-An excerpt from a letter to Head Priest Valvan-

…and there's a lot to a name, my dear friend. You've probably heard most of this kind of conversation before, but I feel it is relevant to reiterate, in lieu of me being there to have a dialect. Casually, names are things built by language and stuck onto people so that others have something to call them, but rarely do they resemble the name.

  A name is also something we give items, beasts, spirits, parts of the world so that we can attempt to relate to them, or so we can at least identify them. Most often, names are divined from words within’ our language. Like small prophecies echoed from history. There are names we bestow that have intrinsic meaning, something named in such a way becomes the nature of the name and is added to our scripts. These are often the names of those spirits and deities and beasts that we peripherally perceive, their reality indescribable to us except through an arbitrary collection of sounds. I've personally enjoyed finding where words of our language fail to encapsulate reality. However, if I’ve learned anything in my long studies at the university, it's that the names of old, those wily names-with-no-meaning, hold power. Things that existed before the places like the once fantastical and scholarly city of Brunkost existed are not to be uttered lightly. For those are the names of gods, of demons, and the beasts that still rule those places people have been unable to tame.

  So my caution, Valvan, to your concern regarding the artefact, is to tread lightly. There’s a reason we revere them…

* * *

  The town of Kova sat comfortably nestled in the draw of a mountain ridge along the river that ran from the nearby summit where the ancestral ruin of Brunkost lay long dormant. It was a small and bustling place fed by winding latticed gardens and hunting. Frequently visited by passing traders and pilgrims. The buildings were single-story, wood and stone buildings connected by many raised and covered avenues. As the river's seasonal flooding often came without warning, most of the town was built raised from the ground. These pathways ranged wide and small, stone and wood, forming the streets and walk-ways of the town. Weaving through trees, around ancient boulders, and forming with the slopes of the mountainous terrain the town had grown from. Home to many skilled foresters and carpenters, and most notably the home temple of Valia; a deity of love and knowledge. Who long ago passed her passion for learning and the natural world to the forebears of Kova, and the kingdom. As such the town’s buildings are often beautiful, if simply made. Their foundations strong, the home built to last, and as such have lasted generations.

  Aida Shaan’s expression was subdued, eyes cast forward as she quietly wove through the crowded promenades. Returning to the temple from a day’s errands. Most people moved out of the way for her, when they saw the uniform of the temple. If she didn’t acknowledge them, they made no fuss. As an acolyte of Valia, she was supposed to be determined, resolute, and diligent in her duties. You do your utmost of the goddess and the community and that work is returned with respect. That’s she was taught anyway, so she never actually expected anyone to do anything for her.

  She stopped at the gate to the temple grounds, a wide platform situated directly above the river. She touched her neck with two fingers and bowed her head. The scripture said the Goddess’ first wisdom was “We Speak Last,” though many never seemed to take it to heart. Aida’s mentor, the high priest, always said it was because Valia would want to hear everyone’s input before speaking. Aida herself held the amusing idea the goddess said it after some bickering fools asked her why she wasn’t joining their discussion, the priests here liked to argue over small things all too often.

  Entering the temple, Aida went to work storing the items she had purchased where they belonged. Food to the kitchens, books to the study, tools to the workshop, money to…oh gods. Aida sighed, when the high priest was nowhere to be seen, again. That wily old fool could be anywhere.

  Aida left the money on the desk in his small, rather bare office with a short note. Promptly leaving to find him, clasping her hands behind her back as she meandered through the less-visited parts of the temple. Besides her and the high priest, there were two others (of note to Aida anyway).

  Master Valkan, who was often in town assisting with teaching new apprentices, or helping repair the promenades, buildings, carts, you name it. Always restless and active, it made Aida’s head hurt thinking about where that endless supply of energy came from.

  The other was Master Valyai, a very quiet and grumpy chef. Spending most of his days sleeping in the same chair, drinking the same alcohol, living in the same routine of sleeping and cooking. Though as much as he hated people, he adored everything else in the world, and a well-timed question could send him into hours of particulars he’s observed on a plant or animal. Aida learned the most from him, feeding her curiosity about the natural world.

  High Priest Valvan was the mystery. A mischievous old Wilden who always had that knowing twinkle in her remaining eye, and a smile in her whiskers. She also frequently vanished from the temple when you would least expect it. Even when you expected it. Usually returning some hours after you learned she was gone, drenched in sweat, or water, claiming to have been studying her life’s work. she never shared with anyone but Master Dolyai what that work was, and only one answer ever came from asking: “Don’t stick your nose in dangerous places,”

  There were others that stayed in the temple. Thousands of craftsmen and women from tailors to smiths to enchanters, from all over the surrounding kingdoms make multiple journeys in their lifetimes to this temple to receive the blessings of the goddess and wisdom of her priests, all retired master artisans themselves. A few foresters hired as caretakers, paid in food and board to keep the gardens tended when they returned from the forest. Various pilgrims were always present, Aida can’t remember a time where there hasn’t been any. And lastly, Aida, the only acolyte of Valia at this temple. She heard rumors, after she joined of course, that the old men were exceedingly hard to please. Being an acolyte of Valia was like apprenticing to the three exacting master craftsmen, she wouldn’t argue there, but they seemed easy to please if you worked hard and listened. Must be something else that caused them to not get along?

  Aida’s duties were mainly running errands, and receiving lessons in the teachings of Valia, and any knowledge the Priests wanted to teach. For her it was a simple life: wake up, eat, learn, errands, learn, sleep. Sometimes she would assist the Priests in cleaning the Confluence. A dark, roughly head-sized, smooth black cube that the high priest described as the Goddess’ conduit to us. It was easily the most beautiful thing Aida had seen in her life, and she relished the moments when she was allowed to clean it and it’s altar.

  Today felt different though. Aida noticed a soft pink flash from the entrance to the main hall. Looking around at the few pilgrims still milling about, reading, or resting, she wondered how none of them had noticed either. She casually walked into the main hall, pretending to look for work. The main hall was a large, beautifully designed room. Lined with cushions for those that wished to pray in the presence of the goddess’ confluence. Offerings to the goddess were also displayed here for periods of time. Her feet stopped in their tracks at the threshold. She could feel, Something in there. An overwhelming presence, something completely other. Aida had studied the basics of magic in relation to how the natural world fed off of its energy, and this was certainly magic. Her curiosity got the better of her though, and she stepped inside. Was this why the pilgrims couldn’t notice? Magic?

  Walking into the room felt like walking into a waterfall. A constant pressure rained down onto her shoulders, her walk slowed as she tried to keep steady. The Confluence was gently humming with life, Aida could hear her heart pounding in her ears as she continued to approach. Her breath under the pressure was becoming ragged, the weight only got stronger the closer she got. Then, she felt herself trip and fall on the step leading up the goddess’ dais.

  Aida hung there, her mind felt as though it was suspended in time. She stared down at the floor, that sensation of falling still rushing through her. The Confluence pulsed again with that soft pink light she had caught sight of previously.

  “I’m glad you’re here, Aida.” a calm, kind sounding voice filled Aida’s entire body with the closeness and comfort of a tight hug. Aida’s voice caught in her throat. Time slowly resumed, Aida watched her hands and feet move slowly, then faster, as she caught herself on the dais’ stairs.

  Staring up at the Confluence as a black liquid began to steadily flow from it. Fear gripped Aida’s heart, her mind and body screaming for her to flee, the density of power in the room was crushing her at this point. It took all of her strength just to keep her head and body from the floor. The flow ceased, and the pool began to vibrate and ripple. Slowly, a head formed from the center and rose, a body forming below it as the pool grew smaller. When the body completed, a white summer dress fluttered into existence as color filled the form. Filled with awe and distress, Aida gazed upon the dark-skinned woman with pink eyes that stood before her with a smile.

  “I’m sorry about your current state, it’s taking the majority of my ability to appear to you.” The woman spoke, kneeling next to Aida. The woman gently took Aida’s head in her hands, touching their foreheads together. “I have a very important task, as the one your people call Valia.”

  Aida received a flash of images, a blurry figure with a smooth face, a handsome man with a rectangular sword, a seed shaped pod. The shrine of Growth in old Brunkost. “Bring my housing here, as soon as possible. He is waking up,” Aida looked up at Valia. Determination with a hint of confusion. Who was He? Why did the goddess choose her? Do all gods naturally put out this much energy when they step foot on the earth? The questions could wait though. Her heart leaped when she saw Valia smile. The goddess’ eyes were soft, encouraging, her smile calming like a night of quiet rain. Aida felt like she could run anywhere, make anything, if it meant the goddess could smile at her once more.

  “I’m sure you will succeed, I’ve been watching you, Aida.” Valia giggled, “Ashildr always wanted one, but because you’re about to do something very important…Let me give you a good luck gift, yes.” She nodded to herself and leaned in close. Aida’s eyes widened as she felt the goddess’ soft lips brush her own, a small peck on the lips from the goddess herself filled Aida with an immense excited energy.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  “Go dear, run swiftly…I will see you again soon,” Valia cooed as her body slowly fell back apart into the black liquid, flowing back into the confluence. The goddess’ hand on Aida’s cheek was the last thing to dissolve. When the burden of magic dissipated, and Aida could move again, her own hand lingered on her cheek. The route was already planned in her head, she knew where to run. Aida refused to let the goddess down, no matter what.

  “I will, my goddess,” Aida said quietly, climbing back to her feet. Her lips tingling as she played the scene over and over in her head. As long as nobody saw…With a quick glance around to ensure her current area was clear, Aida rushed up to the altar and snatched the cube into her arms. Cradling it protectively against her chest as she crept out of the Priest’s door of the main hall, and out to the back of the temple.

  “Aida! It is good to see…Aida, what is that in your arms?” Bad luck, Aida thought. A couple of the foresters had been sitting in the rear garden, taking turns smoking from a pipe. Three sets of eyes quickly locked on to her, then to the Confluence. “Aida, why do you have the Confluence. You know better than to…” They had begun to rise, seeing her posture herself to flee. She knew they wouldn’t catch her, not right away anyway.

  “I must go, Provo. Sorry!” and Aida ran as quickly as she could, leaping over the railing to one of the promenades that ran behind the temple. Sprinting to the path that led to Brunkost. She mentally thanked the high priest, who had been putting her through physical training all the years she has served. ‘You never know when your curiosity will get the better of you!’ was the cheerful reply to Aida’s complaints. Now it served her well as she took off through the gate and into the forest, the three foresters shouting some distance behind her.

  The run-up the mountain was hard, and the foresters slowly gained ground. Their bodies were much more used to the steady inclines than Aida’s. After nearly an hour of adrenaline-fueled running up the path, Aida could feel herself running out of steam. She constantly replayed the scene in the hall, drawing what strength she could to push her body well beyond its limits. Her legs were excruciating, her lungs felt like they were on fire with each desperate gasp for breath. However, the moment she saw Brunkost her energy renewed. She was almost there, and she would make the goddess proud.

  The journey through Brunkost was much easier than traversing the mountain, she was running on pure determination, her body moving on willpower alone. Those foresters, damn them, were hot on her heels. She broke into the square where the shrine was centered and slowed, she had made it.

  “Aida!! Stop already!!” Provo, panting and gasping for breath cut her off. “Enough with the games, why did you bring the Confluence here.”

  “The goddess revealed herself to me!” Aida begged, trying to dodge past Provo. The foresters brandished the spears they had brought with them, clearly not wanting to hurt her, but not willing to let her leave.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, the goddess hasn’t spoken for centuries.” One of the foresters shouted, clearly irritated he was brought on this chase.

  “Aida, this is as far as you’re going,” Provo said and stepped to detain her.

  “⊑⟒⊬!” A shout came from behind Provo. Behind him stood a strange figure, Aida’s breath hitched, dread filling her stomach as she recognized them to be the smooth-faced one from the goddess’ vision. They were wearing one of the articles of clothing from the offerings around the shrine, normally that’d be pretty rude, but Aida found herself unable to be upset. Did he step out of the shrine?

  “Who are you!! Wait, why are you wearing that? What have you done to the shrine?” Provo began barking questions, and the spears turned to the strange figure. The foresters closed in like they were about to fight a wild animal.

  “⊑⏃⋏ ⏁⊑⏃⏁ ☊” They pointed at Aida, making a come hither motion. “⟟⏁⌇ ⋔⟟⋏⟒”

  “Stay where you are, Aida.” One of the foresters gripped her shoulder and moved in front of her.

  “Don’t let it anywhere near Aida!” Provo shouted, reading himself as the figure’s position shifted.

  “⏁⊑⟟⌇⌰⌰ ⌇⏁⟟⋏☌” the tone sounded irritated, and it unslung a strange rectangular bladed sword. Another match, where was the man? She watched as the foresters shouted to each other and edged closer. This wasn’t a bear, you fools. That belief was reinforced as Aida watched the figure trace a circle in the air, that same black liquid the goddess formed herself from issuing forth from the tip of the weapon. When it completed, he vanished. Aida blinked once, unable to believe her eyes, only to find herself now facing Provo and the foresters. The figure patted her shoulder. “☍⏁⊑⏃⏁” the words were a whisper, that she could barely hear.

  “Aida!! Shit, we can’t do this alone.” One of the foresters looks to Provo, looking ready to bolt.

  “This is her will, I will be fine! Go back, and stay safe!” Aida shouted back at them, clutching the confluence.

  “We’re coming back for you Aida!” Provo declared, reluctant to leave. But it was clear they were dealing with a being beyond their ability to handle.

  Aida slunk into the shrine while the figure watched Provo and the others run. Shrinking back when the figure stepped inside, when their hand moved, she instinctively covered her face. They had a similar presence to the goddess, not as strong, but just as strange. It would be wrong of him to touch her if he were a spirit or deity. The peoples that walked the earth were often considered unclean in the scriptures. It wasn’t something that was minded or preached much, but Aida remembered stories and first handwritten accounts of beings who burned down or erased villages because of filth. Aida heard the Confluence regrettably clunk to the ground, and she felt useless as they took it from the floor and stepped back outside.

  She could hear them talking to the air, and stuck her head outside a few moments later. Watching with intense curiosity as they seemed to remove a strand from the Confluence and insert it into the back of their head. A soft pink glow flowed from the Confluence to their head. They spoke and shouted to themselves a few times, then after a minute or so they removed the strand from their head and simply dropped the Confluence. Aida was shocked as the relic was so casually cast aside, was that not how the goddess would contact the being before her? Unless…

  “⊑⟒⊬ ☊⍜⋔⟒⍜⎍⏁” The being spoke to Aida directly, discovered…Aida ducked back inside, anxiety whelming up once again. What did they want? She heard them mumble to themselves again, as though they were having a conversation with someone. Aida watched closely as they spread that black liquid across the ground, and pulled it away to reveal rudimentary images etched into the stone.

  She had never seen magic like this before. There were plenty of enchanters and wizards who would stop by and offer their services in the town. Aida had even been fortunate enough to interview and receive demonstrations from various individuals, but nothing any of them did look remotely similar.

  When they finished looking at their handiwork, they nodded and waved at Aida to come look, gesturing to the pictures. Aida timidly approached, still exceptionally cautious of the being. She looked over the message he was trying to relate, an image she guessed was her seemed to be speaking, little symbols floating out, with an arrow pointing to the figure. The next image made her stomach drop, the words floated around his head, and looked as though they were entering him. She had heard someone speak of demons that could steal words from their victims. She looked from the pictures, to the figure several times, her anxiety hitting a peak. Then she realized, what did he do to the Confluence, what was that pink glow…Valia!

  “What have you done with the goddess?!” She shouted, then covered her mouth. If he was, this was the last thing she should be doing. The figure tilted its head, like it didn’t understand her question. Aida couldn’t take any more chances though, she turned and bolted. She had to warn the town so they could seal the gates. Her body was protesting, but she had to push. She could rest later.

  The run back down the hill was a blur, her footsteps felt heavy, and her mind raced to all of the worst outcomes. She never saw the figure follow her though, despite the paranoia she felt. Like he was coming, or he’d arrive any moment. After seeing his magic, she couldn’t leave any possibility out of the question. She crashed through the gate, and into the waiting hands of High Priest Valvan.

  “Aida, you’re safe.” High Priest Valvan sighed, cupping Adia’s cheeks in her hands. “You look awful, let's get you looked over.”

  “Demon, in Brunkost, seal the gates.” Aida blurted, tears rolling down her eyes from the constant throbbing pain radiating from every part of her body. She felt like a strong wind would cause her to crumble into dust.

  “We’ll seal the gate, come and sit in the garden and tell us everything.” The high priest’s voice was soft as she led Aida to a nearby garden. Shouting for people to tend to her. As Aida told her version of the events, high priest Valvan sat and listened closely, not uttering a word until Aida finished with her return. In this time the gates had been locked.

  “Aida, I will consider your story while I seal the gate. Watch closely, this is my first demonstration to you of our sacred sealing magic. Passed down centuries ago by the goddess herself.” The high priest arose and began walking to the gate. Aida weakly clambered to the edge of the garden to watch despite the protests of her caretakers.

  Aida watched with rapt attention as high priest Valvan began to sing, softly at first then as she moved her hands her voice grew louder. A thin white paint floated from several barrels, forming together into a single sphere. A wave of magical energy pulsed suddenly from the sphere, sweeping through the square in front of the gate like a gust of wind.

  Valvan’s singing ceased, and she lightly tapped the sphere, sending it drifting into the gate. When the sphere touched the gate, it rippled and spread into a circle. The center of the circle soaking through the gate, leaving behind a uniform band of white. A golden light sealed the seam of the gate, and then pulsed across the walls.

  Valvan sighed, seeming drained as she slowly made her way back to Aida. “That should keep out most demons, ah Master Valkan. Please assemble a militia and distribute masks to everyone who will be present. We shan't take any chances.”

  “Of course,” Aida watched Master Valkan jog into the town once more after barking orders to several others. Aida shook her head, it’d be no use.

  “Aida, believe in your people. We’re quite strong when put together.” High Priest Valvan laughed and reclined in a seat next to Aida. “Now we wait, do your best to relax. The goddess will be with us.”

  “I…right,” Aida said hesitantly, and laid back down on the cushions provided for her.

  It was a couple more hours before the figure showed up. The watchmen above the gate spotted him as he stepped up to the gate and rushed to join the growing assembly of defenders. Aida watched, holding her breath as she saw the white circle flash, and a golden light begin to slide down the gate once more. The high priest cursed under her breath and stood. Drawing the symbol of Valia from her robes.

  “They rewrote it…” Valvan muttered, stepping forward. Aida clutched at Valvan’s robes. The head priest laughed. “Don’t worry, Aida.”

  There was a chorus of shouts as the figure stepped through the gate. Aida could see Provo nearly jump at the opportunity to fight.

  They all stepped closer at Master Valkan’s order. The figure seemed to sense the tension and stopped coming forward.

  That black liquid flooded from the figure’s body.

  Then, she appeared, and Aida’s entire body felt light as a leaf once more as she gazed at Valia’s smile.