"Uprising" continues...

A few moments of numbness set in before Hallmek was abruptly jerked out of it by the sudden sharp pierce of Gryphus' pike being lunged into his back. He cried out in painful agony as Gryphus drove the pike in deeper.

Then, Jaspus watched as the grin on Gryphus' face was literally wiped off by the spiked head of a mace, destroying Gryphus' left cheek. The blow had met him directly in the face and had flung him several meters away from Hallmek's prone, wounded body. Jaspus looked and saw that a man had done this deed: he was short but heavy muscled, middle-aged like Hallmek, and hardly retaining any hair on his head or face. In his hand he held a long mace, now dripping with blood from Gryphus' face.

The sound of Hallmek groaning painfully reminded Jaspus, who was surprised about not noticing another party become involved, that Hallmek was still wounded. So, Jaspus ran toward his fallen friend, crying, "Hang on, Hallmek! I'll heal you!" and had knelt beside him. The youth placed his hands over Hallmek's back and his palms began to glow a deep purple, which radiated over Hallmek's entire body.

"Sorry I wasn't here quicker," the middle-aged man said to Jaspus cheerfully, "but I had to rescue some other escapees from scouts like this. It's really quite time-consuming, the way they put up a fight." Then, looking at Hallmek, he asked Jaspus, "Will he be okay?"

Before he could get an answer, the man's attention was diverted back to his opponent. Gryphus had reclaimed his pike, although holding the right side of his face tenderly. He wasn't going to let this man get away with hurting him so badly.

He screamed as best he could, "Necronom, Hezbarek, Mortyx!" and pointed his pike forward to unleash a colossal blast of white electricity, which struck the short man with no apparent effect. Without a word, the man spun his mace above his head, and fire began to surround him. Then, he brought down the mace to the ground, the impact of which caused a horizontal tornado of flames and embers to soar at Gryphus, knocking him into his horse and carrying them both back into the woods.

Meanwhile, Hallmek was amazed at how well Jaspus' powers actually worked. The wounds he'd suffered both during the siege of Grimas Moenia and at the hands of Gryphus were now completely gone, along with the pain. He finally felt the energy to stand up and did so with incredible vigor. Jaspus had to step out of his way.

Relaxing his grip of the long mace, the short man exhaled but quickly approached Jaspus and Hallmek. "There are far more scouts in these foggy dead woods than him," he said to them, "it's imperative that we leave and get out of sight. We can make for a hidden outpost where I am stationed. Come on, I'll lead you there. It's not far from here."

"Where is it? Wait," Jaspus' eyes glowed bright white, "I already know."

Upon Jaspus' gesture, the three were encased in a dome of black light that faded into the ground and, by the time Gryphus and his fellow scouts would arrive for a rematch, they were long gone.

---

Hallmek and Jaspus reappeared with their mace-wielding savior to see the outpost just as promised. Of course, it helped Hallmek's conscience that Jaspus used that telepathy to make certain that an outpost actually existed, and it was constructed of green-colored stone—two high pillars that matched the likeness of trees to help blend in to their surroundings which, Hallmek soon saw, where quite far away from the Wood of Urisian.

"Normally," the short man said with a chuckle, "the villagers I rescued could go on their merry way after their oppressors were warded off, but you two... I'm not so sure about. Are you itching for a fight or something, sir?" he looked at Hallmek.

"Hey, I had everything under control until that guy pulled a fast one on me!"

The words uttered by Hallmek reminded Jaspus of that occurrence, and he changed the subject, saying to the man, "Forgive my friend, good sir. I am Jaspus, and this is Hallmek," he gestured to himself and then to Hallmek. Then, Jaspus continued with, "I have seen many dark forces at work, and those used today caught my friend here off guard. I was, too, by what happened when Gryphus' attack didn't faze you. Only someone endowed in dark power themselves could be immune to such an assault."

He nodded in response, "You're right, boy. I'm Serax, a former Dark Centurion."

"Dark Centurion?" inquired Hallmek, sounding suddenly apprehensive, "That means that you're one of the Blood!"

"Formerly," answered Serax. "I grew up under the Church of Blood's teachings, yes, but have since rejected their ways, ever since my own children were lost to horrible corruption. I seek solace and carry out justice against those who threaten the innocent. Sounds stupid, right?"

Jaspus smiled, "Not at all. In fact, I've actually been curious about what exactly draws people to the Church of Blood and allows them to use a power very different from the one bestowed upon them at the beginning of life."

"Oh, it's not all that complicated. They are drawn to that religion for the same reason you are drawn to yours: answers. The Church of Blood is obsessed with finding a means to immortality, eternal life, while still being able to retain the physical power they already have. My position is that you simply can't have both, but they disagree. The Blood has found their answer in worshipping the Eighth Devil, who I have known to be called Scath, but only in public. You've seen the Mortem? That is their 'answer' to immortality: pledge loyalty to Scath by living immorally and causing destruction, and you get to live on—well, until someone ends that life too—but the cost is that you'll be a mindless slave."

"I was actually more curious about the words Gryphus uttered," Jaspus responded.

"Gryphus? You mean the scout that attacked you?"

Then, after receiving a confirming nod from both Jaspus and Hallmek, Serax went on, "Well, again, it's not all that different from the words you yourself use. Yes, seeing your little healing talent has led me to believe that you, too, have some power. Needless to say, the magic words of Gryphus do not call upon the strength of this world and of Metrion, but of something more sinister, and those words only aim to hurt and destroy.

"It is difficult for many to fully grasp the concept of that power," Serax added, "and it is a dangerous power, indeed, for those who are not akin to its magic are often overwhelmed by it and then consumed by it. Yes, to have a moral lifestyle and control the dark magic is quite impossible, despite that it's surprisingly easy to learn."

Being completely lost and confused, Hallmek interrupted, "Well, thank you, Serax, for the kindness of saving my life and for leading out of the Fogland Wood of Urisian. However, we really must be going."

"I agree," Jaspus said, "we should not linger anywhere, since we don't want another encounter with scouts or, rather, any enemy forces today."

"First," replied Serax, turning to Hallmek, "you don't need to thank me. I've never left behind anyone in danger and I'm not about to start now," then, turning to Jaspus, "This outpost is safe from any enemy forces. It's shielded by the same dark energy that they use, so it won't be at all easy to spot. Plus, it's camouflaged. Besides, even if someone was approaching, I'm sure you'd sense it."

With a sigh from them both, they agreed to rest and recuperate for the moment. Serax offered to round up some transports after he'd scrounged together some food. Inside the four-walled structure that stood beside the outpost's left pillar, Jaspus stood by the fireplace while Hallmek found a wooden bench to sit on.

As Hallmek sat leaning forward, attempting to catch his breath, he watched as Jaspus tensely paced about the room. The youth seemed uncomfortable by the lack of visible light inside the outpost's station, and so he strolled to the wall where a large, empty, diamond-shaped lamp hanged. Even though the lamp was swinging ever-so-slightly, Jaspus stopped it with a touch; then, putting his palm flat up against it, he whispered something and a faint blue light began to glow from his palm.

It passed into the lamp and remained there after Jaspus had taken his hand away. When he'd turned back silently, Jaspus saw that Hallmek was staring at him in angry confusion. "You don't even rely on candles or fire to keep you from the dark of the night," muttered the soldier. "What sorcery is this—that has passed from my people but remained with yours?"

Jaspus was taken aback: never had someone questioned the nature of his being, questioned what exactly he was, as if he were not normal in the world, and he did not know how to respond correctly. Still, he said, "Not sorcery, but the soul which burns within each living person: the power granted by Azar (translated as "God") to all men and women, those who choose to wield it. Long ago, Metrion and the other elders requested that such power be given them to make their lives easier, but the power was already given when the people were made, only now it was to be used for physical tasks rather than for preserving life eternally."

Seeing that Hallmek had not changed his expression, Jaspus smiled nervously and sympathetically, adding, "If you believe such things."

With a big grin, Hallmek chuckled loudly, appreciating Jaspus' obvious tact. "I know the creation story of Azarath, Jaspus."

By this time, Serax had returned with food. It was definitely welcomed by Hallmek, who took his plate graciously. There were bits of hot bread and a cup of hot tea as well—the perfect meal for someone in haste. Jaspus took a sip of his tea as well, sitting across from Hallmek at the wooden table.

"So," Hallmek said, taking a big bite of the bread, "tell me: why exactly did you go to Grimas Moenia?"

Jaspus paused for a moment, pondering the question. Something clearly bothered him, but he answered the inquiry anyway, "Well, as you know, I'm a healer, and my order received word that Grimas Moenia urgently needed healers, which strikes me as odd. It's almost as if whoever made the request for healing and such services was aware of the imminent battle."

Hallmek offered an alternative, "Or there could've been a plague or rampaging disease of some sort. See, that's the problem with you telepaths and empaths, you're always over-thinking everything, when you should just accept it as simple coincidence." Jaspus decided not to go add to such an argument; but even if he did, Hallmek had changed the subject so quickly he would've been unable to do so, stating, "I don't share that theory, since I was simply on my way back home."

"As am I, now," Jaspus replied at last.

"Dorthicos?" Hallmek smirked to himself and finished off his tea, "I figured. What's it like?"

Jaspus gazed upwards nostalgically, humming as he spoke, "Dorthicos is a celestial city. It floats high above the ground, held aloft by the same type of power I used to illuminate that lamp," he pointed to the large, glowing, blue diamond on the wall, but added, "if you believe such things. I've always found the sound of clouds to be one of the most relaxing elements of the place, one of the best ways to be at peace. Despite going out on assignments like the one to Grimas Moenia, I always cherish returning there. My wife is handmaiden to the Lady Dorraine."

In the next instant, Hallmek spat out his tea. "Hold on," he said, interrupting Jaspus, "your wife?! Surely you can't be married! I mean, just by looking at you, I'd have to say that you're, at the most, eighteen years old, definitely not twenty. So, then, how is it possible that you could be married at such a young age?!"

Seeing Hallmek's sudden outburst, Jaspus was a little confused why the concept was so new to him. "You guessed correctly on my age," said Jaspus, trying to explain further without risking another outburst, "and my wife has just turned sixteen, she too is a healer; we've been married for two years. The earliest someone can wed is fourteen, in my culture and in that of the Zinthos and others, at least to my knowledge."

Half-realizing what Jaspus was attempting to say, Hallmek nodded, "Ah, I understand: it was an arranged marriage, a betrothal. Well, I suppose you can't fight the culture you live in, but I personally opt for choosing my bride rather than having her chosen for me. Besides, I wouldn't want someone marrying me if they didn't want to at heart."

"Actually, I did choose her. However, the more accurate way to say it is that our souls discovered each other. Now, I understand that, for you, that's a hard concept to wrap your mind around, but please bear with me. My parents took me to the temple shortly after I was born, in hopes that my soul would locate its mate, on the presumption that my mate had even come into existence beforehand. Unfortunately, my wife was not yet conceived by her own parents, and so I had not been given a soul mate.

"Two years later, a girl named Mariax was born, and her parents took her to the temple for the exact same reason. Placing her in the Pool of Padmia, my face and name appeared in a wondrous mist, and so her parents sought out mine. But it wasn't until I'd turn fourteen that I'd felt an incredible rush of feelings for her, exciting feelings, a deep desire to hold her close and never let her go. I eagerly waited to marry her and completely give myself to her. But I was naïve and did not completely understand the intricacies of what I had undertaken.

"Meaning, I had no idea what I would receive, in turn, from her. To be completed and fulfilled, finding endless comfort and solace, love and life, all in one single person was absolutely electrifying. In the act of marriage, we'd bonded together so completely that it felt as though we shared in a continual bounty of happiness and did not have to go looking for it. She haunts my dreams every night and, from what I can ascertain, I haunt hers, like a sweet song of being blessed simply for living. I tell you, Hallmek, I do not think I could've ever found such a woman a different way."

There was a moment of silence after Jaspus had finished. Positively dumbfounded, Hallmek's jaw hanged low until he said, "Okay, I'm confused. Someone dips you in a pool and you instantly know who you're destined—and I hate the use of that word—to spend the rest of your life with?"

"As I explained before, when the early people requested that they be given power to make their lives physically easier, they sought fulfillment in each other, instead of in God; and even this request was granted, although it was probably part of the original. The order I serve believes that God wanted people to be happy and, in my opinion, such marital fulfillment is the closest one can come to the bliss that we might've shared with God had the request not been posed."

Presently he gasped and clutched his chest, muttering painfully, "To know what I have now and live in some other state of being, the thought gnaws at me! I cannot understand how other people can wander their lives without even knowing who...!" he could not bring himself to finish the sentence. Still, Hallmek pressed the issue.

"How do you know the pool isn't fraudulent, that it isn't one big lie?"

"I suppose I don't," shrugged Jaspus, "even though I have telepathically examined it for myself several times to see if it was genuine, but those exercises, years ago, were that of an anxiously skeptical novice. If you believe such things, Hallmek, then I am living proof that I am happy after having found my wife. If it really is fraud, then I am ever the fool." He chuckled and shook his head.

Hallmek decided not to answer that remark, and he was just in time, too, for Serax had returned again with news. "I've assembled your transports, gentlemen," he said amicably, directing them to the door.

"Thank you again, Serax," bowed Jaspus as he passed him.

"Like I said, no need to thank me. By the way, where are you boys off to?" Serax sounded quite interested.

"The celestial city of Dorthicos, to drop this one off," Hallmek pointed to Jaspus, "and then I'm off to my own city."

They stepped out of the outpost's stone structure and were now back onto the dirt ground of the outside. "If you don't mind," Serax said quickly, "I'd very much like to join you. See, I've been cooped up like an old hermit in this outpost, and I'd love to see some action again. Besides, Sir Hallmek, based on what I've seen, you're going to need me."

As the three came upon their transports, Serax added, "Anyway, I thought we'd ride the Volatilis Equus, as they're the most reliable. Hold on, I'll introduce you."

Hallmek exclaimed their essence, "Fa'Laya!" (translated as "winged horses")

Serax gestured to a brown winged-horse with speckles of white, "This is Sir Rupert," and then to a white-and-gray one, "this is Sir Monty," and finally to the last one of pure white, "and this is Sir Elkhart."

Hallmek approached the brown one and marveled, "I have heard of the Fa'Laya in legend, yes, but never before have I seen them!"

"We're just as real as you, laddie," Sir Rupert said. Hallmek jumped back in shock, and the horse turned to an angry Serax, chuckling, "Sorry, I couldn't resist." Sir Rupert knew very well that, if Hallmek hadn't seen one before, he'd certainly not heard one talk.

"Oh, grow up, Sir Rupert," grumbled Sir Elkhart.

"It's a wonder that he's the eldest of us," added Sir Monty.

In great haste, the three men mounted each steed—Serax upon Elkhart, Jaspus upon Monty, and last Hallmek upon Rupert, respectively. The three Fa'Laya flapped their feathered wings as they galloped into a rapid charge and, when their wings had gusted up enough wind, they took to the air, flying high over the trees.

Sir Monty spoke correctly about Sir Rupert's age, for the horse that Hallmek rode was indeed old and flew with little finesse, as though he did not have the energy for it. However, Hallmek did not mind because, considering the horse's apparent temperament, Hallmek believed he was lucky enough to be riding this Fa'Laya at all.

"I can tell that you've ridden on my kind before," Sir Monty told Jaspus, "but that you feel a certain sadness because my race is wasting away, and an even greater guilt for relying on the flight machinations of your own people's construction. Yes, young master, I have some sense of empathy too, though I am not as old and 'wise' as Sir Rupert, and so I can feel your emotions like heat from a pot."

"I apologize for letting my emotions disturb you," replied Jaspus.

"Don't worry about it," Monty chuckled. "If people need swift travel and winged horses like myself aren't around, then I definitely approve of what your people have constructed. When I was young, I begrudged those of the Zinthos and Vaserix for their levitative abilities, their self-propelled flight, and then their construction of even swifter machines when their own powers couldn't suffice. But now I am not so bitter. I remember a time when people bought and sold Fa'Laya with no regard for them at all. Now, I enjoy the freedom but am happy to help."

"My friend Hallmek hasn't seen the flight creations made by my people," Jaspus said, "and he was surprised and amazed when I lit a simple lamp. He finds it hard to understand the fantastic wonders of this world, the things that you and I, by our very nature, have grown so accustomed to seeing, simply because we're wonders ourselves."

"Does he know that celestial cities are held aloft by the people who live in them?"

"I explained it, but I don't think he understood. He tends to just accept things if questioning them becomes dull."

"Well then, I hope he spends some time with Sir Rupert," laughed Sir Monty, "because that old horse will have plenty of stories for him."

They flew on, riding passed the wind. Shining in the yellow sky, the great sun had risen to light the day and, for the first time, Hallmek and Jaspus felt that the darkness had dispelled. A sensation of tranquility shone upon Jaspus' face as he took a much-needed deep breath, soaking in the freshness of the air as the three horses and their riders burst through the clouds into the firmament.

TO BE CONTINUED