The vastest things are those we may not learn.
We are not taught to die, nor to be born, nor how to burn with love.
How pitiful is our enforced return to those small things we are the masters of. - Mervyn Peake
Chapter 11: The Redemption
Images and thoughts began to swirl into focus in Auron's mind. Beginning slowly, then accelerating... the sensation making him slightly dizzy.
The first vision that came was vivid in its detail, fresh in Lisette's memory...
"It has been ten years Lisette, and in all that time we have been unable to sense the presence of the chosen one. His mind is simply no longer there. You know what this implies."
"Yes my Lord. But, all the more reason to investigate. We owe him that much. We should at least know his fate."
"And if you should find him? What then?"
"Tell him about his home, where he came from, who his people are, what he has meant to us. It will give him the strength to go on."
"How can you be sure of that? Knowing his true nature may very well distract him from his task. We cannot risk that."
"And how can we ask him to fulfill his destiny without ever knowing that he is not alone. You must know how set apart he would feel in the outside world."
"Of course I know. Do not question the wisdom of this counsel Lisette."
"I beg your forgiveness my Lord. But I also beg you to let me do this thing."
"Very well Lisette. But you will be given only a limited amount of time to find him, then you must return."
"Thank you my Lord. By your leave, I will go tomorrow."
************
And the second vision that came was faded, but the power of it overwhelming...
"Come forward young one." The elder commanded, as a boy with a serious face and raven hair stepped up onto the raised platform.
"Do you know why you have been summoned here?"
"I do not my Lord."
"The eldest of our oracles has known for some time, that there is a convergence of events coming into the world. Many things and people will be gathered to rid this planet of the evil we call Sin... for all eternity."
"My Lord?"
"We have decided to send one of our own to participate in this timeline of events. The oracle feels that it is imperative if all is to succeed. And you have been chosen as that emissary. You have been deemed the strongest of spirit, the noblest and truest of heart."
"I am honored my Lord."
"You will be given no memory of your past or this place, or what has been said here today. The only thing we may send with you is a sense of your destiny."
"But, why my Lord?"
"It is a sorrowful thing for us, but it must be this way. It is the only way to protect what we hold dear... our way of life, and you."
"Will I be alone then?"
"Yes. As all the chosen are alone. You will have to endure great pain and suffering to fulfill your task I fear."
"I understand."
"Will you do this thing young one? We will not force it upon you, the choice is yours."
"Yes my Lord. I choose this path for my life. I will empty my soul of the dreams that have gathered there, and fill it with this purpose."
"You are wise beyond your years, young one... the oracles have chosen well."
"Go now, and prepare yourself for the long journey ahead."
************
As the visions faded, Lisette slumped against Auron's body, his arms coming up to steady her.
She slowly raised her head to look upon him, and her heart broke at what she saw there...
His noble face was a twisted mask of emotion, and more than that, his mind was open to her now... all of his defenses gone.
Always alone... never alone.
The sorrow of loss... the joy of belonging.
Never to be remembered... cherished always.
The regret of failure... the triumph of sacrifice.
Without saying a word, Auron sank to his knees, and leaning forward, layed his head against the warmth of her belly. Then his strong arms reached up to encircle her, as Lisette lowered her own to cradle his head, stroking his raven hair.
They stayed that way for a long time... neither of them needing to speak.
_____________
Every story must have an ending... and now this one does.
Thanks to all who took this journey with me.
We are not taught to die, nor to be born, nor how to burn with love.
How pitiful is our enforced return to those small things we are the masters of. - Mervyn Peake
Chapter 11: The Redemption
Images and thoughts began to swirl into focus in Auron's mind. Beginning slowly, then accelerating... the sensation making him slightly dizzy.
The first vision that came was vivid in its detail, fresh in Lisette's memory...
"It has been ten years Lisette, and in all that time we have been unable to sense the presence of the chosen one. His mind is simply no longer there. You know what this implies."
"Yes my Lord. But, all the more reason to investigate. We owe him that much. We should at least know his fate."
"And if you should find him? What then?"
"Tell him about his home, where he came from, who his people are, what he has meant to us. It will give him the strength to go on."
"How can you be sure of that? Knowing his true nature may very well distract him from his task. We cannot risk that."
"And how can we ask him to fulfill his destiny without ever knowing that he is not alone. You must know how set apart he would feel in the outside world."
"Of course I know. Do not question the wisdom of this counsel Lisette."
"I beg your forgiveness my Lord. But I also beg you to let me do this thing."
"Very well Lisette. But you will be given only a limited amount of time to find him, then you must return."
"Thank you my Lord. By your leave, I will go tomorrow."
************
And the second vision that came was faded, but the power of it overwhelming...
"Come forward young one." The elder commanded, as a boy with a serious face and raven hair stepped up onto the raised platform.
"Do you know why you have been summoned here?"
"I do not my Lord."
"The eldest of our oracles has known for some time, that there is a convergence of events coming into the world. Many things and people will be gathered to rid this planet of the evil we call Sin... for all eternity."
"My Lord?"
"We have decided to send one of our own to participate in this timeline of events. The oracle feels that it is imperative if all is to succeed. And you have been chosen as that emissary. You have been deemed the strongest of spirit, the noblest and truest of heart."
"I am honored my Lord."
"You will be given no memory of your past or this place, or what has been said here today. The only thing we may send with you is a sense of your destiny."
"But, why my Lord?"
"It is a sorrowful thing for us, but it must be this way. It is the only way to protect what we hold dear... our way of life, and you."
"Will I be alone then?"
"Yes. As all the chosen are alone. You will have to endure great pain and suffering to fulfill your task I fear."
"I understand."
"Will you do this thing young one? We will not force it upon you, the choice is yours."
"Yes my Lord. I choose this path for my life. I will empty my soul of the dreams that have gathered there, and fill it with this purpose."
"You are wise beyond your years, young one... the oracles have chosen well."
"Go now, and prepare yourself for the long journey ahead."
************
As the visions faded, Lisette slumped against Auron's body, his arms coming up to steady her.
She slowly raised her head to look upon him, and her heart broke at what she saw there...
His noble face was a twisted mask of emotion, and more than that, his mind was open to her now... all of his defenses gone.
Always alone... never alone.
The sorrow of loss... the joy of belonging.
Never to be remembered... cherished always.
The regret of failure... the triumph of sacrifice.
Without saying a word, Auron sank to his knees, and leaning forward, layed his head against the warmth of her belly. Then his strong arms reached up to encircle her, as Lisette lowered her own to cradle his head, stroking his raven hair.
They stayed that way for a long time... neither of them needing to speak.
_____________
Every story must have an ending... and now this one does.
Thanks to all who took this journey with me.