Chapter 1
Saryu pulled her night robe around her tighter as she stared down into the waves crashing against the bottom of the cliff. The white caps creating a sea of foam that washed over the jagged rocks that jutted from the watery surface. It was the beginning of spring, so a cold breeze still stirred amongst the new plant life, keeping the water chilled for some time more, before the southerly winds would take over. The hair tie that held the young woman’s silvery white hair was falling down, and her long locks were whipping around wildly. Taking a small step forward, her crystal blue eyes seemed fixated on the long drop ahead of her. She felt as if it were beckoning her, as she listened to the ocean’s seductive melody. Suddenly she took a step back, her trance broken. Looking up, she watched the sun rise pushing back the darkness that was once filled with the stars of night. Sighing she turned and walked along the edge and looked at the dense forest that surrounded her. The moon was half hidden behind the sea of enormous trees, which looked alive despite the cold weather.
“Saryu! It is time you should get ready for your morning rituals!” A female voice hollered from somewhere behind the young woman. A small frown danced across her lips for a couple seconds before the slender woman turned and walked towards a large light brown unicorn. Even from the long distance she had yet to walk in order to reach the magical beast, it still amazed the priestess how enormous and powerful Riane looked. The wild unicorn was standing stock still, her dark eyes watching the maiden approach her. The wind blew the beast’s goatee and mane, causing it to become a tangled mess, her tail whipping back and forth as she started to become impatient at how slow the young woman was walking.
Saryu knew that walking slow was getting on her protector and dear friend’s nerves. Riane was usually quite patient with the young woman, except when it came to doing her required duties as the priestess of the temple. The unicorn, Saryu assumed had been here with the previous priestess, and possibly the one before that. She knew that the one horned animal could live for hundreds of years, the oldest she’d heard of one of these creatures living was over one thousand. Her friend finally turned and began walking away. Laughing to herself, Saryu started jogging after.
“Riane! Don’t leave me please, I’ll hurry up now.” The majestic beast stopped and turned her head, watching her with a skeptical eye. Saryu slowed down and finally standing next to her, stopped. Seconds later, both continued their trek back to the temple.
Saryu stood in front of a large standing mirror, a look of concentration on her pale porcelain face. Her hair was parted down the middle, tapering off about halfway down her back, one side had already been wrapped a number of times with a long silver ribbon. She was now working on the other half of hair, finding it difficult to get the ribbon to stay in place. It was her normal morning routine, she would dress in the typical priestess attire which consisted of a strapless dress that reached halfway up her thighs. Both top and bottom were cut into a crescent moon design, the color a pale gold and overtop that was a sheer white robe with a slit in the front starting where her dress ended. The sleeves were large and bell shaped, with a high collar around her neck.
Riane sat on the edge of a large stone paved circle. Carved into the rock, was a large crest, an ancient magic could be felt in the surrounding area, emanating off it. Saryu entered the large courtyard and walked to the center of the crest, facing the unicorn. The atmosphere around them was no longer happy and carefree, but had changed quickly to being serious and solemn. Riane stood and stared straight into the young woman’s piercing eyes.
“As
Priestess of the
Saryu opened her eyes, only to be temporarily blinded by the sun’s reflection off the watery surface beneath her feet. When her eyes finally adjusted to the bright lighting, she looked ahead of her only to be greeted by an endless view of the ocean until it finally met the stark blue sky above. Quickly glancing over her shoulder, she saw the cliff she’d been standing on earlier that morning a long distance behind before walking away from it. She continued walking a few minutes longer before holding her hand out over the surface of the water. Whispering something under her breath, the large crest that had been etched into the stone circle at the temple appeared underneath her once again. Instead of disappearing this time, she was suddenly descending, a wide tunnel opening in the ocean’s surface below her, and the crest acted as a platform. As it reached closer to the sea floor, the platform started gradually slowing down until it stopped and a few seconds later disappeared. Saryu took a couple steps forward, becoming more used to the new weight from the water around her. Her hair and clothes floating, making it look as though gravity didn’t exist in this deep vast watery expanse. She continued on her trek farther from where the platform had dropped her until an underwater tunnel with strange symbols etched into the corral colored rock above the opening loomed before her. Glancing up at it for a couple seconds she entered the tunnel and kneeling, launched herself up where the tunnel had twisted in the direction of the water’s surface, propelling herself off walls when it changed direction.
Climbing to break the surface in a large cavern, Saryu pulled herself on a platform of rocks to the side. Beyond that was a short opening where on the other side seemed to be a giant underwater city. Sitting there, she took a couple breaths before standing up, straightening out her sheer robe and turning to walk into the city’s entrance. Entering the small passage it quickly opened up into a large light orange coral castle with large corridors, winding staircases and numerous floors to explore. As she continued on her path, the inhabitants of the sub sea world kneeled on one knee, paying their respects to the priestess. She would kindly nod at them, not speaking a word. Traveling deeper into the castle, the throngs of aquatic creatures increased, until she walked through a giant opening, which appeared to have been a large market area. The inhabitants quickly made a path for her, the fins that grew out from their arms creating a design as they placed their hands over their hearts as greeting. The scales flashed off their skin on some, covering their arms, legs, necks and abdomens, while others had regular aquatic skin that looked to some like rubber. Their skin was blue in the areas where large fins grew from their forearms, ranging from sizes. Their ears were webbed, and fanned out to point, their hair was almost translucent, it being all colors of the rainbow, and some had tendrils like a jellyfish instead of human hair.
To Saryu, the features of the Delphins and Oracins were exquisite and ethereal as well as peaceful. Almond shaped eyes watched her closely, emotions hidden behind the pearly teal irises. Tattooed below their collar bone was the clans symbol, it consisted of a bold circle with a smaller triangle centered inside. The bottom line of the triangle reached the diameter of the circle and inside was single water droplet. The entire tattoo was done with a dark blue ink. The tattoos showed the union between the two clans Delphin and Oracin by the king and queen in marriage. Many of the older clan members still had the old symbol of their original clan as well as the new one they received after the marital ceremony. The clans created a name for the combined clans, which was Deola, though they still used the separate tribe names more frequently.
Almost reaching the other side of the market area, Saryu remembered the first time she’d come here a couple years back. The young priestess had been astonished at the enormous size of the place, hardly believing that most of the city resided underwater. In the middle of the city there was a giant opening at the top and taking any of the various paths that lead out, more of the Deola domain was visible. She would almost call it an island, even though they weren’t many flat areas of land to live on, only several outcroppings went off the paths. Pulling herself out of her memories, Saryu realized she had almost reached the throne room. Ahead of her stood two Deola guards, they wore light armor that protected their legs and chest. It reflected off the sunlight that filtered in from the opening above making an almost painful glare to the eye. She paused before walking through the doorway; neither of the guards spoke a word, as they continued to stare straight ahead.
Entering the next cavern, she was greeted by two lone figures sitting on two large thrones that were intricately decorated. The king and queen of the Deola clan stood, their slender bodies moving like the element they controlled. In a single fluid motion they bowed their respects to the priestess and she returned it. When she came here, Saryu always felt so clumsy, the way all the Deola moved seemed like they were dancing, gracefully moving their bodies. Her first time here, she’d thought it looked unnatural, but now it had become quite the opposite. The king, Shinshi, who had been a Delphin before the unification, led his wife down the giant crystalline steps that encased half of the chamber on one side; he had young features, the physical appearance being similar to that of many of the other Delphins except instead of the typical green irises his were a deep orchid purple. The queen, his wife Seva was similar in characteristics of her clan Oracin except her hair was an obsidian color instead of the usual pale blue, which appeared as dark as the night without the moon. They wore the traditional attire of royalty, as well as a mixture of both their cultures, which was lightweight and were typically shades of pinks and oranges.
“Priestess Saryu, it is again a pleasure to be in your presence. It has been a long while since our last encounter, yes?” The young ruler’s voice was smooth and calming. His eyes were readily alert, and seemed to pick up everything that was happening around him.
“Yes, it has indeed been some time since my last visit. Many events have occurred that have been needing my assistance.” The white haired girl replied just as calmly.
“I hope nothing too serious my dear?” The queen’s voice was light and airy, carrying like a melody throughout the chamber. Faint traces of concern were evident to the trained eye, her many charms jingling at the minor movement. A small grin rested on Saryu’s lips as she shook her head.
“No Your Majesty, I have just been required to fulfill more duties and responsibilities.” Seva nodded her head and glancing to her lover, a nonverbal message passed between them before they turned and made their way to a hidden opening in the cavern’s north wall. It had been hidden behind a miniature waterfall that fell into a hole in the floor where a large pool resided below. The passage had become visible as the king had bent the falling water around the opening, and also creating a watery bridge to cross. Entering the new cavern after them, Saryu’s eye wandered all over the room, taking in the spectacular surroundings. The chamber they’d just entered appeared to have been made of diamond, the crystal reflecting every ray of light that had some how managed to catch the mineral. Even after so many visits into the room, she would always stare in awe at the overwhelming beauty that made it up. Her eyes finally came to rest upon a giant natural well had broken through the crystalline floor and rose to above her knee. The water inside gave off a faint glow, illuminating the surrounding walls and ceiling with a watery reflection. The two Deolan rulers stood on either side of the well, and they slowly raised their hands until they were above the water’s surface.
Saryu watched, standing a short distance away, not wanting to interfere with the ancient magic taking place. She was mesmerized as the water gradually starting glowing brighter, the glow being a myriad of colors. The young woman was fascinated at the amazing power they had, knowing it could only be protected and useful with the magic of the king and queen of their clans. Even then, not many leaders had been strong enough to carry out the true capability of such a thing. The glowing had almost become unbearably blinding before it suddenly disappeared, and in the place of the glow, were images of the land the king and queen reigned over. Silence enveloped the chamber, minutes passed and finally the two Deolas moved. Shinshi turned towards the priestess, face still expressionless.
“Priestess, after checking the northeastern coastlines I have seen no problems that could be threatening the inhabitants.” Just as he finished speaking, his wife Seva seemed to jump, her eyes shooting open and going directly to her husband. He was caught a little off guard by her surprising movement, and stared worriedly at her fearful amethyst eyes.
“Shinshi….something is not right along the southeastern shore. I can feel there has been much bloodshed, it’s diluted the water crimson red.” Her voice was calm, but Saryu could hear the underlying tone of despair. Mild panic began to creep its way into the young woman’s mind as she took a couple of steps closer to the pool, watching the water’s surface become jumbled and then clear again. Gasping, Saryu jumped back at the horrific sight. She had never seen such a thing before, feelings of terror and revulsion pulsing throughout her body. The magic image displayed in the water mirror showed a large coastal village completely destroyed, dead people of all ages scattered around like a child’s forgotten toys, their blood joining together creating a massive river that was swept away by the ocean’s surf. The water had already been dyed deep red from the blood of the hundreds of villagers that had been massacred. Nothing had been spared, not even the livestock or pets. The mirror showed two more images of the same obscene bloodshed.
Saryu’s knees had been getting weaker and weaker, as she continued to watch, not being able to pull her eyes away from the water’s reflection. Finally, she fell to the crystalline floor, tears surging to her eyes blurring her vision. It didn’t seem real to her, she kept thinking that it was terrifying nightmare, and she would soon wake up. Trying to keep herself under control, she suppressed a sob as tears fell down her porcelain face. Shinshi had become pale, seeming almost deathly as his eyes remained transfixed on the pool. Seva had backed up against the cavern’s far wall, leaning against it for full support. Tears were evident in her eyes as she tried to control her emotions. At last, the Deolan king closed his eyes, the water’s surface becoming contorted as he scrambled the images out of the pool’s surface. He then approached his wife, slowly holding out his arms and looking at her sorrowful face. She quickly accepted his protective embrace, burying her face into his shoulder. Saryu remained on the floor, her limbs felt immobile as shock was taking over where the panic had resided previously. She continued to cry silently, not wanting to make a noise, scared it would bring more nightmarish visions.
It was as though time was passed incredibly slow, until Saryu was able to stop crying, her emotions run raw, she felt empty. Slowly, she pulled herself to her feet and worked tediously at smoothing her clothes, letting the two lovers have some sort of privacy. Seva was still being supported by Shinshi, his arms wrapped around her, one hand softly caressing her ebony hair. Pulling away, she looked at him and nodded her head weakly, signaling that she was under control. Both then turned to face the emotionally drained priestess.
“What are we to do? How can someone- something- massacre so many innocent people like that?” Saryu’s voice was weak, she stared at them distantly.
“Priestess, you must try and maintain in control of your feelings, or you will be overwhelmed and then you will be completely lost. I know you have never seen such horrifying things, but you cannot let it spread fear and terror through your heart or you will fall to madness.” Shinshi’s voice was calm yet commanding. Saryu broke out of her trance, and concentrated on his words. Focusing on the couple she nodded her head.
“What we have to do is look through all the ancient text and find anything on enemies with such monstrous power. It is quite possible, these attacks were done by one of the enemy domains of Sueni or Leeron. But we cannot be certain this is true. Ancient beasts once roamed the lands of Guanshi, and if they were summoned from their slumber by an evil entity, it could cause havoc to everyone and everything.” Seva’s voice had weak, but emotionless. What she said sank into Saryu’s mind harshly, as she fought to keep herself under control.
“I shall
look in the
“Saryu, the water mirror wishes to show you something, please come here.” The priestess was caught off guard when the king called to her informally. Panic gripped the edges of her mind as she took small steps towards the edge of the well, not sure what horrifying images would be reflected on its surface. Looking into the water, all she could see was dense forest. Saryu recognized it almost immediately as being the Klarzeera forest that surrounded her temple. Observing more closely whatever the water was trying to show her, movement caught her eye as she noticed three domestic unicorns racing through the forest. Their silvery white coats dirty with dried mud and manes tangled as they were pushed to continue to the riders’ destination.
“Saryu! We have three riders approaching us at a rapid rate. Please return to the temple quickly. It appears as though they know how to maneuver through the obstacles and traps.” The voice burst through her mind, surprising the young girl into looking around for a couple of seconds before realizing that Riane had been speaking to her through telepathy. Stepping away from the edge of the pool, the water turned back to its normal faint glowing state. Seva and Shinshi were watching the priestess silently. Saryu turned, ready to leave the underwater domain.
“I must return to the temple. Three riders are making their way, experienced with the tricks of the ancient magic that hides the temple.” Her voice was serious, all panic and fear forgotten, the images of what she’d seen earlier buried into the recesses of her mind. Shinshi held his hand, palm towards the cavern’s entrance and nodded his head. She bowed politely and turned to leave.
“We will keep in touch with you. We are here for you if you ever need us.” Seva’s voice rang after the girl as she quickly darted out of the hidden cavern.
Saryu raced through the maze like
corridors that were changing shape behind her as she passed. Riane had greeted
her when she’d returned to the
Standing on the marble stairs were three cloaked figures. Two were standing on either side of the third who was sitting, hunched over. The smell of sweat and dirt filled the room as the young girl slowly walked over to them. The two standing figures, who she could now see were men watched her coldly, their eerie eyes seeing something pleasurable in the priestess’s appearance. Stopping a short distance from where her guests were, one of the men, she guessed the younger of the two nudged the center figure gently. The figure stirred, and seemed momentarily lost as they looked at the ground beneath their feet. Finally looking up, Saryu was able to see that the third cloaked figure was also male. He stood, and raised his hands to his hood. Saryu then saw the tattoos that branded his skin. Her eyes widened as she saw a symbol that she’d seen in one of the books from the library. Lowering his hood, Saryu became all the more surprised, as it finally dawned on her who the young man standing before her was. His medium length raven black hair covered most of his dirty tanned face. The tips of his hair were dyed the same light cerulean as the marks that were tattooed to his hand. It took Saryu a few seconds to recover her calm composure before she remembered what she’d been trained to say when there were guests.
“Welcome,
to the