Call of Descent
Chapter Twenty

Thatnight Reniko was haunted by dreams of dying Teoko. The disturbing voices shehad heard in her dreams the night before now had faces attached to them. Hersleep was broken and by morning she felt like she had had no rest at all. Shecould hear the wind outside blowing the snow just as harshly as the day beforeand her spirits fell. Orric had provided shelter for them, extending his wingas a canopy; the heat that the three of them created warmed the shelterperfectly. She had worried about him, worried that the inescapable cold wouldkill him, but Orric had eased her concern, telling her that Teoko didn’t feelthe cold like humans did.

Whenshe stepped out of the shelter, followed closely by Malik, she was surprised toreplace that there was not much snow covering Orric’s still form. What little hadlanded had either melted on contact of had been swept away by the wind onceagain. Orric awoke when he felt Reniko emerge and folding his wings once againto his side he revealed Blaze and Penumbra, no worse for wear than the day before.

Penumbraimmediately drew close to Reniko. Still troubled by your dreams? Heasked as she packed her things on top of him and climbed on.

Numbfrom her interrupted sleep, her words came slow and uneasy. “I’m fine.”

Didyou sleep at all last night?

“I’llmanage.”

Penumbraquestioned her no more. Worry plagued him and he wished that he could ease thepain that had engulfed her. Unable to, he merely followed her direction intothe unceasing storm.

Fivemore days passed in the cold unceasing blizzard. Each night Reniko wasdisturbed by terrible dreams and each morning she realized that with the brokensleep, it was as if she had not slept at all. Cold, worn and tired she led in astupor. Malik tried to engage her in conversation, but like Orric and Penumbra,he too realized she was beyond his reach. Finally, as they were packing up onthe seventh day since leaving the Mistfall caverns, Malik had had enough.

ReachingReniko’s side he prevented her from mounting and instead turned her to facehim. She gave no resistance and he was terrified by what he saw. Her face wasstreaked with tears, frozen from the cold. Her eyes no longer showed the spiritthat she always held. What he had before him was no longer Reniko, but a shell.

“Reniko,what’s wrong? Please talk to me,” he pleaded. She only closed her eyes, wincingin pain as the sound of his voice reverberated in her head.

“I’mfine,” she mumbled turning back to Penumbra.

Malikstopped her. “No you’re not fine. You haven’t slept in days. When you do sleep,something disturbing plagues your dreams. What are you hiding from me?”

Thearm Malik held in restraint began to tremble as fresh tears slid down Reniko’sface. “I don’t know. It’s like the closer we get to Reflaydun the more hauntingmy dreams become. I’m scared, scared to go on, scared to go back. I don’t knowwhat to do anymore, Malik.”

“Idon’t understand. Reflaydun may hold the way for you to return home. What areyou afraid of?”

Renikocouldn’t speak. Her dreams filled her mind; the slaughter of the Teoko, themistreatment of the humans, the screaming, and the cries of pain. All of it andhere she was ignoring it all, ready to turn her back on all of it for thesafety of her home. Maybe I don’t want to go back. That’s ridiculous, whatcan I do? My presence on this planet means nothing.

“Ijust don’t know what to do anymore!” she screamed, collapsing to the snowyground pulling Malik down with her. She was no longer crying, just staringthrough him like he wasn’t even there. Terrified, Malik grabbed her shouldersand held her close to him.

“Reniko,whatever it is you feel you have to do, let it go. I expect nothing from you,no one does. Don’t burden yourself with things you can’t change.”

Renikounburied her head from Malik’s chest and looked up into his golden eyes. “Butwhat if I can?” Her comment moved him to silence. He looked to Orric. Surelyhis words could reassure Reniko, but as Malik’s gaze fell upon him, he turnedaside, ignoring all that was happening. What is going on? He asked as henoticed that Penumbra as well had fled from Reniko’s side. When he looked downagain, Reniko was still staring up at him, her question burning in her eyes. Sheneeds me to answer. What do I say?

“Thenstay. I’ve never said you had to go. I would be glad to see you stay with us.But Lyss,” Malik wiped the tears from Reniko’s face, “only stay if it will easeyour pain. However, if you plan on staying in this state by not leaving, I’drather see you go home. I can’t stand seeing you like this, all the fire hasgone out of you.”

Renikoburied her head back into the folds of Malik’s clothing, still confused. Maliksat unmoving. He felt strange, so warm. Holding Reniko felt right somehow, andthis more than anything unsettled him. What is this I’m feeling?

Witha sigh, he spoke, “It’s no use deciding now, let’s get to Reflaydun. When thetime comes, you can make your choice.”

Renikolifted her head and pulled away from Malik. “You’re right. There really is nouse thinking about it now. I’m just tired.”

“Ridewith me and you can sleep. I think I have figured out the compass well enough.”

Renikosmiled and handed Malik the compass. “Thank you.”

Itwasn’t long before Reniko felt comfortable enough in Malik’s arms to fallasleep. Her sleep was much more peaceful and her dreams more pleasant. Hispresence reminds me of Dertrik. I remember how easy it was to trust Dare. Ifeel the same with Malik. He will protect me. The thought confused Reniko.She had never felt she needed protection. In all accounts she was more apt atprotecting Malik than he her, but nonetheless, the aura that surrounded himmade her feel she was protected. Dare had always been the same for her when shewas younger, but as she grew, she realized that she had enough strength of herown to protect herself. This whole sensation was new to her. It was almost arelief to be able to rely on someone else. These were the thoughts she driftedto sleep on.

OnceMalik knew Reniko was asleep, he confronted Orric, enraged by his earlieractions, or lack there-of.

“Whatwas your problem back there? She would have listened to you, if only you hadsaid something. She respects you. Couldn’t you see the pain she was feeling?”Malik spat, holding back most of his rage for fear that he would awaken Reniko.

“Itwas not my place to interject,” Orric responded curtly.

“Whatis that supposed to mean?”

Itmeans that we are not as understanding of human feelings as you are, Penumbrasaid, ambling up beside Blaze.

“Don’tdo that. You both understand well enough, probably better than I do. What areyou hiding from me?” Malik asked sensing a deeper rift than this conflict.

“Youwill understand in your own time,” Orric replied.

“Andwho decides this? You? Penumbra? The goddess?”

“Yourself.”

“Howcan I know if it’s my time if you don’t tell me anything?”

Orricglared at Malik, sneering at him. “When you stop running from your past maybeyou’ll understand better. Until then, stop questioning me. These hands do notbelong to a sheep but a dragon. I am not afraid to use them.” Malik remainedsilent, shocked by Orric’s outburst. He had never seen this side of Orricbefore; it was so strange to see his friend so provoked. Stung by his words, hemotioned Blaze forward leaving the two conspiring creatures behind.

Whatare you running from? Penumbra asked, his question two-fold.Malik ignored him. Clutching Reniko tightly and consulting the compass heplunged deeper into the storm forcing Orric and Penumbra to follow. As the daywore on, Malik noticed a steady change in the weather. The wind had died and theflakes of snow now fell gently to the ground, bigger and less frequently thanbefore. The never-ending storm was failing.

Itwas an hour later when the sun was breaking through the last of the clouds thatReniko woke. Glancing around disoriented, she tried to figure out what wasdifferent now. She sat up with a jolt as she realized that the storm hadpassed.

“Itwasn’t never-ending after all,” Reniko said giving a stretch and sliding fromBlaze’s back.

“Actuallywe just passed through it,” Malik replied. Reniko looked behind her at the paththey had walked and realized he was right. The storm raged behind them a grayand white barrier.

“Welleither way, I’m just glad it’s not snowing on us anymore.”

“Youseem better,” Orric said stretching his wings in the now still air.

Renikonodded and turned back to Malik. “Do I hear water?”

“Ithink we finally made it to the Reflayda River. Once we cross that we should bevery close to the city.”

Renikolooked past him. There was a slope in front of them, cutting off their view ofwhat was beyond. Anxious to see an end to this journey, she started up theslope on foot. Ten minutes later she reached the ridge and looked down into asea of dazzling reflections. The river was wide and torrential as the snow thatsurrounded this strange valley melted with the heat of late spring. Beyond theriver, across a silver bridge that stood only feet away was the most glorioussight Reniko had ever seen in her life. A city spanned for miles, a wash ofbrilliant colours. It was like she was looking at a forest, only this one wasnot made up of trees but of buildings. The structures reminded her of Savonly,the buildings dripping to the earth like rain turned to ice, but all in blues,greens and silvers, sparkling in the midday sun. Pathways littered the arealike vines. Some touching the ground, others branching upward toward the topsof the buildings, all intersecting in a pattern only found in the chaos ofnature. It was Levanith, and they had harnessed nature.

“I’venever seen anything so beautiful! It’s like they collected all the stars in theheavens and used them to make their city,” Reniko said looking to Malik andOrric who both stood unspeaking.

“Athousand years and its beauty is not lost,” Orric finally spoke. “Come let ussee if they will reveal their secrets to us.”

Renikonodded and she touched Malik lightly on his thigh waking him from the spell thecity had cast on him.

“Howcould the Rük wish to destroy such a thing?” he asked as he slid off Blaze andbegan walking his steed to the bridge.

“Evilcannot see true beauty, and what beauty they see they know they cannot possess.If they cannot possess it, they feel no one should. They envy and loathe it,”Orric said and with a leap jumped off the cliff side and took to flight. “Ah, Ialmost forgot how soothing the wind can be.”

Renikowas the first to reach the bridge. It extended like a silver branch from theside of the cliff to the other side of the river far below. It was morestairway than bridge with vine-like railings on either side. Testing her weighton it and replaceing it solid, she stepped fully onto it, only to feel a sizzle ofenergy. A sudden smell of ozone made her pause, suddenly wary of stepping onthe bridge further.

“What’sthe matter Reniko?” Malik asked seeing her hesitate.

“Well,I’m wondering if the Levanith left behind a few defenses. I felt somethingstrange, like I passed through something. Do you think I might have set offsome sort of trap?”

“Wellyou seem fine enough. Nothing seems to be happening. I would think that sort ofthing would be instantaneous.”

“You’reright, it was nothing,” Reniko said and took another step forward. Penumbra,who had been behind her, put one leg on the stairway and immediately shiedaway.

Ithink Blaze and I should stay behind. Whatever that is, it’s too slippery forour feet. Besides, I think you were right, intruders are not welcome here. Thatcity does not like me. Be careful, Reniko. I worry for your safety.

Malikstepped onto the bridge when Penumbra had stepped aside and he wavered in hisstand. Reniko was right, there was a barrier here, and he had felt itsresistance to his presence. It made him shiver.

“Penand Blaze aren’t coming,” Reniko said. “He told me to be careful, the citydoesn’t like intruders.”

Maliknodded. “Let’s move. I don’t like just standing here.” The two of them movedfarther onto the stairway, heading down into the valley toward the silentlyhostile city. Neither spoke until they saw Orric wheeling overhead.

Afterthey had crossed over the riverbed and into Reflaydun they stopped. “Orric,have you seen anything. Do you know where we should be heading?” Reniko asked.

Orriccircled lower preparing to land, only to be stopped by some invisible force.His body stopped with a jolt and he found himself suspended hundreds of feet inthe air on what felt like solid ground.

Renikocried out in shock, as did Malik.

“Whatis going on here?” Malik asked.

“Itlooks like a force field of some kind. Could be why the city hasn’t beentouched by the elements. But if that’s the case, this city must be using a lotof energy,” Reniko said.

Orriclooked down on Reniko and Malik who were now directly beneath him. “Sound seemsto travel just fine through this thing. I think I found what we are lookingfor, a building of archives. I’ll lead the way from up here,” Orric said takingflight again, wary of the invisible barrier.

“Whydid it let us through and not anyone else?” Reniko asked.

“Weare human and the others are not,” Malik supplied.

“TheLevanith weren’t human.”

“No,but humans and Levanith worked side by side, so it only makes sense that thecity would let us through.”

“Idon’t like this, Malik. We’ve come into something very foreign. If it decideswe are a threat suddenly, there will be nothing we can do. Not when we are inthe heart of it.”

“Havefaith Reniko, the goddess will protect us.”

Renikofrowned, but did not respond. She looked back into the sky and spotted Orric,small against the hazy blue backdrop. With a sigh she plunged onward.

Thesilence that covered the ancient city was deafening. Reniko’s own breathingbegan to sound too loud in the absence of other noise. As they headed fartherinto the heart of Reflaydun, Reniko felt that her every step betrayed them.There was danger here. She could sense it in every doorway and everyintersecting path. This city, its inhabitants dead for a thousand years, wasnonetheless alive. Something watched them and hid itself well.

Asthe sun began its decent into the surrounding hills, Reniko and Malik reachedtheir destination. After being lost in a maze of tangled paths, they found thatmost, if not all, of them led to the same point. If the city had a heart, thiswas it. After the absence of life the sight before them was shocking. A treegrew taller than all the buildings around it. It was soon apparent to Malik andReniko that the tree that stood before them concealed another structure: acastle of some sort. The strange silver-blue material that built most of therest of the city could be seen under the roots that stretched to the ground farbelow. The tree had encased this building like a protective wall.

Aroundthis marvel was a large circular courtyard, devoid of all life. As they cameupon this site, Reniko hesitated, causing Malik, who had been staring at themonstrous tree, to collide with her.

“What’sthe matter Reniko?” Malik said stepping around Reniko and heading deeper intothe courtyard. Reniko grabbed his arm and pulled him back onto the path thatthey had emerged from.

“Malik,don’t. I have a bad feeling about this. There is something alive here besidesthat tree and it doesn’t like us. I don’t think it’s just going to let us waltzup to that thing.”

“That’sridiculous. This city has been abandoned for a thousand years. That tree is theonly thing alive.”

“Okaynot alive. Aware.”

“What’sthat supposed to mean.”

“Ifthe Levanith were so smart then they could build something that is aware butnot alive. We’re close to just that sort of thing on Earth.” A shadow passed atthe far end of the courtyard and Reniko reflexively unsheathed Imako. StartledMalik stepped back from Reniko and ended up farther into the courtyard.

“Malik,get back here,” Reniko hissed staring in the direction of the shadow.

“Look,I’m fine. What’s your problem anyway?” Malik said walking closer to thetree-encased castle.

Renikosighed, realized she had been seeing things and followed Malik into thecourtyard. “I thought I saw something.”

“Thereis nothing alive in here, how many times do I have to tell you that?”

“I’mjust being cautious.” Reniko mumbled as she skirted past Malik and sheathedImako.

“Ithink there is an entrance on the other side,” Orric shouted down. He wassitting squarely on top of the tree glaring down at the two humans, the barrierseparating him and the tree by mere inches.

Renikolooked up at him as she walked. When she collided with something hard hercheeks flushed with embarrassment. That is, until she realized that she had runinto another invisible wall.

“Wellso much for going in there,” she mumbled and turned back to Malik.

Malik,who hadn’t been paying attention to where Reniko had gone, was nearly out ofsight heading around the tree. “Malik, wait!” Reniko shouted, running after herfriend, only to replace herself face to face with another invisible barrier. Malikran back as he heard her shouts and found Reniko, her face drained of colour. Ijust came through here, there was no barrier.

“Thiscan’t be happening,” she said, her eyes staring past Malik, her hands pressedpalm up on the invisible surface.

“Reniko,what’s going on?” Malik said running his hands on the shield looking for theend. Reniko followed suit. They realized when they had come back to thestarting place that the box was complete.

“Reniko,don’t panic. I’m going to replace you a way out. Just stay calm, I’ll be rightback.”

Renikonodded, frustrated and annoyed. “Don’t take too long.” She looked up towardOrric and saw he had gone. Where to, was beyond her.

Turningher back on Malik, she leaned against the barrier and slid to the ground. Eyesdowncast, she sighed. I’m ready to go home now. She closed her eyes andlaid her head on her knees as she waited for news from Malik. A sound like sandfalling startled her out of her rest and when she looked up it was with a maskof terror.

“Malik!”she screamed, scrambling to her feet and pressing herself as flat against thebarrier as possible. Malik ran back breathless, freezing in place as he sawwhat Reniko faced. Radiating out from the centre of the cage she was in, theground was breaking apart, trickling like sand into a black pit.

“No!”he shouted running up to where Reniko stood. Hearing his shouts, Reniko turnedaround her face alight with panic. Pulling out his sword, he thrust it at thebarrier only to have it deflected, leaving his arms numb from the impact.Dropping his sword, he faced Reniko who was vainly trying to push her waythrough the barrier.

Renikoturned her head to look at the ground as it gave way and then looked back atMalik. There’s nothing we can do. I’m going to die. Tears welled in hereyes and she pressed her hands against the barrier, staring at Malik, trying toforget what the sound she heard behind her meant. Breath catching in herthroat, she felt the ground give way beneath her feet and she was falling intodarkness. Malik watched, helpless, as Reniko disappeared into the blackness,the scream echoing in the air the only thing left of her.