Ancient Gate (Part 11)
Kiara raises her rune sword
brings her hand to the blade
drops of blood trickle into a vial
the guards bolting for the exits
she casts a scrying howl
the blood boils
alchemical processes
melt away and give
a screeching shock-wave
expands concussive
footmen tumble and struggle
Artul raises his wand
sings an ancient song
casting magical nullification
nearby thwarting auras dissipate
no longer held in place
Kiara channels a shrieking image
plasma chains swoop in all directions
passing through walls and entrances
honing in
the guards trip and are entangled
caught at the hands and ankles
struggling in vain
silence ensues
Kiara tends to her wound
they investigate the throne room
gilded palace lively attire
plates of mutton and boar
kegs of wine stand in the corner
"Where would a hidden secret lie?
destiny imbibed
no crucial mention
found without direction."
Kiara laughs and swoons
walks up to the throne
"The warlord isn't much for secrecy."
she slashes into a cushion
seat of the throne gilded and tuned
out pops a ruby encrusted capsule
mechanized design
press a button on the side
unwinds with a hiss
rotating gyroscopic alignments
she unravels an ancient parchment
only a line is written
"He who is thirsty come to me and rest."
They stare at the words trying to decipher
never been much for rhymes and riddles
Artul's fingers fiddle
Kiara stares into space
like a bat echo-locates
she spurns an idea
"The warlord refused to sacrifice
it must be some other vice
wealth can be hungry and starve
so can lust and gluttony
madness and murder
more his category
we cannot make this offer
it is not ours to give
interfere with sentience
begins a corrosive evil
little repair possible."
she grabs the warlord's goblet
splashes some scarlet
blots on the parchment
it begins to glow and radiate
shining symbols materialize
they turn to ash
maroon symbols float above
a deep voice echoes from the walls
"Your entrance is granted.
Come beyond great conqueror."
the letters morph and twist
mystical ether ignites
a portal begins to emerge
gleams coaxing
Artul and Kiara lock arms
Kiara gives a wink
keep the spirits at bay
they step into the gateway.
[Read the full story here:]