THE LOST GODS

"...Elena was so excited when I ran into her in the hall. 'Oh, Eldric!' she joyfully cried. 'I've done it! I've found a way to save our Gods!' with that she ran off the Sanctuary to commune with Quarrion. (Four Who Are One). This was the first time I had seen the High Priestess happy in ages. The Great War of the Gods had certainly taken its toll on everyone. Worse yet, the Dark Ones seemed to be winning and Quarrion would be destroyed... but Elena had somehow prevailed.

I knew I should not have, but I slipped into the Sanctuary to listen and record what was going to happen. It was my duty, besides, I was a very young, brave or foolish scribe, as the case may be. This what had occurred.

Elena sat quietly as she Called to the Gods. She stood as they came. I could feel it and they knew I was there. They knew and approved. As she stood there bathed in the brilliant light of the Gods, I thought she was the most beautiful vision I had ever seen. So radiant in her white robe, shinning black hair and those beautiful blue eyes.

'My Lords, I have found a way to save you.'

Yes child, we know. We feel it in your soul. Tell us of it.

'It will be dangerous...'

Their voices sang through my veins. There is no way to describe the voice of the Gods. There is nothing to compare it to. As they spoke of the spell and what would happen, I realized I had no understanding of what they spoke of, no way to record what was to happen.

Elena, you realize you are offering to give up your humanity for a long time, perhaps all time? For it would be your body that would be used to create the Kinstone.

'Yes, my Lords. I understand and I do so willingly. I am thy servant and it would honor me beyond anything I could have imagined. My life is yours.' She bowed her head as if she were listening. After a while she suddenly looked up and said amusedly, 'All right, you little scamp, you can come out now. I hope you were able to scribe everything accurately.'

As I came out of my hiding spot, shamefully embarrassed, Elena just smiled at me and said, 'Don't feel so bad. You were right in wanting to record what had and is happening. Did you understand what happened? Do you have any questions?'

Embolden by her mild rebuke and a twelve year old's curiosity, I practically burst out a barrage of questions, 'Yes. High Priestess. I don't understand. What is going to happen? Is it dangerous? What are you sacrificing? What spell were you talking about?'

'Gently, gently.' She said laughing. 'It's a simple concept, really. This is what's going to happen. Using my body, Quarrion will create a Kinstone. The Kinstone will have five pieces to it; one to contain each aspect of the Four Who Are One and one to contain my soul. After their creation, the Kinstones will be scattered about the world to be kept safe until the Dark Ones are vanquished.'

'Will it hurt?' In a child's way, I was in love with Elena and I could not stand the thought of anything hurting her.

'No dear one, it will not. And I have chosen you to have the task of taking one of the Kinstones to safety. It could be very dangerous.'

I stood up straighter and proudly said, 'I will not fail you High Priestess!' then becoming the boy I was again, I asked, 'When will the Dark Ones be vanquished? What's going to happen when they are?'

Elena looked sad. 'I don't know how long it will be before the Dark Ones are gone, but when they are, the Chosen One will be sent out to recover the Kinstones and reunite Quarrion. Then and only then will I be human again.' We both stood there silently for a moment, each in our own thoughts. 'The ceremony is tomorrow eve. Only five shall witness it, the five who shall scatter the Kinstones about the world. They must be trustworthy, for the Dark Ones must never hear of this nor capture one of the Kinstones. They could then either destroy the Gods and my soul or pervert the power of the Gods. You shall have one other task. You shall record the ceremony and all that happens. Now leave me. I, as well as you, must rest for tomorrow.'

'Yes, Elena.' I turned to go, then stopped. 'Elena?' She looked at me. 'Will I- will you be alive? Able to hear and see?'

'I don't know Eldric. I don't know. Now go young one.' She turned and was gone. I think she knew that that had not been the question I was going to ask, but didn't have the courage to. I already knew in my mind that after the ceremony, I would never see her again.

I didn't sleep that night. I didn't want Elena to do what she was going to do, but she must for the sake of the Four Who Are One. I would do it if I were in her place. The time of the Ceremony was near. Elena looked as always; beautiful and serene. I think I was more nervous than she. The six of us gathered in the Sanctuary: Elena; myself; Endor, the Man at Arms; Kannon, a priest; and Kryi, a priestess and Elena's best friend, Kyra (Kryi's twin), another priestess.

'My friends.' Elena's voice startled us in the quiet 'With the Dark Ones advancing to the point of almost assured destruction of Quarrion, now is the time for immediate measures to ensure the survival of our Gods and our Order. I have spoken with you all and you know task. I bid you farewell and I will think of you often.' With that she turned to began the Great Spell.

The only sounds were our breathing and Kyra's quiet sobs. In the stillness, we felt the power grow as Quarrion came. The Godlight swirled about us all, giving thanks for our part and then centered on Elena. I don't know how long this lasted... a minute or a day. Suddenly, all the light entered Elena at the breast and she threw back her head in what looked like soundless surprise and ecstasy. This image burned itself in my mind. Then everything grew bright with a white light from Elena. It was so bright, none could see. Then it faded.

We looked at the spot Elena had stood, but she was not there. Instead, a jewel hung suspended. A glowing heart shaped jewel, the size of a person's heart. We all stared and knew the spell, for good or evil, was done.

Then Elena was there. We jumped, startled. She looked so ethereal. It is done. She said, glowing like the jewel, Take the Kinstones and complete your task. Fear not, for We shall come again. The heart shaped Kinstone split into five pieces, irregularly shaped, like so many pieces of a puzzle. One by one all the others took a piece and left the Sanctuary until I was the only one left. I looked between Elena and the Kinstone that was left.

Take the last Kinstone, Eldric. Take it and make it safe. And know this, young one. I feel no pain.

As I took the last Kinstone and put it in my pouch I looked at her. 'Elena, I love you.' I choked out with sadness and knowledge that this had been the last day of my youth.

I know, dear one. I know. Was all she said as she faded.

I took the last Kinstone, wondering how long before the Kinstones would be reunited and who the Chosen One would be. Would he be worthy? I could feel the loss of Quarrion as well as Elena. It was in the air. And until the Kinstones were reunited, that's what they would be. The Lost Gods. ..."

(c)1995

All stories, scenes, works and poetry owned by Eden Blackthorn
(c) 1995-2001 - Eden Blackthorn
Back to Stories page.