The Enlightened Few - The Journey Begins

Aris' Dilemma

Chapter 12

Powerful forces were building up around the pit, its magic shackles were slowly breaking down. There had been many earth tremors of late and all that was contained within it would be consumed once the barriers were depleted; only powerful magic could ensure the safety of those captured in its grip. It was a black hole and was always hungry for more energy. Its consumption was controlled by 7 eyes surrounding it on high towers on the elevated rocky crater walls. Each tower was connected to every other by an aqueduct, though which no water circulated, but instead phosphorous acid bubbled in the trenches. The acid was consumed by the eyes and it ensured that the eyes remained clean and untouched, ever watching and ever alert. They marked the boundaries up to where no one outside of the Fireguard was allowed to enter, no one dared enter the Doom Realm.

Phosphate rock is mined by the Apiritians and cultivated to produce phosphoric dust, which is then converted to acid for the eyes. Salt and chemicals to produce the acid is provided by the Perarjas and Glendower's, thereby binding the water, fire and earth kingdoms tightly. Erion was not much involved with the production and therefore facilitated the communication and transportation of all goods. Allegiances were forever honoured. Any break in the chain would result in the fall of the barriers for The Pit.

The earth tremors were uncontrollable and were felt to be rising up through the dark iron clogged earth. The crater was at times seen steaming viciously and council was sought with the Kirjuri who supplied no answers to the pressing matter.

King Aris knew he would need to call an official council with all the kings of the world to ensure that all was being done to prevent any misfortune. The Fireguard of Camp Titus were instructed to search all the caves in the area to ensure that this was no evil work and it wasn't something that may have lurked there unknown.

The turn of the new moon of the new Suncycle was approaching and all would be afraid to leave their cities. There were old wives' tails that described how all those running free on the first 10 Moonicles of the change of the Suncycle would go mad. The guards had been instructed to protect groups of families and ensure that they stayed indoors. No one had dared to go into the wild unknown, fearing the severity of the punishments and the consequences of this alone.

20 Fireguards had been sent to investigate abnormal activities near The Pit, but none returned. It had not taken long before the absence of these great warriors was noticed. The King was growing impatient and wanted answers. His people were scared and would not dare sacrifice any more Apiritian lives.

"We cannot cower now! There is too much to be lost", yelled the King. His thoughts had echoed in his audience's minds. The high commander of the Fireguard, Julius stood at the front of them all, trying to speak on behalf of the group.

"Your Sovereign, with all due respect, we cannot force the men to go. All these superstitions have caused confusion and distress. Twenty men is no small number, we need a plan of action before we decide to deploy more troops to this untamed territory, or we will risk exposing ourselves. If at least one had survived, then we would know what we are dealing with and convince the rest to fight."

"I am their King, they must obey orders. Have you any idea what the Kingdoms will say about us if we do not discover what the root of this is? Why, we would be the mockery of the last 1000 Suncycles. We need to uphold our stature. We need to demonstrate the bravery of our dynasty. What could it possibly be that we cannot handle it? There has been peace in these realms for centuries upon centuries?"

"Sire, could I suggest that we seek out more men from the other leading tribes to conduct a wider joint search? We do not need to let them know of our first search and perhaps it will be easier to convince our troops."