Pillars of the Angels: Sword of Blood

PRELUDE to the Pillars of the Angels

10,000 Years Ago

    “The war has ended,’ Zeniph said, startling the woman in front of him, “and the Dark One has been defeated.” He walked up to the end of the land, and looked out into the horizon. A new sun was rising, bright, white and powerful, like the hope that now fills Belizen. he breathed in, enjoying the sea air, and the feeling of fresh air. Oh, how I will miss this land, he thought, and regret what I must do.

    “What will happen to us,” the woman asked, also staring out into the sunset. . “What is my purpose now that the Great War is over? It’s so odd, knowing that I can wake up, and not worry about fighting, or fear the day that I would have to face the Dark One.” Zeniph put his hand on her shoulder, and shook his head. Shea’s worries and fears were granted. As his presence, it was her job to guide the war. Really, it’s all she knows.

    “The Great War is over, but our fight is not. The Dark One’s influences are still felt throughout this world, and other evils are rising. As a Presence, your purpose is to rid this world of evil. Keep the world, Shea, protect it.” When she didn’t respond, Zeniph walked away, leaving her to think. As he walked, the scaffolds of a new city being built came into view. They said this city would be called Alyist, to honor Alysen, the Angel of Life, and all the other Angels.

    A gust blew across the land, and it brought back memories, of a time lost to the memories of these people. An expanse of white, pure and featureless. A great wind blew across the plain, and within the swirling snow, several figures appeared walking. Then, as they advanced, more and more figures appeared, breaking the featureless plain of white. They carried with them a symbol, showing their allegiance.  Suddenly, without any commands, the entire army stopped. In front of them, a great mountain stood, black lighting flashing at the top. Then, the entire army began to chant. “Aernis, Odorin, Vaheela!” Power, Courage, Highest.

    At the protection of peace and good, he thought, we had to destroy. How much destruction can we actually justify? In the distance, in the center, he could see the foundations of a tower being built, the center of the Circle.A flash of light came from nowhere, streaking toward Zeniph. It stopped behind him, and a figure appeared in white clothing, pants covered in oil stains. It walked up to Zeniph, staring at the city.

“Good day, Jaspey,” he said, nodding his head towards her. She shook hers, and walked with Zeniph. They continued on to the new city. Zeniph kept his head down, knowing the type of news he had to give her.

“The Highest wants us back at the Isles in a year.” Jaspey stopped in shock, staring at Zeniph.

“So soon?” She asked, now staring at the ground. “Why?” Zeniph turned and looked at her. To his surprise, he could see tears running down her cheeks, silver colored, reflecting the white light of the sun. Jaspey was showing emotion.

“Jaspey?” She looked up, and her emotion transformed. It changed from sadness to anger, her eyes flashing red. This display of emotion was unheard of from Angels. Even in the middle of battle, they never showed emotion. Leaving was really affecting Jaspey.

“We just saved this world!” Her voice echoed, and Zeniph looked to Alyist, but the city remained unaware of them. “They’re rebuilding, and barely surviving! And we, their heroes, the Angels of the Highest, are just going to to leave them?!?!?! I’ve grown to love these people, despite their shortcomings, and this entire land. I honestly don’t want to leave...” By the time her rant was finished, her voice was barely a whisper, and tears flowed down her cheeks. Grey mist began to surround her fists, and worry filled Zeniph’s eyes. Jaspey turned and faced the sunrise, watching the silhouette of Shea.

“And what of our Presences? Will they fade and lose power, or forget and become no better than tyrants? So many questions, and no answers!” Zeniph placed his hand on her shoulder, and followed her gaze. She was tense, and the mist began to condense, following the curves of her hand.

“Jaspey, I do not know why we must leave. Every fiber of my being is screaming to stay, but I, you, and every other Angel, must obey the Highest. These people must learn how to survive without us, and prosper. The Presences are a granted worry however. That is why I’ve been going around Belizen to check the Presences. If a Presence seemed to be unable to handle their duties, then I would take the gift away from them.” Jaspey nodded, as if she expected this answer.

The grey mist began to dissipate, and Zeniph sighed with relief. For Jaspey to summon her Angelic Weapon would bring untold horrors. Just the summoning, when it finished, would release a wave of energy, capable of killing anyone within 10 ki. That is why Angels normally don’t show emotions. Their power is so strong, that human faults could result in the destruction of what they were trying to save.

“Alright Zeniph,” she said, turning back to Alyist. “I just have one more question.”

“Hmmm?”

“What of...” She paused, uncertain of how to word her question. “...Nine?” Zeniph stiffened, and looked out around them. There was nothing but hills, and the city was out of earshot. Jaspey’s question was dangerous, and for that reason, her question was never recorded.

“Nine is back within Stasis. It will not awaken until the Dark One’s next Rise. But, whatever you do, don’t tell anyone!”

“What of it’s legacy?”

“Gone. As we speak, Silthen and Belz are erasing Nine from memory, and casting spells on libraries, removing all evidence. These people will go unaware of it.” Jaspey nodded, and began walking to the city again.. Zeniph followed, watching the people building. The sun had risen further, and their shadows had grown smaller.

The Darkness has lifted, and the End has, well, ended. Peace is sure to follow, and last for centuries. Belizen will rise again from the Old World’s ashes, and grow strong. New powers and sciences will provide for the people. Orders and alliances will be created, giving government and laws.

Darkness is born of light, and light is born from Darkness. Two sides of the same coin. The Time will come for darkness to rise again and fight for control of the world. THat will only happen when a circle is broken, and an order destroyed. New ashes will be created for the Darkness.

Angels hope that day never comes.