I don't own anything that you can recognise that is DEFINITELY from Dark is Rising by the amazing Susan Cooper!
Summary: The weight of the world lies on their young shoulder, to save it from the Dark. Young yet ageless, innocent yet wise. Through their immortal bonds came love, through love, came hate, and through hate, the Dark came rising in.
Competition Scoreboard:
Light: 130
Dark: 120
Thank you Silver on the Tree for the balance!
Last Chapter: "John…promise me something?" without turning around, Haven asked him, her eyes moist as he nodded: "Don't judge the Light without seeing the Dark… "
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THE CIRCLE OF THE LIGHT
Part four: In The Hall of Memories and the Chamber of Heritage.
Together, they walked down the snowy paths. It was cold. So cold. The wind blew in fierce raging cries. The Dark tries to push them back, rising upon a tempest of snow.
To Max, it was the vivid image of the Black Rider, bearing down upon him with a sword of ice, so freezing cold. Maxim Belegar, we meet again. Indeed, pity you did not come to the Dark earlier, for the Dark will help you onto your road of Greatness! No matter, there is still plenty of chance for you now. Said the Black Rider in a soft, sibilant voice. I don't need you to become great Black Rider. You are from the Dark, and I'm from the Light! Max spat at the Rider. Hang on! He thought to himself, why did I say that? I don't even know what is Light or Dark, and I'm already saying I'm from Light, and not from Dark? Oh how ardently I wish for answers to this mystic puzzle!
To Frank, it was the cloud of Darkness, whispering words of coldness in his heart with the cruel voice of Dark: we shall freeze the world. Freeze the youngsterss. Freeze your heartsss. Yesss…freeze you we ssshall…
To Leo, it was like the day when his parents died. How the world went dark then, and the mountains opened, pouring red molten lava, killing all as it swept past. The earth shook beneath them, the road split, and how the trees fell, smashing into the car, crushing the front. How the little Haven wept in the back, but brought unsought warmth and protection to him.
To John, it was this intense chill in his hearts. He felt the darkness, the depression that is of Dark, but being a mere mortal, he saw nothing, save a world of raging snow. Fat flakes whirled in the sky, burying everything within their sight. He heard whispers in his head, soft, luring, but snakelike sibilant: why are you following my fine lad? Surely you don't believe all thisss? There is no Light or Dark, she is trying to trap you, and your little brother. You shall all die by her handsss. Die, FREEZE! NO! He said fiercely to the voice: you are wrong. Haven loves us, I can trust her with anything, and I will.
To Haven, it was a series of images, one after another in different times. The last Rising of Darkness, where the sky was black from the raging Dark. Corrupted men, running with a mad glint in their eyes, hatred in their hearts. No space for love, warmth, or joy. Their blackened hearts killed thousands, their own kindred from other places of the world. Mass murder, massacres, genocide. She vividly remember the day when she has to sacrifice her best friend, 3 centuries ago. A mortal girl, poor thing. She should have never allowed her to get tangled in this ruthless and unearthly War. Her last words clung in the air: Haven, thou hast to fight on without me. I forgive thee. Thou shalt not let others tread in the Path of my Doom. For we mere Mortals are not for this War. Then the shrill shriek of Turin ringing cold but clear in her ears: What is Light? What is Righteousnessss? You destroy souls of innocence, you, who are Light! You are no different to the Dark! Cruelty means I, and You! We are the same, Lady of the Light, his blood runs in us! And the high pitched laugh. How Haven hated herself then.
"Haven?" a soft touch from Leo brought her back to reality. She realised suddenly that she has been standing still, oblivious to all, wrapped in her memories. Ah, so none failed the test of the Dark, not even the New one and the Mortal. Turin, you have see the strength of our faith! Now you shall see the full Circle of the Light, united once for all. Soon Father, my one true Father, soon it will all be over, and I will come to you. She shook herself mentally, and pointed out five stiff fingers. Softly, she sang into the storm.
Years after, John could still picture the exact image then, as he noticed how her face changed as she sang in those curious alien words. Songs of her heritage. How her face became beautifully ageless, how it lit up in sheer enjoyment. A shimmer in the air caught his attention, and as he watched, the trees by the side of the road bent inwards as if in a bow, the branches fell elegantly above them, forming a natural green archway. The air in front of them shimmered, as if the air was heating up. Haven turned to John and Max, and smiled a weary smile, and said:
"We go through here now. This Archway of Light will take us to a place outside Matter, and outside Time, to the Halls and Chambers where we write down our history, where the ones of Light will all go one day, when our tasks are complete, and our life weary. It bears facts, cruel and gentle facts. Truth hurts, doesn't it?" without waiting for the others, she turned and walked through the Archway. John and Max gasped as they saw her vanish into thin air, and Leo followed her steps, he who was there for the ceremony of every New ones of Light, some how, travelling backwards in Time. Frank gently urged them:
"The Archway will only be open for a limited amount of time, we have to hurry. She will explain on the other side. Now go!"
The boys tumbled in at their wake, shutting their eyes firmly and defiantly. Frank stepped in last, and closed the Arch after him.
"Oh Jesus…" was the only thing the Belegars said as they stepped into a vast, majestic Hall, not very different from a Cathedral. Even the bare air of the space has a sense of overwhelming grandeur. It was by no means over decorative, simple but symbolic ornaments can be seen occasionally, in a significant spot. But otherwise, the walls are bare of any decoration. The true stone walls glinted their ancient blue grey light, radiating power. The hard floor made their footsteps echo in this huge Hall, sending shivers down their spines as it rang loud and clear in the air. Around the Hall, tapestries of pure white cotton hung from the sloping ceiling, draping over the top of the walls. Thousands of different hues of colour can be seen from the seemingly white fabric, as the sun shone onto it. Huge Gothic stain glass windows on the Walls told of battles won and battles lost. Turning back, Max saw not the Arch by which they had came through, but an arched oak Door, with heavy bronze frames, plain, deprived of any carvings or patterns, save a small Iron Circle on the tip of the Arch, quartered by a cross. Up by the front of the Hall, there was the same quartered Circle, made of crystal, though much larger and beautiful. Many runes and symbols surrounded the cross, but the Circle was bare. The curious thing is, it seems to shine from within, radiating an unearthly light.
"This is the Sign of Light." Haven said, as if reading their minds. "This is the full symbolism of Light. The crystal by which it was made, centuries and centuries ago, was extracted from the Well of Freedom and Love, far away in the Island of Light, where no Darkness can be felt. The crystal is hollow. Within the crystal, we captured the Light of Cuithyëanná, the Land of High Magic, before the Dark and the Light even existed. It is light from an untainted world where there are absolute fairness and justice, where Truth is the only thing that was present. It was a world unaffected by the heaviness and mortality of growing things, unlike now, where the world is heavy with mortal lies. The only light was the cool light of bright stars above. No pale moon nor hot sun…The crystal Sign of Light can never be destroyed."
Everyone followed Max's gaze and looked at this work of wonder. Somewhere deep within Max stirred a strong yearning for it. His heart held a sudden righteous passion, a wish for just one soft touch on the pure blessed thing. Out of nowhere, he felt this sense of protection. He is safe here.
"You feel it too then? Those of the Light do. In the time of utmost need, the Sign could be moved and brought to the place of need. Its power, so strong, will destroy whatever power there is that opposes it. But it can only be used as a last resort, for the Sign will leave after it has been used, it will come back here, a place outside Time, outside Reach, and remain for an eternity on the walls of this Hall." Again, Haven answered Max' question uncalled for. Beckoning to Max, she said in a serious and grave tone:
"Come, Max, it is the time for you to learn of your true heritage, and learn the powers you possess. You shall discover also the history of the world, the struggles of Light and Dark under the surveillance of the impassive High Magic."
She led Max into a side Chamber, with wooden floors and papered walls, candles lit around the room, making it look cosy and warm. Such a contrast to the bare, impressive Hall they just left. Rows upon rows of books stacked neatly in the shelves, a cushioned armchair sat squat in the middle of the room, by its side stood a matching table, upon it a glass of clear liquid and a clear case, containing an ancient looking book. She motioned Max to go and sit down, and called softly for Leo. In no time, Leo came and stood beside her.
"Are you ready Lion of the Light?" Haven asked calmly.
"As ready as I ever will be." Leo replied with a wry smile.
"Very well. Take my hand Leo." Haven joined hands with Leo, and together they reached towards the case with their free hand. Just before they touched its handle, Leo whispered:
"Thank you for trusting me, sister of my heart."
Haven smiled. A genuine smile that is free of worry, free of regret, free of concerns and pain. Together they grabbed hold of the handle, carefully opened it without touching the case itself, and Haven drew out book from within. Leo breathed a small sigh of relief, and stepping back, he quietly exited the Chamber.
Haven placed the book in front of Max, and told him:
"This is the Book of Cuithyëanná, where ones of the Light recorded every bit of power they know. They all possessed slightly different powers, and there are many of us. There will only be a few who possesses all of these powers, including you and me. I, because I was the first, the Founder. You, because you are the last, the Bond. Drink, and then read. When you finish the book, close it, and I shall come. Remember, with great power, comes great responsibility." And without further ado, she left the room, closing the door behind her, not letting Max ask any question.
For several minutes Max stared at the book, his mind blank, digesting everything Haven said before she left. What did she mean? I am the Bond? She is the Founder? Then that means she is ageless, one of the first who lived! Remembering what she said, he reached for the glass and drank the clear liquid. It had a strange but lovely taste, sweet and bitter at the same time. The aftertaste was mild, but it hung in his mouth for hours and hours. His mind cleared suddenly, and a strong current started to flow in his body, circulating all the way round. It spoke of raw power and knowledge, unrefined and unshaped. Curiously, he opened the book. It was ancient, made of yellow and brown cackling parchment, fragile and brittle at the edges. He gasped as he saw the picture on the first page: it was a picture of a Lady, standing on the Mountain Peak, surrounded by clouds, reaching to the Heaven. Young, yet old, pure and wise. She was clad in a shining white tunic from ages past, white sandals on her bare feet. Silver and crystal entwining branches graced her neck and arms, her long midnight dark hair swaying softly with the breeze, around it draped branches of soft green willow. Her arms are raised high above her head, and between her palms, in a ring of golden flames, is the crystal Sign of Light. Beneath the picture, a poem was inscribed in a flowing hand, as Max read the first word, he was no longer in this room. Instead, he was on the same mountain, watching Her as she made the crystal Sign of Light in a ring of flame. Out of nowhere, the voice of a girl rose above the wind, and recited in a chant like voice:
I am the past, present, and future,
I am the maker of Sign of Light.
I am the Founder of the Earth's defence,
I am the fear of the Dark.
I wrote for you, a book of Lore.
Ancient, as old as the elements of the Earth,
As old as the bare rocks and stones.
Where within is gathered the many rhymes,
Of our history, people, and powers.
A book for you to learn when the Dark come rising,
And by the power of the Founder, the Bond, and all within,
The Dark shall be vanquished forever and a day.
The Circle of the Light shall free the world of Man.
The Lion shall remain,
Clinging to the earth he loved.
The Mortal I will take with me,
We who are unable to part.
The Eagle stays for a while,
The Silent Watcher of the Light.
Watching over the Earth of Man,
Sorrowing to be left behind…
…Max was again in that little cosy Chamber, staring blindly ahead, utterly speechless. He just travelled to another place, without moving one limb! How is this possible? Is this Book magic? Remember what the girl said just then, she wrote this book! I wonder who she was? She must be another one of the Light, who has all the power! It is every power the Light have, and I shall have all these power!? But why am I believing all this? I made so much assumptions! He argued with himself as to whether this is real or not. A rational voice in the back of his head said to him: read the book, then you will know. Shrugging off any hesitance or suspicion, Max read on:
I am an atom of water, earth, and air,
There's nowhere on earth I haven't been.
To the high heavens I flew,
Joining the stars above.
Dissolving in water I plunged down,
Slicker than any fish in the sea.
In the realms of Neptune I stayed for a while,
None is quicker than I.
I, an atom of water, earth, and air…
…Now he is flying with the eagles into the cloudy sky, but he outstripped them, flying further and further up till the stars loomed upon him like giant shining spectres. He flew around all the constellation, Sirius, Pleiades, Andromeda, Orion…oh numerous stars and planets, he made friends with them all. Then he dived down into the big blue pond, joining the creatures below. He swam faster than any fish, deeper, breathing water as air. He saw every water creature there is, and visited every plant in the sea, the Mermaids and Nereids blushed as he swam past, hiding behind their rocks.
And he continued in this fashion, learning about the powers, the history, the wars, and the people, he found himself in different times, encountering different member of the Light as they came into existence. But always, Haven is there. At the beginning, at every siege, in the frontier of every battleground, there is Haven. He learned how to recognise those of the Dark, and those of the Light. And finally, he came upon his birth, how there was full Moon that night…
…Then suddenly, he found himself in that squashy armchair once again, the book in front of him was turned to the last page, where an image of himself was gazing at him with sad eyes. Older and wiser looking, he was wearing a similar white tunic and sandals, standing on that same mountain. And on his wrist stood a beautiful Eagle, whose sharp amber eyes swept over the Earth. Beneath it, it was inscribed in that same flowing hand:
He muses over the lonely Earth,
Silent Watcher of the Light.
The remnant of a Dream,
Real once, long long ago.
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Silver on the Tree: 50pts this time! Ok, thank you soo much for transferring! I really hope you don't mind, I feel guilty now! And yes, the Light will still be in lead. Your time scale for the history they see in the Hall didn't quite reach far enough, it reaches beyond that even! I hope John will be stronger than Hawkin also! *Wink wink*
Sam Davidson: 60 pts! Haven is the Founder of the Light, as you can see in this Chapter, but she is also different from all the other Old Ones, I hope you can guess how. The answer lies in Question d) e) g) and h)!
Competition Questions:
a) Why is the Earth called "The Lonely Earth" in the last poem? [10 pts]
b) How will the Dark tries to corrupt Max after he has read the Book? And does Max waver? [15 pts]
c) Leo, John and Max will each receive a test from the High Law, what will be each one's Test, and how do they do? [10 pts for each person]
d) Who is Haven's real Father? [20 pts]
e) What is the link between Turin [Lady of the Dark] and Haven [Lady of the Light]? [25 pts]
f) How is it that Leo was present when each of the Old Ones are admitted to the Circle when he does not exist physically? [30 pts]
g) "Within the crystal, we captured the Light of Cuithyëanná, the Land of High Magic, before the Dark and the Light even existed."
How is this possible for the Sign of Light, which was made by the Lady who wrote the Book Cuithyëanná, a record of the powers of all the ones of Light, to capture the Light of the Land of High Magic when Dark or Light does not exist yet?
h) Who is She? The Lady who wrote the Book? [5 pts]
Oof, loads of questions this Chapter! The plot deepens! Mwahahaha! Why did I just do that??!! Aaaanyway, Please R&R. I'm very proud of my long Chapter. I might not be updating for a while because Libraries close for Christmas, and we don't have internet at home, hopefully I will find somewhere! Also it's our school's Exam week for the next 2 weeks! Eek! *~* Let's hope I survive this one!
Love
Star_soul