The Lands of Ralosia & Ranuulo (Books 1-3)

Ritual Chapter 6- Thrones of Gods

~Chapter 6- Thrones of Gods~

As Corri flew over the sea with Rojo, the ocean's waves became more tempestuous and violent. The cursed barrier that loomed overhead was damaging their world.

She finally came to the island - a mountainous one located at the world's equator, far from any other landmark. She descended near the base of the island. There was a long trail of staircases leading up to the top.

Corri breathed hard; she could sense Ranuulo waiting for her at the top. A terrible resonance was being emitted by him, and it was telling her to run.

She jumped off her bird and began heading up the stairs. Usually, Rojo would fly off and circle her location from overhead, but her red sparrow lingered at her side, walking up the staircase with her.

"Rojo," Corri looked up at her bird and pointed towards the sky, "You have to go."

Rojo was unflinching. It even shook its beak 'no'. It knew that if it left Corri this time, it might never see her again. Corri put a hand under its beak and another on its head and held Rojo close.

"It's going to be okay, but I need you to go," She said as she caressed Rojo's head. She looked into the sparrow's eyes, and it seemed to understand. Rojo stepped back, extended its beautiful red wings, and pensively took to the sky.

Corri walked alone through the trail of staircases up the mountain. Along the path were many stone statues depicting the three deities. An Owl, a Tortoise, and a Ram, but most of them had been weathered away by time.

The resonance Ranuulo gave off became even stronger as she walked across the island. He must've known she was there.

She reached the top of the staircase and found a stone platform at the top of the mountain. There were two thrones. The one nearest to her had been trampled and destroyed. Across from her was another throne with a massive man sitting in it with the appearance of a Ranuulan.

Luminescent red eyes, ebon black limbs, with a pale white chest. He had red hair that could nearly be mistaken for fire and a jagged sword in one hand. The sword's length was greater than her entire body. It was the God, Ranuulo.

Ranuulo was grinding the tip of his sword into the ground, and he looked at her with a dissatisfied look. He eyed the golden gauntlets she wore.

"You... are the Goddess's Heir?" Ranuulo asked.

Corri said nothing.

Ranuulo gave a dejected look, "Disappointing. You don't compare to the magnificence that was Ralosia. But I commend your bravery for coming here."

Ranuulo stood from his throne, towering over Corri. He spoke, and his words seemed to permeate through Corri's mind, "People of the world, hear me. The heir to the goddess has appeared before me. Close your eyes, and you may see my sight."

Ranuulo was speaking to everyone in the world telepathically again. When Corri briefly closed her eyes, she saw his point of view of him staring down at her.

"I ask that all in this world witness her end. Everyone should see the last remnants of Ralosia disappear from the world," Ranuulo leveled his sword and pointed it at Corri, "Any last words, young one?"

All eyes in the world were on her. She said, "We don't have to do this. You could stop what you're doing and fix everything."

Ranuulo seemed to stop and think for a moment. But only for a moment. The next, he gripped his sword with both hands and readied himself.