Chapter 10

 Enhon gently wrested his hand on her shoulder. Under normal circumstances, she would have violently pulled away. However, she was too enamored by the landscape. Enhon’s touch also felt oddly comforting.

Esis giggled like a child, dancing and spinning before her.

“Are you ready for my unveiling?” Enhon asked.

Presti suddenly felt an unfamiliar calm, something that had alluded her since she began her calling to protect her people. Enhon’s presence beamed like a father.

“Now I will explain. It is time, now that you’re ready.”

Presti breathed in deeply, ready for anything.

Enhon taught her the history of her village. He explained how the Elders rebelled against Enhon’s rule. He explained how the Purity Stone was just a prop used to help in the deception. True beauty and safety came from Enhon. All of his words overwhelmed Presti, but she felt her heart pound with belief. The next words weren’t expected.

“You must destroy the Purity Stone and save your world.” Enhon instructed.

Presti knew this to be true, but she also felt insecurity and inadequacy. “I know I must, but I need your help. My village needs you, not some empty, powerless stone.”

Presti forced her gaze toward Enhon. She felt an obligation to meet his eyes. Once he met her gaze, his eyes glowed green. He pointed toward the horizon. Before Presti could look away, she heard Emiline’s celebratory song. Her innocent song melted Presti’s heart. She ran, faster than her legs had ever run.

Revised and Ready

Introduction

Each author has his or her own writing formula. Each author has his or her own devices. Some use outlines, notes, note cards, maps, and a plethora of tools that lie around their writing desk. To write my novel, I use the first draft as an outline. I write with little care of word choice, grammar, point of view, or writing skill. I am building the basic plot, characters, and storyline. This blog is my first draft of Deception. After I have finished the entire first draft, I will return to each chapter to refine and edit.

Deception is a story of both Presti and Oryan. Their village is in peril, and they both have a role to play in its salvation. Presti is a religious person while Oryan is a hard working farm hand. The village’s holy relic, The Purity Stone, protects the village from the fires. Presti performs a ritual to keep the stone functional and Oryan provides the sap for the ritual. However, recently the Elka Vine, which provides the sap, is failing. In a venture to find more sap, Oryan breaks a religious law. Now Oryan and Presti must grapple with their faith. Adventure, deception, and redemption ensue as they meet, Enhon, the creator of their world OR the destroyer of their world. Who is he really?

Tamara Peachy

Chapter 1

“Presti?”

“Yes?”

“Is the Purity Stone beneath us?” Esis pushed her ear to the ground.

“Esis, you know I am not allowed to tell you.”

Rolling over, Esis tolerated the ash matting in her hair and released a sigh of frustration.

“Don’t sigh at me, Esis. I gave a sacred vow.”

“It’s cruel and unfair. This holy relic is beautiful, sacred, and I am not even allowed to see it.”

“It is beautiful.” Presti said, unable to contain her worship.

Respectfully, Esis turned away from Presti before rolling her eyes. While Presti reminded Esis why the stone’s location must remain a secret, Esis covertly watched a brawny, handsome Elka harvester.

“Do you think the Elka crop will be sufficient this year?” Esis asked.

 “Every year the Elka sap loses more thickness. It used to be white with only a hint of grey, but now it is all grey. I use five vials for the Purity Stone ritual. Two years ago, I only used one vial. If this continues, I don’t know if we will have the resources to continue the ritual.”

“Well, that isn’t an option. If you don’t perform the ritual, we will all burn.”

“Yes, obviously that isn’t an option.”

The girls smiled at each other, but the corners of their lips fell when they no longer held each other’s gaze. The village burning was a real looming danger. Presti eyes fell toward the Narrow Path, a mile south. If anything was more terrifying than burning to death, it was that path. Nothing more than a mysterious black haze, Narrow Path often stole her gaze.

A swift wind blew Presti’s hair forward. Both Presti and Esis rose to their feet, immediately holding the Elder position: one hand on the stomach and one hand on the chest.

“Elder Nolan, what an honor to be visited by you.” Presti lifted her shoulders.

“You were looking at Narrow Path.” Elder Nolan suspiciously eyed Presti.

“Yes, I confess I was. If you will allow me to explain...”

“I’ll allow it.”

“I can’t help but wonder if the outer lands beyond the Narrow Path have Elka fields. I fear our crop is failing.”

“Presti, you are a priest, so that is not your concern. Harvesting is for the harvesters. They will make sure you have the proper amount of Elka sap for your ritual. Besides, you are well aware that beyond the Narrow Path lives wickedness that is unmentionable. Very dangerous for a pure soul.”

Presti’s eyes widened before she spoke.

“Certainly, a priest couldn’t enter the path. However, we may have some warriors or guardians who could combat the beings and retrieve some sap.” Presti swallowed hard.

“As you have been taught since your infancy, the wickedness beyond that path cannot be engaged. The art of deception is the darkest of enchantments. That path leads straight to deception. The Narrow Path is not an option, and we will no longer discuss it.” Elder Nolan straightened his robe with his milky, transparent hands.

Presti bowed in submission. Elder Nolan had kept a distance from the two girls, but floated closer to them now.

“I haven’t explained my visit,” Elder Nolan said. “I’m afraid I have some disheartening news.”

***

Oryan saw the swift embrace of the two girls. From his poor vantage point, he didn’t know if they were weeping or celebrating. His pick pushed deeper into the purple vine, but no sap came. He inspected the root and failed to see any weaknesses.

            “O! She isn’t giving any sap, is she?” The emaciated taskmaster leaned over Oryan’s shoulder.

            “Nah, I’m afraid if I dig any deeper into her skin, she might not be worth anything next year.”

            “It can’t help production when pretty girls are stealing your gaze.”

            Oryan pulled his pick out of the Elka vine, and scraped some of the hard skin off the protruding root. “It looks healthy. Sap should be coming.”

            “You ignoring my teasing? I see you looking their way.”

            “I’m not just looking at pretty girls. Elder Nolan appeared. An Elder only makes personal visits if there is terrible or wonderful news.”

            “An Elder? Really?” The taskmaster rested his shovel against a cart and strained his scrawny neck to see the situation better. “Looks like terrible news. Poor Esis has tears in her eyes.”

            “Could be tears of joy.” Oryan hoped.

            “Those aren’t tears of joy, my son. You should know the difference.”

***

            Deep gasps of sorrow escaped Esis’s lungs. Tears came without permission.

            “I can’t cry. I need to be strong.”

            “No one will expect you to be strong. Everyone will expect tears.” Presti brushed a loose stand of black hair away from Esis’s wet cheek.

            Esis shook her head in a furious denial. A surge of anger grew to an audible roar. Pushing Presti away, Esis kicked the ash floor sending a billow of powder into the air. Her warrior arms tightened as she paced.

            “How will rage help?” Presti asked.

            “I am a warrior! It will serve me well!” Esis snapped.

            “You have no enemy to fight. A sword can’t strike an enemy that doesn’t exist. Rage will not help. Cry. Mourn your loss.”

            “My little sister is dead. How will tears serve me? Only to wet the dirt of her burial site!”

            Presti decided to remain silent. Esis could only bear Presti’s sympathetic gaze for a second, then she sprinted west. Presti granted her solitude. Since her childhood, Esis healed through introspection and running.

            Feeling defeated and grieved, Presti sought solitude herself. She trudged to the top of a small hill and walked the grey pathway near the Elka fields. She heard Oryan calling her name.

            Her pace slowed, but she continued forward. She heard Oryan’s boots hit the dirt like a failing heartbeat. She didn’t bother to turn her head. Grief gave her permission to sulk. Oryan, now by her side, made her feel awkward.

            “I can’t stay. They are working us hard, but I need to ask. Is Esis all right?” Oryan’s steps started to synchronize with Presti’s steps.

            “It’s Emiline. She was playing by Westin Creek without permission. She is no longer with us.”

            “She drowned?” Oryan stopped walking.

            The word sounded more violent now. Elder Nolan’s announcement came with more care. Oryan’s rugged nature made the event real. Presti envisioned little Emiline innocently playing a legendary childhood game by the creek’s edge. Possibly holding a twig and dancing around like all innocent girls do. Then tripping on a jagged rock, losing balance, and falling into the creek. The image brought the first tears to Presti’s eyes.

            “I’m sorry.” Oryan’s apology sounded clumsy.

            “She was all alone. No one even heard her cries for help.”

The taskmaster started to yell. “O! Sap needs bottled! Three workers sick and you slacking! Start working section 4!”

            “Maybe after my shift is over, we can talk.” Oryan’s tone was uncharacteristically warm and inviting.

            “If your shift is ever over...”

            They both shared a subdued laugh, and Oryan reluctantly returned to the Elka fields. Presti continued her walk until an indescribable fear came over her. Her fingertips started to burn. The ground produced a fiery mist. Instantly, Elder Nolan appeared before her again.

            “My skin is starting to burn. The sap I used wasn’t strong enough. I need to perform another ritual!” Presti sprinted toward her Sanctuary.

            “How many vials did you use?” Elder Nolan floated by her, attempting to keep her pace.

            “Five. I thought five would be enough. I didn’t want to waste any sap.”

            “I will gather the Elders. We will meet at your Sanctuary. You must perform an emergency ritual.” Elder Nolan disappeared.

The heat from the ground started to burn her soles. Searing heat blanketed her body, making it harder to run. Low on the horizon, the bright sun made it difficult to see the Center. She hated to pass through that section of the village, but it was the quickest way to her Sanctuary.

She feared the villager’s ridicule and scoffing. Rumors were already spreading as to why the sap was failing. Some suggested that the priests were to blame. She felt her face flush and her heart raced.

After several large strides, Presti felt cobblestone under her feet. The Center was full of activity. Frightened villagers huddled next to each other, waving large handcrafted fans. Mothers crowded the water vender, hoping to cool their crying children before the water supply reached a boiling point.

As Presti pressed through the crowd, she heard a barrage of questions: “Are we out of sap?” “Did you perform the ritual this morning?” Are we going to burn to death?”

A man with a wrinkled face and a grey hat spoke, “Don’t worry folks. Presti will pour some sap on that stone, and then we will all feel fresh like icy rain.” A soft chuckle rumbled in his mouth. His eyes twinkled with resolute faith.

“Do not be afraid. Have faith in the Purity Stone. It will protect you.” Presti charged forward with more vigor.

All eight elders waited for Presti outside her Sanctuary. Floating in a perfectly formed circle, they theorized why five vials didn’t protect the villagers for an entire day. Elder Crims suggested that the harvesters might have tainted the sap during delivery. Elder Prine demanded that production increase and Presti use ten vials for every ritual. Elder Hester blamed the day’s events on the Puirty Stone’s condition, not the Elka sap. After making such a statement, the other Elders rebuked him for his irreverence. Presti interrupted their quarreling.

“How many vials should I use?” Presti worked to catch her breath.

“Three.” Elder Nolan said.

“Wait, what if it isn’t the sap? We must consider that the stone is weakening” Elder Hester said.

Presti scoffed at the suggestion. Impatiently holding the elder position, she waited for the elders to come to a unified decision about her next move. After hearing more of their deliberations, Presti felt the need to speak.

“The heat is starting to char my skin. I know Elders can’t perceive the heat, so I understand your lack of haste, but can we please hurry?”

All eight elders investigated her skin. Realizing the present danger, Elder Nolan spoke with speed and authority.

“Elder Hester, it is extremely unlikely that our sacred stone is to blame. Time is not on our side. Presti, use three vials. That should carry us through the night. Hurry! ” Elder Nolan said.

Presti didn’t wait for the approval of the other Elders. She ran into her Sanctuary. The pearl walls slightly cooled the atmosphere’s heavy heat. Her blistering feet preferred the glass floor to the burning ash ground outside. Even with these minor reliefs, she could still feel fire inside her. This square chamber protected her from nothing. She dutifully approached the alcove where her golden chest rested. She lifted the lid and removed three vials of Elka sap. Hands shaking, she reached for two more, but decided instead to submit to Elder Nolan’s instructions.

She carried the vials like a newborn toward the opposite side of the Sanctuary. It was time to enter the Refuge and perform the ritual. Presti held her breath, aching to see the Purity Stone, her salvation, and the village’s restoration.

Chapter 2

Oryan lifted his unconscious taskmaster from the fiery ground onto a cart. Other harvesters were propping themselves against Elka vines, ignoring the sharp thorns piercing their skin. Oryan stopped wiping sweat off his brow because he had no perspiration left. Turning his head to the left, he saw three other men collapsed on the ground.

“Luka, they can’t be on the ground! Help me get them on the cart.” Oryan faltered toward the three men.

“Oryan, save your energy. The cart won’t help. You see how burnt his face is! Only hope is the stone.” Luka called back.

Oryan saw an unconscious young blonde, too young to be a harvester, just started a week ago, with a bloody, charred right cheek. His right eyelid gone. Scoffing at Luka’s inaction, Oryan dug his feet into the fiery, ash ground and lunged toward the boy. Lifting at the young man’s shoulders, he dragged him toward the cart.

“You’re just burning his back, fool,” Luka said.

With resentment, Oryan heaved the boy above his shoulder and carried him the final distance. Winning the respect of the others, five harvesters volunteered to help Oryan carry the two other unconscious men to the cart.

“We should send someone to the Center to get fresh water,” Oryan said.

The harvesters started laughing. Oryan’s head sank.

“Water? Boiling water to cook us up nice.” Luka struck Oryan’s shoulder. “You need to understand the situation, O. Our village is burning, and the only protection we have is that stone and your little girly friend.”

Oryan didn’t doubt Presti’s ability, but he doubted the sap. The village’s fate didn’t depend on Presti; it depended on the men who surrounded him. He didn’t know the Purity Stone’s location, and such secrecy felt unfair and made him helpless.

***

In the chamber of the Sanctuary, everything was still. In the chamber of Presti’s body, everything was violent. Her mind raced with insecurity. Her heart resonated with fear. Her skin burned with fire. Ritual preparation that normally soothed her soul now felt excessive and needless.

After placing the heavy ceremonial robe over her shoulders, she tied its five cords. The dense wool scraped against her bare back and suffocated her skin. The rubies from her headdress rattled against each other. Presti flinched as she slid the white slippers onto her feet, the most injured part of her. She placed the three vials in the pockets of her robe.

Now, fully dressed, she recited the ancient chants from the center of the room. Stopping mid-chant, she dashed to the Sanctuary’s door and latched it shut. There wasn’t time for mistakes, and she had made one. She must always lock the door before the chanting. Unsettled, she returned to the center of the room and began the chanting again.

As the final chant finished in a hum, a yellow glow escaped from the pearl walls. This yellow glow caressed Presti’s legs, sending a sudden chill up her spine. Eventually, the glow transformed from a transparent mist into a solid liquid, concentrated around Presti’s lower body. The smell of honey and lilies intoxicated Presti’s senses. Feeling serene, all the muscles in her body relaxed. The yellow liquid lifted her body toward the ceiling. After hearing a rushing wind, Presti lost consciousness.

***

            Searing heat ate at Esis’s bruised knees. She hid in a thicket, with no intention of saying goodbye to her living loved ones. She convinced herself that this was the end. Presti and the Purity Stone were no longer her salvation. Now that Emiline was dead, it was justice. Someone innocent lost her life; it was only fair that everyone else burn as well. She pressed her hand flat against the ground and allowed the sting of fire to singe her palm. Gritting her teeth, she pulled her injured hand to her stomach. This is how she wanted to die, by her own choice.

            Esis lifted her body with renewed strength, and sprinted toward Westin Creek. Death by forced drowning felt more courageous. Carefully choosing her route, she avoided heavily populated areas. She decided to run through Malon’s Forest and didn’t even allow the Center to come into her view. Plowing through Malon’s Forest, she saw mothers and fathers forcing their children to climb the trees. She hadn’t considered that Malon’s Forest would become a sanctuary from the hot ground. The terror in the children’s eye slowed her sprint.

            “Esis, help us,” Rabbi begged.

            Despite the heat, the widow still wore her heavy smock for modesty. Her aged hands worked hard to bring the children to safety.

            “Esis, stop! The children need your help!”

            “I have something I need to do,” Esis snapped.

            “There are only a few more children who need to climb the trees. Surely, you can spare a few minutes.”

            “No one can spare a few minutes, Rabbi. Our world is burning. I need to do something while I still have time to do it.” She sprinted away without further explanation.

Once she cleared the forest, Esis heard hysteria behind her. The screams sounded so horrific, her compassion forced her to return. The trunks of the trees had caught fire. The children reached for their parents’ embrace, but the flames prevented anyone from saving them.

Esis ignored the searing pain, climbed the first tree, and rescued three children by lowering them to their parents. She jumped from the first tree to the second. She released two children to Rabbi.

“The Purity Stone knew we needed a warrior.” Rabbi said as she gave a rescued child to her mother. “The Purity Stone sent us Esis.”

Only one child remained, hugging a tree limb, refusing to let go. Prying the girl from the limb, Esis pulled the girl to her chest and leapt to the ground.

“Whose girl is this?” Esis asked.

 Parents ushered their children out of the forest, but no one came forward for the girl nestled in her arms.

“Whose girl is this?” Esis repeated.

“I suppose she was separated from her parents in the confusion,” a father said.

“Well, someone take her. I can’t carry her. I need to leave.” Esis felt the child’s arm tighten around her neck.

Rabbi convinced the child to come to her, but only after bribing her with candy. The girl sheepishly waved goodbye to Esis. Running to safety, the families thanked Esis for her heroic rescue.

“I may have saved you from the flames, but only Presti can save you from the fire.” Esis whispered under her breath. Now Esis continued to Westin Creek, plotting her suicide.

***

As if waking from a restful night, Presti gradually gained awareness of her surroundings. The gold lines painted on the glossy, ebony walls appeared more luminous than usual. The apex of the Refuge appeared too narrow, as if something had changed. Nevertheless, the Purity Stone faithfully hovered seven feet above her, perfect in consistency.

Presti hastily emptied the three vials of Elka sap onto the floor. The sap seeped into the floor’s cracks and then slithered up the walls. The sap collected at the apex, directly above the Purity Stone.

Presti cried, “Release!”

Rushing downward, the sap poured onto the Purity Stone, coating the entire sphere. Instantly, Presti’s body revived. Rubbing her hands, she felt silk instead of charred flesh. Her eyes, which once were too dry for tears, now filled with cool liquid. Her heartbeat no longer raced with fear, now it raced with jubilation.

Desiring to linger in the Refuge, she sunk to the floor and wrapped her arms around her knees. Breathing heavy sighs of relief, an ethereal presence throbbed inside her. She gently rocked back and forth, and for the first time, she whispered words of gratitude, “Thank you. Thank you. We’re safe. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” A gentle, yet authoritative voice resonated inside her.

Presti’s head cautiously lifted. Seeing no one before her, she whirled her body to see behind her. Again nothing. She stood erect and attempted to rationalize the voice away. Cautiously walking backwards, she headed toward the exit. Her back found the red door. Her fingers searched for the handle while her eyes remained alert.

“Are you leaving?” The man’s voice came again.

Presti found the handle, twisted it, fell backwards, and locked the door behind her. She entered the hallway. The dirt hallway twisted and morphed. Not able to look back, she pressed forward, following the ever-changing path. Running with these changes, she hoped she would reach the surface alone.

***

Esis listened to the gentle rolling of a peaceful creek. The water only came to her knees. Her body, now healed, encouraged emotions of euphoria and pleasure. However, grief haunted her like a shadow. Lying on her back, she allowed the water to cover her body. Last, her face sunk under the rippling water. She didn’t take a breath before entering.

The earth pushed Presti onto the surface with great force. Falling on ashen ground, she collected herself before standing. Taking in her surroundings, she saw Westin Creek before her and the Elka fields farther to the east. She decided to run to the Center to celebrate with everyone. Then she would run to the Elders’ Keep to warn them about the intrusive voice. Before departing, she saw a person resting in the water. This can’t be. The hallway can only send me to isolated locations. No one can see me return to the surface.

            Presti hid behind a tree. She peeked around its large trunk and saw Esis’s lifeless body. After trudging through the water, she lifted her dead friend’s head. Large droplets fell from Esis’s eyes, as if uncried tears still needed to fall. Pale-faced and unresponsive, Presti barely recognize her warrior friend. She pulled her toward the creek’s edge and screamed for help. Knowing no one could hear her, Presti attempted to revive her friend.

            Esis’s skin wasn’t burnt. The fire hadn’t burned her, but the water had consumed her. Presti looked at the water, only a few feet deep. She shook Esis’s body. Only two options— murder or suicide.

             Presti carried her friend to the hill’s slope, away from the creek. Presti whispered a few heartfelt goodbyes and then ran toward the Center, hoping to see Esis’s family. Not knowing how she would break the news, her legs refused to reach full speed. On her journey to the Center, she passed various villagers who celebrated her victory.

            “The Purity Stone has protected us once again! We are indebted to you, Presti!”

            “We knew you would save us!”

            “I never doubted you for a moment. The Purity Stone will never allow us to perish!”

            A half-hearted smile flashed on her face as she continued toward the Center. Some of these villagers began following her, shouting more words of gratitude. Before she could see the Center, she heard music and laughter echoing off its cobblestone floor. Her arrival came with a boom of celebration. Even with the crowd closing in on her, Presti made a deliberate effort to find Esis’s parents.

            “They remained in their tent. They are still grieving Emiline’s death,” one gatekeeper said.

            “Will you please forgive me? I need to excuse myself. I need to speak with them.” Presti started toward the tent block.

            “Leave? Why this celebration is in your honor!” the gatekeeper said.

            “I am grateful. However, my best friend’s family is suffering, and I need to be with them.”

 Presti knew everyone would continue to insist she stay, so she didn’t give them the opportunity. Presti left for the tent block without further explanation.

***

            A tent, which once comfortably housed eight children, now made Oryan feel cramped. He listened to Mil unashamedly weep into her daughter Emiline’s blanket. He watched Ry sharpen his daughter Esis’s sword. Oryan remained motionless, his shoulders tight.

            “We haven’t seen our eldest daughter since we learned of Emiline’s passing.” Ry perceived Oryan’s uneasiness. “I don’t know when Esis will come home.”

            “I wanted to visit you as well, not just your daughter.” Oryan said.

Ry looked with pity on his inconsolable wife, but couldn’t bring himself to embrace her. The sound of her weeping and the slicing of metal against stone remained the only two sounds in the tent. Just as Oryan felt the need to break the silence, Ry spoke again.

            “Were the Elka vines badly burnt during the heat scare? Do we have anything left?”

            Oryan didn’t make eye contact with Ry, and his shoulders sagged. “We haven’t done a full inspection. The taskmaster wanted us to spend time with our families tonight. We have a full day’s work ahead of us tomorrow. We’ll know more then.”

            “Rumor says that Elka vines were already failing before tonight. That is why the heat elevated today.”

            Oryan hated rumors, especially true rumors.

            “Oh Ry, leave the boy alone. He’s gone through enough today without your questions!” Mil said.

            “My family’s safety is affected by the boy’s work. I think it is within my rights to ask a few questions.” Ry responded.

            “He’s only a harvester. Bother the taskmaster, if you’re concerned.” Mil raised her grief –stricken body and approached Oryan. She rested her palm on his cheek. “Thank you for your visit. We appreciate the company.”

            Oryan heard the tent’s flap open and saw Presti fall into the room. Oryan straightened his messy black curls and stood like a solider welcoming a queen. Ry’s smile broadened and he found the strength to touch his wife’s shoulder.

            “Presti, we have longed to see you!” Mill searched Presti’s face. “Is Esis with you?”

            “No.” Presti swallowed hard.

            “I know Esis is upset about Emiline’s passing, but she can’t seek solitude now. Her family needs her.” Ry’s voice grew in frustration.

            Oryan knew Presti well enough to know she wasn’t carrying good news.

            “Presti, what’s wrong?”

            “I found Esis by Westin Creek. Lifeless. I wish to take you to her body.”

            Mil and Ry didn’t react to the words. No expression came to their faces. Numb. Unable to process such a cold reality. Mil sank to the floor, but no cry came from her mouth and no tears escaped her eyes. Ry rushed toward the sword he had been sharpening. He clinched the hilt in his thick hand.

            “Take me to her body,” he demanded.

            “I can barely move. Go without me.” Mil said weakly.

            “Oryan, can you stay with Mil.” Presti asked.

            “No, Oryan must come with us.” Ry grabbed more weapons.

            “Someone must remain with Mil,” Presti insisted.

            Ry grabbed Oryan’s shoulder. “They never found Emiline’s body. The Elders told us she drowned in Westin Creek, but they never recovered the body. They only gave us a few scraps of her clothing. I want to see Esis’s body for myself, and I need both of you to come with me. Westin Creek is robbing me of my children, and I want to know why.”

Chapter 3

Ry paced in disbelief. His eldest daughter lay on the ashen ground without breath.

“I know you want your daughters back. You would do anything to have them alive again, but you shouldn’t accuse the Elders of deceit. They are holy beings. They would never deceive you.” Presti placed her hand on Ry’s shoulder.

“Presti, I am not yet convinced of their innocence. Why haven’t they returned Emiline’s body?”

“Maybe they wanted to spare you the pain. I would rather not see Esis like this. Seeing Emiline’s body won’t bring you any more peace.” Presti placed a blanket from her pack on Esis’s body.

“Presti, I don’t think Ry’s suspicion is based only on grief.”

Oryan removed the blanket, much to Presti’s displeasure. Inspecting her neck, he confirmed his suspicions.

“There! Below her right ear. The same symbol I found on Olbi Juster. Do you remember his death? Some harvesters and I found him dead in the Elka fields. He was soaked to the bone. We suspected he died in the creek and then someone dragged him to the fields, but the Elders didn’t investigate. They said he died of natural causes. We discovered a strange green symbol under his ear. When we asked the Elders about the symbol, they became defensive. The Elders accused us of dissension and took Olbi’s body from us. They didn’t allow the family to have a proper burial.”

“I remember his death, but I never heard about any symbol,” Ry said.

“Of course not. The Elders forbade us from speaking of it.”

“Then you shouldn’t be speaking of it now!” Presti pulled the blanket over Esis again.

“Presti, I want to see the symbol.” Ry knelt by his dead daughter.

“Please, Ry! We must respect the Elders’ wishes. They are wise and holy. They mean us no harm. If they are hiding something, it is for our protection.” Presti firmly held the blanket in place.

“My two daughters are dead! How can you tell me this is for my protection?”

“The Elders are eternal. They lived long before us and will live long after we die. They have a wealth of knowledge that we can never comprehend and…”

“Presti, I am not a priest. I am a father! I will not listen to a sanctimonious lecture. I want answers!”

Observing Presti out of the corner of his eye, Oryan could not help but suspect that she was concealing something. She kept flinching and looking about. He feared she heard someone coming towards them, but no one came.

“Presti, look at the symbol.” Ry said as he removed the blanket.

“I will not take part in dissention.” Presti stood erect. “You know they are holy. Any disobedience will lead to destruction. I am a priest. I must guard you from unrighteousness.”

Oryan turned Esis’s head to the left, exposing the symbol. “Esis was your best friend. Don’t you want to know what happened?”

“I know what happened! She died. Nothing will change that! I must tell the Elders.”

Presti sprinted south. Oryan knew she would go directly to the Elders’ Keep to report the death and the symbol. He hoped her love for Esis would overpower her stubborn convictions. He hoped the mysterious symbol would stir distrust in her. Presti followed the Elders blindly, and Oryan never supported that.

“Do we try and stop her?” Ry asked.

“There is no stopping Presti.”

“We are limited on time then. I must hide Esis’s body. Do you know of any place where we can hide a body?” Ry cradled Esis in his arms.

“The only place to hide a body is the restricted pathway. The Elders can’t enter the Narrow Path.”

“Entering that path is unforgivable. I am willing to defy the Elders, but I still care for my soul.” Ry said.

“I can take her. I have considered walking the path before. I believe there may be more Elka vines beyond the path. We are doomed if the sap continues to fail. The harvesters need more sap. It is our best option.”

“Oryan, you can’t think like that. That path is dangerous. I don’t want you near it. I don’t want my daughter’s body near it. We can bury her before Presti warns the Elders.”

“The Elders can find a buried body. You know they have powers. The path is your only option. We are running out of time.”

Ry’s masculine face weakened. He surveyed the landscape, hoping for another option. Finding none, he surrendered Esis’s lifeless body into the arms of Oryan who then headed to the restricted path.

***

Presti feared she was betraying Esis by treating Ry and Oryan so ungraciously. Nevertheless, her soul demanded that she inform the Elders of this green symbol. Certainly, the Elders’ secrecy must be justifiable. Their wisdom reaches beyond our ability to…

“The Elders aren’t trustworthy!”

It didn’t matter how hard Presti clinched her fists, the voice continued to reverberate in her head. The trek to the Elders’ Keep would be an arduous one, filled with this deceptive voice clawing away at her conscious. Slowing her pace, she couldn’t sprint the whole way. What else would the voice say before she arrived? She planned to follow Westin Creek, until it turned towards town. Then continuing south, she’d take the secluded path that led to the Elders’ Keep.

“Their secrecy is not justified. They are only hiding because they must conceal the truth of who they truly are…”

Where was this voice coming from? Presti’s eyes widen with sudden terror. Rubbing her finger against the skin just below her right ear, she checked for a green symbol. She felt nothing. However, the mysterious green symbol could be there. She stopped running, wanting to see her reflection in Westin Creek. The creek water bubbled around jagged rocks. White foam collected on charred sticks. She slid down the embankment, and looked into the flowing waters. Quickly irritated, no angle gave Presti the ability to see below her right ear.

“What are you doing my misfit?” Rabbi asked.

Presti, surprised, lost her footing, and fell into the creek.

“Oh dear! I didn’t expect to frighten you so!” Rabbi stumbled down the embankment to help.

“The creek isn’t too deep. I’ll recover.”

After apologizing several times, Rabbi used the hem of her smock to dry Presti’s face. Presti enjoyed watching the lines in Rabbi’s face arc and twist as she spoke.

“The entire village sent me on an errand to find you. They plan to celebrate late into the night and their guest of honor is missing.”

“Why did they send you? Why didn’t they send a messenger?” Presti asked.

“I volunteered. The crowd resisted at first. They said my old bones couldn’t handle the search.”

“I am sure you didn’t take that with much grace.”

“No, I didn’t! Rabbi laughed. “However, I didn’t protest when they insisted I ride their fastest cortex. Wouldn’t let me go without it.”

“You have a cortex with you? Presti climbed the embankment to see.

“Yes, that beast of burden is harder on my bones than a walk, I assure you!”

Presti thankfully beheld the long-legged cortex. The beast nipped at the ground, digging at the ash, vainly searching for food. The boney and nimble creature would make the trip to the Elders’ Keep much shorter.

Rabbi caught Presti in a side embrace.

“Will you return with me to the Center for some celebrating?”

            “Are the Elders at the Center?”

            “What a foolish question. Night rituals begin soon. They have certainly left for the Elders’ Keep by now.”

            “I can’t explain, Rabbi. I can’t come to the Center. I need your cortex.” Presti mounted the cortex using the side ladder strapped on its side.

            “How will I return to the Center without the cortex? What will I tell everyone when I get there?”

            “I don’t know.” Presti wrapped the reigns around her wrist and hand.

            “You own me an explanation!” Rabbi shook her fist.

            “My secrecy is for your safety. There is your explanation.” Presti slapped the cortex.

            The cortex’s claws dug into the burnt earth. Lunging forward, the animal covered twenty feet in a second. Stretching its neck forward, it showed resolve. Presti heard Rabbi’s complaints for only a few heartbeats. After covering a great distance, the animal only increased its speed. The cortex leapt over Westin Creek. Now that the creek curved towards town, Presti could no longer use it as a guide. Attempting to keep the cortex’s path as straight as possible, she hoped to find the secluded path leading to the Elders’ Keep.

            Inspecting the horizon, she couldn’t see any building or sandy path. The farther the cortex ran, the more barren the landscape. Rumors suggested that the Elders’ Keep resided in this area. No one attempted to confirm those suspicions, and Presti began to doubt all the villagers’ stories. However, just as she was about to abandon her mission, the cortex darted to the right. Sprinting southeast, it headed toward a gathering of bushes. After a few more strides, Presti saw a sandy path between the bushes. Relief and fortitude strengthened her grip. She encouraged the cortex with another whip of the reigns. Running at a speed it hadn’t yet reached, it glided across the ash like the wind.

“Stop!” the mysterious voice bellowed within Presti’s head.

            Much to Presti’s shock, the cortex immediately stopped. Frantically wrapping her arms around the animal’s neck, she steadied herself so as to not fly forward. She looked at the ground, six feet below. Swallowing hard and breathing a sigh of relief, she balanced herself again. She dismounted with the side ladder. She drew the cortex’s slender face towards hers, looking straight into its huge green eyes, she spoke to an animal.

“You heard him? You heard him say, ‘Stop’?”

            The cortex made no magical gesture or reaction. Acting like any senseless cortex would, it shook loose of Presti’s grip and sniffed for food on the ground. Stamping her foot, Presti asked again.

            “Did you hear the voice or not? Did you stop because of him? Look at me!”

            The cortex took a few steps forward and clawed at the ground.

            “I will feed you, if you answer me,” Presti said.

            The cortex remained unresponsive. Presti placed her hand on her cheek and laughed. She patted the cortex’s head. Reaching into her pack, she pulled out an Elka Vine thorn, which the cortex devoured.

            “Perhaps I pulled the reigns without realizing it. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”

            She mounted the cortex again. She tied the side ladder, so it wouldn’t dangle by the animal’s legs. Grabbing the reigns, she directed the animal toward the bushes with the sandy path. Estimating it would only take three minutes to reach it, she hoped the secluded path wasn’t too long. Night rituals might have already started.

            Presti rapped the reigns and the cortex lunged forward.

            “Presti, you are stubborn. I have no choice.” The voice bellowed, “Come!”

            The cortex lifted its front legs high into the air. Presti wailed. As the cortex came back onto its four legs, it then bowed. Presti attempted to dismount while the animal was low to the ground, but before she could pull her left leg around, the cortex bounded forward. Presti’s lungs gasped at the air. The cortex no longer headed toward the sandy path. Charging north, in the opposite direction, the cortex now obeyed the voice instead of Presti’s orders.

            The animal retraced their journey, including jumping over Westin Creek. They passed the embankment where she had encountered Rabbi, but she didn’t see the old lady now. As the beast ripped through the landscape, Presti screamed for help. She feared all the villagers still celebrated at the Center. No one would hear her screams in this isolated section of the village.

            Eyeing the ground, she stretched her foot downward. Quickly retracting it, she held tighter to the animal’s neck. The beast abandoned a straight path and turned just west of the Elka Fields. A knot formed in Presti’s stomach. She wildly began untying the side ladder. It released and knocked against the beast’s long legs. Struggling to keep pace, the cortex whined from the pain.

            “Come!” The voice was stronger now.

            The beast charged forward so hard that the side ladder twisted and broke free. Presti attempted to grab it, but failed. The Narrow Path came into view, and Presti feared it must be the cortex’s destination. Presti prepared to jump.

Chapter 4

           

            The mystery of the Narrow Path made Oryan’s steps rigid. He refused to let Esis’s dead body touch the strange ground, even though his arms throbbed and stung. He wouldn’t set her down until he could see, and at the moment, an unfamiliar mist blurred his eyesight. A white swirl entered his lungs and chilled his face.

            The pathway’s texture reminded him of sand, but he couldn’t be sure that it was sand. He used the tip of his toe to guarantee a clearing. Letting out a sigh of frustration, he felt disoriented and lost. He had counted thirteen steps.

            Suddenly, he heard a crash behind him, followed by a cry of pain. The cry sounded like it came from someone he knew. He paused to listen. The cry belonged to a female—a female in great pain. After the third cry, he turned toward the village, forsaking the progress he had made. He followed the cry to its location. Coming onto the clearing, he saw Presti nursing a broken leg. Oryan laid Esis’s on the ground and ran to tend to Presti’s injury.

            “Presti, what happened?” he asked.

            Oryan flinched, wanting to tend to her broken leg, but he held back, seeing the indignation on her face.

            “You entered the Narrow Path!” Presti put weight on her leg, trying to stand.

            “Presti, don’t move.”

            “The restricted path! You took Esis’s body on that path! Oryan!”

            “We didn’t have a choice. What happened to your leg?”

            “Oryan! How far did you go?”

            “Not far. Maybe thirteen steps.”

            “Good! Maybe the Elders will show mercy. You might still be safe.”

            “I am going to walk the path, Presti. I am taking Esis away from here.”

            “No!” Presti attempted to stand again, but her injured leg couldn’t hold the weight.

            “Presti, calm down.” Oryan took hold of Presti’s leg and she winced in pain. “Your leg is broken in several places. What happened?”

            “I jumped off a cortex.”

            “A cortex? Why would you do something like that?”

            “It was running toward that dreadful path. It wouldn’t stop. I had to jump before it entered…” Presti trailed off, concealing something.

            Oryan distrustfully looked at the cortex and then back at Presti.

            “Presti, a cortex always listens to its master. They are extremely obedient animals. Why were you telling it to run toward the path?”

            Presti didn’t immediately answer, which made Oryan more speculative. She avoided his eyes.

            “Was there another rider?” Oryan wrapped a bandage around Presti’s leg.

            “No, I was alone.”

            “Then why would the cortex disobey…”

            “Oryan, don’t ask a question that I am not willing to answer!”

            Oryan surveyed the area to understand the situation better. Indeed, no one else was in the area. The cortex grazed a few feet from their location. Its side ladder was missing. Presti’s injury looked serious enough. She would need a healer. He needed more time.

            “I promised Ry that I would take his daughter away from the Elders. I can’t remain with you any longer. Especially, if you are going to be stubborn and not answer my questions. Can you ride the cortex to a healer?”

            “The path isn’t safe. You don’t know what you are doing. Esis is safer in the Elders’ care.” Presti’s voice softened.

            “It isn’t just about Esis. I think there may be more Elka fields beyond the path. The village will perish, if the crop fails.”

            “I spoke to the Elders about the sap. They are aware of the danger. You must trust them.”

            “I don’t have time to explain my actions. If I lift you onto the cortex, will you ride to a healer?”

            “I am not riding that cortex!” Presti’s body tightened.

            “Presti! Quit stalling! I know what you’re doing. You’re delaying me on purpose.” Oryan went to Esis’s body and lifted her in his arms.

            “Oryan, don’t you dare!” Presti stumbled forward.

            “Presti, you are so stubborn! I’m sorry. I promised Ry!

            Oryan entered the pathway, with reluctance. The mist encircled him, but not as before. Not as thick. He could faintly see the path before him. No longer blind, he saw grains of sand beneath his boots. His body shook, uneasy about the change in environment. The mist allowed enough sight to move forward, but never enough to reveal his destination. He looked behind him to see if Presti had followed him onto the path, but that was a foolish thought.

            After walking ten steps forward, Oryan noticed that the mist had a lifting quality to it. His arms no longer needed to carry Esis’s full weight. His aching muscles relaxed. Terror replaced relief as Esis’s body swiftly lifted into the air. He waved his arms upward, but the mist enveloped her too quickly. He yelled her name, but the only reply was a haunting echo. The mist had stolen Esis from his care.

***

            For Presti, Oryan’s betrayal hurt worse than her broken leg. She threw a rock into the path. She watched the path’s entrance, hopeful that Oryan would repent of his deviancy. Nothing moved, except for a peculiar white mist that seeped toward her. She pulled away, and the white swirl responded by retreating back into the path.

            Dragging her body toward the cortex, she swatted its leg. Too busy gorging itself on a tuft of charred wheat grass, it barely noticed. Presti groaned in pain and then huffed. The cortex snapped its head up, as if something startled it. Presti saw Elder Nolan hovering a few feet before her.

            “Presti, why is your leg broken and why are you only a few feet from the Narrow Path?” Elder Nolan glared at her.

            “Elder Nolan! Thank you for coming! I have been trying to warn the Elders.”

            “Warn us?”

            “A voice. I keep hearing a voice.” Presti winced in pain. “I tried to warn you.”

            Elder Nolan’s transparent form darkened. He moved farther away from the Narrow Path.

            “If you tried to warn us, why are you here and not nearer to the Elders’ Keep?”

            “The cortex listened to the voice. The voice told it to run to the Narrow Path. I had to jump before it reached the path. That is why my leg is broken.”

            “That sounds like a ridiculous lie.”

            Four other Elders appeared.

            “It is the truth.” Presti said.

            “I will speak with the Elders about your story. I am not fully convinced. There is something hidden here.”

            Elder Hester appeared, and seeing her injury, went to help. Elder Nolan lifted his hand and forbade him from touching her.

            “Someone must tend to her injuries,” Elder Hester said.

            “Not until we uncover what happened. She may have entered the path. If this happened, we cannot touch her. It will taint our perfection.”

            All three Elders bowed in submission to Elder Nolan. Elder Hester sunk back and joined the other Elders.

            “I didn’t enter the path. You must believe me. Everything happened just as I told you.” Presti spoke straight to Elder Nolan.

            “Then why do I sense deception in the air? There is something you are not telling me.”

            Presti felt cornered.

            “Esis drowned in Westin Creek. Oryan has taken her body into the Narrow Path!” Presti bit her lip.

            The Elders gasped. As if tossed by a mighty wind, Elder Nolan went back ten feet. Presti felt faint from a loss of blood. Attempting to remain conscious, she reached for Elder Hester’s aid.

            “Presti, can you see Elder Nolan? What does he look like to you?” Elder Hester shook her body.

            Letting her head slightly fall to the left, she looked toward the direction where the mighty wind had tossed Elder Nolan. Now his form and appearance were not at all attractive or familiar. He stood before them as a grey beast with yellow eyes.

            “He doesn’t look the same,” she forced the words out as she felt herself losing consciousness.

            Elder Hester acknowledged the other Elders who gave the impression of being defeated. Presti couldn’t be sure, but she thought Elder Hester said, “It is time.” Then everything went black.

***

            Oryan yelled Esis’s name louder and louder, thinking it would catch the attention of whatever evil had taken her from him. The mist dissipated completely, but he felt more lost now. The narrow sandy path weaved between slightly transparent trees without leaves. Instead of leaves, the trees grew jewels. Any other adventurer would think this to be a prize, but as a harvester, Oryan knew that demand created value. There were thousands of jewels, making them less rare and therefore cheap. He didn’t need jewels; he needed Elka sap.

            The trees were exceptionally short, so he couldn’t climb to see beyond his current position. The jewels clanked against each other, making it hard to hear any other sounds. If a specter stepped on a twig, he wouldn’t hear it.

            “Esis!” Oryan yelled again.

            “Her body is safe.”

            Oryan spun around to find an imposing man, or a life form resembling a man. Standing a foot taller than Oryan.This being had all the features of a man, except for his eyes. Each eye was a pool of black with a star in the center. Oryan struggled to understand this being’s facial expressions because his eyes were so different from anything he had ever encountered.

            “What did you do with Esis?”

            “Do you believe I was the one who lifted her from the ground,” the being smirked.

            Oryan hesitated to answer, but believed that this being was to blame for Esis’s disappearance.

            “I believe you know where I can find her,” Oryan finally said.

            “You believe well.” The being chuckled. “Follow me.”

            “You will take me to her.”

            “I will take you to your village’s salvation.”

            “I knew it! This land does have Elka fields!” Oryan felt hope flood his heart.

            The being’s head fell. In conflict with his impressive stature, his soul looked defeated. He removed an emerald from one of the slightly transparent trees. He gazed at it for a moment and his starry eyes turned to emeralds. Then the jewel in his hand disappeared. Oryan’s mouth gaped open.

            “How did you do that?”

            The being or man smiled.

            “You consider my eyes a wonder. I consider your enslavement a wonder. How can you slave in those fields for sap? How can you bow down to Elders who require too much of you? How can you put your faith in a stone that is robbing you of paradise? That is a wonder in my eyes.”

            “Who are you? How do you know so much about our village?” Oryan asked.

            “My name is Enhon. I am your creator.”

            Oryan laughed. “If you want to deceive me, you should try something more subtle.”

            “Deceive you? Why would I want to deceive you?” Enhon grabbed a ruby from a tree’s branch and after looking at it, his eyes transformed to rubies. The ruby in his hand disappeared just as the emerald before it.

            “The Elders warned us that this path is full of deception. They tell us that once we walk it, we will be lost forever.” Oryan began to follow Enhon who walked forward.

            “I know of these Elders. They use to be my servants. They are the true deceivers.”

            “They are my religious authority.” Oryan voice was quiet. “They protect us from a fiery death and lead us in righteous.”

            “I think you are trying to convince yourself of their piety. I don’t think I need to deceive you. You don’t need a path to lead you away from their teachings. You have already decided in your heart that these Elders are not trustworthy.” Enhon kept his face forward, not looking back as he talked.

            “There have been strange occurrences.” Oryan spoke slowly.

            “The green symbols on people’s necks and the weakening sap,” Enhon said.

            “You have been to our village!”

            “No. I am aware of what occurs in the village. However, I cannot enter it.”

            “Why not?”

            “The Purity Stone. It is the vilest evil. It prevents me from entering your village. The Elders wanted to rule themselves, so they secretly created it long ago. I will have someone destroy it. Once the Purity Stone is destroyed, the village will be renewed, and my rule will be restored.”

            Oryan rushed to conceal himself among the trees. He couldn’t be near such a vile and destructive being. A being who wants to destroy the holiest relic in the village. If this being doesn’t kill me, Presti sure will.

Chapter 5

            The healing room smelled like boiled plants and mixed herbs. The coarse fabric of the cot bristled against Presti’s arms. The pain medication allowed her to forget about her leg and focus on the on-going argument with the old, clever healer.

“I saw Elder Nolan transform. He looked like a beast!” Presti yelled.

            “Presti, I told you not to move,” Otti held Presti in place.

            “A grey beast with yellow eyes!” Presti repeated.

            “The Elders told me you lost plenty of blood and started to hallucinate. We have taken care of that. Your blood has been restored to you.” Otti placed a wet wrap around Presti’s leg.

            “This was not a hallucination. He turned into a beast. I had a clear mind. I saw it.”

            “Everyone who hallucinates thinks they are seeing something real. I don’t blame you for thinking it was real, but it was not.” Otti grabbed a jar from the shelf and stirred its contents with a white stick.

            “It was real!” Presti insisted.

            “Think about what you are saying. Elder Nolan transformed into a grey beast with yellow eyes. That is absurd. It is more likely that you lost too much blood and your brain lacked the oxygen to process your surroundings.” Otti’s big belly rumbled with a laugh.

             Feeling the wrap on her leg tightening too much, Presti signaled to Otti. He grumbled and set his jar back on the self. After wiping his hands on his apron, he hobbled over to check Presti’s cast. The wrap had hardened and turned a darker shade. Tapping the cast with his wrinkled hand, he appeared satisfied with the result.

            “You will be sore for a few days, but you will be able to perform the Purity Stone ritual on schedule.”

            “The ritual? The Elders aren’t replacing me with another priest?”

            “Nope.” Otti chuckled and patted his belly.

            “What’s so funny?” Presti asked.

            Otti got so close to Presti that she felt his white curls brush against her face.

            “You’re somewhat of a celebrity now. You saved the village from the fire during that last ritual. If the Elders were to replace you, there might be some questions as to why. To keep this whole ordeal with the Narrow Path a secret, they need everything to remain the same. Don’t let those Elders fool you. They need you.”

            Lifting Presti’s leg into a sling, Otti examined it further. There was a knock at the door. It startled Presti, but Otti acted as if he expected visitors. He went to the door, and welcomed four hooded Elders into the room. She couldn’t tell the Elders apart because the hoods concealed their identity. Before the door closed, another visitor entered. Presti shrieked and jostled the cot to the floor. With her leg caught in the sling, she had to wrestle it free. Once the sling broke loose, she pulled herself to a table. She upended the table, converting it to a shield.

            “I told you! He’s a beast!” She carefully raised her head above the table, hoping to see an escape.

            Standing before her was the same beast she encountered near the Narrow Path. Two elongated teeth protruded from the monster’s lower jawbone. Saliva seeped to the floor from its mouth while snot oozed from its large nostrils. Matted grey hair moved back and forth, as the threatening beast took in mouthfuls of air.

            Unsure why the Elders remained calm; she looked for Otti, hoping he found cover. The old healer stood dumbfounded at the doorway, his hand still on the door handle. Presti waved him toward her, but he only raised an eyebrow.

            “Presti, what has gotten into you?” Otti asked.

            “Elder Nolan is a beast. I told you! Look at his yellow eyes!”

            “Presti, Elder Nolan is not a beast. Get out from behind that table! Your leg needs to be elevated for three hours.”

            “This is what I feared.” The beast’s thick, bloodcurdling voice filled the small room, followed by a deep growl.

            “She promised us she didn’t walk the path,” an Elder said.

            “Presti wouldn’t deceive us,” another Elder said.

            “She must have walked the path. Otherwise she wouldn’t see a falsehood!” The beast’s voice sounded vengeful and murderous.

            Filled with bravery, Presti rose from behind the table to defend herself.

            “I didn’t walk the path! I obey the Elders! I even told you about Oryan! He’s my friend and I told you about his plans! I could have kept that from you. How can I prove to you that I didn’t walk the path?”

            Otti, stubborn as ever, pulled Presti out from behind the table and forced her back onto the cot.

            “She could have unknowingly been exposed to something from the outer lands,” Otti said.

            “Nothing born from that world can enter our world,” one Elder said.

            “The mist! Some mist from the path came near me!” Presti hoped this would release her of any guilt.

            “Leave us!” The beast ordered the other Elders away.

            The Elders left in a single-file-line, heads bowed. Otti fussed with the broken sling. He kept a guarded eye on Elder Nolan.

            “Will you test her, Otti?” the beast asked with a growl.

            “I’ve done the test before, but it was on a dead man.” Otti replied. “She didn’t enter the path. She told you. We don’t need to test her.”

            “Tell him about the voice!” the beast’s yellow eyes blazed.

            A tear escaped Presti’s eye. “Do the test!” Presti said as she grabbed Otti’s arm.

            “The test is painful, and I can’t guarantee you will survive it,” Otti said.

            “For some reason, the outer land is reaching out to Presti and I want to know why. Do the test!” the beast demanded.

            “I don’t want to be deceived.” Presti rested back against the cot and closed her eyes. “If this test will help me understand the day’s events, I am willing to risk it, whatever may happen.”

           

***

            Looking to his left and right, Oryan only saw a lack of cover. The trees were transparent, after all. If Esis were alive, she would know what to do. Sorrow came into his heart. He hadn’t given himself the time to suffer the loss of her, even while he was carrying her dead body. Forcing himself to focus on his mission, he had blocked the pain. He missed her, especially her zeal and skill. His chest ached and his brow felt hot. Suddenly, hiding no longer mattered.

            “What have you done with her body?” Oryan charged toward Enhon, not sure how he would overcome him.

            “You can see her. Simply follow me.” Enhon started down the path again. “She’s breathing now.”

            Oryan halted his attack, his boots slamming against the sandy path. A never-felt-before hope gripped Oryan’s spirit. Too glorious to doubt, Oryan had to ask.

            “Did you say that she is breathing? She’s alive?”

            Enhon continued to walk the path as if the day’s events always contained such miracles. His stride continued its same pace, and he kept his back to Oryan when he replied.

            “Yes. She’s breathing, and I think she wishes to stay in my realm now.  I wouldn’t try to convince her otherwise. She has more powers now. She’s not one to fight or argue with.”

            Oryan took three jubilant steps forward. He increased his speed to the point that he almost passed Enhon, until he came to an abrupt stop.

            “You would say anything to lure me farther along this path, you vile creature.” Oryan grabbed Enhon’s robe at the neck.

            “Oryan! Stop!” a female cried.

            It sounded like Esis. He tightened his grip and made sure that Enhon’s mystical eyes were locked on his.

            “If she is a phantom, I will kill you.”

            Oryan loosened his grip and turned his eyes toward the female running toward them. Her stride was too fast for any normal human. She wore a white dress, not the same dress Esis wore when he had carried her. Her features were the same. However, they glowed somehow. More radiant. Her countenance carried a deep concern for Enhon. Once she reached them, she scolded Oryan.

            “Oryan, I can take care of myself,” she said.

            “You died! That is not taking care of yourself!”

            “You think you know everything, but you don’t know anything!” she said.

            “I am on the path that leads to deception! I can’t be sure of anything. I won’t argue with you there!” Oryan turned toward his village and started walking.

            “Where are you going?” she asked.

            “Back home.”

            “No stay!”

            “I can’t remain here.”

            “It’s me! It’s Esis! I can prove it to you! Ask me something that Esis would only know.”

            “I can’t be sure of anything while I am here. The Elders were right. This path is evil. How can I believe that you are alive? That is crazy!”

            “Ask me something Esis would only know!”

            “Enhon could tamper with my perception. As long as I am on this path, I can’t be sure of anything! No test can reveal the truth when I am surrounded by deception.”

            “I’ll return to the village with you. Then I’ll show you! Then will you come back with me?”

            “Can she do that?” Oryan looked at Enhon.

            “Esis, he won’t believe until Presti believes,” Enhon said.

            Oryan burned with anger.

            “What does this have to do with Presti?” Oryan asked.

            “She’s the one who must destroy the stone. She’s the only one who can enter the Refuge.” Enhon said.

            “She will never do that! She’s more faithful to the Elders than anyone! Esis knew that. If you are truly Esis and not some phantom, tell Enhon he will never destroy the stone!

            The female returned to Enhon’s side.

            “You haven’t seen the things that I have seen. You don’t know what Enhon has shown me. Once Presti learns what I have learned, she will destroy the stone.”

            “Either you are not Esis, or you are Esis and you have been deceived. Presti would never destroy the stone. Ever!” She’s the most faithful woman I have ever known.”

            “…and loved.” Enhon said.

            Oryan shuddered. He didn’t like how Enhon pretended to know everything.

            “Presti is devoted to the stone. She would never betray the Elders! Enhon, you are the one who is deceived. You don’t know Presti. If you hope that she will destroy the stone, you are a fool!”

            “I don’t hope, Oryan. I know.” Enhon placed his arm around the female, much like a father.

            “Oryan, Enhon’s leaving you for now.” she gave a worried look.

            “Good.”

            “You will feel his absence soon. So will I.”

Enhon  continued down the path, and a sadness fell on Oryan. He denied it, but it didn’t dissipate. The female lingered and waited for Oryan to turn away from her. When he finally made the decision to return to the village, she spoke.

“I am coming with you! I will prove to you that I really am who I say I am!” the female said this with the same warrior spirit that Esis always carried.

            As they walked back to the village, they didn’t speak to one another, which made Oryan doubt this female was Esis. Oryan knew Esis had a crush on him. Whenever she was in his presence, she would talk incessantly because of nerves.

            This female appeared more elegant than Esis as well. Her white dress appeared to flow, even though there wasn’t any breeze. Oryan waited for this “Esis” to thwart his escape. Maybe she only followed him to spy on him or prevent him from leaving. However, he reached the path’s threshold with no trouble.

            “When you leave, it will not be easy for you,” the female said. “However, it will be made right in the end.”

            Oryan pretended not to be affected by her warning, but his chest felt heavy. He stepped onto the clearing with the female. He was met by numerous guards who immediately bound his hands and feet. Fearing the female would escape, he gave the guards forewarning.

“Arrest her! She will be faster than any of you!” he yelled.

“You want us to arrest a dead girl? You think she can outrun us?” one guard asked.

The guards laughed together, and pushed Oryan to the ground, fully bound.

All her luster had disappeared. Her lifeless body rested on the ground. Two Elders collected her body into a black bag and carried it away on a cart. Oryan fought against the guards, telling them about all that had transpired.

            “Deceived, no doubt.” One guard said as he placed a black hood over Oryan’s head.

            Oryan knew the lifeless body. It was Esis. He had no doubt.

Chapter 6

            Out of the corner of her eye, Presti watched Otti pouring some Elka sap into a bowl of crystallized water. Presti’s breath grew shallower as she watched Otti mix strange elements. With every new addition, the old man’s nerves grew. Perspiration collected at his brow, and he had gained a twitch. He kept scratching his left eyebrow and murmuring to himself. The beast paced the floor, and the animal’s hot breath made the room warmer. His thick grey hindquarters kicked dirt into the air.

            “This is taking longer than before. Are you stalling?” The beast glowered over Otti’s shoulder.

            “I’m nervous.” Otti showed the beast his trembling hands. “I might kill her. Olbi Juster had no breath in him. This situation is vastly different.”

            Presti gasped. Olbi Juster? What did Oryan say about him? He was the man with the green symbol below his ear. The man found dead in the Elka fields who wasn’t given a proper burial. The Elders confiscated his body. Ry’s suspicions about Esis’s and Emiline’s death were heightened because of Olbi Juster’s unexplained death.

            The green symbol must be to blame for all this chaos. Presti’s fingers crept just below her ear. Feeling for an anomaly, she felt nothing but flat skin. She must see for herself. Her eyes canvassed the healing room, looking for a mirror. A broken mirror rested against a shelf full of empty jars. Lifting her leg out of the sling didn’t disturb Otti or the beast, but when the cast thumped on the floor, the beast whipped his head around.

            “Where do you think you are going?” the beast asked.

            “I just wanted to get that mirror.”

            “Why?” Otti set down his preparations.

            Presti promised she would never lie. The best way to tell the truth is not to answer.

            “Why!” The beast impatiently growled.

            If you have to answer, leave out the incriminating part.

            “I wanted to look at my facial features. I wanted to see if my skin looks strange or different. I am afraid of this deception too.”

            “Your facial features look the same,” Otti said.

            “I still want to see for myself.”

            Otti asked permission to retrieve the mirror. Before granting the request, the beast circled Presti’s cot. His large nostril sniffed at her, and his yellow eyes blazed. Presti protected her right ear from study by pretending to scratch it.

            “You may give her the mirror.” The beast finally said. “But, no more delays!”

            Otti carried the broken mirror with both hands, avoiding the serrated side that could easily slice his fingers. After handing the mirror to Presti, he rushed to his mixing desk. The beast’s demeanor grew increasingly violent, and Otti had no choice but to quicken his pace.

            All the upheaval caused by the mirror, produced no results. Presti couldn’t see any green symbol below her ear or anywhere on her face. Her blue eyes remained as blue as Westin Creek’s water, and her pale skin as white as her mother’s skin. Nothing abnormal. She vainly used the mirror to straighten her hair, which look grotesquely disheveled from the day’s events. Such a vain action amused her, and she needed some amusement. Her straight black hair laid flat against her face and rested pleasingly on her shoulders. She thought she was beautiful.

            “You look beautiful,” the voice said.

            Presti almost dropped the mirror to the floor. As she expected, the beast and Otti didn’t flinch. They didn’t hear anything. The voice only spoke to her.

            “I just heard…”

            “It’s ready.” Otti lifted a tube of green liquid from his mixing desk.

            “Administer the test!” Otti recoiled at the beast’s order, causing some of the liquid to slosh onto the floor. Presti heard a hissing sound and saw a plume of smoke ascend from where the green droplet had fallen. Otti, wearing thick gloves, cautiously carried the tube toward Presti’s cot.

            “Drink this.” Otti closed his eyes as he handed the tube to Presti.

            Presti wrapped her thin fingers around the tube. The liquid smelled similar to Elka sap, only with stronger smells, not as pleasant. Glossy particulates moved inside the watery -like substance. She wasn’t sure she heard Otti correctly.

            “Drink it?” Presti asked.

            “Yes, but not all at once. Take small sips and tell me the affects.”

            “This liquid will tell me if I am deceived?” Presti asked with hope.

            “Drink it!” the beast shouted so loud the jars on the shelf shook.

            Presti raised the tube to her lips and allowed one sip to reach her tongue. She didn’t even swallow. She tasted blood as the liquid sliced at her tongue.

            “Swallow, Presti! Quick!” Otti ordered.

            She downed the liquid, tasting blood as well. Her throat didn’t sting; it only pulsated. Then burst of cool air broke out within her chest.

            “It hurt before I swallowed it. However, once I swallowed it, it stopped hurting.  It almost feels magical.”

            “That is normal for the first sip.”

            Otti held the tube for Presti to take the second sip. She didn’t hesitate to swallow this time. She even took in more liquid, hoping a quicker test would produce a quicker result.

            Nothing physical changed. She barely even felt the liquid go down her throat. She waited for a few moments.

            “Nothing. I feel nothing.” Presti said.

            “Do you see anything different? What is your perception like?” Otti asked.

            Presti looked at Otti. She looked at Elder Nolan, who still looked as beastly as ever. She glanced around the room; everything was in its place.

            “Everything is the same.”

            Otti laughed a deep, cheerful laugh. He patted Presti’s shoulder.

            “You see, Elder Nolan. I told you! She didn’t enter the path. We don’t need to run the entire test. She passed the second level.”

            “Do I still look like a beast to you?” Elder Nolan asked.

            “Yes,” Presti said with some hesitancy.

            “There is still something wrong. She needs to drink until I no longer look like a beast!”

            “I don’t understand why she is hallucinating. It may not be connected to the path at all! If she drinks the entire liquid, it will kill her. No! I refuse to participate in this! She passed the second level. You should be satisfied with that.” Otti took the tube from Presti.

            “I am an Elder! You must obey me!’

            “I am not going to kill Presti because you’re superstitious and paranoid! Get the other Elders in here. They will undoubtedly agree with me.”

            “Do you understand what is happening? Our Purity Stone is in danger. We must do everything we can to protect it. The outer lands must not penetrate our world, ever. ” Elder Nolan sounded terrified. “She must be returned to normal.”

            Presti drew in a deep breath.

            “He’s right. We must protect the Purity Stone. We should continue.” Presti said.

            “Even at the risk of killing you?” Otti asked.

            “Without the Purity Stone, I am already dead, along with everyone in our village.”

            Otti ruffled his hair and released an unpleasant sigh.

            “All right!” he said. “Tell me the moment you no longer see a beast.”

            “I will.” Presti said.

            “He wants to kill you,” the voice came with concern and urgency. “Elder Nolan is wicked. Don’t drink it! He wants to kill you!”

            The voice sounded so real this time she was sure Otti and the beast must have heard it. They didn’t. Otti reluctantly nodded his head, signally for Presti to take her next sip. She lifted the tube to her lips. Before she drank, the voice shouted in her ears.

            “He’s trying to kill you. You are not deceived! You didn’t enter the path! Why are you deceiving yourself? You are trying to convince yourself that you walked a path that you never walked. This is insanity!” The voice railed at Presti like never before, fearing she was about to die.

            Presti swallowed the green liquid and instantly her body went rigid. White foam collected around her mouth and yellow puss seeped out of her eyes.

            “I knew this would happen!” Otti ran to one of his shelves and grabbed some leaves.

            “Give her the rest of the liquid!” the beast demanded.

            Busy collecting a remedy, Otti ignored the beast’s demands.

            “You see. Elder Nolan is a murderer. He doesn’t care about the truth.” The voice spoke again.

            Otti crushed the leaves and mixed them into mud. Carrying the blend in his hand, he forced the mud and leaves into her mouth. He used plain water to help her swallow it. Presti felt her body slowly relax. Her head fell to the side, and she saw Elder Nolan as Elder Nolan. The vision was not constant. The image of a beast and the image of Elder Nolan oscillated before her. She swallowed again, tasting mud and blood. Finally, the image settled, and Elder Nolan was the ghostly figure she had grown to respect and follow.

            “I see Elder Nolan,” she said weakly.

            Elder Nolan grimaced.

            “Give her the rest of the liquid!” Elder Nolan said.

            Otti looked dumbfounded.

            “Didn’t you hear her? She said she saw you,”

            “She is only trying to avoid the pain. We can’t trust her.” Elder Nolan said.

            Something was behind Elder Nolan. An image not solid. A maroon robe with golden lining. A man? He appeared translucent, as if not truly there. He spoke.

            “Presti, you can’t trust him. He will kill you. Please, you must escape.”

            Something otherworldly rose up within Presti. The negative effects of the liquid left as soon as she heard the apparition’s concern. She hurled the rest of the green liquid onto Elder Nolan, and grabbed the broken mirror as a weapon. What was she thinking? She was in a hole in the ground, surrounded by Elders who had numerous guards at their disposal. She had a huge cast on her leg. Not to mention, she was listening to an apparition.

            Elder Nolan sunk to the floor, writhing in pain. Otti looked as if all his dreams had come true, and now he regretted all his dreams. Presti hobbled over to Otti and pulled him to the ground.

            “Any secret tunnels out of here?” Presti asked.

            “Well, it isn’t a secret. It’s a loading tunnel. The Elders know about it.”

            “Let’s go!”

            The apparition with the maroon robe had disappeared. Presti wondered if he would reappear and help her find her escape. Otti led her to the loading tunnel. Not only was she handicapped, Otti was an old man. How were they going to escape? Where would they go?

Chapter 7

            A guard yanked the black hood off Oryan. His eyes didn’t need to adjust to the light because there wasn’t any light. He searched for outlines; nothing came into view, only blackness. He heard a dripping faucet and the distant conversations of guards.

            “Oryan, welcome. I have some questions for you.”

“Elder Nolan. Where am I?” Oryan attempted to hold the Elder position, but his wrists were bond.

“I said I have some questions for you. I didn’t say I would answer any of your questions.”

A few guards laughed. Judging by their laughter and the clanking of armor, Oryan estimated there must be five guards in his general vicinity. He pushed his back against what must be a granite wall.

“I thought our village didn’t have prisons.” Oryan said.

“A prison? How do you know you are in a prison? You can’t see in the dark. You could be in paradise.”

Oryan scoffed. “Paradise? Against my will. I doubt that.”

            The holding cell smelled rancid. Oryan had the suspicion that only the Elders and a few select guards knew about its existence.

            “Oryan, did you meet anyone when you entered the path?” Elder Prine asked.

            “Are all eight Elders here?” Oryan searched the blackness, still seeing nothing.

            “Why would all eight Elders be here? You aren’t that important,” a guard mocked.

            “Answer Elder Prine’s question. Did you meet anyone on the path?” Elder Nolan insisted.

            “I don’t know if it is safe to tell you.”

            An impatient guard kicked Oryan in the stomach. Unguarded, the blow hurt. He felt straw underneath him and cold stone.

            “Since when have the Elders resorted to violence?” Oryan coughed his words.

            “It was the guard who struck you, not an Elder,” Elder Nolan explained.

            “What have you done with Esis’s body?” Oryan asked.

            “I might be willing to answer that question, if you will answer mine. I will tell you where your dead friend’s body is located, but only when you tell me what happened at the Narrow Path! Did you encounter anyone?”

            Rising from the floor, Oryan leaned against the granite wall for more support. He dreaded a broken rib. He wondered what Presti would do in his situation, and then suddenly he knew. She would be virtuous and honest. She trusted the Elders with her life.

            “I met one man. He said his name was Enhon. He seeks to destroy the Purity Stone. We must ensure its safety!”

            The guards growled. “Oryan encountered a being from beyond our village! Oryan’s vulnerable to deception. We must kill Oryan!”

            “Yes,” Elder Nolan agreed. “We must rid our world of his treachery and betrayal.”

            “If you wish to kill a villager, you will need the consent of all the Elders. I have forms that will need to be signed.” Elder Prine was a stickler for procedure.

            Oryan cared little for their death threats. “Did you hear me? Enhon seeks to destroy the Purity Stone! You must protect it!”

            “Fool! Nothing can destroy the Purity Stone. You’re already deceived. This Enhon is no threat to our most holy and sacred relic.” As Elder Prine lectured everyone on the Purity Stone’s indestructibility, Oryan tested the eyesight of those around him. He slowly shifted to the right, heading in the direction where he heard a gate door open. He moved two feet in the dark without notice. He abandoned his escape once Elder Prine’s oration became too educational to ignore.

“Even our own priest, Presti, couldn’t destroy our Purity Stone, and she knows all the ritual secrets! It doesn’t even scare me that she has escaped.”

Oryan felt the hairs on his neck rise. Escaped. What did Elder Prine mean by escaped.

“Elder Prine, you have an idle tongue,” Elder Nolan scolded.

“I was only saying that her ability to enter the Refuge doesn’t alarm me. I don’t fear for the stone’s safety. She may know the ritual to enter the Refuge, but she could never destroy such a holy relic.”

“You think Presti seeks to destroy the stone?” Oryan asked.

“Why else would she defy the Elders? She attacked Elder Nolan. She has abandoned us. Presti has disgraced her holy calling.”

Oryan’s chest tightened; he wanted the whole world to hear him. “Presti cares more for the Purity Stone than anyone! She would never think of destroying it. You’re deceived!”

Elder Nolan hushed the room.

“That stone has continued to protect your village from a most terrifying demise, foolish harvester. You walked the Narrow Path. I wouldn’t rely on your perceptions now.”

Oryan spit into the darkness, but Elder Nolan continued without mercy.

 “You must care for her a great deal. I imagine Presti feels the same way for you. I could use that to my advantage. Congratulations, Oryan. You get to live a few days longer.”

“Live?” Elder Prine asked. “We must involve the other Elders. They must know the situation. Oryan walked the path. He is tainted by the...”

“I know the situation, Elder Prine! I need not be reminded! Elder Nolan snapped. “He will live, only to help us capture Presti.”

“Yes, sir.”

Oryan heard a gate open.

“You can’t leave yet. You didn’t come through on your promise.” Oryan gritted his teeth.

“What promise is that?” Elder Nolan asked.

“I told you what happened on the path. You promised to tell me where Esis’s body is hidden.”

“I changed my mind. I think I will keep that information to myself.” Elder Nolan laughed.

“I’m starting to doubt your perfection. You can lie.”

Oryan felt the heel of a shoe slice his face.

“Why won’t you let Ry bury his daughters? Is it the green symbol?”

Elder Nolan ordered all the guards to leave the room. After slamming the gate shut, he shoved Oryan to wall.

“You ask too many questions. I should cut your tongue out. We can’t have you telling stories. I have a knife for such occasions.”

 “Elder Prine, you aren’t going to let him cut out my tongue?”

“Oryan, your actions will have consequences. Our Elders have protected and served you. We didn’t require anything from you. We only asked that you remain in our village. You have betrayed our trust. You are tainted by the Narrow Path’s deception. Your life no longer has any value to me. Your conversations are worthless. This loss seems to be a proper punishment for your disobedience. I will excuse myself. I don’t enjoy violence.” Elder Prine exited.

            Elder Nolan’s icy presence forced Oryan’s head against the wall.

            “I love this knife. It was a gift from a very special being.”

            Oryan fought to free his head, but the ghostly presence pressed even harder.

            “My knife serves me well. Words are often needless.” The knife grazed Oryan’s lip.

            “Then you don’t desire to know what Enhon said about you.” Oryan hoped this falsehood would gain him time.

            “He spoke about me?”

            “Yes, he did.” Oryan lied.

            “Well, tell me! What did he say?” Elder Nolan loosened his hold.

“He said he watches you from the path.”

As Oryan failed at creativity, he inched closer to the corner. Scraping his cords against the wall, he hoped to weaken their grip.

“What else did Enhon say about me?”

“Um, he said that…that… you...often…” Oryan’s mind went blank.

“You’re trying to loosen your cords. You’re trying to escape. I will cut your tongue out!” No one could thwart Elder Nolan’s anger now. “My knife! Where’s my knife? Guards!”

While the guards searched Oryan for the knife, they beat him as well. Despite Elder Nolan’s accusations, Oryan swore he didn’t touch the knife. Calling him a thief and a deceiver, the guards continued their search.

“Enough! Elder Nolan shrieked. “Chain him to the wall! Ropes are not enough for this harvester. He almost broke free of those cords, and he has stolen my knife!”

            “We will find it for you.”

            “Yes, you will. I will return to finish what I started.” Elder Nolan exited.

            Moments after his exit, the room filled with light. Straw blanketed the floor and bloodstains covered the walls. Four guards searched the small holding cell for the knife. A timid guard, with barely any body mass, secretly lifted a rock and pocketed the knife. After nodding at Oryan, he addressed the other guards.

            “We don’t need four guards to search this tiny cell. I will get his chains.”

            “You do that, Tersal. Go with him, Bret, so the sap doesn’t get lost.”

            Once the two guards left, the other two guards emptied the cell of all the straw. Oryan, unsure of the impish guard’s plan, could only lie on the floor in agony.

            “Why did the Elders interrogate me in the dark?” Oryan asked the larger guard.

            “You ask too many questions, harvester.”

            “I have seen the Elders before. I know what they look like. They didn’t need to interrogate me in the dark.”

            “Shut up!”

            The other guard let out a sigh of frustration. “The knife isn’t here.”

            “We already searched him. He doesn’t have it. Keep looking.” The larger guard wasn’t about to give up.

            The timid guard, Tersal, returned with chains and hardware. “We can chain him to the north wall, farthest from the gate.”

            “Yeah, I know how to do my job!” The largest guard grabbed the chains and began to hammer the hardware into the wall. Tersal smiled with delight as the three other guards busied themselves with his clever distraction.

            Tersal tiptoed toward Oryan, with a laugh wanting to explode from his lips. Oryan sternly shook his head, wanting to convince the silly boy that they hadn’t escaped yet. The boy’s eyes widened as he removed the marble knife from his own pocket. Its strange circular shape fit well in the arch of the young boy’s palm. He cut the cords like a warrior even though he looked like a weakling. Waving Oryan toward the gate, he jingled the keys as an added luxury. Oryan quietly shut the gate and then Tersal locked it. Even the clinking of the latch didn’t disturb the guards, who were entrenched in their masculine venture of hammering metal into stone.

            “Follow me. I know how to get you out of here.”

            “Why are you helping me?” Oryan asked.

            Suddenly, the gangly face of an impish boy transformed into a glowing being with violet hair and crystal skin.

            “Because I am not one of them. I serve Enhon. I am here to deliver you back to him. Come away!”

            He smiled a glorious smile full of hope and deliverance. As he headed down the hall, he transformed back into an impish boy. Oryan had no desire to spend the night in a cell, but following one of Enhon’s minions wasn’t a good option either. Oryan heard the guards yelling for Elder Nolan. He decided he would follow Tersal out of the prison and then abandon him once they reached the outside.

***

            Otti held Presti’s face in his palms as she hyperventilated.

            “Presti, you need to slow down your breathing or you will pass out.”

            “I…have…attacked an Elder. I can’t….calm….down.”

The two of them had successfully escaped through the loading tunnel. Otti had led her to one of the many storage rooms that he owned. She rested on the floor, leaning against a barrel of tark weed. He considered emptying a barrel of sudar lark and forcing her to eat it. She would sleep for three days. She needed the rest. He hated to see it, but a teardrop collected in her eye.

            “Presti, the Elders will find us. We need to decide what we will do.”

            “Elder Nolan…will seek the…council of the other Elders…before he…comes after us. We have time.” Presti tried to slow her breathing.

            “Not so. He must come soon because he will need to discuss the Purity Stone ritual with you. It is almost morning.”

            Presti took three quick gasps of air. “I must summon the Elders.”

            Otti forced his hand on her mouth. “Don’t you dare! Let’s discuss this first.” Otti collected himself before he spoke again. “There is no doubt in my mind that Elder Nolan intended to kill you back there. He had verifiable proof that you didn’t violate his laws, but he was still determined to kill you. You know what? You saw Elder Nolan as a beast because he IS defiled. You are pure, and he hates that. He is trying to destroy you because you know the truth. That’s what I think.”

            Otti clutched Presti’s hand. Her head fell as she considered everything he said. She shook her head in denial. Otti caught her face in his hands.

            “You don’t see your value, and you over value those who aren’t worthy of it. I consider you as my own daughter and I am telling you now, Elder Nolan was going to murder you.”

            Presti allowed the words to penetrate, “That is what the apparition said.”

            “What apparition?”

            “Otti, I saw something else during your test. I didn’t tell you because I was scared.”

            “What did you see?”

            “A man, I think. He wore a maroon robe.”

            “A man?”

            “Yes. Elder Nolan knew I was hearing a voice from the outer lands. That is why he was so insistent about me taking the test. Then I drank the third sip of the liquid you gave me, and then I saw the man. He told me that Elder Nolan wanted to kill me. Does this mean I am deceived?”

            “But, you didn’t walk the Narrow Path?”

            “No! Why do I have to keep saying that! I did not walk the stupid path!”

            Otti chuckled. “Sorry.”

            “The man wasn’t actually there. Or at least I don’t think he was there. He looked more like an apparition than a man.”

            “He told you that Elder Nolan was going to murder you?”

            “He said that Elder Nolan was wicked and didn’t care about the truth. He just wanted to kill me.”

            “Presti, I don’t claim to be a man of wisdom, but I saw murder in Elder Nolan’s eyes. It wasn’t justice. I don’t know if this apparition is good or bad; however, I agree with its assessment. Elder Nolan wanted to kill you. And for no good reason.”

            “Otti, I put my faith in the Elders. I can’t just betray my heart. I believe Elder Nolan is fighting for something beyond us. I can’t fall victim to cynicism. However, I will wait for the Elders to come to me. I won’t summon the Elders until they are ready.” Presti closed her eyes and rested her head on the barrel. “I trust the Elders. I have to.”

Chapter 8

           

Presti awoke slowly, not recognizing her surroundings. The tent, with various decorative pillows and blankets, smelled of a rich floral perfume. Her head rested on a plush pillow with blue frills. Beside her bed rested a plate with nuts, raisins, and a goblet filled with milk. She felt a deep hunger, but wanted to find Otti before she ate.

“Otti? Did I fall asleep? Where are we?”

Something entered the tent, but not Otti. An unfamiliar animal with a cream fleece and pointy ears entered the tent. After gracefully eating some of the white grass, it went toward the goblet of milk and drank with its long tongue. Presti wrinkled her nose.

“You weren’t going to drink the milk. We should not let it go to waste,” the animal said.

Presti screamed.

 “No need to scream. You reek of stubbornness and devalue glory. You had no intentions to drink the milk. I will drink it for you.”

Presti looked at the animal with a grand expression of confusion.

In response to her look of the confusion, the animal spoke. “You are unfamiliar with milk? That is great ignorance. By the way, I am called a gazelle for future reference.” He laughed and walked out of the tent with victory beaming from his face.

After the gazelle exited, a foreign and overwhelming hunger gripped Presti. She ate everything on the plate before her. Hearing approaching footsteps, Presti felt a sudden shame. A female’s hands tied the tent flap to a wooden pole, letting in a slight breeze. This meek female entered with little noise. Her bare feet caressed the white grass, and she kneeled near a basin of water.

Her silky, black hair was held in a low pony-tail. Her eyes were the color of wheat and her skin-a dark bronze. So beautiful, she could have been a king’s daughter, but she was dressed in the rags of a peasant. Taking a white towel from a shelf, she soaked it in the water.

“May I have your name?” Presti asked.

“My name is Ruth. It was rude of me not to introduce myself.”

Joy and contentment saturated Ruth’s every word. She was only a teenager, but her voice reverberated with wisdom and clarity, making her sound like a protective mother.

 “I am glad you entered the path.” Ruth wrung out the towel.

Presti swallowed hard, “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“Your friend, Otti. He brought you to us, this morning. Our entire village is celebrating. I was granted the privilege of preparing you for the celebratory dinner!”

Presti rose quickly and stormed toward the exit, but before she could exit, Enhon entered. His presence changed the atmosphere. Presti lost her footing and fell onto a wooden crate. Ruth knelt on the floor.

Enhon raised Presti from the crate. “You’re not hurt?”

Presti refused to answer, despite a few scrapes.

“I trust your rest was pleasant. I see you have eaten the food prepared for you.”

“Your voice! You’re him! The voice I have been hearing!”

“Yes. We finally meet face to face. It grieves me that we didn’t meet under better circumstances. Otti is sorry for his actions, but he felt it was necessary to bring you here.”

“Kidnapping is never necessary! Where is Otti?” Presti shook her fist. “He knows how I feel about this wretched place! I must return!”

All though angry, Presti couldn’t directly confront Enhon. She found herself yelling at the floor. If she looked into his face, her anger vanished. She clamored to the far side corner of the tent.

“I must return!’

Ruth rose and grabbed Presti’s arm. “Are you even aware of who you are? How could anyone in your position want to return to that dreadful place, when you are granted paradise?”

Presti felt breath escape her lungs. Ruth’s words sounded full of admiration and honor. Maybe Ruth was a victim of a foul deception as well. Suddenly, she felt compelled to save the sweet teenager from her life of service.

“Ruth, come with me. I can take you away from this man and his treachery. He is holding you captive. Promising you wonderful things, but making you his slave. If you return to my village, we will show you the path to righteousness.”

“I have already entered your village, and I know it’s not righteous.” Ruth rushed to Enhon’s side.

Enhon placed an arm on Ruth’s shoulder. They both held a look of sympathy and grief. Then Ruth again came to Presti’s side and beckoned her toward the tent’s exit.

“Master, may I show her now! Our village has waited for a long time.”

“You may. All is prepared.” Enhon smiled with grand delight.

Ruth pulled Presti forward, out of the tent, onto the clearing. The powerful smell of honey and lilies filled her lungs. Green vines decorated the landscape, as children played in thick, white fields. Villagers danced, as they danced, laughter grew louder and louder. Animals of every kinds, roamed freely with no sense of danger. Nothing scorched or barren.

“We will eat the dinner there!”

            Ruth pointed toward a massive building of gold. White columns supported a balcony with a glass table, decorated for a luxurious feast. Presti searched the landscape, hoping to find Otti.

            “I give you all this and all you search for is revenge.” Enhon approached Presti.

            “Otti, brought me here against my will. I need to speak with him.”

            “Sometimes your will is dangerous, and should be defied.”

            “All of this glory is merely a deception. It is too wonderful to be true! I need to find Otti and return to my village.”

            Enhon lifted Presti’s chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

            “So if something is too wonderful, you can’t accept it as truth?”

            “Yes. Life is hard and terrible. We work to make it better, but it will never be perfect. Righteousness is about working toward perfection, not obtaining it.”

            “Your Elders teach you that perfection is the act of pursuing righteousness. I only see partial wisdom in such a pursuit.”

            “You are not an Elder. You don’t have the authority to teach me about righteousness.”

            Ruth gasped, “Enhon, does she not know who you are?”

            “Ruth, my faithful one. I give you truth and promise to continue to reveal myself to you. Presti will know me. Continue to prepare for tonight. You are dismissed.”

            Appreciative and submissive, Ruth headed toward the golden building.

            “Does she always do exactly what you say?” Presti gritted her teeth.

            “Do you always do exactly what the Elders say?”

            Presti spun away and searched for the Narrow Path, planning to escape to her village.

            “You won’t find it. I hid the path from our villagers. You can only return to your village, if I accompany you.”

            “Well, accompany me!”

            “Not just yet. After the meal. My village has prepared for a long time. I can’t demean their efforts.”

            “You are crude. You are holding me prisoner!”

            “Presti, you are here. You should make the best of it. Delight in the glory, while you can.” Enhon took her hand and directed her away from the golden building.

            “I thought we were going to the dinner.”

            “We won’t eat till later tonight. I wish to show you the Gethsham Garden first.”

Chapter 9

The little boy, Tersa,l directed Oryan to a temporary resting place, hidden behind two large boulders. They heard the soliders passing by them, and they remained unseen. Oryan eyed the strange being by his side. Filled with unease, Oryan’s first question came with anger.

“Where’s Presti?”

“Follow me. I will take you to her.”

“Not a chance.” Oryan climbed the largest boulder, trying to find his bearings.

“Enhon has power to deliver your world. The time is soon.”

“Deliver our world? Not this again! I don’t have time to listen to Enhon’s promises. I need to find Presti and set things right. I can deliver myself.”

Chuckling at Oryan’s defiance, Tersal climbed the boulder as well. Once he reached the top, the weak boy transformed into an impressive warrior. Tersal’s well-built form reminded Oryan of his days laboring in the Elka fields. However, something about Tersal’s demeanor disqualified him from the hardships of harvesting. He was too gentle, too brotherly.

“Do you know where we are?” Tersal asked.

“No!” Oryan descended to the boulder in frustration.

“I know exactly where we are. I can help you.”

“I told you. I don’t need your help.”

“You were in a jail cell and I saved you. Right now, you’re lost. I know where we need to be and how to get there. You need Enhon’s deliverance.” Tersal jumped off the boulder and offered his hand.

Oryan brazenly stepped onto the clearing, risking sight.

“What I need is to find Presti.”

“You’re a silly people. If you come with me, I can take you to Presti.”

“Is she close?” Oryan looked, but only saw sand and more boulders.

Tersal placed his hand into his yellow robe pocket, pulling out a strange mechanism. The gears turned and played a simple melody. A few seconds later, the gears halted. Tersal smiled and then spoke.

“She has passed through the Narrow Path. She is headed to the Gethsham Garden.”

 “That’s impossible. If you’re trying to fool me into following you, don’t use that lie. Presti would never walk the Narrow Path.”

Bowing his head, Tersal gained an unexpected reference.

“You are true. Disobedience is not in her nature. She didn’t walk the path of her own free will. Someone took her there, without her permission.”

Oryan grew tired of this ruse. Shaking his head, he ventured north. “No one would do that.”

“It was for her protection. You need not fear. She is with Enhon. He will guard her virtue,” Tersal said.

 “Presti meeting Enhon? That would be entertaining.”

“Yes, they have been introduced. She was most welcome! The celebratory dinner is tonight! In her honor! We don’t want to miss it! Come!” Tersal’s expression glowed.

“What about Esis? Soldiers took her body. I need to get it back as well”

“That is your fault, my friend. I can’t help you recover Esis. You made her leave the protection of our world.” Tersal passed Oryan, heading northwest. Oryan altered his course to follow, only to ask his question.

“Where is she? Where is Esis?

“I told you. I can’t help you find Esis. I can only take you to Presti, if you follow me now.”

Oryan turned south, stomping away. Without steps, Tersal materialized before Oryan, blocking his path.

 “You don’t trust me or my people? Despite our powers.”

Finally, Oryan lost his temper. Erupting, he said, “The Elders teach us not to trust your people!”

“Why?” Tersal stood deafly still.

““My mother wanted me to become a priest. She told me about your people. ‘Once you are captivated by them, you can’t know you are deceived. You aren’t aware of their hold on you. Your conscious is no longer able to perceive righteousness.’ That is what the Elstine Books say about your people! Your people are deceivers.”

“No we aren’t. My people are glorious. They are free and beautiful. Follow me and I will show you.”

Some armor clanked from the south. Grabbing Tersal’s robe, Oryan heaved him behind the closest boulder. A dismal hiding place, compared to the massive boulders that concealed them earlier.

“They will capture us, if we remain here. You need to trust me.” Tersal looked honestly worried.

“We can’t run now. The soldiers will see us.”

“I never said we had to run. I told you to follow me. I didn’t mean we would walk this barren wasteland. We treat our honored guest with favor. Your journey will not be arduous. Take my hand.”

“You talk funny.” Oryan criticized.

The same aggressive cell guard drew closer to their position. Revenge scented each of his orders. Running out of time, Oryan swallowed hard. He slapped his hand into Tersal’s hand, wanting it to sting. If he was forced to defy his conscious, he would do it with strength.

***

The Gethsham Garden terrified Presti. The atmosphere was mysteriously sacred, reminding her of the Refuge and the Purity Stone. Hidden away in an intimate forest, the garden had one smooth rock large enough to rest upon. All the surrounding trees bended toward the rock and remained undisturbed by the wind. Their pearl leaves, cold and white, glistened with the same brightness of the Purity Stone. A path, made of unfamiliar brown soil, wrapped around the rock, creating a sensation of welcome and rest.

“All paths eventually lead to this garden,” Enhon placed his hand on the rock.

Presti huffed.

Enhon plucked a pearl from a branch, and then sweet wine flowed from it. A clear glass materialized in Enhon’s hand. After the wine filled the glass, the branch no longer gave anymore wine. After sitting on the rock, Enhon took a sip. Presti watched him with speculation. By the time he took his second sip, Presti approached him.

“Don’t pretend like this isn’t wrong. Forcing me to stay here!”

“Presti, I need you.”

 “You need me?”

“Your world is on the brink of destruction. You’re destined to free your people from their bondage.”

“Bondage? Our world doesn’t need deliverance.”

“I know you don’t believe that.”

“Our world is facing trials. We’re experiencing a testing. We’ill rise above it. The Purity Stone will protect us.”

“Presti, your sacred sap no longer has the quality you need to continue the ritual.”

“Our harvesters will find a solution. They always do!”

Enhon leaned on the rock, resting and unmoved by Presti’s temper. Feeling lost, she envisioned Oryan slaving in the fields. A hard worker, he never showed weakness.

“Strange, that you should mention the harvesters just now. Tersal has returned, and Oryan, the harvester, is with him.”

This was something she wanted to hear.

“Oryan! Take me to him immediately!”

“There is another friend who asks an audience of you.”

Then she heard a familiar voice.

“Presti, I’m disheartened that I will miss the celebratory dinner.”

It couldn’t be. Why did she hear Esis’s voice? What kind of dark magic would use her friend’s death as a temptation? She felt panic and grief. It couldn’t be Esis speaking now. The whimsical voice spoke again.

“Oryan wouldn’t believe. Just as you. Stubborn and silly. All will be made right.”

Presti searched the trees, as the voice danced back and forth. Looking to Enhon, he casually drank his wine. She called her friend’s name, not sure why. A foreign sensation of hope gripped her words.

“Are you alive? Are you alive? I saw your dead body. I saw you lying in the water, lifeless.”

“Enhon saved me.”

Presti beat her fists against a tree trunk.

“Liar! He isn’t our savoir! He’s a death wish. I saw Esis’s dead. You’re a worthless illusion. This world is one endless deception.”

Enhon grabbed Presti’s arm, and her body weakened. The voice of her dead friend softened.

“Enhon’s kingdom is not like our village. All will be made right.”

Presti’s anger unexpectedly turned to grief. She sank lower to the ground.

“Never! You’re a phantom!’ She wept.

Esis, the warrior, spoke. “Presti! Stop weeping! I told you I’m alive!”

With her demand, a violent wind rushed through the garden, followed by a calming silence.

 “Tears are for weaklings. I’ve always been stronger than you.” Esis laughed. “I will be reunited with you. Fear not.”

The voice trailed off. As Presti collected herself, Enhon explained his first encounter with Oryan on the Narrow Path. Warning her that Esis’s body was with the Elders, he urged that Esis must reunite her voice with her body to experience the fullness of life. He promised to mount a rescue mission. Tapping her shoulder, he cautioned that her lack of faith would limit his power. For the moment, she allowed him to explain, but gritted her teeth.

“I will take you to the feast now. I will reunite you with Otti and Oryan. I wanted to present this garden to you first. It belongs to you now. I created it for reflection. Every inner struggle will be nurtured and resolved in this garden.”

The edges of Presti’s lips inched upward. Enhon noticed, but he didn’t gloat that she showed gratitude. He only directed her forward, back the way they came.

***

Ry banged his fist against the cold metal of the cell gate.

“I thought our world didn’t have prisons! Arresting me won’t change anything! I will find out what you’ve done to my daughters!” Ry relentlessly berated the guards.

Mil remained curled in a ball, cradled by straw. Failing to calm her husband’s rage, she retreated into herself. Locked in a cell and two dead daughters, what did she have to live for? The bruise on her face ached, and she still couldn’t bring herself to accept it—the Elders had arrested an innocent woman.

“Their dead, Ry.” Mil’s voice broke. “Shouting won’t bring our daughters back.”

“I don’t plan to bring them back to life, but I will avenge their deaths.” Ry paced the cell floor. “Do you hear me, Elders? I will avenge their deaths!”

“Are you threatening our Elders?” A guard put his spear against the cell gate.

“I’m threatening those responsible!” Ry roared.

Mil hoping for mercy, pleaded again.

“Ry, would never accuse the Elders of wrong doing. He’s overcome with grief. We’re loyal subjects. Please, let me speak with the Elders. We’re innocent.”

The guard huffed, “Our Elders don’t lock up the innocent. Now shut up!” The guard clanked his spear against the metal and returned to his post. Ry looked at his wife with disgust.

“Mil, stop ignoring the truth!”

With a feeble sigh, Mil sank back into the corner. For Ry, such weakness was a disgrace.

“The Elders are hiding something, Mil!”

“Be quiet, Ry. Someone will hear you.”

“I told you about the green symbol…”

Mil slapped his cheek. “I told you to stop that! I don’t want to hear it! Just stop!”

Ry pulled his wife into an embrace. “There is my warrior! Keep fighting! Even if you disagree with me! Keep fighting.”

Mil relaxed in his arms, accustomed to his strong frame. “You’re such a brute. Always fighting. You can’t fight them.”

“I know you’re scared. But, I can’t forsake my daughters. I must find the truth.”

“Oh! Truth! Who cares about truth, when your daughters are dead?”

“You should not forsake truth, my dear lady.” Elder Nolan voice broke the embrace of the couple. “Even when you lose your family for its sake.”

“I apologize, Elder Nolan. It was my grief speaking,” Mil bowed her head.

Elder Nolan guardedly opened the cell gate, letting himself inside. Quickly locking the gate behind him, he scowled at Ry.

“It is a great tragedy when a loved one forsakes the truth. That evil quickly spreads to the family.”

“How dare you!” Ry’s strong arm would only slide through the Elder’s ghostly form. No villager could attack an Elder; they were immortal.

“Mil is truly the victim in today’s events,” Elder Nolan said. “Now that night has fallen, she will no longer need to live with her grief.”

“What do you mean? Are you threatening my wife? Do you mean to kill her?”

“I won’t kill her. Elders are perfect. We can’t kill.”

“Then what do you mean? Why will she no longer live with her grief?”

“Presti is tainted by the outer lands. As a priest, she is the spiritual representative of your village. All eight Elders have decided! To test Presti’s virtue, she will need to perform the ritual tomorrow morning. If she is deceived by the outer lands, she will not return in time.”

“You have other priests!” Ry said. “Presti will expect them to perform the ritual.”

“We are testing her virtue.” Elder Nolan dryly responded.

“If she doesn’t perform the ritual, everyone in our village will burn,” Mil said.

“I am aware.” Elder Nolan retorted. “If Presti is on the side of truth, you have no need to worry. The Purity Stone would never allow the villagers to burn, if righteousness is upheld.”

“You’re dead!” Ry rushed forward, but only went through Elder Nolan’s ghostly form and hit the wall hard.

Elder Nolan scoffed at Ry’s failed attack. As Ry nursed his sore arm, Elder Nolan drew closer to Mil.

“Don’t fear, my daughter. Truth will always save you from harm.”

“Get away from her! You’re a murderer!” Ry spat.

“Elders can’t kill.” Mil held the Elder position. “They are too holy.”

Elder Nolan thanked the trembling female, using her loyalty to shame Ry. Leaving the cell, Elder Nolan threw the cell keys down a drain.

“All the prisoners will burn tomorrow. These keys are useless.” Elder Nolan left.

The guards laughed at the prisoners’’ death sentence until Ry mentioned an unheeded fact.

“It won’t just be us. Everyone, including all of you, will burn as well.”

Chapter 10

Otti’s belly was already stuffed with cakes and meat. The balcony was wide enough to host the entire village. The glass table stretched the full length of the balcony, and expensive delicacies covered every inch. Oryan, not impressed, nibbled on some bread to retain his strength.

Tersal became the welcoming committee, shaking all the gentlemen’s hands and bowing to all the ladies. Oryan thought him ridiculous. Surrounded by too much gaiety, Oryan elbowed Otti. “We need to find Presti and return to our village. We aren’t safe here.”

“Well, we aren’t safe in our village either.” Otti shoved cheese into his mouth.

“Tersal said he would take me to Presti. He lied to me. I don’t see her anywhere!”

“Maybe you should look harder.” Otti’s mouth dropped, food dripping from his chin.

Presti stepped onto the balcony, wearing a golden dress. Her black hair braided with white ribbons. Ruth spent an hour preparing Presti for this glorious entrance, and her masterpiece graced the entire room.

“That can’t be Presti,” Oryan said.

Presti’s heart beat fast. Trying to ignore all the luxury, she peered over the crowd, searching for Otti and Oryan. Certainly, the three of them could plot an escape together.

Burning with resentment, Oryan watched as Enhon took Presti’s hand to escort her to the front chair. Had Presti succumb to the deceit?

Conversations quieted and everyone took their seats. Except Otti and Oryan who looked awkward still standing. Tersal merrily directed the two men to their seats, toward the front of the table, close to Presti.

“Oryan! Otti!” Presti sprung to her feet.

The party guests erupted with inquiry. Everyone wanted to know who these two men were to the queen.

“These men are Presti’s dear friends!” Enhon announced. “Welcome them! Presti will drink from the Torren Goblet, and then the celebration will begin!”

The crowd erupted with cheers.

Presti held the slender, pearl Torren Goblet to her lips, her fingers hugging its handcrafted coils. She saw Oryan shaking his head in protest. The thick, frosty liquid chilled her throat.

“It has begun!” Enhon shouted.

The crowd broke into song and dance. Presti tempted by the extraordinary beauty, fought within herself. The party guests were breathtaking. Every person had a unique shade of hair, various colors of the rainbow. Their skin—flawless—and eyes of jewels. When she caught the brown eyes of Oryan, she saw beauty in his plainness too. He frowned at her.

“Well, the Elders were right.” Oryan threw his plate on the ground, breaking it into pieces. He headed for the exit, but Otti held tight to his arm.

“Let her explain.”

“I’m done. I’m returning to our village with or without you!”

“What will you do when you get there?” Otti asked with scorn. “Convince the Elders of your noble intentions? Will you tell them that Presti is lost forever? Stop and think before you run, young fool! You aren’t safe in our village.”

Tersal came from behind, lifting Oryan five feet off the ground. “Enhon is about to explain everything! You can’t leave yet.” Tersal laughed as Oryan squirmed.

Despite his kicking, Oryan would remain suspended in the air during Enhon’s entire speech. Three trumpets erupted with one long blast, and everyone reverently turned to Enhon who approached an ornate, crystal podium. Opening a dark green book with worn binding, he began to read.

“An oracle for the morning after the celebratory dinner. Enhon will restore the lost lands to the former glory. Enhon, the merciful, will once again extend grace to the spirit guides who rebelled against him. A priest from the lost lands, who is devoted to ancient teachings, will aid in salvation. Her hands, as an act of true faith, will destroy the wretched, unholy stone. Presti Aline will grant Enhon’s return.”

Presti gasped. Destroy the stone?

Closing the book with reverence, Enhon bowed his head, so too did his listeners. Presti, shoving Enhon from the podium, threw the green book to the floor. The binding broke, sending loose pages across the floor.

“How dare you! Dress me in golden gowns! Celebrate! How dare you!” Presti shouted. “Destroy my village’s most precious relic! Pretend to adore me by welcoming me with your smiles, all the while, plotting my homeland’s destruction!” Heads remained bowed. No one moved.

“I will never destroy the Purity Stone! Ever!” Presti stormed toward the golden staircase. Oryan wrestled against Tersal’s strong grip to no avail. Presti descended the stairs. Oryan lost sight of her.

“Let go of me!”

Tersal’s head fell, and his grip weakened. Oryan broke free and sprinted to the stairs in pursuit of Presti. Before leaving, he glared at Enhon. “I told you, Enhon! Presti will never destroy the stone! Ever! You and your subjects are deceived!”

Not one villager moved or chased Oryan as he descended the stairs. He found Presti in the grand foyer, ripping the white ribbons from her hair. At seeing Oryan, she dragged him outside without a word. Her face burned with hatred.

“We need to warn the Elders!” Presti trudged forward.

“What’s your plan?” Oryan asked.

Presti huffed and her soles dug into the ground. Oryan read her face.

“You don’t know what you’re going to do.”

“He’s trapped us here!” Presti kicked a tuft of grass. “That’s what I know! Trapped us! He’s going to burn our village and keep us as his prisoners!”

“He can’t destroy the Purity Stone. No one can.”

“He can cut the supply of sap!” Presti said. “If the ritual isn’t performed…”

Oryan senses jolted. Suddenly, he understood. Enhon must be responsible for sabotaging the Elka Fields. Hatred welled inside him. He searched the horizon.

“There were short transparent trees…” Oryan said.

“What?” Presti raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“The Narrow Path. I was surrounded by short, transparent trees with jewels on their branches.”

Silvery wheat fields covered the horizon, not trees.

“I don’t see the forest anywhere.” Oryan frantically searched for something familiar.

Presti swallowed hard. The Gethsham Garden? Presti pretended to scan the horizon with Oryan. She bit her lower lip. What Oryan described sounded eerily similar to the trees she encountered in the garden. Enhon’s words haunted her, “All paths eventually lead to this garden.”

“Maybe we should just walk until we see trees,” Oryan said.

“We don’t have time. It will take too long.”

“What do you suggest we do then?”

Before Presti could answer, Otti hollered her name. His unfit body heaved from the short sprint. Using Oryan as a leaning post, he caught his breath.

“For a healer, you’re certainly out of shape,” Oryan said.

“Not out of shape, just old.”

Presti crossed her arms. “You aren’t needed old man. I doubt I will ever trust you again. You’re the reason I’m trapped here!

“Presti, no need to fuss.” Otti’s eyes widened as he handed Presti the green book with the broken binding. “Enhon read from this book. Don’t you recognize it at all?”

Guarded, Presti looked at the book in Otti’s hand. The worn cover reminded her of the ancient books covering the selves of the Great Autrim, where the Elders trained the priest. She refused to see anything extraordinary about the book, except its age.

“It looks like an old book,” she said.

“Look!” Otti pressed the inside cover into Presti’s face. “It’s the Elders’ signet! This is an Elstine book.”

Presti saw the green symbol etched inside the cover and tried to hide it from Oryan.

“It must be a fake.” Oryan said.

Otti violently shook his head. “That’s not possible.”

Barely able to say the words, Presti agreed. “No one can forge the Elders’ signet. It verifies authorship. An Elder wrote this.”

“Let me see!” Oryan ripped the book from Presti’s hands. Seeing the signet, his eyebrows furrowed. “Presti! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I couldn’t, Oryan.” Presti closed her eyes.

“This is the same symbol. The same green symbol on Esis’s neck!” Oryan shouted. “You knew it was the Elders’ signet and didn’t tell me.”

“You know the spiritual order must maintain secrecy for the protection of the stone.”

“Ry was grieving for his daughters! His dead daughters! You knew about the symbol and you didn’t even tell him!”

“Oryan, this is more complicated and more dangerous than you know.”

“Don’t insult me! You’re not above me, priest!” Oryan headed for the golden building.

“Where are you going?” Presti called after him.

“To enjoy this delusional world! Might eat some cake! I have no desire to return to our village, especially with you. I trust Enhon more than I trust you!”

“Stop pouting, Oryan! Let me explain.” Presti stomped her foot.

“I’m gone! I’m lost or deceived or whatever you call it!” Oryan shouted over his shoulder. “I’m done!”

Otti frowned, but didn’t let Oryan’s tantrum detour him from his mission. He grabbed Presti’s arm. “Do you realize what this means? An Elder prophesied that you would destroy the Purity Stone! The oracle foretells it!”

“Whose signature is after the oracle?” Presti asked. “Is it Elder Prine? Elder Hester?”

“That’s the most perplexing part! The signature belongs to an Elder Whinn.”

“There is no Elder Whinn.” Presti grabbed one of the loose pages from Otti and read it. The page told of a great Elder rebellion. Otti directed her to a second page.

“It says the Eight Elders created a magical sphere so rank with evil that Enhon the Holy couldn’t approach it. Not even to destroy it.” Otti explained.

“Created a magical sphere?”

Otti read two sentences aloud. In secret, these defiant Elders forged the stone from our sacred transparent trees. Corrupting it with their vile speech and enchanted curses, the Elders succeeded in repelling their benevolent creator.

            Presti and Otti skimmed the pages, trying to discover more about Elder Whinn. After Presti reread the oracle, she decided to return to the balcony.

            “Ruth might know something about Elder Whinn. I must speak with her.”

“What if this book is an enchantment as well?” Otti asked.

            “It can’t be, Otti.” Presti swallowed her words. “The signet is infallible. An Elder wrote this book. We need to consider everything now.”

Presti raced forward, but Otti lingered behind. He didn’t feel much peace. This book twisted everything he believed.

***

            Ruth, her face full of concern, collected dirty dishes into a washbasin. Dismayed that the celebratory dinner ended poorly, most of the others had left. Presti reached toward Ruth’s arm, but the servant flinched.

            “You took the ribbons out of your hair,” Ruth said.

            “I’m sorry.” Presti combed her fingers through her disheveled hair.

            “Enhon taught us about the value of an apology,” Ruth smiled. “Worth more than gold.”

            “I know you had great hopes for this dinner.”

            Ruth shook her head. “Not for the dinner. I don’t put hope in fleeting things. I had hopes for you and Enhon. Great hopes.”

            Words often have several implications, but Presti knew Ruth’s exact meaning.

            “Does Enhon care for me?”

            Ruth patted Presti’s hand. “There are so many mysteries in life, but if a man honestly loves a woman, everyone knows. Except for the woman herself.” Ruth’s brown eyes shined. “I think even your friend, Oryan, knows about Enhon’s intentions. Jealousy is written all over his face.” Ruth smirked.

            Oryan nibbled on a few grapes in a secluded corner. Presti’s neck stiffened. The idea of romantic love felt awkward and foreign. Her rigorous devotion to the Purity Stone didn’t allow whimsical notions. Every day, she could wake up with purpose, so she never needed anyone. Rumors of Oryan’s affections for her were nothing new, but he never publically admitted his feelings.

            “That boy shouldn’t remain in the dark,” Ruth said. “You need to tell him that you don’t love him.”

            “I can’t continue this conversation now.” Presti face flushed. “Ruth, I need your help.”

            “Help is something I am rather good at,” Ruth plopped a dirty glass into the water basin.

            “I need to know about Elder Whinn. Do you know anything about him?”

            “Everyone knows about Elder Whinn.”

            “Everyone?”

            “Well, don’t look astonished. Our entire community believes in his prophesy.” Ruth gave a wry smile.

            “Does Elder Whinn visit this land?”

            “Visit? Gosh, no! He lives here. Only a mile north.”

            Presti hugged Ruth and kissed her cheek. “Can you take me there?”

            “Goodness, no! Can’t you see I have a mess on my hands?” Ruth dried her wet hands on her apron. “You should ask Tersal. I’m sure he’d love to escort you anywhere you might like to go, especially if your destination is the Gethsham Garden.” Ruth winked.

            Presti winced. Oryan encroached on the conversation. He inched closer and closer until Ruth spotted him.

            “I think Oryan is eavesdropping.” Ruth whispered in Presti’s ear.

            Using her peripheral vision, Presti found the harvester leaning against the table, acting nonchalant. When she locked eyes with him, he turned his head, attempting to hide his curiosity. Rolling her eyes, she considered him such a fool. Her gaze drifted toward the crystal podium. Not finding Enhon, her eyebrows wrinkled.

“Ruth, where’s Enhon?”

            Her body trembling, Ruth placed her hand on her stomach. Her gaze fell to the floor.

            “Ruth? What’s wrong?”

            “There are parts of Whinn’s prophesy, I will never understand. Never. Enhon doesn’t deserve…well, never mind. I can’t speak of it.” Ruth, with a sullen expression, retreated toward the main pantry without another word.

           

***

            The Gethsham Garden offered solace for Enhon. Reflecting on the night’s events, Enhon placed considerable hope in Elder Whinn’s prophesy. He knew Presti would appear from behind the trees, a vision of strength and faith. His heart longed for her presence. Presti would come. All paths eventually led to this garden. Presti would come to the garden and would accept the truth. The morning had finally come; restoration was on the horizon.

Chapter 11

Presti collected minor provisions for her journey with Ruth’s permisson. The pantry smelled lemony fresh.

“Presti, we need to find Enhon,” Otti demanded.

            “Tersal has offered to take us to see Elder Whinn. I will see him first.”

            Otti slammed his fist on the prepping table. “I’m done with Elders!”

            “Well, I’m not!” Presti wrapped two sweet cakes into a napkin.

 Otti grumbled. “I’m going to find Enhon! If the Elderstin book doesn’t convince you of your true purpose, then nothing can!” Otti through up his arms. “Even if Elder Whinn personally tells you Enhon is the sun, you won’t believe it!”

Presti’s reached for a loaf of bread on the top shelf.

            “He’s right, you know. You’re stubborn.” Oryan jabbed her side.

            Presti disregarded Oryan’s teasing. He never allowed the weight of a moment to rest too heavily. His lazy manner annoyed her. She packed a bottle of milk.

            “Oryan, be sure to pack a bag. Who knows how long the journey will be.” Presti threw a canvas bag at him.

            “It’s only a mile north. It won’t take long.”

            “We might get sidetracked or thwarted. This land is unpredictable.”

            “You can’t fool me, Presti.” Oryan reached above her to grab some fruit. “You’re falling in love with this place.”

            “Deception is always alluring.”

            “Why do you do that?” Oryan asked.

            “Do what?”

            “Make everything so complicated.”

            “We’re most likely already under deception.” Presti positioned the sack on her back. “Don’t you feel the need to fight it?”

            Oryan shook his head. “I just don’t know anymore. Maybe the Elders are deceiving us. Maybe Enhon is good. Maybe this place is beautiful, not because of any deception, but because Enhon is a good king.”

Her first inclination was to argue, but the Elderstin Book had rattled her fortitude. She had doubts now—a very unfamiliar feeling. She only gave Oryan her silence. Oryan pressed the issue.

            “Instead of always assuming the worst, maybe we should trust our senses."

            Presti felt anger boil inside her. Oryan, a harvester, shouldn’t lecture a priest. Oryan continued.

            “You saw the symbol. According to that book, you’re going to destroy the Purity Stone.”

            Presti shoved Oryan against the shelf.

“How dare you!” she shouted.

            Presti saw immense shock in Oryan’s terrified expression. Backing away, she quickly apologized.

            “I don’t know why I did that.”

            “It’s that stone. It’s your entire life. ” Oryan paused. “ I don’t think I want to come with you and Tersal. I’d rather go with Otti.

His reply stung.

“There’s no use in us fighting each other,” Oryan said. “We can follow our own paths. Otti and I will try to find Enhon. Do what you want.”

Before Oryan took a step, Presti gently took his wrist in her hand. “I need to speak with Elder Whinn. There’s no other option for me. I’m sorry.”

***

In secret, all eight Elders met in the basement of the Elders’ Keep. Elder Prine hovered near Esis’s dead body, which rested on a stone bed. On similar stone beds rested the bodies of Emiline and Olbi Juster.

“Esis is the third body we’ve recovered with the Elder Signet.” Elder Prine’s spoke with urgency. “Enhon is gaining strength.”

“Elder Prine, did you think the prophecy wouldn’t come true?” Elder Hester scoffed.

“I hoped we would have more time.”

“We have plenty of time,” Elder Nolan interrupted. “Enhon has no power here, and we will prevent him from gaining more power.”

“Not according to Whinn’s prophecy. Eventually, our reign will end.” Elder Hester said.

“Your faith in Whinn’s prophecy is disconcerting.”

“I told you before. I wanted no part of your rebellion. From the beginning, I was against it!”

“And yet, you followed us.” Elder Nolan scorned. “You even helped us curse the stone. And you have continued to lie to the villagers, just like the rest of us.”

“I don’t know why,” Elder Hester voice trembled.

“Because you’re weak. You have always been weak.”

“Maybe, I was weak.” Elder Hester agreed.

“We needed eight Elders to rebel, and you were convenient. Now you’re nothing but a worry for me.” Elder Nolan’s transparent form darkened.

“We will all want Enhon’s salvation when he returns. Why don’t we surrender to him now? He has always shown great mercy.” Elder Hester pleaded.

“I have no desire to submit to his lordship. I rebelled for our freedom. I will not grant his return.”

Knowing he would never convert Elder Nolan, Elder Hester turned to the other Elders. “Now that Presti is…”

Elder Nolan growled, transforming into a grey beast. The Elders, including Elder Hester, rushed to the corner, shuttering in fear. Elder Nolan’s yellow eyes flared.

“Presti will not follow Enhon! I have owned her since her infancy. Her devotion to the stone will not change!”

The seven Elders, including Elder Hester, bowed their heads.

“It’s amazing how quickly a beast can win an argument.” Elder Nolan gave a devious smile.

The presence of Esis’s lifeless body exhausted Hester. The young face bleached with death. Her arms, normally tense and solid, lay thin and drained at her side. Frozen and unmoving. It didn’t suit a warrior. Before he exited the cave, Hester whispered in her ear. “You belong in Enhon’s kingdom, where death never reigns.”

***

Otti’s frantic nerves irritated Oryan. “Presti can make her own decisions. Stop worrying.”

            “Presti’s like a daughter to me.” Otti said. “Worry is natural for any father.”

            “There!” Oryan eagerly pointed south.

            Otti turned his head that direction. “Do you see Enhon?”

            “No, something better. I see trees.”

“What so exciting about trees?” Otti scratched his neck.

 “The Narrow Path can’t be far away. We can return home!” Oryan rushed to the thick collection of transparent trees. Otti struggled to keep up. The sun set on the horizon, and the transparent trees refracted some of the sun’s rays. Oryan reached the edge of the forest. Struggling to keep pace, Otti rested five hundred yards behind.

            “The path must be here.” Oryan entered the forest, lacing his way through countless trees. It has to be here. Maybe I’m just not seeing it.”

“Maybe you’re just not seeing it.”

            Oryan recoiled, startled by the voice. Turning his head, he caught sight of Enhon leaning against a tree trunk. Enhon plucked an emerald from the tree. His regal nature had vanished.

            “You look more like a gardener, than a king,” Oryan joked.

            “What is a gardener?” Enhon asked.

            Oryan look of shock gave away his fear and confusion.

            Enhon recoiled, “Should I know what a gardener is?”

            “It’s someone who looks after gardens. Like a keeper.” Oryan’s eyebrow rose.

            “I’ve heard of a keeper, but never a garden keeper.”

            Oryan bent low and stroked a green leaf. Suddenly, his hand drew back as the beautiful blue leaf turned green.

            “Is that what a gardener does?” Enhon was full of enthusiasm.

            “No, no. I’ve never seen that happen before!”

            “Is it bad or good? I know a lot about changes in color,” Enhon smirked as his eyes flashed from green to white to jasper. “I have never seen a gardener like you touch my things before.

            Oryan felt a deep repentance fall upon him.

            “Now you look sad. I don’t understand. You need to talk to me about what a gardener does. Tell me of your ways.”

            Oryan stood straight. I must confess I only know about Elka vines. I’ve tended them since I was a child. I wish I could just touch an Elka vine and make it work. I didn’t realize that you…

            “were God…”

            “Yeah, that is exactly what I was thinking.”

            Enhon gave a smile. “I have never seen a gardener like you, and you have never seen a God like me. So, we have that in common.”

            Oryan squinted his eyes, “You sound different. You had this royal, regal nature about you. Now you sound like…well…me.”

            I have the power to learn from you if I choose.”

            Oryan fell to the ground.

            Enhon placed his foot on the rock. “This is the purity stone and it is safe.”

            Oryan looked with deep joy and excitement.

            “Oryan, I am going to change your name. I will give you grace. Don’t worry about the past of the future. Just love me. That is more precious than gold.”

            Suddenly, Titus appeared before them. Gentle and meek.

            Enhon fell backward. “Where is she? Where is she? Where is Presti?”

            “I was leading her to Elder Whinn. Then Esis came to us in full form. Esis took her back to the village via the Westin Creek. I couldn’t follow.”

            Oryan shouted, “I save her.”

            Enhon grabbed his arm hard. “No, you will not!!”

            “I need to do something! I can’t deal with her not being with you!”

            Enhon smiled again. “Oh you of little faith. Now that we spoke, I have the power to return. I know who you are and I know what a gardener is.”

            Oryan jumped. “Of course! You can fix the sap! The Elka vines haven’t produced sap in a long time. The sap protects the village. Don’t hurt yourself on the thorns.”

            Enhon smiled. “I will not forget you when I come into my kingdom.”

            Enhon looked with fury at Titus.

            “I will protect them till you return. I promise.”