Blood Moon Cycle
Chapter Eight

Vesth stepped down onto the dock and walked towards the single mast ship that was moored there. Sailors scrambled across the deck, packing supplies and towing lines, preparing the ship to sail.

Rielle stood on the dock, overseeing the preparations. Supplies were carried and errands run at her command. Vesth could see the ship’s captain running back and forth across the deck, shouting orders as Rielle gave them, trying to maintain at least the semblance of control over his own men. Vesth would have grinned if, at that moment, he had not caught Rielle’s eye.

“It is about time you arrived.” She chastised him. “We are almost ready to set sail.” Vesth half bowed.

“We were unprepared for a longer journey than we had already made. There were supplies I needed to gather that King Yisu could not have provided.” Rielle got a strange look on her face, as if she were silently talking to herself, then nodded.

“Very well.”

“We are ready to set sail!” The captain yelled to no one in particular. The sailors remaining on the dock hurried up the plank and onto the ship. Vesth motioned for Rielle to board first and then followed. The crew quickly hauled the plank aboard and cut the lines, allowing the ship to drift out into the open sea.

The first day was uneventful as the ship sailed smoothly over the water. Vesth made Rielle practice her sword forms for several hours, telling her that the unstable footing caused by the motion of the ship would help her learn how to handle unpredictable terrain.

The second day started out just as smooth and uneventful. It was not long, however, before Rielle found Vesth and dragged him to the rear of the ship and whispered to him so that she would not be overheard.

“Solidus says that a powerful storm is growing against us. We need to land until it passes or the ship will never make it out in one piece.” Vesth quickly glanced around to make sure no one was near.

“Are you certain, miss Rielle? The sky is calm and it is not the season for storms.” Rielle nodded.

“Yes. If we don’t land soon, the ship will break apart and we will all drown.” Vesth shook his head.

“Even if the captain could be persuaded that there would be a storm, the coast is many leagues away. And most of the coast between Gentry and Hortaal is blocked by the cliffs of the Serpents Tongue mountains, there is no place to land.” Rielle closed her eyes in thought and nodded.

“We are near the Island Temple of Alenon.” Vesth’s eyes grew wide and he made a sign to ward off evil.

“The Island Temple is a forbidden place. Any who land there are never seen again.” Rielle sat still for a moment then nodded again.

“Solidus says that as long as we only dock there, and do not try to leave the ship or enter the temple, we will be safe from harm. And the storm cannot reach there.” Rielle opened her eyes and noticed Vesth’s skeptical look. “We have no other choice.” She told him. Then, as if to emphasize her words, the rumble of thunder sounded in the distance.

Vesth’s face set into hard lines and he nodded. He stood quickly and went in search of the captain. Moments later the captain scrambled up the stairs from below deck, followed quickly by Vesth. Another crack of thunder shook the air and had most of the crew looking nervously at the sky.

“A storm should not be able to grow this quickly.” The captain said as he and Vesth neared Rielle. Rielle nodded.

“Indeed it should not captain. But the fact remains that it is building quickly and if we do not land somewhere your ship will not survive it.” The captain shook his head.

“We cannot make landfall before we get hit. It is much too far.”

“We can make it to the Island Temple.” Vesth stated emotionlessly. The captain quickly made a sign to ward off evil.

“If we land at the Island Temple, none of us will ever be heard from again.” Rielle shook her head.

“We will be fine as long as we only land and do not leave the ship. I have studied this place and only those intent on entering the temple have chosen to land there. We land there out of necessity and will not be harmed if we do not try to enter the temple.” The captain was still shaking his head before another crack of thunder, this time much closer and louder, sounded around them.

“We have no other choice captain. We either risk our lives there with a chance that we survive, or we sit here and we all die.” The captain made another sign to ward away evil and then turned to his crew and started shouting orders.

“Turn starboard! Head west!” He ran to the helm without waiting for anyone to follow his order and spun the ship into a sharp right turn. More orders were shouted and the crew leapt into action.

By the time they could finally see the glittering white temple on top of its low island, lightning was flashing over their heads and rain poured down around them. Rielle clung to the mast to avoid getting thrown overboard by giant waves that washed over the deck and crew. The ship groaned in protest, and it seemed that they would break apart before they reached the temple.

However, when they came within a few hundred feet of the shore, the weather suddenly ceased. The air was calm, the sun shone and no lightning or thunder split the sky. Behind them, Rielle could see a definite line where the storm came to a stop all the way around the island at an exact distance from the temple. As they approached the island, they found that the beach dropped off sharply into the sea and they were able to glide the ship almost within touching distance of the white sand. The crew nervously came in next to the shore and dropped the anchor. Everyone was silent as they stood anxiously, unsure of what to do.

Vesth and the captain stood to one side, keeping the crew under a tight rein with their eyes. Rielle stood a little apart with her eyes closed, conversing with Solidus. It was several minutes later that Rielle finally looked up.

“Vesth and I must leave the ship.” She told the captain, her voice seemingly loud in the silence. Vesth looked at her in shock and the captain gave her a look that said she was crazy. She sighed and pulled Vesth a little ways away.

“Solidus says there is a man in the temple who we must petition to stay here for very long. This storm is likely to last long into the night.” She whispered almost inaudibly so as not to be heard by anyone. Vesth nodded reluctantly and turned back to the captain.

“We have reason to believe that there may be a limit to the time we can stay here safely. If the ambassador and I make contact with the temple, we may be able to bargain for a greater period of safety. At least until the storm passes, which may take a very long time.” The captain nodded to Vesth.

“Very well, but if the storm passes and you have not returned, we will leave this place without you.” Vesth nodded once and turned back to Rielle. The plank was carefully lowered onto the white sand of the beach and was quickly hauled back once Vesth and Rielle were off. Rielle walked confidently towards the entrance to the temple, Vesth following behind with much less confidence. The distance was much greater than he had anticipated and by the time the temple loomed over them, the ship was just a speck in the distance. They stood before two shining Ivory doors that barred the way into the temple. The doors themselves were simple and carefully crafted to show no defect in their workmanship. Rielle casually walked up to the door, as if she belonged, and knocked three times. They waited for several moments and then Rielle knocked again. This time a voice answered the knock.

“Who is it who wishes to enter the Temple of Alenon? Speak so that I may know friend from foe.” Rielle cleared her throat and spoke in a voice loud enough to pass through the door.

“I am Rielle Toriel Lyvinius, ambassador and mage in training. I am the student of…” Rielle paused for a moment and then nodded before continuing. “I am the student of Grandmaster Silver Mage, Pravin Solidus. I have traveled here with my escort.” Rielle motioned for Vesth to introduce himself. Vesth looked at the door unsurely.

“I am Captain Vesth Dagda, a soldier of Gentry sworn to protect Rielle.” Rielle almost smiled when Vesth did not add any titles to her name. They waited for several seconds before the voice came again.

“Speak my name, student of Solidus, that I may know you are the student of the Ageless Hermit.” Rielle nodded and spoke again.

“You are Shield Archmage Siguard Agamemnon, guardian and High Priest of the Temple of Alenon.” Another few moments passed in silence. Then there was a soft hum as the doors to the temple split apart and swung open.

“You may enter the temple.” Came the voice again. Rielle motioned for Vesth to follow and stepped carefully through the doors. Rielle found that the inside of the Temple of Alenon was exactly the opposite as the Temple in Tyr-Anon. It was white and well lit, and the feeling in the air was one of peace and tranquility, not darkness and corruption. Rielle marveled at the beauty of the white, seemingly delicate, stone that vaulted up in pillars to the high ceiling and spread out in graceful arches that caught the sound of their every step and echoed it around them a thousand times.

They walked through a long corridor of the graceful pillars and came to another set of ivory doors. As they drew near, the doors swung open and admitted them. They entered the room and Rielle had a sudden flash of déjà vu. They entered a large room that was sparsely decorated, with magic circles engraved on the floor. At the other end was an altar of white stone that was carved so expertly that it seemed the stone had formed that way on its own naturally. Before the altar stood a man in a long white robe with brilliant silver hair.

“It has been long since people have come to the temple without the desire to plunder it.” The man said, as he turned to face them. His face was round and kind, though lined with age, and his eyes were a bright blue. “Welcome, Student of Solidus. It has been a great many years since he has taught anyone. What brought him to you?” Rielle told their story from beginning to end, leaving out only that Solidus was in her mind. The man listened patiently, nodding once in a while, and thought about it silently.

“You are welcome to stay near the temple until the storm passes.” The man said finally. “As long as no one tries to harm the temple or the grounds. I am the High Priest of Alenon, Agamemnon.” Rielle bowed and Vesth followed suit.

“We thank you for your hospitality.” Rielle said. The priest nodded.

“And you are welcome to it.” Rielle made a strange face and then she nodded, gasping as her eyes turned from blue to silver. Vesth shuddered. He hadn’t liked it the first time Solidus had taken control of Rielle’s body, and he wasn’t so sure he liked it any more this time.

“Greetings to you Agamemnon.” Solidus said, his voice layering over Rielle’s. The high priest did not seem to be surprised in any way.

“This was an exceptional risk to take Solidus, that is not like you.” Rielle/Solidus shrugged.

“It was, unfortunately, necessary. Though, while we are here, I would have you look to the wound that was inflicted. I am no great healer, and you may be able to do more. It would make my task much easier to perform.” The high priest nodded.

“I agree, however, I think the young lady would prefer her privacy.” He glanced at Vesth. Rielle/Solidus nodded.

“Indeed. Vesth, it would be wise for you to return to the ship and tell the captain that he and his crew are safe as long as they stay on the ship. Tell them that you and Rielle will be spending the night in the temple and you will return in the morning to depart. Remind them of what King Yisu may do to them if they choose to leave without you and the ambassador if it is necessary.” The high priest looked over at Vesth.

“When you return to the temple, the doors will open for you and you will be conducted to a room were you may clean up and rest until dinner is served. Young Rielle will need to sleep for some time after I heal her for her body to adjust. You may also wander the temple grounds if you feel inclined. A bell will sound when dinner is ready.” Vesth bowed to both of them and then turned, leaving the room quickly as the ivory doors shut behind him. Rielle/Solidus turned back to the high priest. Slowly Rielle’s eye returned to normal and she stood, uncertain of what to do. The high priest smiled kindly.

“Would you allow me to examine your wound?” Rielle nodded and removed Solidus’s cloak and then paused uncertainly with her hand on the top clasp of her robe. The high priest chuckled quietly.

“You may turn and show only your wound if it bothers you to be seen otherwise. Solidus is within you of course, but both he and I have lived a very long time and seen a great many things, I am a healer after all.” Rielle nodded, then turned her head slightly as if listening. After a few moments she seemed more confident and turned her back to the old priest. She unclasped her robe and let it fall just enough to show the wound between her shoulder blades.

“Please forgive me for this.” The high priest stated before he carefully began touching the edges of the wound. Rielle winced more than once, and the old priest apologized each time. After several minutes went by the priest nodded.

“Solidus’s healing has done its job, young Rielle. There is little left for me to do. I can close the wound, for the most part, and I can take away most of the pain, but Solidus will not be leaving you any time soon.” Rielle half turned her head.

“Solidus can leave me?” The high priest shrugged.

“Yes and no. There are ways he could separate himself from you, but to do so right now would kill you. And even if your wound ever healed enough for him to leave you, it could cause much more harm than good. This exchange is more or less permanent, unless both of you wish to risk damage to yourselves. You would also need an intermediary, and I am not near so old and foolish as to be the one.” Rielle opened her mouth to ask another question, but the old priest quickly raised a hand to silence her.

“It is of little consequence. As I said before, even with my healing it would be a very long time before Solidus could even attempt to leave you safely, if that time came at all. For now, I will heal you as best I can and we will worry about things like that later.” Rielle closed her mouth and nodded. The high priest returned her nod.

“When I perform the healing on you, your consciousness will go to sleep to help your body heal. Solidus will take over your body and take it to a place you may rest. It will be unlike when you are awake and you will have no memory of what happens before you wake. I am telling you now so you will not worry when you wake and replace yourself in a strange place.” Rielle nodded and then turned her head away and closed her eyes.

The high priest placed his hands on Rielle’s back, one on either side of the wound, and closed his eyes, beginning to chant in an ancient language. A glow enveloped the wound and it seemed to shrink, and the edges became less enflamed. The process took no more than a minute, but the effect was easily noticeable. Afterwards, there was a moment where Rielle started to collapse, but she quickly caught herself and tied the clasps on her robe shut again. Then she turned, her eyes a clear silver, and looked at the high priest. When he spoke this time, Solidus’s voice was alone, Rielle’s voice gone in her state of sleep.

“Thank you Agamemnon, her journey will be made much easier now.” The old priest frowned.

“Are you sure you know what you are doing Solidus? If your plan fails, balance could be torn apart and the demons would have what they wanted.” Solidus nodded.

“I know, but If we do nothing the effect would be the same.” The high priest shook his head slowly.

“Be careful, Solidus. She would not be pleased if the time is not right and you try to fulfill this prediction.” Solidus nodded.

“I know, but it is a risk I have to take. Everything has fallen too precisely into place to be coincidence. Even to the placement of the thrown knife that injured the young one.” Solidus tapped Rielle’s shoulder for emphasis. “If I had not been watching for the predictions to begin all these years and had not watched the first few steps happen over neutral space, I would almost have thought that the demons and the High Priest Borsa were trying to force it. But the blow was out of rage, it was not planned. If it had been I would have seen it soon enough to prevent it. And the other steps taken were not by any tainted by the chaos. It is too precise to be anything but the prediction. If it is not, I think she will forgive me.” The high priest sighed.

“You presume much, Solidus.” Solidus shrugged.

“I am a balance mage, the last one. Presuming is what I do. The balance must remain, how it is achieved is of little matter. That is why the predictions are all different. Your predecessor taught me that, before I taught it to you when he passed on. Remember why you guard Alenon.” The high priest frowned again.

“And what of you?” Solidus sighed and turned to the door.

“My duty is not to Alenon. I was charged with balance and balance must remain. When the ship sails, and we arrive on the mainland again, I will begin gathering them together. The one who comes with this young one is also part of the balance. I could order him to follow her, but the balance will be stronger if he is convinced to make the choice himself. Speak with him, before the night is through.” The high priest nodded and half bowed.

“As you wish, Master Solidus.” Solidus nodded and walked through the opening ivory doors.

“Goodnight, Agamemnon, this control of Rielle tires me, I must rest. You will not hear from me again before we depart. Make sure everything is in order. I do not wish to return to Alenon before I must.” The high priest nodded.

“I will pass the word on to the other two. They will be in readiness before the Blood Moon rises.” Solidus nodded once more and left the room, seeking a bed for Rielle, and rest for himself.