Aftermath
“-I see. And what would be your measure of these… Equusians? Equusites? What are we even calling them?” President Darris asked, a little confused.
“Equusians would be what the diplomatic boys are calling them, sir,” General Burton said as he flipped another page of his folder. “As for my measure? A bit backwards, if I’m being honest. They’re technologically behind us, regardless of whatever power they possess, and somewhat on the superstitious side… That being said, when a lot of their superstitions turn out to be historical fact, I’m not sure it really qualifies. Still, it’s something to look out for, in case a turn of phrase is taken more literally than it was intended. That being said, they can be cowardly, but they can also be brave, stalwart, and stubborn, even if they look like they walked right out of some twisted children’s cartoon.”
Darris laughed at that. “You approve, I take it?”
“Sir, they’re a weird bunch. But so are we, so I’m not sure we have any footing to judge them one way or another,” Burton said as the hint of a smile graced his lips.
“So, back to this historical fact you were talking about. What exactly are we talking about, here?” the president prompted softly.
“They’ve got an actual chaos god made from nightmares turned to stone in the ruler’s garden, sir,” Burton said stiffly. “I thought they were just pulling my leg, but it escaped in recent, living memory, and we have several, non-human, eye-witness accounts of the kind of power and destruction it can wield. Apparently this thing puts nukes to shame.”
“...I see. And their rulers just… casually have the power to turn this thing to stone? What’s to stop them from doing the same to us, if they don’t care much for how we do things?”
“Several things, sir. The primary one being the fact that their powers do not work on this side of the portal,” General Burton said as he passed over another sheet of paper to the president. It contained a long, extremely complex explanation of magic and its properties, as known by the Equusians. It had been translated into English by Mr. Cunningham as best as he could, but the real thing that Burton wanted to show the president was the picture that had been included with the report. It was a device on loan by the quzin that looked like a gold band with a red jewel set into it, and if they had the chance to study it, it could prove a game changer in a lot of ways. “Now, that’s a gross oversimplification of the issue, but the short explanation is that they draw their power from the planet itself. Ours doesn’t produce this power, at least in the amount required for any of their abilities, so they’re basically dead in the water if they come over here. Power can be carried over in the specially made devices shown in the picture there, but their battery life is extremely short, and requires a planet with an active field to recharge. Without those powers, they're basically just talking horses. The winged ones can’t even fly without it."
President Darris nodded at that. "And the other reasons?"
"They take things like loyalty and honesty very seriously," the general said as he slid another picture towards the president. It showed several soldiers taking a photo with some horse-like creatures wearing plate mail, all of which looked like they’d been through the ringer. "Our little 'off the books' excursion into their world to help defend them did a lot to put us into their good graces, especially with their rulers. It's why they were so quick to send their own people over to our side to help with the relief efforts, even though they're still in the middle of reconstruction themselves."
"So, the chances of an invasion from magical horse people are…?"
"Slim to none, sir. If the reports I've given you are correct, the leaders of… Let me see if I can get this right… Eli-thali-mal-las, control their sun and moon. And yet, not only do other nations exist, but the natives of this country have a reputation for being pushovers,” General Burton said as he handed the president another sheet of paper. “The fact that there are any other nations at all given that kind of power that they have at their disposal speaks volumes of the rulers. What’s more is that we’ve taken the liberty to ask a few questions of the civilians we’ve met, and the government is very hands off… To a fault, it would seem.”
“It really boggles my mind that we're seriously talking about magical horse aliens that can control the sun and moon, while at the same time we're talking about a global catastrophe the likes of which we only imagined up until now," Darris said dryly. "So, how is it a fault that their government is too hands off? Quite a few of my voting base would see that as a paradise."
"Up until recently, most small towns' law enforcement was regulated to maybe two or three soldiers at most, while cities have maybe two hundred on a good day. More if it was particularly large or noteworthy place. People were expected to either handle their own problems, or rely on their friends and neighbors, and only involve the law if it’s absolutely necessary. If there was a larger problem, the military could be called upon, but their relatively small size, coupled with the relative peace they've experienced over the past thousand years, have made them grow extremely lax. They can be quite powerful given the right training and circumstances, yes, but a millennia of peace has made them… well…"
"I see," President Darris said as he steepled his fingers. "So, they were caught with their pants down… Even more so than we were."
"They had a military, as I’ve stated before, but not one that would pass any Earth standard on preparedness, technological level, or size, while local militia were all but unheard of. What’s more is that their experience is sorely lacking, as they’ve only had to deal with small-time crooks, thieves and rogue mercenaries. The thought of actual combat, much less to the scale that they recently faced, had never crossed any of their minds. Mr. Cunningham’s arrival kick-started their enlistment and training, so they weren’t completely caught unawares, but they were still woefully unprepared for what came for them.”
“...And I take it that this disaster has taught them a lesson, then?” Darris asked with some interest.
“It’s lit a fire under them, that’s for sure. Their recruitment efforts have exploded, and they’ve expanded their farming to keep up with their military efforts, as well as to relieve the famine on our own world. Even as we speak, food and much needed materials are being shipped through the gate, while volunteers and enlisted are stepping up for the relief and war efforts," General Burton reported as he gestured towards the folder on the president's desk. "What's more is that their neighbors have entered talks with the rulers of Eli-thali-mal-las to forge a new nation from the ashes of this attack. This new, developing political entity has already extended their… err, hoof, towards us to formalize our alliance, as well as further hammer out the details. The document, as well as their proposed terms, can be found on page six of your dossier.”
"...I'll take a look at it, but if these people are as nice as you say they are, then they can wait for a little bit. The political fallout here has been massive, in case you haven't heard," Darris said, his brow furrowed as he pointedly gestured towards the window, where a thick blanket of snow could be seen outside.
"...Do we have an estimated death toll yet, sir?" General Burton asked quietly. "I've been busy with the Equus side of things, so I haven't really been kept up to speed with how things turned out on our end."
"You'll want to rectify that, soldier. It's thought to be somewhere in the fifty, maybe even sixty million range, but it's projected to be higher than that," Darris said soberly. "New York is an absolute wreck, Dubai and much of the surrounding countryside is just gone, and Moscow is still burning. London is in ruins, but it got off comparatively light to some other places. China's in open revolt, which isn't helped by the fact that the crash over in Beijing pretty much wiped out the CCP's ruling body, and that's not even touching on the wreck in Australia, South America or Africa. Bodies are still being found, in some places they’re being actively added to, and the rapidly oncoming nuclear winter is going to add far, far more to that death toll as time progresses.”
"...What have the snakes done?" General Burton asked the president.
“They’re working on something on their base on Deimos, and they’ve promised that it would help, but seeing as how the base was effectively destroyed, it will take them some time to get it ready,” President Darris said as he let out a little sniff. “They’ve assured us that they aren’t leaving until this whole mess has been cleaned up, and they’ve even sent troops down to aid in the relief efforts. That being said, seeing the biggest snake in existence slither up to you isn’t exactly reassuring to anyone, least of all the wounded and dying. They’re helping where they can, but they’re mainly kept to where they won’t cause a mass panic. Or riot, for that matter.”
General Barton raised an eyebrow at that. “I would assume that they’d taken a lot of the blame for this from the less informed. How bad are those, sir?”
“They’re tearing some cities apart. Not smart at all, if you ask me, but people will be people regardless of any actual fact," Darris said as he flipped through a few pages on his desk. "As much as our ten shiny new spaceships are a boon, it's going to take a while before humanity can shake things out on the ground, and reach for the stars. Things are changing, and not all of them are going to be fast, or pretty."
Burton winced at that, before reaching into his packet. "Speaking of speed, we may not have a lot of time…"
"Don't dance around the issue, General. What's the problem?" Darris asked, clearly not happy.
Burton let out a sigh, before sliding a stack of papers towards him. The whole thing was stapled together at the corner, and the top read 'The Last Testament of Myrddin.' "The future is the problem, sir. Are you aware that magic is capable of future sight and prediction?"
"I had heard something to that effect, yes, but I passed it off as more of that superstitious nonsense we talked about earlier," Darris joked. "Don't tell me you believe it, Burton?"
"Sir, at this point, I don't know what to believe," General Burton answered stiffly. "Regardless, the most powerful person in the quzin empire is supposed to be a prophet of some kind, so it's fair to say that, even if we don't take it seriously, they do."
"And we have to at least take them seriously, yes," Darris said as he picked up the packet on his desk. "And I take it that this is one of their prophecies? Or is it one of the horse's?"
"It came from the horse people, but it would be more accurate to say that it is one of ours, sir," General Burton said as he rubbed a hand on his forehead. "One of the people who went to their world over a thousand years ago was apparently some kind of prophet, and was one of the people who inspired the character Merlin in Arthurian legend."
"…And what he saw somehow relates to us?" Darris asked carefully.
"It would seem so, sir. We haven't shown the snakes this one, yet, since we're still fuzzy on how accurate this thing is, but it's still a card to play in any oncoming peace talks with them. I'd study that if I were you. Even if it's nothing but a load of hooey, it may still help us get a leg up on the snakes as the situation evolves."
Darris nodded at that, before quickly leafing through the pamphlet for a second. “This is a bad thing, isn’t it? We’re not going to survive this,” he stated quietly.
“According to the prophecy? No,” Burton said, before a smile graced his lips. “That being said, I’ve talked to both the snakes, and the horses about prophecy, and it sounds like they’re never a surefire thing. It’s always what might happen, never what will happen.”
“A warning of doom, rather than an announcement?” Darris asked as he matched his general’s smile. “I think we can handle that. After all, it’s what us humans have been best at.”
General Burton’s smile became huge and wide at that. “That’s the spirit, sir. Spit in death’s eye, and dare him to come and take us. They’ve given us a black eye, yes, maybe even dropped us to the mat, but we’re still in this fight.”
“That we are,” President Darris said, before his smile slowly morphed into a frown. “I just hope we have enough time to get back up onto our feet before the bell rings.”
* * *
Princess Celestia daintily put the cup of tea she was drinking to her lips just as a knock rang out from the door to her parlor. She let out a sigh as she put down the cup, before giving her little sister a put upon look. “It never ends, does it?” she asked her.
“The burden of command, dear sister,” Luna remarked before taking a sip of her own mug.
Celestia gave her sister a wry grin at that, before she turned towards the parlor door. “Come in!”
The door opened to reveal one of her soldiers, who immediately entered and cut a sharp salute. Just behind him, Celestia could see Alex, as well as another human who currently had her arm wrapped around his, as if she were clinging to him. This did not make her appear as if she were scared of her surroundings, though. Far from it, rather it made her look as if she were afraid that he might disappear if she let her eye off of him for even a second. Alex was wearing his mask again, probably in an effort to not scare any of the newer recruits or nobles in Canterlot’s halls. He was also wearing a pair of black pants with a matching coat, through which a white, pressed, button-up shirt could be seen, as well as a red tie with a tiny pin pressed through it that had a tiny red, white and blue flag on it. In his right hand he held a black case with silver clasps, and on his feet were shiny, black, human-made shoes, creating a look that just… did not work, overall. The suit was fine, probably the finest that the humans could make, but the mask lended an eerie air to the whole ensemble, and probably made him look scarier than if he just went without.
As for the girl next to him, she was wearing a lovely floral patterned dress of reds and greens, while on her feet she wore a pair of red shoes that made a satisfying click-clack sound whenever she walked, while at her ears she wore a pair of earrings with what appeared to be the tiniest emeralds that Celestia had ever seen set into the gold, hoop-like design. Her black hair was done up into a ponytail, she wore very little makeup on her dark skin, and her green eyes and ruby lips were turned up into a smile that seemed to light up the entire room.
“Announcing Ambassador Cooning-haam, and his fiancé, Lady Stoon,” the soldier said, before waving the two humans in.
“It’s… Ah, nevermind,” Alex said as he entered the room and inclined his head towards the two royal sisters. “I hope we weren’t interrupting?”
“Not at all, Alex. We were just taking a moment to relax ourselves between the negotiations,” Luna said as she gestured towards the nearby couch with her hoof. “I see you’ve found your marefriend. She is quite lovely, even by our standards.”
Alex said something to the young lady, at which a rosy blush seemed to form on her cheeks, and she stammered out something that, if Celestia were charitable, could have been considered a ‘thank you’ in Equestrian.
“Thank you, Princess Luna,” Alex said as the two sat down opposite to them. “So, how are negotiations going?”
Celestia rolled her eyes at that, before letting out a very unprincess-like huff. “A few have joined out of hoof, such as The Changeling Hives, The Crystal Empire and the Zebrica Tribes, but others? They're still holding out for one reason or another. The ones I've already mentioned were all fairly easy to sway, though it took some time to hammer out the details for both Zebrica and the Hives, given that they haven’t just applied to join the burgeoning empire, but to become citizen states of Equestria itself.”
“As for Minos, the Griffon Empire and the Dragon Lands, all three have been quite stubborn, though for unrelated reasons,” Luna said primely. “The Emperor certainly wants to join as a member nation of the empire, but he’s making a stink over how his title will essentially be downgraded to something more akin to a king. The fact that he even crowned himself as an emperor at all is a miracle in and of itself, if you ask me, given that the land and people he controls are smaller than Equestria by every conceivable metric. It is still a proper title, however, since the different griffon clans all have their own lands, governments and peoples that all ultimately swear fealty to the imperial crown. He’s making quite the fuss over wrangling the different factions and titles, but we suspect he’s simply holding out for as much personal power for himself that he can muster. He’ll sign eventually, but it will take a few more concessions on our part.”
“The dragons think we’re too soft to ever hold an empire together from so many disparate parties, though they were impressed by the mettle that we and our allies showed on the battlefield during the crisis,” Celestia said as she magically summoned two more cups, filled both from the nearby teapot, and placed a tray of cookies near the humans. Lady Stoon's eyes grew large at the casual display of magic, but Celestia ignored it in favor of continuing her little rant. “They may come around eventually, but it would be more than likely that any dragons that join the forming empire will be individuals, rather than the Dragon Lands as a nation. Still, our treaties with them will stand, so at the very least they will not obstruct us.”
“And finally the minotaurs,” Alex said as he took a drink of the tea, while his fiancé politely took a cookie. “I imagine that they’ve shut down every possible attempt on principle.”
“Actually, no,” Luna said, causing Alex to look up in surprise. “Their king was quick to agree, given that you humans were instrumental in the preservation of his island nation. The problem is that this has quickly led to a revolt among the upper class of his advisors. They are under the impression that their power and influence would shrink… Though if they actually took the time to read the blasted articles, they would see that the authority they had within their own states would remain largely unchanged. In fact, there is more room for their influence to grow, as it would essentially allow them free passage to everywhere in the empire as its citizens, as well as opportunities for advancement far beyond the scope of their tiny island kingdom. Minotaurs can be quite stubborn when they put their minds to it, though, so it is quite possible that this boils over into a civil war before anything is signed.”
“Hush, Lulu, they’re afraid of change, as are all people. Such a large one was bound to have a few hiccups,” Celestia gently reprimanded her sister.
"I gotta say, only a single war caused by such a shakeup? Seems like you guys got off lucky, to me," the still incompletely healed human quipped as he lifted his mask to take a bite of a cookie. His face was still quite the sight, but he somehow looked… happier. Lighter. Even with all the tragedy and responsibility that had been dropped onto his shoulders, his eyes had a sparkle to them that just hadn’t been there before. "Things are rumbling all over back home. There were quite a few governments that were ruled by tyrants that have suddenly found their positions far less stable than they were before, and there are those that are taking advantage of the tragedy itself to set themselves up as new rising powers. It's going to take a while for things to shake out properly."
"Setting that aside, what has your government decided for you, now that you are home?" Luna asked curiously as she watched the humans eat. "I would assume that they would want a more formally selected and trained person to act as ambassador?"
"Eventually. They've even got one lined up, Ambassador Sharron Bishop. Nice lady, I'm actually officially here to formally inform you of the change, and introduce you later today. My job's mainly going to be interpreter, at least, up until the diplomatic team can be properly taught the language and brought up to speed. So, you'll still see me for a few months, or more than that, depending on how fast they learn the language and culture."
"Thank you, Alex. Was that all you wanted to talk to us about, though?" Princess Luna asked shrewdly.
The humans looked genuinely offended at that. "Is it a crime to want to show off your fiancé to your friends?" He asked in a mock-injured tone. "I figured that, since I'm going to be staying on this side for a while, and she's basically glued herself to my hip, we could take the time to show her around. Actually introduce her to some of the wonderful ponies who decided to take pity on a poor, lost, wandering monster from the depths of space and all that, since we don't have such an immediate problem hanging over our heads."
Celestia raised an eyebrow at that. "I wouldn't call the problem resolved, Alex," she noted in a disapproving tone of voice.
"Nor would I, but it's going to take a while before anything else happens, given the fact that the bugs like to pick over things before they commit to anything," Alex pointed out. "What's more is that the rest of the diplomatic team are busy unpacking and going through the info I've written up for them, so I've got a few minutes to myself before everything is suddenly on fire again."
“I see. So what is your plan for the rest of the ‘minutes to yourself’ before you’re inevitably called upon again?” Celestia asked before taking another sip of her tea.
“I was thinking of introducing Valerie here to everyone who helped make sure I got back home safely,” Alex said as he threw a fond arm around his fiancé’s shoulders. “Specifically, I was hoping to introduce her to Pinkie, Twilight and Fluttershy, if at all possible. Maybe the other three, like that rainbow-colored one that I never got the name of. Really thank them properly for everything.”
“Funnily enough her name is Rainbow. Rainbow Dash, to be specific, and I’m afraid that you will have to postpone most of those introductions,” Luna said, causing Alex to snort in amusement. “While Miss Sparkle is still in Canterlot, her friends have all returned to Ponyville to help rebuild their homes and take care of their families. Miss Sparkle would be there with them, if it weren’t for the fact that she and Spike are needed here for the research team. They will no doubt show up again soon, but they have already spent quite a lot of time away from home as it is.”
Alex flinched at that, before pulling the mask back down over his face. “I’m sorry I missed them, then,” he said, then let out a sigh. “Still, we can at least say hi to Twilight and Titania, then. That is, if the changeling queen isn’t currently busy.”
“I’m sure you’ll be far more welcome company than the endless stream of reporters that she has had to deal with since coming to Canterlot,” Celestia said with a grin. “From what I’ve heard, they keep asking her if she’ll take responsibility in case anypony is eaten by changelings.”
“Well, how about I go scare her up some peace and quiet, then?” Alex joked as he stood up with a groan. Lady Stoon asked something of Alex in her own language, at which point Alex made a ‘I almost forgot’ sound, and turned back to the two princesses. “Oh, and one more thing. I have a gift for you two. They have a limited… eh… you’re language doesn’t have a word for this thing, does it?”
“What is the word in your own tongue?” Celestia asked curiously.
“It’s ‘Bah-tur-ree.’ It’s a device that’s used to store electrical energy until it is needed. It’s a necessary component in a lot of our technology, including the gifts from our government to you,” Alex said as he set the case in hand onto the table and opened it. Inside were two, flat rectangles that looked very reminiscent of the krin computers that had been recovered from the crash, with some notable exceptions.
The one on the left was almost completely dark blue on the back, with a picture of Luna’s cutie mark drawn upon its surface, while the one on the right was white with Celestia’s own mark. Next to each was a thin wand that shared the color scheme with the devices, as well as the royal sister’s cutie marks on one end, and a small nub at the other.
“While not nearly as impressive in their specifications as the computers that the aliens made, these are still quite impressive,” Alex said as he pulled Celestia’s out and set it on the table in front of her. “I’ll set some time aside later to show you each how to work them, but it’s best to just let them sit for now until we either get a generator over here… Or more likely, figure out how to convert magic into the proper voltage and just power them off of Equus’s magical field. I’m personally more in favor of the second, but… eh…”
“Thank you for the gift, though I am unsure as to why…?” Luna started to ask.
“They contain those history books you were asking for,” Alex explained to her. “As well as quite a few other things. The diplomacy boys wanted to put our best foot forward, and show you only the best of humanity, but I put a stop to that when I told them that I already told you about the nazis. You’d find out about our bloody past eventually, and it reflects better on us in the here and now if you have a more truthful and complete picture of humanity. Start honest, so we can be seen as honest, you know?”
“I completely understand,” Celestia said with a small laugh. “But why did you not just bring a few books? It would have taken some time to teach us how to read, but-”
“These are the books,” Alex said as he pulled out Luna’s tablet, set it on the table as well, then closed the case with a snap. “The amount you asked for wouldn’t have fit in the suitcase I brought, anyway. Besides, it’s not like you can read our works yet, anyway. Another thing to work on later, but for now, just know that these are for you, and they have a whole lot more uses than just as book repositories.”
“Then thank you for the gift, Alex. We look forward to working out the future with you,” Celestia said as she inclined her head towards the human.
“As do I. Now, if you excuse us, we have more friends to say ‘hi’ to before work comes and finds us again,” he said, before he held his hand out to his fiancé. She took it, and the two left the royal sisters to contemplate the gift they had been given, as well as the uncertain future that lay before them all.
* * *
Veltori’s breathing was slow and steady as he circulated the mana through his body. He could feel the foreign power that he had gathered twist and turn inside him, seeking release, but he held it firm, despite the pain that coursed through his nerves. He was patient in his manipulation of this power, though, as it not only strengthened his soul, but increased his precision. It was an exercise that he had learned as a child, and had never stopped being useful, for it not only strengthened his spiritual faculties, but his mental and physical ones, as well. Even now, as he manipulated the collected power, he could feel the clock turn back, his cells energized and rejuvenated, all while his creaking old bones strengthened themselves as the power washed over him.
Yet, as much as he staved off the song of The Veil, it could never be completely frustrated in its design. Only a scant few centuries could be added on to his already long life in this manner, and even now he could hear The Veil’s clarion call. The sweet song of his ancestors called for their child’s journey home, but he knew that he could not answer. Not yet. Not when he still had so much to teach, so many younglings to impart the wisdom of the ancients to, to ensure that the learning of the magi caste would persist long after his passing.
As he continued in his meditation, he heard the door to his quarters open, and the sound of someone slither in. He did not open his eyes, though, even as the familiar presence reached the mat opposite to his own and prostrated himself before him.
“You have long ago surpassed me in the ranks of your own caste, High Priest. There is no longer a need to offer your respect in such a fashion,” Veltori said, still not choosing to open his eyes.
“It is still polite to offer your respects to an old teacher and friend. Especially when one comes to consult on a matter of the utmost importance,” Yovakior said as he slowly rose from his bow, his long tail coiling underneath him as he took a more comfortable seat.
“Then, by all means, please, tell me what has transpired,” Veltori said as he released the power gathered from the ship’s artificial field back into the local power supply. The lights around him briefly grew brighter as the ship was not prepared for a sudden increase in power in his location, but the ancestor that served as the ship’s computer was quick to adapt to the sudden change. He then opened his eyes to regard his old student. Yovakior was a young nagala; at least, young by the standards of the Arcanum, as he had yet to reach his fortieth year. That being said, he was a nagala from a prestigious family line that had not only earned the respect of his peers in the boardroom, but had also won the love of the warrior caste on the battlefield, having secured victory after victory against the now shattered Krin Empire.
To see such haunted worry in such a strong individual was a bit concerning, to say the least.
“It is about our cousins. One of our own, a priestess by the name of Akitesh, has witnessed something that is beyond belief,” Yovakior said as he pulled out a small crystal from his pocket. “Had her guardian not recorded the event, I myself would have passed her testimony off as nothing more than a young, inexperienced mind broken by the troubles of the battlefield.”
“Even then, distrust in our own is akin to building your home in the soft muck of the swamp,” Veltori chastised him. “The universe that our great creator has granted us is vast, and none truly understand the machinations of his grand design. To label a story as falsehood out of hand because of its unbelievable nature, especially when the source of that tale is one who has proven trustworthy in the past, is the path of the fool and coward. Only a coward would hide in the darkness of ignorance, rather than allow their old learning to be challenged.”
“It is still a grave change to what we thought as possible,” Yovakior said as he reached out, the crystal held in his open palm over the kinash crystals that were stacked on the table between them. “Please, take this burden from me, and consult with me on how to face this new truth.”
Veltori eyed the priest for a few seconds, before letting out a sigh. With a spark of his power, he levitated the crystal towards him, and without a second thought, he dove into the memory contained within. Within seconds he knew everything within better than his own journals, and what he had learned had shaken him to his core.
"That… should not have been possible…" he finally said as he stared down at the tiny crystal in the palm of his hand.
"That is only a ripple on the surface of the bog, however," Yavakior said as he held up a small bar of soulsteel. “The planet’s magical field is weak. Weak to the point where even I, with my training and expanded soul, would be hard pressed to light even a single ember. Yet in the ruins of the destroyed cities, we have found hundreds of thousands of shards, the souls of the dead, clinging desperately to this world. Even without the spiritual power, they still cling to their old lives, stubbornly resisting the clarion call of The Veil even as it calls them home. They cannot manifest as they had in the recording I showed you, but they are still there, clinging to the hope that that small portion of them might put off meeting their maker for one more second.”
Veltori levitated the soulsteel to his hand and examined it. It contained the tiny sliver of what remained of a small child’s soul, no more than six or seven seasons old. He could feel her anger, her frustration, her fear of the unknown. But more importantly, he could hear her calling for her mother, seeking out the one person that the tiny shard knew represented safety and healing, but would most likely never answer her call. At least, not in this life. “Shh… it is okay,” he whispered to the little one, before he looked up at Yavakior. “This… This should not be possible. Even if they were capable of this, to do so without the power around them…”
“I will not pretend to know how they manage this feat, but I do know what it means for the wider galaxy,” Yavakior said as his teacher continued to hush to the fragmented remains of a crying child. “If others were to discover this place, to learn what these people are capable of…”
“I can imagine the slaughter inflicted upon our cousins, Yavakior. You do not need to say it,” Veltori said quietly as he rose from his seat. He quickly made his way over to a nearby altar and began lighting candles, all in an effort to prepare the ritual that would send the child onward to the paradisiacal halls of her ancestors. It had briefly entered his mind to maybe use her in the construction of an ancestor, but that would be too cruel to one so young. She called out for her mother, so he would send her to those that had birthed her. “I imagine that, when this comes out, those that either fear them, or would have their power for their own purposes, would begin lining up here, eager to take the measure of humanity upon the fields of battle. That is not even mentioning those that would seek them to create ancestors and spiritual storage containers and emitters. It would quickly spell doom for their entire race should this become widely known before they are able to walk on their own.”
“I know. I have already sent an encoded message to the seer, informing him of this discovery. We should know more about how to proceed in the coming months soon, and I do not doubt that he would have us subtly influence how the recent crisis shapes these people,” Yavakior said as he watched his old master prepare the ritual to deliver the child from this realm. “However, I cannot help but wonder how much of this the seer and the council already knew. They knew our place as their cousins, but did they know how eagerly they cling to life? That their will can carry them beyond death itself, if even for a moment?”
“I believe that they knew that they could leave shards more easily. No doubt they would have detected them from recent battlefields and the like, but the other?” Veltori said as he lit a few sticks of debnari incense. The heady aroma quickly filled the small chamber, and the Archmage gently placed the soulsteel on the altar. “No, I believe that they could never fully know what they were dealing with… Until they saw it themselves. And without exposing one of these wonders of creation to a strong spiritual field, then killing them in such a cruel and careless manner? No, they could not have possibly known what wonder and horror lay sleeping here.”
The Archmage then moved away from the altar, before gesturing towards it to his old pupil. Without a word, Yavakior moved up to the altar to officiate in this ceremony, as was his right as High Priest. He then ran a sorrowful hand over the tiny sliver as a single tear fell from his eye. “I am sorry, little one. You were taken far too soon. No… No, little one. I do not know where your mother is. It is more than likely that she perished, and has already embraced the part of you brave enough to soldier on past The Veil. She waits for you, as does your grand matriarch, and the many, many mothers since her time that have borne your mothers and fathers before you. Go now. Go to meet them, and be not afraid of what lies beyond.”
A wind seemed to pick up in the small room, causing the candles to sputter for a moment, but their flame held firm. A cry of joy faintly echoed through their minds, and for an instant, both could see a small child, her raven hair dancing behind her as she ran through the faint smoke cast by the burning incense. Her white dress billowed out as she turned and looked at them, her brown eyes sparkling with tears as she whispered something to them.
Then she was gone. Gone to meet her ancestors, her gods, and her maker. To rest in the halls beyond The Veil, where all souls come from, and all ultimately return.
“May you find the joy that was denied you here, little one,” Veltori whispered into the suddenly empty-feeling room. “Do not worry. We shall ensure that the friends and family you have left behind will meet out their lives. That your death will not be forgotten, or forgiven.”
“By the Name, by His will, and by the charge that the grand serpent has given us,” Yavakior intoned, before he used a tiny bit of his power to snuff out both candles in an instant. “I commend you into hands far greater than ours. Your death was a tragedy, and I promise you by all that I am, that those responsible shall meet the justice they so richly deserve.”
Veltori bowed his head at that, and both began to intone the ancient blessing together. “The Great Serpent sees. The Great Serpent knows. The Great Serpent receives all into his glory.”