Kunlun Mountain Part 4 - The Return

Chapter 2 - The Awakening

The Demon Lands

Deep within the Onyx Forest, two young maids made their way through the dimly lit pathway towards the small temple no one had visited in centuries.  But regardless of the lack of company, the temple was kept in pristine condition and it was their turn to clean the small space for no one in particular.

Ignoring the new blooms that had begun to sprout, they walked silently and with purpose.  There could be no talking and nor could they stop to admire the new gardens in the distance that were once again flourishing.  Gardens filled with rare blooms where once barren landscape had been.  If not for 'Her' they would never have been replaced.

Finding themselves on the red and green cobbled path that led to the temple, the small simple building that looked as if it might hold nothing but gardening tools eventually came into view and as the girls waited for the one they knew would come, the air around them began to change.  Their presence was made known the moment they stepped foot on the cobblestones.

Entering through the enormous oak doors that required a special token in order to pass, the one sole sentry whose only job was to verify the token, returned to the shadows, leaving the maids to continue on without any more fuss.

The red and black marbled tiles still looked as new as the day they had been laid.  In fact the entire space shone brilliantly but their eyes were on one thing only.  The small tablet that was heavily encased behind glass.

Slipping the token into the small slot, the glass sheet slid out from behind the latch that had held it in place.  Though it seemed to be a simple case with a simple mechanism that required nothing but a token to open it, the energy within the latch was what made the case special.  Made entirely of human bone, the ancient artifact was in fact put together with the most darkest of magic and was what protected the tablet the young maid was now lifting from its stand.

Gingerly her small hands enveloped its sides before lifting the light tablet out and carrying it to the small cushioned table for cleaning.  Not a sound could be heard as the second maid quickly dusted and polished the inside of the case, while the first maid picked up the soft bristled brush from its holder and very gently dusted the sides and back before making her way to the front and the simple inscription etched deeply into its surface.  An inscription she knew by heart, but had no comprehension of.

Even a wild Flower will grow in the most desolate of places
Even when the the hearts of men rage 
Even so, the Divine remains
Even more so

Gently she ran the brush over the inscription removing dust particles that did not exist upon its speckled surface, but even so, the tablet was special, special to them all and as she completed her task, she turned towards her companion to ensure there would no accidents when she carried it back.

Returning the treasured artifact to it's rightful place, she slid the glass across until the distinctive click could be heard, before assisting the other with the cleaning and dusting of the small temple.  The red drapes that hung in waves about the enclosed case were next followed by the lighting of incense and candles.  

Once completed, both girls moved to stand before the now gleaming artifact, and as one, they lowered themselves to their knees.  Quoting the inscription out loud they then lowered their heads to the floor thrice, before standing and bowing once more.

With an unhurried exit which took them backwards to the large doors which had remained open, they left just as quietly as they arrived.

And as the heavy oak closed, the sound of a distant bell rang out.  Nervously, the sentry ushered the maids on their way before turning towards the door to ensure it had indeed closed, then turning back to towards the shadows, he ignored the sound that seemed to grow louder the longer it tolled.