Travelers of the Exod will often complain of the terrible cold of that black dimension. However, it is an artificial cold with no lingering effects. Some speculate that the feeling of cold is much more mental than physical but few deny that it exists. For that lone figure, however, the feeling of cold was dissipating. In fact, there was warmth--a tangible, physical warmth, and it was growing.
". . .stop! You must. . ."
It was a male voice, one filled with urgency. Something had definitely gone wrong here. Someone was calling out but the lone figure could not even begin to imagine how to progress forward. The slimy tendrils of the Exod held the figure firmly in place--or so one might imagine.
Stop? Stop what? I can't do anything!
". . .Wake up! You have to. . ."
I'm awake! I just can't--I can't move. And it's--why is it getting so hot. . .?
". . .out of it! I'm burning. . ."
You're right. It's so hot. This is not right. Where are you?!
"I'm coming up! Feel free. . ."
Up? Up where?
The lone figure was uncomfortable using the traditional definition of dimensions to describe the Exod. It was like a place that existed in dreams--although it was very real. It was not usually possible to follow someone into the Exod. Everyone ended up on their own path and encountered no other travelers. It was a personal place, perhaps crafted by one's own mind. The exact origins of the dimension were of course unknown.
He's coming to save me because I can't move and it's. . .hot. It's too hot. I hope he makes it out of the tunnel. I had such a hard time. . .
The tunnel. He'd climbed through it only moments earlier in complete darkness. When he'd reached the end, he'd had to blast through a sheet of rock, momentarily sating his hunger. But now. . .he had overindulged. It was taking him over, acting on its own. This was so much like before, when he'd lost control on that terrible day that had started everything.
Father, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I killed you.
If he didn't come to this senses, he'd repeat his mistake. In vel'Sidea he had learned the discipline necessary to exercise control over the stream connecting him to the Strand. What he'd done had been no more than a simple conjuration, requiring only the tiniest trickle of energy to flow through--but he had opened the floodgates. The great river of energy was engulfing his body and it was too much for him to handle without releasing it. This is exactly the kind of thing the Elders had warned him about.
He had to release the energy in a way that would not destroy the entire cavern and bring it crashing down on both of them, not only to protect Aisen, but to protect himself as well. Unfortunately, he had never attempted to channel such a large stream of energy before, and although he was fully cognizant of the dangers, he was at a loss as to how he might release the energy without destroying himself.
Something had to be done, and soon. Even if he wasn't capable of channeling such energy, he had to do something with it. If he were to die in the process. . .then so be it. Aisen would be safe and he seemed to be able to take care of himself. It was no less than he deserved--and perhaps it would be a small way of atoning for what he'd done.
For the first time since he'd attempted to make a connection with the Strand, he moved. Physically, he moved. He twisted his body around and stared into the darkness of the Exod. He stared at the wall of the cavern, past the intensely glowing planar stone that nevertheless failed to radiate its light. He stared at his father, the great mountain of a man, red beard flecked with gray. He stared at the rivulets of blood crisscrossing his bare torso. He stared at the man's expression, locked into a grimace of shock. He stared at his own hands, guilty of the crime.
How had he let such a thing happen? The Elders had taught him how to maintain the channel and how to discern his limitations. All those who had the ability to commune with the Strand were required to undergo such training. Some viewed it as a curse and others a blessing. Although his talent was not inconsiderable, he'd never had an issue with taking on more than he could handle.
No. . . The Elders taught me nothing. I don't know anything about the Strand.
It was true. He'd spent his entire life up until now in the secluded township of Tombolin. As far as he knew, no one had ever heard of "the Strand" or in fact the concept of human beings having access to such incredible and dangerous energies. These were the kinds of things the Lakarans were fabled to have and everyone knew they weren't real.
The fact remained that he did have access to the Strand. Aisen had confirmed as much--and where he was from, that sort of thing was commonplace. I'm just confused. In that moment, before--I have some of his memories. But I can't let myself drift away.
He focused desperately on the wall of the cavern past the planar stone. The great black backdrop of the Exod evaporated and he could truly see his surroundings for the first time since he'd climbed out of that tunnel. The flickering, pulsating orb of light dancing between his palms looked ready to explode and shower the area with volatile energy. He had to concentrate and focus on funneling that energy into a smaller area, just like he had done to break through the rocks.
His skin was so hot that he felt like it might peel off of his bones in grisly layers. The ball of light wasn't emitting the light. It was his own body. Heart beating rapidly, Terakiel glared at the cavern wall with grim resolve. The river of energy ravaging his body was screaming for release. He was ready to grant its wish.
They let out an unholy scream that reverberated off the walls of the cavern. Suddenly, terrifyingly, the river crashed through his psyche and poured out of his outstretched palms. The orb of light exploded in all directions but was quickly reined in by his focus until it reformed into a blinding white beam that cut through the wall of the cavern with brutal efficiency. For just a moment, the misty morning sky was clearly visible--until a shower of rocks and dust cast the cavern in relative darkness once more. The terrible, sizzling heat began to dissipate now that the torrent of energy had evacuated his system--but, as was so often the case upon discharging such a massive amount of energy, exhaustion overcame him.
He felt himself drifting away, vainly trying to call out to Aisen. I'm alive. Everything is going to be fine. His mouth could not form the words so only a wordless moan escaped. He was now aware of the chill air on his exposed flesh, could feel it filling his lungs, but everything was becoming hazy.
"I'm alive. Everything is going to be fine."
There was silence in the tunnel for a moment, but then Aisen's voice drifted up, echoing throughout the cavern. "W-who's there? Who are you?"
"What do you mean, Aisen? I'm fine. I told you. Everything is fine now."
"Can you help me up out of the tunnel?" His voice still seemed unsure.
"Yes, give me a moment."
Aisen was struggling to pull himself up the last few feet to the mouth of the tunnel, which was almost completely vertical. His pained features were enough to surmise that he was having quite a lot of trouble. Feeling renewed strength after the stress of channeling so much energy from the Strand, they were able to muscle him out of the tunnel with some effort. He clambered out onto the floor of the cavern with a great sigh, although his expression was one of intense confusion.
"I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I should know better than that."
Aisen stared. It was as if he'd never seen the person before him in his life.
"What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
"N-no, I'm fine. There's a planar stone in here! W-what. . .?"
"Yes, I. . .I think I was being led to it. It can't just be a coincidence."
"No, it certainly can't. However, there is more to the situation than you may realize."
"What do you mean?"
"If you don't mind, take a look behind you."
Before the planar stone, its glow now diminished and a multitude of cracks running up and down its formerly featureless surface. . .was Terakiel. He had passed out after the monumental struggle he had gone through--and for good reason. Of course! That kind of stress would have killed a lesser man, but not one person alive could bear to stand after accomplishing such a feat.
But. . .wait. I'm. . .that's not me. I didn't kill my father. He is alive and well. He doesn't. . .he doesn't look like that.
"Just who are you?" Aisen demanded. "Surely you must have come through the Exod. I imagine you were transported here in much the same way as I did. . .But more importantly, have you done something to Terakiel? Is he well?"
"I'm. . .I mean, he is fine, I think. I--I'm sorry. This isn't where I'm supposed to be."
"No, of course not! We're in some unnamed mountains deep in the forests of a place called Lakara. I have never heard of it before in my life."
For the first time since he'd began channeling--no, that's not what had happened. The Exod--that's where she'd been. Casnie brought her hands before her eyes. They were pale and small, lighter than Terakiel's lined hands. Nor were they stained with the blood of his poor father. He had done something unforgivable and felt great guilt for it. She couldn't help but feel remorseful for him. In Tombolin there was no such thing as a "discipline" for communing with the Strand. It was. . .so sad.
She ran her fingers through her soft hair. She brought a strand of it before her eyes, taking in the pale brown color and the texture of it. It was difficult to get her bearings and remember who she was as she still felt as if she was the one who had channeled that great river of energy. She couldn't help but feel a pang of relief as she realized that her father, at least, was still alive.
"He has--he has been through so much," Casnie whispered.
"It is as I thought, "Aisen remarked. "The two of you--for perhaps just a moment, you were one."
"Yes, I--his presence overwhelmed me. I believed I was Terakiel. I think that. . .without my presence, he might have--it might not have been good."
"It is fortunate for him that you have arrived, then, regardless of whatever business you might have been conducting before. I am sorry to inform you that you may not be able to return to your prior destination any time soon. . ."
"Yes, I. . .thought as much. Aisen. May I call you that? I know it is your name, after all."
The blond man laughed before he replied. "Of course. Do you think you might do me the honor of sharing your name in return?"
His accent was very familiar. She'd almost say he was of Sidean decent, but there was an undertone there, a hardness that she couldn't quite define. "My name is Casnie! I hail from vel'Sidea, as you may well know."
"Your way of speaking gave you way almost immediately, "Aisen grinned. "I was born there myself, though I now call Dannath home."
"Oh! Then you traveled quite a ways. I have never been there myself."
"It is not quite so grandiose as vel'Sidea, but--well, it is home. That is about all I can say for it. It is truly a lovely place, no matter what you might have heard."
"I'm sure that's true," agreed Casnie. "vel'Sidea is beautiful, but I couldn't say it's a place for everyone. Most of the people I know who live there are Stranders. Seems the city's built for it."
"True enough," he said, and smiled. Casnie thought she detected a momentary grimace, but it was gone so quickly that she couldn't be sure.
The reality of the situation before her came rushing back to her senses. Here she was chatting with this stranger in a damp, chilly cave in a place she imagined might not have been beheld by men in centuries. There was indeed a planar stone in the cavern but it was damaged beyond all repair--if indeed these mystical stones could be repaired. Kragan would wonder where she was. She wondered that herself.
"I just can't believe this," breathed Casnie. "How far away are we from Sidea?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. At this point, you may know more about the young man than I do. It would appear you--well, you communed with him longer than I did."
"I know that he--he's from a place called Tombolin. It is quite far from here. This is the farthest he's ever been from home and I get the impression--" Casnie paused. "He doesn't know if anyone has ever been this far. What is this Tombolin?"
"I'm not sure," admitted Aisen. "He's obviously quite sheltered. He's a Strander, as you must well know, but he's not been taught anything in the ways of Discipline. I was very scared for a moment there that he'd cook us and bring the whole cave tumbling down. I thought the tunnel itself was terrifying. This has been. . .this has not been a good day for me."
Aisen looked utterly downcast. After having peered down the tunnel, Casnie had to admit that it was imposing. "Where does the tunnel lead? Or rather, where does it come from?"
"It's just another part of the cave," replied Aisen. "It was strange, really. . .We were following a river in the forest when we sighted the cave. Terakiel seemed to believe that it was important in some way. I felt as if I had no choice but to trust his judgment. I'm not--I'm not very experienced with traversing the wilderness."
"So you found this tunnel and just. . .started climbing up it?"
"He ventured in to see if it led anywhere but he wasn't coming back. . .so I felt like I should follow him. I'm not very fond of enclosed spaces, you see. . ."
Casnie giggled. "Oh, no one is. I wouldn't worry about that."
"Terakiel didn't seem to have much trouble. Well, until he tried to make me a light."
"Right, he was trying to help you get through the tunnel. Are you telling me he climbed all the way through that thing in the dark?"
"Yes, it sounded terrifying to me too!" exclaimed Aisen. "I was carrying a light for most of the way through the tunnel, but--I couldn't hold it any longer once the tunnel sloped too far upward. I wish that I had just. . .I feel responsible. I put him in danger."
"You couldn't have known," Casnie reassured him. "Conjuring a ball of light is a relatively simple task--b-but I admit that I'm not familiar with what it's like for those without training. I've been given instructions since I was a little girl. I've never bitten off more than I can chew."
"Of course, that kind of thing is unheard of. But he really put himself in danger there. I really do hope that he's well."
Casnie kept Terakiel's final thoughts to herself. He seemed to believe that what he was doing would destroy him from the inside out. He seemed fine, but. . .
"I think that he just needs some rest," she said. "In the meantime we should discuss the situation."
Aisen nodded, seemingly relieved. "To be quite frank, we've been wandering in a fashion that I would describe as. . .aimless. Terakiel seems to be taking a specific path even if he doesn't know it himself."
"You must be right," Casnie agreed. "It can't be a coincidence that he'd come across two planar stones in such a short period of time. Is it possible that he is drawn to them?"
"I think he is. For what reason, I do not know. What unusual effects undisciplined Stranders must experience are unknown to me."
"Indeed! It just doesn't happen. Surely he must not be the only Strander from Tombolin. It is not so uncommon as that."
"I'm not sure. In Sidea they crop up quite often, but I think the talent must be inherited through families. . .If the spark has not been present in a bloodline for some time then it's not entirely out of the question to imagine it would be quite rare. Weaker Stranders may never experience a materialization. It is clear at this point that this young man has a very potent connection to the Strand."
Casnie hesitated. "How much do you know about Terakiel?"
Aisen shrugged his shoulders, brushing a strand of dusty blonde hair out of his eyes. "I know as much as I've told you. He has not been entirely forthcoming with information. If you were to ask me. . .I believe he is running away, although I know not from what."
She nodded in reply. Aisen was right; Casnie definitely knew a lot more about Terakiel than he did.
"I got the same impression, though I don't know any specifics," lied Casnie. His secret was a terrible one, but having experienced it through his eyes--she thought she could understand what he had done. Having only met Aisen moments before, she was unsure how he would approach it. It was for the best to remain silent on the matter for now.
Before he could inquire further, she changed the subject. "How long have you two been traveling? What supplies do you have?"
"Unfortunately, we are woefully short on supplies. Terakiel did not. . .exactly make plans before departing his home. As for me, I was never planning on taking a journey of this magnitude. All I have is a pouch of akser berries."
Casnie gagged. Those berries were among the vilest things she'd ever consumed.
Aisen chuckled. "I can tell they are known to you. They're not enormously palatable, but they do the trick as far as nourishment is concerned. As you may well imagine, I'm not a great hunter. Terakiel seems to have some knowledge in that regard, but--he is hesitant for reasons he has not discussed with me."
"As much as it pains me, I imagine I'll have to cut into your supply if I am to stay with you," she groaned. Although she had little to no experience in the "art of hunting" as her father had always called it, she was willing to learn if it meant not having to eat more berries than she had to. She could easily conjure a cooking fire if Terakiel wasn't willing to--and after witnessing recent events through his eyes, she wasn't sure she wanted him to either.
"I have enough to last the three of us for several more days. There is also fresh water near here, though I have no clue where the path might take us from here. Unless my eyes deceive me, it appears that our friend has made a hole in the side of the cavern. Have you looked to see what's out there?"
"No, but I could see the sky for just a moment. I-I hope we're not too high up."
Once again, Aisen shrugged in his carefree manner. For someone who had been deposited in the middle of nowhere in such a terrifying fashion, he seemed strangely calm. It had more than a slight calming influence on Casnie herself, in fact.
"I'm sure that we'll figure something out. As I said, Terakiel always seems to have the vaguest of ideas of where to go. If he leads us to more planar stones, then all the better. Perhaps next time we should try to ensure that he--" Aisen paused.
"Every time he comes into contact with a stone, he destroys it. Is that right?"
"I suppose so. . ." he trailed off.
Casnie knew what he was thinking. Finding a planar stone meant that he and Casnie could potentially make their ways back to their destinations--but as for Terakiel. . .what of his fate? She recalled her panicked thoughts while seemingly trapped in that black world. Was it true that some individuals were entirely incompatible with the Exod? Was his lack of discipline and his incredible talent so at odds with each other that stepping into that world was impossible?
She cleared her throat. "We'll solve that when we come to it. I'm sure that we'll think of something."
Although she hadn't even spoken with the shirtless man sprawled out before the destroyed stone yet, she felt a connection to him. She understood his thoughts and terrible lot in life. He felt he could never go back to his homeland--and indeed, in a place where the Strand was not understood or even acknowledged to exist, would they comprehend why he had done what he did?
Aisen smiled. "That's the spirit. I'm sorry that you were brought here against your will. I fear it's not something he can control."
"No, he definitely can't. It is not your place to apologize--nor his, I imagine. But--I wonder if perhaps this series of events was fated to happen. Could it be that I'm here for a reason?"
The blond man laughed again, sputtering as he coughed up a bit of dust. "I suppose you could be right! I wonder, though. . ."
"Hmm?"
"It's just--we know that this kind of thing is going to happen if we encounter another planar stone. Should we, in good conscience, prevent it from happening? I can't imagine everyone pulled through the nether would be quite as understanding as we have been. And surely if we can prevent him from tearing others away from their lives. . .we should."
Casnie paused to consider his sentiment. Aisen had a point--it was reasonable to assume that it was going to happen again if what he said was true.
"Tell me about what happened with you. I have some of his memories, and perhaps--perhaps even some of yours, but they are hazy."
Aisen coughed again. "Well I--I was traveling the Exod, much as I imagine you were, but it felt very different than usual. It is difficult to sense the passage of time in the Exod but after awhile. . .I just--I felt something."
"Go on."
"I felt the feeling of stone on my outstretched hands. It was not that kind of. . .muted sensation that you usually get in the Exod. It was physical. Tangible."
"I know what you mean."
"And my hands were so hot. . .I think that every time he gets near one something like this is going to happen. Everything gets hot. It's like he's draining the stone of its energy."
"I can only imagine how much power a planar stone must possess. I can't even imagine it is possible for one man to take on that much energy, but after what I just--witnessed. He is truly a remarkable man. . ."
"I think that just being near a planar stone is putting him in grave danger," confessed Aisen. "But he is drawn to them. As much as I am loathe to admit it, I fear we have a difficult decision ahead of us."
"I want to help him," said Casnie with some resolve. "I-I trust him. I felt like I was him for a moment so it only feels natural to trust him."
After a moment, Aisen nodded in acknowledgement.
"Maybe we can find a nearby town. . .We may be closer than you imagine."
"It is possible," he conceded. "Believe me, I do not wish for him to come to harm. And in truth. . .if he continues to lead us to these stones then we are more likely to encounter civilization."
"That's true. The city of vel'Sidea was constructed around around a cluster of planar stones. The entire society if based around it!"
"Yes, Dannath is much the same, though we only have two of them. I am. . .not certain how common a practice this in other areas."
"You've found two already."
"We have. Both of them are completely isolated--this is not encouraging news. Of course, I still have hope."
Casnie sighed. "I wish there was some way to let them know that I am well."
Aisen gave her a sympathetic look. "It is the same for me. My family will wonder why I have not arrived. Don't worry, though. I'm sure we will find a way back."
"We definitely shall. Do you think, perhaps that I--I could teach Terakiel how better to commune with the Strand."
Aisen looked troubled for a moment. "I--I suppose you could. But surely you're not an instructor. You don't look a day over eighteen years of age."
Casnie scoffed. "Nor do you, sir. I'll have you know I'm nineteen years old."
The blond man blinked in surprise. "It is strange, don't you think? All three of us are roughly the same age. Do you think there is something to that?"
"I haven't the faintest idea," she responded honestly. "I imagine we'll have much to talk about once he finally wakes up."
"True enough, though I imagine he'll have less to say than you imagine."
"Be that as it may, we need to work together now. What shall we do while he rests?"
Aisen finally rose from his seated position. "I say we investigate the hole over there. I don't relish the thought of going back down this tunnel." He grimaced again.
Casnie nodded and turned around to face the hole. It had been covered up by rock fragments but you could still just barely see through the edges. Sunlight was filtering through, just barely illuminating the room. The cavern, before lit by strange ambient light, was now being lit by a definite source. She could only imagine the stone had had something to do with the light beforehand.
She gingerly stepped over Terakiel's prone body and poked at the loose rocks in the hole. There was definitely some give. She gave the rocks a stronger push and felt some of them come loose, so she continued shoving. After only a few moments, the rocks crumbled, some falling into the cavern and others spilling outside. She poked her head through and was treated with a full view of the sky, obscured almost entirely by the morning mist.
"What do you see?" asked Aisen.
It was hard to see much of anything at all, but she could just make out a ledge beyond the hole. She tried to see where might lead, but her efforts were to no avail.
"This ledge might lead somewhere, but it's difficult to see for sure. Sh-should I climb out?"
The man furrowed his brow. "Let me take a look."
Casnie rolled her eyes. It was doubtful he'd be able to see anything more, but she acquiesced regardless.
After taking a brief glance through the hole, Aisen spoke up. "This ledge definitely leads down, but it's a bit. . .thin. I think we can step on it, but probably only one at a time. I wish we had a rope of some sort. . ."
"How could you see that?" asked Casnie. "The fog out there is covering everything."
He grinned. "Oh, I just happen to have very good eyesight. I wouldn't worry about it."
Casnie scoffed once more. "I'm sure you do. Regardless, we'll worry about it once he wakes up. Although I wonder if perhaps it would be better to take that tunnel."
"I should hope we do nothing of the sort!" exclaimed Aisen. "The beginning of that trip would be falling down a long shaft to our deaths. The remainder would involve rolling down the tunnel as a corpse."
"That. . .does sound like a poor idea."
Aisen flashed her a conciliatory look and Casnie sighed deeply, but spoke up after a moment. ". . .Give me one of those berries."
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