Chapter 120: Sanctum XLV
There was no sign of Bell. Jorra kept palming his signal orb, worrying that if Bell called for us and the orb was in his pocket that he might miss it, as unlikely as it was.
I found Morthus at Veldanis hospice in surprisingly good health. Told him what I needed. He agreed to it, informing me there was a method of calling all Elders and Masters back to the heart of the Sanctum in times of great emergency.
We wanted to keep moving, but Veldani insisted we stay, safely stowed away for what passed as night in the Sanctum.
I dreamed of many things. A warm Auburnswell breeze in a peaceful meadow. Bellarex, beckoning us towards the portal and following behind us, landing with a light yelp right after Jorra did.
Then I dreamed of Whitefall. I floated through the long, stone-paved streets and lit storefronts. I wandered through topside, looking for Gunthers apothecary, wanting desperately to glimpse Lillian through the window. Only the streets seemed to wind back on themselves and I found myself passing the same cat, a pair of foul-smelling guards, and dilapidated buildings time after time. Eventually, I gave up and made my way to the castle. The way the snow hung on the rooftops filled me with a strange sort of nostalgia. This was the last place Id expected to miss, but it seemed that I did. I wandered the long marbled hallways, glancing around pillars, seeking someone, anyone familiar.
In all the years Id spent in this castle, it had never slept, but now laid empty and cold, in a manner that struck me as a strange omen.
When I reached the study, I was surprised to find it occupied. My father was at his desk, his stern face drawn and irritable as he leafed through an endless mountain of documents. Slowly, he looked up at me.
How long do you expect me to wait?
I startled awake to the sound of a door slam, my heart racing.
You made a right mess out there, future apprentice. Veldani scolded. She threw back the curtains and I winced from the onslaught of light.
Through the haze of sleep dusting my eyes, I saw Maya sit up slowly from the bed across the room, rubbing her face. Jorras bed was empty. My heart seized for a moment, before I saw him go running by the window outside, Bacchus in tow. His face was empty of emotion, completely and totally focused.
Hes training.
My mind finally latched onto what Veldani had said. What do you mean?
Veldani glared at me, still intimidating despite her short stature. I mean the Sanctum, boy. Not much of a Sanctum anymore. More like a warzone.
Dammit. I had hoped we had more time.
Language, Veldani chided me. The Decarabia and Asmodials seem to be focusing on each other. Thats the good part, as its giving the little ones time to get clear. The bad part is theres a lot of them.
Somehow I doubt the Decarabia are going to just let us pass like the others. Maya said, darkly. Shed vocally opposed Veldanis edict that we take time to rest, and was clearly unhappy that things had gotten worse as wed slept.
Veldani thrust a finger in Mayas direction. Dont sass me, child. She indicated me with her head. This one was dead on his feet. Young ones die every year in the Sanctum due to pride and stupid hubris.
I did not Maya started, only to be summarily ignored when Veldani turned to me and continued.
Discovering your limit is important. But more essential than that is realizing we have them for a reason. There are some things we simply cant do. You have an old soul, Cairn. Ancient, even, the oldest Ive seen. It nearly crumbled within you, and its barely holding now.
Veldani couldnt possibly know what I was on the verge of doing. She was pushing her agenda, as it wouldnt serve her or the rest of the infernals to lose me. But it didnt change the fact that she was right. There had to be limits. Willfully trading Mayas life for another chance was something I simply wouldntno, couldntdo.
I let the magic go.
If the return route is barred, what is the fastest way back to the heart? Maya asked. Her voice was a calming salve on the raging of my mind.
The correct question, is what is the safest route. And the answer is simple. There isnt one. Veldani stated plainly, looking between us. Its been weeks. Theyve likely discovered the issue on the other side and every parent, council member, and infernal with an inkling of magic is working to resolve it.
I shook my head. Veldani, like so many others, was underestimating Thoth. You dont know what were up against.
We cant hide. Maya stood up, her fists clenched at her side. Not while whats happening is happening because of us.
Thats foolishness talking, child, Veldani said. His life is more valuable than any life that might be lost in this conflict.
It could take months to get the barrier down. What about the infernals that are about to age out of the Sanctum? Maya challenged. They will be stuck. Their life, their future contributions to the Enclave, all but wasted.
Isnt that the same fate youve chosen for yourself? I clamped down on the thought before I could voice it.
Is my existence, my life, a waste because I live here? Veldani raised an eyebrow.
No, but
But nothing. They would be able to research, learn, push farther into the sanctum.
And their families? Maya asked. She seemed to wither at her own question.
Veldani remained quiet as well. They would be able to meet them at the halfway point. It would be a great tragedy, yes. But if the boy dies, our chances of accessing the sanctum are practically nil.
What about Bacchus? I asked. I know hes not as far along, but youre talking like its not even a possibility.
Extending a hand, Veldani called forth the flame. Ignis, She touched it to a single corner of the nightstand and held it there. I shifted away, but noticed that the dark-stained wood of the nightstand did not ignite. Control. The flame formed a tiny spark that moved slowly in a small pattern, lightning the stain and leaving the underlying wood untouched.
And the third stage? I breathed. Id been curious to know what it was, ever since Maya explained it to me.
Veldani reached her hand out. Absolution.
