Chapter 14: Wayward Effigies

Dormant stone and steel creaked to life. Rust buried in the dirt shifted as the West Gates grounds shook against the falling of distant chains. Movement between the fabrics of reality, buckled from pressure. Energy accumulated into beings locked in stasis. Light trickled down drought-stricken veins. Void of life and light. The shadows departed their idle forms. Limbs below crackled as they stretched from slumber. The black lake separating the three, converged into one.

Tobias watched as the surrounding area deep within the Hallowment warped. The back of his shoe met a sharp slab of concrete. Blood flew out in an arc, as his skin met it. Though he felt no contact. Rubble littered the ground. Much like the Grievous Wound, the area darkened. Giant chains several times the size of him carved into the earth. Skin melted off as fingers rose in the dark. Gray matter bubbled against ancient bone.

“We have waited so long... Come to us now. There is MUCH YOU NEED TO SEE!” The voice distorted, weighed down on his ears. Like the blast of a long horn, its voice boomed shaking the cavern. Within the distortion anger and laughter resonated together. Fifteen feet of sludge and bone took two heavy steps to them. Four sickly gray arms sprouted from its side. Tobias stood shakily. The noise it made threatened to anchor his body to the ground like heavy weights. Some of his hair fell over his face. Between the black all he could see was a distorted face. The rest of its body very much there. Drawing Gwyrdd harsh green light escaped. Before the blade was fully drawn, Onyx let a howl. In an instant, Tobias watched as arches of lightning tore through the air. Onyx claws tore through the flesh. Sharp blades of ice replaced his claws.

Suspended in air, both of Onyx’s eyes went white. Saliva and his tongue lashed at the air. Gnashing his fangs together, he lowered his head. A white orb of energy amassing between his mouth. The gentle shade of white fell over Gwyrdd’s light. The room illuminated as the white crystal hovered through the air. Tobias reached for unsuccessfully, fingers passing through it like mist. The crystal brought itself in between all three of them. The being looked at it and cackled.

“Oh, what a pity. So close. Remember, be careful of Grayland and the Empyerals---” Its voice silenced by the blinding white light. Even its cries, silenced in its glow. Silent as space itself. The crystal slowly fell to the ground casting shadows. Onyx’s fur went back to its normal black state. The ball of energy in his shot and blasting against where the creature had been. Confused, he turned his head to the crystal, then to Tobias, who shrugged. Ice coated the remains of the target spot. Sharp icicles protruding in their direction. His paws clamped against the…ground? Before they met ice and they echoed a clink with each step. Onyx sniffed and wined at the ice. Putting a paw up he swiped at it and gave it a taste.

Tobias sheathed Gwyrdd. The comets imbraided on it gleamed as the light of the ice hit it. Blood crusted on his leg as he turned to the hallway. Rushed footsteps coming their way. Tobias took strides to Onyx, oblivious to the cut that had numbed. Captivated by the sight, his brows furrowed, and he crossed his arms. Shredded skin lined the chasm they had found themselves in. Unlike the kind at the start of their descent, this one was sprouted crystals. Luminous in their glow, shaped in triangles and sharp octagons. The ice blast from Onyx hissed against the wall. Most of the skin, tar and gunk had all but vanished from the room. Tobias put a hand on the side of his head and sighed.

What the hell just happened? My head is pounding. Of course, I remember Grayland and the Empyerals. Mom and Dad? Pahh! how absurd. That was nothing like them. Not at all. Tobias thought.

Maxwell, Melaine and Eralar rushed in. All three of them stood mouth agape and took in the sight. Eralar hung back the other two and lowered her gaze. The crystals reflecting in her eyes, causing a surge of pain. Something welled up inside her. Symbols on her tattooed skin grew a darker black. She found herself standing alone. In the sacred ritual chamber. Where she had received the power. The black heart shadowed over her. Its veins moving slowly, pumping blood from one corner of the other. With her gaze on it, the strain in her mind came back. The tattoos moved on their own. Black noir ink flowed from her. Solid cylinders struck the ground from the chaotic flow. She picked one up. Ink filling the crevasse. Seemingly flowing in certain directions, as if it was built leading to one place. Ink spilled hands grasped at her throat, while frantically feeling her chest. The inky crystal turned a hazy gray. On her knees, fixated at the sky. Stars and shapes in the background. Creatures in indescribable words, racing to multiple Travelers Stairs over the world. Some, hitching a ride on and off world.

Falling fast as a comet streaking across the sky, her vision blurred from the atmosphere, down to earth in mere seconds. Back inside the cave staring up at the crystals. Onyx sniffing her, the others around her concerned.

Tobias waved a hand in front of her face.

“Alive in there? Your eyes are…much different.” Tobias said. Lightly pushing on her forehead with a finger.

She blinked and scurried back panting. The world spun out of control. Like a planet losing its orbit, spiraling into the unknown. She fell to her stomach and threw up black in a painful gasp.

Tobias rushed over and held her head up. Onyx whined as he got closer, Melaine and Maxwell attempted to do something to help. The violent burst of ink coursing through her stopped. Her chest stopped heaving, and the black sank from her throat.

“Good lord, Eralar. From you drawing symbols in the ground and violently convulsing. I wouldn’t have been shocked if you turned into that Xeanoss asshole.” Tobias said with a smirk.

Eralar smiled then looked to the side. She had the perfect chance to cut him down in the library. They helped her to her feet. Within the snakeskin, two vertical pupils watched. Its body slid over the ice from Onyx’s shot. Melting it as it passed over. The crystal levitated slowly to the ground. Turning into a dimmer shade of gray, it crumbled to dust. Lightly as a feather it scattered into clumps.

Eralar’s hands sank through tables as she tried to steady herself. Maxwell and Melaine still on either side of her. Ink dripped from her fingers. A sizzling sound left behind as the tables fell apart. Fingers massaged the air as she tried to get some feeling back. Ink that had fallen, stretched into thin strands towards her. The others had left. Lingering no longer, the giant hole in the wall north of them awaited.

Broken lanterns and wires perched above them. Scales and shredded skin joined them.

“So, tell me guys, how did you all meet and get in the giant mess?” Melaine asked.

“It’s not very exciting babe. Work and research, leading to both of those being our main way of connecting.” Maxwell replied. His face began to wither and morph again to that of a jackal. His eyes returned to bloodshot red.

“Oh, come on! Leaving out all the details out on me, are you? Was it equally, or just as adventurous as the trip to Grayland with Fayanna?”

Maxwell lightly let go out Eralar, and Melaine did the same. Tobias could tell by his downtrodden face; he was not in the mood to discuss. However, he began to tell Melaine that all that had happened. In a way, this passage and tunnel reminded him of their escape back then. All in the clear. Their mission finished with everyone safe. Simple in and out mission, so they had thought. Tobias neck leaned forward, and he sighed. Eralar stumbled forward with her arms swinging. Tobias came back to lend her aid. Using himself as a crutch. Onyx watched and responded with a yawn. Glass scattered at their feet, as they passed through what was once a giant sliding door.

“I can see the shimmering expanses of dunes and water. Hills and valleys carved in the shapes of waves. Land separating itself from the sea.” Eralar spoke as they moved at a ginger pace.

“Have you begun to long for home?” Tobias replied.

“Just a little. Wouldn’t mind a quick nostalgic trip. The towering sands, shaped in the forms of waves. Water and land mixing as the two break apart.”

“Was it the carvings on the door that made you long for it?”

“Played a little part I must admit. Looking through the book and chasing down the strider was a bigger factor. Standing on the sands for a moment. Having silence for you friend.”

The air felt oppressive in this part of Hollowment. Winding marble steps lead up and down into the depths. Often covered in moss, scorch marks and the recurring sight of the black substance. Each step became slow and precise. Their eyes sank, light smiles from conversations turned blank. Entire bodies made from both flesh and steel; in some cases, both filled the giant room. Black particles fell like ash down on sullied corpses. Some missing their heads. Entrails from their neck reaching to the above as black roots.

“Thank you for coming with us and saving me from Lydon’s best friend.” Tobias said. His voice came out in a lower tone.

Ink and the soot in the air formed just under their sight. Mixing in thin strands, made their way back into Eralars blood stream. Fingers still flexing as the black blots landed on her.

“Of course.” Strength began to return to her. She did not want to use Tobias as a crutch the entire time they were down here.

“Did you find anything of interest in the book? Sorry left it in your hands there.”

“No, I did not. Got rather distracted by some games. While being caught up in cooking.”

“It’s alright. We will need to back and snag it later.”

Damn it Metlock! Tobias thought with a wide grin.

“I did catch my home, those guardians and those beast on the gate though.” Eralar said. Coming to a stop in the center of the room. Metlock stood with Lockjaw poking through the ground. Eralars turned to smile at Tobias and pointed upward. Her eyes fixed above.

“Doesn’t that look like Grael?”

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On the bright gray and white marble, touched gently by the remains of soot, a dragon was etched. Much like Grael in one way. Long whiskers. Other than that, its body was bulkier. Jagged sharp spikes all along its body. Its wings spread out high above it.

Maxwell fell to a knee holding his face. Fully bloodshot eyes and his face reforming. His clawed hands, brimming a light gold. He scooped up a pile of black ashes. Through them he watched it fall. With his eyes lighting up Melaine came and put her arms around him.

“I sense so much suffering. The remains of their souls, regrets and plights. Even though they ascended, leaving their flesh.”

“Why do I bother trying to protect and keep the people safe. When around every corner there is someone in need of help. Sometimes it is just too much.”

Maxwell said. His nose just out of reach of the remains, as he let them fall. Golden eyes lost to the distance. Melaine pulled on his cheeks and whispered in his ear.

“Well… I guess you could help me out on the assembly line. Or help me protect the workers’ rights. Could even join Tobias in helping the animals. If it’s too much for you.”

This perked Maxwells ears up. He chuckled, a guttural bark forming this time.

Marble covered soot and bile crept its way up the stairs. Stopping at the top.

Tobias found his hand on Gwyrdd, panting. Through the pile of bodies, they went through, their heads became static masses. Each one screamed incomprehensibly to him. Just like seeing all the pain from war. Countless and unrecognizable souls. Wanted something from him. Gwyrdd was pressed lightly against his flesh. Lowered eyes cast over the waves of static. Black, gray and green poured out of his body. Merging into the sword Tobias held it Horizontally and slashed forward. The wave was a darker shade of green. Static got sucked into the waves arch. Green light lit the whole room as it rose briefly. With a twist, the energy began to implode on itself. Until it released a bright green wave. Washing over the room like a halo, the black plague below dispersed. The barrage of static left his ears. Above them, the dragons’ eyes lit up briefly before going dormant.

Tobias watched the small balls of light hit the ground and fade. He swore he could make out a thank you from somewhere. He began to approach Metlock, who had not uttered a word the entire time. Jolts of pain ran through him nearly faster than he could process. On his knees his hands gripped Gwyrdd tighter than ever. Green flame gashed out of his mouth, replacing deep harsh breaths. All his senses were on fire. The feeling of being reborn, torn asunder formed repeatedly in hot burst. Like a new star being formed deep in the dark, forces swelled together. The chaos of spinning out of control stopped. Chest breathing out slower breaths. In that stillness, he found himself on the waters surface. Two figures stood in front of him. With his black hair over his face he stood to meet them. Just black static. Tobias gaze fell down. They must be long dead by now. Tobias thought. Metlock was knelt down on one knee, Lockjaw planted at this side. His face blank he poked at Tobias.

“Scales are covering your face, if you didn’t know. Plus, this is new to me, your hair is green. A good portion of it anyway.” Metlock said.

“I uhhh, what?” Tobias replied. His vision blurred. Several phantom-like copies of himself walked forward before vanishing.

Metlock flicked him in the forehead. Waving a hand in front of his face after his attention snapped back.

“Hello in there!”

“Yes, yes, I’m here. The scales are nothing new. Green hair though, very much so.” Tobias replied.

The rest caught up to each other. Each gazed back at the cleared room. The faint remains of green light fading. The creep of the black did not advance as far as they thought. Only in gathering in certain spots. Their approach slowed as white and silver flames scorched out over a large balcony. Grael crooned his head towards them. Just behind him Lydon held out sickle from Ovoroth. Bathing it in flame. The chain gained a silver glow. White flame licking its sharp edges.

Waves crashed against boats and buildings that laid waste in the water. Only a small channel to get out remained. Turrets mounted the top facing the sea on platforms made from scrap. Tobias stood next to Lydon and placed a hand on the railing looking over the scene. The Forgemaster had another cigar lit. But stood and sighed with it held in front of his mouth. With smoke trailing off he hummed a tune and sang aloud.

“Hear the howling of the wind.

From the ocean’s womb a song rises.

Black smoke still behind us.

Gods above grinding the axe.

Still, we sail to the ends of the world.

To meet our doom or gain pride.

Winter on its way. The great worm devouring its prey.”

He took in a huge breath in. Exhaling over the sight below him, wincing and casting his eyes downward. Grant was coming from behind them. The hammers loudly announced his arrival, as they dragged to his side. Covered in black, from head to toe. His visor slowly opened. Silent fury with a cold focus. Tobias went to ask what happened before the Forgemaster spoke.

“Your three buddies here have been informed of a slight problem. This hallway and the lab behind us changed dramatically since my last visit here.” The Forgemaster said.

Tobias couldn’t focus. There was too much wrong here.

“Those corpses behind us. Men and Woman who worked tireless. They should all be standing. Those Idol ones down there, aren’t supposed’ to be there. They once lined the halls and corridors to the second level where we came from. We may be in a serious bind.” He said. Multiple hits of tobacco were taken as no one spoke.

Two long chains rose up to the ceiling. Rusted and brown, they wrapped around a giant mechanical head. Bearing a long since rusted golden mane. One of the tusks, still broken. The other chain wrapped around its torso several times over. Tobias clenched his eyes and fist. Ready to go off on the Forgemaster, before Grael spoke to him.

You need to calm down. Now. Grael said. Speaking to only Tobias in his mind.

Why should I not? Do you realize wh---

Do not argue with me. I’m going to make this clear. If those “Idols” below are Aeon Dividers, you must keep all the anger to yourself. That is their entry way. Thoughts of despair, anger, rage, every emotion. They come over you faster than a rogue wave. There is no escape, only death once they have you.

Let’s go. Aeon Dividers or not. Whatever gets in my way, between me and that killing machine, better hope they don’t become casualties. Tobias thought. Expressionless he turned to make his way to down. Stopped once again, Lydon grabbed his shoulder.

“Look man. I’m as pissed off as you are about this. This bastard killed Mathias. Could have been any of us that day.” Lydon said. His voice low, filled with hints of fear. He continued:

“According to Grael, these freaks already have the drop on us. They watch and wait. With no plans for tonight, they got all the time in the world!”

“Were the Idol ones always like this? No, that can’t be can it. In the book and several things, we have seen, they are companions with us. Fighting side by side.” Tobias said. His attention turned to the beast. Black ichor dripping slowly from its tusk.

“I doubt so. Something is missing from our tapestry. Machine like in appearance they may be, they do not emit the colors of Archveil.” Grael said.

Maxwell joined the conversation with his arms folded. The gold seal and symbols on his forehead more prominent than before. Carefully observing below. With each small movement he made, so did they. In the slightest movements, a scorpion tail faced him. The twitch of hawk’s eye. The movement of giant wings, the sea glinting off their bodies. Half man, half machine. Spiders in a lunging position. Sounds of metal against metal. As giant wolves and bears smashed their teeth together. Melaine’s skin broke into nervous sweats. On the wall a good distance away, just casually staring at her was a lizard. A giant one, with its mouth open. Its blackened mechanical insides coming to life.

“They are missing our trademark colors.” Maxwell said. Metlock came next to him. Lockjaw aimed below.

“Just like those bastards that gave us a visit at my place. Look at them. Waiting for an invitation, or scraps tossed their way.” Scowling, Metlock said. Fingers ready to fire.

Onyx whined as they chatted. The balcony shook, cracks appearing. The floor was suddenly gone from underneath all of them. The tile disintegrated as they hit the ground. Puzzled, Tobias looked up wearily. Lydon was stretched out over Onyx groaning. Everyone else crashed down an arm length away. Tobias skin split as he grasped the hilt. Once he stood, they had instantly been surrounded. Dark cold eyes, offering nothing but silence and a sense of dread. Eralar sat up against the wall. Streams of ink fell from her eyes. Symbols on her arms and hands growing denser.

“Hey! Eralar are you ok?” Tobias said. He placed his hands on her shoulders. Giving a gentle shake.

“Do you see them? There are so many. In every crevas, every corner.” Eralar said despondently. Her eyes changed back into kaleidoscopic patterns. Ink spread from her pupils to the whites of her eyes.

“No I don’t! What else is there with us?”

“The heart. How can you not, it’s so huge. The altar just ahead of us.”

“There is no altar here! We may be placed on one down here soon. Get it together.”

“Shhh! It’s starting. Time to see if the ceremony will be successful. we will become weavers if so!” Eralar said. Veins flowed down, ink the source It dribbled down her neck, then covered her cloths. She gently pushed Tobias hands aside. Held up with her head bowed she gracefully accepted something being held to her.

Tobias tried to stop her but stopped. The room pulsed with static. Chains began to wobble. Metal against metal. From the mouth of the beast, liquid flowed out. Just like when it fell all those years ago.

“This can’t be happening. The Ravoclaw should be long dead. Immobile, reconstructed to our design.” The Forgemaster said.

“Everyone that participated in its revival, are absolute morons. I told you so! We have all been for years. This is how Insmourn works underneath the surface!?” Tobias said. He took a few steps forward pushed. His hands changed into dragon claws. Skin replaced with black and gray scales. Ashes fell, then scattered as the cigar hit the ground. Balance was lost and the Forgemaster felt cold against his skin. Flesh ripped. Chunks of flesh fell in front of the crowd. Eyes bulged and pain ran through him. The Idols still had not moved.

“Fuck, that actually hurts, damn you.” The ashes of the cigar smoldered. The Forgemaster picked it up and pushed it against his flesh. Grant, stoic as ever, took two steps and was stopped. The Forgemasters hand up to stop him.

“Good. There is plenty more where that came from. You backstabbing son of a bitch.” Growled Tobias.

“Regardless of what it looks like, we always had Insmourn and Clausum Mare in our best interest.”

“Sure.” Tobias said. Unable to hide his anger.

The Forgemaster sighed, holding his arm. Sweat leaked from his brows. Fingers and legs shook as he began walking to the chained creature. The black bile spilling out like a waterfall began to take shape.

“Perhaps we can chat it out? Sure whatever is going on can respond.” The Forgemaster said. His voice squeaky and low. He gave Grant a nod. Harsh black light, escaped from pockets of the Ravoclaw. Liquid and volatile, the bile took its final shape. Faint pulses of orange light coursed through its single eye. The deepest cold was felt when looking at it. With two raised blackened bubbly fingers, it reached over to the Forgemaster. Casting a shadow over them. Its two fingers coming nearer, its single eye caused crushing oppression. It had bent over. Tall enough to be at least half the height of the room. Its chest and stomach were contorted into a spiral shape. Tentacles burst from its arms. Eyes opening along their length. On three toes its weight was held. The flesh squelched on its legs. Spinning until it was gone. Wide gaps of nothing, soon filled with several maws and gnashing teeth. Sharp and long, like armor around it. Tounges flailed freely out from within.

Urine ran down the Forgemasters legs. The two fingers moved slowly over his head. While sputtering out words, all he could do was watch. Its ichor falling into his mouth. Gasp and chokes as he tried to breathe and speak.

“We at…the forge. Ugh..Wel..come you to Insmourn. D---”

In a violent burst, the Forgemaster exploded. Some of his flesh remained. Blood and guts poured over the front row of Idols. This caused some to stir. Like someone chewing with their mouth open, flesh was hastily torn and gobbled up. Others simply let the blood drip down their frozen frames.

The ground shook as it got on its knees. It’s one eye burrowing into their souls.

“Vessels of the great crystal. Architects of being. So easily manipulated. It’s no wonder Xeanoss and the others have taken station here. Your kind shall be absorbed and fuel the coming of the great silence.”

Eralar convulsed in the back with Melaine. Hands still in the air. Grael began to swell in size. Molten gray fire spilling from his mouth. In a spiral blast of heat, flame ate away the entity. It let out a groan, followed by a laugh that shook the ground.

“Srpahgentum Grael. HOW I MISSED THE WRATH OF YOUR FLAMES.” It said.

Black energy raced through the air like a comet. With two of its fingers the pointed back at the Ravoclaw. Mechanical roars and pain came as it awoke. Like a twig the chains broke. Tobias drew Gwyrdd, solid and wreathed in green flame.

“Welcome to my Stygian domain. Come, bow and die to the conqueror of the meek.”