Myth by Jolea M. Harrison

Author:Jolea M. Harrison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dark fantasy, coming of age, adventure, Supernatural, Sword and Sorcery, telepaths, epic fantasy
Publisher: Ateow Ink
Published: 2011-11-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Maralt looked up at the giant seal covering the back wall of the sanctuary glowing in the dark, the bands of blue and green melding with the surrounding white light, mixing with the yellow firestone. There were times the seal cast a rainbow through the vaulted chamber. He’d only seen it once before. He snuck in when he was seven, watching the confirmation ceremony for Dynan and Dain when they were infants, blessed by the same man who stood before the altar now.

“I told you before that some things can’t be changed.” Gradyn Vall stood with him, worn and stooped. “The barrier we’ve managed to erect around them will fail. It will, soon, and if we allow the others to act, to succeed, the upheaval this action engenders will jeopardize every living soul in the System. Maybe even beyond. We stand on the edge of the precipice, Maralt. Going one way will send us all down into the abyss. Going the other...”

“Sends only one.” He understood the reasoning. Understanding didn’t change anything. “Does that one matter less somehow? Do I matter less? I can’t do this.”

Gradyn nodded, his lips pursed, the thinness of his skin accentuated along his jaw. The wrinkles were furrows that created folds that clung to the boney structure of his face, under his eyes, along his neck. Maralt waited for the thought process to finish. The old man turned. “Come with me a moment.”

“I don’t want to be convinced.” He didn’t move.

“We all have to face our own reality, you perhaps more than others. I’d like to lie and tell you this is the last thing we’ll ask of you. I wish it were so. Please, come with me.”

Gradyn didn’t wait, but left the Sanctuary by the side door. Down a short, narrow hall a door opened straight ahead. Another opened off to the right that led into a private chamber for the High Bishop to store the sacraments, the robes, the sash and the thurible used in each service. The other door led into the interior courtyard behind the Sacred Seal. This time of year it was a lush green oasis.

Broud was over in the corner, digging a hole. The chunk and slice of metal cutting into the ground echoed against the three walls. The fourth wall, taken up by the Sacred Seal, filled the space with unreal light. Maralt remained by the door, torn between following Gradyn, or simply turning around and leaving. He wanted to, afraid if he stayed he would do what they wanted of him.

Gradyn motioned Broud away and the monk obeyed. He leaned the shovel up against the wall and stepped gingerly around something on the ground. His brown robes caught on a shrub perhaps, held and then, with a sharp jerk, released. Maralt stood aside and Broud slid by him, hurrying away as if he was chased.

Maralt watched after the monk, curious about his behavior. He swore under his breath, and joined Gradyn at the hole.

A blackened, charred lump with four legs lay curled in a tight ball next to the mound of piled up dirt.

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