The Aeternum Chronicles- The Complete Trilogy, page 26
part #1 of The Aeternum Chronicles Series
Khalil and Magdalene shared a look.
Magdalene finally spoke, “There may be another way to get to New Arcadia before tomorrow night…but it’s extremely dangerous.”
Everyone looked at her, and she took a deep breath.
“As some of you are already aware, our reality lies adjacent to other variations of itself. Picture our universe, or if it’s easier to visualize, our world, as a geodesic grid. A twenty sided sphere with uniformity from all orientations, otherwise known as an isotropic icosahedron.”
Oren looked at Clem hoping to see his confusion mirrored on her face, but she appeared to be listening intently.
“Each flat surface of our polyhedron overlaps with that of another universe. There are twenty variations adjacent to ours. That’s twenty worlds right next door.” She paused to let that sink in.
“Despite their proximity, they vary greatly from our own. The differences from world to world include variables such as atmosphere, chemical composition, the existence of carbon based life, evolution, mass extinction, and others. Beyond this, there can also be varying space-time intervals relative to our own. This means that time may flow faster or slower within other variations, and distances may be shorter or longer relative to our own.”
Oren looked at Anzien, who met his eyes and shrugged.
“What’s even more fascinating is that there are those who have traveled between variations.”
Oren got the feeling that Magdalene was enjoying this.
“In the legends, these travelers were called Pilgrims.” She looked to Khalil for explanation.
He nodded and spoke, “The Pilgrims were beings who spent their entire lives moving from one universe to the next; observing, experiencing, and learning of other worlds. Some say they abandoned their home long ago in an attempt to chart the entirety of existence.”
Magdalene nodded back, her eyes were sparkling. “Others, as recent as five hundred years ago, have reported traveling to one of our sister worlds and returning. There are records, maps, observations. If they are genuine, which I believe they are, then it may be possible for us to do so as well.”
“This is all very fascinating,” Oren said, “but how does any of this help get us to New Arcadia?”
“An excellent question, Oren,” she smiled at him. “I mentioned there are worlds with varying space-time intervals, places where time and distance behave differently. Humans have visited one such world before. There are even maps linking it to our own, with corresponding waypoints. Wait here.” Magdalene hurried down the hall, and returned moments later with two rather large rolled up parchments.
She unrolled one, using two embroidered pillows to hold it open on the rug. Oren recognized it as a map of their home continent. The word Illyria was scrawled at the top. He easily found New Arcadia. Everyone crowded around and she unrolled the second parchment below it. Oren didn’t recognize this one. There was a large crest at the top. At its center was a serpent with two sets of wings. Below it, the word EROS was scrawled in elegant script. Both maps were beautifully illustrated, with elaborate symbols and detailed topography. Clem moved in closer.
“We are here,” Magdalene said, pointing to a mountain stream on their home map. She slid her finger an inch southeast, “Here, you can see an archway. Note the symbol.” It was feline, curving, and elegant. She moved to the map titled Eros. “That symbol corresponds exactly with this one, here.” There was another stone archway with a matching symbol. “These are called waygates. They are said to be ancient passages between worlds…though the last record of anyone using one is centuries old.”
“On the Eros map, to the east of the feline waygate, there is another with a quail symbol. The quail waygate on our own map is here.” She pointed far to the east on the map of Illyria.
“That’s inside New Arcadia,” Clementine said.
“Precisely,” Magdalene responded. “As you can see, the distance between waygates on the Eros map is far shorter than that in our world. If we can get these waygates working, then we can reduce our travel time to a fraction of what it would normally be.”
Oren sat back. This is a lot to take in, he thought. Pilgrims? Waygates? Sister worlds? He felt like he was living in one of Khalil’s stories.
“There’s just one problem,” said Khalil. Everyone turned to him. “The waygate nearest to us is precisely where the Tower of G’shiyrah once stood. It was believed to have been a pilgrim waygate, but Gabrial destroyed it centuries ago. We have no way of knowing if it will work.”
Clem raised her hand, “Ah, guys, I might have some—”
“If we channel enough kai into the right part of the ruins,” Magdalene said, “we may be able to activate it. It was the nature of the area itself, not the tower, that allowed for the waygate.”
Clem tried again, “Hello? I think I can—”
“It is a gamble,” Khalil interrupted this time, “If we take the time to travel to the waygate and it fails, it will be too late to return and help defend Masada. Not to mention the curse.”
“Curse? What curse?” Oren asked.
“If you would just let me expl—”
“There are millions of lives at stake in New Arcadia,” Magdalene objected, “How many in Masada? Several thousand?”
“Hey! Will you just listen to me!?” Clem shouted, and everyone turned to her. Her cheeks were flushed.
“I think I may have a way to get us there…without going to the ruined tower.” She reached into her vest pocket and pulled out a small black sack. She loosened the drawstrings and slid the sack down, gripping a white marble disc through the fabric. She placed it near the top of the unfamiliar map. The engraving on the stone matched the map’s crest perfectly.
Magdalene’s eyes went wide. “Extraordinary,” she whispered.
“I found it with the schematics, in the Chief Ward’s office.” Clementine looked at the stone with trepidation. “I accidentally used it once before I left New Arcadia. What I saw was…impossible. Back then I didn’t know what it was, but I think it might open some kind of pathway to this world.” She pointed to the map.
“This, is a portal stone, Clementine.” Magdalene spoke with wonder, leaning in. “It must be ancient. May I hold it?”
Clem hesitated, then nodded. “Be careful…last time I held it in my hand I was nearly drowned by a massive wave.”
“You must have unknowingly gathered and directed it into the stone. It cannot function without kai.” She picked up the white disc and held it in her palm, examining it. “Most incredible,” she said to herself. The air before her began waffling briefly then solidified. She looked up from the stone and said, “Well, this settles it. We will go to New Arcadia.”
“Wait a moment,” Khalil held up a hand, “We must all be in agreement.” He turned to face the group. “If you wish to travel to New Arcadia and attempt to disrupt the Ministry’s plan, raise your hand.”
All hands went up except for Anzien’s.
Khalil turned to her, “Anzien, you wish for us to stay and defend Masada?”
“Not exactly,” she said. “I have orders to return there after delivering my message. They will need my help if they are to survive. I wish to return home tonight to defend my brothers and sisters.” She sounded eager.
Khalil nodded and stood.
Anzien followed his lead, standing to face him.
“I understand,” said Khalil. “We will not keep you from your duties.” He stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You will need all your strength for what lies ahead. Remember, the Ko’jin stand with you.”
“Yes, Commandant,” she saluted with a fist over her heart.
Anzien then gathered up her garments, which were now merely damp. She pulled the dark green cloak around her shoulders, and walked toward the door.
“Hey Anzien,” Oren called to her.
She turned around. Her hair contrasted starkly with her green hood, and her eyes nearly glowed in the dim light.
“Good luck.”
“And to you, Oren,” she said with a nod and a smile.
With that she turned, pulled the large door open and stepped out. It clunked back into place, and the four of them were alone once again.
Khalil took a deep breath. “If we are to attempt this, we will need a plan.”
20
Battle Plans
Tomorrow night, Oren thought. His anxiety battled his resolve in a swirling whirlpool of emotion.
“We would be wise to depart in the morning,” Khalil advised. “Judging by the map, it will take nearly one full day in Eros to reach the quail waygate.”
That was fine with Oren. The thought of sleeping in a strange world wasn’t all that appealing. “What do we know about it? Anything useful?”
Magdalene answered, “There are old records on atmosphere, terrain, and some of the flora and fauna. We can breathe the air, but there isn’t much else that will be useful. Beyond that, there are accounts of a geological cataclysm centuries ago. Ocean levels rising, mountain ranges collapsing, powerful storms. There is an overall imbalance, though none know why or how it came to be.”
“Charming place,” muttered Clem.
“We must be especially wary of any forms of life,” Khalil warned, “whether they appear threatening or not. We remain together at all times. Do not gather in this place, and most important of all, we must not be there when night falls.”
“Why not?” Clem asked apprehensively.
Khalil met her eyes and said, “Nothing survives the nights of Eros.”
“Okay…” Oren said, “assuming we survive this place and find the waygate to New Arcadia, what then? Do we know where we’ll come out on the other side?”
“Judging by the location of the archway on our own map, we should arrive somewhere inside the city core,” said Magdalene. “If we’re lucky, it will be close to Ascension Square.”
“Sa’di, there is a graphite writing implement and blank parchment in my quarters. Please collect these and bring them to me.”
Oren stood up and nodded. When he returned to the common room, Clementine was pouring fresh tea for the group. The fragrance was sharp, herbal and distinct.
They sat on soft pillows, sipping their tea as Khalil took the materials and began sketching. He spread the parchment out on the floor and drew a large circle. Within it he drew two squares a few inches apart, toward the bottom. He added statues along the outside, and Oren realized the circle was the outer edge of Praeconis Amphitheater. He’d seen it in person once, when he was just a boy.
“This is a bird’s eye view of Praeconis Amphitheater,” said Khalil. “Our report puts the temporal disturbance here, between the Pillars of Ascension.” He drew a wavy line between the squares. “If our source is correct, it is likely there will be some kind of device or object powering it”—He drew large rectangle jutting out from between the square pillars—“here on the stage.” He punctuated with the charcoal, creating a small dark circle on the parchment. “Disabling this is our number one priority.”
Magdalene interjected, “There are a series of tunnels below the amphitheater. We may be able to use them to approach undetected, assuming we can find an entrance.”
Khalil nodded at her, then turned back to his sketch. “We can expect security forces here.” He drew a half circle of guards surrounding the front of the rectangular stage.
“The Chief Ward, Marconas will be there,” said Magdalene. “He will be leading the security forces.”
Khalil nodded. “There will also be Breakers. We will need to divide up. Each of us will take on a different role until the shadowgate is permanently disabled. This task will fall to you Clementine.” He looked at her.
Clem nodded. “Consider it done.”
Oren was impressed with how calm and self-assured she was. He definitely did not feel that way.
“Remember, millions of lives are depending on your success. You must do whatever it takes to shut it down,” Khalil warned.
She nodded brusquely.
“Oren, you will handle the city wards,” Khalil pointed to the arc around the stage. Many are young and poorly trained, but beware of the veterans. They must not be underestimated. Your job is to keep them from interfering.”
“Yes, Sifu. I’ll keep them busy,” Oren said as he performed the bao quan.
Khalil continued, “Remember Sa’di, these are people. They are your neighbors, parents of friends, and community members. Yes, they have made misguided choices, but many have done so unwittingly.”
“I…understand,” Oren nodded.
“Magdalene, if you agree, your talents would be most useful in distracting the Breakers that are sure to appear.”
“Agreed,” she said. Her eyes were hard.
Khalil nodded. “I will handle Marconas. I know what he is capable of. None of you would survive an encounter with him.”
Oren looked at his teacher with concern.
Magdalene spoke, “There’s one thing you’re forgetting. One big thing.”
“Besamael,” Khalil spoke and a quiet chill settled on the room.
“Wait a minute,” said Clem, “The thing that nearly killed Oren?” She turned to Magdalene, “I thought you destroyed it…”
“No,” she shook her head, “I impelled him from our world, and only just barely. If I hadn’t gotten the drop on him, we would not be here having this conversation at all.”
“A Shaoh Mah cannot be killed,” Khalil intoned. “Besamael is not so easily destroyed. He has existed across many lifetimes, and consumed countless lives.”
“Records of his influence pre-date Vita Aeternum, and even the earliest accounts of Pilgrims visiting our world,” said Magdalene.
Khalil nodded. “He was there when Gabrial destroyed the Tower of G’shiyrah seven centuries ago.”
“How old is he?” asked Clem.
Magdalene answered, “Impossible to say. The earliest mention I’ve found of him is over two thousand years old.”
Clem whistled appreciatively.
“You were very lucky, Sa’di. It is said that when he consumes the spirit of a man, it remains trapped within him indefinitely.”
Magdalene turned to Khalil, “He’s bound to show up, especially once they realize we are there to disable the shadowgate.”
“I believe he will not reveal himself unless absolutely necessary,” Khalil reasoned.
She nodded, “These creatures care only for themselves and their standing with their master. Besamael may very well be there just to watch Marconas fail.”
“And what do we do if he does show up?” Oren asked.
There was a long pause.
“We withdraw immediately, regardless of success,” Khalil said with regret.
There was another pause.
“There may be another option,” Magdalene broke the silence.
Khalil looked at her questioningly.
“We may be able to eradicate Besamael…permanently.”
Oren had never seen such a look in her eyes before.
“It is not possible,” Khalil insisted, gesturing with his hand. “The knowledge is lost.”
“I have spent many years studying the past, Master Khalil. Post and Pre-Aeternum. The knowledge is not lost, it is simply buried. Deep within Ministry archives.”
Khalil looked at her with great interest.
“You are right of course,” she said, “they cannot be killed…but they can be impelled.” She adjusted her glasses.
“Didn’t you already try that?” asked Oren.
“In a way, yes. I impelled him into a state of existence preceding our own. It is a place of waiting. Nothing material can remain there for long, unfortunately. With the proper tool, however, he could be impelled to the space between worlds. Between probabilities, where nothing can exist.”
“The void,” Khalil said with wonder. Oren reached down unconsciously and rubbed the symbol branded into his side.
“Yes,” answered Magdalene, “and I believe I can create a passage there using Clementine’s portal stone. Unfortunately, I would need to destroy it in the process.”
Khalil shook his head. “It is too risky.”
“Six million people, Khalil. If Besamael shows up early, are we to simply abandon them to their fate?”
“Here.” Clementine pulled the black pouch from her vest pocket and held it out to Magdalene.
There was a long pause. Oren looked around. All eyes were on Khalil, who was looking inward.
After a few moments, he spoke, “Clementine, you must work as quickly as possible. Should Besamael appear before the shadowgate is destroyed, I will do my best to hold his attention.” He looked to Magdalene, “Fighting Besamael must be a last resort. Should he appear after the shadowgate is destroyed, we run without hesitation.”
Magdalene nodded and said, “Agreed.” She took the pouch from Clementine.
“Agreed.” Oren and Clem said in unison.
“In that case, there is one final thing we must consider.” Khalil took a sip of his tea.
“Well?” Clem asked. Oren couldn’t help but be amused. She always did hate waiting.
“After we destroy the shadowgate, we will need an escape plan.” Khalil gestured to Magdalene’s maps, still unfurled on the rug. “If the portal stone is destroyed, our fastest escape route will be back through the quail waygate. Should we become split up, make your way there. Wait no more than five minutes, then activate it and pass through. Once on the other side, destroy it. The enemy can sense gathering, and will find the waygate soon after you have used it.”
“No way,” said Oren shaking his head. “We’re not leaving without you.”
Khalil ignored the interruption. “Once back in Eros, we travel west.” He pointed on the Eros map to another nearby waygate. Above it was the symbol of a man with a bird’s head holding a long curving staff.
