“How do you want me to proceed?” Arjun asked. “I’ve never questioned anyone before.”
“Which is precisely why you won’t be questioning him at all,” James said. “Gauge his response in the same manner you usually do with people. I’ll be asking the questions.”
Arjun nodded in understanding. “Anything in particular I should be looking for?”
“No. That is a sure way to find what you’re looking for. Don’t go searching for the answer. Simply listen and let your…” James gave a slight pause, “senses do the rest.”
Right. If they gave him the ‘stink-eyes’, as Eve called it, because of his Manipulating abilities, Arjun shuddered to imagine what the reaction of the stonehorns was going to be if they learned of his odd talent.
Probably escort him to the first Cavern exit they come to, and throw him off the mountainside. After he’d fulfilled their request, of course. Talk about hypocrisy.
If Rukalia or Mikalim sensed the pause and the emphasis on the following word, they gave no indication in their demeanor. The general, instead, gestured ahead, toward a massive arch that seemed older than most, though not as much as the one Aisha was still perusing when James had fetched him, instructing the others not to stray too far from the arrival arch.
“Left him to stew in the most intimidating room in the entire temple complex. Not that it did much good,” the general said. A hint of admiration could be discerned in his voice, quickly to be replaced with anger. “Tough as granite, this one’s heart.”
Arjun stopped. The perfectly preserved murals on the bluish-gray stone surface of the arch told the story of a great battle. Unlike all the other carvings and murals Arjun had seen so far in the temple, this one seemed to describe a battle that ended with complete annihilation of the stonehornish forces at the hands of an army composed of both humans and aditarus, leaving behind a scant few maimed warriors and untold number of widows. In the wake of that defeat, stonehorns appeared more determined and disciplined, concentrating on rebuilding their society while never losing sight of the past and the lessons it had taught them.
“What did the text at the bottom mean?” Arjun asked after catching up with the rest of the group. Given the time constraints, he hadn’t been able to analyze the murals to his heart’s content. Also, on occasions, words had taken the place of pictures, leaving him stumped. “Seemed to be trying to impart some wisdom, not just recount a past battle.”
“The best way to overcome superior strength is through superior technique,” said Mikalim, his voice trembling with some emotion Arjun couldn’t identify.
“Truth that transcends racial boundary, even if it was inspired by it,” James said.
Arjun called on his limited knowledge of stonehornish history. Then, he combined that with his less limited repertoire of early human history and stopped dead in his tracks, remembering the mural depicted both human and aditarun armies being led by male figures.
Aditarus were always led into battle by their leader. At least, crunch battles such as this one seemed to be. And all aditarun leaders throughout history had been female, starting from Anantika herself. All except one.
Her grandson.
“Godkiller!!!!” Arjun swore. “That was Deeshayer Julibar.”
“Battle of the First Alliance,” James confirmed. “Or Battle of Crimson Field, to use the stonehornish term, which seems more appropriate, given the number of casualties. Seeds sown that day by none other than Fate herself, or one of her Wardens, would, within a decade, cause the death of Aimin and the downfall of the Continental Dominion, not to mention complete restructuring of stonehornish society and start of the human-aditaru conflict.”
“A momentous day in the history of both our peoples,” Rukalia added, eyes somber. “Even for the aditarus.”
All four, even the soldiers trailing them at a respectful distance, lapsed into silence, brooding on what could’ve been but for the events of that day, more than a millennium ago.
James was the first to break the spell. “The River of Time flows ever forward, we mortals must adjust our trajectories accordingly,” he said. “As for your prisoner, there’s no foe more dangerous than a zealot. Have you figured out what he believes in, if not the sanctity of the gods? Used judiciously, his beliefs can be turned against him, speeding up the interrogation process.”
“Claims he still believes in Bramka, and all the other gods. Kept insisting he’s doing this because of them. Utter foolishness,” Rukalia replied, face flushed red. “You can judge for yourself.”
The high corridor beyond the arch ended at one of the later additions to the complex, though Arjun only sensed that after entering the chamber. By now, he was starting to become accustomed to the stonehornish concept of scale and grandeur, so while the chamber was striking in terms of both, they weren’t what caught his eye as soon as he entered the room.
The back wall had a gigantic scene carved onto it, in a manner that conveyed both detail and depth. At the center, seated on two equally high pedestals, Jukatis and a female stonehorn who exuded calmness even through granite stared down at the six supplicating people in front of them. Five men and a woman – all kneeling in reverence. All gods. The whole pantheon, all eight of them. Interestingly, the six kneeling gods had prominent animalistic features. For instance, one had the head of an elephant, another, talons of an eagle. One even looked like a human-ape hybrid.
It was only then that Arjun happened to glance at the raised platform located to the left, where, seated on one of the two straight-backed chairs, a man was also staring down at them.
Not with indomitable desire for creation or calm assurance of preservation, but in sheer disbelief.
In the next instant, several events took place, too fast for Arjun to react.
The incredulity on the middle-aged stonehorn’s bruised face was replaced by determination. He bit down on something, something inside his closed mouth. James dashed ahead, using the limited Earth Manipulation abilities the barrier allowed. Both the general and the princess cried out in alarm.
The man’s kernel signature fell apart, just before James reached him, having crossed the thirty odd feet in less than a blink. But it was too late. The man had joined the Maker’s Embrace.
What followed was absolute pandemonium.
Mikalim started barking orders, while Rukalia pursed her lips and retreated to consult with some of the officials. The soldiers started milling about, forming a parameter. All the while James examined the body as Arjun slowly approached the decidedly dead stonehorn.
“Darkbane root,” James said in answer to his silent query and Mikalim’s not so silent one. “Well beyond my ability to Heal. Emerya could have. Perhaps.”
Rumors of Master Emerya’s exploits had reached the sleepy little town of Agnipur. Thurma even seemed to approve, which was almost a sign of reverence, considering the fact that she looked at every other Healer with emotion ranging from utter disdain to absolute disapproval.
Arjun knelt, placing his right hand on the stonehorn’s chest. His senses confirmed James’ grim verdict, though he’d never seen the effect of this particular poison before. It seemed to attack the nervous system, then the Chakras, which of course were now deathly still. All rotations had ceased, as the soul began its journey to wherever stonehornish souls go in the afterlife. If they believe in the concept of an afterlife. Another question tucked away for Kumil.
“This is beyond outrageous!!” Mikalim said through gritted teeth. “He was thoroughly searched. Where was the poison?”
“False teeth. Molar cavity,” James said, opening the man’s mouth.
Mikalim grunted, slightly mollified. “Never seen that on a stonehorn before.”
“He had help,” Rukalia commented. “Outside help.”
Before James could take offense, the general put in, “Aiminians no doubt. Else, would have at least tried the robbery when there wasn’t a Master Manipulator around. A few bells of questioning, and he would’ve spilled his guts without ever opening his mouth.”
“Hence, the poison,” Arjun said. He was strangely starting to get used to seeing men die right in front of him. Then, hand still on the man’s chest, a frown formed on his face.
“What is it?” James asked, sensing his confusion.
Arjun ripped the man’s pale green woolen shirt open, and saw with his eyes what he’d sensed with his Chakras. Same, but profoundly different.
Eyes saw a scabbed over wound, months old. Yet, his less mundane senses screamed that he was looking at a heavily damaged kernel signature which hinted the damage was inflicted less than a day ago.
Stolen novel; please report.
“This doesn’t look right,” he muttered, puzzled.
“I hadn’t sensed that,” James said. “But…” he looked up at the general, “Where exactly was he found, and in what condition?”
“One of the restricted exhibition chambers, off the main tube. Reserved for ancient but uncategorized items. As for condition, he was knocked clean out, lying in the midst of scattered remnants of a priceless artifact.” His tone turned suspicious. “Why? And what’s with the mark on his chest? We figured he had suffered an accident ages ago.”
He, of course, meant the oddly shaped wound that looked as if a mad Sigilmaster had taken to experimenting on live humanoid subjects by pressing red-hot metal implements on their chests in the hopes of seeing how much of the design could be transferred to the skin. That or an even crazier tattoo artist.
“He didn’t.” Arjun informed. “This wound is less than a day old. Suffered after he’d entered the temple.” On a hunch, he asked, “The artifact that he broke, did it contain anything inside?”
“No.” Then, the grizzled general hesitated. “But events in the past day have made one thing abundantly clear. What I previously thought impossible was only so because of my lack of imagination. Go tell Kumil about your suspicions. He has the clearance to take you where you need to go, while James and I go over the scene here.” He shook his head. “What a mess!!”
“It might help if Kumil saw the mark as well. That way we could have multiple people searching.” Eve, Kumil, as well as Aisha. But no need to burden Mikalim with all the boring details.
Eve nodded toward the mountainous doors. “First one tested your courage. Then a bunch of tricky hurdles, overseen but not directly administered by Bramka himself. What does the Final Challenge test?”
That explains her muttered word. She’s far more informed about stonehornish culture than I am, Arjun thought.
The Engineer glanced at Eve with interest and admiration. Arjun sensed a budding romance and felt happy for both.
“Faith. When courage fails, your faith sees you through the toughest challenges in life. Same here. Like the first, Bramka’s presence can be sensed.” The half-stonehorn’s eyes became misty and his voice shook. “But unlike it, this particular challenge can reduce a grown man to a quivering mess.”
The heartfelt words, most definitely, were backed by first-hand experience. Eve and Kumil stared at each other awkwardly, both wandering if digging deeper into their respective pasts, complex as Aimin’s Chakras by the looks of it, would be welcomed by the other party.
Aisha shuffled her feet, a bit of concern mixed with amusement leaking through their link.
Arjun decided to come to the rescue of his two newest friends. It was clear as day that neither was ready for those types of questions. Yet.
Indicating the awe-inspiring surroundings with his hands, he began. “Are all stonehornish structures this…”
“Insane?” Eve provided unhelpfully, after tearing her gaze away from Kumil.
“I was going to say grand,” Arjun said with exasperation, doing his best to mask the truth. “But let’s just say excessively grand.”
Kumil gave a bemused smile. “By the same token, it could be argued all human temples are incredibly tiny and plain.”
“It’s relative,” Eve said, poking a stone statue taller than Arjun’s house.
“It is. Even excessive is a relative notion.” Arjun cocked his head, thinking. “In fact, I believe all things in the world are relative.” His voice gained conviction, and an octave, as a thought that felt like truth revealed itself. “There are no absolutes in the Cosmos.”
“You absolutely certain about that?” Kumil asked with a cheeky grin.
Eve snorted a laugh while Arjun’s smile conceded defeat. His gut had somehow managed to convince him into believing a self-contradictory statement. It felt strangely good though, losing a philosophical argument.
Feeling peckish, and was led astray by my empty stomach. Must be almost midnight by now.
“Let’s just stick to relativity for practical purposes, shall we?” Eve said, pragmatic as ever. “Are Soul Crystals found near different temples distinct in nature?” she asked, turning to Kumil.
Arjun berated himself for forgetting to ask it. He knew the answer to be in the affirmative, but also felt it might hide a deeper truth.
“Of course they are,” Kumil declared, confirming his inference. “Just as every baby is born different.”
“Do the Crystals cause the gods to manifest themselves or do they grow near where the gods manifest?” Cause and effect. Must never confuse the two. Arjun thought back to that fateful day when it had all begun.
“Nobody remembers anymore, so they’re one and the same,” was Kumil’s matter-of-fact reply, which caused Arjun to let out a frustrated sigh.
“We’ve been wandering around for a quarter bell, though there has never been a dull moment. Where’s this store-room of yours?”
“Up ahead. Five hundred yards.”
Kumil’s judgment of distance, as ever, was spot on. It was after exploring over a mile of the enormous passage, not including a lengthy detour into what was likely an ancient water treatment plant, that they approached a side-chamber the size of a village, at the center of which several broad tables were arranged in neat rows, each holding broken pieces of carved stone statues or figurines, apart from one, which held scattered remnants of a bust made of an ebony wood. After some grumbling under their breaths, Kumil’s presence was deemed sufficient for them to be able to examine the bust without supervision.
“Even in pieces, she’s an ugly bugger,” Eve said, looking at the partially assembled grotesque stonehornish female.
“A long-forgotten queen perhaps?” Arjun asked, examining the disproportionate features. “Hard to tell if it’s an expression of artistic liberty or not.”
Kumil shrugged. “No record of the bust survived the Cataclysm. Same for the majority of the figurines. We simply call it Kagli Madukon. Dark Chieftain. We didn’t have kings or queens back then.”
Arjun looked between Kumil and Eve as silent communication took place among the three of them. Then, he placed his right hand on the head of the bust.
“My senses are too jumbled up. All I can say is that it’s old.”
“How old?” Eve asked.
“Very.”
She snorted. “And?”
“We should all form our own opinions first.”
Eve herself tried next, followed by Kumil. Even Aisha, who possessed no earth-senses, or material-senses to be precise, gave it a go. None had any more luck than him.
However, dating the item wasn’t their goal. They compared notes, deciding three sets of independent opinions should be compelling enough to convince the others, even with the damned barrier making the process far less reliable than it should be.
Arjun looked across the table at the half-stonehorn. “What do you reckon?”
Kumil’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “The same shape as the mark on the man’s chest.”
They both turned to Eve. “A third of a flat disk,” she said, giving a sharp nod.
“With incredibly dense sigils etched onto both the surfaces, and even the thick sides.” Arjun said, getting two sets of agreeing nods in return. “And the central region held a crystal maybe?” The lingering silver-yellow essence was too weak for a more decisive conclusion.
“Mix of a crystalline structure and metal, more likely,” Kumil corrected.
The half-stonehorn’s close-range senses were superior to both Eve and him, while Arjun excelled at longer range. Eve’s talent, Arjun felt, lay in other directions. He didn’t know her well enough yet to be able to determine exactly where, though thinking back to their fight in the Artificer’s basement, he had a feeling she could turn out to be a formidable Battle Cleric in the future.
“So this was their true goal all along. Whatever it was. We didn’t even know the bust was hollow.”
“Thanks to the barrier,” Eve said. Then, a mutter of discontent escaped her lips. “Vigilance is too damned costly, if you ask me.”
Kumil pursed his lips and gave a glum nod.
“So, what in the name of Aimin was this device that they went through so much trouble to steal?”
“Only Bramka knows,” Eve said, “though he doesn’t seem keen on sharing.”
“If the gods provided all the answers,” Kumil countered, “we’d still be stuck in the stone ages.”
“You know,” Arjun began, brows furrowed in an expression of thoughtful recollection, “my gut tells me I’ve seen these sigils before.” Going over the design once again in his mind, he shook his head. “Or maybe a portion of a variation. A crude variation.”
“So now your gut has a memory, does it?” Eve said, giving his Stomach Chakra, one that was opened but still not Awakened – thank Aimin – a pointed look.
“Assuming it does,” Kumil turned to Arjun after giving Eve an exasperated smile, “what do you think it implies?”
Arjun thought back on the events of the past couple of weeks. He’d seen them after leaving Agnipur….after Shillang? No wait!! All of a sudden, it clicked and Arjun’s heart skipped a beat.
“Krudil, the Master Artificer. Saw schematics of an absurdly complex network of sigils in his workshop. According to James, it’s his lifelong obsession of sorts, to recreate another even more complex design.” He pointed at the bust. “That design. Of course, this is only a third of the whole, so I can’t be sure. Also, the residual imprint left on the jet-black wood is far from clear. Wonder what it means though, or what it does.” His glance switched to the Kumil. “Don’t suppose we could sketch out a hasty copy to show the Masters at the University.”
“Perhaps. I’ll have to talk to the general, though I wouldn’t hold my breath, given his current mood.”
“Gotta be a way to do this by ourselves.” Eve vented a frustrated sigh, looking between him and Kumil. Aisha gave a firm nod in answer to her implied question, earning a broad smile from Eve.
Kumil scratched his left horn, a sure sign he was stumped. “You’re right. There has to be a way to find out at least what function it serves. A way that doesn’t rely on the gods. The Cult definitely knows, at least suspects, or else they wouldn’t have gone through so much trouble. But our best bet just joined the Maker’s Embrace on his own volition. Quite a pickle we’re in.”
“The answer to this conundrum is just as simple as it is hard,” Arjun said. “We have to locate the other two pieces,” he paused, “or, figure out what the sigils mean. Preferably both.”
“Yes, but how?”
Aisha made a series of rapid hand gestures that, after a couple of repetitions, caused Eve to snicker in delight. “Deciphering the sigils should be easier, by far. Just gotta make a couple of copies of the design, give one to the general. And then, pinch the other.”
Telling himself friendship wasn’t something that diminished by sharing, Arjun doused the flame of jealousy in his Heart. His own sign language ability still lagged far behind hers, mainly because he could communicate with Aisha without it.
Kumil rolled his eyes, but didn’t object to the daring proposal. In fact, the grin on his face only broadened. “And then?”
“Then, as Arjun said, who better to unlock the secrets of the mysterious sigils than a genius Sigilmaster. James let it slip that the Uni has one. We hold onto the copy, and don’t tell a soul until reaching Jivanpur, and when we do, we sneak into his study to dangle this mystery in front of him. Problem solved.”
“Think he’ll be interested?”
“You don’t reach the zenith by sticking to well-trodden paths,” Arjun said. “But what about the Transparency Procedure?” he asked, causing Eve to emit a sound that was a mix between a groan and growl.
“I’ll take care of it.” Kumil’s eyes hardened. “Procedure has landed us in this mess to begin with.”
“Damn straight, it did!!”