Chapter 18
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"Elysion is divided into two parts." Helios explained as he let the small group through the spacious patio.
He stopped near a glorious fountain formed from marble. In the center, the Godfather Jupiter stood proudly, surrounded by the two demilunes that closed above him to form a circle.
Helios turned to look at his guests, a warm smile on his face.
"On the left" he said and motioned towards a large temple that stood elevated at the end of the patio. "You'll find the temple of light – my responsibility. To your right…" he continued and motioned towards an equally large temple of the same size and built further to their right. "… you can find the dark temple. My sister's responsibility. You are welcomed in both."
Endymion's gaze shifted to look at Serenity. Her mouth was slightly opened, and her silvery eyes stood wide in wonder. He had never seen her so … fascinated.
Endymion then let his eyes roam his surroundings. Elysion was built like a small town of rich marble. Both temples at the end of the patio were built in front of the sharp side of a rocky mountain, building a natural border. No one would be able to enter this sacred place from this side. As Endymion let his eyes roam, it became clear to him that same was true for all the other sides of Elysium as they were surrounded by high, thick walls. Elysium truly was a fortress. He saw temple servants in white and black armor patrol the enclosing wall, silvery and golden bows firmly attached to their backs.
"Why is this place so heavily guarded?" he heard himself ask.
Helios offered him one of trademark shiny smiles as he replied.
"I guess you do not know the legends that circle around this holy place, Endymion." The young man offered sympathetically. Endymion shook his head.
"In ancient times, people believed that Elysium was the final resting place of the souls of heroes and virtues men – to be found at the bench of the great river Oceanus, ruled by the Titan King Cronus. And as today, they distinguished two Elysian realms – the islands of the Blessed and the Lethean fields of Haides. The first of these – also known as the White Island – was an afterlife realm for the heroes of myth. The second Elysium was an underworld realm separated from the gloom of Haides by the river Lethe. Its pleasant fields were promised as an afterlife to initiates of the Mysteries who had lived virtuous lives."
"So this place is not Elysium." Endymion challenged lightly, his arms crossed before his chest.
A flicker of irritation washed over Helios' face. Serenity shot Endymion a warning glare that he downright ignored.
"Or are we all dead and this is our final resting place?"
Helios stepped forward, the smaller man now standing directly in front of Endymion, staring at him intently through warm amber eyes.
"You are right Endymion." he finally said, the smile vanished from his face. "This place has only little to do with what people from older times believed in. It was, however, built from the legend's example many decades ago and is now a sacred place in the center of our world to worship the Gods."
"A place, so full of earthly and heavenly treasures, that the mere knowledge of its existence would drive greedy human nature insane." Nephrite added, his warm voice carried by the cool breeze that caught the olive trees nearby, making them dance.
Endymion forced himself to look away from Helios probing gaze and to look at the Greek gladiator instead.
"This is why this place needs to remain hidden from the world." The Greek continued in a serious voice. "This is why the priests and priestesses in here need to protect themselves."
Helios nodded his agreement, the content smile now back on his lips.
Endymion looked back at the huge, massive walls surrounding Elysium. How could such a place like this be hidden from the world? How come no one from within had ever spilled this secret?
"Everyone who lives here was chosen by the Gods to enter this realm." he heard Helios answer his unvoiced question – as if the young man had effortlessly read his mind. "And everyone dedicated their life to follow their holy spirits. Status and power does not mean anything here. We do not care about your past, about your heritage." He chuckled lightly, shaking his head a little as he, too, focused on the huge walls. "But being here… being a part of Elysium comes along with certain rules. As I said before…" his amber eyes lit with liquid fire as he stared directly at Endymion, the smile on his face broadening. "No one enters this realm without my permission… No one leaves it."
Endymion's eyes narrowed. The underlying meaning of his words… the threat… hung heavily between the two men. Endymion's hands balled to fists, and his heart pounded rapidly against his rib cage. He knew that Helios sensed the dark anger… the frustration that the Thracian felt. But the young white-haired man just smirked at him – his amber eyes coloring with mischief.
"Come now, Serenity, Lita." Helios suddenly addressed the silver-haired beauty warmly as he turned away from Endymion. "I would like to show you the Light Temple personally."
Serenity looked unsure as Helios motioned towards the temple on the left. She glanced back at Endymion, taking in the deep frown that wrinkled his forehead.
"I would like to see Elysium's arsenal." Nephrite offered as he put one firm hand on Endymion's shoulder. "Accompany me, brother."
Endymion turned his head to meet Nephrite's intense gaze. One look at his face was enough to know that the Greek did not intend to accept no as an answer.
The young Thracian warrior watched as Serenity and Lita followed Helios in the direction of the Light Temple.
"We were not invited, Endymion." Nephrite addressed him firmly before Endymion was able to utter the slightest word of protest. "This is the White Priest's realm. It would be wise to follow his rules."
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Never in her life had she seen something as magnificent as the Light Temple. Her breath hitched in her throat as Helios led both women inside and to the center of the great hall. Huge statues stood at each side of the room, all of them images of different Light Deities. At the opposite side if the entrance, several steps lead to an elevation where a golden altar stood, and behind it, another huge marble statue could be seen. As Serenity moved closer in awe, she noticed the solar corona around the man's head, and the image of a shining sun woven into his marble garment.
"Sol Invictus – my patron saint" Helios confirmed her suspicion as he stepped next to her. "The unconquered sun."
"This place is awe-inspiring." Serenity whispered, never able to avert her eyes from Sol's marble image. She heard Lita take in a deep breath next to her, the Greek body-slave reduced to a heap of wonder and astonishment.
"I knew you would like it." the young man chuckled. "After all, your father told me both of you were servants to the Moon Goddess Selene and studied Her doctrine together with the High Priestess Luna."
"We did." Serenity confirmed, his silvery eyes shining with memory of easier times. "Lita and myself, together with another dear friend of ours, spent our youth in the Temple of Selene. We learnt the language of the prayers, and read about the old myths and legends."
She looked fondly at Lita who returned her affectionate smile with one of her own.
"It was a peaceful time." Lita whispered, her brown eyes filling with warmth. "A happy time."
"Being in accordance with the Gods does that to us." Helios agreed solemnly. "It soothes our earthly pains, because it makes us focus on what truly matters in this life. It is the only way to be completely at peace."
The young man turned fully towards them, spreading his arms wide.
"You both are holy servants." he announced, his boyish voice echoing solemnly from the high walls around them. "It would be my pleasure to share with you our doctrines of faith and give you the possibility to continue your studies while you are here."
Serenity beamed at him, and her silvery eyes glistered with excitement.
"Helios…" she whispered breathlessly.
Helios smiled fondly at both women, nodding his head deeply contented.
"Maenads" he then called out, causing two women to appear some moments later.
Both women wore long, white robes that went down to the floor like liquid silver. Both almost looked identical. They had the same face – twins in all probability – and their hair was pinned up to a similar style that Serenity wore. Their hair was long and went almost all they down to the floor. They only differed slightly in hair color, as the woman on the left had shiny blonde, the other almost white hair. As they approached the trio, they held each other by the hand – both heads downcast in submission.
"White Priest" they whispered in unison – their voices liked liquid silver as they spoke.
"There are the Maenads." Helios introduced them. "They are the priestesses who guard Elysion's Temple of Light."
He smiled fondly at the two girls.
"They live with us since shortly after their birth." he explained. "And have grown into dutiful servants of the Light Deities."
Serenity smiled at them. They looked so delicate, so pure. They truly were beings favored by the Gods.
"Maenads." Helios addressed them softly. "This is Serenity, a daughter from Capua, and her friend Lita. A daughter from Greece. I would like you to show them to the Sacellum so that they can learn from our doctrines."
Serenity could see the smile form on both women's faces.
"We will see it done, White Priest." they once again said in unison.
It was only then that the lifted their gazes to look at Serenity and Lita. But as soon as their eyes met Serenity's, the smile fell from their faces and the silver-haired beauty could hear the air hitch in their throats.
"Astraea" the girl with the shiny blonde hair whispered in both shock and wonder. Before Serenity could comprehend what was happening, the girl fell to her knee before her, quickly followed by her companion.
"Star-maiden" both murmured in unison, their heads bowed.
Confused, Serenity looked at Lita first, then at Helios.
The young man did not seem confused by the strange display performed by his priestess, but he wore a rather amused smile on his lips. Serenity's forehead furrowed in confusion.
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Astraea
Goddess Astraea, the star-maiden, was a daughter of Atraeus, Titan God of the Dusk, and Aurora, Titaness of the Dawn. Goddess of innocence and purity, Astraea, the celestial virgin, was the last of the immortals to roam the earth among mortals. It is delivered that she reigned over the human race during the Golden Age of mankind. But last of the Ages of Men came: Proles Ferro, Race of Iron. In that hard age of baser vein all evil straight broke out, and honor fled and truth and loyalty, replaced by fraud, deceit and treachery and wickedness and greed for grain… As honor and love lay vanquished, Astraea, virgin divine, the last of the immortals, unable to bear any more, withdrew from men and fled away, and ascended to the heaven. Since then, mankind looks to the starlit sky, and begs for her return to end war and bloodshed, and to bring justice.
Because thus she had promised before her ascent.
Iam redit et virgo, redeunt Saturnia Regna – Astraea returns, returns old Saturn's reign.
Endymion skimmed the finely written lines again before he placed the piece of parchment back onto the small nightstand next to Serenity's bed. His Goddess was lying sound asleep on the soft white sheets, the dim light of a lit candle flickering softly and reflecting against her smooth pale skin. The dark-haired man reached out one sun-kissed hand to stroke away one loose silver strand from Serenity's face. The corners of his lips curled with love and affection as he watched her – so lovely and peaceful. It seemed the more time Serenity spent in Elysion, the happier she became, the woman so natural and free from all worries. Every time she returned from the Temple of Light, her cheeks would be flushed and her silvery eyes full of excitement as she would tell him of legends and wonders, of prayers and rituals. She seemed to have completely forgotten about the rebel's attack, about her father's death, or how her crazed brother had threatened to kill her best friend to teach Serenity a lesson. And Endymion was glad. It seemed that his love needed this place for her scars to heal.
And yet, Endymion couldn't help his eyes darken. One full moon had already gone by since they first had arrived in Elysion. And even though Endymion liked to see Serenity so carefree and relieved from all worries, he could never forget about what Elysion truly was.
He sighed deeply and placed a soft kiss onto her forehead. He stood as silently as he could not to wake her, and strode towards the spacious balcony.
The Thracian closed his eyes as the cool, salty breeze hit his face. He took in a deep breath, enjoying how the fresh air filled his system. Endymion let his elbows rest on the cold, thick stones that was built as the balcony's margin. He looked down, trying to detect the raging ocean that he knew lay hundreds of feet beneath them. But it was no use. The night caused a thick curtain of darkness cover the ocean, preventing any human eye to detect the roaring waves that crashed forcefully against the sharp, cliffy mountain side. It was as if darkness had swallowed all light that night – even the moon and glistering stars were hidden behind black.
Endymion smirked.
A perfect night.
He sensed her before she could even speak.
Endymion turned around and found Serenity drowsy form at the entrance to her quarters.
"Did I wake you?" he asked her, holding out one arm to motion her to come closer.
Soft, gentle steps brought her into his arms, and he tightened his hold around as her felt her slight shiver due to the cold breeze.
Serenity snuggled against his warm chest.
"I think I just missed your warmth." she sighed against him.
They stood in silence for a while, enjoying each other's warmth against the cool air.
"I saw you found something about Astraea." Endymion then said in a soft, smooth voice as his mind wandered back to the small piece of parchment next to her bed.
Serenity let out a soft giggle and shook her head. She craned her neck to look at his face, her silvery eyes the only stars that could be seen that night.
"It's disconcerting that the Maenads still call me this name." she said and rolled her eyes. "Helios thinks it's because of my hair color. They have never been outside these walls and seem to associate it with the Goddess."
Another giggle bubbled from her plump rosy lips.
"I wonder what they would say if they ever encountered Artemis." she laughed. "They surely would worship him as one of Selene's direct descendants."
Endymion chuckled.
"I thought Selene only had daughters?" he challenged lightly.
Serenity's brows lifted in surprise before a cheeky smile appeared on her face.
"Oh? So you do listen to my … what was it … silly phantasms."
"And I apologized for that." he reminded firmly. He couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips as he tightened his hold around her.
"And besides…" he continued with faint exhaustion in his voice. "How could I close my ears and eyes from something that my beloved loves so dearly."
Serenity smiled and turned in his embrace until her back was pressed against his chest, his strong arms still closed tightly around her.
"Thank you." she whispered in earnest.
She knew, knew from the first day that she had met him, that Endymion did not believe in the Gods. No matter how much she told him, how often she shared stories of legends and myths with him… he did not want to believe. She was sad at first, her faith in the Godly spirits forming a big part of her life. On the other hand, however, she grew to understand that his life had not been as easy as hers had been. Terrible things had happened to him and his family… his tribe. How could she expect him to worship Gods and Goddesses who could have prevented this from happening? How could she convince him of heavenly strength when all he had experienced during his life was human misuse of power?
"Do you miss it?" she whispered after a while of comfortable silence.
"Thrace." she was quick to elaborate. "Your home. Do you miss it?"
For the slightest of moments, she felt the hard muscles of his arms tense at her question. Serenity felt how he let his chin rest on her head.
"Sometimes." he revealed.
"What do you miss the most?" Serenity asked further while her small, slender fingers softly stroked the skin of his right arm that was wrapped around her.
It took a moment for Endymion to reply.
"The mountain chains." he then said. "If Gods truly existed, Serenity, then they would be born there where the sun kisses the earth, coloring the mountains and fields in colors of red and violet."
He sighed, shaking his head.
"Our beautiful horses would drive our cattle to one beautiful mountain side each day, where the cattle could feed under the warm summer sky, and where our children would play tag, their laughs filling the bloomy air with joy." he chuckled, a hint of sadness coloring the tone. "Raye had always been one of them. I can still see how her long raven hair flew through the air as she would catch even the quickest lad, throwing him down to the soft grass with all her might... She always wore this annoying triumphant smile on her face when she would look back at me, her small body still holding the poor boy down, showing me that she was a true Thracian warrior, ready to accompany me to battle one day."
Serenity felt the pain in his voice, could feel the sadness radiating from her love in waves. She turned in his embrace, her face a world of compassion and sadness.
"I'm so sorry Endymion." she breathed as a crystal tear welled from her eyes. "I wished I could have saved her."
Endymion smiled a sad smile. He took one of her small hands in his, his thumb lightly stroking her knuckles. He then lifted her hand to his mouth, placing a soft kiss onto it.
"So do I." he whispered, his blue eyes mirroring the remorse he was still feeling that he had not been able to save his sister.
Endymion then cupped Serenity's cheek with his hand, gently stroking away another silvery tear.
"But being with you, Serenity…" he declared softly, a loving smile on his lips chasing away most of the sadness. "You have no idea how much your love and light is able to help me through this. How you save me every time you place your soft lips against mine. I would turn away from Thrace without a second glance and go to the end of the world with you. If it only meant that we would be together. Forever."
Serenity raised herself on tiptoes, her soft sweet mouth immediately finding his in a kiss that expressed all the deep, everlasting love that she felt for him.
When they parted, Endymion placed another lingering kiss onto her forehead.
"Go to bed now, Serenity." he whispered against her skin. "I'll follow later."
Serenity nodded her head, her eyes already sleep-filled.
Endymion watched her leave the balcony, before his eyes turned back towards the dark night.
Yes, it was a perfect night.
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He moved swiftly, quietly, as his feet led him silently through the dark corridors.
His form merged with the dark shadows whenever an armed temple servant would cross his path. Hidden by the darkness, Endymion saw the dark warrior Tiger's Eye sitting by a fire with his two companions that he had heard Nehelenia once address as Hawk's Eye and Fish Eye. The three of them were revealed as servants of the Dark Temple, protecting Elysion from danger: one watching the earth, one watching the sea, one watching the skies. He did not like them… did not trust them. All the more reason to find a way to escape this place.
Endymion skillfully used the night's darkness to his advantage, moving quickly past them and towards the great throne room. He felt his heart beat rapidly against his chest as me made his way through the dark corridors. The silence was deafening, and he tries to steady his breathing that seemed to pierce through the stillness like a sharp dagger. When he reached the spacious corridor that he knew led to the great entrance, he stilled for a moment. Torches were lit on either side of the walls, giving some light to the darkness. Endymion looked around, making sure that he indeed was alone. When nothing moved or was heard for some more minutes, the young Thracian quickly moved towards the entrance. His hands moved quickly along the door and wall at the end of the corridor. He knee that there must be something, a lock or hand gear that could be used to open the heavy door. His fingers slid along sharp stones and thick wood. But he couldn't find anything. But that was not possible. He pushed against the door, trying to push it open by force. But it would not budge. Endymion ran a frustrated hand through his thick black hair.
There must be a way out of Elysion. If not the main entrance, then another way – a hidden door, a secret passage. He needed to find it.
"I told you that no one leaves without my permission." a voice sounded, making Endymion to whirl around in shock.
Helios stood some feet away from him, with his arms crossed behind his back and a triumphant smirk on his lips.
Endymion narrowed his eyes at the young man.
The young man chuckled and shook his head.
"And why would you?" he challenged with a dismissive shrug. "Don't we provide everything that your heart desires, Endymion? Food, clothing, shelter … what else could you want?"
Endymion lifted his chin defiantly.
"Truly" he replied in a haughty voice. "Elysion must be the most well-wrought prison that there is. It's a prison nonetheless."
Helios smiled at him.
"So it's freedom that you desire, then?" he asked.
Endymion glared at him. He well noticed that the White Priest had not denied Endymion's comparison.
Helios titled his head to the left.
"I'll make you a deal, Endymion, son of Mars." he offered lightly.
He removed his hands from his back and revealed two long wooden sticks.
"Fight and win, and I will open these doors and will let you go."
Endymion stared at the shorter man in confusion. His eyes then landed on the wooden sticks.
"With wooden playthings?" he snorted. "You must be joking!"
But Helios remained calm, only lifting one silver brow.
"In the hands of a true warrior, every tool can be a weapon." he replied smoothly. "Will you fight?"
Endymion stared at him for a moment longer, trying to detect the trap behind Helios' offer.
"And Domina?" he then asked warily, earning another light chuckle from the Priest.
"At this moment in time, I have no doubt that she would follow you wherever your path would lead you." was Helios' reply, his amber eyes glowing knowingly. "The doors would remain open for her as well. And our guests from Greece, of course. The rules are as they are. You win, and I will set all you free."
Endymion took in the form of the younger man in front of him. He was smaller than Endymion, significantly slender in built, too. Endymion smirked. He was the Bringer of Rain. The Defeater of Theokoles.
He had defeated worse.
Determined steps brought him to Helios, his dark blue eyes glistering with triumph as he took one wooden stick from the slip of a man.
"Fine then." he agreed, whirling the stick expertly in his right hand, the challenge hotly in his gaze.
Helios looked at him for a moment longer, his wooden weapon still loosely held in his right hand.
"You do not even want to ask what happens if I win?" he questioned curiously.
Endymion rolled his eyes, the smirk on his face turning sly.
"Why would I need to know?" Endymion retorted cooly.
Helios hesitated a moment, before he nodded his head.
"We have two ears and one mouth, Endymion." he warned. "The reason for this is to listen twice as much as we speak."
He chuckled and shrugged.
"Begin."
It took only a moment before Endymion pounced at the young man, the stick firmly clasped in his hand. Helios effortlessly sidestepped the attack, gracefully whirling around as the wood swooshed through the air. Endymion whirled around, a flicker of irritation washing through his eyes as Helios had his stick still loosely at the side of his body, not even lifting to attack or to defend.
"He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight." Helios remarked, noticing Endymion's confused look.
Endymion narrowed his eyes, his next attack quicker, more skillful than the last. He slid across the floor, using his long weapon to catch Helios' footing with the aim to make him lose balance. But the young man just jumped, successfully avoiding the attack. Endymion immediately sprung back to his feet and flew towards the White Priest, his strokes strong and powerful as he tried to hit the other man. But Helios was quick, avoiding every blow with a levity that Endymion had never seen before.
"If you anticipate the coming of troubles, you take away their power when they arrive." Helios commented, his arms now again crossed behind his back.
The calmness, the gibing attitude, was driving Endymion insane.
A frustrated battle cry echoed from the thick walls, the Thracian warrior more determined than ever to land at least one blow. He tried and tried and tried. But Helios sidestepped and withdrew from every attack, from every stroke that the fierce Thracian sent his way. Endymion was panting heavily, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. But he would not give up. He would win this fight.
For her and his sake. For her and his freedom.
He looked at Helios. The young man smiled at him, no way near as exhausted as the Thracian. Endymion felt his muscles scream out in pain as he prepared for another forceful attack.
It was then that he saw it. The look of pity … of something close to disappointment in the other man's eyes! Helios turned around and walked away.
Endymion growled in frustration. How dare he pity him? How dare he move away from this fight that demanded everything out of him, but that was nowhere near lost!
Endymion screamed at his exhausted body to move. He ran towards Helios, planning on using the sheer force of his body to pummel him to the ground. He moved quickly, silently. The Priest's arrogance would in the end be his downfall. Endymion had almost reached the Priest, had already mustered all of his strength for this one final hit, when Helios suddenly turned around. The last thing Endymion saw before he fell to the ground was the triumphant smirk on Helios' face. Helios let his own wooden weapon slide between Endymion's feed, causing the Thracian to stumble. With the swiftness of a cat and unbelievable strength, Helios thrust his stick into Endymion's side, making the other man cry out in pain as he fell. Endymion lay on the ground panting heavily as pain rushed through his veins, inflaming his entire body. He felt the tip of the wooden stick press against his throat with enough force that breathing became difficult.
Helios was towering over him, a triumphant smirk splitting his face in two.
"It is not the strength of the body that county, Son of Mars, but the strength of the spirit."
With his foot, the young man effortlessly kicked away Endymion's wooden weapon.
"I guess I win." he chuckled.
Endymion closed his eyes in defeat. He felt how the tip was removed from his throat, enabling to take in two, three much needed breaths. He quickly sat up, a mixture of anger and confusion coloring his blue eyes dark.
Helios rested against a pillar nearby, watching the defeated Thracian on the floor closely.
"You are not ready to leave this place." he finally addressed him. "A man cannot become a hero until he has seen the roots of his own downfall."
Endymion let out a dismissive, rough snort.
"I'm not a hero." he replied hoarsely. "I do not wish to become one. I only wish to leave this place."
Helios remained silent for a moment before he spoke.
"Thracians are known for their power and force. But also for their recklessness and stubbornness." he told him. "Your path lies before you, Endymion. But you still lack the strength to take it and to fulfill your destiny."
"My destiny…" Endymion replied as he stood on wobbly legs, but his gaze dark and determined as he gazed at the White Priest. "… is to protect Serenity. And I will set the whole world on fire if this is necessary to save her from it."
Helios stepped forward, his amber eyes challenging.
"Your destiny lies behind these walls Endymion." he told him. "What if her destiny lies within? What if she wants to stay?"
Endymion let out a dismissive snort, shaking his head.
"The moment her brother returns from the border, he will come back and drag her back to Capua, Priest." he said. "Even the Great Fortress of the Gods would not prevent him from getting to her."
His eyes softened as he saw the slightest flicker of doubt wash through Helios' eyes.
"Don't you see, White Priest?" he urged, his voice turning pleading. "We need to leave this place. I need to take her somewhere where he cannot find her. I have no doubt that you know how he feels about her, what he will do to her when she will not return those feelings. Help us, Helios. And let us go."
Helios abruptly turned away, his face hidden by the shadows.
"I can't." he told him. "You haven't yet learnt your lesson to fulfill your God-given destiny. Learn your lesson, fight me and win, and both of you are free. But if she wants to stay, neither your nor Diamond's love would be powerful enough to lure her away. These are the rules."
He glanced at Endymion who stared at him with enraged dark eyes.
"For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest victories." he said. "Do not forget that when the time arrives to prove yourself worthy, Endymion. And when time has come to make the decision between love and glory."