Silent Fall
A Darker Dream
With Sage's help, Cye was released from the hospital a few days later. Though Sage had been able to completely heal the gashes he left the scars on Cye's arms as an ever-present reminder of what he had done and what never to do again. Cye also told the Ronins what Torrent had said.
"So you actually talked to Torrent?"
Though, they still didn't believe him.
"Yes, Rowen, I did."
"Torrent the armor?"
"Yes."
"Torrent your armor?"
"For the last time, yes!"
Rowen just looked at him. "Are you sure you're feeling okay? I mean, it's not like shock or anything, is it?"
Cye sighed and rubbed his temples in defense against a rising headache. This was grinding on his very last nerve and that was bad, very bad. He was just about to strangle Rowen when Mia came downstairs with the other Ronins on her heels.
"Did you find anything?" Cye questioned eagerly.
Mia shook her head sadly. "My grandfather's files say nothing on what you told us."
"There's only one other place we can go. Kayura's the only other person who might know something about this."
"Can we even get back into the Dynasty?"
"We may be able to create a door using the Jewel of Life." Rowen concluded.
"What do you think, Ryo?"
"I suppose you can try, but we have to be ready for anything."
They didn't know how but they were able to create a doorway to the Dynasty, whether they actually used the Jewel of Life was a whole other issue. Kayura could have made it in anticipation of their return, she had been known to know these things, and she had been waiting for them on the other side. The Ronins were not inclined to ask about it, though, that was not what they were here for.
The sight of the doorway set their nerves on end and they had to deal with a little more than just trepidation about reentering the Dynasty even though Kayura had been working to clean it up since. They had managed, somehow, and the Ronins were now gathered in the meeting room that Talpa had neglected during his reign in favor of his more imposing seat in the throne room.
The room was clean and pleasant with a large oriental rug adorning the middle of the stone floor. In the center of the well-lit chamber stood a large, oak table and seated at it were the Warlords. Kayura motioned for them to sit down and took a seat herself.
"So, Ronins, what brings you back here?" She inquired, as they obliged.
Cye explained to her everything that Torrent had told him as best he could for Sekhmet's presence was making him nervous and jumpy.
Kayura looked thoughtful once he had finished. "The ancient texts say something about that, it's rather ambiguous, I'm afraid. I don't know if you really want to see it, it won't get you any further than where you are now." Here she paused. "There is one more thing related to this. Follow me."
Kayura rose from her seat at the head of the table and walked from the room, with the assembly in tow, to a room deeper in the Dynasty than any of the Ronins had ever been before. Well away from the room the Ancient's staff began to react, the rings giving off a clear, ethereal chime that quickened as they approached, and glowing that same golden color that had stalled so many of their foes. When they entered the room the ringing became almost unbearable.
Kayura opened a small chest in the back of the chamber and from out it produced a necklace in whose presence the staff quieted. The necklace consisted of a golden chain on which was strung a small jewel, a translucent black crystal with what appeared to be a live, white flame suspended inside it. The pendant also glowed like the staff.
"This should help you find your armor's missing pieces." The Ancient handed the necklace to Ryo.
Ryo examined it a moment before turning to Cye. "Since Torrent seems to know the most about this why don't you take it?"
Cye accepted the pendant from Ryo, looking at it with curiosity.
"I'll search for those texts but it may take some time, in the meantime why don't you stay here for the night?" Kayura offered.
The Ronins looked apprehensive.
"Thank you, Kayura," Mia said, giving a deep, respectful bow.
"I believe Sekhmet, Dais, and Cale can find you some spare rooms."
Mia, Ryo, Rowen, Sage, Cye, and Kento looked to the Warlords and followed them out of the room.
Cye's room was furnished with two beds (though there were enough rooms that everyone could have their own), a small nightstand, a desk, and a lamp. The Ronin of Trust abandoned the necklace on the nightstand and collapsed onto the bed. Besides the scars, a complete lack of energy was the only lasting result of his attempted suicide. Within minutes, Cye was asleep.
"Welcome back," greeted Torrent. "You are no doubt wondering why I am able to do this? With that crystal you were given my power had expanded sufficiently enough so that I may contact you in your dreams. Now, if you were to actually put the pendant on I could talk to you anytime."
"I had no idea," Cye admitted. "You told me earlier that you would tell me where to start?"
"Yes, you first need to-"
A shadow suddenly swept across Cye's mind sending a violent chill down his back. This thing, whatever it was, was evil and that was all too clear.
* * * * *
Yay! Finals are all over and I passed!!
Since I'm in a good mood I posted another chapter.
Disclaimer: I think I've said it before…