| Chapter Five The Oracle The long and taxing quest was finally nearing its end. There was no tangible proof that this was so, but all of Motun�s instincts told him that they were close. They had traveled hard and fast across the steaming plain where the Steamarch tribe resided and now were on a sheltered cliff that overlooked the valley they were in. �You keep saying that we are close lore keeper � but how close? If you keep rushing us as you are, the only one among us that will be able to continue will be Samona.� Tauhn pointed out. �We are so close � above this mountain and across the plateau � the Oracle can�t be far beyond that.� He replied. Samona smiled. She wasn�t paying attention to the two as they bantered back and forth. Her thoughts were on her mother and her daughter. Just then something snapped her out of her trance. The group of Phtor was making their way towards the Steamarch settlement. �Guys?� she whispered. The two stopped their debate and looked over at the Flamite. At first they were going to ask what she wanted, but when they saw the Phtor approaching the distant settlement �they knew. �Our friends have arrived.� Tauhn stated. Motun closed his eyes and hoped for the best. From what they could see from their perch, a group of Steamarchs made their way to greet the Phtor. Before the Steamarchs could utter a word of greeting, the Phtor savagely killed them. The three watched helplessly as the Phtor butchered every being in the settlement. Motun quickly got up but was dragged down by Tauhn who instinctively covered the Heatuk�s mouth. �There is nothing we can do.� Tauhn began. Motun struggled. �Listen! If you yell and scream like I know you want to � what will it resolve? Will that bring the dead back? Will it make the Phtor return to the Capital? No! All it will do is draw them to us faster than we want.� Tauhn whispered. Motun�s struggling began to weaken. �I don�t like this any more than you. But I also know that getting us killed here � so close to our goal will be a greater insult to the memory of those that were lost today.� Tauhn added. He released Motun who closed his eyes and tried to force what he saw out of his head. �Why?� Samona asked. �Because if we die � there will be no one to remember them.� Motun replied quietly. He slowly looked over at the settlement that was now covered in frost. In his mind he could remember how quiet and peaceful everyone there was. He walked over to the nearest wall and began carving. The others watched the lore keeper as he carved an epitaph for the slaughtered village below. �Not all are the same � by the grace of the ancestors, may we all be one again. In memory of Tu and the wise Steamarchs of the forgotten plain. Motun Heatuk/lore keeper. Touching. Do you suppose anyone will find it?� Tauhn read. Motun looked over his shoulder and smiled. �At this point � we can only hope. We had better hurry. The Phtor will be on their way soon and if we do meet up with them � I don�t want to be trapped in a cave.� Motun replied sincerely. The others quickly gathered their things together and made their way away from the tragedy they had witnessed. *** One day after the group had borne witness to the vulgar display on the steaming plain, the group now found themselves at the base of the largest mountain any of them had ever seen. It was then that the others began to feel what Motun was a while back. There was something powerful and old near by. �Lore keeper � tell me that the Oracle isn�t at the top of this mountain.� Tauhn requested. Motun looked around and then looked up at the mountain. �Only one way to be sure.� He replied. He took out the Key and channeled some of his fire into the stone. This time the stone turned pitch black. The ancient rune on the stone began to glow green. Samona and Tauhn instinctively moved back a step or two. A white flame began to envelop Motun. Just then the flame went out. The Heatuk collapsed and the key fell from his hand. �Motun?� Samona exclaimed. She rushed over and tried to revive him. �What � just happened here?� Tauhn asked hesitantly. Before anyone could answer. Motun quickly sat up with a serious look on his face. �I have heard the voice of the Oracle.� He said in disbelief. �You did?� Samona and Tauhn asked together. �We must hurry. Time is of the essence.� Motun stated as he hurried up the steep mountain path. Samona and Tauhn looked at each other. Either Motun had lost his mind when the white flame enveloped him or he was speaking true. �I�m not so sure he heard an Oracle. We�d better make sure he�s alright.� Tauhn stated as he followed the lore keeper�s trail. Samona shook her head. Whatever happened, her place was by Motun�s side. She got ready to run when a blue / green mist just barely missed her. She looked over and saw some Phtor stalking their way towards her. �Hurry! The Phtor are here!� she shouted. She raced up the hill and into the forest. The group of Phtor arrived where the Flamite was and looked up the hill. They knew that the others were here. The group fanned out and slowly made their way up the mountain. The Phtor silently laughed at the folly of the fugitives. Running up a mountain to escape was a big mistake. *** Up above, Motun stopped rushing and looked down the mountain. He could see that the Phtor were fanning out to cover more ground as they ascended the mountain. Two thoughts went through his head. If the Oracle wasn�t here � if he was wrong � there would be no place for them to run to. Or the Oracle was there and could somehow find a way to even out the playing field. �Hurry! We have to reach the top!� Motun yelled down to his friends who were only a few moments ahead of the advancing Phtor. He wanted to rush to the top � but he knew that he couldn�t turn his back on his friends. He took out the Key and began to concentrate. Again, a white flame began to glow around him. He then glared at the Phtor nearest to his friends. Much to his surprise, a white flame shot out from the Key and knocked the Phtor down the mountain. His friends didn�t waste any time watching their pursuer fall. In a matter of minutes the group was once again whole. �How did you do that?� Tauhn asked. �I-I don�t know. I had to do something though.� He replied. They looked down and saw that the others were still advancing. Clearly, this was not the time for a debate on the subject. Right now, they had to hurry to escape the Phtor. As they hurried to the top, they didn�t notice the string of bad luck that the Phtor were having. One of them was crushed by a rockslide. Another fell as the ledge he was on crumbled beneath him. The others were likewise slowed by other problems. But all it did was slow them. Always did they get up and continue to climb to the top. A few hours later, the three reached a plateau. By the look of it, there had to be at least another mile or two until they reached the top. �Is there a top to this accursed rock pile?� Tauhn tiredly cursed. �We must continue.� Motun replied seriously. Just then, a Phtor reached the Plateau and got ready to attack them. Before he could, the ground collapsed beneath him and he fell down the mountain. The three looked at each other but decided not to question it. If one almost made it, the others wouldn�t be far behind. �No need to tell me twice.� Tauhn replied. The three continued their frantic climb up the ancient mountain. Every now and so often they would see a Phtor get close and just as soon see something happen that would cause it to fall back. After what felt like days of climbing, the three reached the top. Here were numerous jagged peaks, a few flat areas and not much else. The three looked around in the vain hope that whatever secret they were seeking would be there. �Lore keeper? What are we looking for?� Tauhn asked hesitantly. He looked down and saw four Phtor clawing their way up. �It has to be here�� Motun muttered. Just then, he took out the Key and studied it. He was about to try something when a quake shook the mountain. The Key was flung from his hands and rolled away from him. In a panic, Motun rushed after the rolling rock. His heart sank when it fell into a small crevice. The three looked at where the Key disappeared. �It�s gone�� Motun muttered. �Okay � how are we supposed to find this Oracle without the Key of Moltaria?� Tauhn asked hesitantly. Motun was speechless. He had read all of the text about the Oracle � but he could remember nothing that could help him. �I-I don�t know.� He stuttered. Just then a rock began to push its way up through the mountaintop. The three stepped back and watched as an oddly shaped cave appeared from where the Key had fallen. �Let�s go! The Phtor are still after us! Hustle!� Tauhn shouted. The three hurried into the cave just as three Phtor reached the top. They studied the area and noticed that the footprints of their targets went into the cave. *** Down below, the three were in awe of the glyphs that were carved on the wall. Some looked familiar, others looked completely alien. � � what is this place lore keeper?� Tauhn asked hesitantly. �I don�t know. The books never said anything about this.� He replied as they descended the downward corridor. Within moments, they found themselves in a large but empty cavern. On the floor in the center of the chamber was the Key of Moltaria. �We are standing in the hall where the ancestors once stood�� Motun whispered. The others could feel it too. The three were completely still and quiet. They could almost hear their ancestors talking as though they were beside them today. �This is indeed a wondrous place Motun � but where is the Oracle?� Samona asked quietly. Motun snapped himself out of his trance and looked around. There was no sign of anything in the room except the Key and themselves. He was about to say something when they heard a Phtor battle cry. The three turned around and saw that some Phtor had followed them down. They knew that they were trapped. There was no way they could fight those butchers in an enclosed area like this. �We are standing in a room our ancestors once stood � now we will stand with them.� Tauhn started. He was getting ready to attack when he just lost the ambition to fight. He looked over and saw that the Phtor were equally calm. Motun looked at the Phtor and walked over to where they stood. Samona was paralyzed with fear as she watched Motun poke his finger at the large monster�s shoulder. Much to her surprise, the Phtor did nothing. �What is going on? Why are they not attacking?� Tauhn asked calmly. Just then, a small flame began to burn over the key. They all watched as the flame slowly spiraled and grew. At first they believed that the flames would engulf them � but it stopped once it was the size of an average Moltarian. In quiet awe its form began to glow. They all knew that they were looking at the legendary Oracle Phenoyx. �To answer your question Tauhn, the reason they do not fight is because I abhor violence. I am Pheonyx, the Oracle of Moltaria. State your business here.� He instructed. The three looked at each other. �I am Motun Heatuk. I am the last of the lore keepers I have come seeking your help and guidance.� Motun requested sincerely. �I am well aware of who you are. I knew your father and his father before him right back to your first ancestor. You like all of them came here seeking the same thing. The name always changes � the cause takes on a different color � but it is always the same.� The Oracle muttered. �What do you mean?� Samona asked hesitantly. �I have seen everything that has happened on this world since your ancestors stepped out from flames. I have seen the potential for greatness in your people � and I have seen that potential squandered. The fighting � the wasting of resources � at times I questioned why I even chose to stay. But then, you all changed � evolved if you will. You managed to reconcile your differences. Your people united and created the empire you know as the Sacred Flame. I realized at that time that your ancestors were ready to receive my guidance and wisdom. That was when I gave them the Key. I imbued it with my flames and entwined it with theirs.� The Oracle began. The three slowly sat down to hear more. �It had the potential for destruction � as you have witnessed, but it also had the means of finding me. In times of great need � the Key would guide the wielder to me. In that dire time I would offer my guidance in the hopes that it would help. On times it was heeded � others ignored, but overall � the people were one.� He continued. �The gravest error that ever befell your ancestors was when they ignored my advice and tried to expand their empire into space. Here � Moltaria � that is where the fires are strong. But your ancestors were too stubborn to listen. Around that time was when the wars began. First with the Khorta and then with the Drortah. I beseeched them to stand down. I warned them to stay where the fires burned hottest � but they hungered for victory and so they fought on.� The Oracle stated. He looked over at the three and saw that they were having a great deal of difficulty understanding what all of this had to do with why they were here. �Is there a problem?� he asked calmly. �I mean no disrespect sir � but the fate of my people is dire. The Phtor and Kjoranan are wiping us out. I look around and see nothing but pain and suffering. I am not looking for a way to win this war � I am looking for a way to end it.� Motun said impassioned. The Oracle studied the young Heatuk. �You are indeed. Sleep.� Phenoyx whispered. He waved his hand. All of the beings in the room except Motun and Pheonyx collapsed. Motun was concerned for the well being of his friends � but right now, he had to get some answers. �I will continue where I left off. If you listen, the answer will be clear. If not now � later. The wars fought by your ancestors slowly drove an icy stake into the heart of the planet. For every victory over the Khorta there was a defeat at the hands of the Drortah. It was a never-ending cycle. It was around that time that they came to me. This time they did not seek wisdom � they wanted a weapon. They wanted something that would turn the tide of this waste of life.� He began. �What did you do?� Motun asked. �I refused. I wanted to bring Moltaria into an age undreamed of. They just wanted to fight. Then, in an embittered moment, they left. They said that if I wanted to turn my back on Moltaria that was my choice. That was when they found a way to bind me to the Key. Despite the hardships, I refused to give them an ultimate weapon. Two decades later, they locked the Key away and forgot about me.� He stated rationally. �The � text � it says nothing of this.� Motun muttered in disbelief. �Truth is often interpreted by the victor. It is a hardship of war that is subject to every culture on every world. It was a while later that one of your line found the Key and removed it. He asked questions unlike those of the others. He asked of culture and philosophy. Both things I believed died when the wars raged. The fact that a bit of The Sacred Flame still burned � even a little � gave me hope. Through him � he was my eyes. And through those eyes I saw what Moltaria had been reduced to. It was indeed a strong world � but it was not the right kind of strength.� The Oracle said in a sad voice. �It was around that time that I learned that your ancestors went off in search of a weapon. I tried to expand my consciousness to find them, but a barrier stopped me from seeing passed our world. It didn�t take long to learn that they were lost. But that was the least of my worries. With them gone, the chaos began � but it was orchestrated. Every deed was planned to the last word. I could see everything that was happening � but I couldn�t warn anybody because I was trapped in the Key.� He stated sincerely. �Planned? Who?� Motun asked hesitantly. �I do not know for sure. I saw conspirators talk in shadows. I saw items that were never made of Moltaria in their possession. I knew that a greater evil was behind the chaos, but I was unable to uncover it. It was around then that the Phtor appeared. Mutated creatures that are both Khorta and Drortah. I then witnessed the Kjoranan. I wanted to stop the killing � but there was nothing I could do.� He continued. �Because the ancestors bound you inside the Key. You protected the planet at one time � didn�t you?� Motun asked. The Oracle sighed and hovered over to where Motun was. �The fault was mine as much as theirs. I aided them too soon. Had I waited � they would have been ready. Mistakes are not just limited to Moltarians. But that is in the past. You truly seek to end the war?� the Oracle asked. �I have seen enough horrors and fighting. I just want peace.� He replied. �Between whom? Between the Khorta? Between the Drortah? Between the Phtor? Or perhaps between the Kjoranan?� Pheonyx asked seriously. Motun looked up at the Oracle and tried to understand what he was asking. �Allow me to explain. Two among your enemies � are not true enemies.� He explained. Motun thought hard for a few moments and understood what the Oracle was trying to explain. �If I want peace � our people have to make peace with the Khorta and the Drortah? But how can that be? We have warred with both for decades. They hate us almost as much as my people hate them.� Motun asked. �Moltaria can not fight three enemies � but with help � they could fight two.� He replied. Motun understood what the Oracle was saying, but it sounded as hard as beating a Kjoranan. �How can this be done?� he asked. �That � I can not answer. But if Moltaria is to survive � it must be.� Pheonyx replied quietly. He then looked up at the roof of the cavern and smiled. �What do you see?� Motun asked. �Something that I thought was gone for your people � hope. My time is fading Motun. But before I depart I would give you some advice. Seek out the Watchers � they hold all the answers.� The Oracle stated calmly. �The Watchers?� Motun repeated. �Yes. Of them I know nothing � save the name.� He replied. �Where are they?� Motun asked. �I do not know � but they are not on Moltaria.� He answered. All hope drained from the Heatuk�s face. �Then how am I supposed to find them? I can�t fly.� He replied. �That � I can rectify.� The Oracle waved his hand. He, Motun, Tauhn, and Samona vanished from the chamber. Mere seconds later they reappeared in an old hanger. Motun looked at the marking on the old ship. �This was from the time of the ancestors.� He said in amazement. �Yes. When they left to conquer and pillage other planets � they asked me to come with them. I was bound to the key at the time � refusal wasn�t an option. I convinced them that I would join them at a later time.� he stated casually. Motun studied the vehicle and began to feel uneasy. �Are you sure this old rock can fly?� he asked. �It is as worthy now as it was then. They had good engineers and mechanics back then. The ship will take you and your companions off the planet. From there � you will be on your own.� The Oracle stated seriously. �Find the Watchers � make peace with two races we warred with for decades.� Motun muttered quietly. The Oracle quietly laughed. With a wave of his hand, a few crates of supplies and tools appeared next to the ship. �No one said saving the universe would be easy. Before you depart with your friends � I do have one favor to ask of you. Should you succeed in your quest. Return here and shatter the Key.� He requested. Motun nodded. �I wish you luck and good fortune lore keeper. I will amuse your Phtor followers until you three are well on your way. May the Sacred Flame guide you Motun Heatuk.� Pheonyx said sincerely. Motun watched as the Oracle vanished from sight. Mere seconds later, Samona and Tauhn slowly woke up. �What happened?� Tauhn asked as he noticed the ship near him. �What is this?� he asked with a smile. �A spacecraft. The same kind our ancestors used.� Motun replied. �Where did it come from?� Samona asked. �It was a gift from the Oracle. We must go on a journey of sorts.� He answered. The vagueness of the answer caused the two to expect something even more outlandish. �Journey?� Tauhn asked. �Yes. Pheonyx has told me that if we are to survive the Phtor and the Kjoranan � we must make peace with the Drortah and Khorta.� Motun added. Even though Samona did love him, even she thought that he lost his mind. �Peace? With the Drortah?� Tauhn clarified. �We can�t fight three enemies. Which are the lesser evils?� Motun asked sincerely. Samona stepped forward and hugged him. �Are you feeling okay? Has the stress of everything finally gotten to you?� she asked without malice. Motun sighed and stepped back. �I have listened to the Oracle. I know what has to be done � but I will need both of you to help me do it. I know this sounds crazy � I thought so myself. But this isn�t about what I think or what we think. This is about saving Moltaria from the threat of the Phtor and the Kjoranan. We have one chance at this. Do you want to throw it away?� he asked sincerely. �You are serious about this? You want to make peace with those butchering Drortah?� Tauhn asked in disbelief. Motun walked towards the Volcannar and stood before him. �I will give you an out Tauhn. We were friends � I like to believe that we still are. I am not asking you as lore keeper. I am asking you as Motun Heatuk. A friend that really needs your help.� He requested calmly. �So � if I want � I can go home?� he asked. �Yes. This has little to do with the archives now. It has to do with saving our people and our planet.� He answered. Tauhn turned and began to walk away. Motun closed his eyes and sighed. Tauhn got about ten steps away before he turned around and walked back. �There would be no hostilities?� he asked. �None.� He replied. again, the Volcannar began to walk away, but like before, he returned and stood before Motun. �You wouldn�t say that I walked away from a lore keeper?� he asked. �No. I will say that you have fulfilled your duties as promised. On my honor as a lore keeper.� He replied. Tauhn looked away and then looked at Motun. He wanted to leave the insane Heatuk � but something was stopping him. �How do you do this?� he demanded. �Do what?� Motun asked innocently. �Never mind. When do we leave?� he asked lowly. �As soon as possible. The Oracle will detain the Phtor as long as he can. I don�t want to stay too long just in case they get passed him.� He answered. He then turned and faced Samona. She looked really torn about what she was to do. �I can not force you to come with us � but we will need all the help we can get.� He requested. �What about Tee?� she asked hesitantly. �We will return � I promise.� He answered. �I will hold you to that Motun.� She whispered. The two hugged each other. �Hey lovebirds? How about you help me load this old ship up? The sooner we�re packed the sooner we can leave � the sooner we can return.� He instructed. Motun and Samona smiled. The three began to load up all of the crates into the storage area of the ship. Once done Tauhn slowly closed the loading bay doors. �You two might want to get to your seats. This ship will be leaving soon.� Tauhn suggested. The two other Moltarians got onto the shuttle-sized ship that was once in the same fleet as the ancestors. Once everything was in place, Tauhn looked around the hanger and shook his head. �That boy is nuts�� he muttered. he too got into the ship. The doors slowly began to close. The ship began to emit red flames. Soon, the entire room was filled with flames. Just then, the hanger doors exploded outward. The flaming ship shot out of the secret hanger like a comet and soared up and away from the planet. A few minutes later, the Phtor that were pursuing them found the burned cavern. They looked for any trace of the creatures they were tracking � but none existed. An uneasy feeling overcame the group. The commander would not be pleased that the Moltarians had vanished. Epilogue� In a dark lightless place, the Oracle of Moltaria appeared. Around him he could hear the thoughts of every creature on Moltaria. He allowed himself to smile when he could no longer sense the thoughts of Motun and his friends. �You have taken the first step Motun. I do not envy your quest, but the flames burn bright in you. Perhaps, the quest will not be in vain. Maybe you will succeed where all of your ancestors failed. Go young Heatuk. Undo the damage that was done so long ago. Unite the people once again�� the Oracle concluded as he faded into the darkness. |