Evalyce: Worldshaper Vol. 1: Mother of Wolves

Chap. 9: A Question of Ethics

Xibalba, 'beyond Evalyce', Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE

    

    Kalla and her magisters stepped through the doorway and, with a disconcerting sensation, found themselves in a vast chamber lit by a supernatural glow. The only thing in the cavernous room was a throne, crafted of bone. On the throne sat the great being from the painting before the spirals. A dim part of Kalla's mind howled with terror, but she shoved it down. Surprisingly, she felt no upsurge in fear from the two at her side.

    “What do you see?” she asked quietly. From across the room, Araun was content to merely wait impassively until they approached.

    “I see a man,” Aleister replied.

    “I see a man also,” came Vander's response.

     She gave them an incredulous look.  “You see a man?  Nothing more?”

    “No, milady. I see a tall man with long silver-white hair. No more than that,” Aleister said. Vander chuffed an agreement and Kalla ran a hand over her face. Why was she the only one who could see the Lord of Xibalba for what he really was? It couldn't be because she was magi for Vander was that also. The only difference between the three was that she was the only female. Wasn't it? Cautiously the mage approached the throne. As she did so, more of the locks opened and her fear washed away. From the throne, Araun seemed to grin, but then, all skulls seem to grin.

     She bowed as she came closer and to her surprise, the Lord of Xibalba bowed back, dipping his head low.

    All is One.  Araun's voice blew through her mind like a chill wind through autumn leaves. Though he didn't speak aloud, she knew the others had heard him as well.

    “One is All,' she responded, then blinked. Where had that come from?

    As above

    “So below.”

    “Thus are all Connected.”  This last she said at the same time as Araun. He nodded slightly, as if satisfied. Kalla was left baffled over the exchange. How had she known the proper responses to the Lord's words.

    Greetings, Amaraaq. Welcome to Xibalba. Araun inclined his head towards the others. And to you, magisters.  

    And there was that strange name again, the name Vander had called her.

    Few dare to brave the trials of Xibalba, Mother of Wolves. What brings you?

    Despite the question, Kalla had the feeling that Araun already knew exactly what she sought.

    “We seek the Quill of Ma'at, Lord Araun.”

    Ahh, the Quill. Indeed. And why should I give it to you, Amaraaq? He shifted on the bone throne, skeletal wings rattling.

    “My Lord, I suspect you already know the answer to that. We seek the Quill so that we may recreate the binding that seals Al'dhumarna,” she replied.

    Of what concern is that to me?

    “Because the Nagali is waking. The world is in havoc and he is not yet fully free,” Kalla said.

    I know. I have no reason to fear the Nagali. Give me one good reason why I should be willing to help humanity.

   Kalla faltered. What reason could she give to one who was a god and that, while acknowledged, was not well-liked. A thought chased through her mind, an image of a time when the Lord of Living Nightmare was revered and respected. It was those ancient peoples who had built the mound covering the portal.