The Veil Read online

The Elder smiled wide, exposing bright teeth. “May we see the infamous marking?”

  Alex rolled back the sleeve of his robe and exposed most of the tattoo on his forearm, which shimmered and glowed like a river of liquid gold. The Elders paused for a moment, and I knew they were waiting for it to take shape in their mind’s eye. A second later a series of murmurs spread around the edges of the tower.

  “Incredible,” breathed Elder Khall.

  “To think that such a powerful and dreadful force could be bested by one so young and inexperienced,” muttered Elder Yumen, shaking his head in disbelief. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Alex shift slightly at the slight insult.

  Elder Daru let his fingers roll through the end of a beard that rivaled Sage Faru’s in length. “Answer us a question, Alexander. Is it true you no longer feel the pull of the Sorrow’s influence?”

  Alex placed a hand over the shimmering marking. “Not for a while now. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do, but with Sage Faru’s help, I have managed to contain it.”

  “For now,” said Elder Daru, and I felt Alex flinch once more.

  “For now,” he agreed.

  The Elders fell silent and for a while all that could be heard was the whistle of the wind that rolled around the tower, tugging at the edges of our robes.

  “You have come to us for answers,” said Elder Rayene. “And we have spent much time reflecting on things, so we should now dispense with the pleasantries and proceed.” She held out her hands, palms upturned. “Gabriella De Luca and Alexander Eden, take one of my hands each, so that we might connect with you and show you what we have learned.”

  Alex and I exchanged a brief glance and then we both walked forward. I expected to be told to kneel like whenever I mind merged with Sage Faru, but the order was never given, plus there was no electric volt when our hands connected. Glancing around, I saw the other Elders reach out and place their palms on the columns next to them.

  “Alexander, please press your hand to the pillar next to you,” instructed Elder Rayene.

  With a brief pause of hesitation, Alex touched his hand against the pillar. What happened next shocked me – and there wasn’t much left that could do that. Elder Rayene started to glow brighter until she was hard to look at, and her light poured through us, spreading across the floor we stood on, filling the symbols and making them shine like carvings taken from the sun. The light travelled along shallow recesses in the floor I hadn’t noticed before, spreading out and rising up each column and into each Elder than held them. The Gargoyles on top of the pillars suddenly cranked into life, letting out guttural sounds and then standing upright onto their hind legs. They opened their large jaws and smoke poured out their mouths, billowing down and sticking to the space between each pillar, until they had created a series of thick, rolling walls.

  What the hell?

  When Elder Rayene next spoke, it was not from her mouth, but rather from her mind, which entered straight into mine. Out of the smoky wall nearest to me poured a hand, formed from smoke, which solidified into an impression of Alex’s arm, complete with the shimmering tattoo.

  “You both wish to understand the markings that have attached themselves to Alexander. You both wish to know how to free him of that burden.”

  I inched forward, desperate to know.

  “Yes, we do,” I replied in my mind.

  Are they going to tell us? Will we finally know what the marking is and how to be rid of it?

  The smoke became hundreds of quickly shifting scenes made from mist and shadows, showing the Sorrow slaying those in his path and turning those he didn’t kill into the Depraved.

  It was Elder Daru’s voice that entered my mind next. “We have all meditated together on this mystery since the moment Elder Faru asked for our help.”

  Next, Elder Odith spoke. “We have studied the Sorrow and every action he has taken since he burdened our world…”

  The smoke around us showed an identical scene of us with the Elders, but there were a dozen other shifting shapes standing where we now stood instead.

  “We have summoned to us those who might have this knowledge,” Elder Yumen continued.

  ‘Those who encountered The Sorrow and avoided its wrath.” Now Elder Khall.

  ‘Those who had served Hades and been captured by the Luminar.” Elder Rayene.

  The scenes shifted between different prisoners cowering in front of the council with gunpikes aimed at their heads, and the voices of the Elders started to blend together as the images changed, until they all spoke together in one single voice that had a range of echoes behind it.

  ‘The conclusion we have drawn…”

  “Is that no one alive holds the answer.”

  My hopes crashed like an unmanned plane. I glanced over to Alex and could see the disappointment sweeping across his face, could see his shoulders sag.

  “Do not despair, Guardians.”

  “Why shouldn’t we despair?” I blurted out mentally before I could stop myself.

  “Because the answer does not lie with the living…but it might well lie with the dead.”

  A shadowy figure stepped out of the smoke – standing tall and silent as thick tendrils rolled around it. The shape solidified until we were staring at a thin humanoid, dressed in a long, hooded robe and wearing a metal mask covered in indecipherable symbols. Its hands were hidden within the folds of its sleeves, which faced each other in a pious position that reminded me of monks.

  “There was once an ancient race known as the Reapers of Knowledge,” said the universal voice of the Elders.

  “I’ve heard of them.”

  Alex’s voice poured into my mind. “Me too…I think.”

  Around us the smoke rolled and altered, playing out scenes from vicious battles. Sounds of war cries and screams of death filled the space, and I felt my muscles tense up as they unconsciously prepared for a fight. The sounds died out as the smoky image started to surge and pivot through the battlefields, rapidly passing individuals locked in combat – as if we were watching through the eyes of witnesses right there in the midst of the battle, until the view came to rest on the sidelines. There in the centre of the scene – standing high up on rocks, or behind vast trees – were Reapers. They made no attempt to hide or to intervene, but instead stared out at the destruction around them, writing with quills in large books that they balanced on the forearm of one hand.

  ‘The Reapers of Knowledge were a mysterious species. No one knows what they really looked like. They rarely interacted with others, but they were always present at any major event, recording the information in ledgers, which they stored in a vast citadel known as the Reaper Archives.”

  The images shifted to show a sweeping tower of dark stone set into a looming rocky backdrop.

  “Many suspect – including ourselves – that they were an ancient species, and that the information held within the walls of their archive could well predate even the Ageless War.”

  Smoke billowed out of the closest wall, colliding with the ethereal Reaper and causing it to burst into a puff of grey fog. “However, the Reapers suddenly vanished over two hundred cycles ago. As quick as the blink of an eye, they were gone.”

  “How?” asked Alex.

  “We do not know. Perhaps they simply reached the end of their collective lifecycles, or maybe something more sinister. Or it could be that they simply retreated to within the depths of their archives, waiting for some unspecified time in which to return. Although this is unlikely…if they were alive somewhere, we believe we would have felt it, for the energy they carried was powerful.”

  The smokescreens around us showed a close view of a solid iron door. “Although the Reapers vanished before the Sorrow appeared, we unquestionably believe that they would have known something – some precursory information at least – of what was to come, for it is said that their knowledge was vast and encompassed all. We believe that if there is information to be found on what the Sorrow was, or
how you came to receive that marking, then it is to be found within their archives.”

  “May I ask a question?” said Alex.

  “You may.”

  “If the information these Reapers held is of such vital importance and they no longer exist, then why hasn’t it been recovered yet? Surely that is something that you would want to have, rather than allow it to fall into the hands of the Umbra.”

  Around us, all of the Elder’s faces broke into an identical, wan smile. “Unfortunately, that is where the greatest issue lies. The Luminar have tried to gain access many times, as have Hades’ forces. We even attempted so ourselves, long ago. However, the magic with which the Reaper Archives are sealed is of such power that neither the Luminar nor the Umbra have ever been able to gain access.” The smoke rolled and coiled around itself, shifting to include great hordes of people charging at the vast doors and being swatted back like ants.

  A surge of irritation flooded through me. “I’m sorry if I sound rude, Elders, but what is the point of you even telling us this? If we can’t get into the archives, then you might as well be telling us that the cure for Alex is sitting on one of your suns.”

  “A very salient point, Miss De Luca. We have all reflected on this issue and drawn a simple conclusion. The only creature that could have ever be considered powerful enough to break through the magical barriers of the archives would be the Sorrow.” All of the Elders cast their shimmering eyes towards Alex in unison. “Power which you now possess, do you not?”

  I fell into a stunned silence. “Of course…he could tear down the walls if he needed to.”

  Alex stared down at the hand clasped with Elder Rayene’s, as if imagining it held the keys that would give him access. “I…I don’t know. This power has been incredible for my strength and speed, but I’ve never tried to use it to break through Umbra, Fae, or any other kind of magic before.”

  “It cannot be mere coincidence that you received this marking, Alexander,” said the universal voice. ‘The Elementals spoke of you, and the end of their words have not yet been reached. There is a path forward for you both, one that will continue to move towards their words, and bring about the Rising.” The voice paused.

  Whatever the Rising is, I thought to myself.

  “This is what you must do.”

  Alex nodded. “I’ll try.”

  A sense of unspoken agreement poured through me as the Elders reacted to his words. “The Reaper Archives are not too difficult to reach, they lie but two human hours’ ride once you have reached the eastern lands that surround Fenodara.” Elder Rayene turned her head to Aegis, who had been standing still, arms folded behind his back and staring out across the skyline for the entire time we had been speaking silently to the Elders. When she spoke, it was with her voice rather than her mind. “Highwarden Caria, I want you to send four of your finest and most trusted Lightwardens to accompany these two Guardians for added protection on their visit to the Reaper Archives.”

  The warden raised his eyebrows for a split second. He clearly hadn’t been expecting what she had said. “Of course, Elder Rayene,” he said regardless. “Although it is unlikely they will run into any trouble. Most have long since given up trying to enter the Archives. Any threat should be minor.”

  “We accept that, but we would prefer to be careful. This is a delicate situation, Highwarden. We suspect that Alexander might be able to use the power he obtained from The Sorrow to break through the barrier to the Reaper Archives. If he is successful, then it is imperative that your wardens communicate with you immediately. When this occurs, you must send as many Lightwardens as you can spare, and then more besides, to secure the building, and only those who you would trust with your life. The information stored within those walls could be invaluable, and perhaps even what we need to turn the tide of this dreadful war.”

  A renewed energy seemed to enter Aegis; he stood up straight, his purple eyes keen and excited. “You have my absolute word, Elders. Should Guardian Eden be able to get inside the archives, then my best men will protect it with their lives, whilst we begin the process of extraction.”

  Elder Rayene nodded. “Good.”

  Aegis glanced at us both. “What of the other Guardians of Orion? Will they be joining the mission?” he asked Elder Rayene.

  “The other Guardians shall remain within the city,” she replied.

  I frowned in confusion. “Why can I not take the rest of my Guardians with me?” I asked mentally. “I mean no offence, but I would prefer to have those I know at my side if we do run into trouble.”

  “Your words do not offend, Miss De Luca. However, we are afraid that is simply not possible. As much as we do not wish to sound impolite, we know of you through the accolades that precede you from the Alliance, and we know Alexander through his renowned actions. Indeed, it is from those actions alone that he has become the key component to entering the archives at all. We do not, however, know the rest of your team, one of which, we have been informed, is Umbra.” I gave Aegis a dark stare. “The information potentially contained within the Reaper Archives is far too precious to be viewed by those we do not know, and therefore cannot trust.”

  “We trust them,” Alex retorted, trying his best to keep indignation from his voice, but failing. ‘They would never betray us.”

  “Your opinions have been noted, however, we must still insist. The circle of knowledge for this action must be kept small, lest the information find its way to the wrong people. We are sorry, but if you wish to have our permission to try and enter the archives to discover what can be done for Alexander’s situation, then these are our terms.”

  Dull anger still simmered below the surface, but neither of us pressed the issue. After all, the Council of Elders could be giving Alex the possibility of redemption from the Mark of Sorrow here. If I had to jump through a few hoops to help the man I loved, then I was more than prepared to do it. That included keeping a lid on my opinions.

  “Are these terms agreeable?” asked the collective voice.

  I glanced to Alex for a moment and he nodded.

  “They are.”

  The Elders all bowed their heads in perfect symmetry.

  “Now to the subject of Peter Eden.”

  Beside me, Alex outright flinched at the blunt mention of his missing father. All he knew was that the man who had been taken from his life when he was still a baby was somewhere in Pandemonia – either trapped in one of the colosseums, free with the other escaped Chosen, or most likely…a corpse, killed by one of the many hostile elements of the corrupted world. Knowing as little as we do about Peter Eden’s fate is almost the same as knowing nothing at all. I silently prayed that the Elders held the answers we so desperately needed.

  The smoke shifted once more, taking the form of a Middle Eastern town, carpeted by red sand and containing squat buildings made from sandy rock similar to limestone.

  We have put out word to our scouting allies for information about the Chosen who escaped from the Abyss Colosseum. We have learned that they traversed the Bloodsand Deserts and have took up temporary residence within Shinroba – the Luminar Earth City, which stands at the north of the Yornheim continent, protected by heavy sandstorms and the Narrow Pass, which make it almost untouchable by the denizens of Hades. Some Chosen have remained there, whilst others returned to Idisa to aid us on the front lines.

  The smoky image zoomed forward into the heart of the city, rushing through the streets and showing men and women in the city, some working in various roles – street sweeping, merchandise selling – and others who were bed ridden, having received injuries far too great too allow them to work. My heart started to accelerate. Alex leaned forward, desperate to hear the words the Elders had yet to speak. Have they found Peter? Have they found Alex’s father?

  A collective sigh spread through my mind. “Unfortunately, of those who escaped and remained in the city, none answered to the name Peter Eden, or reported that he had been among them when they broke free.”
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  A fist seized at my stomach, twisting it out of shape. No…

  Next to me I could feel that Alex was struggling to keep himself composed, could feel his misery pour through my mind as if it were my own. “Mia caro, I’m so sorry…”

  “I-I left it for too long. I should have come through the Veil months ago. If I had then, maybe…” Even though he wasn’t speaking aloud, I could still feel the anguish in his words.

  “Do not despair yet, Guardians. Our scouts reported back that the escaped mentioned that many still remain in the coliseum – those who were unable to escape when the others broke out. Peter Eden may well be among those left.”

  Alex’s cheeks flushed suddenly and he squeezed his hand against the pillar, causing cracks to appear. “The cowards! They left people to die!”

  His angry words had an immediate effect. The eyes of the Gargoyles bloomed red and they all turned and cranked forward towards us, jaws opening and poised for attack. Alex and I recoiled, breaking our connection with Elder Rayene. She held up a hand, which was copied by the male Elders. “Protectors, desist.”

  A guttural growl escaped the stony creature’s throats and then they rose back up into their previous positions and fell silent.

  Holy shit.

  “I apologise, but our creations are finally tuned towards any possible threat. Do not fear, though, they will not attack you without our say so,” said Elder Rayene. I glanced around at Aegis, who was frowning back at us, clearly not happy that we had managed to somehow make the gargoyles react. Elder Rayene held out her hands once more. “Please, let us continue.”

  Alex and I returned our hands to hers and we re-entered the mental conference.

  “We understand your frustrations, Alexander. We are certain that they would have tried to save as many prisoners as they could. However, you must understand that there are thousands trapped within the walls of the Abyss alone, and numerous highly trained guards protect those dreadful places. To ensure survival and escape, it would not be possible to save everyone.”

  Alex grit his teeth together. “I know what I would choose.”