Eyes of the Deluti Book One: The Price of Compassion Chpt 1

Chapter Six

                                    Chapter Six

                                  The First Arch

Navon and Moonlight walked slowly along the paved streets of the deserted city. The forest disappeared to be replaced by a softly glowing mist. The palace that seemed so close when they first entered, appeared to move farther away as they walked, then materialized directly in front of them after they rounded one of many corners. None of the structures they passed resembled anything Navon had ever seen nor could he imagine what their purpose might be.

As they walked, Moonlight shook her head and sneezed several times. Through the tenuous rapport they shared, he got the impression that something was different about the air around them. After a moment he realized that there were no smells and no moisture. The air was just as pristine and sterile as their surroundings. On a whim, they re-traced their steps, this time taking a different street, but upon turning at a different corner, the palace appeared before them just as before.

“Looks like we have no other choice but to enter the palace. Might as well get this over with.”

Hand resting lightly on Moonlight’s shoulder, the two of them entered the palace through an opening in the nearest tower. In the center of a large courtyard stood three arches arranged so that their sides touched. Faint murmurings, as if a large crowd of people whispered to each other, filled the courtyard, yet there was no one to be seen.

A spectral figure of white mist took shape before them. The apparition wore a single, sleeveless garment that hung from the shoulders in a seamless flow to just above the stones. Shoulder length white hair and a beard that rested on his chest gave the impression of great age. However, the features of his face appeared both smooth and ageless.

 The sound of whispering faded as a strong voice spoke directly into Navon’s mind. “Welcome to the Palace of Wistaglon, young Navon d’Roddel. We hope that this image is pleasing to your eye and will provide some comfort. Are you prepared to begin your testing?”

“Wait! I understand none of this. Where are we? Why am I here and who are you?”

“Has your mentor not explained to you who you will become and why you must undergo the testing?”

Navon’s silence was his answer as he continued to stare at the figure before him. It still made no movements that he could see. Grateful for something to concentrate on besides the strange surroundings, the comfort he received from Moonlight continued to provide him with an anchor.

During his silence, the whispers increased in volume, then quieted once more.

“We must ask your forgiveness, Navon. Our awareness of your world is not as it once was. When the spirit in your amulet called us, we assumed that you had received your training and were ready for your trials. Perhaps this is for the best. You are the first of a race that has never existed before; a joining of Deluti and Human. The old rules may no longer apply.”

So, his feelings all these years were justified. He was different. Navon’s hands clenched into fists as his eyes squeezed shut to stem the flow of tears that threatened to flow. The pain of years of being shunned and bullied rose up on the inside to taunt him. How many times had he run to his big brother, unable to bear the hurt? Why had no one told him? Is this why Father ignored him even when he excelled at his studies?

“Did my father know?”

“Only your mother and father knew. We asked them not to show you any favor or give you special attention. You had to learn to be independent and not develop family ties that would interfere with your growth as a Deluti. Your life will be a solitary one as you must learn to rule without emotional attachments.”