Emerali: A War Song Tapestry

Chapter 5

The sun beat mercilessly on the three warriors as they trudged along the white-hot sands of the Eracus Desert of Eltnen. Not a breath of wind stirred the tough flora of that region.

"Sweet Ariel's light, it's stifling!" exclaimed Thori, fanning herself.

Devaen mopped the sweat off his brow. "Hard to believe it's snowing in Oriel while we're cooking alive over here."

Emerali struggled to breathe. "This is just... torturous. Look lively, everyone. Heat or no, the Asmodians could pop out at any time. And if they don't, the desert beasts will."

Even as Emerali spoke, a Hookhorn Keraton came bounding out from behind a rocky crag and charged at them. But before the beast had a chance to attack, Emerali drew her harp and played a shrill chord that struck the Keraton dead on, pushing it backward across the sand. A blast of Holy light from Thori and a well-aimed dagger hurled by Devaen's expert hand finally rendered the beast lifeless, its dark blood soaking the sun-baked sand.

Devaen quickly retrieved his weapon, and wiping it quite clean on the Keraton's rough hide, he chuckled. "Nice warm-up session."

"More like overheating session," Emerali remarked. "Let's go on; the sun's getting hotter by the minute."

"Try wearing chain mail--then you'll know what heat is," said Thori.

They continued their trek across the desert, relieved when at last they came to the valley where the cliffs rising up on either side offered respite from the sun's harsh rays. They crossed the bridge and were met by three human sentries.

"Arieluma! Halt there," called one of them. "No one else is allowed through here."

"Pardon? Why not?" Thori inquired.

"A man has entered the accursed Temple, and we have dispatched a search party to find him," the sentry responded.

"Is it Ansted?" asked Devaen, brow furrowed.

"Why, yes. How do you know?" asked the sentry.

The three warriors exchanged glances. Ansted was no doubt searching for his brother within the Temple, but he was likelier to find death.

"We are Daevas, and we're searching for him as well," Emerali told the sentry. "Let us through, please. As Daevas, such a matter is best handled by us."

"Daevas! Then this is a blessing of Aion. It's well you've come. I rather doubt we'll ever see our comrades or the missing man again without your help. As it is, I fear they may already be lost. Aion be with you," the sentry told them.

And so, without further parley, the warriors crossed the barricade of human soldiers and made their way to the Temple. The eyes of the soldiers, as they passed, expressed unspoken relief. None of them would admit it, but they were terrified of the dark edifice that rose up yonder, its doorway yawning blackly, like a hungry mouth demanding satisfaction.

Various monsters hovered and bobbed behind the rocks and fallen boulders around the Temple, their eyes, of various number, shape and gleam, following every movement the warriors made. Through this uncanny crowd, the three threaded their way, anxious to enter the Temple and face the furious battle that was sure to rage within.

Emerali led the trio, harp and bow in hand. "Ready your weapons and be prepared for anything," she whispered. "Here we go."

They entered the Temple without another word. Not a sound was to be heard but their own footsteps as they descended the stone steps that led to the antechamber. It took several moments for their eyes to grow accustomed to the dim light that issued from the burning torches mounted on their sconces. Then they could discern the horrid noises that the myriad monsters tenanting the old temple made. Beating wings, shrill squeals, snorts, bloodcurdling wails and eerie laughter echoed through ruined chambers.