Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 9
Sekali awoke to the unmistakable assault of firefall raining down on the city; he did not even have to open his eyes to know what it was. Each tiny comet of ash hissed softly as it descended and landed with a soft thud upon the stone roofs and within the streets of the city. There was an energy in the air; he could feel it. Opening his eyes, he noticed Mahkaia standing by the Gorgon’s head, her hand upon the cloth that shielded the effects of its still deadly eyes.
“Sekali she whispered distantly, “Do you suppose that even the power of the dead can affect the living?” Sekali arose and walked to her side, his eyes falling to the trophy she was resting her hand upon. Her hand gripped the cloth, as if she were about to tear it way.
“Mahkaia, I do not understand.” She looked up at him and smiled.
“When I was young, I craved to be left alone; live a simple life. Then my father was brutally attacked by a creature upon The Watch. He survived, of course, but it changed my way of thinking. I became angry and began to desire of all things, power. Power in our people is what keeps us thriving in this land of death. And now, since the curse has been set upon me, I feel awakened once more to a new and deeper threat. I despise being controlled by an enemy, especially one we have thrown down. For this reason, I will begin a search for a power, far greater than my own.” The way she looked at him, made Sekali’s heart go out to her.
“I will overcome this madness,” she whispered. Sekali neared and wrapped his arms about her, holding her tight. She was trembling.
“Mahkaia, we will overcome this together. But, what are we going to do?” She shrugged.
“I will speak with our master; maybe he can help me to open a door that will lead to mastery over this trial.” Sekali tilted her chin up to him with a gentle hand.
“Mahkaia, what was the purpose of conjuring that thing?” She did not hesitate in her answer.
“One fortnight ago, I saw the Gorilith Vahkrin in a vision as I slept. I perceived it was the leader of a large following. I saw that it was in the attitude of creating a portal, which had runes about the surface of its structure. Sekali, I could read those runes, and they described the earthen plane we now live on. I could also read other runes upon it that signified the Zurkel Mainland, wherein lies our homeland. At night, when all was more quiet, and I was less likely to be disturbed by a wandering warrior that always craved my company, I spied on this Vahkrin and its followers, prying into their secret meetings and slowly bringing to light their plans.”
Sekali’s eyes narrowed. “What plans?”
“They were amassing a scouting force to invade Sardakahn. The Wastelands are avoided by the other races of Utaemia. I’m sure they thought it the best place to set up a base of operations here, and then scout the lands out from the shrouded safety of our home. I do not know what their ultimate purpose in coming here was; I never found that out. For they detected me, and tried to seize upon me with their arcanists and most powerful sorcerers. I barely eluded them, staying safely hidden within the shielding of my own enchantments until I awoke. I was pursued by a Dream Chaser, and hardly escaped.” Sekali had no idea what a Dream Chaser was. By the tinge of fear in Mahkaia’s eyes, it must have been a close shave. If Mahkaia looked troubled, it was serious.
“Mahkaia, I’ve never heard of one reaching into another’s dream through the plane barrier? That would not only demand a deep knowledge, but an incredible power. Wouldn’t one need to know about you personally?” Mahkaia raised an eyebrow at Sekali.
I’m not sure, but that is a good point, which must be looked into. If I was being spied on, how did our enemy find me initially?” Mahkaia fell into silent thought for a while, then shrugged.
“The Vahkrin we slew contacted me three times since I evaded being caught. He began tempting me with riches and dominion under its own rule should I help to establish a plane gate between its worlds. That is the reason I conjured it; that is the reason it is now mine to command. We do not yield to lesser species unless it be in our best interest. And the king of this land, Nishane Asmond, is that sovereign we follow.” Sekali looked confused.
“I thought the Mystic was our only -“ Sekali fell silent as Mahkaia shook her head.
“Sekali, you need to visit the library more often. It would clear your mind of much ignorance. Our master is our leader, even our king, if that is what you want to call him. But within the capital city of Gaunten, one sits upon a throne that is high ruler of the Zurkel Mainland, our continent home.” Even though we have not had contact with the outside world for thousands of years, legend states that one day he will come and call us out of our homeland to fight alongside him in his darkest hour. That Vahkrin would have thwarted that; it had to die. We must be prepared, if the call should come, to leave the Wastelands, to serve our true king. Sekali, visit the library often. Study all the histories. If you do not, you will remain in ignorance of why our people are here in this terrible land.” Sekali now understood more.
“You are noble, Mahkaia, faithful to our people and to our king. I find it a great blessing to be your husband. I am deeply honored.” She lowered her eyes and smiled.
“Sekali, whatever happens in the near future, remember this: I will always love you. Remember to protect and serve this people until you draw in your last breath. Never give in to despair, which emotion leads to death.”
”Do not speak so,” he mildly rebuked her. “My brothers and I will never let you fall, nor will we fail in keeping our homeland secure. Even as that thing that now serves you fell separated from its head, so too shall that curse fall from you, even as the deadly ashes of firefall cool, and are no longer a concern.”
Mahkaia looked up suddenly, a burning hope in her eyes.
“We did destroy it. Maybe its curse was weakened at its death,” she lied. She felt justified in the lie to protect Sekali, who was becoming anxious. He seemed to see through her words and shook his head.
“I would travel to the depths of the underworld to ensure your safety. If anything happens to you . . .” Sekali fell silent. Mahkaia held up her hands and gently laid them on his chest.
“Yes, Sekali, yes, I know how you feel, and I am flattered. Please try to control your emotions. You know well there are things here in these wastes which are attracted to such a state of mind.” She embraced him lovingly.
Sekali knew she was right. He held her as closely as he could, wishing for some way to remove this awful curse. He would find a way . . . and he silently challenged the powers of darkness to stop him.