Chapter Seventy Three - Goodbyes

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Goodbyes

Prince Darric looked around the walls of the Star Chamber. Tears still stained his face hours after first finding his closest confidant dead on the Star Chamber floor. Thomas's death was a shock and the image of the High Priest lying on the cold marble floor would forever be imprinted in the memory of those who were fondest of him, more so when the Priest's body had disappeared from before his very eyes.

"You will be sorely missed my old friend and this chamber and its council will never be the same without you. I hope both will come to appreciate the value of the wisdom and insight you have given us over the years, Thomas."

Darric rubbed his arms in an attempt to brush away the sudden tingling sensation that felt like another presence touched him. He walked over to the crystals in the middle of the room and ran his fingers lightly over the tips. The touch brought a feeling of familiar warmth and comfort.

"How will we manage without you, Thomas?"

One of the crystals lit up as Darric's fingers rested upon it.

You will manage as I have always known you would, Darric. Do not forget the Prince's sword and shield. There are no others who can comprehend what lies ahead and it is you who must be a rock for your people. They will need you more than ever now to save them.

Darric looked around in surprise. "Thomas?"

My Prince, a part of my essence entered the crystals when I was offering my knowledge back to the mind link. The Goddess of Death has taken my body and soul as she did yours and I have yet to pass her tests to receive judgement so my spirit is strong but it may not last for long. Time is short and you must listen. Charaz is tearing Keltin's ward apart as we speak and soon the Destroyer will be free. You must realise the importance of having the sword and shield at your side before he comes and inform Arc he may be able to help, Keltin.

"I don't know what you think we can do, Thomas. Besides you told me that Jarron and Eren are not even on this plane of existence."

I have called the Prince's sword home and your shield is already at your side.

"I do not know how Jarron can help even if he could get back here, Thomas and Eren ascended when I was back in time with Talen."

Your shield, Eren is none other than the reincarnated Dreamurian Queen, Serenity. Did not the events in the past put the pieces in place?

"Surely you jest? I know they are almost identical in looks, almost eerily, but..."

The importance of the three of you has never been announced before because we had to wait for each of you to take up your destined roles. We could not risk the forces of the Destroyer learning such precious knowledge. Together we must have the saviours, the Keepers and you three for the Gathering to succeed. Too much knowledge freely known would give the Destroyer an advantage we can do without.

"And what of you Thomas, you were meant to be the one officiating the Gathering?"

We will learn that answer when the time draws nearer. For now you must prepare for Jarron's arrival for he will not know of the return of Sun Dragon and Belfasah in the ward over the citadel. You now have control of the Star Chamber and the crystals and somehow you must connect with the ward to allow him to pass through or else contact him as I did, he must be warned before he meets with a terrible end.

"I thought the ward was in place to prevent anyone from coming or going into the citadel with the use of magic. Since I can only assume that is still the case I don't know what you think I can possibly do."

You have to find a way, Darric. Use the crystals to find the knowledge you need. Perhaps you could ask High Priestess Serenity, she may be able to help you, her knowledge is ancient, and her powers vast, just maybe there is a way she can help. Other than that I do not have the answers you need, unfortunately. Speak the questions and the crystals will answer.

"Thanks, Thomas. It's not as if I didn't have enough problems to deal with at the moment. My mentor goes and leaves me just as my kingdom is balancing on a knife's edge away from annihilation, the Destroyer is about to be freed so he can try to take over the world again and I have to stop one of my friends from being obliterated when they come home to help us! No pressure at all!"

I'm sorry to have left you, when you need me most.

"I suspected something was wrong, Thomas when I first returned from the past, but it was not till this day that I realised what it was I had sensed. But what is bothering me is the fact I know there was time for the healers to help you. Why did you not fight for it?"

I was on borrowed time, Darric for I had made an offering to the Death Goddess. The terms of which I cannot talk about but as you can see she has since decided to accept.

"It was you! I thought it was Keltin who petitioned for me! Why would you do such a thing, Thomas? It goes against everything you believe in!"

I cannot answer that now but know I have faith in you as the next King of Cardinia. Your parents also would be proud and I will be with them as we watch your coronation in the coming months. It would seem the goddess has gotten quite a bargain, she has taken us all for fools, Darric but there is naught we can do about it now.

"I think I preferred it when I was little more than a pampered prince. Then all I had to worry about was showing off my sword play and performing court etiquette only when it was necessary."

We all have to grow up sometime, Darric. You best start now.

"So it seems. God bless you Thomas for all you have done for me and this kingdom over the years and know you will be sorely missed by all of us."

Farewell, Darric. Soar high and remember your destiny when you put a stop to the Destroyer. Keep the sword and shield close to you at all times, they will ensure your succession if nothing else.

"For you Thomas I will see all those responsible for Cardinia's pain dead by my sword. Never again will we suffer as we are suffering now."

Remember your destiny, Darric. Do not take the place of the Destroyer because of the revenge in your heart. I know you have suffered much loss in your young life especially recently, but that is what led Arbinn to deliver destruction on our world the first time.

"Have no fear my friend. I only will ensure that those who have aided him know that we are not to be taken lightly. This Gathering will take place as it is meant to and for the first time in a thousand years, all the rightful keepers will be at the Heavenly Chambers."

I have full faith in you, Darric, as does Cardinia. You will do us all proud. Be the Angel of Justice I know you are at heart...

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