The Celestial Forge
By: Schin Ka’Tharos
CHAPTER 6
(Part 1)
This is the way of all paths, to traverse the paradox in all things and find the unity therein.
~
Uncle led the way through the corridor on the other side of the tower's entrance which then opened up into a massive main chamber that spanned at least a hundred yards. The interior of the tower remained just as I had remembered seeing it many years before on my last visit with grandfather. The entire room was devoid of any furnishings of any kind aside from a spiral staircase in the center of the chamber leading up to the next floor. The entirety of the rooms floor was solely pale purple stone laid in a basic pattern.
In contrast with the sparse open chamber, the walls which formed around us in a large pentagon shape were covered completely in a mural of the stars at night, as was the ceiling. I say mural but in truth it was as if you stared up into the night sky itself and looked upon the constellations themselves. The stars within the walls gave the room its light which set the room in a distinct dim glow.
Coupled with the all encompassing artwork, the peculiar sound qualities to the room were also fascinating. Despite it being a vast open space, there was no echo whatsoever and any noise seemed to die instantly which created an ethereal quiet upon the chamber. In my young days I would spend hours running and shouting around the space and finding patterns in the stars.
On our first trip to the tower when I was still in my playful youth I had adored this room. Grandfather had called this his room of reflections. He had explained that each floor within the tower had a purpose along with what he called a “judgment”. As a child I never quite understood this but did experience what seemed like mild hallucinations from time to time which made the room all the more interesting to me.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
We did not stop to soak in the strange room that day and a harsh silence reigned as we made our way across the chamber and up the staircase.
As on the first, the second floor remained true to my memories and my grandfather's main study and library spread out before us as we stepped off of the spiral stairs which continued up through the next floor. The main chamber was also at least a hundred yards across but the ceilings were more than double the height of the first floor and rose at least forty feet high.
Archways connected around the outside of the larger central room which flowed into five smaller antechambers all connected around the perimeter. Bookcases, shelving, and various artifacts and furnishings covered the entire floor. My grandfather was a very orderly person but he had a structured system that only he truly understood. Thus the entire space gave off a neat and tidy yet chaotic atmosphere.
“It feels like him, this room.” I stated, the words coming unbidden.
My uncle turned to me and we embraced for a drawn out moment, our sorrow mutual. At that point in time I had come to understand that there were many things about grandfather and Uncle that I did not know, but never did I doubt the love my Uncle had for my grandfather and I.
“Come, I will make tea while we talk.” Uncle said, guiding us across the room. “We have much to discuss.”
“I’ve come to understand that there is much I don't know of grandfather and I‘m at a loss for understanding anything of what has happened today.” I said as I followed him to a small sitting area. “I suspect you hold many answers to my questions, Uncle. Please, tell me what’s going on.”
Uncle Cyio made his way over to a small fountain tucked behind one of the columns that rose up intermittently throughout the chamber. He filled a cup from the fountain and stirred in a powder he found in a container inside an adjacent shelf. He joined me where I sat and handed me a hot cup of tea which gave off a robust cinnamon aroma, my grandfather’s favorite spice which he had said was grown in the northern parts of our continent of Ildara. I assumed Uncle had warmed the liquid through spell-forging although I didn't see any of the signs to indicate he had Forged at all.
“Indeed I will explain much. But first Schin, tell me in detail what happened today. I am aware that your grandfather has fallen, and that he fought for some time, but I need to know everything you can remember. Once I come to know what transpired today I will tell you some of the secrets you seek.”
I then recounted the day's events as best I could recall, just as I have done here amidst these pages. At the end of my tale and after a few probing questions my Uncle remained in pensive silence for some time.
“The man who built this tower and all that you see was not the grandfather you knew. That man had long past disappeared before your time. We are many people throughout our lives. We change. That is the nature of things.
“Here surrounding us is the culmination of thousands of years worth of power, wealth, knowledge, research and labor. Here lies one of your grandfather's legacies. Here, is the kinder of your inheritances.”
Next Chapter...
Chapter 6: This Is The Way Of All Paths (Part 2)