ROTU: Chapter Fifteen

Asteria

Nyhra stood on rolling grassy hills that bordered an array of waterfalls and surveyed the beauty of the land before her. Trees, flowers, vegetation, and fruit unlike what was seen on the surface of Earth surrounded her. The abundance of nature and the similarity of the lands to those on Elsaria made her feel as if she was still on her home planet.

Pretending to be a tourist through many countries, she had searched for many weeks for the entrance to Asteria while acclimating to human life. The Lumaña warriors finally met up with her when she journeyed through Italy.

Upon her arrival in Asteria, Nyhra had little rest as the locals shared endless knowledge of her origins and their perceptions of the humans that walked the surface. Confirming what Lunara had told the crew, the people in the realm preferred to be addressed as Lumaña rather than Avehkal. The name translated to 'those that carry light' in the Avehkal language.

Despite sharing the same planet, the Lumaña outlived humans by over a hundred years on average due to the advanced knowledge Nyhra's ancestors had discovered on their travels across the galaxy.

The beauty of the land and the peace dominating the hearts of the Lumaña reflected their ability to live predominantly in a dominion of higher frequency than humans. The difference in the land, studies, and lifestyles of those in the interdimensional realms of the planet and the surface population was vast.

Nyhra looked to the valley below where she stood. There, rested the silver and golden glowing city that the humans had only believed to be a legend. A beam of golden light stretched out from the core temple and spread across the city's sky. Crystals appeared everywhere in nature, blending with the mountains, trees, and water. The sky shifted in color often, its rainbow spectrum weaving with the gold of the sky. Nyhra had learned from the locals that the color shifts reflected the balancing energies of the planet. The end of the city was unforeseen as far as Nyhra could tell, for when you believed you had reached its borders, another forest or grassy field would appear before you.

"They claim the lack of boundary is due to the magic of the Keepers," Semansa, Nyhra's Asterian guide, had explained. "To remind us that our creations are endless. Just when you have reached the perceived end, we find there is more to be seen and known."

Semansa often met with Nyhra on the hilltop to share a meal when the two took a break from their daily routine. Semansa was tall, with the typical white and silver hair, bronze skin, and gold markings of her race.

Semansa currently approached Nyhra with two packed containers of food and gestured for her to sit beside her. "What is it you wish to learn more of today, Nyhra-ka?"

"Please tell me more about the Keepers you mentioned the other day and their magic."

Semansa nodded. "The Keepers of the Flame." She pointed to an enormous black mountain on the far side of the city. The mountain was barely visible in the mist that surrounded it. Only its tip could be seen from where the two sat. "The Keepers reside in the Black Mountain. The mountain guards the Ancient Tree that houses the power from the core of the planet. This is where the energy of the Earth Goddess gathers.

"Many here claim that her expression of energy lies within the Misplaced, who are said to embody all knowledge of Galinia. I have never seen one, but those who have, claim that the Misplaced takes the form of a child or children who wander the planet."

"Why are they called the Misplaced?"

"They do not look like our race and are seen by few. Some believe they are legend as many humans believe us to be."

"There is only one?"

"We are not sure. A different one is reported being seen every decade or so."

Semansa stood after she finished her lunch and gave Nyhra a gold-pointed tooth smile. "I must return to work for now but come find me when you have need."

Free from the duties of an elder master, Nyhra took advantage of her peaceful surroundings.

During this time, her mind often drifted to Jalena and Shamira, and the progress that they had made on the mission. She knew that the masters did not have the same leisure surrounding them as she did and that their part of the mission would be much more challenging. The core energy of the planet served as a boundary to the effects of the Illuse Spell that existed on the surface. Though Shamira and Jalena were powerful warriors, no light warrior had ever arrived on Earth for this type of mission and operated on something so complex while having to suppress their power at the same time.

Despite her concern about their well-being, Lunara had reassured her before they departed the Vorclánthat the two would join her in Asteria when the time was right.

"Regardless of who they are, it is only with the permission of the Elders that they will be allowed into Asteria," Lunara had said. "The Lumaña are very particular about who carries knowledge about their realm."

While in Asteria, Nyhra attended numerous councils with the clan leaders to stay updated on the information their spies had gathered concerning Drasúl's and Ralian's behavior. The meetings were held in the core sanctuary, the Temple of Sondúl. It was similar to the Temple of Kya in grandiosity and beauty, with jewels embedded in its structure. Glittering light provided by the magic of the Lumaña Spellcasters surrounded its borders as a means to mask the conversations held within.

At the most recent meeting, the clan leaders had invited all citizens to Council. This was not always done, so Nyhra knew that the Elders had decided it was time to reveal the truth about Ralian and Drasúl to their citizens.

A petite female elder, whose gold eyes were bordered by a green iridescent ring, sat at the front of the gathering Lumaña. Her silver and white hair fell beyond her shoulders and was pulled back to reveal the gold pattern of triangles along her collarbone and gold markings around her neck.

Alongside the other clan leaders, Ralian's brother, Tau, sat to the right of the woman. He was larger than most of the Lumaña but had the same circular gold marking on his forehead as the other leaders. An additional gold-banded marking spread across the top of his forehead that the others did not possess. All were dressed in loose garments of green and gold. A variety of beaded jewelry decorated their clothes and skin.

Tau spoke once the group quietened. "We meet now to discuss the gathering of dark forces, which grows stronger on the surface."

"Is it true that Ralian has returned?" asked a warrior in the crowd.

"It is true," replied Tau with a grave expression.

Murmurs broke out within the group.

"He is not alone this time," said Tau as his voice elevated to carry above the murmurs. "He brings with him a Mysteis of the Vejar Star System—from where he was formally banished."

"A Mysteis?" a woman questioned. "But, they carry the light of the stars. They are not evil."

Tau met Nyhra's eye and nodded.

"Generally, you would be right," Nyhra explained. "The Mysteis he speaks of is a Javen, which is a being that has been transformed by dark magic. A Javen does not act from the light of the stars that he carries within. Once transformed, starlight begins to slowly leave the being, and dark energy takes precedence. Drasúl is his name."

"Currently, Drasúl and Ralian have teamed with the Cinak and are seeking subtle means to gain full control of the humans," Tau added. "It is uncertain if the Cinak will do Drasúl's bidding because they are known to deceive or break their agreements. However, our spies have reported that he is in contact with the Drakéis as well."

The chatter among the crowd increased.

A Lumaña warrior wearing a green cloak at the front of the room cleared her throat and the crowd silenced. "The light warriors from Elsaria have arrived along with the Javen to fight as well as awaken the Earth Conduits, so there is hope that our enemies will not gain the control they seek."

A male warrior standing near the front scowled. "The chances of the Conduits awakening are next to nothing. They are buried, as is their entire race."

"Oba-ka, we must believe that the arrival of the Key, which a light queen carries, will call forth their power," the warrior replied.

"It is challenging for me to carry the same faith as you, Surion-ka. My judgment is derived from the lack of care for their land and their customs that promote lower energies to keep them imprisoned. In my opinion, their darkened hearts would make good food for the Cinak."

"That is precisely why the Cinak have remained on Earth for as long as they have," Surion stated. "Your belief in only the humans' weakness is based mainly on your personal experiences and not that of a broader perspective."

"There is light and dark in all things of the Earth, Oba-ka," Tau interrupted as Oba started to retort. "The dark has held dominance over the surface, this is true. And yet, there is evidence that their light and compassion is rising." He cleared his throat. "But, rather than arguing over the state of the humans, what we wish to discuss now is the state of the light warriors."

Nyhra, her attention heightened, met Tau's gaze. She stepped forward. "What is it?"

"Years have passed on the surface with little progress in their search for the Earth Conduits."

Oba sneered. "It is not their fault. It is because of the humans."

Ignoring Oba, Tau continued. "The two that arrived with you, Nyhra-ka, have separated and are both now living as humans."

"What do you mean?" Nyhra asked in alarm. "They have forgotten who they are? Forgotten their mission?"

"Yes," Tau replied simply.

"I must go to the surface and help them wake."

The elder in the center of the Lumaña leaders closed her eyes and opened them wide as gold light spilled from them. The Mark of the Priestesses appeared on her forehead in gold.

The group quieted once more.

"It is I, Affera of the High Priestesses," the old woman's voice projected loudly as she spoke for the first time. "I speak now through Kila-ka. You must wait to act, Elder Master Nyhra. Once asleep, the return to personal truth must occur from within. There can be clues left by external sources, but the authentic identity must be discovered only by the one walking the path."

"Then, what choice do I have?"

"I have chosen to watch over Master Jalena directly at the location she resides in now in North America."

"What of Master Shamira?"

"The master has left Master Jalena on her own volition and abandoned her mission. Her fate is her own," Affera said flatly.

"You cannot mean that!" Nyhra responded angrily. "Given who Master Shamira is as a warrior, you must understand that her behavior is deterred by the power of the Illuse Spell that saturates the surface."

"There is still a chance, under the right circumstances, that the master will remember. There is low probable success if you journey alone to find her as Drasúl is keeping her under close watch with the Cinak at his aid. At this time, the best option would be for you to wait here until Master Jalena arrives. The probability of the queen fulfilling her mission is still very high. They are not yet in danger of failing despite what current circumstances reveal."

Kila's eyes returned to normal, and the Mark of the Priestesses disappeared from her forehead. She blinked several times.

"One thing is certain," Tau spoke again. "The warriors' loss of memory will serve to protect them from being captured by Drasúl."

"But, the Earth Conduits must be prepared if Drasúl's forces are growing!" another Lumaña exclaimed.

"We are the warriors of the Earth!" Oba said, "We will defeat him and save this planet ourselves."

"Despite the skill of the Lumaña, we do not possess the ability to expand the power of the Earth beyond the Inner Realms, Oba-ka," Tau said. "We must wait for the right time. You know from our prophecies that the Conduits are still needed to transfer the energy to the outer atmosphere, where many of the Drakéis will arrive. I am sure Ralian has been plotting how to gain their alliance in order to achieve enough leverage to defeat me. He has had many years in captivity to plan it thoroughly."

"If he is defeated before he draws in the Drakéis, we will not need the Conduits," Oba replied.

"That's not necessarily true," Surion stated. "The Cinak race has grown larger. If he has secured their loyalty, then their numbers will put us at a disadvantage."

"Surion-ka is right," Tau agreed. "We will have to wait to take direct action until we know more of Drasúl's behavior.

"The Conduits must still awaken regardless because it is time for the collective consciousness to shift on the surface. The awakening of the Earth warriors is what is needed to trigger the dimensional shift within the masses, which will naturally help them break free from the control of lower vibrational influences. This will be directed by the light warrior that carries the Key. In the meantime, we will prepare our mission to capture my brother. Without Ralian by his side, Drasúl's power of influence with the Drakéis may drop considerably."

Murmurs of agreement filled the room, and the Council dismissed minutes later.

Nyhra took Semansa aside. "I must return to the surface," she said in a low voice.

"Oh no, Nyhra-ka," Semansa said. "The elders will forbid it. They will insist that the will of the Priestesses be implemented. If they suspect you are attempting to defy the Priestesses, they will ensure that the portals to the surface remain untraceable."

"I should be able to do as I wish," Nyhra said, "especially when it comes to the well-being of my own people."

"Is it only because you are the daughter of a priestess that you wish to defy her request?" Tau spoke from behind Nyhra.

"It is not my reason," Nyhra replied. "It is out of concern for the well-being of Master Shamira! Beyond that, I made the warriors a promise as their elder master that I would not delay in assisting them should they need me. The only reason Master Shamira would even consider leaving Master Jalena or the mission is because of the sadness that accompanies departure from her own people!" She looked away. "That, combined with the effect of the Illuse Spell, would take an enormous amount of resilience to resist. It is understandable how it would drive her to make an unwise decision."

Tau sighed. "I understand your concern, but until the Priestesses grant us permission to assist Master Shamira-ka, I cannot help you."

Nyhra turned her back and stalked off.

"Watch her, Semansa-ka," Tau said as his gaze followed Nyhra. "Let me know if she attempts to search for the portals to the surface."

Semansa gave Tau a nod and followed Nyhra from a distance.

Nyhra did not know how much time had passed on the surface, but for the next several weeks in Asteria, she busied herself with learning more about Lumaña magic and did not bring up her desire to return to the surface again. She knew the elders were watching her closely.

At night, when she was alone in her temporary home at the edge of a forest, she plotted where to search for the portals first. In observing the Lumaña magic, she had learned that water amplified the power of their spells. Therefore, she planned to search the rivers as soon as they stopped watching her so closely.

She drifted off to sleep in the comfort of the warm breeze floating in her window two nights later but suddenly woke to a chiming tune beneath a light hum. Her eyes widened as she noted blue and green glittering light floating in through the window with the breeze. The light danced before her for several minutes, gathered in a swirl, and then rushed back out her window.

She hurried to the window to find a small bald boy with glowing pale skin standing outside. Gold, blue, and green flittering light moved through the trunk of the tree he stood next to, causing his green cloak to billow in the breeze.

A chill ran through Nyhra as he slowly lifted his eyes to meet hers. His dark green irises were larger than that of the average eye. The thick ring around each iris was alight with a golden glow. Despite carrying the innocent look of a child, a warmth of wisdom radiated from him, unlike anything Nyhra had ever felt on the planet.

"Kafele," she whispered as she felt the warmth of his energy run through her and his name appear within her mind. "The Misplaced."

Come, his voice penetrated her thoughts. I will show you the way.

Nyhra gave him a nod and left the window. She packed a small bag and surveyed her surroundings in caution as she exited the home.

For now, the way is clear, Kafele reassured. Follow the light.

She hurriedly followed the glowing green and blue misty trail Kafele created deeper into the forest until she arrived at a northern riverbank that bordered rushing waters of silver and green.

Kafele stepped out from behind a nearby tree and smiled. Good. Now, you must walk the bank until you reach the fork in the river, then enter the water near the falls. The portal there will bring you closest to your Shamira. A bird of color will lead you to her. You are to watch over her until the time is right, Nyhra. As the Priestess said, you cannot awaken her yourself.

Making sure she is safe is all I wish to do.

Here is an extra amulet to transform her appearance when she does wake, should she need it. Her last has been lost. Markings in the form of vines winding around his arms, across his collarbone, cheeks, and forehead lit with a green glow as Kafele handed Nyhra the gold bracelet that formed within his palm.

His gaze took on a faraway look. The dark forces are observing her closely, hoping more warriors will arrive to look for her, so only release your power in small doses if needed. He smiled as he noted Nyhra's concerned expression. You will not forget who you are, Nyhra, no matter how long it takes her to return. A look of certainty filled his eyes as he locked his gaze with hers. Remember your patience and that the energy of the Earth is in sync with all timing—on the surface and below. I am always with you.

Thank you, Kafele, replied Nyhra as she bowed.

Kafele nodded with a smile and disappeared in a wisp of blue and green light.

Nyhra reached the falls by early morning. She smiled as she noticed a gold fleeting light lingering just above the water that fell over the cliffs before her. She secured her belongings and the bracelet but hesitated when she saw the steep drop and sharp rocks among the water below.

Nyhra, do not be afraid to fall. Kafele's voice echoed through the trees. My current will carry you to the right place.

The elder master took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and leaped.

***