| Chapter Three The Capital Three weeks later. The small group was within sight of the Capital of the Sacred Flame, the once proud capital of their empire � now the base of the wretched Phtor. Motun, the Heatuk, was reviewing his notes about the city. Samona, the Flamite, was praying to her deity that everything would work out. Tauhn, the Volcannar, was looking at the two people that looped him into this mess. �The longer we wait � the better the chance that the Phtor will find us.� Tauhn whispered. Motun looked down at the ruins of the Capital and looked at the maps before him. Tauhn was less than pleased with receiving no answer but knew that this was neither the time nor place for an argument. �I was hoping it wouldn�t be there.� Motun muttered. He put the maps away and looked down at the capital again. �Hoping it wouldn�t be where?� Tauhn asked seriously. �Remember where the weapons research institute used to be?� Motun asked. �Vaguely. It was the first place the Phtor attacked wasn�t it?� Tauhn replied. �Yes. After it crumbled, the Phtor set up something like a training ground. It is where they play with Moltarians that aren�t going off planet. The place we have to go is by there.� Motun stated. �Why is that any more dangerous than any other place in that area?� Samona asked quietly. The two looked over at her and sighed. �These are harsh times. There are sympathizers planted in each holding area. They listen and report what they know to the Phtor. Some do it out of fear � others out of greed.� Motun began. �Some because they are just plain evil.� Tauhn added. �Exactly. That gaming area will be more dangerous to us than any other. We will have to be wary of the Phtor, the Kjoranan and possible traitors.� He replied. Samona sighed and nodded. Though she had lived a pretty sheltered life, she clearly understood the dangers they were talking about. �To make things even more interesting, the Phtor launch site is also near there.� Motun added. �So how much longer do we stand here and talk?� Tauhn asked bluntly. �If you don�t object � we�ll head out right now.� Motun retorted. The group carefully stalked their way towards the most dangerous place on the planet. *** The Capital. Once the strongest city in the Moltarian empire � once the ultimate symbol of Moltaria�s strength � is now a decimated city that stands in ruins. The once monolithic structures that obstructed the skyline were reduced to rubble only a few meters tall. Since the day of the fall, the Phtor rebuilt the core of the city � but it looked like nothing ever created by Moltarians. Here is where Phtor ships launched and landed. Many Moltarians would be loaded into the ships that left the planet � none ever returned. A few minutes later, the three were hiding in an alley. Since the time they sneaked into the city � they had seen over sixty Phtor. Luckily for them, none of the Phtor saw them. Motun quickly reviewed his maps and referenced them to his current location. �Hurry up Heatuk! There are five more Phtor heading this way!� Tauhn hissed. The group quickly hid among the trash and rubble. The large disfigured Phtor made their way into the alley where the three were hiding. They could hear them talking in a garbled language that was clearly alien to them. At first the three believed that the wandering Phtor had found them, but before they could think another thought � the savage monsters walked away and resumed whatever they were doing before. Once they were sure it was safe, they exited their hiding places. �I do not like this place. One of them looked like the beast that attacked my father.� Samona stated quietly. �Most of them look alike. Let�s not get distracted from the real reason we are here. Lore keeper, you are in charge. What do we do next?� Tauhn asked sarcastically. Motun nodded and looked at the map. �We have to go this way. Follow me.� He replied calmly. The group cautiously weaved their way through the shadows of the streets. They were about to continue on their way when the noticed a small crowd of Phtor gathered. They sounded as rowdy as youthful Moltarians during wartime. The group climbed up onto what was left of one building and saw what the Phtor were watching. Two Moltarians were fighting each other. Both looked badly beaten and cut up. Samona quickly turned away � Tauhn and Motun did not. They watched as the older veteran Steamarch savagely cut the inexperienced Lavan�s throat. It was then that the two heard what could only be described as Phtor laughter. �It�s a game to them.� Motun muttered in quiet shock. �You didn�t know? Phtor amuse themselves by watching fights. Rumors have it that they sometimes have Moltarians fight Khorta. The unlucky ones have to fight Drortah. They are just rumors � but from what I saw here today � I would say true.� Tauhn added emotionlessly. Motun was about to say something when a battered Lavan female was tossed towards the Steamarch. Both of them understood that she must have been the defeated fighter�s wife, but both were shocked when they saw how the victor brutally raped her and then killed her as he had her husband. ��just a game�� Motun whispered. �We should go. There is nothing we can do here.� Tauhn stated calmly. He put his hand on Motun�s shoulder. He could see the tears welling in the Heatuk�s eyes. It was a feeling of shame that Tauhn felt as well. Not a word was said as the three left that soul staining area. A short while later, they were taking a break. The spectacle they had just witnessed had taken its toll on all of them. �Animals � the Phtor have turned Moltarians into rabid, soulless animals.� Motun whispered. Samona consoled him as best she could, but Tauhn could see that even she could not lift his spirits. �Just the ones that let them.� he retorted. Motun looked over at Tauhn. �And how long will that last? Is this the destiny that the ancestors charted for us? A superior society that is reduced to the spectacle we just witnessed? My god � is there anything left to fight for?� Motun asked. �You tell me lore keeper.� Tauhn replied. �How could you be so cold?� Samona asked emotionally. �This has nothing to do with being cold. It has to do with opening your eyes. Your mate is the lore keeper. He had his head in the past for as long as I�ve known him. He has just seen what Moltaria has been reduced to. Men and women treated like animals for so long will start to act like animals. If you want to go through with this Motun � lose your ideals and accept what is lost. Write it down if you must � but move on. You ask how long can we go on? Allow me to answer. As long as it takes. For every one animal that is out there � there are at least four Moltarians that still hope.� Tauhn stated seriously. Samona and Motun were speechless at the outburst. �You mention the destiny of the ancestors � that is poetic garbage. Destiny isn�t governed by words of the past � the deeds of Moltarians today � tomorrow and the days after forge it. You are a lore keeper � you should know better.� Tauhn stated with a half smile. �I never thought of it like that.� Motun added quietly. �I had no idea you cared.� Samona said quietly. �Cared? You thought I cared nothing of Moltaria because I didn�t wish to join this suicide expedition? Lore keeper, when you get the chance � show your mate which tribe has sacrificed the most to keep our planet strong. Talk amongst yourselves. I will keep watch.� Tauhn concluded. He was disgusted by the insinuation and by the display he had witnessed. �What is he talking about?� Samona asked. �Volcannars are the most loyal of all the tribes. On the Day of Shadows � the ones that volunteered to cover the retreat of the rest of the citizens of Moltaria Prime were all Volcannars. It is said that if you have earned the trust and respect of a Volcannar � you have earned a prize beyond measure.� Motun recited from memory the passage that followed the details of the Day of Shadows. �But why does everyone fear them and think them to be so mean?� she asked. �Because that is what they desire. They don�t want to be viewed as heroes. They just want to be left alone. And if the lore keepers told everyone that they were heroes � everyone would approach them and expect miracles.� He replied sincerely. �Are they planning something?� she asked curiously. �Not even the lore keepers know the answer to that one � but maybe.� He answered with a smile. Just then, Tauhn returned. The look of disgust was almost gone, but some uneasiness was still there. �I am sorry Tauhn. I didn�t know.� Samona offered. Tauhn shook his head. �Don�t be. Lore keeper, are we near this �sign� you are seeking?� he replied. �We should be � � Motun began. Before he could continue a figure hopped out of the shadows. Tauhn quickly moved forward and stood between the intruder and his allies. It was then that Motun recognized the person. �Spirits of Moltaria � Tuun? Is that you?� Motun asked. �Yes � so please call off your pet.� He requested. Tauhn was about to strike the fiend that insulted him, but Motun held him back. �You would be wise to watch your mouth.� Samona hissed. Tuun�s eyes lit up when he saw her. With an elegant bow he stepped back. �I offer you my most sincere apology.� He stated. Tauhn snorted. �Whatever that�s worth.� He stated. �What are you doing here?� Samona demanded. �A better question would be � how long.� Tauhn added. �Still an untrusting brute. By the way that was a touching story Motun. Nice to see that you still have that dramatic flair. And it is equally nice to see that you have remained as beautiful as you did when last we met Samona.� He added. �Turn to ice you bastard!� she retorted angrily. �Hey � it was a misunderstanding. I thought you liked me.� He added. �You tried to rape me!� she added. �I made a mistake. Motun, you were there. You knew what she was like.� He continued. Motun scowled at the Steamarch he once called friend. �You tread a thin line Tuun.� Motun warned. �Okay. You win. I�m sorry. After our last encounter I didn�t think we�d see each other again. There was no � closure.� He added in what would almost pass for sincerity. �You stopped me from killing him before � he is your problem.� Tauhn stated. He stepped out of the way and walked to the far side of the room. From there in the shadows, he watched the group with vigilance. �I love you too big guy.� Tuun retorted. He then looked over at Motun. �So you�re on another quest. What is it this time? More lore keeper stuff?� he asked curiously. Motun smiled. He fell for his lines before � he was in no hurry to make the same mistake again. �I was doing some reading and learned that there was an ancient weapon hidden somewhere in the capital. Something like a doomsday device. If it were activated it would flood the entire planet�s surface with lava. Most Moltarians would survive � no one else would. The key to it is somewhere in the city. We�re trying to find it.� He replied. Samona was shocked at how convincing he sounded. �That�s pretty � dangerous. Wouldn�t Moltarians get hurt?� Tuun asked hesitantly. Motun shrugged his shoulders. �Whether it is by Phtor, Kjoranan or natural disaster � what is the difference? At least this way Moltarians would have a fighting chance.� he rationalized. Tuun was visibly shaken by the answer. �You�re crazy. You�re just joking right?� he asked. �I am as sane as I have ever been Tuun and the Phtor are no joking matter. My father was taken from me � it is time I took something back. If you want to join us we could use the extra help.� He offered. Tuun stepped back and tripped on some debris. �You have lost your mind.� Tuun stated. �Motun, now that you�ve told him the plan � is it safe to let him go?� Tauhn asked from the other side of the room. Samona smiled at the opening. �I agree. Can he be trusted?� she added. �Good question. After all, I wouldn�t want him running to a Phtor or someone else that might want to stop our plan.� Motun stated calmly. He was about to say more when Tuun pulled out a weapon that Phtor usually used. �Tuun, you�re a sympathizer? I�m shocked.� Motun stated seriously. �Shut up!� Tuun stated. �Why? Does the truth hurt? How many of your kind have you sold out? What does it get you? Food? A slave to play with before she is taken away?� Samona asked curiously. �As a matter of fact � yes.� He replied. He then pulled out something else. Much to the surprise of those there he began speaking Phtor. He then nodded and looked over at Motun and armed the weapon. �Tell me where the key is. I don�t want to kill you, but I will if I have to.� Tuun warned. Motun shook his head and sighed. �Don�t do it! Think of Moltaria!� Tauhn exclaimed from the corner. Tuun raised the weapon and fired. Tauhn slumped to the floor. Tuun then rearmed the weapon and aimed it at Motun. �The Phtor are not as patient as I am. Where is it?� he demanded. Motun looked over to the corner and saw that Tauhn wasn�t moving. His fist clenched with anger. As if sensing his anger, Tuun stepped back and smiled. �I really wouldn�t recommend trying it. Now tell me where the weapon is.� He ordered. Motun sighed a frustrated sigh and shook his head. �Do you want me to kill her? Would that help you loosen your tongue?� he asked. �Don�t! The key is hidden below the statue of the Volcannar.� He replied. The answer did not please Tuun. He aimed it at Samona. �Cute. Where is the statue?� he demanded. �Where the six statues of the ancestors once stood � by the capital building � or what�s left of it.� He added. Tuun studied Motun�s features and smiled. He relayed what he heard in the Phtor language. He then received orders. �It�s your lucky day friend. The masters said that your death wouldn�t be necessary. Now if you will excuse me, I want to be there when this ancient weapon is found and dismantled and destroyed. Smile Motun � you just made me a hero. The Phtor will reward me well for saving all of their work.� Tuun said with an evil smile. He walked over and grabbed the pack that had their supplies. �I�ll just take this as a keepsake � to remember you all by.� He concluded as he hurried away. Once he was gone, Samona hurried over to where Tauhn was laying. Motun let out a sigh of relief that the situation had passed. �Tauhn! Are you alright?� Samona asked. Much to her surprise, he slowly got up. She looked over at Motun who looked very rational and calm. �Would someone care to explain what just happened here?� she asked. �Tauhn noticed that we were being followed after we left that � display. I had a hunch that it was a sympathizer � the fact that it was Tuun surprised me. Anyway, Tauhn stashed away some of our supplies when we got in. He also positioned himself behind some rubble in the likely event that the traitor would shoot him.� Motun stated. �Indeed. Nice story by the way.� Tauhn stated as dug the projectile out of the rubble and examined it. It had a similar shine to it that the Kjoranan had but was a lighter shade. �It was last minute. I�m surprised he bought it.� Motun replied. �By the way, what is below the statue of the Volcannar?� Tauhn asked. �If what I�ve read is true, an old time capsule. We really should be going. If the Phtor let him live, he will lead them back here.� Motun said seriously. The others nodded. They quickly gathered their gear and hurried out of the structure. *** A short while later, the three were far away from where Tuun spotted them and were in a far more dangerous part of the city. The three were near the launch site where Phtor ships loaded and unloaded their supplies. �I am liking this place less and less the longer I am here. What are we looking for?� Tauhn asked seriously. Motun studied the area and saw in his mind where the idol was. He looked around the rebuilt area and saw the remains of a cottage. It was more than half buried and appeared to be scheduled for demolition sometime soon. �Over there. What I need is in there.� He replied seriously. The three studied the area. There were no Phtor � no Moltarians or any other people for that matter. The three hurried towards the structure and began to dig out the doorway. Within a few moments, there was a hole big enough for Motun and Samona to fit through. �Go! I will wait for you and keep watch.� Tauhn instructed. �How will we know if it is safe to come out?� Samona asked seriously. �I will throw a rock at whoever tries to get out. Now go!� he replied. The two crawled into the structure. Tauhn hurried away and hid in the shadows of a crashed Moltarian shuttle. Inside of the cottage, everything was a mess. Motun quickly studied everything in the hopes of seeing what would guide him. But everything was buried in debris. He began to dig through one pile as Samona watched. �What are we looking for?� she asked. �Trust me � if you find it � you�ll know.� He stated. Samona shrugged her shoulders and began to dig through the debris on the other side of the room. After twenty minutes of searching, the two stopped. They found nothing. �I don�t get it. All of the clues said that the Key was here.� He said disheartened. He slumped down next to the wall. Samona walked over and sat down beside him. �What were we looking for?� she asked. �In the early days of the ancestors, the six ancestors imbued a bit of their flame into a rock. The rock was called the Key of Moltaria. It was rumored to be a weapon, a cure for disease, a source of great magic and so many other things. But from what I read of it � it isn�t any of those things. It was a compass of sorts. A tool that was used for the ancestors to find the Oracle in times of need. All of the texts say that the Key of Moltaria was here � but it isn�t.� he moaned. Just then a rock fell from the roof of the cottage and cracked. Samona reached over and picked it up. Her eyes widened when the rock�s surface crumbled to reveal a hand sized circle with ancient runes on it. Motun gasped as he gently took it from her hands and studied it. �This is it � the Key.� He said in awe as he gazed at it. �If that is what we came for � we should go now.� Samona pointed out. Motun snapped himself out of his trance. He put the smooth, glowing rock into his pouch and hurried over to the door. He looked over and saw where Tauhn was standing. Tauhn looked over as he had been doing for the past twenty minutes and saw them. he gestured for them to hurry. The two scampered out of the remains of the cottage. Seconds after they were out � it collapsed. �You know how to make an exit lore keeper.� Tauhn stated as the group reunited. �I learn from the best. Let�s get out of here. I got what I came for.� Motun replied. The three quietly made their way away from the area just as dozens of Phtor sympathizers and Phtor happened onto the scene. They looked at the damage and thought nothing of it. The hovel was to be destroyed that day anyway. The crowd dispersed to resume more pressing business. *** About an hour later, the three were safely out of the Capital. It was then that they all looked at the treasure that Motun had recovered. �It�s cute. What is it?� Tauhn asked bluntly. �The Key of Moltaria. The tool that the ancestors used to find the Oracle.� Motun said with a smile. Tauhn studied the lightly glowing rock and then looked up at the lore keeper. �They? I thought that was some sort of weapon.� He stated rationally. �Many believe that. But watch�� Motun began. Tauhn and Samona watched as he emitted a gently flame into the rock. The rock absorbed the flame � pulsed weakly � and then emitted an arrow shaped flame that pointed away from the Capital. �This will lead us to the Oracle?� Samona asked. �Yes. If my research was correct.� He replied. �What if you were wrong?� Tauhn suggested. �Let�s not even think about that. Let�s go.� He replied. the group hurried away in the direction that the Key pointed out. *** Back in the Capital, at the site where the six statues once stood, dozens of Moltarians were excavating the ground where the statue of the Volcannar was supposed to be. The Phtor were getting agitated by the lack of results and were getting ready to execute all of the people that were digging. Just then, the workers hit something. All activity stopped. The Phtor muttered something in their language. The digging resumed � but was done more carefully. Within a few minutes, a shuttle-sized object was completely uncovered. The lead Phtor gestured for the object to be opened. The workers began to pry their way into the ancient looking object. As soon as the seal was broken, a weak explosion knocked the workers back. Everyone was tense. The anticipation of the end of the world was at hand � but nothing happened. The Phtor gestured for the hollow object to be searched. One of the workers entered the object and exited with old text and works of art from the days of The Sacred Flame. The Phtor screamed out in anger. With a wave of his disfigured hand, the excavated area was filled with ice. All of the Moltarians inside were dead. Just then, one of the Phtor executed the Phtor that was in charge of this exercise. The Phtor shouted at the others. All of them save six dispersed. The six stormed away from the work site and walked towards Tuun who was sampling the supplies he had taken from the others. He looked up and could tell that they were not pleased. �Oh no � don�t tell me the weapon is activated.� He muttered. The Phtor shouted at the Steamarch. Tuun was confused by what he was hearing. He believed he misunderstood what he was hearing and asked them to repeat himself. When he heard it the second time � there was no misunderstanding. �There was no weapon � just a bunch of old relics. The bastard lied to me.� Tuun stated in shock and disgust. Just then one of the Phtor rammed a metal rod into the ground. Tuun saw the sharp end mildly glowing and knew what they had in mind. �Wait! We were both fooled! The one who told me is an important person! He�s a lore keeper. With him gone � everyone will believe what you want!� he exclaimed. He quickly repeated the statement in the Phtor language. The new leader stepped forward and placed his large hand around Tuun�s neck. With the other hand he pointed to the sharp end of the rod. �Failure is the last thing from my mind master.� He muttered. The Phtor released him and shoved him back. Tuun quickly scampered back up to his feet. He knew that he had very little time to convince these monsters that he could lead them to the people that got him into this much trouble. �Recently � you said there was a cave in near the launch site?� he asked. The Phtor nodded and muttered something to one of the other Phtor. Two left the group and walked away. �Wise recourse master, but the people you seek are crafty � they are long gone from here no doubt � but I can lead you to them. And if I may ask an indulgence master, when we do find them � may I have the female?� he requested optimistically. The Phtor laughed at the request, but nodded. Tuun smiled and hurried away. The rest of the Phtor group followed at a brisk pace. *** A few days later, the three were taking a break from their trek. The place that they chose was a lava forest at the top of a small mountain. Here Motun was noting everything that was happening in his journal, Tauhn was making some weapons to protect themselves from any danger that might possibly encounter them and Samona was kneeling by a lava pool and was praying that everything would work out for the best. �Do you think the weapons will be necessary?� Motun asked. �Your friend could talk a Magamar into an ice bath. My instincts tell me that he is already on his way. Can your woman handle a spear?� Tauhn asked curiously. Motun looked over at Samona who was still praying. �If need be, most likely.� He replied. Tauhn stopped what he was doing and walked over to where Motun had his notes. �What have you written so far?� he asked curiously. Motun casually picked up his journal and sighed. He looked over and handed it to his friend. Tauhn quickly skimmed through the dozen some odd pages that he had just finished writing. Once he was done, he handed them back to him. �You have captured the essence of what we encountered and what we have just endured. You impress me lore keeper. I thought for sure that you would ramble on about destiny.� He complimented. �Thanks. But it is so black. Whoever reads this after I am gone will see no hope in this.� He replied disheartened. Tauhn let out a quiet laugh. He sat down beside the Heatuk and picked up The Key of Moltaria. �Before we started out on this ludicrous journey, I believed you to be mad. Truth be told, I still do. But what I am holding in my hand right now is a piece of the ancestors. Something forged when the Sacred Flame burned brightest. Had I stayed at the war shrine � I would not have witnessed it.� He said calmly. He gently placed it on the ground and got up. �You have a lot to learn before you will be a true lore keeper � but you will learn.� He added. Motun sighed and looked over at the Key. Much of what Tauhn said was true. Perhaps there was more that could be said. He picked up his journal and began to write some more. Tauhn returned to his weapons when he noticed Samona standing behind him. �Flamite, you should never sneak up on a Volcannar.� He warned. �I heard what you said to Motun.� She replied. �You did? I thought you were praying or meditating or something like that.� He stated calmly. Samona sat down beside him and tried to duplicate what he was doing. He smiled at the effort, but her skill as a weapon smith was sorely lacking. �I was, but I still have ears. Thank you for speaking to him. He is a very emotional man. He wants to see the best � but when he sees the worst�� she began. Tauhn nodded. �I know � his father was the same way.� He added. �Do you need any assistance? My father taught me much before he left. Unfortunately, weapon creation was not among what he taught. But I am a fast learner.� She offered politely. He smiled and removed the weapon she was trying to make. �I am able to do this myself. What would help me would be if you kept watch over there. If Tuun is playing hound to his masters, I want to know if he is getting too close.� He replied. Samona quietly got up and walked over to where he pointed. Tauhn looked over at Samona and Then over at Motun. Both seemed so sure that what they were doing was going to work. Strangely enough � he was starting to believe it as well. *** Early the next day, Tauhn and Motun awoke. Tauhn looked over and was going to wake Samona, but much to his surprise, she was still awake. �You kept watch all through the night?� Tauhn asked curiously. �Had I fallen asleep, Tuun and his keepers might have stumbled onto us. Don�t worry too much. We Flamites are light sleepers. We may not be the best fighters � but we do have our proficiencies.� She said with a smile. �Some of your elders might disagree with that last part.� Motun pointed out. �I�m not saying we can�t fight. I�m just saying it isn�t our specialty. We are fast. We make good scouts and messengers only a few favor fighting. Besides, should any fighting arise, I would be of little help.� She stated sincerely. �I�m sure, should the need arise, that you might surprise even yourself.� Tauhn replied sternly. He gathered up the weapons he had created the day before. �Of course, with luck, that need will never surface.� He added. �Well said Tauhn. Is everything accounted for?� Motun asked. The three quickly surveyed the area and saw no trace of anything that they brought with them or created. Tauhn quickly concealed all of the materials he used while working the day before. With that the three continued on their way. *** Down below, at the base of the mountain, Tuun and some of the Phtor had just arrived. The opportunistic Steamarch had happened onto their trail from the Capital, but the trail he was following ended at this mountain. He looked around to see any sign, but could see none. �They�ve gone into the mountains � they could be anywhere.� He mumbled. Just then, the Phtor rammed a metal rod into the ground and pointed at Tuun. The Steamarch�s eyes widened. He quickly studied the trail and up to the point where it vanished. He looked up and pointed forward. He honestly had no idea if that was the way, but at this point, an educated guess was better than having his head placed on a spike. The search party made their way up the mountain. Within a few moments � they were unwittingly where the three they sought had camped. Tuun looked over at the Phtor who were quickly losing patience. He was about to give up hope when he noticed a circular imprint on the ground. He bent down and studied it. �The Key � that book reading Heatuk found the Key of Moltaria. He did find a doomsday device � he just lied about where it was.� He muttered. One of the Phtor stepped forward. Tuun stood up and told them of his discovery. He explained to them how his tribe knew of the artifact and its destructive capabilities. All I have to do is get the Key away from the three dolts and Moltaria will be mine! Tuun thought. He quickened his pace and proceeded forward. The Phtor slowly followed and kept watch to see if they could see something their guide might have missed. |