It felt as though the sun should be shining with a crisp and clear breeze blowing the smell of flowers and fruits through the air. Soliyah closed her eyes and took a deep breath, pretending it was so, remembering home. Unfortunately, all she could smell was the moldy aroma of Efevra. Grossly overpopulated and overrated in her opinion, Soliyah had yet to be impressed with anything she’d seen or encountered. She’d always dreamed of seeing Efevra. Who in Serenia hadn’t? It was indeed remarkable and beautiful from afar. She could recall looking upon it from a distance and feeling an overwhelming pull at her heart. So much history and knowledge rested within its walls. And its beauty was beyond comparison. Protected from the north by the vast forest of Farelle, high mountains flanked on either side, and the great waters to the south, it was certainly a sight to see. But, the reality was within its walls the city was dusty and overbuilt, with buildings on top of buildings. Even though she stood on a high balcony, overlooking the central area, with access to fresh air, it seemed difficult to find the sun and feel a real breeze. If it weren’t for the miracle she’d experienced shortly upon arrival, Soliyah knew she would’ve wanted to have left by now. But finding Tryte, seeing his smiling face, and feeling his small but warm embrace, it made up for all the terrible things she was feeling and knew were to come.
“There you are!” His familiar voice sounded from behind. Soliyah smiled and turned toward him. He looked exactly the same as the day they’d parted on the outskirts of Beroun. His smile widened when their eyes met. “I thought you might sleep forever,” he joked and she laughed.
“It’s been quite some time since I’ve slept in that comfortable a bed,” she confessed, though there was more to it. She couldn’t stop staring at him. It felt so surreal to have him by her side once more. He looked down below the balcony through the bars as he wasn’t tall enough to see over the ledge. She couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Want me to lift you up?” she joked. Tryte gave her a look and then smiled. Without a word, and what looked like little to no effort, he jumped up and softly landed on the ledge. Soliyah couldn’t ignore the queer feeling she got in her stomach. She wasn’t afraid of heights, but watching him be so casual about it made her uncomfortable. She quickly grabbed his hand. “Don’t!” The word escaped her lips before she even knew it. Tryte looked at her laughing, then quickly realized she was serious and jumped down.
“I’m sorry,” he said and squeezed her hand. She laughed and let go, trying to downplay her emotions. She didn’t want to admit she’d been terrified, but it was a new sensation to her. She’d never felt such fear for someone else before. She didn’t quite understand it. Tryte tried to take her hand again. “Really,” he whispered. “It’s ok.”
“I know,” she blurted, turning away from him and back to the view.
“No,” Tryte continued. “These last years have been most challenging for you,” he affirmed. “For most, you were alone, not knowing if Zayver and I, your family, were alive.” He looked away as though ashamed. “I should not have been so carefree with my life before you,” he atoned. “Not after all you have been through.”
Leave it to Tryte to know exactly what to say and when to say it. Soliyah made eye contact with him and gave him a small smile in thanks. He nodded and looked back out over the city. “Beautiful, is it not?” Soliyah shrugged.
“It isn’t home,” she answered and Tryte nodded.
“That is true, my dear friend. Nothing will ever replace Beroun,” he confessed. “But Beroun was not all there was. And there is beauty in everything and every place.” Soliyah nodded, though she couldn’t quite agree. She couldn’t believe she’d never see Beroun again. Though her dream meeting with Zayver had already told her Beroun was gone, she’d clearly held out a little hope that it was untrue. Unfortunately, Tryte had confirmed it a couple of days ago which had pushed Soliyah to tears. “It can be rebuilt,” Tryte interrupted her thoughts, allowing her tears to subside. She turned to Tryte, a little shocked. Zayver had said the very same thing in her dream. “Even if you are to lose Efevra, it can be rebuilt.”
“Lose Efevra? What are you talking about?” He turned towards her.
“Come,” he said. “It is high time the counsel and you meet.” Soliyah didn’t know what to say, though she knew this was meant to happen. Tryte escorted her from the room into the hall.
“Where’s Zerik? Rivelle?”
“They are busy.”
“Busy? With what?”
The grand hall was a great chamber adorned with intricate tapestries and illuminated by the light of the sun shining down through a large round hole in the ceiling. Not much sun was present so there were fires burning at both ends of the room. The air seemed to crackle with tension as Soliyah joined the members of the High Counsel around a massive wooden table. It was square, so there was no head or more prominent position. Four individuals sat, waiting for Soliyah and Tryte to take their seats. Tryte walked her over to one and she quickly sat and studied the members of the Counsel. They gave off strange vibes to her. Though clearly Serenian, it was clear they hadn’t had a day of hard labor their entire lives.
The first was good-looking with a strong jawline and neatly styled dark brown hair. His piercing blue eyes gave him an air of confidence, as did his height. He was dressed impeccably and clearly believed himself sophisticated and important.
The second, though striking with his wavy chestnut hair and dark brown eyes, didn’t seem to carry himself as confidently. His eyes bore a mischievous glint, and his well-groomed beard added a touch of ruggedness to what otherwise might be characterized as refined features. He was lean throughout, except for a slight belly that clearly arose from being well-fed and ages of living in comfort.
The third sat staring at Soliyah, though she couldn’t quite read her expression. Her cascading blonde curls framed her delicate face and her hazel eyes sparkled with intelligence. Though graceful looking, she was on the short and more stout side with broad shoulders. However, her clothing reflected a refined taste, including a beautiful fabric wrapped around her head and neck that complemented her dress and eyes amazingly.
The final member possessed a striking allure with lustrous ebony hair that fell to her waist, framing her heart-shaped face. Her deep brown eyes were large and expressive, drawing attention to her fierce gaze. With a petite yet curvaceous figure, she was wearing what appeared to be clothing for battle, but upon closer inspection, Soliyah realized it was more than likely ceremonial or for show. Still, she held her head high, her nose slightly turned up as though waiting for the world to meet her where she expected it to.
At first glance, Soliyah was not impressed with, nor excited to meet, the members of the High Counsel. Though she knew it was unfair to judge them with a simple glance, she wasn’t going to hold her breath in hopes of being found wrong.
“Soliyah, may I present to you, Rylanar, keeper of the North” the first nodded to her curtly and Soliyah nodded back. “Ludlen, keeper of the East,” the second smiled and nodded. “Seralina, the South,” the third barely acknowledged her with a smile. “And Aurena, the West.” The final member nodded and smiled with her eyes. Soliyah smiled and readied to speak. “Fine members of the counsel, may I present to you, Venera Profera.” Each member seemed to stare more intently at her, as though waiting for something… a sign, an act, a word, she didn’t know. Soliyah looked to Tryte for guidance, but he simply stared at the counsel members.
“The illustrious and glorious Venera Profera,” Rylanar started, though Soliyah could detect neither affection or aversion.
“Hello,” Soliyah stammered. Seralina turned to Tryte.
“What can she do as this so-called Venera Profera that we as High Counsel cannot?” She turned to Soliyah. “Have you extra abilities? Can you show us?”
“She’s not a toy, Lina,” Ludlen huffed at her, a cheeky smile across his face. “And she’s sitting right in front of you. Do you really need to speak like that?” He looked back at Soliyah and smiled. Soliyah couldn’t shake the feeling he wasn’t being genuine but returned his smile.
“Like what?” Lina barked.
“She’s clearly a warrior,” Aurena chimed in. “Look at her. Strong, well-defined, fearless. She can lead Serenia into battle.” Soliyah’s eyes widened and she was about to protest.
“Esteemed members, may I?” Tryte interrupted them. Rylanar seemed to roll his eyes but the others nodded. “While my dearest friend Soliyah can indeed fight, that is not to be her role in this time of darkness.”
“But you said…” Lina began but Ludlen shushed her, smiling at Soliyah once again.
“Thank you, keeper Ludlen,” Tryte cleared his throat. “There is still much Soliyah has yet to learn,” he admitted without looking at her. “It is our duty, as keepers of Serenia, to guide her, and bring her to the crux of her role as Venera Profera.”
“Which you still haven’t enlightened us to,” Rylanar reminded him.
“Let him speak, Rylan,” Ludlen came to Tryte’s defense, still looking back at Soliyah as often as he could.
“There is news from the North,” Tryte suddenly announced. The members each looked at one another, confused, surprised. “The approaching darkness grows ever stronger. And I…”
“We’re well aware of the darkness, Tryte,” Seralina interrupted, rolling her eyes as though bored. “But the north is Rylan’s domain. Shouldn’t he be the one supervising its care?”
“I will not be blamed for this!” Rylan yelled after banging his fist on the table.
“No one is blaming you,” Aurena assured him. “But the north is your responsibility…”
“Please! Keepers! Let us not get lost in futile discussions or arguments.” They were surprisingly silenced and a couple even looked embarrassed or ashamed. “The darkness grows and quickens its pace. It will not be too long before it has crossed the waters and reached our northern shores.” Aurena took a deep breath while Seralina continued to look bored and Rylanar, insulted. Meanwhile, Ludlen shook his head and sighed.
“This will not do,” he chimed, his eyes darting to Soliyah, looking for a reaction of some kind. But Soliyah’s face felt just as her mind did, stuck in a fog of disbelief, disappointment, and confusion. Who were these creatures? Were they seriously the High Counsel for all of Serenia? They seemed arrogant, useless, self-righteous, and ignorant, almost to the point of being comical.
“Well?” Seralina’s eyes widened. “Did you consult with your… Naniquites or whatever?”
“Nanoquiao,” Soliyah corrected her. Seralina glared at her while the others shared mixed looks of being impressed, not caring, and alarmed. “The proper elocution is Nanoquiao,” she finished and Seralina seemed to harden her glare, but Soliyah dared not look away. Tryte gave a sort of fake laugh to draw attention back on himself.
“While Soliyah is correct, I am certain Seralina meant no offense.” He turned back to Seralina and smiled. “Yes, I communed with the Nanoquiao to try and discern what the darkness may be.”
“What darkness exactly?” Soliyah hated to interrupt and ask such a seemingly stupid question, but she had to. She honestly had no clue what they were referring to. Ludlen and Rylanar began to laugh when they realized she was serious. Seralina looked annoyed, while Aurena shook her head, as though embarrassed.
“She doesn’t know?” Rylanar asked incredulously. “Your so-called Venera Profera! Our supposed savior? Doesn’t even know about the darkness?”
“There are many things she does not know. She has been traveling for some time, and very few know of the darkness and the woman with flaming red hair.” Soliyah started at the mention of the woman. Where had she heard that before?
“What good is she to us, to Serenia, if she is ignorant to all that is threatening us and could be to come?” Seralina asked calmly, with an air of passive aggression. “Our army is already out there fighting for us.”
“For Serenia,” Soliyah interrupted. Seralina’s glare hardened and her jaw clenched.
“When I say us, I always mean all of Serenia.”
“My apologies,” Soliyah nodded. She couldn’t deny she really didn’t like Seralina and could tell she needed to tread carefully in trying not to let it show.
“That’s just Seralina, dhrehr” Ludlen smiled at her. Soliyah didn’t like that he’d used that term but smiled at him in thanks. “You’ll get used to her.” He winked and turned back to Tryte, motioning for him to continue. Tryte nodded.
“The rumors of the vast darkness began just after those of the woman with flaming red hair. Despite our great wisdom,” he motioned to the keepers. “Experience, and insight into the unknown, the Nanoquiao and I were unable to identify its nature or its source.” The members all sighed and shook their heads. “We can only move forward as planned while I prepare Venera Profera for her role in what is to come.”
“You know, that doesn’t make much sense to me,” Seralina spoke up, unsurprisingly. “How is it you know how to prepare the Venera Profera for what is to come, when you claim you don’t know what in fact is to come?”
“That is a good question,” Rylanar added while Ludlen shook his head.
“Is she to fight the red woman?” Aurena asked. Tryte hesitated and then finally shook his head, yes. “Then I can help,” she offered, smiling.
“The red woman?” Seralina asked, confused. “Is she coming to Efevra?”
“That would make sense, wouldn’t it?” Ludlen rolled his eyes at her. “Efevra is the heart and soul of Serenia. Take it, and you have everything.” Soliyah wanted to interject but thought against it.
“Are we safe? I mean, those that live here. In the city. We must protect them.” Seralina’s eyes were wild with thought and worry. Somehow Soliyah found it hard to believe she was more concerned about anyone other than herself.
“Yes,” Rylanar fervently agreed. “We must call the army back now,” he ordered.
“But what about the rest of…” Aurena tried to interject but was ignored and interrupted.
“By all means, let’s make Efevra the site for this epic battle,” Ludlen joked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, but only Soliyah heard him. Seralina and Rylanar were too busy speaking over one another on the next course of action in getting the army to retreat back to Efevra.
“Keepers! The whole of Serenia is at risk, it’s not just a simple matter…”
“Perhaps that’s true,” Rylanar interrupted him. “But as Ludlen said, Efevra is the heart and soul of Serenia. We cannot let the city fall. If it were to fall, all of Serenia would fall with it. Don’t you see?” He was beginning to sweat.
The debate raged on with keepers arguing their differing positions. Rylanar and Seralina were ardently pulling for the immediate recall of the army to protect Efevra from both the looming darkness and the red woman. While Aurena cautioned against pulling protection from Serenians outside the city. Unfortunately, she seemed more concerned about the reaction and ramifications of doing so, more than the lives of those they’d abandon and leave to fight on their own. As for Ludlen, he appeared to have allied with Tryte and wished to defer to his and Soliyah’s expertise.
Soliyah listened intently, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. She glanced at Tryte, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. Together, they shared a silent agreement - the need to protect as many Serenians as possible, though they weren’t sure how they could do it. But there was a small twinkle in Tryte’s eyes she hadn’t seen in too long. She couldn’t make out what it meant, but finally stood, her voice resonating with unwavering determination.
“Keepers,” she started, hoping her words carried the weight of her experiences and convictions. “We cannot ignore this darkness, even if its nature eludes us. Nor can we ignore the challenge and obvious danger of this Red Woman. But we must band together to triumph, as a full and complete Serenia. We must stand united, defend our lands, and preserve the light that shines within us all.” Her words hung in the air, each syllable filled with the echoes of her resolve. Ludlen began nodding immediately, staring up at her, a playful glint in his eye that Soliyah didn’t recognize. He immediately stood.
“Hear, hear!” He yelled out in support. Aurena smiled and stood, bringing up a fist in support. Seralina and Rylanar remained seated, unimpressed but finally nodded. When the electricity in the air seemed to finally calm, Rylanar spoke up.
“It seems you’ve brought a new energy and perspective to the High Counsel, Venera,” he nodded to her. “The next few days will be very interesting.” There seemed to be a slight laugh behind his words, though it was well hidden. He nodded to her, stood, and left. Seralina watched him, sighed, and followed. Aurena, smiling turned to Soliyah.
“I want to thank you,” she told her. “Now you’re here, all will be well.” She stood and left, leaving Ludlen staring at Soliyah, a strange smile on his face and a look in his eye.
“Well, well, well,” he teased as he stood from his seat. “Let’s see how well you play.” He looked at Tryte. “Fire up the games, eh?” He smiled at Soliyah, winked at her once more, and then left the room. Soliyah turned to Tryte.
“I am so confused,” she laughed. “What’s happening?” Tryte sighed.
“The High Counsel never makes decisions while in session. There is an unwritten order stating that each keeper must take three days to reflect and ruminate on all that was discussed before making a final decision.”
“I guess that makes sense, but even for such a time-sensitive decision as this?”
“All the more necessary, I think. We don’t want a keeper making their decision based on emotion or ego.” Soliyah nodded as they made their way out of the chamber.
“And the games?” Tryte sighed and stopped just before the door.
“It used to be, long ago, that the keepers would remain in their own lodgings while they contemplated and formed their decision.”
“And now?”
“Well, some time ago, though I can not remember when the keepers moved into this citadel. Instead of spending time apart and with others, they now remain here, sequestered from the realities with very little to do.”
“And?”
“Well, how do I put this delicately… they attempt to win one another over.” Soliyah stared at him, still confused. Tryte took a deep breath. “They use very manipulative and often abhorrent tactics in my opinion. And unfortunately, it has contributed to the erosion of proper keeping.” Soliyah didn’t know how to respond, she was still trying to process what he could mean. He finally shook his head and got them moving forward again. “You’ll see what I mean. Just be very careful over the next few days,” he asked her and she nodded. “Better yet,” he turned to her one last time. “It is best if you stay close to me.”
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Ⓒ July 2023. Beki Lantos. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author.