The Celestial Forge

By: Schin Ka’Tharos

Chapter 7

(Part 2)

“What happened to it? What is it?” I asked.

Uncle replied, still inspecting the broken crescent object , “These two items before you are...or were, your grandfather's Voids Eye.”

“This is what Thei’esolla was looking for?”

“Hm? Well in part maybe, a Voids Eye is something a Forger can craft once they Ascend. It's...complicated to explain. Suffice it to say they are extremely valuable. However, while all Voids Eye vary in use and scope your grandfather put a unique variance on his.”

Uncle Cyio stood and gestured to the room around us. “ This tower itself is linked to and, in a way, part of his Voids Eye. The black armband in front of you acts as its key. Well, that is one of its functions.”

That explained my Uncle's entry to the tower I supposed. “A key? Ok, so then the white one is also a key?”

“That it is, but to the other tower hidden away far on the other side of the Unending Waste.”

My mind reeled at yet another secret laid bare. “Another tower? Grandfather never told me...”

“Schin, there were-”

Finally the control I had been barely holding snapped.

“No- No, I...I’m trying to take this all in, Uncle. I’m trying. I stood silent while you told me grandfather was one of the worst men to walk the earth. How he was a vile and dangerous murderer and the ruin he brought on this world. The opposite of the man I knew and loved. I’ve tried to just absorb it, not to judge but to... just sit with the information. But I’m done with all of these new ‘revelations’...just give me...I need some time.”

I left and headed down to the first floor. I sat in the middle of the room and meditated in the void of silence, hoping to clear my mind of the chaos that ruled my thoughts, emotions and soul. After about an hour of failed attempts I finally entered a deep state of mediation and remained there for an extended amount of time. I was stirred from meditation once again when my Uncle came and sat next to me, also sitting in a lotus position.

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“Schin listen, I’m sorry for all of this. For everything you are going through and the burden that is being placed on you. “ He sat silent for a moment choosing his next words.

“I have to leave soon Schin. Unfortunately, I have affairs that demand my attention. I wish I could be here longer for you. To sit with you and help share your burden, but that is not how fate would have it. There are a few things I must tell you before I leave.”

This time he sat even longer without speaking and the silence ate away at me like a ravenous dog.

“Your grandfather… I don't believe he is fully dead.”

That was the last thing I expected to hear. “Not dead? What-”

“Rather, I believe his soul is still alive. What you described to me, what happened at the end. I believe he sealed his soul within his soulcore.

I stood up with a jolt. “Why didn't you tell me this earlier?” I shouted.

“I was getting there, Schin. I wanted to explain the situation in full before telling you. You need to understand the surrounding elements.”

“How do I save him? What can I do?” I demanded.

Uncle sighed and looked at me with a face full of sympathy.

“The group that came, the three that fought your grandfather, they were most certainly your grandfather's former companions from his time in the Heavenly Magus War, and they are all Ascended. Even Thie’essola’s sons are Ascended. All of them are great and ancient powers in Ga’el, far far above you in power. You are like a grain of sand next to the highest mountains.

“The other tower, the one linked to the broken white crescent band, one of its functions was to create a barrier over the Unending Waste, to keep them out and it succeeded for thousands of years. The fact that they broke the tower in some way speaks to their power let alone their ability to defeat your grandfather. I am certain that one of them is currently in possession of your grandfather's soulcore. You would need to reclaim it from them.”

Uncle handed me the purple box which still contained both Voids Eye keys.

“Your grandfather's Voids Eye and the towers and all they contain are all yours. You may choose what you will do with your future.”

“I believe I know what I want to do,” I said, although that was far from true. My mind and thoughts were a tempest.

“If your desire is to walk the path that will lead to saving your grandfather you must rise to the greatest heights in power. This is a narrow and unforgiving path. Not until you are among the Ascended can you even dream of saving your grandfather's soul.

"To start down this path you must first get this Voids Eye repaired. Far to the north east there is a Blacksmith of the highest skill that lives in Stone Crown City. He is an old friend of your grandfathers and someone you can trust. If anyone can restore the Voids Eye it is he.”

“Isn't Stone Crown City on the other side of the Unending Waste?” I asked

“It is. Your journey to get there will not be easy. And that is just the beginning, just to restore the Voids Eye. You can bond with the unbroken half now and you will have some limited functionality from it. But you must repair it completely and attain at least the first rank of Adept to begin to truly take hold of your inheritance. I am certain that what your grandfather has left you will become a great aid in reaching the heights you need to reach on your path. While these are goals to attain, this path is for you alone to forge. You must contend with the fate before you.”

Uncle sighed and turned his gaze to the ground but I caught the pity that filled his eyes. “This journey before you, it….it’s not what-”

“-I know not your grandfather's thoughts, but I do know this. No one would wish such a path upon those they love. Yet he would urge you down the Path that is true, despite any of its other realities. If the path seems hard, that does not make it the wrong path. Walk so that there is no place for death to enter.”

Next Chapter...

Chapter 8: A Path Is Made By Starting