Page 134 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody
Riders from hell.
They are the most revered warriors in Myrkheim for their mastery and skill. The myriad of animals merged to create their sleek feline chimera is the testament to the mages’ vast knowledge of alchemy. Despite their brilliance, they all have fallen for the promise of Asterdust.
In their hands is the Scepter of death. The green glow of the orbs tells me they are ready to set everything ablaze. Friends or foe.
For a moment, I think everyone on the field stops breathing.
“No… please.” I mutter hopelessly. This can’t be happening. Not when we’re so close to winning.Death awaits us in the next few seconds.
I squeeze my eyes shut and the world disappears in a swirl of darkness.
“I need help,” I call to the Un.
It takes an eternity for them to reply.
It’s dawn in Astefar… Everyone is sleeping,they protest.
Their indolence comes at an absolute worst time.
“Please…”
In the darkness behind my eyelids, one of them finally cares enough to answer. I feel a soft hand brushing against mine, tugging me to move forward.
Follow me.
I tread behind her across ponds, swamps, forest, and meadows in Astefar; past creatures mad, sad, terrifying, and forgotten.
Come, hurry.
The invisible spirit means well but I remain wary. She once brought me to Miss Bernadette’s den.
Here we are.
This time the Un has guided me to the worst of their kind.
Not a monster.
A god.
I swallow nervously as I enter his kingdom. No one ventures to this part of Astefar, where even the most resilient of plants are desiccated and shriveled. There is no life.
This is the domain of He who controls the sun.
The Sun God, Helios.
The God is the complete opposite to his twin sister Astraea, the Goddess of Light. Numerous wells, shrines, and temples are dedicated in her name.
While Astraea celebrates the warmth, healing, and life-giving aspect of the sun, her brother embodies destruction and devastation.
In the past, people tried worshipping him by bringing offerings and sacrifices into his home. He awarded them with endless draughts and rains of fire.
I trail along the river of molten flames into his residence deep in the Batara volcanic range. This used to be my favorite hiding spot in Astefar to escape from predators. I would curl into a ball near the foot of the mountain for sleep and refuge.
The God never bothered me. He ignored my existence like he would an insect or a rock. They say deities will manifest in a way our mortal soul can understand.
To me, the Sun God Helios is a tall, broad-shouldered, heavily bearded man. He is a Glassblower and a metalsmith. I sneak silently behind the jars and his crafts. Swords, battle-axes, and spears crafted from various metals and glasses litter the cavern. His death instruments.
I watch him silently as he forges another lethal weapon with his hammer and anvil. I’ve never interacted with him before. But I’ve heard his temper is far worse than Lulu’s or even Jessica’s.
