Seeds of The Seven (Rubia)

42. Struggles of the Rose Archon

The journey to the Takami Gate was relatively a bit long. The Archon’s thoughts raced, the details of the vision replaying in his mind. Haunting him.

Finally, the gate came into view, its imposing structure marking the border of the region. As the Archon approached, his heart sank. Still no guards were visible. There, just as the vision had shown, lay the bodies of the young healers. Their white robes, now stained with dirt and blood, stood out starkly against the path.

He dismounted quickly, his movements urgent and purposeful. Kneeling beside the nearest body, he checked for any signs of life, though he already knew it was futile. The healers were gone, their faces serene in death. The Archon whispered a prayer, his voice breaking the silence of the morning.

Gently, he lifted each body, placing them with care in the carriage. As he worked, he felt the weight of his duty pressing down on him, the sinister presence that had guided him here still lingering like a dark shadow.

Once the last body was laid in the carriage, the Archon took a moment to gather himself, he looked towards the distant Healing Sanctuary, the gleaming marble structure a symbol of healing and rejuvenation. He will embark there with the fallen healers and seek answers. This dark force, whatever it was, had to be confronted and stopped.

With a heavy heart, the Archon climbed back onto the mare, without even realizing, he stepped onto a ring with a blue and red gemstone on it, shaped to appear like a heart, that it sunk deeper into the ground, and turned towards home. The carriage, now a somber procession of death, followed behind. The path ahead was uncertain.

As the moon hung higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, the Rose Archon reached the outskirts of Rose Townsville. The town idled, the marketplace filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, now a silent place, hooting of nocturnal birds, crickets of insects and the silence are deafening sounds that can be heard.

His carriage creaked as it rolled through the asleep streets, the horse, moving at a steady pace. The late night outgoer townspeople cast curious glances at the Archon and his carriage, but he paid them no mind. His focus was unwavering, his mission clear: he had to get the lifeless bodies of the young healers to the Healing Sanctum.

As he passed a small group of people, consisting of three youngsters and an old man, their eyes darted to him. They stood at the edge of the road, confusion and shock painted on their faces. The Archon’s eyes remained fixed ahead, his mind too consumed by the weight of his duty to acknowledge them.

The Archon guided the horse towards the Sanctum, as he approached, the large wooden doors of the Sanctum swung open unexpectedly, three healers stepping out and greeted him. Their smiles faltered as they saw the solemn expression on the Archon’s face and the carriage he brought.

Getting off, the Archon addressed them with a grave nod. "I bring the bodies of young healers who fell near the Takami Gate. We must prepare them for their final rites."

The healers, their faces etched with sadness and shocked, moved to help, the other went to call on the High Healer. Together, they carefully lifted the bodies from the carriage, carrying them into the Sanctum’s hallowed halls, then into a chmaber. The Archon followed closely, his heart heavy with the loss but his resolve strong.

They went into a chamber that was dominated by a large altar, where the bodies were laid gently, surrounded by flowers and incense.

The High Healer, with an enigmatic look on his face, also shocked, composing his anger, then approached the Archon calmly. "We will care for them now. Their spirits will be honored."

The Archon nodded, gratitude and sorrow mingling in his eyes. "Thank you, High Healer."

As the healers began their sacred rites, the Archon stood in silent vigil, a prayer on his lips for the fallen. With a final glance at the young healers' peaceful faces, the Archon turned and left the Sanctum. The road ahead was fraught with danger and darkness, but he was ready to face it, driven by a duty to protect and serve.