Chapter 43
"LAND HO!"
The four of us, along with the children, arrived at the bow of the ship to see our destination. In the distance we could see the outcropping of spires that surrounded a larger land mass. Even thought I couldn't make it out clearly, I knew it was the Nameless Isle. When we got closer, I could see the features I remember from the vision. An active volcano gently spewed lava onto one half of the island. Meanwhile the other half was covered in an overgrowth of foliage along with ruins of temples. Somewhere in the middle of all that was the Council of the Seven. And inside that, the Well of Ascension. The anchor of the Lady Vengeance dropped into the sea bringing the mighty ship to a standstill. Malady walked up to us.
"Here we are: The Nameless Isle."
She wore a cunning smile on her face. She looked out to the island.
"And here I thought 'Malady' was unimaginative. Still, it's what's on the inside that counts, isn't that right?"
She turned her head to us. Her eyes locked onto no one in particular.
"And this is the place one of you is meant to become a god. I can't help but wonder exactly how such power will be used."
Sebille was the one to tilt her head suspiciously.
"Do you have a personal favorite?" she asked.
Malady casually looked down at her fingers, traces of source sparkling from them.
"No one in particular," she said. "But I will admit there's one that is my least favorite."
I kept my eyes from looking over at the Red Prince.
"But that's not important now," she said. "What is important is that you get ashore and find your way into the Council of the Seven."
"Any suggestions on where to find it or how to open it?" I asked her
"I'm afraid I won't be able to help you with that part. Normally, this place is known only by Godwoken."
She looked out to the island again.
"But judging by the ships burning in the bay there's been a… breach, let's call it."
Indeed, there were several ships burning off the shore of the island. Who came here on those ships was anyone's guess.
"Perhaps if there's any survivors, they may know a thing or two," Malady said. "If not, I'm sure you can figure it out by simply exploring and taking carful notes."
Something I was very adept at. Still, it would be nice to know how to find and get into the Council as soon as possible.
"Now, enough talking about how to obtain Divinity. Now's the time to actually obtain Divinity."
Malady stepped to the side and motioned her hand to the lifeboat halfway across the deck.
"Make sure you've got everything you need, and Gareth will take you ashore. I will graciously away your return as the new Divine."
She bowed her head before turning around to retreat to the stairs below decks.
"Does everyone have what they need?" I asked the others.
Everyone checked themselves over, me included. I had my wand on my hip and my shield holstered on my back. My backpack was empty save for a few scrounges of fruit and bread for a snack if I needed it along with my water sack. More importantly, I had the Blue Teleportation Pyramid held in detachable a leather harness strapped to my hip. If I needed to use the pyramid at a moment's notice, all I needed to do was put my hand on it and concentrate on the Red Pyramid Sebille carried. I was ready. Everyone else finished their check and nodded.
"Here we go," I turned around and lead everyone to the lifeboat where Gareth was waiting.
"Ready to go, Mahalia?" Gareth greeted me with a rather chipper demeanor. Much more chipper than I've seen him since we first met less than a week ago.
"I'm uh… sorry about what happened to your family," I said. "I never properly talked to you about it. I thought that it wouldn't be polite of me to reopen old wounds."
"No offence taken," Gareth replied. "And I'm grateful for your kindness. My parents led good lives. I'd rather celebrate them for the love they gave me than to wail over their loss."
His attitude sparked a warm feeling in my heart. But at the same time, I had a nagging feeling about his attitude. Was it a persona he was putting on?
"Well… I'm happy you're okay," I said. I looked over at the lifeboat. "But we'd better not wait any longer."
"Not at all," Gareth said. "Take a seat and I'll take you ashore."
He stepped into the boat and took a hold of winch ready to bring the boat down.
"You go ahead," I told the others. I kneeled to the children as everyone else stepped into the boat.
"This is it, isn't it?" Trice said. "Once you get inside, you'll become a goddess and save the world?"
"That's the plan," I said. "But I'm sure we'll be able to speak again once we're done."
I pondered for a second.
"In fact, once I get back, whether I'm the next Divine or not, my first order of business will be to find you three a safe home and even a family to live with."
The children's eyes widened as they looked at each other.
"Will you be able to visit us once in a while?" Paulie asked me. I grinned.
"I'll do my best to make sure it happens," I said. I held out my hand. "I promise."
The children all put their hands into mine and shook it.
"Good luck, Mahalia," Sandy said.
"Thank you," I said. I stood up and stepped into the boat. I sat down next to Ifan while the Red Prince and Sebille sat across from us. I looked behind at Gareth and nodded.
"Wait!"
Before Gareth released the winch, all five of us looked over at Almira who ran up to us.
"What is it?" I asked her.
She looked over at the island and pointed. We turned our heads. On the beachhead, we could barely make out banners erected around it.
"Those are Black Ring banners," Almira said. "They're here."
We turned our gaze back to her. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, as if expanding her senses. Eventually she opened her eyes with realization.
"I know who leads them," Almira said.
"Who?" I asked.
"It's the Sallow Man," she said. The name sounded menacing enough and her face showed a sense of dread. "He's a foul creature, but not opposed to cutting a deal."
"Cutting a deal?" the Red Prince responded. "Are you suggesting we make a deal with the Black Ring? The group you want out of?"
"If things go smoothly, you won't need to make any deal," Almira said. "But if worst comes to worst, he can be reasoned with until you get what you need."
She looked at the banners on the shore again before returning her gaze to us.
"If you come across the Black Ring, you can pose as my thrall and gain safe passage. My name should still command respect among them."
A trump card if we need it. Good to have.
"One more thing," Almira hastily said. "I've studied the tablet. It showed me everything I need to know about creating a functional Swornbreaker. If you take some time to investigate the ruins, please retrieve the pieces if you find them. I'll make it worth your while, that I promise."
I looked over at the others. They looked at each other before nodding their heads. I was about to respond but the Red Prince suddenly spoke up.
"Wait. If assembled, can this Swornbreaker be used more than once?"
Oh, that's right. Sadha.
If she was indeed sworn to the God King like Almira, then the Red Prince would most certainly want to make sure the tool that could set her free would still be useful after Almira was done with it. Almira pondered for a moment.
"From what I've read, a freshly assembled Swornbreaker has a finite amount of power. But it should have enough to free myself and perhaps be used two or three more times after that."
"Oh, thank goodness," the Red Prince sighed in relief. "We'll make it a priority to find the pieces. You have my word."
He bowed his head and Almira bowed in response
"Thank you," Almira said. "I'll wait for your return with it."
With that, she turned away to return to the company of Mihaly.
"Off we go," Gareth said as he released the winch. The boat slowly slid down the ropes until the hull landed into the water. Once the ropes were released, Gareth took the oars and rowed the boat towards the shore. While he did, I looked down at Ifan sitting next to me. He looked out to the waves of the far beyond. We hadn't talked since last night when we told the children about our adventures. I placed my hand on his shoulder. He turned his head up to look at me with two rather uncertain eyes.
"You ready for this, Ifan?" I asked him. "We're going to need you to be at the top of your game if we're to succeed."
Ifan slowly started nodding his head.
"Yes, yes," he said, sounding a little distracted. "I was… just thinking about the prospect of Divinity."
"Are you wondering what you'd to do if you obtained it?" the Red Prince asked.
"Not quite," Ifan answered. "I've just been thinking about if obtaining Divinity can do the opposite of the mass death caused by the Divine Order. If it doesn't, what good can it be?"
The question did linger in my head.
"Well, I would assume Divinity could be whatever the welder wills it to be," the Red Prince said. "The gods have done bugger all while it's up to one of us mortals to carry the responsibility. Or rather, one of you three."
For a moment, I was surprised hearing the Red Prince exclude himself. But then I realized he was honoring the deal we made. Why did I feel surprised? Did he not promise to stand aside in exchange for helping him find Sadha?
"Well, you're right about one thing," Ifan replied. "The gods may be dead. But we still live. That has to mean something."
"Indeed," Sebille said.
"Yes," I said. Suddenly, Gareth entered the conversation.
"Whoever takes the mantle, know that I have faith you will do the realm proud once you ascend."
"Thanks Gareth," I said. He nodded his head and continued to row.
It wasn't long before we made landfall. One-by-one, we exited the boat onto the sandy shore. We looked up at the ruins that were laced with overgrowth. Somewhere within all of that was the entrance to the Council of the Seven. And we needed to figure out how to gain entrance to it.
"Good luck," Gareth said standing by the boat. We nodded and proceeded inland.
Once the beach was behind us, we came across the first warning signs of danger on the island. Around were several Black Ring banners like Almira had pointed out. Not only that, but there were several mangled bodies scattered around. Some were of the Black Ring. But others were…
"Magisters," Ifan kneeled examining one of the corpses.
"But how?" the Red Prince said. "I was under the impression only Godwoken could find this place."
"Don't know," Ifan said. "Perhaps we should find out."
We proceeded inland further to see more signs of battle. More magisters bodies and more Black Ring corpses littered the ground. But when we climbed to the top of a flight of steps, we were greeted by the sight of a still alive Magister training his bow directly at me. I had my hand on my wand. But before I drew it, my eyes widened along with the Magister.
"Del?"
The Magister we rescued at Fort Joy was standing there in the flesh. He lowered his bow with his mouth hanging open.
"My Fort Joy savior!" he said. "I never thought I'd clap eyes on you again."
"Neither did I," I said. "What are you doing here? Or rather, how did you get here?"
Del looked down at a corpse at his feet. It was the body of another Magister. His former comrade most likely.
"There's been unrest in the Divine Order," he explained. "We've been forced to take sides. The White Magisters are still loyal to Dallis and her servant Vredeman. But I've decided to join the loyalists."
I raised an eyebrow.
"And who exactly are you loyal to?"
"Bishop Alexander."
I felt a surge of shock in my core. I looked at the others. All of them, especially Ifan, were shocked too.
"He's alive?" I asked Del. "How?"
"I was just as bamboozled when I first heard about it," Del said. "But he was the one who guided us here. He's like a different man, now that he's found the path to Divinity."
Ifan stepped in front of me with a discerning glare locked on Del.
"And now you're following him?" Ifan said. "Even after everything that's happened at Fort Joy?"
"I never thought I'd follow him," he replied. "But he won over us veterans, magister and paladin alike."
Now Paladins were following Alexander? Would Paladin Cork change his allegiance at the flip of a hat as much as Del did? I could sense a swelling rage from within Ifan when I looked down at him. His old wounds were surely reopened. I feared he would go berserk at any moment.
"Where is Alexander?" I stepped forward and asked Del.
"He's safe at the temple of Tir-Cendelius," Del said. He looked down at body of his fallen comrade. "We were meant to scout this part of the island, but the Black Ring ambushed us. I'm the only survivor."
I looked down at his fallen comrade. Then I thought about the bigger picture. We still didn't know how to get into the Council of the Seven and Alexander was still alive. Perhaps…
"Well, as someone who's grateful for helping us escape," I said. "I'd like to make sure you get to safety. Do you know the way back to the temple?"
Del looked behind him through the canopy. In the distance, we could see the tops of a massive tree. It looked very similar to an Elven ancestor tree like in the Cullwoods. That was appropriate for the Temple of Tir-Cendelius since he was the god of the Elves.
"I don't know if the route we traveled is safe anymore," Del said. "But you can count on my bow in any fights to come."
"Hopefully it won't come to that," I said. "Lead the way."
He nodded. He kneeled and closed the eyes of his fallen comrade and gave a final prayer for him. Afterwards, he stood up and proceeded up the ruined roads while I followed closely beside him. As we walked, I looked behind me at Ifan and the others. I could see lingering anger in Ifan's eyes, while the other two had eyes that told me 'what are you doing?' Without saying a word, I gave a look that I hoped they would interpret as 'Trust me.'
We kept our mouths shut as we continued to walk through the ruins built around the island. The architecture was like that of the obelisks and artifacts we've come across in the Black Pits and even the metallic structures in the Hall of Echoes. But without the dark green atmosphere thanks to the sun shining down on us. The innocent scholar within me, or what was left of her, oozed with desire to stay and examine this place. But then again, we probably were going to if we were to find a way into the Council of the Seven and find the pieces of the Swornreaker. But our priority was to get Del to safety and confront Alexander.
After nearly half an hour of walking, we arrived at the base of the temple without any encounters from the Black Ring. Like from what we saw all the way back where we met Del, the temple was a massive elven ancestor tree. Built into it were several platforms made of large leaves and connecting bridges made of branches. A true haven for elves.
However, the entrance to the temple wasn't inviting when we saw a familiar set up. Four shriekers hung from crosses flanking the entrance with several liquified corpses of Black Ring laying before them. None of us said a word about the set up.
"Don't worry," Del said. "There's a back entrance, follow me."
We turned away from the horrific scene to follow Del to another spot below a platform leaf too high to reach. He then whistled a cryptic tune while looking up. Shortly after, a wad of vines unfurled from above and hung down for us. Del climbed first followed by me then the others. When I emerged at the top, I saw Del standing in front of an elven man. He eyed me.
"Who is this?" the elf asked Del.
"Old acquaintances who helped me out of a bind a few days ago," Del said. "They wanted to get me to safety."
When the elf looked over at me again, Sebille had pulled herself up. His eyes widened.
"The Prime Scion is here," the elf said graciously. "You must meet with the Scion of the Mother Tree immediately."
Uh-oh.
When I looked over at Sebille, she was just as shocked as I was. The Temple of Tir-Cendelius was also the Great Mother Tree of the Elves. I kicked myself for not recognizing this sooner. When I remembered our encounter where Sebille learned the truth about herself, it looked like Saheila's prediction of Sebille's path crossing with the Mother Tree's turned out to be true after all. For the briefest moment, I didn't know what to say. But Sebille responded just as Ifan and the Red Prince emerged from below.
"I will report to the Scion when I'm ready," Sebille spoke with confidence. She looked over at Ifan then at me. "First, we have some business with Bishop Alexander."
The elf looked at Sebille with some discerning eyes. But he didn't do anything beyond that.
"Make it quick. The Mother Tree has little time left."
With that, the elf walked away. When we looked over at Del, he had an eyebrow raised.
"What do you intend to do with Alexander?" he asked.
Though I couldn't believe Del of all people would side with Alexander after what happened at Fort Joy, I knew that any confrontation would cause bloodshed I really did not want to happen.
"We're looking to find a way into the Council of the Seven," I said. "We're hoping Alexander knows of a way."
Del looked at the others suspiciously.
"Why do you want that?" he asked.
I sighed.
"Do you want the truth?" I said.
"Of course, I do," Del said.
I took a deep breath.
"After you helped us escape Fort Joy, we banded together with the Seekers. Shortly after, just before we left the island, we discovered we were Godwoken."
Del's brows creased.
"You? Godwoken?"
"Of course," Sebille said. "How else would we have found this island if we weren't?"
Del's eyes shifted left and right nervously.
"It's just that… Alexander-"
"Is just one of many," Ifan said. I could sense the underlying menace in his voice. "The gods have chosen their respective champions. Rahlic chose me. Tir-Cendelius chose her. Zorl-stissa chose them."
I could sense the building tension between Ifan and Del. Things could get pretty messy very quickly.
"Listen," I said to Del. "I know this is confusing, but we need to speak with Alexander to see if he can help us into the Council of the Seven. Regardless of who's Godwoken or not, the world needs to have one of us to ascend to godhood. Otherwise, Rivellon will fall to the Voidwoken. So, I'm asking, as repayment for escorting you to safety, please let us see Alexander. I promise, we will not spill any blood in this temple."
Del's eyes shifted between the four of us with plenty of conflict in his mind. He twirled his fingers nervously. Eventually, he sighed.
"Okay," Del said. "You saved my life once before. I have a feeling I can trust you. Follow me."
With that, Del turned and led us up a branch to a platform up above. On it, several elves stood around. Not only that, there were priests of all races. Lizard. Human. Dwarf. Were they priests of their respective race's temples? I didn't have the time to ask. Several eyes turned our way.
"These souls have business with His Holiness," Del announced. Most of the eyes reverted but some still were kept on us. We kept following Del up to a larger platform deeper within the branches of the Tree. Eventually, we found ourselves on a leaf with a flight of steps leading to a larger platform. When we climbed the steps, what was set up there was what could be described as an outdoor throne room. A small archway stood over what seemed to be a throne made of branches. Flanking it were a dozen soldiers, Magisters and Paladins alike. In the center, on the throne, was a human man.
It was him. Bishop Alexander in the flesh. Most certainly not dead. Unlike the last time we saw him alive, he had no Source collar on. He held his staff by his side. It emanated with a flowing light that seemed to physically embrace those around him. Like the comfort of a loved one hugging them. It was an aura of faith, strengthening their resolve.
When the five of us approached, Alexander turned his head to us. The guards did so too. Del stopped and we did too, standing a good twenty feet away from the Bishop. He stood from his throne.
"Magister Del," the Bishop said. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Your Holiness," Del graciously bowed. "These people saved my life. They wished to seek your audience to help in unlocking the Council of the Seven."
Alexander looked over at the four of us. At first his gaze was one of disbelief. Then it transformed to pondering.
"Is that so?" Alexander said. "I appreciate your honesty, Magister Del. I will speak with these individuals about the current situation. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, your Holiness," Del said with another bow. He gave us a thankful nod before he retreated down the steps. It was only the four of us, Alexander and his dozen bodyguards now in this makeshift throne room.
"I must say I am surprised to see the likes of you again, Sourcerers," Alexander said. I took a step forward and did the talking.
"We can same thing about you. You must have a real blessing from Rahlic if he granted you a second life."
"My survival only proves my worthiness to follow my father's footsteps," Alexander said. "The traitors, Dallis and Vredeman sought to hinder my Godwoken powers. They even tried to kill me when I confronted them after my return from the Hall of Echoes. Now that I am free of their influence, I can now ascend and fulfill my calling."
Before I could say anything to respond to the man's ego, Ifan shoved passed me.
"WHY DID YOU DO IT?!"
He stood in front of me as the Magisters and Paladins drew their weapons. I gasped and instinctively put a hand on my wand but didn't draw it. Alexander raised a hand.
"At ease, comrades," he said. "Let him speak. But if he takes one step closer, don't haste."
The Bishop's guards did as they were told. They sheathed their weapons but kept their hands in relaxed ready position. I let go of my wand and relaxed my body. But I still felt a wad of tension in me. I stepped to the right to the see the side of Ifan's face. His gaze beamed directly at Alexander. I could see an imaginary fire burning between them threatening to spread to everyone else at a moment's notice.
"Why did you and Lucian send me on a suicide mission to kill the elves?!" Ifan shouted. "Why did you lie to me?!"
"Why?" Alexander replied. "The same reason we did everything: to protect the realm. What price is all of Rivellon against just one portion? Any Divine would do the same if it meant saving everything."
I could feel Ifan's body burning hotter as the Bishop continued.
"You should be proud my father picked you: his best right-hand man. He knew you would make it. But he also knew that if he told you the truth, you would falter. He knew you well, Ifan. He knew you'd have to be tricked."
Ifan's fists tightened. I felt he was going to explode at any moment. My eyes shifted around at the dozen guards around the Bishop.
"But I'm his son. I can be trusted to the end. And I will take any actions necessary, for the good of all. Nothing can stop me. Not even death!"
A silence followed. Ifan's gaze was frozen on Alexander for several long seconds. Everyone was quiet. Eventually, Ifan turned his head to look at me with a seething gaze. I felt my heart race in my chest. He shook his head and returned his gaze to the Bishop. He flexed his hand.
"Death stops everyone eventually," he said coldly. "You rose from the dead once. You won't rise this time."
In a flash, Ifan drew his crossbow. The Magisters and Paladins drew their weapons. But no one, not even Ifan, attacked. Instead, everyone was frozen with their weapons drawn. Ifan's eyes were wide in surprise.
"What are you doing?"
I stood between Ifan and Alexander. He kept his crossbow trained on me, aiming for Alexander on the other side. But I didn't move. I only narrowed my eyes at Ifan when I gave my answer.
"Making sure the man I care about does not give in to revenge."
Ifan's body shook. The words I spoke seemed to slam into him. I could see the anger in his eyes slowly start to dim and his grip on his crossbow shook. His eyes shifted between me and Alexander.
"But he-"
"This isn't about him," I cut him off. "This is about you."
Once again, his body shuttered from the words I said.
"You're a better man than he is. Better than the Magisters. Better than the Lone Wolves. And I will not lose that man here today."
I should have felt embarrassed confessing these things in front of these people. But I didn't. Everything I said was what I wanted to say. I wanted him to know what I felt and why I wanted him to stop. He continued to stare at me with his green eyes. His grip on his crossbow tightened. His body was a storm conflicting emotion. Anger. Sadness. Regret. Too many for anyone to comprehend. He squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth. His body tensed so hard I expected him scream in rage like he did twice already yesterday.
But he didn't.
Instead, he exhaled and relaxed his body. He lowered his crossbow and held it by his side. There was no more anger in him. When he looked up at me, his eyes were those of a sad dog: guilty, exhausted and full of remorse. For a while, we stared at each other. Eventually, he turned around. He walked past Sebille and the Red Prince down the steps, leaving the rest of us with Alexander and his guards.
"I must say I am surprised," Alexander said. I turned around to face him directly. "I never expected a lizard to be so… compassionate towards others not of their kin. Never mind having affection for one."
I felt no embarrassment or shame. Nor did I feel a persona put over me. I replied with how I truly felt: calm, firm and resolute.
"Not all lizards are monsters," I replied crossing my arms. "Lizards are mortals like everyone else. Like all mortals, we have a choice to have empathy."
Alexander raised a brow.
"A commendable trait," he said. "But it is not the only trait that the Divine needs to achieve-"
"I don't care about who's more entitled to Divinity," I said firmly. "All I care about is opening the Council of the Seven. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can save what's left of Rivellon. Now, do you know how to get inside or not?"
For a moment, Alexander was taken aback from my reply. But he regained his composure and replied.
"Indeed, I do. The entrance to the Council can be found at the Temple at the foot of the mountain. But it requires a trick to open the door. Fortunately, I have the knowledge to do so. But with the Black Ring infesting the island, we cannot proceed until the threat is dealt with."
"Am I sensing you want us to go off and kill their leader, the Sallow Man?" I asked.
"You are correct," Alexander said.
"Well, that's convenient because we have a little card up our sleeve to allow us safe passage through Black Ring patrols."
"You'll need more than that," Alexander said. "My father faced the Sallow Man in the Great War. He's a wicked creature; a master of illusion who hides in the shadows and sends others to do his bidding."
Alexander then produced an old cowl from his robs. He brought it up to the top of his staff and muttered and incantation. A faint glow emanated from the crystal in the center, bleeding into the cowl. Afterwards, he tossed the cowl over to me and I caught it.
"My father concocted this charm so that he could face the Sallow Man in battle," he said pointing at the cowl. "Wear it, and he will be forced to reveal himself. Succeed, and perhaps you can join me inside the Council. There we can see who shall become the next Divine, once and for all."
"Very well," I said. I slipped the cowl into my bag. "We'll be back with his head on a platter."
I turned around and left the Bishop and his guards with Sebille and the Red Prince following behind me.
Author's Note: Ladies and gentlemen, the first moment I've been waiting a long time to write about.
As always, thank you for reading my story and a review goes a long way.
