Ruin (Series)

Chapter 21: Prepare to Fight

Lord Scieth, arise!

Deep darkness fell away slowly for Lord Scieth. It had been a long time since he'd inhabited his own body. For months, he waited, embedded deep within the boy's soul. Seeing everything through Sasha's eyes but unable to control his mind had been a practice in patience for him.

A few times, there were close calls. During their encounter with the cannibals, the blight he had planted deep in Henry's mind very nearly surfaced. And again, in the alleyway with the priest. He'd tried to warn the Prophetess but, until her command reached him, he sat dormant, helpless.

Thankfully, a few suggestions to Sasha's subconscious had assured his hiding place would not be revealed. Nevertheless, it felt great to be out of the young man's head and back within his true self.

You've slumbered long Scieth. Rise and breathe free air again.

The voice of his Prophetess, so near, so sweet, was refreshing in Lord Scieth's mind. He rose from his chamber. The small capsule floated a meter above the ground bobbing up and down as he slipped off onto unfamiliar footing. As his feet met the cold stone dais, sensations of dull pain shot up his legs. He'd been asleep so long, the callouses on his heels had fallen away and left skin as sensitive as a baby's.

Stepping gingerly, he navigated the small sleeping chamber until he reached the door at the far end. The giant metal contraption was less "door" and more device. Endless gears and cylinders crowded the entire surface with their unusual shapes and designs.

At the left side of the door, four locks were firmly planted in place. It was a purpose designed vault door, specifically meant to be opened from the inside only. Pressing his hand to the cool metal, he muttered a short incantation and ended it with a small surge of awakened fire that snaked along his forearm, exiting at his fingertips.

The giant mechanical gears came to life. They turned, slowly at first, defiant after so many months at rest. As the door swung outward, a cloud of dust and dirt fell from somewhere above, eliciting an involuntary cough.

Ahead, directly outside was his Prophetess, beautiful as ever. She had opted for a shorter variant of her usual flowing dress. The strange fabric displayed an exotic pattern of blue hues locked into endless flowing shapes. At the bottom of the dress, the colors brightened to snowy white.

As she stepped forward to greet him, her dress began to change colors. With each step, the white pattern on the bottom would shift but, only on the areas that contacted the ground. It gave him the distinct impression that she was walking through and invisible layer of snow.

Standing barefoot on the cold stone, watching her, he shivered. "My Prophetess," he began, "You are more beautiful each time I see you. It's good to be home again." The Prophetess was in unusually good spirits as she returned his greeting with a smile.

"Walk with me, Lord Scieth," she instructed. It wasn't a request; it was a command. Not requiring a reply, she started across the long throne room chamber. Doing his best not to show the pain in his tender feet, he tiptoed to catch up.

The chamber was exactly as he remembered it. The black crystal dome sparkled brilliantly with the reflection of the two crescent water pools. Home again! He thought to himself fondly. The Prophetess turned and smiled as they walked. He realized she had read his thoughts.

"Sorry, my queen. Sometimes, I forget, you can hear my inner musings in here," he added, apologetically. Smiling, she replied, "I take no offense. Sending you out on such a long and dangerous mission was a difficult choice. I imagine, returning here must be quite a relief."

He nodded as she continued, "It would appear we have a little problem though. Vachir has discovered our duplicity. He no doubt will make haste to the capital of the Federation and attempt to warn them of the coming invasion." Scieth sighed, "yes. I had considered that as well."