The journey to the top of the mountain was arduous. Seth panted, his legs aching as he pushed through the waist-deep snow. Behind him, Seth could sense Gloria and Elias's eyes boring through his back, watching for any clue that he might stumble or collapse.
I can't… he thought, gritting his teeth and taking another step forward. I won’t! Not when we’re this close!
He looked up and in the distance her temple loomed over them. Its black walls, glittering in the sun like the little shrine that had started it all. The trio paused and stood on the brink of its shadow.
Seth glanced back at his friends; Elias glowered at the temple and made a holy sign over himself, while Gloria, fiddled with something tucked beneath her dress, her expression a mix of concern and dread.
This is it, he thought turning back to the temple. This is where it ends. He took a step into its dark shadow and a shiver went up his spine. An eerie aura hung over him – Almost as though he’d stepped on his own grave. His jaw clenched as The Lady’s words echoed back to him: “You are living on borrowed time…”
Seth stared at the ominous structure as dread crashed over him. I’m not going to make it back, am I? he thought, his legs wobbling beneath him. The air felt thick, weighing him down.
Gloria stepped up beside him and put a hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?”
He swallowed hard, nodding, but he couldn’t bear to look at her–look at what he might lose. I have to make it back… he swore. I have too!
“I’ll be fine,” he lied.
Gloria’s hand felt warm beside him. Seth closed his eyes for a moment, taking comfort in her presence. Then, in a fog of desperation and fear, he reached up with a trembling hand, took her hand from his shoulder, and held it tight.
Her hand flinched for a moment then slowly closed around his, returning his shaking grip. “We’re going to make it,” she whispered. “We have to.”
Seth let out a shaky breath. “Stay close…” he murmured, then he set his face and continued forward, each step heavier than the last.
Fatigue dragged Seth down, but he refused to stop. His heart pounded like a war drum and he clung to Gloria. Everyone’s depending on me!
Weariness finally claimed his legs and Seth dropped to his knees. I need to keep going! He tried to climb to his feet, but his aching legs wouldn’t budge and his heart pounded like a war drum.
Gloria held him tight and called over her shoulder. “Elias! Help me!” Then she began drawing a few golden sigils in the air.
“What are you doing?” Seth panted.
Gloria’s hand glowed and she rested it on Seth’s shoulder. A warm embrace began to spread through him, and Seth felt some strength returning to him. When he realized it, he tried to pull himself away. “No! Any strength you give me goes to her too!”
Gloria gripped Seth’s shoulder and gave him a hard look. “I know, but you can’t even make it up this last slope!” her face softened. “Let me give you enough to get there.”
Seth bowed his head – she had a point. “Fine.” Gloria finished her spell, and Seth felt more strength return to him. Elias came up behind and helped him to his feet. Seth brushed himself off, and together, they climbed the final stretch to The Lady’s temple.
At the top, Seth, Gloria, and Elias halted in fearful awe. The Lady’s temple blocked out the sun leaving them in its shrouding shadow. Straight ahead of them was the entrance, four pillars supported a basalt slab over two thick obsidian doors, black and slick like ice.
“We did it…” Gloria murmured. “We made it to her temple.”
Seth tried to maintain his balance. Even out here, her power was overwhelming; it weighed on him like iron and the foul magic made his head pound.
Yes,” he said, putting a hand to his head and trying to stop the world from spinning. “We made it...”
Beside him, Elias growled. “This place disgusts me. I hope Crim blots out this place from man’s memory.”
Before another response could be made, The Lady’s voice echoed out for all to hear. “Ah…Seth, Gloria, Elias…You’ve come…” The dark stone doors silently swung open like the maw of a terrible beast. “You’ve finally come.”
Her tone sent shivers down Seth’s spine. I hoped that her frazzled nerves would be an advantage, but now that I’m here… He glanced at Gloria and Elias; their faces were as pale as his own.
“Well, don’t just stand there…” The Lady chuckled, with a slight edge. “You’ll catch cold…come in, come in! Make yourselves comfortable.”
Seth looked from Gloria to Elias. “Are you sure you want to come with me?” he asked. “I don’t know what we’re going to face when we go in.”
Gloria shivered, but she steadied herself and turned to face Seth. “I said that you were stuck me…So I will go with you until the end.”
Elias nodded. “Same here, sir,” he said, narrowing his eyes at the dark open door. “You’re my master – I’m not going to abandon you to face this alone.” Then he made a holy sign over himself and began to pray.
The Lady let out a manic laugh. “You think a little boy’s prayer can save you? You’re adorable!”
There was a dim flash of white-blue light, and Seth felt a little clarity in his mind. “Thank you,” he said, nodding to the ashen-faced boy.
“We need to hurry,” Elias panted. “It won’t last long.”
Seth set his face. “Then let’s go.”
Then the three of them strode across the snow towards the gaping doors. With each step, Seth felt The Lady’s power begin to overcome the clarity in his mind. You think that a simple blessing can stop me here? she hissed in his mind.
He paused at the threshold and stared into the darkness. Thousands of years of dust thickened the air and beside him, Gloria coughed. He drew a few sigils, then muttered, “Lux meridiania.” A ball of white light appeared in Seth’s hand. He tossed it into the air where it floated around them, piercing its light into the darkness, revealing a long hallway.
Elias gasped. “They can float?” he whispered indignantly, his voice echoing back from the temple.
Before Seth could answer, he felt dark tendrils tug his chest, urging him to enter. Enough stalling…The Lady grinned, a slight manic look in her eyes. I need you.
Before he could resist, his feet moved on their own, pulling him into the temple. As soon as they were inside, the thick ice doors shut behind them, leaving only Seth’s orb for light.
Seth, Gloria, and Elias exchanged tense glances – only one way forward now. They continued down the hall, their footsteps echoing off the tall ceilings that vanished into shadow beyond the reach of Seth’s little light.
They walked a short distance when Seth’s orb illuminated a large ice mural engraved on the wall. He paused and tried to make out the image. The top border of the mural was a range of mountains, while the side borders showed small towns. Some depicted the same ritual he saw in Giantstoe, but the towns that didn’t were buried in snow.
A shudder ran through Seth as he turned his attention to the center of the mural. His heart stopped when he saw her – a beautiful slender woman standing in a long flowing gown. Snowflakes adorned her long hair and atop her head was a jagged crown of ice. It was her – The Lady.
It won’t be long now. Her presence began to ooze into his mind. You are close…oh so close. Can you feel it? This power…soon it will be yours.
Seth shook his head and tore his eyes away, continuing down the rime covered hall. No, I am content with the power I have. I’m here to destroy you. There was a shift in the air. he blinked and shuddered a little – something felt off.
Are you? The Lady grinned. Not even to save your friends? She paused and put a finger to her chin. Tell me…where are they?
Seth frowned. What kind of game was she playing? What do you mean? he spat. They’re right- Seth’s eyes went wide – Gloria and Elias were gone. He spun around, trying to find them in the hall. They were right there! Where had they gone?
“Gloria!” he cried, his voice echoing in the hall. “Elias!” There was no answer. Seth whipped around growling. “Where are they?”
There was a giggle. Tut, tut, remember your manners.
Seth clenched his fists and glared at the slick ice walls. “Give me friends back!” he demanded.
The Lady chuckled with amusement. Oh, don’t worry, you will see them again soon – before the end. Seth shivered when a soft hand caressed his cheek. But if you want to hear them… Well, that can be arranged.
A scream ripped through the silence followed by a fearful sob. Seth’s heart wrenched within him. Gloria! Without thinking, he darted into the darkness towards the sound, the little orb of light struggling to keep up. “Gloria!” he cried again. “Gloria, where are you?” The light from the orb refracted off the slick walls.
Another cry echoed out to him; this time it was Elias, but his voice sounded like it was coming down the hall. Seth’s heart pounded and panic began to rise in him. Oh Crim! I have to find them! Then an idea raced to his mind. Her heart! If I can destroy it, they’ll be fine!
Seth tried to focus on the dark tendrils tugging him deeper into the temple. If he followed them, they’d lead him to the heart. There was a sharp tug, and his head hurt from the sickening stench of dark magic. He clenched his jaw and tried to sprint down the hall. The tugging began to grow stronger, and his little light struggled to shine.
Yes…come closer! Just a bit further…
Seth stumbled and leaned against a slick wall – his light barely lighting a foot before him. He panted and heard Gloria weeping. “Seth…Come back! Don’t leave me!”
He pulled himself upright and tried to steady himself. “I’m not leaving you!” he called into the void. “I’m going to get you out! Where are you?” The weeping stopped and Seth’s light winked out.
Seth clutched the wall in fear. The darkness made him feel vulnerable…exposed. In a panic, he began to write a set of sigils when he was interrupted by a chilling whisper in his ear.
Oh my, this brings back memories. The Lady chuckled and Seth felt a spectral presence coiling around him. He gritted his teeth and reached for the wall. He had to keep going!
Do you remember? The Lady asked as he tried to feel his way down the hall, the malicious tugs grew stronger by the second. It reminds me of when we first met.
Seth panted and tried to mentally push her back, but his strength was fading and Elias’s blessing draining away. Come on, Seth! he thought, trying to ignoring her. Just a little further!
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There was a sharp yank in his chest, and he stumbled around a corner into an open room with a smooth obsidian floor and ice walls that glowed the same pulsing color as his scars. Seth squinted in the dim light and saw in the center of the room, on a dark pedestal, a pulsing dark lump.
The heart! Hope rose in him and Seth tried to scramble towards it, but his body suddenly froze. Seth grunted and tried to move, but his feet were glued to the floor and his arms were forced down to his sides. “Let me go!” he screamed. He stared at the hideous pulsing mass. It was so close! Just a few feet away from him!
Then he felt the last dregs of Elias’s blessing leave him. Fear raced through Seth’s veins, now he was defenseless – she could take him and do whatever she pleased. Slithering fingers wormed into Seth’s mind and his body shook violently. Oh, my dear Seth... The Lady cooed as she reached out and began to pry him from his body. I’ve waited for this moment for a long time.
The Lady dragged him away from his body and down long halls towards the same damned box in his mind, humming as she did. Seth panicked. He clawed at the floors and gripped any corner he could grab, trying to return to his body, but she was stronger.
You thought you could outsmart me by coming to me in a weakened state? The Lady chortled. You’re at least half right, it may be harder for me to overpower dear sweet Gloria when it’s time, but you’ve only made it easier for me to maintain my grip on you.
Seth cried out when The Lady tossed him into the back of his mind. He clambered to his feet and weakly struggled against the walls. I have to get out! I have to-
The Lady reached through the barrier and put a finger to his lips. Shhh… she cooed. Then a wide grin began to spread across her face, twisting her ethereal beauty into a wraith-like nightmare. It’s almost time, she said, turning away towards the iron curtain that separated him from his body. And you get to watch as I destroy what you love the most…with your own two hands.
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Gloria stared up at the mural of The Lady. The detail was immaculate, and Gloria couldn’t help but compare herself to the bewitching carving. The engraved eyes looked down at her condescendingly and a hint of a smile played at the carving’s lips. Gloria gasped and drew back as a soft voice whispered in her ear. You’re right, you will never be as beautiful as me.
Gloria clapped her hands to her ears. Stay out of my head!
This is my realm. The Lady grinned, creeping past her clamped hands. I can be in whoever’s head I want.
The light began to dim. Gloria looked and saw Seth and Elias continuing. She hurried to catch up, but as she did, there was a chilling shift in the air. Something’s not right.
Gloria shivered and blinked. In an instant, Seth’s light vanished and was replaced by thick darkness, from the corners of her vision a soft eerie glow pulsed slowly.
Fear seized Gloria’s heart and she spun around, trying to place herself. “Seth?” she called, her voice bouncing off the close walls. “Elias?” She tried to go back the way she came, but her back pressed against a cold wall.
A shiver went up Gloria’s spine and panic began to take hold. She turned back and beat on the slippery ice wall behind her. “Seth!” she screamed, her fists slipping off the smooth wall. “Help! I can’t get out! Help!”
Afraid of the dark, are we? The Lady’s voice murmured in her ear. Gloria’s jaw clenched and she continued to pound on the wall. Let me fix that for you.
The faint glow trapped in the ice brightened just enough for Gloria to look over her shoulder and see that she was in a long narrow hall. The walls were made of ice and a low ceiling bared down on her.
Gloria spun around and pressed her back against the ice wall, her breath misting in the frigid air. Whatever was at the end couldn’t be good.
Ah…Gloria, Gloria, Gloria. The Lady’s soft sing-song voice chuckled in her ear. I used to be so angry that you followed my darling Seth around like a desperate shadow. A chill brushed her cheek. But now, I’ve come to realize your value.
Gloria tried to shut out the voice and desperately looked around her. I need to get out! She searched the ground for a rock or a shard of ice – anything to begin carving away at the ice wall, but she found nothing.
Then from down the hall, Gloria heard Seth’s voice call out to her. “Gloria? Gloria! Where are you?”
Gloria’s heart lifted and she scrambled down the hall. “Seth!” she screamed. “Seth! I’m over here!” As she ran, she could see a little light in the distance. She gripped her coat tight and hurried to catch up to the twinkling light that, somehow, always seemed to be just out of reach.
She turned a corner and entered into a chilled chamber with vaulted ceilings. Through the wall she caught a glimpse of Seth racing past her, his little ball of light chasing after him.
“Seth!” Gloria cried. She raced to the wall and pounded on the ice trying to get his attention. “Seth! I’m over here!” But he ran on, the light faded away and left her in the dim glow of the icy walls.
Tears welled in Gloria’s eyes, and she dropped her head against the wall. “Seth…” she wept. “Come back! Don’t leave me!”
Icy hands closed around Gloria’s shoulders. Always chasing, The Lady sighed. But never catching up.
“Let go of me!” she cried, shrugging off the freezing hands. She pulled herself to her feet. I have to keep going! There’s a way out! There has to be!
When she turned away from the wall, she met the face of a beautiful woman with long red curls and deep green eyes – eyes just like her own. Gloria started and backed up against the wall, blinking in disbelief. She’d never seen her, but this was what she’d always imagined…
“Mother…?” Gloria whispered. She reached out to touch the beautiful woman’s face, but she halted and tore her eyes away. No… she shook her head and dropped her hand. It can’t be her – it’s a trick. Why would she show up now?
Suit yourself… The Lady purred and the woman faded away. Instinctively, Gloria cried out and reached out for the woman, but all she caught was empty air.
The Lady laughed while Gloria shook, weeping. It’s not her! Her breathing hitched. Mother is gone. She didn’t come back. She never came back! But the heartache weighed her down.
Gloria, Gloria, dear sweet Gloria, The Lady said, her voice snaking around Gloria. So desperate to be loved. The Lady’s voice dropped to a whisper. But no one loves you, do they?
Gloria shook her head and covered her ears desperately trying to ignore The Lady. It’s just a trick! She climbed to her feet and looked across the chamber – there was an exit on the other side.
Gloria kept her hands clamped over her ears and ran to the doorway, but The Lady’s voice slipped into her mind, continuing her malicious taunts. Mother never loved you; Father hates you, and Seth…
Gloria stopped and tore her hands from her ears, curling them into fists. “You’re wrong!” she cried. “Seth loves me!” Memories of Seth washed over her – his smile at the maydance, his drunken sigh at the Lover’s Respite, his strength at the ridge, his gentle hands when they cradled the potato…
Does he? The Lady asked and Gloria felt a presence slowly turn her back to face the center of the chamber. Did he say that or are you projecting a foolish girl’s daydream?
Gloria gulped. No, he hadn’t said it. What if…What if I made it all up?
The Lady chuckled. Besides… what can you give him? I can give Seth everything he wants. In the center of the chamber, an image of Seth appeared. He blinked in confusion and looked around him. Power, glory…women.
A beautiful slender woman with flawless alabaster skin appeared beside him. She brushed back her luscious golden hair and batted round blue eyes at him. Gloria’s heart stung when she saw Seth’s eyes widen and look the woman up and down before hungrily reaching for her.
The Lady chuckled in Gloria’s ear. You know how men are… Gloria swallowed and watched the image of Seth draw the woman close and gaze enthralled into her alluring eyes.
It’s not… her lip trembled, but she couldn’t look away.
You on the other hand, The Lady continued, her icy fingers playing with a few stray curls in Gloria’s hair. Are nothing but an unwanted little rag doll – a distraction until he becomes king, and someone better comes along.
“That’s not…” Gloria clenched her fists tight. “That’s not true!” she cried and tried to reach for memories of Seth. What was it he said when she leaned on his shoulder in the lean-to? Gloria struggled to remember, but The Lady pushed the memory just out of reach.
Are you sure? The Lady smirked as the beautiful woman stroked Seth’s jaw with her finger. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh as the woman pressed close to him.
You’ve said so yourself, The Lady taunted. You don’t deserve him; it’s only a matter of time.
Gloria watched as Seth raised a hand and tucked the woman’s hair behind her ear, gazing longingly into her eyes. Panicked thoughts racing through her mind. Look away! This isn’t real! But Gloria was unable to move, she shook as tears blurred her vision. Snap out of it!
It may not be real now, The Lady said, hissing like a serpent. Seth tilted the woman’s chin up and leaned in, their lips almost touching. But deep down, you know that it will be. She grinned victoriously. That’s why you are still watching.
“Please…!” Gloria pleaded, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please…make it stop.”
The Lady cackled. Not yet…
Then Seth and the woman locked lips. It was slow at first, then they gripped one another with feverish passion until it seemed that the only thing that mattered was the two of them and the moment they shared.
A sharp pain shot through Gloria’s heart, and everything went numb. She stood frozen, her breaths coming in stunned shallow gasps. Her knees wobbled and the world threatened to tilt. She wished she could cry; she wished she could scream, but all she could do was let out a broken sob.
When the kiss was finally over, Seth pulled away and licked his lips. He smiled darkly at her. “Me? Want you?” He laughed and the woman on his arm giggled with him. “How asinine!” Then he met her eyes. “Why would I ever want you?”
Gloria’s heart shattered. The world spun around her as The Lady howled in laughter. He wouldn’t… she distantly thought as her legs buckled beneath her. It…was just a trick. Then her head hit the floor.
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Elias stared at the faint glowing wall ahead of him. How did I get here? he wondered, rubbing his head. One moment, he was trying to catch up to Master Seth, the next he had run into this wall.
“Master Seth?” Elias called taking a few steps back. “Gloria?” His voice sounded close. Very close. He bumped into a wall. Elias blinked and felt around him. By dim glow of the walls, Elias saw that he was in a small room. He looked up and saw a low ceiling weighing down on him. No…a tiny room.
Elias put his hands on the slick walls and pushed, searching for something – anything – that might give way – nothing. He backed up as far as the room would allow and threw himself against the ice wall. Nothing budged.
His throat tightened and Elias’s breathing quickened. It's okay, he thought, trying not to panic. Everything’s going to be okay.
To comfort himself, Elias began to hum a prayer Father Verdas taught him when he was little. Holy Father, bring me peace… He looked up at the low ceiling and faltered. Focus! Just like Master Seth!
He rested his forehead against the cold wall and tried to continue his prayer. In the night, let my fears cease… There was a creak and Elias felt something shift in the room. When…he looked behind him. When I lay my head to rest-
A cruel laugh in his mind interrupted him. …Keep thy child by your breast. Elias froze, fear numbing his body. Such a sweet children’s prayer. The Lady chortled. Fitting for a little boy like you.
The dim glow consumed Elias’s vision. It reminded him of the talisman. A sudden realization came to him. My rock! He pulled the dull rock from his habit and started hacking away at the wall.
The Lady laughed and Elias felt something tousle his hair. Little novice, far from home… The boy tried to ignore her and focus on the wall. You claim that you left to seek adventure. Her voice crept closer. But that’s not really why you left, is it?
Elias hummed his little prayer again. He wasn’t going to let her get under his skin. The devil always lies, he muttered to himself.
The Lady laughed. Do I? Let’s test that theory, shall we?
Elias grunted as a little ice chip flew off, making a tiny dent in the massive, thick wall.
You’re an orphan, found and raised by Father Verdas. The Lady began, her sonorous voice slithering around Elias’s mind. One day, you hope to become abbot when Father Verdas is gone. Here The Lady chuckled. What am I saying? You and I both know that’s not true. You never wanted to become abbot, but Father Verdas does.
Elias’s chest twisted and he paused for only a moment. That was true…then he shook his head. She’s just messing with me. He continued to whittle away the thick ice wall. The devil always lies.
Still refuse to see the truth? The Lady chuckled again. Perhaps I need to delve deeper then. She grinned. You didn’t leave home because you were bored…You ran away, hoping to escape from his frown.
Elias froze as Father Verdas’s disapproving glare flashed into his mind. His fragile prayer shattered and he began to shake.
Oh my, The Lady laughed. Did I hit a nerve? A chilled breath tickled Elias’s ear. You hope that by defeating me, he will finally be proud of you. That’s what you really want –to finally meet his expectations
Elias looked down at his cracking hands. It wasn’t true…it couldn’t be. He shook his head again and chipped away at the wall with vigor. “No! You’re lying!”
The Lady’s laughs bounced off the small room's walls, but her voice remained within Elias’s mind. Refusing to see the truth? Who’s a liar now?
Elias gritted his teeth and blinked back tears. “Shut up!” he yelled as he vainly hacked into the wall. He wasn’t lying! She was the one twisting things! He left because he wanted to help! He was bored! He wanted to see the world…
You know…The Lady added, her voice dripping with malice. Now that I think about it, you may as well be chasing approval from Crim too. After all, Father Verdas is only a man, and if you can’t live up to him – what hope do you have to measure up to a holy god?
The words snuck past his defenses and pierced his heart. Elias cried out and smashed his fists against the wall, his dull rock slipping out of his hand, and clattering to the floor.
I am a liar… Tears pricked his eyes. It was true – Every word of it. “Oh Crim!” he wailed dropping his head into his hands and falling to his knes. “Oh Crim, save me!”
The Lady cupped Elias’s chin. Save you? she scoffed. If Crim can save you, then he’s cruel. What kind of god lets a child suffer at hands like mine? What truth will you believe? That he is allowing you to be beaten, trapped, and forced to watch your friend die, or that he’s incapable of saving you?
Elias pulled away. “Crim is wise!” he cried. “There’s always a reason for suffering!” He swallowed, the words felt like a lie from his lips. There was always a reason…right?
A muffled scream pierced through the ice, jolting him from his thoughts. It sounded like… Gloria?
Elias scrambled to his feet and tried to peer through the ice wall. Through the dim glow, he could see two dark shapes—one looming over the other. His breath fogged up the ice, and he took his sleeve, trying to rub it clear.
Oh…let me get that for you. The fogged ice cleared becoming as clear as glass. Blood drained from Elias’s face and he let out a cry – Master Seth was strangling Gloria.