| Chapter Two The Quest In the cluttered remains of his basement, a youthful Moltarian closed the book History of the Ancestors. It was a book that his family had written and updated since the time of the Sacred Flame. Starmatus Heatuk was the last person to update the sacred book. He was the youth�s father. In his younger days, despite the hardships, he remembered his father telling him stories of the old days and how the fires of the Sacred Flame burned so hot that nothing could put them out. He remembered him talking of the glorious battles and the occasional defeat. He lost interest in the stories when the Phtor took his father away. Today was the third anniversary since the day his father was taken from him. On this day, he would read the ancient text and remember what it meant to be a Moltarian. The youth then went over to a shelf and looked at the other books that were written by others that helped keep the history alive. He had heard every word in each book at least five times over from his father. At times � just being near the books made him feel like his father was near. He put the book back on the shelf with the other ones. He then moved the shelf into its hiding place and covered the trail in stones. He gathered his belongings and crawled through the small half-buried entrance and emerged in his room. �Motun. Dinner is ready.� A voice called out. The youth hurried up from the lower cave that was his room and joined his mother. She was a frail looking woman. The stress of everything was seriously taking its toll on her. The fact that her husband was taken from her nearly destroyed her. When the Phtor took her two infant daughters � she almost lost her mind. �Were you in that library again?� she asked weakly. �Yes mother. Father would not want us to forget.� Motun replied. �Those books got your father in trouble. That was why they took him away � it was why they took Mu and Mota from me.� She strained. He could see that she was beginning to shake. He quickly got up and helped her sit down. �There is no pattern for what they do. They do as they please and take what they can. They are just evil mother � and evil can not go on forever. Father always said so.� He said quietly. With a shaky hand she patted him on the head. �Your father was a good man. I just don�t want anything to happen to you.� She muttered weakly. Motun closed his eyes. He remembered the empty look in her eyes as his younger sisters were taken away. �I promise I will be careful.� He replied. She looked at her son and almost broke down in tears. �Mother? What�s wrong?� he asked. �Your eyes�you have the same look in them that your father had when he was about to do something dangerous.� She sobbed. Motun sighed. He could never keep anything secret from her. �I am going to try to find the Oracle.� He said calmly. �The Oracle? The mythical creature that supposedly knows everything and that has guided our ancestors? If he exists � why would he remain hidden when our people need him the most? Why would he hide in the shadows and watch our people suffer?� she asked emotionally. �Father believed in the Oracle.� He replied. �Your father also spent thirty years trying to find him.� She retorted. �I have to try.� He stated quietly. His mother merely lowered her eyes. She knew that she couldn�t order him to stay. She couldn�t physically keep him from leaving. In her heart she knew that she was losing the last of her family. �If you go � it will be the last time we see each other.� She said weakly. �I promise that I will return � and I will see you again. The flame of Moltaria will not die until I see your smile again.� He said poetically. His mother allowed herself to smile. The boy was so much like his father. �I�ll look forward to your return. May the Sacred Flame guide your path my son.� She said with a weakened smile. Motun slowly got up and hugged his mother. A part of him wanted to stay � but he knew that he had to go. He packed a few things together and cautiously exited the dwelling. Once on the streets he could see the ruin caused by the Phtor attacks. Buildings were randomly destroyed. The roads were damaged beyond any present capability to repair. But the sight that made his heart ache was the sight of the dozens of once proud Moltarians reduced to begging in the streets. Many of them were severely injured from Phtor violence � others were so shaken by the loss of family that they could no longer cope. By the gutter that led to the sewer he saw the body of a dead baby. No doubt dropped when the mob panicked and ran from the Phtor. This can not continue. He thought. He cautiously made his way through the alleys and slipped out of the shattered city unnoticed. *** A short while later, Motun was in a forest made of solidified lava. He was taking a moment to collect his thoughts and to rest from the long hike from the city. From this forest on the hill he could see the city he just came from as well as three other cities that were within a few days reach. �There is so much destruction � can even the Oracle help me?� he asked quietly. He shook his head. There was no time for doubt or despair. He was on a quest. If he was successful � there might be hope for all of Moltaria. He took out the notes he jotted down from the history of his people. He collected all of the entries that said anything about the Oracle. Every book had at least one page � each page was slightly different, but the constant truth was the same. The clue that he needed would be found in the ruins of the ancient capital. The city at the heart of the Sacred Flame. �The Sacred Flame � that is where all of the Phtor are stationed. There has to be hundreds of them there. I�m going to need some help on this one.� He muttered to himself. He let out a tired yawn. The help was going to have to wait. He laid down in the shadow of a tree and fell asleep. *** Early the next day he was awakened. He heard the sound of a familiar language near him. It was the Phtor! He remained completely motionless. His eyes focused and he could see that the monsters were just a few feet away from him. At first he was positive that they had seen him, but much to his relief, they merely walked away. He could feel his heart pounding through his chest. His hands were noticeably shaking. That was as close as he ever wanted to get to one of those butchers. �They must have heard that someone left the city. I haven�t much time.� he muttered. He quickly collected all of his things together and quietly hurried towards his destination. *** A short while later, after a long run, he found himself at another settlement. The conditions here were no better than back at home. The destruction here was just as bad. And the stench of hopelessness was thick in the air. This was a settlement of Flamites. A people renowned among the fastest runners on Moltaria. It was not overly surprising to see that most of the adults had one or both of their legs badly broken. He made his way through the streets. There were numerous suspicious stares from the people who disliked all strangers. He understood the reason for mistrust. There were Phtor sympathizers and spies everywhere � it was an age where trust was a rare commodity. �I hope she is still here.� He muttered quietly. He made his way to what was left of a reconstructed home. By the look of it � it had been empty for weeks. He let out a weak sigh. �If you are looking for the family that lived there � they moved.� A voice stated quietly. He quickly looked over at the alley and saw a man resting in the alley. Motun walked over and sat down beside him. �Would you know where?� he asked. �Depends, do you have any food to spare?� he retorted. �I do. Tell me first and I will share.� He replied. The offer didn�t appeal to the person, but in this day and age, suspicion was the only truth. �A Phtor attacked the place. The man of the house retaliated and hurried away. The rest of the family rushed off into the sewers.� The man stated seriously. Motun took out half of his food rations and gave them to the stranger. �May the Sacred Flame guide your way.� He said quietly. Motun nodded and left. *** A short while later, Motun was in the sewers. If the sights up above weren�t enough to weaken the heart, what he saw now was. Almost a quarter of the city�s population had gone underground. Many were weak and thin looking from lack of food and rest, even more were sick from eating things which shouldn�t be eaten, others were ill from disease � a side effect of Phtor attacks. He was so lost in his train of thought that he didn�t even notice that a surly group of Flamites had him surrounded. �You are a long way from home sonny.� A raspy voice hissed. Motun snapped out of his trance and saw the disfigured beings that surrounded him. Despite the fear he felt � he knew better than it let it show. �I am here in search of a friend.� He replied calmly. �That�s a familiar line � so who sent you? You look real healthy � maybe you�re one of those wretched sympathizers.� The tallest of them began. He placed his hand on Motun. The youth glared and knocked the hand aside. �I am Motun of the Heatuks. My family has been entrusted with the history of our people � �our� as in all Moltarians. And the only reason that I am as healthy as I am is because my mother weakened herself to keep the flame of Moltaria burning in me. You may be an elder to me � but do not question my loyalty to my people!� he warned. �The flame burns strong in this one.� One of the others stated. �Indeed. But have you any proof of your claim?� the one before Motun asked. The youth hiked up the sleeve of his shirt to reveal a tattoo of his line. The leader of the group nodded and stepped back. The others did the same. �I offer you my apology. These are dire times. Three weeks past, two Heatuks made their way here � healthy as you are. They said that they found a cache of supplies that were stolen away from the Phtor. A dozen followed them right into a trap. None returned.� The leader stated. �Then they were not true Heatuks. I am here seeking the family that lived at the crescent. I heard rumors that it was attacked by Phtor and that the family retreated into the sewer.� Motun stated calmly. The leader of the group thought back and remembered. �Oh yes, I remember them. But only the mother and her two daughters made it here. The father of the man fought them and led them Phtor bastards away. We haven�t heard from him since � but we can escort you to the rest of them if you wish.� The leader offered. Motun nodded. He opened his pouch and offered him some of his food rations. The leader smiled at the offer. �You generosity befits you line Motun � I thank you.� He said calmly. He took the offering and knelt down before a blind Flamite. Motun watched as he put the food ration in the man�s hands. �He is a good man. His only crime was trying to save his daughter from a Phtor. The beast gouged his eyes out and crushed his legs. We may not have much, but we always show respect to those that have the flame in them.� the leader explained. The group of them made their way through the maze of tunnels. Within a few moments, the group was at a secluded area. �If you need our help. We will be here.� The leader said seriously. He gestured for Motun to proceed. The Heatuk bowed respectfully and entered the section of caves before him. �Samona?� he called out. There was a moment of silence before three female Flamites exited their rooms. One was the mother of the family. She had the pain in her eyes that he saw in his own mother�s eyes. The other was a child � no more than a few years old. She was the sister of the one he sought. The last was a young woman about his age. She was Samona, a Flamite that he played with as a child. �Motun � what brings you here?� the mother asked in a dry intolerant voice. �I came to speak with Samona.� He replied. He took out the last of his food rations and offered them to the mother. He knew that he was going to need food � but a child would need it more than him. The mother looked at what he was offering with suspicion. �You offer this much? You can give so much and still have some to spare?� she asked seriously. Motun shook his head. �No ma�am. That is all that I have. I know that these are hard times. I have heard of your loss. What I offer can not bring him back � but it may ease some of the pain that you and your child may feel.� He said sincerely. The mother didn�t look convinced. �Momma! Stop being so suspicious. He�s my friend. Don�t be so mean.� Samona interjected. The mother sighed and shook her head. The ration in her hands was enough to sustain them for at least a week. �Perhaps you are right daughter. I thank you for your generous gift. Come child. I�m sure they don�t want us listening in on them.� the mother stated with a sigh. Once they were alone the two hugged each other. �I missed you Motun.� She whispered. �I missed you too.� He replied. �Did you tell your mother about us?� he asked curiously. Samona looked over at the cave her mother went into and sighed. �I didn�t tell her � but she knows. She always seems to know everything.� She replied. The two walked over to a stone bench and sat down. �I haven�t heard from you since you�re father was taken.� She stated quietly. �I know � it was a hard time for me. I had a difficult time finding strength to keep going. Only three things kept me from losing hope.� He stated seriously. Samona held his hand and listened attentively. �One was my mother � she has lost so much � I couldn�t hurt her by giving up like that. The second was my father. He may be gone, but his books � like those of his ancestors live on. Being near them � reading the words of our ancestors � made me feel alive � and made me feel like a part of him was still alive.� He continued. He then looked over at Samona and smiled. �But most importantly � I thought of you. We have been through so much together � I couldn�t betray you like that.� He added. Samona smiled and lightly glowed in a manner that Moltarians blushed. �You always did have a way with words.� She whispered modestly. �I heard from your friends that there were some traitors that lured some away.� He mentioned. Samona nodded and sighed. �Yes. I think it was around three weeks ago. A lot of our supplies went missing. It was around then that a few Heatuks came by offering rations. They said that they found a large cache of supplies. Normally, we wouldn�t have cared � but with what all that was lost, there wasn�t much choice. You heard the rest. I was going to go with them � luckily momma talked me out of it.� She added. �I can understand why people were suspicious of me then.� He stated. �May I ask why you are here? These are hard times and social visits are rare.� She asked politely. Motun sighed and nodded. �I have a rather big favor to ask of you.� He began. She smiled at the opening. �I have already pledged myself to you. Whatever you ask of me, if it is within my power I will do.� She replied seriously. The response did not make the next part any easier. He looked over at the woman he loved and sighed. �I am going on a journey of sorts � a dangerous one. I know that I will not survive alone.� He began. The direction this was going was puzzling Samona, but she maintained her smile. �Where exactly are you going?� she asked curiously. �The capital of the Sacred Flame. I�m going to try to find the Oracle.� He added. She looked at him as though he had turned to ice. She had heard him tell stories of wondrous things and incredible events in the early days when they were courting. Hearing stories and believing them were two different beasts. �The Sacred Flame? That is where the Phtor base is right?� she asked seriously. �It is.� He replied. �This is the same Oracle you told me about? The one that is all seeing. The one that helped the ancestors. That Oracle?� she asked curiously. Motun didn�t say a word. He merely nodded. �If you believe � I guess I can too. But if this legendary creature does exist � why has he not helped us? Why has he done nothing while we have all suffered?� she asked quietly. Motun sighed. It was a similar argument his mother stated. �I suppose that will be the first thing I ask him.� He replied rationally. �If you ask � I will go. But first tell me that there is no doubt that this Oracle exists. Tell me that we would not be risking our lives over a writer�s dream.� She requested sincerely. Motun gently held her hands and looked her in the eye. �I do so swear that the Oracle exists.� He replied quietly. She smiled and hugged him. Of all the things that they had done together, this would be by far the most dangerous. �I must ask mother�s permission � if she says no�� she began. �Our people have suffered for too long. If I have to go alone � I will do so.� He replied quietly. Samona was about to say something when her mother entered the room. By the look in her eyes Samona could tell that she knew every word that was said, but there was no anger in her eyes. �You put me in a bad place Heatuk. If I say yes � you will take my daughter from me and place her in grave peril. If I say no � she will either rebel against me to be with you � or take her life in her own sorrow upon learning of your death.� She began. �It is within your power to have me detained here.� He offered. �True � that is an option � but not much of one. Convince me � as you did when I allowed you to court her. Convince me that this legendary Oracle is real.� She stated seriously. Motun sighed. He reached into his pouch and pulled out all of the notes he wrote from the archives written by his family and handed them to Samona�s mother. The woman examined the notes, page by page, line by line. When she was done, she put the notes down and sighed. �Do you love my daughter?� she asked seriously. �Yes � I do.� He replied. �Will you do everything in your power to keep her safe?� she asked. �On my word of honor � I would give my life for hers.� He answered. �When you find this Oracle � ask him how my husband is.� The mother requested. Samona rushed over and hugged her mother. The mother whispered something to her. Samona nodded and walked over to where Motun was. �I will.� He replied. The mother watched as the two walked out of the cave. A part of her knew that there was a good chance that this was the last time that she would see her daughter � but whether she died on a noble quest or by Phtor abuse made little difference. *** A short distance away, the two were out of the sewers and were a fair distance away from the settlement. They stopped to take a break as most of their journey was running. �Back in the cave � what did your mother whisper?� he asked. �I will tell you another time. So do we head straight for the capital or is there another place we must be?� she asked curiously. Motun took out a map and studied it. There were a few places that he would have to go to before he could even think of going near the capital. �Only about two stops. There are two people I will need if I want us to make it back. The first is Tauhn. You remember him?� he asked. She shook her head. �He�s the Volcannar. The tall guy.� He mentioned. �Oh � him. Why do we need him? He�s so creepy.� She asked reluctantly. �Because he�s the best pilot on the planet. Plus, he�s one of the few people I can trust � next to you.� He added. Samona sighed. Going to the Capital was bad enough. Going with that intimidating Volcannar didn�t make it any more pleasant. �The other stop will be near the ruins on the ancient plain. That�s where Tuun is.� He added. Her eyes lit up at the mention of that name. She well remembered that toad of a Moltarian. �That pig? Why him?� she asked seriously. �I know you hate him � I know why. But this quest is bigger than us alone. He is a master thief. And where we are going � we will need his talents.� He stated calmly. The answer didn�t sit well with her. She remembered the Steamarch�s unwanted advances on her and his subtle and not so subtle threats to Motun. �The bastard tried to kill you and rape me.� She reminded. �Tauhn explained to him why that was wrong. Damn near killed him in the process. But Tuun has done so much for me in the past. I can�t believe that there is no good in him. I�ve seen the emptiness in his heart.� He stated calmly. �I still don�t like it.� She added. �I promise I�ll be careful.� He said sincerely. �I will respect your wishes Motun. If you believe that waste of skin is necessary � I will believe you.� She said quietly. Motun looked over and could see how visible distressed she was over this decision. �Maybe you�re right. Perhaps we can do this without him.� He stated calmly. �Thank you.� She whispered. �Thinking back � had I listened to you then � a lot of unpleasantness could have been avoided. Perhaps this time things will work out better.� He added. She rushed over and hugged him. �So what will we do now? The volcanoes are far away.� She asked curiously. �We rest. We have a long journey ahead of us.� he answered. The two walked over to where a pool of molten lave was glowing and curled up next to it. *** Later the next day, the two began their journey. There were many times when Samona had to slow down for Motun, but besides that they made pretty good time. Within two weeks of intense travelling, the two weary travelers were at the foot of the mountainous region. �I never want to travel that far again.� Samona stated. �We still have to get to the Capital.� Motun pointed out. �Now that we are here, how will we find Tauhn? Volcannars aren�t exactly easy to find and those that are found tend to be rather unpleasant.� She asked seriously. Motun sighed. Finding Tauhn wouldn�t be a problem. Convincing him to help would be. �Follow me. I know the way to their war shrine. We�ll find him there.� He said calmly. He led her to a pool of lava. She shook her head. She wasn�t overly fond of swimming. She watched as he dived into the pool. �Yuck.� She muttered. She dived into the pool after Motun. For what felt like hours, the two swam through a series of underground streams. Some of the places were difficult due to the current, but at long last, they surfaced. When they did, they were instantly aware that they were surrounded by at least ten Volcannars. �I am here to see Tauhn. I am the lore keeper of Moltaria.� Motun panted. �The lore keeper is dead. He was taken away by Phtor.� One Volcannar hissed. �I am his son!� he retorted. He quickly revealed his tattoo. The Volcannars murmured amongst themselves. When they stopped, they all glared at the two intruders. They hated having outsiders defiling their territory � they took great pleasure in killing intruders or forcing them from their domain. There was only one exception to the rule � one person allowed by Volcannar law that was allowed to be within the volcanic regions and that was the lore keeper. �She is not lore keeper!� another of them hissed. �She is my apprentice! She will be the lore keeper should anything happen to me.� He retorted. Again there were more murmurs. �Lore keeper � is family.� Another one hissed. �She is family. She is my betrothed.� Motun replied. Almost in disgust, the Volcannars dispersed. One of them gestured for the two outsiders to follow him. Samona looked over at Motun. He nodded and gestured for her to follow. �Did you mean what you said about me being your apprentice?� she asked. �If my future son or daughter is too young to know the history when I am not around � you will have to know it. You will have to be the lore keeper until they can learn.� He whispered. �Sounds like a lot to learn.� She added. �It is. My father taught me all he could � and I still don�t know everything a lore keeper is supposed to. I guess it is something we will both have to work on.� He whispered. Just then her eyes widened. She saw what few of her people had ever seen � the war shrine of the Volcannars. �It looks almost untouched.� She said in awe. �That because it too risky to destroy.� Their guide hissed. �The location of the shrine is over a series of fault lines. If it goes boom � so does the planet � or so they claim.� Motun said calmly. �Not claim � it fact!� he retorted. �Wouldn�t that just put the whole planet at risk?� Samona asked. �You women not understand.� The guide hissed. It rolled its eyes and led them towards the temple. The two followed. Both of them noticed the ominous glares that all that witnessed them gave. It was starting to unnerve them when the doors to the temples opened. Before them was Motun�s old friend Tauhn. �After our last conversation � I presumed that you understood that I wanted to be left alone. Your world � your politics � no longer affect me. One of the scouts said that someone was seeking me � someone claiming to be the lore keeper � I knew it had to be you.� Tauhn said in disgust. He stood a good two heads taller than Motun and had twice his mass in muscle. �Had I a choice � I would have allowed you to remain. I am seeking the Oracle. I will need your help.� Motun said rationally. Tauhn looked at him as though he had grown a second head. �The Oracle? You are looking for the Oracle? Why not look for the Star Eating Dragon � or maybe look for peace with the Phtor? You Heatuks not understand. Oracle is a myth � it is not real. It is just a story to make kids sleep at night.� Tauhn retorted. �The Oracle is real. There is proof. And I will find him.� Motun retorted. �Proof? What have you got? Phtor eye witnesses? Maybe a mad derelict? You are chasing a dream just like your old man.� Tauhn stated disbelievingly. He was about to add onto his insult when Samona stepped between the two. �For once in your life stop being so stubborn! Did it ever occur to you that MAYBE he is right? Even if there is only the slightest chance that the Oracle is real � isn�t a slight chance better than none at all?� she asked seriously. Tauhn was going to reply, but there was something sincere in the young Flamite�s eyes. �Even if the Oracle�s real? What good can he do? All he�s done is watch our once proud planet suffer. Take it from me, there is nothing worth fighting for.� Tauhn said. �That is not true!� Motun shouted. �Tell me then � what is Moltaria? It isn�t the shining star you writers say it is. The world has turned into a rabid dog that will bite anything that is near it. I was there when your old man told his stories. I heard about the power we once had � but it is gone. The flame of Moltaria is flickering. Accept it and move on.� Tauhn replied. �Funny � I thought you had more courage than that.� Motun stated. Tauhn glared at the Heatuk that just insulted him. �You dare question my courage?� he demanded. �You are willing to give up without fighting. You are the perfect pet for the Phtor.� Motun added. Samona could see Tauhn�s hands clenching into fists. �Please! Don�t fight!� Samona exclaimed. �We won�t fight. In fact, he�s going to help us.� Motun stated. The large Volcannar scoffed at the statement. He turned his back and began to walk away. The Heatuk was clearly delusional. �Did I mention that I wasn�t asking as a friend? My father has passed on. I am the lore keeper. I am sure you are well aware that you are duty bound to assist the lore keeper in whatever ways I deem fit.� Motun added. Tauhn stopped and quickly turned around. �That law is for the purpose of the archive!� he retorted. �This is for the archive. We will be finding the Oracle � and you will be helping us. As such, I will be documenting your role in this for the history of our people � plus a copy for your scribes to edit as they see fit.� Motun continued. Tauhn racked his brain trying to find some loophole to the law � but he knew there was none. �You abuse your power Heatuk.� He snorted. �You gave me no choice. I am doing what I do for the good of Moltaria. What is your excuse?� he asked. Tauhn shook his head and silently cursed the day that he met this youthful Heatuk. �I will gather my things. Wait here.� He hissed. Tauhn disappeared around a corner. Samona looked over at Motun. �Are you crazy? He would have killed you!� she quietly exclaimed. �He wouldn�t have. Trust me. I know him better than you may think.� He replied. �I hope you�re right.� She muttered. Moments later Tauhn returned. With supplies necessary for the journey. �So tell me Heatuk � where will we find this fictional creature?� he asked. �I don�t know where � but I know that the clue is in the Capital.� He replied. �You have lost your book reading mind! You want to dance into the Phtor stronghold and find a road sign saying Oracle this way and walk out as free as you please? You crazy.� Tauhn stated in disbelief and shock. �You just let me worry about getting in and out. I�ll need your help getting off the planet.� Motun stated seriously. Tauhn rolled his eyes again. First, they were off to find a mythical Oracle that might not even exist. Second, they were marching into the Capital of the Sacred Flame where the Phtor stronghold was located. Third, they were going to be leaving the planet. The three didn�t say another word. They all gathered their things and made their way towards the exit to the volcanic region. |