The Lost World Of Victa

Chapter 23: Visions and Dreams

"Lilliana," a maternal voice says. 

I'm in the void that accompanies The Keeper. I look around and see her elegant, yet simple figure coming closer.

"Hello?" I say, wondering what she wants to tell me.

She reaches out towards me with her left hand and caresses my face. She feels ghostly, like a wisp, and she speaks gently, "I'm glad you're finally becoming yourself. I'm proud. Over these past few months, I've watched you grow into a magnificent human. I'm sure %&#$@ would be so proud to see how far you've come."

"Who?"

"Oh, right. You're not allowed to know their name yet. Only they can reveal themselves to you," The Keeper smiles.

"So, Keeper, are you here to give me a vision?" I ask.

She gasps, "ah. Yes. I'm going to let you glimpse into Jackson's life, though that is not what he goes by. I want you to understand what life is like for a Magoran on Victa. If you dismantle Laverna's rule, I want you to know who will suffer because of it."

I pause, "Does that mean you want me to change my course?"

She shakes her head, "Not necessarily. I do not prefer which path you choose, just that you choose your path with as much knowledge as possible, and that it is your choice."

I nod, "Okay, let me see into the life of Jackson, the boy whose life I stole."

"One last thing," The Keeper says, "He doesn't go by Jackson, and he doesn't know his true identity. If you seek him out, you will be the one to tell him his entire life has been a lie. I do not tell you this to dissuade you, but just to make sure you understand the ramifications of finding him."

"What does he go by?"

"Lord Haimon Eos. He's been raised by Lord Dimos and Lady Kera of House Eos in Novus Zoren," The Keeper explains as I watch the void swirl away. Before me a grand castle swirls into place. It's beautiful, with its cobblestone spires rising into the skyline, and dozens of grandiose windows. I'm going into the castle, zooming through the walls like a spirit. 

I'm in the throne room, and there are three large thrones, with a stained glass masterpiece behind them. There's a red carpet leading to the front doors, and the ceiling rises up what feels like miles into the sky. It's amazing. I twirl in a circle, wishing that everything was this beautiful.

I turn and see a man with long brown hair tied into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. He's speaking to a girl with long dark brown hair and bright blue eyes that seem to be glowing. I walk over to them, and listen to their conversation.

"Princess Najaah, my princes will be very upset to hear this news. Why can Lapide not provide what was promised?" The boy says to the girl, Princess Najaah.

"I apologize, Lord Eos. Our mines were not as successful this harvesting season. We barely have enough lyrium to sustain our people, and there is no way we can give Novus Zoren as much as we promised," she sighs.

"Is the harvesting season over?" Lord Eos asks, and I can see the wheels turning in his head. He's planned this all through.

Princess Najaah thinks for a minute. "There's still a month left before the lyrium is too dangerous to gather, but there's no way our people could gather enough in that time to repay our debt."

Lord Eos smiles, caressing Princess Najaah's cheek, and tilting her head towards him. "Don't worry Jo," he reassures. "I'll send you some of my people. They'll help you complete the harvest so you can pay us back."

Princess Najaah, or Jo, blushes, and pulls Lord Eos close. "Haimon, I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality."

Haimon grabs a strand of Jo's hair and smirks, "You're not taking advantage, I'm offering."