The Celestial Forge
By: Schin Ka'Tharos
CHAPTER 17
(Part 2)
Relief and joy washed over me and I let out a sigh of relief. We had finally reached safety. The tree canopy parted above us revealing Atonement towering into the clouds, our bastion of hope.
“Bloody hell, there it is.” Adeon laughed out. “You came through boyo! I had a few doubts creeping up inside me, not going to lie. I'd give you a slap on the back but I don't want to waste the energy”
“We haven't reached it yet,” Ciara said. Her voice was still weak but a new strength gleamed in her eyes. “Let's get there first so we can get some damn rest.”
We trudged on. Our pace picked up as much as we could manage, which was very little. Since first seeing the tower the two of them remained in quiet observation of our surroundings as we made our way to the tower. We entered what remained of the garden and passed through the scorched evidence of my battle just days before. Walking through the destruction I finally was able to appreciate the cost of my previous battle and another weight hung from my heart. The siblings said nothing about the state of the land but exchanged glances with each other and shot me quizzical looks letting me know they had questions they would like answered eventually.
We finally reached the base of the tower and worked our way up the apron of steps. The closer we had gotten to the tower the more my two companions' silence had taken in an air of reverence. When they stood before the massive crimson doors clear unabashed awe painted their faces.
"I've seen some great masterworks and Stone Crown certainly has some impressive architecture, but this. This is something else entirely." Ciara almost whispered the words.
Stolen story; please report.
I walked up to the massive cold-forged doors and placed both hands on it. I could feel the voids-eye within me giving me some limited authority over the tower. I instinctively knew I could open the doors simply by willing it. Memories of when I last stood at the entrance flitted to mind. Before, I had waited for uncle to open the way but this time the authority was mine.
I would wait again.
"You can think of me like the tower's caretaker. Unfortunately, for us to enter, a few conditions need to be met." I put my back to the door and slid down to the ground. "While I work on that, I suggest we rest here. We don't need to be concerned about the the Seekers Guild finding us here within the towers grounds"
With my assurances they were eager to rest even though it was outside the tower and joined me on the ground. I laid my head back against the door and closed my eyes. Waiting.
"Impressive, back there Schin." Ciara said. "If I didn't know any better your quick thinking would have made me think your 5th flowline was already opened. You almost have me doubting my own senses even now."
"Just a little experience taking over thankfully." I said, keeping my eyes closed. "I've been in my share of fights."
"Oh? Do first apprentices frequently do battle out here in the wastes?” Ciara asked with slight amusement. Her mood had improved once we had reached the tower. "Is there some bizarre backwards culture out here hidden from the rest of us?"
"Maybe he's an ancient Ascended that just had a string of back luck and happened to shatter his own soulcore." Adeon jested with a grin. Then he glanced up at the tower and his face grew more serious. "Ashes, that would actually explain a few things."
"People tend to overemphasize the importance of the raw power a forger's advancement brings,” I said. ”and disregard all of the other factors at play. Experience matters."
"Heavenly ash, if we were looking for a lecture we would go to one of the Orders or the Severed Skies Sect." Adeon said, his lighthearted smile had returned. "We were just saying you were bloody impressive. Surpassed my expectations."
“My thanks.” I said. ”Especially coming from you. Impressive is the word I would have used for the pair of you. I’m curious to hear your story now that we have the opportunity.”
Sitting there against the tower I knew I was dying. My body had been pushed beyond its limits and now that the adrenaline and surge of strength from the immediate crisis had passed I could feel myself wasting away. The compounding damage I had suffered ever since my fight with the jackals was too much. Serendipitously the euphoria from the abyssal worm bite was helping stem the tide of unbearable pain I felt everywhere. I needed whatever healing items Uncle had left me inside the tower and soon.
The space around the tower was exceptionally calm and still. Silence blanketed us as we sat there together. I drew strength from the silence allowing it to temper me.
“So what's your story?” I said, holding my voice steady.
Next Chapter...
Chapter 17 (Part 3)