Sacrifice (part 16...a fantasy epic continues)
Sacrifice (part 16...a fantasy epic continues)
The sun beats warm on the face
wind whips Kiara's hair
the boy atop the mast
spots land's wide trace
a port swarming ship's grace
like horses tamed
bite the bit
dodging shoals and reefs
sail upside the dock in favor
welcomed to a chaotic fervor
they walk down the plank
shouting goodbyes
Kiara bows to newfound mates
a flourish and a twist
swords at the hip
enter a thriving economy
dislodge from requests for money
Artul draws the tattered map
they trace its paths
winding through a bazaar
fluttering tents
merchants hawking wares
dates and olives
rich delicate embroidery
men in shade loitering
pungent fruits and meats
passing palms
great sandstone residences
carved into hardened sands
men drinking coffee
puffing on rich fumes
smirking through black beards
as foxes they dodge and weave
twisting past starving children
dropping bits of silver
clinking into dusty tins
expressions of sadness for their misfortune
arrive at a palace glittering
golden embellishments
atop its high towers
guards at the gate only glower
surrounding the palace
a great wall constructed
blocks dragged across time
giant's stone quarried
turrets with archers survey the lawn
irrigation bring life
to gardens and greenery
protected from the dust and poverty
fruit trees and perfumed flowers
they search the perimeter
seeking an entrance
a man on a balcony shouts
bodies tense
sense a sudden cast
bold voices accuse and demand
some language they cant understand
one firm voice crystallizes
shouts inside their minds
what brings them to this place
this dry land
from where have they come
who lends a hand
Kiara attempts an innocent pose
"A tale of yore we learned as adepts
great prophecy of two
powers entwined
from an alternate realm they came
freed a land of darkness and strife
aboard trading ship freedom rife
their power a dry well
only sacrifice shall accrue
the fountain
gushing metaphysical ether
powerful light renew"
he motions them to follow
through splendor and majesty
to the heights of a great tower
they overlook the city below
oh great merchants heaven
a trial they must deliver
to see the ancient giver
magic ether recover
the mage raises a wand
now faith he demands
no seed born nor infant cries
the womb dry
seed devoid of life
no children shall they bare
a foul strife they must carry
long as they live
for the source of power
to spring forth
a return to Magick elements
like babe's again they must learn
a visit to the ancient one
cast out all hope of progeny
proceed in faith not fertility
Kiara growls and spits
Artul seeks proof
or is this vile trick
hand on his dirk
they stand as one
the mage opens a portal
crackling fires translucent
tiles rattling fractals
beams cast in all directions
passing through matter
a vision coalesces within the gateway
platinum shimmers
deep below the Magisterium halls
this portal delivers
a great man resides within
cavernous wonderful depths
crystals reflecting
attuning essence
fragmented visions wander and debate
devices for channeling
elemental experiments
combination alchemy
pools and augury
communing with spirits
acolytes in circles chant
foundations of sorcery
novices training the art
these basic elements impart
the ancient one will imbibe
only if hearts true
and faithful trust
can they pass through
or live without the source
as most do.