Kotharian Lightning

The desert wind blew through Sari’s black hair, a short lived comfort in the scorching heat. From the lookout hidden amongst the rocks, her golden eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of foe or beast. Nothing. She breathed in relief. The Lord of the Desert still protects his Phariah from our hated foe, just as he has for millennia.

Footsteps sounded below. She looked down and saw her friend Fole ascending the stairs. For a moment, his handsome physique, an eye-catching combination of tanned skin, white hair, and silver eyes, distracted her. My vigil is more important than whatever Fole wants. She returned to scanning the horizon.

“See anything out there, Sari?” Fole asked. “Perhaps a giant roc bird coming to devour us all?”

Sari continued staring at the sands. “You shouldn’t joke about that, Fole. My grandfather once saw a roc carry off two desert bison, one in each claw. Better hope your aim with a bolt thrower is good if one ever spots you.”

Fole shrugged. “Hey, I was only trying to lighten the mood. You deserve it after what happened, especially with all the work you’ve put into the vigil.”

Sari sighed and turned to him. “Sorry, Fole, I didn’t mean to be harsh. This is where I need to be, for both my own conscience, and their memory. I want to stop the Qaddishians and their accursed bounty hunters from killing anyone else.

“If the hunters come here, we’ll leave their corpses in the sands as sacrifices to Phar Diadan,” Fole said. “Fortunately, few Qaddishians choose to brave the desert paths these days, especially this far out.”

“Still, we’ve lost three caravans in the past year to the hunters,” Sari replied. “Seems like the new Rabbim doesn’t intend on being as passive as his predecessors. You know what Sinshemian zealots are like. He’d sacrifice our entire people a hundred times over, all for the crime of daring to be faithless devils in our own land.”

“As the old Qaddishian saying goes, ‘Everything comes to an end.’ ”

“A repulsively cynical outlook if you ask me,” Sari said. “I want us to live forever. That’s why we carry the old songs and stories with us, to remind us of what we were and what we’ll be once more. One day, we’ll regain our place. The Ascendancy will rise from our hearts.”

Fole smiled. “Thoughts like that are why I’m proud to call you my friend.”

They looked out over the seemingly endless desert. Heaven’s Eye shone upon the land, burning the ground with its scorching rays, a mercy and a curse. Rare as life was in this harsh land, nothing moved amongst the sands.

“You’ve been up here for hours,” Fole said. “Why don’t you let me take over the twilight vigil.”

“I should be fine for a few hours more,” Sari replied. “I did promise Elder Nemari, after all.”

Sari winced as Fole placed his hand on her forehead. It was hot to the touch after hours of exposure. No matter how she kept to the shade, it could only do so much against the overwhelming heat.

Fole sighed. “You shouldn’t tempt the Desert Lord, Sari. He claims those who provoke the wrath of the Eye. Besides, you’re only eighteen and I would hate to see such a beautiful maiden wither in the sun. Certainly not before I had a chance to become your beloved.”

A smile crossed Sari’s face. “We shall see, Fole. You still have to write the song that brings joy to my heart. If you do though, an oasis in the desert awaits you.”

“I will sing you a song as brilliant as the dancing lights in the night sky!” Fole grinned. “My soul will offer itself to you, my forever oasis of delight. Our two hearts shall sing one song unto Eternity. For now though, go inside and rest.”

“With words like that, you might well succeed,” Sari replied. “The watch is yours, as you desire.” She handed him the long bolt thrower and gestured at the sky. “Remember, Fole, if you see any roc birds, take cover. Don’t try to be a mighty hunter. An energy bolt can only do so much against…”

“Yes, yes.” He grinned. “Enjoy your rest, Sari. I’ll see you at the gathering tonight.”

Sari descended into the hidden fortress, walking through passageways and rooms carved out of the desert rock. There was only one place she wanted to be after a vigil. At the bottom of the fortress, she entered into the springs, a room full of semi heated pools of water. Energy lamps mounted on the walls provided illumination in the dark caves. A group of youths were relaxing in one of the pools. Had she been feeling sociable, she would have joined them for the fellowship. Today though, she’d rather be alone with her thoughts. After taking off her outer clothing, she stepped into a pool and sat down. The water came up to her chest, hydrating her parched skin. She closed her eyes and relaxed, trying to put the events of the past few weeks out of her mind.

A quiet splash brought her out of her meditation. Her twin brother, Raesh, eased himself into the pool and took a seat on the opposite side.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“It’s alright, my brother,” Sari replied. “Truth is, I could use the company.”

“Have you heard what Elder Nemari is planning?” Raesh asked.

“No, I’ve been on vigil duty since morning. What’s going on?”

“He wants to move us to the northern fortress. The last convoy that got attacked was too close to here.”

“It makes sense.” Sari sighed.

Traveling to the northern fortress meant a month long journey across the sands. They would have to camp in the day, lest the Eye smite them with its scorching heat. That left only the bitter cold nights to travel safely. Both sat in silence for several minutes, the weight of leaving their birthplace resting heavily upon them.

“Sari, how are you feeling?” Raesh asked. “You’ve been distant since Father and Mother passed into Everdream.”

“Their loss has only fueled my determination, Raesh. I’ll do everything in my power to see that no more Phariah die.” Sari gazed at the ceiling somberly. “It’s still the oddest feeling to not see them there when I wake up.”

Raesh nodded. “It feels like yesterday and forever ago that we sang for them at the Remembrance.”

Sari’s thoughts turned to the Remembrance ceremony. It had been an empty funeral, for bounty hunters always made a point of dismembering slain Phariah and scattering them amongst the sands. Without bodies, a gift of sentiment was used instead. For Raesh it had been a dagger, forged by their father, Thavar. It had been gifted to Raesh after the Long Walk, his coming of age ceremony. Sari had placed a necklace in the casket, the one she’d worn every day since she and her mother, Aslith, had crafted it on her seventh birthday. Their parents had joined all the others lost in the harsh desert sands over millennia. Such pointless death and suffering was all to common in this place they’d once called home, a land ravaged by time. With sorrowful minds and tear stained faces, they had committed the casket to fire. Their parents’ souls rose to Everdream, carried upon a song of memories.

Sari began singing the song of remembrance absentmindedly. Raesh joined in after a few moments.

Even when the stars fade

Lights that carried you here

May you walk on in memory

We sing of your legacy

Children of the sky

You remember us forever

Shine upon us starlight

Whisper to us in dreams

Smile from the heavens above

Sing to the world below

And when we meet again

Smile upon us Everdream

After relaxing for several hours, Sari and Raesh left the pools and went to the communal hall. The aromas coming from the kitchen told them the evening meal was almost ready. A hundred people were already gathered around the tables, busying themselves with talk of the journey ahead. Sari decided that she wasn’t going to have much. Her appetite had been lacking the past few days, even after her mourning fast had come to an end. Still, appearances had to be kept up, and she’d need her strength for the journey ahead. She and Raesh sat down and listened to the talk around them. Fole joined them after a few minutes.

“Taka has the night vigil now.” Fole announced as he settled at their table.

“Thanks for relieving me,” Sari said. “The heat got to me more than I thought.”

“No problem.” Fole grinned. “Fortunately, I didn’t spot any roc birds while I was out there.”

“Roc birds?” Raesh asked.

“Just ignore him!” Sari laughed.

The elders entered the room. Each held an orb staff in their right hand, marking their venerated position. Over two hundred people were now gathered in the hall, the entire Phariah community with the exception of the vigil. Once the elders took their seats, the meal began.

Though the desert provided little in the way of food, the Phariah had learned to overcome this limitation long ago. Their hidden fortresses were carved out of rock formations. Each had an entrance to the Under River, the ancient river network that ran beneath the desert. River kelp, cave fish, and fungi could be gathered from the water and rocky caverns. Most importantly, the river provided a ready source of water to the Phariah. The water allowed them to stay in one place, and let them keep desert bison, the scaled cattle that provided them with mounts, milk, and cheese. It was nowhere near what the rich farmlands of the river valleys could provide, but it was enough to survive.

Several couples sang and danced for the pleasure of the gathering. Their songs were of heroic deeds, the great workings of the eternal Osira, and love that lasted into the embrace of Eternity. How could fear or sorrow remain in the face of such joyful song? Thoughts of the journey ahead were replaced by a sense of joy. After all, finding eternal joy was the reason for their struggle. And so the merriment carried into the early night. When the last song finished, Elder Nemari stood up and spoke.

“Would anyone like the last last performance of the night?”

Fole took Sari by the hand. “Would you perform the dance of the windstorm with me?”

“Let no one say you go easy on me.” She smiled. “Yes, I will dance for you.”

She went to side room and put on a dancer’s outfit. By the time she returned to the room, Fole was ready with his drums. As Fole played his song, she allowed her body to be carried by the melody. Each movement became faster and more ecstatic. She began as a graceful hawk and finished as a striking cobra. As the final note sounded, she fell to her knees and raised her arms to the heavens. All the room echoed with applause. She arose, dripping with sweat, and returned to their table.

“He would have you perform the hardest dance!” Raesh laughed.

“Sometimes I think he’s just obsessed with my form.” Sari smiled.

“I need to get a claim in before the others.” Fole gestured to another table.

Sari saw several young men staring at her. At her gaze, they quickly turned back to conversation with one another.

“Don’t worry, you already have a lead on them.” Sari winked at Fole.

“Good to know.” Fole grinned.

Elder Nemari tapped the ground with his staff, and the room went silent. The other elders tapped the ground four times with their own staffs, signaling a meeting of importance. Elder Nemari addressed his people.

“Phariah, kinsfolk of the Osira, hear my words. The time for merriment has come to an end. With the destruction of a caravan a mere forty miles away, this place is no longer safe. The council has decided to relocate our people to the northern fortress, that place we abandoned a century ago. As you know, it is a month of travel across the sands, a difficult journey even for we Phariah. The days ahead call for silence, concealment, and hardship. Even with such a journey before you, may the joy you felt tonight travel at your side, preserving your hope. Gather whatever belongings can be brought with you. We will depart tomorrow night in small groups of two families. May we reunite at the northern fortress by the will of the Osira. Now go and prepare yourselves. The journey awaits.”

The gathering rose from their seats and began streaming out of the room.

Fole tapped Raesh on the shoulder. “You and Sari are welcome to join my family on the journey. Your family’s skill in navigating the desert has found two worthy heirs. Apart from being my friends, your skills would be a great help to us bison tenders.”

Raesh looked at Sari and she nodded.

“I thank you for your offer,” Raesh replied. “We will gladly help your family navigate the sands.”

“It is decided then.” Fole smiled. “Gather your possessions and meet us around noon tomorrow. We’ll load them onto our bison and be ready to leave at midnight.”

“May you be blessed until we meet again, Fole.” Sari smiled.

“And many blessings to you both,” he rejoined.

Fole took his leave as Sari and Raesh began walking to their quarters.

“After that dance, you look like you could use another trip to the pools,” Raesh remarked.

“I wouldn’t have you pack everything alone,” Sari replied.

“I know you want to do your part,” Raesh said. “However, there won’t be any pools on our journey. No point in starting a desert journey with the sweat of another day upon you.”

“There is that,” she replied thoughtfully.

Raesh smiled. “An hour or two couldn’t hurt. Go enjoy yourself. There will more than enough time to pack your possessions later.”

“You have my gratitude.” Sari smiled. “I’ll be back to help shortly, my brother.”

After fetching a new set of clothes from their quarters, Sari descended once more to the springs below. This time she was truly alone with her thoughts as an empty room greeted her. She settled into the water and began to think of the journey ahead. There won’t be any more days like this, at least, not until we arrive at the northern fortress. The days in the desert would be spent hiding under a cloth awning. Then the night would come, that time when they would walk the cold desert wrapped in shawls and cloth, all while the Eyes of the Dying Gods watched from above. She closed her eyes and tried to relax.

————————————-

“Sari.”

Voices? Sari looked around, but nobody was in the room. She shook her head. I must have danced harder than I thought.

“Sari.”

Her eyes focused on the cave opening on the other side of the room. Like several other rooms on this level, the Under River could be accessed by a natural tunnel. That was where the voices came from, distant yet clear.

“Is somebody there?” she asked.

“Heed our voices, Sari.”

She arose from the pool and quickly put on her outer clothing. Her hand caressed the dagger hidden in her bosom. Odd creatures were occasionally seen in the Under River. Tales were told of encountering everything from sirens to river dragons in the dark depths. There was a reason why only experienced river-gatherers were supposed to brave the darkness. Yet, there was no threat in the voices. Kindness and gentleness flowed in every word, more human than the human voice itself. And they know her name. The human-like sirens relied on deceptively beautiful songs to claim their victims. They didn’t know or understand the meaning of names. Her dagger was left in its sheath.

She took an energy lantern off the wall and began making her way down the tunnel. The sound of running water could be heard ahead. Yet, as she drew closer to the river, her doubt returned. Did I misinterpret some faint sound of wind or water? Perhaps the voices were an after effect of her exhausting dance, unspoken sounds conjured up by a tired mind.

“Sari, we await you.”

They aren’t illusions; they’re real. She descended deeper into the tunnel until she came to the river. An astonishing sight greeted her. A dozen luminescent golden orbs illuminated the ordinarily dark tunnel. They hovered above the river, orbiting a single large orb. They moved down the river as they sang a song without words. Without hesitation, she followed their call. For the first time in centuries, the guiding lights had reappeared to the Phariah. What had been told in songs and stories was now manifest before her.

She followed the orbs until they stopped above a shallow pool of water. Their call was stronger now, drawing her towards them. As she touched touched the central orb, a sensation of warm and comforting energy surged over her body. A thousand voices spoke in unison. Her mind understood few words, yet everything they sang made sense, a language beyond human limitation. If the Phariah sang songs from ancient times, these voices sang the harmony of Eternity itself.

She looked into the river and saw her reflection. Golden energy shone in eyes as bright as the stars. The orbs formed a ring behind her, lighting the tunnel as though Heaven’s Eye itself was here. As she stared into the depths, the river’s secret was revealed to her. Golden light shone from beneath the water. It was a Sun Stone, a manifestation of Heaven’s energies, a promise.

Small lights, a multitude of stars descended to the earth, shone within the stone. As Sari took it into her hands, her body was invigorated by its warm and soothing touch. She stared into it for what felt like hours. If a great painting spoke with thousands of silent words, how many dreams of the Osira did this stone express? The Ascendancy can be restored. We can be restored. All the power she needed was within her grasp, granted by the Osira after millennia of silence.

As the golden orbs faded away, she was left alone with the Sun Stone. Its light was brighter than the energy lantern, illuminating the dark place in soft light. She rose to her feet. This was not a discovery to be kept hidden. All Phariah needed to see this gift of the Sun. Time to leave the cave. She walked to the spring room, the Sun Stone clasped in her hands, inseparable.

As she drew near the springs, the faint sound of commotion echoed from above. She stopped as she heard the roar of bolt throwers. Something is wrong, something is very wrong. The sound of running footsteps echoed in the halls. She ducked into the darkened tunnel, drew her dagger, and concealed the Sun Stone within her shirt.

A masked figure ran into the room, a blazing energy sword in his hand. He wore the black combat garb of the Assassins, the elite secret police of Al-Qaddish. Of all their foes, these were the most dedicated. Even the cruelest bounty hunter was nothing compared to them. And now they were here.

The assassin looked around the room, searching for anyone who hid amongst the rocks or pools. Finding nobody, he took a lamp off the wall and began walking towards the dark tunnel. Sari held her breath and weighed her options. Should I flee back to the river and hope he doesn’t follow? Should I stay and fight? The choice was taken away in a moment as the assassin’s lamp illuminated her.

“Faithless devil!” the assassin roared.

His crimson energy sword ignited as he charged, screaming for blood. It seemed an impossible battle, but then the Sun Stone’s quiet voice called to her. She drew it out, and the tunnel blazed with the light of the sun. While Sari was unaffected, the assassin covered his face in shock, stumbling against the rock. That moment was all Sari needed. She moved in for the kill.

This land was harsh and conflict was cruel, an eversea of tears wept by the Great Soul for her children. Battle, killing, and war is always a sacrifice, no matter what humans call it. Some doctrines hid that sacrifice or denied it. The Phariah shunned no part of this reality, and so she sacrificed. Sari took the screaming assassin’s soul with her blade, offering it to the Lord of the Desert.

She wiped the bloody dagger on the assassin’s clothes and veiled the Sun Stone. The others, I have to find the others. She ran towards the upper levels. If the Assassins are already down here, that can only mean… No. I have the power to help now!

The sight at the top of the stairs filled her with horror. Fole was hunched against a wall in a pool of blood. A gaping hole had been cut in his torso, severing his spine. She ran over to him, but he was already gone. Tears fell from her eyes. Fole… No.

Fole’s pouch caught her eye. A small box peaked through the top, one that she recognized all too well. It held the high banner, the first of its kind flown by the Phariah after leaving Everdream. He must have been trying to reach the river with it. And if he’d been told to run away with this relic, then all hope must be lost. The bag he was carrying confirmed her fears. He had taken a sack of supplies and tried to run.

She took the box from the pouch. Though the Phariah were defeated, she wouldn’t let their foes take this relic. With an outstretched hand, she began to offer the blessing of departure. I’m sorry, Fole. Rest in Everdream, my friend.

The sound of footsteps and harsh Qaddishian voices interrupted her. She threw the carrying bag onto her back and ran as fast as she could to the lower levels. They’ll come down here, she thought. I have to go.

She ran through the spring room and into the tunnel. The faint light of the Sun Stone guided her through the dark. By the time she saw the river, her next move had been decided. North, I’ll head north. She ran for twenty minutes, putting distance between her and any potential pursuers. Out of breath, she stopped for a few moments. The obsessive determination of the Assassins would drive them to check everywhere in the fortress. Once they found the river tunnel, they’d have teams search it as well. I need to stay ahead of them.

She pressed onwards, every step taking her further away from the misery and death behind. Questions and doubts flowed through her mind, but she couldn’t allow herself to be weakened. This was about survival above all else. If I am the last, then the Phariah must live on through me.

———————————————

Sari wandered the river for hours or days, never stopping. Every movement became exhausting as her body cried for rest. She began looking for an exit to the sands. There were several tunnels along the river that led to the surface, each marked with a Jad sigil carved into the rock walls. Those that led to other caves were marked with a Uln sigil.

Several hours passed before she saw a Jad sigil on the wall across the river. She looked at the water uncertainly. It was dark, barely illuminated by the Sun Stone’s light. While it might be a wadeable depth, there was no way to tell. There was over forty feet of river between her and the other side.

She hated the idea of going into the river. As a rule, the Phariah never entered the water. If they needed to cross the river, they used long stone slabs, wooden planks, or cloth bridges, depending upon the width. Even with those precautions, crossing at a wide place like this was a challenge. Bright lights were used to keep the creatures of the dark away, and bolt throwers were kept trained on the water. Yet, what other option was there? Either she kept wandering in the dark, hoping for another exit, or she took the chance and crossed. How much longer could her exhausted body outrun elite troops like the Assassins?

She eased herself into the chest deep water, watching for any movement around her. By the time she was halfway through the river, the water was just below her shoulders. Then water swirled around her as something struck from the depths. Jaws clamped around her torso and pulled her under. She was in the grip of a gulper eel, a dangerous river fish more mouth than body. It was trying to hold her under the water. Agonizing pressure was placed on her ribs, as though they were about to shatter into pieces. I won’t die here! I can’t! Her dagger stabbed deep into its head three times, forcing it to release her and squirm away into the depths. She broke the surface and hurried to finish crossing. Blood had been shed in the water and opportunists would soon swarm the area.

A last surge took her to the opposite bank, just as a cold reptilian eye rose out of the water to stare at her. With a roar, the river dragon hurled itself out of the water. Desperation gripped her as she crawled away from those hideous jaws that sought her. She was barely outside of its reach, even as its horrible elongated neck strained to get at her. Long needle like teeth, guided by cruel eyes, sought her life. Yet, the creature could barely support its form out of the water, and she was already at the exit. The dragon gave her one more look and then plunged back into the river depths.

Sari didn’t stay to see what other monstrosities dwelled in the river. She hurried into the exit, not wanting to be in the darkness a moment longer. At first the cave was river rock, cold and wet, but it turned to more familiar sand stone as she drew near the surface. Then she saw light ahead. Waning sunlight gleamed through rock openings as she entered a large sandstone cavern. Even the fading rays of the sun were comforting after being in the cold dark for so long. She shivered. Fueled by adrenaline, she’d barely noticed how truly chilled she was. Cold, exhausted, and wet, a fine combination for a woman about to embark across a desert, she thought glumly.

Wherever her journey would take her, it would have to wait. She needed to rest, and for that she needed a place to hide. Looking around the cave, she saw a ledge hidden behind a rock formation. It would require a climb, but she would be hidden and safe there. After climbing to the ledge, she found that it gave a clear view of everything in the cavern. Yes, I’ll be safe here.

She took off her wet clothes and looked through the carry bag. Fortunately, it had done its job and the contents were damp rather than soaking wet. She placed her clothing and blanket out to dry and then had a small meal. By her judgement, there was enough food in the bag for three weeks travel, perhaps four if she stretched it. The water supply would only last for a week and a half. She’d have to travel along the desert oasis network to refill it.

She resealed the bag and rested her head on it. There was still the question of where she would go, but whatever came next could wait. She was tired, so tired. Her eyes closed and sleep took her.