The Riches of Power

Unwelcomed

POV Riley

The calm soothing voice carried our arguments away with the breeze, and the calm peaceful aura that surrounded this place had begun to overtake me again. The woman glided gracefully towards us, her face calm and welcoming. "The expected arrivals are trying to allow these abominations into our holy temple, madam." She looked over our heads over at Elaina and Taryn. A small grimace appeared on her face before being masked away behind a smile.

"You did well Damian, they aren't welcomed here." She praised.

"That's not fair, Ms. They are the only reasons we are alive, the only reason we are here." I fought, I was unable to make my voice as defensive and aggressive as I wanted to.

"Then we can provide them with some accommodations outside of the wall, but to allow them into a divine place such as this," She said gesturing to the sanctuary, "is not something I will allow. Not to mention the sanctuary would make them very uncomfortable." She added.

It was becoming obvious that we weren't getting anywhere, and that they weren't going to be permitted through this gate. I looked at Taryn and Elaina, both didn't seem surprised by the discrimination. I shouldn't have been either, they were angels and demons natural enemies. I should be surprised that they aren't in a deadly battle.

"Go on," Taryn spoke. "We'll be fine outside." She finished.

"Are you sure?" Karen asked concerned.

"We can take care of ourselves" Elaina said with a sad smile. "Go inside, we will wait for you if you want us to." She said.

"We will come and visit you in the morning" Michael had determined.

The woman in silver smiled warmly, "excellent" she said turning into the sanctuary. As she walked, expecting us to follow, she began speaking "Welcome to one of the many sanctuaries that dot the world. My name is Asmodel, and I keep everything calm and orderly. Here you will be safe and we can help you" she said her voice full of warmth.

As we walked I lost focus of the beautiful woman and began to marvel at the sanctuary in all its glory. The paths that whirled around the buildings were made of the same glimmering stones as the path that had led us to this beautiful place. The many buildings were made of black stones with walnut colored frames. The buildings had elegant silver designs that glowed similarly like the front gate. Through the buildings glass less windows, curious, fair faces could be seen peering out to watch us as we walked.

It became apparent that the sanctuary was similar to something like a village. People dressed in soft colors of cream, pastels, whites, and greys wandered the streets, all with an unnatural beauty and elegance. As we passed most looked at us with curiosity and excitement, some whispered to their their companions.

As we walked to the center of the town, a breathtaking fountain could be seen. It was made of the same glowing silver, and had clear crystals and black stones garnishing the circumference while muted gold designs had been engraved delicately onto the silver. It was large enough to have five large tiers. Water would calmly puddle in the top pool and then quietly spill over into the next tier until it reached the sparkling, bottom pool where it would be recycled to the top.

We were guided across town square and down another path that led to a building that was a little larger than most of the ones we had passed. There was no door to be opened, but there was a small silver bell that could be hand rung if need be. She led us in and the floors were made of the same wood as the buildings frame. There was no plaster so the smooth black stones that made up the exterior were also the walls for the interior.

The first room was a very small living space that held only two sofas and and an arm chair, they were made of a darker color of wood with an olive shade of green for the cushions. There was also a small table matching coffee table.