The Spirit of Wrath

Chapter Nineteen: Go and Die

Narcissa's eyes opened, and she saw Garacel looking down at her and feeling warm and friendly. Above him was the ceiling of the Sanctum of Zigildrazia with all its statues and places. Rising suddenly, she found her limbs aching and hoped she looked good. She'd tried to stop him.

She'd failed. So much for all of her training so far, she felt only disappointment. Disappointment in herself and in the situation.

"Narcissa, you awaken," said Garacel. The Seeker was kneeling over her, one hand upon his sword.

"Yes, I... I tried to stop them, but..." began Narcissa.

"Everything has proceeded as expected," said Garacel.

"What?" said Narcissa.

Garacel flourished the Blade of Chaos in hand, and it seemed to shriek. "Or, more precisely, events are well within acceptable parameters.'

"What do you mean 'within acceptable parameters'?" asked Narcissa. "The whole city has gone mad." Zigildrazia could not be wrong.

"The battle is ongoing," said Garacel. "It was inevitable that it should happen. The important thing is that the Blade of Chaos is growing in power."

"The Sword..." said Narcissa. "Do we have the power to resurrect Typhos yet?" All those who were dying were dying for that purpose. She must not question it.

Garacel did not answer. Narcissa stood. "Garacel?"

"Follow me," said Garacel.

"Where is Alkela?" asked Narcissa.

"She and Illaryus have gone out to fight the legions," said Garacel. "They entered the gates some time ago. Now follow." This time, it was a command.

Narcissa obeyed.

They walked through the empty halls of the Sanctum. Everyone who had once dwelled here had either left to fight or fled through the passages below.

"Ages ago, there was a great war between the powers of the universe," said Garacel. "In this war, there were gods and demons on both sides. Every power had its own goal, and every power schemed against the others.

"One of these powers was Typhos, the Goddess of Chaos. She is the mother of all monsters and is an ally of Zigildrazia. The first raishans were her creation, as were the chimeras, hydras, and many others. The Blade of Chaos was forged for her champion.

"Now that sword shall return her to life."

"But..." Narcissa paused. "What about the people? We served Zigildrazia loyally... should we... be considered." She was dangerously close to heresy here.

"They are," said Garacel. "Better that they die in the service of something greater than be prey to invading armies. Those worthy shall enter into Zigildrazia's harem.

"Our enemies will be destroyed, and Zigildrazia shall be pleased."

A door opened, and they came to a vast chamber. An altar was at the center, and a huge, black heart was on it. Arteries connected to each wall, and it was still beating hard. The beating was like the deeper drum in history and shook her.

"Why here, Master Garacel? Why Zigilus?" asked Narcissa. "Why couldn't we do all this in the Emperor's territory if he was an enemy? Then, we could have moved the heart to Davus."

"Would that we could destroy our enemies in such a fashion," said Garacel. "Unfortunately, the Blade of Chaos cannot create flesh as Order can. And were we to move the heart, it would die. For it was here, where this very mountain stands, that Zeya and Typhos had their final battle. They summoned their avatars with all that remained of their power. It was an explosive battle.