Chapter 5: The Gods and the Pawns

Magius screamed until he had no more voice, even then screamed inaudibly, hopelessly. As he was descending back downwards, the dazzling light that engulfed had Andúnë diminished, revealing the remains of the cruel torture. The corpse that he was shackled to was only remotely human, crusts of entrails clinging to the blackened bones. Magius continued screaming.

Lukath smiled cruelly, his snake-like eyes burning a putrid yellow. "I think that pretty much sums up the "personal abyss" versus "can he do magic" question. Well, I do believe my work here is through. Have a nice day, lover boy!" He laughed acerbically and faded back into the darkness.

Magius lay on the floor, tears flowing unchecked down his face. He closed his eyes, willing the corpse to disappear. But he could still feel it on top of his chest, touching his skin, could still smell the horrible smell. "Solinari, god of light," he whispered weakly. "I know I have not lived a life that you would be proud of, but does any man deserve this?! I repented! Repented! I can't take this anymore! For god's sake, kill me! Release me from this agony! Kill me! Kill me! KILL ME!!" These last words escaladed into a hoarse scream of desperation. He paused, waiting to see if he would answer the prayer. Nothing happened. "Lunitari, I was your servant the longest. Please, lady of red, grant me one last favor. Destroy me. Anything is better than this! My sins have been paid for in blood, my own and of those whom I loved. Kill me and save me," He waited, exhausted and frustrated. Nothing happened. "Nuitari!! I turn to you now in my last hours of need. I have served you and honored the gift of magic. Take away my life!" Nothing. "DAMN ALL GODS!! I HATE YOU!! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME, TO HER?! I HATE YOU!! I HATE YOU!! I-" he broke off, sobbing uncontrollably.

A hand reached down and wiped the face of the mage with a soft handkerchief. Flinching, Magius opened his eyes warily, and stared into a face of light. Handsome and strong, light flowed from his robes of silvery white.

"Magius, my child, you have suffered so much for us," Solinari spoke, still kneeling by Magius' side and bathing his forehead. With unsurprised eyes, Magius turned his head to the other side. There stood a beautiful young woman, with hair as dark as the night sky that was streaked with the silver of stars. She was dressed in blood, holding a book. At her side, a grotesque man stood, holding an orb of light. He wore the darkness and he looked at Magius with eyes as deep and dark as eternity. Lunitari stepped forward, speaking in a voice like the clear singing of silver bells.

"You had sinned against us in a way that was considered unforgivable," she gave him a stern look, then a sorrowful smile. "And you have paid the penance tenfold."

"Yet, your efforts will not be without reward. You will be the turning point in this raging battle," Solinari added. "Huma will find strength in you, strength enough to defeat the Dragonqueen," He smiled. "And yes, he lives."

Lunitari kneeled down and touched the manacles binding Magius to the corpse. They disappeared and she lifted the body from Magius' chest, cradling it to her own. At her touch, the remains turned pearly silver and became a woman once more. The mage gasped, feeling tears spring to his eyes as he saw Andúnë, seemingly asleep, resting her head on Lunitari's breast. "This abomination should never have taken place," she murmured softly.

"My followers have overstepped their boundaries this time," Nuitari mournful voice rang out for the first time, sounding as if he was within a deep well. "It is the corruption of the woman who borne me. She must be stopped!"

"Peace, cousin," Solinari replied tiredly. "It is out of our hands," He turned to the mage. "As for you, Magius of many colors, we ask you to hold on a little longer. We shall take away your pain, your mind shall sleep until it is needed for once last time."

"You will take care of Andúnë?" Magius whispered brokenly. "Will you tell her- tell her that I love her?"

Lunitari acquiesced with a nod of her head. "Farewell, Magius," The three deities vanished in a shimmer of sparks.

Magius closed his eyes.

"My Lord Dracos," the page bowed hurriedly and continued. "I was sent to inform you of the status of the prisoner Magius. He's unresponsive and seemingly has gone mad,"

Galan Dracos cursed, pushing himself away from the dinner table in his anger. The roast venison went flying off the table, causing the page to start and to bend quickly to clean it. Scowling, Dracos burst from the dining hall toward the dungeons, his navy blue cape whipping behind him to smack the page that trailed loyally behind him. He came to the figure of the mage and kicked him violently. Magius did not even look up at him, only continued to stare with a vague and vacant expression on his visage.

"Damn you, Magius!" He accompanied this with another kick. "Damn you, damn you, damn you!!" He spit on the White Robe viciously. "You may have weaseled out of this, but I will have my revenge!" He stormed out, then spat at the page, "Who is responsible for this?"

"Uh, Lukath I believe, sir," he sputtered. "I just go get him then, shall I?" He tottered off in search of the mage in question. He returned moments later with Lukath in tow.

"Were you the last to question Magius?" Dracos growled. Lukath nodded curtly, freakish eyes narrowed. Frowning, Dracos whispered a quick word and watched with satisfaction as the Grey Robe melted into a puddle of acid on the floor without time even for a scream. To the page, he yelled, "Clean this mess up," and left the room in a huff.