Chapter 49 - Sanctuary

“Welcome to the Shrine of Tears, young Skyle.”

The sudden words startled Skyle so badly that he nearly jumped out of his skin. The only reason he did not do so was probably because at this moment his eyes were staring in complete stupefaction at the speaker.

“Im.. Impossible!” the young boy cried out vehemently.

The whole statue of the Goddess had come alive, the life-like texture of her hair and skin now becoming flesh in truth. She wore a serene expression, wholy untouched by Skyle’s own unsettled state, as her eyes patiently gazed upon him while waiting expectantly.

“Ah, greetings, eh, your divinity?” Skyle blurted out, bobbing his head down in his best impression of a respectful bow.

“No need, for I am merely the guardian of this small Sanctuary, and therefore no grand deity deserving of your worship,” came the ethereal voice. Her lips moved in sync with the words, but Skyle could hear the echoes reverberating inside his head as though she had spoken directly to his mind. This clearly showed she was no common mortal being, so Skyle decided to err on the side of caution and just treat her like he would any immortal, no matter what she said.

Not that Skyle had ample experience dealing with gods and the like - or any at all, for that matter. However, treating her like he would his own mother on the very, very rare occasions when Adrienne Farrow was truly upset should do. After all, any mortal who could force Kendric Farrow to cringe like a weasel and walk on pins and needles was, by Skyle’s reckoning, no mere mortal at all either.

“This place, this shrine is a sanctuary?” the young boy asked hesitantly.

The Goddess’ eyes grew distant for a moment before settling their focus back on Skyle. This time he felt the weight of the gaze even more fully, as though the mystical being before him could see through him and his every secret.

“Not only this shrine, young Skyle. This whole realm is under my care, and therefore constitutes the Sanctuary,” came the gentle correction.

Skyle’s expression scrunched up as he thought of all the nightmarish creatures outside, as well as all the terror and death he had seen. How could this be called a sanctuary?

“Though you dare doubt my words, this once I shall not lay blame on you. For truly Sanctuary lies desecrated, and even now struggles in the midst of a bitter battle.”

“No, I didn’t mean-” Skyle quickly blurted out, but found himself unable to speak further, his lips no longer obeying his commands.

“Do not be troubled. I well know of your journey, of the many sufferings inflicted upon your young soul by the vicissitudes of fate and circumstance. Would that I had the power to spare the innocent such as you. Alas, it is not to be, as Sanctuary has lain under siege by outside forces for too long for your mortal ken to comprehend.”

“Who dares attack you, Lady?” Skyle found his voice once more, growing indignant in spite of himself.

Her expression grew frosty and the air around the Goddess seemed to chill, while a somber frown flashed across her brows.

“Eternal enemies of the light, ever crouching within the shadow. Ever hungry though their whole existence is devoted to devouring. They seek to slake a thirst which is unquenchable, and knowingly they indulge in these depravities. Such are the mad cravings of an insane god.”

“If the enemy is an insane god, then who does Sanctuary stand guard for?” Skyle always had an inquisitive mind, and now that he had an opening he was starved for answers.

“For those who have forsaken the light yet refuse to embrace the darkness.” came the cryptic reply.

“Lady, you speak in riddles. I don’t understand.” Skyle complained as politely as he could.

“Little manling, it is not for you to understand.” Along with this gentle reminder, the condescending arch of the immortal’s brow did not elicit any feelings of shame or outrage. Instead, for some reason it reminded the little boy of his mother and her quiet air of dignity and authority.

“Then why am I here?” Skyle couldn’t help but sigh, wholly exhausted from his ordeals and desperate for anything that made sense.

There was a momentary pause, and the briefest flash of hesitation surged behind the Goddess’ eyes. So quickly that Skyle began to doubt he had seen it at all, it was gone before he could blink.

“This,” She began slowly, her gaze growing distant once more. “This is not for you to know either.”

As her eyes gained focus again, her expression was still one of careful, minucius study as she calmly regarded Skyle without any further words.

The young boy had endured the agony of Kendric Farrow’s scrutiny many a time, and even though Skyle was his father’s son, he knew very few adults who could stand unbowed under the full weight of Kendric’s steely gaze. Still, this here was a whole different experience altogether.

Although his father’s gaze seemed to imply that no secret would be ever safe from his keen sight and even keener insight, the calm regard of a divinity held a colossal weight to it, a mass of gravity that simply could not be borne. This was especially so for a child such as Skyle, no matter how strong willed or well trained he was.

It was only when a painful stinging sensation shook him awake from his trance that Skyle realized that thick beads of sweat had rolled down his forehead and into his eyes. All at once, he was floundering, choking under a massive pressure that threatened to overwhelm him at any moment, like a small boat about to capsize in a stormy sea.

At this very moment, a glimmer of light flashed out of a corner of his eyes, and all the pressure weighing down upon Skyle receded completely as though a tide rolling back before the sand. In its wake, the small boy drew a deep, shuddering breath that shook more beads of sweat from his cheeks and hair.

“It shall be so,” came the next words from the divinity, and Skyle was only more confused.

“Huh?” he gasped, his lungs still quivering as they attempted to draw in fitful breaths.

“It was unworthy of me to test you so, young Skyle. I felt it a necessity of the times, but I shall not do so again.”

The words sounded oddly like the closest thing to an apology a mere mortal could expect from such a presence.

“Uh, sure.” Skyle barely managed a wheeze, his knees still knocking together unsteadily.

“You have been granted two boons, Skyle Arrow Lyrianis. Such an opportunity is rare beyond compare, even more so than stumbling across the secrets of Sanctuary and surviving the ordeal as a young boy.”

"Huh? My given name is Farrow, and mom's is Lendis. Could my name have a different meaning in an ancient language?" Skyle frowned momentarily, but decided to focus on more pressing matters first.

“Why?” Skyle asked, his voice becoming just a little steadier.

The Goddess’ eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You do not ask about the boon itself, but rather about its cause. I find it gratifying that you are still able to surprise me, little mortal.”

Skyle did not say anything, and he unconsciously tried to mirror his father’s impassive gaze whenever he wanted to extort an answer from his guilty children. Although Skyle did not fully understand why he did so, he simply followed his gut feeling. Something about this felt.. Not wrong, but not quite right either.

A long moment of silence ensued, during which the air gradually grew heavier again and Skyle became aware of the quickening beat of his own heart. Still, a glint of defiance flashed in Skyle’s eyes.

Suddenly, as swift as it had come, the strange atmosphere was gone, and the barest hint of a smile curled the Goddess’ lips.

“Perhaps it is not mere happenstance, after all. You are very unique, Skyle Arrow. I do not give such praise lightly.”

“I dare not receive it lightly, your divinity.” Skyle quipped, and instantly regretted it. His mother had always told him his smart mouth would land him in hot water, and one day it would be too deep to climb out of.

“Ah, young Skyle.” It was almost a sigh now, and Skyle instantly felt relieved that there was no heat nor displeasure in the words. Instead, they rang faintly of yearning and sorrow. “How fate weaves and mortals tremble, yet a young boy who knows better still dares to chide an immortal. Such are the vagaries of destiny.”

“My apologies, I meant no offense.”

“Your words are not wholly unwarranted, and thus no apology is needful. As for your question, it is as sagacious as it is impertinent, but I shall oblige.”

At this very moment, in the blink of an eye and without moving a single muscle, the Goddess seemed to gather herself and instantly the full majesty of her presence filled the entire cavern to bursting. Strangely, no pressure could be felt upon Skyle at all. Instead, he simply basked in a golden cascade of color and song that soothed his exhausted soul.

In the midst of this, a light shone from within the folds of Skyle’s clothes. It was pure and beautiful, this light, though it was not blinding at all. It drifted upward and only then did Skyle realize it emanated from the mysterious silver disk he had found among Fierro Latimus’ possessions. Out of habit and before he could stop himself, Skyle delved into the True Sight. The young boy let out a relieved sigh when there was no outburst of divine light searing his eyes this time. Only the same warm glow suffused his vision, oddly comforting as he gazed upon it.

The light didn’t come from the disk itself, Skyle had to correct himself. Rather, it was a single tiny glyph carved into an inconspicuous side of the disk that hummed with gentle power. This mysterious glyph pulsed with an ethereal light that shifted from color to color without pause. Basking in this glow gave Skyle an oddly familiar feeling, but at the same time it was too alien to grasp.

Before Skyle could do more than simply stare, the glyph rippled once. As it did so, it cascaded with a much more intense light, and that familiar feeling only grew stronger as well, even tugging at his heartstrings. Then the glyph unexpectedly curled upon itself and slid off the disk, floating up into the air and towards the expectant Goddess’ hand. It fluttered airily before finally landing within her grasp, then vanishing with a whooshing sound and one final flare of brilliance. Then the light was no more, and only the Goddess’ presence filled the shrine, even more majestic than before and filled with renewed energy. Only another brief flash of surprise was visible on her face when she realized that Skyle had been tracking the mysterious glyph’s flight the whole time. Then it was all divine serenity once more.

Skyle had no clue as to what had just transpired here. He had not dared look directly upon the Goddess with his True Sight, as he had learned his lesson and did not wish to be driven insane or go blind. Just the briefest glimpse of that divine hand had been enough to burn painful circles in his eyes. Still, reflecting upon what he had seen, Skyle did not dare believe that he had any involvement at all in infusing any energy into the disk himself. The thought that Latimus Fierro, the master craftsman, had carved such a mysterious glyph upon the disk flitted through his mind, but was instantly dismissed. That deceptively simple glyph that had only been revealed through his True Sight whispered to him of divine mysteries which were far beyond his reach or understanding. Then what was this nagging feeling of familiarity? Glancing down, he noticed that the surface of the disk was as it had been before, clean and without any marks or indentations. No sign of the mysterious glyph was left behind at all. It was a simple metal disk again.

Should he risk another question towards the goddess? What was this disk? How about the glyph? How was he involved in all this? All such musings were wiped cleanly off Skyle’s mind when the Goddess next spoke.

“You, Skyle Arrow, bear a Blessed Immortal’s Seal, wrought of the finest divine ores, everlasting and all-enduring. It stands as manifest and incontrovertible proof that you have entered an immortal’s regard. Thus, you shall be rewarded, for such grace is not casually extended. Does this answer satisfy your inquisitive mind, young mortal? Or would you further try this Shrine Guardian’s patience?”

“It.. it does! I dare not, I could not-” Skyle stammered when he could finally draw another breath, clear in his mind that it was time to back off.

“Then let it be so, and nothing further need be spoken of this matter. Instead, choose your boons, and do so carefully. The first, is that your innate veins shall be cleansed.”

“You mean-” Skyle’s heart instantly began to pump furiously within his chest, and his eyes popped wide open as a hope that he had regarded as long dead all these years roared back to life, burning with passion.

“Yes, young human. Your essential veins have been tainted by a darkness most foul. Such is its ferocity, that it not only consumes your power, in the end it would completely consume you as well. In but a few seasons, nothing would be left of you save for a desolate husk.”

“You, you can fix the problem with my veins?” Skyle cried out, his voice hoarse with raw emotion.

“Indeed, I can and I will, should you request this boon of me.” The Goddess smiled beatifically at the small boy whose cheeks were now stained with countless tears rolling down his face. It was almost as though she knew of all the years of painful, fruitless practice Skyle had forced upon himself. Again and again, he had burned his own veins in futile attempts to ignite his magic.

Now, unexpectedly, he would at long last be whole. Be complete.

“Next, you may depart Sanctuary immediately, and return whence you came, bearing with you whatever rewards you have been able to reap from Sanctuary to aid you further in your endeavors. Else, you may choose to remain here, and learn what you can from my guardian spirit, the ancient crystal phoenix Rakasha, as she defends Sanctuary from its dreadful foes. Such a decision naturally bears far more danger than the former, yet the rewards would prove equally lavish.”

“Choose, young Skyle, as your fate, be it your glory or doom, lies entirely within your grasp.”

The last words were somber enough that they sent a chill up Skyle’s spine. He understood that the next choice would perhaps be the most important decision of his life. He would finally be able to wield the power of the elements! Such had been his obsession all these years, and yet he had never known such a fierce malady preyed upon his talents. According to the Goddess, wouldn’t it have meant his death in a few years, had he not entered Sanctuary and entered this immortal’s good graces?

Surely, this must be his first boon. However, as for his second boon, another vital decision lay within his grasp. Leave this nightmarish realm at once and return to the loving embrace of his mother, who would surely be worried to death? Or remain here, delving deeper into the mysteries of Sanctuary, its foes and its defenders, as well as the Desolate Star Technique? After all, he had only discovered this frightful taint in his veins thanks to Sanctuary. What other secrets would he unveil here?

In the midst of all this excitement, however, there was an invisible finger incessantly poking the back of his head, until finally Skyle had to turn his attention to an unspoken, yet equally important third option. However, such a decision might mean risking the Goddess’ patience, and perhaps his own reward. Did he dare try this immortal’s patience once more?

Skyle teetered on the edge of doubt and fear, unable to make a decision even though that nagging feeling in the back of his mind whispered that he should not turn a blind eye to what he knew to be the right thing to do. What to do?

“When in doubt,” Kendric Farrow would often chuckle darkly to his son with a wide, knowing wolfish grin, “always remember son: Mama knows best.”

“What would mom say?” Skyle thought, recalling Adrienne Farrow’s dazzlingly beautiful smile, always full of wisdom and kindness. Then just like that, his doubts were instantly cleared and a bright smile sprang forth from his lips.

“I see you’ve made your choice, young mortal?”

“I have, but I would like to ask a question, if I may.”

The Goddess spread her hands in an easy gesture of divine grace.

“You have been watching my journey, and thus you know that I have only endured thus far thanks to my companions: Leon, Leena and Emil. May I bring my companions with me, should I choose to return?” Skyle asked, openly and with a gleam in his eye.

A momentary silence ensued, during which Skyle could scarcely breathe while he awaited the answer that might decide his own fate, as well as that of his friends.

“Divine grace only extends to you as the deserving mortal, Skyle Arrow. Still, know that your intervention is not beyond our expectations. If you so wish it, then it shall be so, though you should fully understand what is offered before you forsake it in the interest of others.”

Skyle nodded, listening carefully.

“You may request of me this boon, to bring my guardian spirit to look for your companions and take them home with you. Be warned, however, that you may not necessarily find what you wish for. Whether they are alive or dead, not only will this immortal have fulfilled your boon, but extending such grace to others will cost you the precious inheritances you have received within Sanctuary.”

“You mean-” Skyle began, then his voice died off as he gave the Goddess a stricken look.

With an imperious nod, she answered in an almost painfully indifferent tone. “A balance must be struck, and nothing worth its price is ever free. I believe you are familiar with this timeless principle. The masterwork weapon Moonshadow shall be exchanged for Leon Draxas di Audrasier. Fierro Latimus Primus’ journal will be the price for Arleena Starbreeze Ainfandelsolas. Finally, the Desolate Star Technique shall be redeemed for Emil Goodwin Wester. Such is the price of your decision. Are you still resolute in your request?”

With each word, Skyle felt like claws were tearing into his flesh, drawing rivers of blood. These were his precious inheritances, which he had vowed to treasure for all his life! Skyle’s hand tightened as he reflexibly reached over his shoulder, towards the vacant space where Moonshadow would have normally hung. He had already grown so accustomed to its comfortable weight, that its absence still pained him greatly. Not only that, but even the Desolate Star Technique would be snatched from him! Would that mean this new world that the True Sight had opened for him would be gone forever?

It was too cruel a blow, and Skyle staggered as his vision swam in black. He nearly tumbled forward near the edge of the ledge where he faced the Goddess, and only just managed to extend a hand behind himself to steady his weight against the wall. All the while, Skyle struggled with his own ambitions and grand dreams for the future. He weighed them all against his own set of principles which had been branded within his heart by his father’s constant reminders and his mother’s loving care.

Throughout all this, the Goddess remained impassive, serenely watching over him yet not moving a single muscle nor hair. Maybe this was the lofty indifference that characterized a divinity’s encounter with a mortal.

After a few breaths to steady himself, Skyle ruthlessly crushed all the pain and regret within his heart and extinguished the flames of anguish scattered within his eyes. His elemental powers and his life, those were more than enough. Why be so selfish and ask for more? Would he become just another fool blinded by greed? In the end, it was a straightforward enough decision. He just had to ask himself a simple set of questions.

Would he be able to face his parents?

What would little Kass and Reik learn from their older brother?

Would Skyle still be able to look Ash in the eyes as an equal?

Most important of all, could Skyle himself bear to look at himself in the mirror?

Just like that, in mere moments and in a remarkable display of discipline, the young boy mastered his emotions once again.

“Have you decided?” came the cool voice of the Goddess.

“I have.” came the simple, yet firm reply.

“I can see it in your eyes, and while I admire your moral fiber, I must question the soundness of your judgment. Still, it is your own fate, and you have thus chosen your own path. Need you deliberate further? Will you not reconsider?”

Skyle firmly shook his head. “No, and each passing moment only makes me regret my own selfishness further. I fear that already I may be too late. I beseech the Goddess, please allow me to go rescue my friends as soon as possible with your aid!”

A long sigh followed Skyle’s words, and the disappointment in the Goddess’ eyes was neither fake nor concealed. Immediately after, a loud cry reverberated from outside, that of a fierce bird of prey, the mother of all celestial birds.

“So be it then. Set forth on your quest to collect your friends, and remember this was your own choice.” Another sigh escaped the Goddess’ lips, and this time her expression was unmistakably one of genuine regret. This was the strongest emotion Skyle had seen on the immortal’s features thus far.

“Ah, young, foolish mortal. There shall come a time when you regret today’s decision. It is done! I shall speak no further. Rakasha shall bear you in her safekeeping until you return. Go now!”

Immediately after, the radiance surrounding the Goddess swiftly faded, until the flesh once again became inanimate, and Skyle knew that the presence of the goddess had left him, to return to mere stone once more.

“Thank you, my lady,” Skyle whispered under his breath, then dared not tarry any longer. Instead, he swiftly sprinted up the slope inside the spire, rushing towards the beckoning light overhead.

All the while, inside his heart Skyle called loudly enough that he could barely gather any breath from the excitement and trepidation.

“Leon, I’m coming. Hold on. You must hold on!”