Feeling unspoken tensions, and hidden agendas in the passing energies of those below, he kept a close watch. The Reapers and Armored Fleet arrived, as well as the Sons of Ragnarok and the Iron Fists.
“Well, it’s time to wine and dine,” he said grabbing Victoria's hand. “Alright boys. Label anything strange as a sign to kick some ass. What thou doest,”
“Do it quickly!” the Knights said collectively.
Dante, Rufus and Cesare headed down the hill with their wives, Adonis reached into his coat for a flask which he took two swigs.
Bibi turned away from him in disgust and walked down the opposite hill. Her thick, curly hair sat upon her head like a wild mop. Her big, brown eyes and thick lips always got her what she wanted from Adonis who melted in her hand like white chocolate. She wasn’t nearly as curvy as Mila, but had a nice set of C cups which she often stuffed.
“Bibi! What’s wrong?” he asked running after her.
“You said you would lay of
f the booze this week. For me. Why can’t you keep your promises to me?” she asked nearly tearing up.
“It was just a swig ok. Something to get the blood going,” he said, as she reached in his pocket and poured it out. Adonis looked away, and although he was pissed about it, he grabbed her, attempting to kiss her tears away. She pulled away.
“Give me my caramel kisses dammit!” he said as he nibbled on her neck. Bibi couldn’t stay mad at him long, and he knew it. While they briefly paid no attention to the rest of the world, Miss Chrissy stood silently as her face told the tale of sadness as she looked upon the temple.
“Do you smoke Miss Chrissy?” Lance asked. She shook her head.
“Well shit, you may after tonight. Might as well get it going,” Quintus said, as he handed her a pipe.
She looked down at the smiling dwarf and declined.
“Don’t mind me then,” Quintus replied, as he sat in the grass and lit his pipe. His black hair was shaved low on the sides and a thick mohawk stood up in the center of his head.
Quintus went out of his way to add ferociousness to his appearance having tattoos and brow piercings which for him, killed the happy, candy making dwarf stereotype people often attributed to him. The guys often teased that he was a miniature version of Hammer, their doctore, and he didn’t mind the comparison.
Quintus, being one of the angriest of the Knights, lived a life far from a fairytale. A series of terrible events created in him a cynic, and cantankerous gentleman who was short on compassion and mercy.
“Look at them. Dressed in their finest. Everyone’s going to Hell,” Quintus said crabbily. All the Orders gathered at Temple Eliyon as The Prophet summoned them to dine for the Great Hudna; a truce by which the orders were not to wage war upon one another. Each dressed in their finest garbs; the seals of their orders either upon their chest or backs.
Rufus and Cesare went on behalf of the Order of Magia Chaotica; their wives at their sides, representing the Order of the Blue Goddess. The garments of the Blue Goddesses were infamous for being tight fitted, sheer or nearly non-existent.
Knights of Enmity: The Barons Have Fallen (Descending Fires Book 1) Page 16
