Temple of the Light

by Antoine Henderson

  Copyright © 2018 Antoine Henderson

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact: ah@ahauthor.com

  Dedicated to the readers who enjoy my work.

  If you guys keep reading, I’ll keep writing.

  CONTENTS

  About the Book

  1. Cleric of the Light

  2. The Light Bearer

  3. General’s Order

  4. Escaping Metamora

  Continue the story...

  About the Book

  Temple of the Light details an important series of events of a single night on the planet Metamora, involving the United Solaris Military and the Starlight Order. This short story serves as a direct lead-in to the first book in my science fiction and fantasy trilogy: Rogue Star: Guardians of the Light.

  1

  Cleric of the Light

  The bright orange glow falling under Metamora’s horizon accentuated light purple skies that reflected off of Avon’s blue eyes.

  Solaris, the solar system’s bright star was disappearing under the horizon, bringing forth the empty blackness of the night, a sight she enjoyed viewing from her balcony every night. Although it wasn’t her homeworld, Avon loved the beauty and serenity of the planet.

  Compared to the vast city-planet of Solaris Prime, Metamora was a small and ordinary world with no distinct features. Two small natural satellites that could barely be considered moons, orbited the green and brown planet, providing a dim illumination above Meta—a large temple that was home for Avon.

  Meta stood alone, with the closest sign of civilization being the small remote village of Bresu, fifty kilometers east. The center of the temple carried a dome roof with a sun-shaped ornament at the top. Two towers sat at the east and west ends of the temple, their height towering above the forest around them and used to house the members of the various members Starlight Order.

  The Starlight Order was an obscure religious sect that believed Solaris—the System’s star was more than just a sun or a source of light. They believed it was the source of a metaphysical energy they called Starlight that flowed through all living beings.

  Many living within the United Solaris System—the twenty-seven planets orbiting Solaris unified by one government, believe the Order’s practices and beliefs are harmful to society. They believed they are a terrorist group who once tried to assassinate and kill their elected leader, Premier Valatorix Troth, who in response outlawed the practice of Starlight in the system.

  The bell of the temple tolled as Avon slid the hood of her gray cloak over her shaved head which bore intricate black tattoos signifying her position in the Starlight Order. Holding the rank of Cleric of the Light, Avon was a member of a select group, second only to Paladin of the Light, and third to Master of the Light. Those without rank stood only as Seekers of the Light and only with training and mastery of the Order’s teachings could they ascend to a higher rank.

  From her room at the top of the west tower of the temple, she watched Solaris disappear under the horizon and with it, its radiant glow. The sound of the temple bell tolling alerted her. She sighed before turning to the standing mirror near her window and adjusted the gray tunic under her gray cloak, ensuring that her wardrobe was as perfect as it could be.

  Confident her wardrobe was in order, Avon walked from the balcony and entered through a small room that was her living quarters, before opening the door and closing it behind her. Wall torches illuminated the graystone walls and floor that matched the exterior of the temple, lighting her path as she walked with long strides. The smell of the forest that surrounded the temple entered the opened windows at both ends of the hall. It was calming and relaxing as she walked. The scent reminded her of fond memories from her childhood.

  In the distance, a man wearing a similar tunic and cloak exited a room and entered the hallway. He had an athletic build with broad shoulders and was a foot taller than her. His skin was dark and his brown eyes reflected the orange glow of the torches. Like Avon, he bore the same tattoos on his head. Turning in her direction, he greeted Avon with a big smile and a bow.

  “Good evening, my good friend and soon to be Paladin of the Light, Avon,” he spoke in a deep voice, signifying mirth.

  Avon stopped in front of him, rolling her eyes and pressing her lips into a wry smile.

  “Oh, stop it, Jaha, you and I both know I’m too young and too inexperienced to become a Paladin. It hasn’t been two months since I became a Cleric and I doubt they’ll make me Paladin this soon,” she argued. “Maybe they’ll make you Master of the Light. That is what you want, am I right? Or has your desire to become a Master changed since you’ve been off-world and became a space adventurer?”

  Jaha chuckled. “You are right as always, Avon. To tell you the truth, I desire nothing off-world. Everything I could ever want is here,” he said. “Besides, my desire to become a Master is fading. They’ve denied me every time, perhaps it isn’t meant to be.”

  “But it’s what you’ve always wanted, Jaha,” Avon argued. “Don’t give up, that’s a lesson you taught me. Look where it got me in two years—the rank of Cleric. You’re one of the best Casters in the Order, Jaha. Far better than me I assure you. They’ll come around.”

  Jaha shook his head and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “Avon, you discredit your own abilities far too often. You came to us when you were sixteen, now look at you. Two years later and you are already a Cleric,” Jaha argued. “Why else would the Council be summoning everyone to the ceremonial chamber? You shouldn’t be so quick to believe you don’t have what it takes to become a Paladin—stranger things have happened.”

  She sensed that he didn’t want to speak about him becoming a Master any further and dropped the matter entirely.

  She raised an eyebrow. “Really, like what?”

  “Suru, being chosen for a position in the Archives, for one? He can barely remember to wake up on time for meditation studies.” Jaha answered. “Or Opet being stationed in the kitchen? Have you tasted his techinewi stew? Don’t. It made Dona sick for a month.”

  “Okay,” Avon laughed. “That still doesn’t make it true, Jaha.”

  “Maybe, I guess we’ll see,” said Jaha. His smile slowly flipped into a frown as if he’d forgotten something very important and it just came to mind. “I wonder if it has anything to do with Master Uriq.”

  “Master Uriq—is he okay?”

  “There are rumors,” Jaha murmured. “Some are saying he’s become ill. From what I was told, the illness is something that even Starlight is unable to mend.”

  “Impossible.”

  “Starlight can’t make you immortal, Avon,” Jaha warned. “When our time is up, we become one with the light. We may have to accept that it’s his time.”

  Avon didn’t respond as the sound of the bell tolling once more grabbed their attention. “Come on, we better not be late,” said Avon.

  Jaha nodded, before sliding the hood of his cloak over his head and joined Avon by her side, before walking down the hallway. Of all the members of the Starlight Order, Avon was closest to Jaha. When she first arrived, he became her mentor, teaching her about their ways and beliefs, and over time he became her best friend. Avon looked up to him, not only as a mentor, but as a skilled practitioner of Starlight.

  Of the fifty-seven members of the Starlight Order living at Meta, Jaha was one of five with rank of Paladin of the Light. Avon believed achieving the rank of Cleric was no easy task on its own, but she could only imagine what it took to achieve the rank of Paladin or Master.

  The pair descende
d the winding staircase of the tower until reaching the main floor of the temple where Seekers, dressed in their customary blue tunics, filed into the ceremonial chamber. Guards carrying golden staffs stood on either side of the door as the pair entered, following close behind the line of Seekers.

  Near the back of the chamber, stood the Paladins and Jaha was quick to join them in line after giving Avon a gentle nudge on the shoulder and a nod. She joined the other Clerics in the front row as the Seekers took their positions behind them.

  An elder man stood in the center of the chamber, and four others surrounded him, with the brown hoods of their cloaks drawn over their heads. He was Master Enbu, one of the six presiding Masters of the Light at the Meta Temple. In his hand he held silver beads, waiting for the remaining members to settle as the chamber doors closed. They were on their knees, with their hands resting on their laps while they waited for Master Enbu to speak.

  Pulling the hood of his cloak back, Master Enbu revealed his pale, weathered skin surrounding soft blue eyes before he spoke.

  “Brothers and sisters, I welcome you here this evening,” he said as his voice echoed off of the chamber walls. “I wish that our meeting this evening were under different circumstances, but the Council and I believe you all have a right to know,” said Master Enbu. “As some of you may be aware, several weeks ago, Master Uriq informed the Council that he has befallen an illness affecting his health to the point where he cannot perform his duty as Light Bearer.”

  Hushed gasps and low whispers echoed around the chamber walls.

  Avon swallowed hard, trying to contain her emotion as she processed the news. Master Uriq, like the other Masters of the Starlight Order, was the most respected, honored and loved of all among them. Their guidance and teachings had led them on a path to enlightenment. Their kindness and generosity created a peaceful environment they could thrive in, and their knowledge and skill protected them from persecution of not only the laws of the Empire of Old, but the current laws of the United Solaris System—which deemed their practices and religion a threat against their modern world of science and technology.

  “We ask that you all pray for Master Uriq this evening,” said Master Enbu. “Because of this unfortunate turn of events the Council discussed every option available, and we agreed with Master Uriq’s decision which is why we are all here. A new Light Bearer has been chosen.”

  Master Enbu nodded and the guards on either side of the doors opened them. Five individuals, wearing gray cloaks over black tunics entered the chamber. Avon recognized their wardrobe having seen it once or twice before. They were the Light Guard—the personal guard for the Light Bearer.

  They each held a glaivecaster—one of the five traditional weapons used by members of the Order. A glaivecaster had a silver single-edge blade that sat atop a two meter golden pole with intricate design patterns and markings lining the edge and spine of the blade.

  The Light Guard flanked a smaller person wearing a golden cloak over a gray tunic as they entered the chamber and approached Master Enbu. It was the new Light Bearer. The sound of the doors shutting echoed and drowned out the sound of hushed whispers that followed them to the center of the chamber. The Light Guard took positions behind the smaller one, keeping their heads low and their faces concealed.

  Master Enbu raised his hands. “Please stand, everyone,” he instructed.

  Avon and the others seated around him rose without delay.

  “Master Uriq has chosen his successor—the one of who will bear the light and keep it protected. Join me and welcoming, Eloy, the Light Bearer.”

  Avon watched as the small mysterious figure slid the hood back, revealing a small, young boy. Her eyes widened as she appraised him. On his shaved head he bore similar tattoos as Avon, but he had a gold jewel embedded into his forehead, just like Master Uriq before him. It was the Solarstone, the most powerful and ancient artifact in the Order.

  His light skin became flushed as his soft blue eyes wandered around the room, staring at everyone as they bowed to him in respect. Avon and Jaha shared a quick glance before returning their focus back to the boy as this was unprecedented in the Starlight Order. Only Masters or members who held a long tenure in the Order were chosen. Yet, before them stood a boy, no older than ten, with the Solarstone in his head, having to guard and protect it until the day he died.

  “Let us all kneel and recite the Starlight mantra, and welcome the Light Bearer of the Solarstone, Eloy,” Master Enbu requested.

  Without a word, Avon and everyone else inside the chamber genuflected, holding their hands together, lowering their heads and recited the Starlight mantra in unison.

  “The Light is life, sacred and true—it flows through us, it guides us, all things old and new. The Light shines bright, inside the many and the few, ever present within I and within you.”

  * * * * * *

  Nightfall was upon Meta when the ceremony came to a close. Every member of the Order took a moment to thank Eloy for accepting the responsibility of being the Light Bearer, including Avon who noticed the young boy was unafraid and accepted his duties willingly. She never imagined someone so young would accept the burden and responsibilities that at Light Bearer had.

  Only a few Seekers remained in the ceremonial chamber when Master Enbu requested to speak with Avon alone. It was an honor to speak with him, although Masters were always accessible, most of the time they were meditating alone for days, if not weeks, in their private chambers, or off meeting with local leaders in nearby cities and villages, making their time limited.

  Master Enbu approached her, leading her out of the room and strolled down the hall. He led her into a massive courtyard that sat in the center of the temple. The roof was now open, allowing the night’s sky and moonlight to shine inside.

  “It’s been a while since we’ve last spoken, Avon—how has your time been here with us?”

  “I’ve learned a lot,” Avon answered. “It’s been very enlightening.”

  “You don’t have to be nervous,” said Master Enbu, noticing the hesitation and softness in her voice. “You can speak freely. I know this lifestyle isn’t what you’re used to.”

  “It’s been more rewarding,” Avon admitted. “I found myself here, my identity, a sense of purpose—something I didn’t have back home.”

  Master Enbu looked at her while he walked. “Make no mistake, Avon, who you are, your identity, your purpose, it’s always been inside you no matter where you’ve been,” he said with a smile. “But I am glad to see you come into your own. I have to admit, I was skeptical. Being who you were and where you came from—but I would never refuse to guide anyone who seeks the path of the light.”

  “I do the best I can, Master.”

  “You’ve done more than that, Avon—you’ve been with us for a little over two years and already reached the rank of Cleric. That doesn’t happen every day, and that says a lot about you. Although, I am a Master and my duties take most of my time, I’ve seen your development over the last few years exceed expectations, including your own,” Master Enbu explained. “Your knowledge of our teachings, aptitude in conjuring Starlight, and abilities wielding casters, are but a few of the reasons we chose you to become a Cleric.”

  Avon was at a loss for words as she rubbed her arm absently and tried her best not to stare at him. She didn’t realize that Master Enbu or anyone kept tabs on her progress. She figured she wasn’t better than anyone else in the Order and was doing the best she could for her own enlightenment.

  “Yes, I’ve had my eye on you for quite some time, Avon,” Master Enbu admitted with a soft smile. “It is why I asked to speak with you this evening.”

  Avon swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to contain her hands from shaking. Thankfully, the hood of her cloak hid the beads of sweat she felt forming as she turned to him. She tried to compose herself and get control of her breathing. “Why did you ask to speak with me, Master?”

  Master Enbu sto
pped and leaned on the stone railing before looking at the twin moons of Metamora hanging high above them. Avon joined him at his side as he spoke.

  “When Master Uriq informed us of his illness, the Council knew another Light Bearer had to be chosen. He surprised us, as he often did, when he chose Eloy to be his successor. We questioned him on his decision and he told us Eloy was special, more so than any of his other apprentices. He would never waver on his duties and would always protect the Solarstone. So, we respected his wishes, and commenced the ceremony and Eloy accepted the position.”

  Master Enbu’s attention was fixed at the sky above and Avon knew he was deep in thought. He looked peaceful, and she didn’t want to disturb him.

  “My apologies, Avon. My mind wandered off for a moment,” said Master Enbu. He sighed. “You’re still wondering why I asked to speak with you this evening.”

  Avon nodded.

  “The council recognizes Eloy’s age—he’s ten and has the most important job in our Order. It is our duty to keep him safe, but we, as Masters, can only be with him for so long, which is where you come in.” he explained. “We want you to become the Guardian of Eloy.”

  Avon struggled to find the words to answer to his request. It wasn’t every day the Council handed out the rank of Guardian of the Light Bearer on a Paladin let alone a Cleric, especially since she only achieved the rank of Cleric only a few months prior.

  Words weren’t the only thing she struggled to find as reasons she shouldn’t entered into mind. Her life would change even more than it did when she first arrived and she would have the second most important job in the Order, guarding the Light Bearer. It was an enormous responsibility and her sense of self took over her sense of duty in that moment. She felt her thoughts were selfish, but they were also true.

  She realized in that moment that a situation similar to this was the reason she left her previous life. Having the weight and burden placed on her shoulders was what she escaped from and her instincts were telling her to not accept it. Only a rush of guilt stopped her from acting on it as it seemed Master Enbu and the Council had faith in her to be their choice, over everyone else in the Order. How could she say no?