The Voices of Goray

Chapter 4

Finally, as he reached the gate to Eray, he sat down against the wall, he felt so defeated he feared even walking through the entrance the way he looked. He propped up his knees and placed his chin on his knees, closing his eyes tightly as he clasped the envelope he held tightly the entire way. It was now or never he thought to himself. 

Before he entered Eray he wanted to know what he had to do. 

With shaking hands he started to rip through the silver full moon>shaped seal, nervously wild taking the long parchment out of the envelope. 

Es' eyes started to scan the letter intensely, his tired mind rereading every sentence to process what he read. With each paragraph, his heart grew heavier. His hands shook the letter while his eyes turned every word into a blur. 

***

Dear boy, 

I hope this letter finds you well and that you've reached Eray safely. I understand if things didn't turn out as planned. The dunes have always been a scarily unpredictable place. 

If you've reached Eray safely, you may have already noticed the cube has grown a bit heavier than it was when you took it. Perhaps you've also heard a little bit of squabbling noise come from between its six walls. 

Once the seal of the cube opens, in it you will find our dearest beloved Izeka. She's one of our youngest and belongs to the Goray. We are aware that you never carried people or alike across the dunes. We don't blame you for that, my dear. 

I would tell you to whom to bring her, but with you, she is already where she belongs. We don't doubt your nurture to raise her. Unfortunately, neither of our Goray have the necessary means to raise her, for what her future holds. 

She's meant to do big things. It's been millennia since one of hers was born.

Her power should save us all from the prophecy. To bring it all back to how it was. 

I understand this might be a lot for you to process, and I also understand if for a long while you might need help. In the cube, you will find all the possible coins you could need to raise Izeka to be the savior that we need. She has to be raised in Eray. 

She needs to be familiar with the old leyline beacon that connects the kingdoms of Uzesh. We believe you to teach her, nurture and love her. 

25 millennia are a lot to ask for, I know. Far away from her home. There are books to help you tell her of Goray and which explain her powers. She should have all she needs to learn. 

Please don't doubt yourself, the Goray trust in you and your Amori blood. 

In case something did happen, please do not fret my boy. 

It was simply not meant to be. 

With loving faith,

Murin and all of Goray

***

Es clutched his chest letting the parchment slip from his hands as he swung his head back against the wall. Agonizing sobs left his lips as he processed what he had lost out in the dunes. Tears streamed over his burning cheeks. He got up and kicked up the sand, yelling indistinguishable things out into the raging wind. 

Defeated, void of all hope, Es wished to die out there, every split second he wanted to run back out into dunes, in hopes to find the cube again. He hated the burden they placed on him without knowing. The thought of how the sand just took it. The images of the cube being flung back and forth further and further away from him. He had no chance against the wickedness of the dunes. 

His cries carried out into the wind with the sand, in agony and heartbreak. Full of guilt and pain in his heart, he turned and leaned his head against the gate. Every second trying to figure out if he should just die out here, buried alive by the sand as punishment. 

Es regretted not going after it, he should've run faster, and as if his life depended on it. Why couldn't they tell him? Why did they send him on his way like this? 

> I AM HERE! COME GET ME! COME YOU PIECE OF ANCIENT s**t! THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED! I'M RIGHT HERE I WON'T GIVE YOU A FIGHT! 

He tried to get the voices of the dunes to come to get him, taunting them while he ran left to right. Es was ready to be taken out there. To be buried by the sand for centuries to come. But the dune's wind rejected his pleas. 

Until nightfall Es spent pleading for his death but gave in to his exhaustion of yelling into the wind. He looked out once more until finally pressing his hands against the stonewall gate. The glow of the wall burned his tired dried>up red eyes. With a sturdy sound, the wall opened itself up revealing the dark cave passage. 

He wasn't sure if he should still step into Eray but his exhaustion didn't leave much to contemplate. Tired feet and heavy shoulders dragged his broken heart along the stones. His weight almost gave in from not feeling sand give in under his weight. 

The wall shut behind himself, the quiet cave echoed the sound through the cave. 

Suddenly between his pants and sobs, a loud thud was thrown against the wall. Es' body shuddered and turned back to look at the wall. With a vicious heartbeat, he walked back up to it to open it. 

The wall shoved itself to the side and Es looked out in the dunes. There was no sign of anybody there. 

> Hello?!

He called out, trying to make sense of the sound. 

Es dragged his feet back onto the sand, eyes scanning the horizon. 

Nothing but the wind carrying the sand. 

Es turned around, about to walk back into the passage.

> You forgot this, you i***t!

A sudden wind funnel hurled at Es, hitting him with an object against his back. 

> What the - 

He spun around holding his back, scanning the horizon as he watched a figure in the distance throw him two indecent gestures with their hands. 

> DON'T COME BACK, ESEAH. 

The oh-so-familiar voice dragged through the wind before vanishing again into the horizon. 

Es looked down at his feet and noticed the silver large cube resting at his feet. A huge rock fell from his heart as he started to pick it up in a panic and carry it into the passage.

Relieved and still perplexed by it all he hurried out of the passage making his way down to his shop, dodging the curious eyes of all the townspeople. 

Once he reached his shop, he placed the cube on his counter. Looking at it with tears still clouding his eyes. Was she still alive? He couldn't tell. The cube didn't feel heavier either to him, nor did he notice any sounds. Es paced around his counter back and forth in agony. Was the seal going to open? How would it open? Did he have it the right side up? What if he didn't? He turned the cube a few times, hoping to feel anything close to what Murin described, but he couldn't make much of it. 

Es needed to know. Had he failed or was there still hope? It was eating him alive. Hours went by of him pacing around it, till suddenly a high pitch squabble sound came from the cube. His heart sank in relief. He ran up to it and pressed his ears against it, listening to the sounds it was making. 

With each sound, he kept repeating in disbelief.

> By the graces, you're still alive. You're still alive. 

Es' fingertips ran across the cube in hopes to find an opening or lock. It took him a while till he noticed that the full moon sigil on the top of the cube looked like a button. The sound of little gears began to turn and twist through the cube. 

With a soft click, the topside lifted. 

This was it, the moment of proof. Es took a deep breath as he gently lifted the side.

And there she was looking up at him, with no care in the world, he looked into her bright hazel green eyes and stared at her soft baby features. 

> Izeka. 

He felt weary of it all but yet there she was, unharmed and alive. She lifted her small hands to reach Es. From all the panic and responsibility Murin gave him, he was still overwhelmed by the entire sight. With careful yet shaky hands he grabbed into the cube and picked her up. 

Es held tight onto Izeka, adjusting her small stitched green dress while he looked through the cube. There were countless books on the Goray and various other books on the power of Goray. Underneath all that was a large sack of coins. Es had made a lot of coin from his jobs but never this much, nor has he ever seen this much at once. He tried to count through it to figure out the exact amount, but with Izeka squabbling and playing with his layers there was not much to focus on counting this much. Only then suddenly he realized how he was still covered in all the sand, he hastily lifted her and got the most of it off of her. 

He walked over to one of the tables in the bookshop that had a basket of books and emptied it. Es carefully placed this tiny fullblood into the basket and carried it with him to the bathroom. He placed the basket into the sink so she would not rock back and forth while he rushed to get out of his sand-covered linen and pulled over one of the cleaner shirts out of his dresser. 

He brushed off the sand from his face that was still burnt from the sun and each grain of sand stung like a bee. Through it all, he kept looking at Izeka, still in complete disbelief that she had survived all this. He didn't feel a sense of pride, in fact, he still felt like a failure. The silhouette out in the dunes saved her - Not Es. 

Es picked the tiny girl back up with the basket and placed her onto his shop desk. He sat down and pushed the cube out of the way. While she squabbled her way through the silence Es just watched her in admiration. How special she must be to Goray for them to trust him to raise her. He didn't know where to begin. It's been so long since he was taught and anyone he admired with the same gift was long gone. 

He leaned back into his chair watching her quietly move and wiggle her little hands.

***

> What are your thoughts on kids?

> I don't know. I never thought that much of it, but I'm sure back at home they're all dying to marry me off with a good wife. Have kids. Be an amazing father figure. 

> Must be a lot of responsibility. 

> Oh for us it is. I mean for a God that is. They hardly care for a fullblood's marriage and what he does with it. But a God? Gotta be perfect. 

> Isn't it weird that we're going though? Like I'll be there. I don't want to watch you marry some woman. 

Nao chuckled and looked at Es and shook his head in disbelief, nudging his shoulder. 

> You think I'd let them choose my life? My marriage? I'd rather run away and join Birgu before they'd marry off to a wife. I'd start talking with my fists instead of wisdom. 

He pulled up his hands throwing a few calculated punches into the air. 

To which Es began to laugh heartedly. 

> I don't think punching air qualifies to join Birgu. You have to kill someone with your bare fists as far as I know. 

> Maybe I already have, you don't know? Maybe I just killed a major assassin of the Birgu in stealth just right then.

Es threw his head back in disbelief of Nao's wild claim and laughed harder. Nao chuckled softly and leaned back into the grass. They had a few more days till they reached Rach together. 

> Why wouldn't you marry a woman though?

> Because, that meant I'd make her a full blood Goddess on our wedding night. That's like sharing my power. Or at least she'd have half a say in what I do. Do you think a Goddess would let her God run free and see the world? She'd rather have him by her side so her words hold value. It's just the way the Goray have always done it. AND most of all...

Nao paused, examined Es and leaned his face up close to Es' and tugged on his collar pulling him in for a tender kiss. 

> None of them would look as good as you in that shirt. 

Es' cheeks flushed bright red while he reciprocated once more of Nao's straightforward affection. He just never got used to it. Although it forever felt electrifying, as if Nao was running through his veins, their souls intertwined with one another. 

> I could spend hours wasted away with you, under the sky, be it night or day. You have no idea. 

> I could too, Nao. I'm nervous about going back to Rach. 

> It was your idea. Like it will be fine, I promise. You got me. It's not like somebody will tell you, you desecrated their God. 

> It's still going to be awkward. 

> BECAUSE THAT'S JUST WHO YOU ARE. I mean look at your short rubbish hair, your fingers twitching, and that awkward thing you do with your feet when you're nervous. That's just you. 

Es looked down at his feet that he had placed out of sync with one another. Nao was right. He's always been that way when it came to his feelings around Nao. But he was sure of himself that he had fallen for Nao so sincerely and truly. 

> We should get some shut-eye, Es. Tomorrow will be a big day.

Nao pulled his thoughts back out of his mind and gave Es another tender kiss. 

Es reciprocated and nodded in agreement, leaning back into the grass staring up at the stars. 

***

Truth be told, as Es was watching Izeka, he did not know where to start. To him at least, as long as she was safe and had a roof now over her head and had enough to eat, that would suffice. For now at least to him. 

He leaned forward out of his chair and began to rock the basket lightly in front of him as Izeka made small high pitches of little involuntary giggles. Es smiled at her gently and took the bag of coins into his lap going through all possible things he might need to keep her alive.

He needed clothes and milk and and and… To him what she needed was a mother, not a guy that had the power of nurture. She needed someone that had the motherly instinct. The one his mother had. He sighed thinking back to how his mother just always had an answer for any questions he threw at her. How he'd imagine what she'd tell him in a time like now. 

> Love her like she's our own. 

Is what he felt deep in his heart she would tell him. He sighed once more and looked at the little thing and ran his fingers over her tiny palms. Across her wrist, she bore the full moon>shaped mark of Goray. 

As he watched Izeka drift off into slumber he grabbed one of the books and sat back down, opening it. 

***

The Power of Goray 

In Order to understand the Goray, one must understand their abilities and powers. 

The Goray tend to be prideful and sociable Eternals, which rose in a time not long after the Amori had established their place. 

One of the Goray holds the power of time. It has been a blessing for all in times of need. Whether life or death. Nature or Protection. You will find all sorts of little time tickers alike. 

***

Es stared at the first page and looked at the underlined word and looked up at Izeka. Then he remembered back to Murin's letter telling him about the old dead leyline beacon. For centuries the beacon could not be restored with its old powers due to the missing Goray of nature. 

If the underlining of nature meant that Izeka bears the gift of nature...That meant that she would go on to relight the beacon, flowing the time of nature through the old connecting ley lines across all kingdoms. 

Es sunk into his chair in further disbelief. This meant more than just raising a child on his own. This meant raising a savior. Was he up for it? He did not know. It was in his hands now, to raise one of the Goray. 

His eyes went on, scanning for any passages of interest to him, stopping every paragraph that held any information on the power of nature. Obsessively he tried to find out more but the book had only elaborated on the powers but not on what to do or how to train. 

What if the poor girl ended up using it wrong? What if he couldn't teach her how to use it in the first place. It gave him more questions than answers. He had to find someone that knew. Someone of knowledge. But Es wasn't allowed to search too far, and with Izeka now with him, there was no possibility to run back to Rach for answers. Someone in Eray must have the answers. 

*** 

People in Rach were gathering in front of the castle as Nao walked in front of Es up the stairs. They were sighing in relief, shouting their worships and throwing various items towards the ground in hopes that Nao would pick one up. Nao would stop and look towards Es, who had felt quite uncomfortable over the entire commotion. He didn't recall the Amori being worshipped like this. His experience was more humble than what he was witnessing with Nao. 

Nao reached out and took Es' hand to which a few gasps and quiet chitter erupted from the crowd. He pulled Es closer to his side, establishing clear that he had come with him and was not planning on being part any time soon. Es didn't want to be the center of the attention, yet here he was being mildly forced by Nao. 

> So how does it feel? Exhilarating? Walking with a God?

Nao leaned close and whispered as they walked up the stairs further. 

Es took a look around. 

> It feels like I'm in the wrong place. 

> You're walking with me. Right, where you should be. 

Es still felt like it was wrong to him. He did feel humble walking with Nao, yet not as a God. Not as openly as they did right now. Nao had been walking him for weeks and nothing felt like this. Nobody threw things for attention or worship. For him, walking with Nao wasn't a display or event. Yet here they were, reaching up to the silver graced huge castle doors. 

Es watched Nao turn around while the guards opened the gates to bow to his worshippers, at the same moment he swung Es around, nodding to him to bow too. Es tried to shake his head in disagreement, yet he feared to watch them all see their God be rejected and took a bow too as he watched Nao mouth him a thank you. The crowd continued to shout and wave, flowers and letters flying across their feet. The guards hastily walked after, picking everything up to carry it inside.

Nao pulled him close as Es started to marvel at the intricate designs the Goray had painted across the walls. 

> Beautiful isn't it?

To which Es nodded, watching the detailed stars tell the stories of Goray. He hardly remembered their castle looking as luxurious as theirs. Where the Amori was humble, the Goray were openly full of faith and pride. 

> My dear boy, oh by the graces and everything you hold dear!

An older woman in a silver>lined huge dress of stars had run up to Nao, touching his cheeks and shoulders repeatedly. Es stood near awkwardly struck. 

> I'm fine, don't worry, your grace Valmena! I am in one piece. 

> We were so worried. We were about to send guards out to bring you back. 

> As you can see, there was no need. I'm back and with the help of a dear friend, I also got my powers back. 

Nao bowed appreciatively and gently nudged Es that had gotten lost in the paintings across the marble ceilings. 

Es quickly bowed in respect. 

> Nice to meet you, your Grace Valmena. I'm Es. 

The old woman's face glowed up as she walked up to Es, touching his face and shoulders warmly, and suddenly stopped and leaned towards Nao. 

> Not one of ours?

To which Nao smirked mischievously and shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

Queen Valmena smiled warmly and let out a small unbothered content laugh indicating that she did not expect such a bold move from Nao. 

> You two must be tired after the long journey. I'll have the castle know that you'll be having a guest. They'll prepare everything. 

*** 

As Es kept watch over Izeka, he knew tomorrow morning he'd have to make his way out to the shops in hopes of finding everything he needed. He carried the basket softly to the small back room and went ahead to lock the shop door for the day. 

After the entire eventful days, he too needed a good night's rest.

***

> What am I doing? 

Eseah held his chest tightly while he looked over to Izeka in her makeshift bed the next morning. 

People were putting their faith in him. The same way Nao had always believed in him too. He remembers the way his mother spent ages raising those of the others to decent, well adjusted Eternals, yet here he was, missing the guidance of his own gods. 

Eseah placed his hand onto Izeka's wrist and exhaled a quiet nurture spell to soothe her before leaving. Watching her eyes light up as she let out a soft infant giggle and an involuntary content smile. 

Es nodded to himself. At least he was still able to do spells after all those millennia. 

He took out Nao's pocket watch and gave it a light kiss.

> I hope you're still out there. 

He sighed and took his bag, glanced once more at Izeka and made his way to the town square. 

People were scattered across the marketplace as Es roamed through each one finding toys Izeka might like, baby food and clothing. 

He was unsure if what he got was right, nor if the clothes may have fit, but to him anything seemed better than none. 

With heavy bags Es made his way past the crowds back into the alley way. 

Eseah's heart dropped as he walked up to the wide open door of his bookshop. 

He forgot to lock the shop , he thought over and over. Es dropped his bags at the door and stormed in as fast as he could. Panting as he watched a tall man with broad shoulders hunched over Izeka in the sink. 

Eseah stopped in his tracks, slowing down his steps and tried to reach the hidden dagger from his desk. 

> I wouldn't do that if I were you. 

A harsh tone emitted from the man. His hair was pulled into a bun and strands of his hair had beads of various colors and patterns weaved into each. 

Eseah stashed the dagger underneath his sleeve. 

> What makes you say that, you're the stranger in my shop. 

> I meant the child. 

The man huffed and extended a hand towards Izeka. 

> DON'T TOUCH HER. I SWEAR BY ALL THE KINGDOM'S IF YOU TOUCH THAT CHILD I WILL SLIT YOUR THROAT! 

> I meant keeping a child in a sink like that. 

He turned around and faced Eseah. His face bearing prominent cheekbones and piercing yellow eyes. His thick eyebrows softened the harshness of his facial features. 

Eseah felt his heartbeat ringing in his ears. 

> Who are you to say what is good for a child or not?

> Easy. 

The man chuckled.

> I helped raise five sisters of mine. Now if you'd let me, I'll help you. 

> What do you want? Because I'm sure you didn't come here to be of help. You need something. 

> I was just searching for a book. 

> Shops closed in case you can't read. 

> Funny enough you'd say that. Since I actually can't. Ironic. Isn't it? Burly man in search of a book he can't read to begin with. Just let me take her out of the damn sink. 

Eseah's hands shook in fear as the man turned back to Izeka. 

> One wrong move and I'll kill you. 

> Easy there. It's okay. I got you. 

The man paid him no mind as Es watched him cradle Izeka in his well defined strong arms. Holding her in the most secure swaddle he's ever seen.

> You can put the dagger down. 

He turned over and faced Eseah, holding Izeka close to his chest. 

> You should think about wrapping her to your chest. That way she'll be close and get familiar with your heartbeat. It helps. 

Eseah shook his head in disbelief. 

> What book do you need? 

The man cradled Izeka further in his arms, making faces at her. 

> I asked, what book do you need?! 

> Oh, forgive me, my sisters have all grown up by now. You can't have the oldest of 6 enjoy a little bit more of this precious miracle?

> Yeah, a miracle. 

Es rubbed his temples. His heart was too busy still being anxious of the man. 

> I'm Targan.

He announced but it seemed more as if he were to introduce himself to the little child rather than Es.

> What's her name? 

> Izeka. 

Es played with the dagger as he let himself fall into his chair, watching Targan closely. 

His strong steps would cross the floor of the shop as he swayed around, humming quiet lullabies. 

> She's perfect. She'll be a strong woman once she grows up. I can tell. 

Targan swept around as if she were his own. While Es continued to question this stranger's intentions. 

> You know the book wasn't all why I'm here. 

> I figured. Or else you wouldn't be cradling my child right now. 

> She isn't yours. 

> Who's to question whether she's mine or not?! 

Es felt offended by the obvious fact. 

> Her eyes. I'm guessing she cheated on you huh? They all do at some point. 

> She goes after her mother. 

> So you managed to seduce a Goray? 

Targan spun around and faced Eseah with a look of disbelief. 

> You don't believe me? 

> You don't look like Goray's type. 

> How would you know their type? 

> Their women come to us for their secret endeavors and pleasures. 

Es took a deep breath before diverting his eyes to his dagger. 

Birgu. 

He whispered to himself as if he just cracked the mysterious man. 

Es hasn't seen any of the Birgu in ages. How did Targan cross the dunes? 

> I never left ever since the dunes started. I've been stuck here. 

Targan answered the puzzled look on Es' face. 

> You shouldn't be here. If one of them sees you. 

> See me? The whole kingdom knows I'm here. The King asked me to keep the town safe as long as the dunes were raging. I know you cross the dunes. I know you bring things across. 

> If you're asking me to bring something for you. My dune days are over. 

> I am aware of that. 

Targan lifted Izeka as if she alone was the obvious reason for Eseah's retirement. 

> So what really happened? I doubt a mother would leave her child. 

> I can't say. 

> You can't say or you really don't know? I won't tell anyone. 

Targan spun and swayed around further with Izeka in rhythm to his voice. 

> Right, little Ize, we won't tell a soul. 

> I really don't know. 

> I hope the dunes didn't take her. 

Es sighed. 

> Oh! so they may have taken her. 

> Not her… 

> OH. 

Targan took a step back looking at Eseah and then back at Izeka. 

> OH. OH… 

A brief moment of silence followed. 

> WAIT! That's not how any of that works?! 

Eseah looked at him in surprise once he realized what Targan thought. 

> NO. Oh. No. No. Not like that. I really don't know what happened to her mother. 

> Well, the dunes didn't just take families. It took lands and futures alike. 

Eseah nodded and eyed the Goray inscription on the dagger. Fidgeting it's sheath around.