Lumen by J.J. Fischer

Author:J.J. Fischer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Christian, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9798886050851
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Published: 2023-09-06T00:00:00+00:00

“I don’t understand,” I said again and gestured. “That tree—”

“Aye, it lives,” replied Spartan with a nod.

“But its roots drink of the poison.”

“Aye.” Spartan’s eyes flickered. “It is a profound mystery—”

“What of the Reliquary?” Dorian finally spoke. At his question, I wondered: was it the Reliquary which kept the tree alive?

Spartan regarded him for a moment. “Come with me.” He headed directly for the Sacred Grove, and we trailed after him. The trees were enormous, but up close, they appeared shriveled and frail.

How had such trees ever grown underground, without light? Perhaps that was the reason for their stunted appearance. Spartan knelt in the middle of the grove before a stone altar. The surface was inscribed with a language I couldn’t read. Dorian looked over the acolyte’s shoulder, and his forehead wrinkled. Possibly he couldn’t understand it either.

Spartan’s fingers darted over the surface of the stone, and the next moment, the slab slid backward, revealing a small cavity beneath. He reached in and pulled out a chest, small enough for him to hold in his arms. The exterior was gold and royal blue, with a series of painted scenes in tiny frames too faded to make out. There was a lock, but it seemed almost unnecessary, for the key was already inserted.

Dorian knelt beside Spartan. “This is it? The Reliquary?”

“The Reliquary is inside,” Spartan informed him. “But the chest has never been opened. At least not in my lifetime.”

Which wasn’t saying much, considering Spartan couldn’t be older than eighteen. By the look on Dorian’s face, he was thinking the same.

“But the stories,” Dorian insisted. “There are stories of your people performing impossible feats and wonders. How could they do such things if the Reliquary has not been opened or used in so long?”

Spartan held the chest close. “The feats you speak of are only possible because of the power of the Three, Dorian Ashwood. It is they who give us the strength we need to resist the darkness.”

“But you said that there was power in the Reliquary.”

“Aye, I did, and it is true.” The acolyte spoke with the intonation of a much older man. “But it is only a shadow of the greater power, just as the Garden you saw is only a reflection of the first. Do you not wish an audience with the One who made both?”

“If they can give me what I want, then aye.” Dorian crossed his arms, his mouth settling into a firm line. “Though if the Reliquary will do as well, then it would seem I have no need of their help.”

The acolyte said nothing, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. For what? Surely he knew there were no longer any great powers in Caldera.

“Tell me, Spartan,” continued Dorian. “Are there any riddles or puzzles I must solve to gain access to this Reliquary?”

“Nay.”

“Any words or incantations?”

“Of course not.”

“Any special protections or hidden guardians of which I should be aware?”

Spartan shook his head.

Dorian’s shoulders relaxed. “Then why do you hesitate?”

“This is not what you seek, my lord.

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