Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 2
As the sky began to glow over Sardakahn Citadel, an indication that day had come, Sekali and Mahkaia set out toward the largest tower, set within the city center, in hopes of gaining audience with their Mystic Leader. Making their way through the main streets, a single tower with jagged spires slowly came into view, looming up before them as if forbidding their approach.
Every structure was crafted expertly from the blackened stone of the Wastelands, providing not only a natural shelter from the constant threat of nature, but a sturdy defense against avian predators which would occasionally descend from the mists above.
As they passed through the outer areas of the stronghold, and then into the main part of the inner city, they saw many others going about their business. Hand in hand, they made their way through the innermost part of Sardakahn Citadel, eventually coming to stand before a structure of stone that appeared as if it could resist the attack of an opposing army without the need of defenders. It was called the Monolith; the dwelling place of the ancient Mystic and ruler of Sardakahn.
Sekali looked up in awe at the natural formation of rock that stood as if in defiance of the Wastelands itself, crafted spires of jagged stone rising up into the blackened mists above. At its base, a deep alcove appeared; the only entrance to the Monolith. To gain entrance within, they would have to enter in through the gaping skeletal jaws of a wasteland dragon. The two great horns of the dragon’s skull rose high, running along the steep surface of the Monolith, giving it a dark and sinister appearance.
There were no guards stationed at the entrance, for they were not needed. In all his life, Sekali had never known a single instance of disunity among the Sardakk Elves.
As they passed into its mouth, Sekali noticed the front teeth of both the top and bottom jaw between the larger fangs had been removed, thus creating a way for those who would enter into the Mystic’s abode. Though he had seen this place many times before, it was only from without, and from a distance.
Involuntarily, Sekali stopped, peering down into the throat-like tunnel, then glanced at Mahkaia, who threw him a look that plainly stated, are we going in, or not? Sighing, he gripped Mahkaia’s hand tightly in his own and passed into the strange tunnel. As they walked into this breathtaking structure, Sekali grew curious about the battle in which such a dragon had been brought down (there were, of course, stories, but they were never the same). The tunnel was crafted to seem like the skeletal throat of the fallen dragon, the stone fitted perfectly with the skeletal remains.
Torches burned with a violet flame within sconces lining both sides of the ghastly tunnel ahead, catching Sekali’s attention. Curiously, he eyed the flame of one torch, drawing close to it. In all his years, he had never seen fire like this. Not only was the flame soothing to his eyes, but the strange light shed from the flame seemed to enhance his vision, make clear his surroundings. He raised an eyebrow, noticing the flame itself did not consume the wooden end of the torch.
Mahkaia’s eyes glittered in amusement as she watched him, a thin smile spreading across her lips. Grinning, she took his hand and raised it up over the violet flame. Sekali flinched, pulling his hand away, but Mahkaia only laughed at him.
“It’s not hot,” she stated, obviously amused. Curiously, Sekali relaxed and lifted his hand over the strange flame, which gave off no heat. He marveled at the magical flame and glanced at Mahkaia in astonishment.
“Enchantment?” He inquired. She nodded and moved closer to him, taking his hand once again.
Mahkaia was considered among the most gifted witches of her time, for where she walked, there also walked power. And with that power, she labored relentlessly to keep safe her people, boosting the moral and hope of others fortunate enough to know her. Mahkaia was a terrible foe, and a loving person, balanced with unpretentious grace.
Raising both hands to the side of her face, he gently tilted her head up, noticing something wonderful in this peculiar light. He noted the beauty of her perfectly slanted eyes, the flawless contours of her face, and her smooth skin of onyx hue were enhanced within the light of the torch. For a moment, Sekali stood speechless, savoring the moment.
“Ita sevor min, (I love you),” he whispered, gently caressing the side of her face, causing her dark eyes to suddenly brighten. She smiled and tilted her head into his hand affectionately as she closed her eyes. Softly, Mahkaia whispered the same in return.
For a time they forgot the world, or the reason they had come into the very sanctuary of their master. Rarely did they have such moments, for the Wastelands were harsh and deadly, demanding they be constantly on guard.
“I trust you have not come to fancy each other within my hall?” The question was no more than a sentimental whisper, which shattered the enchantment of the moment, causing them both to jump and turn their attention down the tunnel. They quickly placed an open hand over their heart and bowed their heads slightly, saluting in respect, even if they could not see the one addressing them.
“No, Master,” Mahkaia ventured respectfully, “We have come to request a leave of absence. We wish to hunt the wastes.” To the inquiry, a deep silence followed, leaving them to wait for an answer.
Few had ever seen the master; none Sekali knew ever had. Some claimed he was a spirit, others thought him the embodiment of all the Sardakk Elves who had passed on since their banishment long ago. It was widely believed that those who had been given a Sending became one with the master, joining the power of their spirits with his after death. In so doing, the deceased continued to strengthen and protect their people through him.
In one legend, their master had come forth to aid his people in battle against the dreaded Shagga Vahkrin, a fiend of the underworld, and a foe beyond any, save a few of his people who had risen to great power. Sekali did not know if this was truth, or inflated stories passed on from one generation to the next. One thing he did know, his master loved his people, and were ever within his dreams and thoughts and visions.
“No. Your request is denied,” came the answer at last. “I foresee your deaths if you should go. I must deny, for your own good. I have spoken.” Sekali’s lips parted in a slight smile.
“Thank you Master,” they stated in unison, formally saluting. Without hesitation, Sekali took Mahkaia’s hand in his and began walking back the way they had come. As they departed, Mahkaia playfully ran her hand through each flame, amusing Sekali. Once outside he turned to her.
“We have six more days before The Watch. We cannot leave. What . . . ” Sekali stopped, noticing something was on Mahkaia’s mind.
"What is it?" He inquired. She looked up at him in doubt, biting her lip, then sighed.
“Sekali, there is a task that needs to be done. It is a dangerous thing, and I dare not do it alone. I know you can aid me in this – ”
“I will help you do anything. Besides, it would give me more time to spend with you, which would be to my advantage.” Mahkaia grinned, genuinely flattered, and quickly stole a kiss. Of course, Sekali did not resist.
“Come, I will tell you more when we arrive at my place.” Grabbing his hand, she led him to her home, which was not far from the Monolith, even as the burden of an unknown charge began to weigh upon him. It was not unlike the feelings he would experience as he prepared for The Watch every seven days.
As they made their way through the blackened avenues of Sardakahn, his mind reflected on the woman he loved; the woman who had just recruited him. He knew Mahkaia all too well, and this is what worried him. She was a witch of great power. Any task that called for aid from another, he knew, could not be treated lightly. He could tell this would be a formidable task, whatever it was, for her grip steadily tightened as they neared her home.
For the first time, Sekali entered into Mahkaia’s personal living quarters through a long ornately fashioned tunnel. She guided him to the center of the chamber, which was easily ten times the size of his entire dwelling. He was astonished at the staggering collection of trophies all about him. Each piece neatly lined every wall of the large chamber, both weapons of war, armors and the significant remains of creatures taken down. She had talked about her collection, and he knew it was extensive, but, until this day, he had never seen it.
He was drawn to a cloth draped over one particular item in a remote area of the chamber, which drew his curiosity. Letting go Mahkaia’s hand, he made his way over to it and gently rested a hand upon the cloth, instantly feeling movement beneath, as if it were a pile of snakes. Glancing over his shoulder, he looked at Mahkaia, curiosity almost getting the better of him.
“What is this?” Sekali asked, fascinated by the writhing movement beneath his hand.
“Gorgon head,” she stated casually, though her attention was riveted to his hand as if she was suddenly nervous. Quickly Sekali withdrew from it and took a step back, no longer interested in seeing it. Mahkaia laughed in such a way that caused chills to creep up the back of his neck. She shrugged at the look he gave her and knelt at the edge of a thick leather skin rolled out neatly at the center of the chamber. Quickly she unsheathed two daggers. Relaxing, she looked up at him in silence. It was obvious, she was wasting no time with formalities.
“Draw your blade and protect me. I am going to summon a creature from the deep shadows of the underworld. I have been needing to confront a certain individual who has been making himself known to me in my dreams. What he wants, is forbidden. Just in case this little meeting goes badly, I wish to be ready.”
Sekali quickly drew his sword as Mahkaia motioned him to the opposite end of the leather skin in front of her. Kneeling, he faced her in silence, focusing. Closing his eyes, he took in a deep breath through his nose and held it, letting go of every feeling within. When his lungs began to burn, he exhaled fully through his mouth, opened his eyes and nodded.
“I am your blade,” he stated emotionlessly. He did not care what she was about to do. He loved her more than his own life, and would never have agreed to her doing this without him.
Nodding once, she took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Sekali watched her carefully, noticing her lips begin to move in silence. Soon, the distinct sounds of echoing whispers filled the chamber, as if unseen others were attempting to speak to them from some distant, far away, place.
Softly, Mahkaia mouthed words he did not understand. As her lips moved, he could see the muscles in her neck and jaw tense, as if she was attempting to lift a heavy weight. Moisture began to form upon her brow as she struggled to speak, her teeth grinding loudly together.
Readying himself, Sekali shook off an uneasiness, even as Mahkaia’s hair abruptly flew back, as if she had just been struck by a sudden air current. A sudden presence filled the chamber, accompanied by a discord of whispers, painful to hear.
Mahkaia began to visibly tremble, which was alarming to Sekali. Doubt began to fill his mind as the sudden temptation to flee whispered within his mind. Against his better judgement, he held his position, focusing upon the woman he loved, unable to betray her.
Mahkaia’s eyes shot open, as if she had received a sudden wound. A growl filled the chamber, startling Sekali, who leapt to his feet and looked around, ready for battle as he peered into the midst of Mahkaia’s trophies, expecting to see an enemy among them. As the rumble of the unseen creature ended, Sekali turned this way and that, feverishly searching for the intruder, sweat beginning to cascade down his entire body as the chaotic whisperings intensified to a painful crescendo.
Again, he heard the growl, but this time it was directly from behind. Spinning about, Sekali raised his blade to strike an enemy which had somehow gotten between he and Mahkaia, but he could only see the two of them. Confused, he continued to search, until, after a moment, it became clear to him that the source of the growl was Mahkaia.
Bearing her teeth, she snarled viciously, her once beautiful countenance changing to that of someone, something, Sekali barely recognized. Mahkaia continued chanting, her eyes suddenly losing all shade and color, leaving a solid whiteness within her eye sockets. The whisperings intensified, mingling and varying in their tones, growing louder and louder, until the chamber was filled with the strain and discord of chaotic voices. Mahkaia snarled again, a sinister grin spreading across her lips as her eyes fell to the area between the two of them.
The chamber shuddered as the sound of splitting rock abruptly filled the air. Again, the chamber shuddered, alarming him greatly, even as the chaos of whispers faded away to silence. Mahkaia sighed heavily and caught her breath, pointing to the floor between them, signifying it was not over.
Gathering his senses, Sekali hastily wiped the sweat from his face with a forearm and focused his attention to the area between he and Mahkaia. Lowering himself back into kneeling position, he become still.
Without sound, the leather skin and floor between them abruptly faded to darkness.