Undeniable Vengeance

5. The Shulan's Words-3

Mikkellana cringed. "How will he know what to do, Shulan, and how will he find the Portals?" She stepped forward, her presence intimidating. "What do you know of the Portals?"

"This will lead him to the place of knowledge." His outstretched hand held a necklace with a heart-shaped amulet bearing a crystal as black as the deepest cave. It reminded Rahg of the obelisk.

"What is this?"

"It has been passed down to each shulan since before our memories can know. It came from the Ancient Ones, and legend claims it will lead you to the place of knowledge."

"What is this place of knowledge?"

"We know nothing more."

"What will I find there?" A wave of fear roiled in Rahg's stomach.

"We do not know. But we can provide one more bit of help. The Paaren is a place of mystery—a place where every footstep is lost once taken. It is told that no one has ever survived the Paaren, but perhaps that is because they have never had a Pathfinder."

Rahg's confusion and fear built to boiling frustration. "I've had enough of this, Shulan. You can't tell me anything about this place and then tell me nobody has ever survived, but you expect me to go anyway. Well, you'll not catch me running off to find some portal and end my life. I'll wait for Lukaan to come get me."

Rahg had begun his turn to depart the temple only to discover Mikkellana blocking his way, her eyes glowing with menace.

"I have seen more centuries than you have moons, boy, and I'll not forfeit my life to Lukaan because you refuse to accept your fate. You will complete this journey; you will find this knowledge. And you will slay this Messenger. Then you can help me defeat Lukaan." Mikkellana fought to control a temper held too long in abeyance. "You will do these things, or I will squeeze the breath from you myself—now, as we stand here."

Darstan stepped between her and Rahg.

Her glare drilled into Darstan. "Don't you dare challenge me, boy. If I sense one bit of of fire burning in you, I'll cut off your good arm and your legs, too."

Rahg grabbed Darstan's shoulder. "No, Dar. Let me handle this." Rahg forced fear and pride back down his throat. The mention of her squeezing the breath out reminded him of what Aentarra had said about Ronell. And Mikkellana had nearly choked Rahg to death that day just for asking about it. Perspiration beaded on Rahg's forehead and rolled down his cheeks. He turned back to the shulan. "I'm sorry, Shulan. Accept my apology for being rash. What can you tell me to make the journey more successful?”

"There is little we can tell you. You must go to the lands of Arangar and in the Maze of the Mist, you will find a Pathfinder. You then must find the Portals of Darkness, and, once inside the Paaren, the amulet will lead you to the place of knowledge."

Rahg tried to maintain his composure, though the shulan’s way of speaking in riddles frustrated him. "What does a Pathfinder have to do with this and why would it help me?”

"The Pathfinders are an ancient race that roamed the lands long before man. Legend states that a favorite pet of the gods wandered far from home one day and became hopelessly lost until a Pathfinder brought it home. As a reward, the gods blessed the Pathfinders with a special ability—no matter where they went, even in the Paaren, they could always find their way back. It is especially important because in the Paaren something happens, and people cannot find their way back out. This is what the legends say, and since no one has ever returned..."

The shulan's somber expression worried Rahg, but the prospect of Mikkellana strangling him proved to be the more immediate threat; Arangar was a far-off land, Mikkellana stood only a few paces away. "How will we get to Arangar?"

"I have a ship being prepared even now, Rahg, and the captain is an experienced seaman who has ridden the waves since he was a child."

"How will Rahg find the portal, Shulan. Do any of your scrolls or legends mention that?"

The shulan looked to the shera for advice. "He will find it as he finds it, My Lady. We know nothing more. Perhaps the Pathfinders have more knowledge."

Mikkellana nodded. "You have the map for your journey. All that remains is to take your departure."

"We have time before we go running off to some distant land."

"You have no time. You must leave before Aentarra returns and discovers your destination. She must not be allowed to follow you." Mikkellana's tone implied danger.

"Why can't she just go there?"

"Because she has never been. Now go and prepare. Every moment is precious."

Rahg fingered the amulet hanging from his neck, and he thought about the upcoming journey. His life had changed so much since Twin Forks and that was just last winter.

Rhaven offered a suggestion, one just short of a command. "We should meet and discuss our plans for departure."

"I suggest you follow the warrior's advice," Mikkellana said. "Now you must leave. Be brave on your journey, Rahg; it will be rife with peril."

Mikkellana stayed, wandering through the chamber until everyone except the shera had gone.

"Does My Lady require anything else?"

The shera seemed uncomfortable in her presence. Mikkellana met him at the center of the hall, her gaze riveting him. "Yes, Shera, there are many puzzles that I need answers to. Tell me of this structure, this obelisk which you call home. Who built it and when? What kind of stone is this? I have never seen its like.”

"As to who built it, we do not know, My Lady. Our people came to Entiria more than five thousand years ago, and according to our records, it was here when we arrived. There were no people on the island, nor any evidence other than this obelisk and the structures surrounding it." The shera paused. "I have a particular interest in old buildings, My Lady, and I have searched this island from shore to shore. There is no trace of the stone that was used. Not even a pebble."

Mikkellana nodded as if the shera had told her something new. "You may leave now, Shera. I thank you for your help."

The shera bowed, then departed the temple. Mikkellana probed the chamber floor and walls, even the air itself. There was power here, great power. She raced to possible conclusions but none of them made sense. None of her kind had ever been to Entiria, so it could have nothing to do with any of them—and if not them, then who? Once again her mind drifted to Vallah and the mystery of who had built such a magnificent city. Even more important was why had they abandoned it? So many questions and nowhere to get answers.

Perhaps this land of Arangar will provide clues, she thought. Perhaps it will.