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"CHRONICLES OF S'THA"
SUMMARY:In the early part of Vulcan's history, came a woman, S'Tha of the House of Rus'ma. She along with her band of priestesses changed the course of Vulcan history. Birth the Sisterhood of Gol and rage across Vulcan in the great war of Tulrah's Tia...
DISCLAIMER: It is well known that Paramount owns Star Trek and all of it's characters and I would just like to thank them for letting us play.
Chronicles of S'Tha
Chapter 1
Terms
T'sai c'thia~ Lady wisdom
Chronicles of S'Tha
Chapter 1
Within my heart a cry rings out,
S'Tha sat looking out onto the dark city of Tul. She had sat at her window for the last three nights; sleep eluding her. Her mind had been troubled for some time now and she was filled with dread. Within her father's house everyone had carried on his or her duties as usual...except her. She had no mind for daily chores or the teachings of her personal tutor... Asara. But everyday Asara would come; everyday she would give her lessons in the T'sai c'thia. S'Tha would just sit and stare absently out her window, paying no attention to the words till Asara would become angered and leave her quarters, returning shortly with T'sai T'Lir, S'Tha's mother.
Once more as many times before her mother would sit patiently and explain to her daughter that 'This is our way'. All Pa Vetch females at the time of their womanhood must go through the ritual of Aklash Tia. And she should feel valued that she had been chosen by the Arch-Reldei himself. That this would bring great honor on her father's house as only a few are privileged to be chosen by him to perform the ritual. S'Tha would close her ears, she did not want to hear her mother's sanctimonious words of how she should feel privileged that the Arch-Reldei Kleadine found her suitable. As far as she was concerned, Kleadine abused his power as Arch-Reldei of Tulrah'Kas to indulge in his obsession for young females. He did not perform Aklash Tia in the honor of Tulrah'Kas, but for his own satisfaction, his own lust drove him to create the despicable ritual.
It had always been the same every year since Kleadine had become Arch-Reldei. He introduced the ritual of Aklash Tia to the people of Vulcan. Every year at the time of the Big Sun, all Pa Vetch females would journey from all parts of Vulcan, to the city of Tul, the center of the dark side of the Vulcan Mother Goddess Tulrah. It was there the elite priests who formed the group called the Kush-Reldei took the young females in pleasures. They were the priests who preformed the Aklash Tia, the sweet fire. S'Tha felt the ritual degrading and disgusting and no amount of her mother's coaxing would convince her that was honorable. It was not only the fact that she was to be raped by the priesthood, but if the rape resulted in a birth of a child she would by tradition have to give the child to the priesthood should she have a male child. The only hope she had was that if she should become pregnant she would birth a daughter, for no females were allowed to wear the Ray-Kalt, the symbol of the priesthood.
S'Tha turned her head from the window as the door to her quarters opened and Asara entered. Her heart seemed to sink deeper as her tutor approached her.
"You are awake early this morning sal'rch?" She used the Vulcan word for child.
"Sleep has eluded me these many nights Asara. I dread this day." S'Tha answered coldly.
"That is of no importance sal'rch, you will go through the Aklash Tai as your mother did, as I did and as every other Pa Vetch female has." Asara put her hand on S'Tha's face and looked into her dark eyes. "And you will live and carry on with your life. It matters not if you fight it...it will happen all the same." Asara said. S'Tha turned her face from her tutor.
"Come sal'rch, I must prepare you for the ritual. You leave at first light to join the others at the temple. And you know how your father reacts if you are not punctual!"
"What do I care what my father thinks, he is nothing but a puppet of the priesthood and Kleadine's T'ash're!" S'Tha spat. She stood and went to sit on her bed. Asara covered her ears briefly.
"S'Tha, hold your tongue, you must not say this about your father!"
"Why? It is not the truth!" S'Tha's eyes glared with the deep hostility that she held for her father.
"Has he not procured his position in the High Counsel by doing Kleadine's bidding? How many sacrifices have my father's words caused? No Asara, I for one will not close my eyes to my father's dealings with the priesthood."
Asara approached the bed. "No more words S'Tha, it is dangerous to speak so!" Asara's voice was hushed and full of fear.
S'Tha glared at her then turned her head. "I vow to you Asara one day I will rid this land of Kleadine and his priests. I vow it on my blood!"
Asara lowered her eyes, she knew S'Tha meant her words and this frightened her. She had been with S'Tha since her birth, had cared for the child as her own. She had taught her the ways of the T'sai and it grieved her so that her charge had grown up with such loathing and defiance of the Vulcan tradition. And her hatred of her father and Kleadine was troubling. Although her words were true, it was the way of the Vulcan male to reach rank and power in any way he could. Her father was only doing what he thought would be beneficial for his family, no matter what it entailed.
Asara walked over to the far table and retrieved a small box and returned to S'Tha's side. She laid the ornate box on the bed and opened it taking out a red stone comb crafted out of T'Khut's Tear. She reached and took S'Tha's long black hair in her hand.
"Leave my hair!" S'Tha said pulling her hair from Asara's hands. S'Tha stood and walked the length of the room and stared out the window watching the thin lines of smoke from the temple rising upwards into the graying dawn.
"But sal'rch...it is custom that Pa Vetch females wear their hair atop their heads. From this day on you will have your hair so, only to have it unbound when your mate wishes it...in his time."
"I will not follow tradition Asara. I will appear before all males including Kleadine with my hair unbound. Neither will I wear the traditional white gahra of Aklash Tia...bring me my red gahra. If Kleadine wishes to take my maidenhood, I will not proudly show it to all in a white gahra."
S'Tha turned and looked at Asara, her tutor knew she had no choice but to comply with her demands. She turned and left leaving S'Tha looking out the window deep in thought.
"One day Kleadine you will regret this. One day you will pay for this act. All females shall receive their justice for the demeaning act you perpetrate on us. I vow this on my blood!" S'Tha watched as another swirl of smoke appeared on the horizon and the barest of smiles appeared on her lips.
Chapter 2
S'Tha arrived miserable and disgusted, and seeing all the other females garbed in white insighted her. She had fought violently with her parents when she appeared in a red gahra with her hair unbound, it almost became physical, but she stood her ground saying~ "I will be received as I am. If Kleadine does not approve let him choose another to violate!" Finally her mother had convinced her father to accept S'Tha's choice, reluctantly he did. And now S'Tha stood among the other females draped in her crimson gahra, hair unbound. All eyes were on her as she made her way to the large stone stairs. When she arrived at the bottom, she gazed upward to the entrance of the temple.
Before her lay the temple of Tulrah'Kas, the dark aspect of Tulrah. It was only since Kleadine had achieved Arch-Reldei did he declare the worship of Tulrah'Kas the only true from of religious worship. He disbanded the followers of the benevolent All-Mother Tulrah and had ordered all her priests sacrificed in the ritual of Ghe'M Pes Katra. The followers of T'sai Kh'liorah had left the main cities and followed the few priests that had escaped the Arch-Reldei's declaration, and now worshiped their T'sai Kh'liorah hidden from the priests of Tulrah'Kas.
At the time when the priests of T'sai Kh'liorah worshiped there, the great temple rose gleaming in the center of Tul, calling all to come and honor the All-Mother in gentle forms. Sweet incense would waft through the city and all knew the priests of Tulrah were working their arts in the protection of the T'sai Kh'liorah. Now S'Tha looked disbelievingly at the temple, no longer did it gleam as a beacon. Now it lay sullen, covered every inch of it in T'Khut's Tear. It's redness matched T'Khut's own face. Around the top most columns black ash from the frequent sacrifices that Tulrah'Kas demanded. S'Tha swayed thinking of the unfortunates that were subjected to the whims of the Arch-Reldei. Haw many of them had perished in the Ghe'M Pes Katra? She closed her eyes to put the thought of the dreaded ritual out of her mind.
When she finally opened them she saw a small group of priests at the top of the stairs, their baldheads gleaming with the same redness of the temple. At first she thought it was Kleadine who now appeared at the top of the stairs, but on closer inspection she realized it was Selar, Kleadine's advisor and Reldei of the elite Kush.
"Females of Vulcan! We welcome you to the temple of Tulrah'Kas. On this day you come forth as Pa Vetch, non-women. On this day of the Big Sun, you will all enter the sacred space Pa Vetch. When you leave you will be whole...complete. You will all have given honor to Tulrah'Kas! We welcome you women of Vulcan. Come and honor the Lady!" Selar raised his arms to call forth the waiting females. No one moved from where they were standing. S'Tha took the first step and slowly the other's followed. When she neared the top she noticed Selar staring at her with disapproval on his face. She finally reached the top and stood in front of him a sea of white behind her. Selar extended his hand to her.
"Ah...S'Tha welcome. Kleadine waits for you in his private quarters. But I think he will be disappointed that you did not follow tradition." He picked up the sleeve of her gahra and shook his head.
"Although red does become you." He said with a thin smile. S'Tha pulled her sleeve from his grasp.
"If I am to be shamed Selar, I would prefer to conceal it form the watching eyes of the people." She glared at him.
"It's too bad that you have been chosen as one of Kleadine's females, I would not have minded honoring the Mother with you." He glared back at her.
"That will be the day you will take your last breath priest, for I will remove your heart with my bare hands!" She held his gaze.
"I swear it on my blood!" She hissed.
Selar's eyebrows rose slightly, he turned and walked into the entrance of the temple. Slowly the remaining priests started to escort the young females through the same arched entrance. The younger priests led off small groups in different directions. Most of them went without a sound, resigned to their fate. The odd one held back and had to be lead away by one of the priests. S'Tha was ushered to a small room, which lead out to a large rock garden. She stood waiting for someone to come and get her...but no one came.
Shortly another female was brought into wait, she was dressed in the traditional white gahra, and her hair was falling from a top her head. S'Tha thought she had fought with the young priest which had ushered her in as his face showed tinges of green as if she had slapped him. He let her go and quickly left before the woman decided to strike him again.
"I will kill you and all your kah'ich priests! The Arch-Reldei will not have a chance to take pleasures with me." She reached beneath her gahra and pulled a small Lil'ra out in her hand. She was just about to plunge the blade into her breast when S'Tha grabbed her arm, the young woman looked up shocked, she had not bothered to check if she was alone. Her pale green eyes held S'Tha's dark ones.
"NO!" Screamed the young woman.
"It is not worth it sal'rch. Your blood is worth more than that kah'ich." Said S'Tha releasing her wrist. The young woman let the blade fall unto the stone floor.
"You are here for Aklash Tia?" She asked.
"I am." Answered S'Tha. The young woman looked at her curiously. "I am Ayahtinah, child of Sarl, child of Ariat."
S'Tha bowed her head slightly. "I am S'Tha of the house of Rus'ma." She refused to use the formal introduction of her parents.
"You feel Ayahtinah this priest is worth your life? Trust me sal'rch not one drop of blood is worth wasting on his likes!" S'Tha went and stood looking out onto the garden.
"S'Tha, you do not wear the traditional gahra?" Ayahtinah stated.
"I've come to be raped Ayahtinah, I do not want to publicize it." S'Tha's voice was steady.
"I will kill him before he touches me!" Seethed Ayahtinah. S'Tha laid her hand on the other woman's arm.
"No Ayahtinah, not now, we will wait for our revenge. How long does not matter. But I have sworn a blood oath, no matter how long it takes Kleadine will pay with his life for this desecration of Vulcan females." S'Tha said coldly.
"Then I will wait sister. Just vow to me that I am present when you take his life." Ayahtinah whispered.
"That I will promise Ayahtinah. No matter how long it takes or where I choose to do it, you will be there to witness justice."
S'Tha watched in silence as four more young females were brought in. She spoke not again to anyone. Shortly after two Kush came into the room to escort the chosen Pa Vetch females to the private quarters of the Arch-Reldei. They approached one of the younger females.
"Arch-Reldei Kleadine requests you to join him." One of the Kush said. The young woman stepped back to the wall. "It will do you no use to fight...come with us." He said reaching for the woman.
S'Tha noticed the fear in the girls eyes; she slowly walked across to where the girl stood huddled against the wall.
"Obviously tress." She used the low term for priest.
"This female does not wish the company of the Arch-Reldei." The Kush turned and looked into the dangerous eyes of S'Tha.
"It does not matter what she wants. She is chosen as you are to perform the Aklash Tia with the Arch-Reldei." He said.
"Take me first tress, I will go willingly." She lifted her hands in submission to the Kush. The Kush grabbed a hold of the young female and pushed S'Tha out of the way.
"The Arch-Reldei had specifically asked for you to be last T'sai." S'Tha watched, fire rising in her eyes as the two Kush pulled the young female from the room, she called back for her to help her, but S'Tha was in no position to help anyone, not even herself...not yet. But the fire would burn in her katra and one day she would be in the position to help all Vulcan females.
One by one the woman were taken out till S'Tha was the only one left in the room. She stood quietly searching inward for the strength she needed. Finally her time came. The two Kush appeared in the doorway. She lowered her head and silently asked the light of T'sai Kh'liorah to surround her.
She followed the two Kush down a long corridor, on either side of the passage way large windows opened out onto large gardens of Vulcan flora, others contained elaborate fountains decorated with Vulcan mythical creatures. They approached the end of the long corridor; there they turned into the largest garden in the temple. S'Tha was left and told to wait till someone came for her.
She wandered through the garden noting the extravagant ornamentation surrounding the stone benches and columns which held small statues of the temples main deity, all were carved from T'Khut's Tear. She reached out and touched the face of one of the statues that she now stood in front of. S'Tha took her hand away and looked at it, her hand was covered in a thin film of oily red substance, 'Probably oil of the presh flower' she thought. She knew the flower was sacred to the Goddess Tulrah'Kas and used by her priests for it's hallucinogenic properties. She wiped the oil on her gahra.
S'Tha turned when she heard the brushing of robes on the stone floor; she expected to see one of the Kush coming to take her to the Arch-Reldei. Her heart pounded loudly as the Arch-Reldei himself approached her.
"It is an exquisite piece... do you like it?" His voice had a deep with a rich tone to it.
"I do not take pleasure in such blasphemy." She turned and walked away from him.
"That is a shame S'Tha, it was a gift from your own father. In appreciation of the peace we have brought to his katra." He joined her at her side. He lifted a piece of her hair in his hand.
"You have taken one of my pleasures away S'Tha by leaving your hair unbound." He dropped her hair.
"I am not here for your pleasures Kleadine." She turned and looked up into his black eyes.
"Am I?"
"Of course not S'Tha, you are here to honor Tulrah'Kas and to do so you must perform the Aklash Tia." He stepped closer to her, till she was overpowered by the pungent smell of the presh oil he wore.
"You mean I am here to be raped Kleadine!" She said coldly.
"Rape! This is not rape S'Tha. This is sweet fire, you should be honored that I have chosen you to pleasure in her name." He pointed towards the large statue of Tulrah'Kas.
"I do not consider what you are going to do to me pleasurable." She said.
Kleadine was becoming tired of this idle talk. Her beauty was also arousing him, and with her hair falling loosely around her, his senses were on fire. He reached and pulled her hair back over her shoulder. S'Tha stiffened; her heart was exploding from fear. Yet the fire of hatred for this male burned deeply in her eyes and heart. He took her by the arm and led her off to the center of the garden; she followed not looking at him.
In the garden's center was a glorious piece of Vulcan architecture. Right in it's center stood the largest fountain S'Tha had ever seen. It's crystal waters pouring from the mouths of delicate Vulcan fle'rahs, atop the fountain stood Tulrah'Kas, her arms outstretched, her bare breasts gleamed with the golden dust that was applied to her daily. Her eyes glared back at them, hollow and black. Around the outer perimeter stood columns reaching high into the domes ceiling, out of each column flowed a winged teresh'kah, their gleaming eyes staring blankly at the two Vulcans below. In front of the fountain lay a large circular stone, the hir of Aklash Tia. On either side a brazier stood, presh burning slowly on their blackened centers.
Kleadine removed the Ray Kalt from his head, the symbol of the elite priesthood. He took his outer robe off revealing his warrior priest garb. S'Tha watched unflinching as he removed his breastplate. Now a mature male his body had filled out and the training in the Kush te'rmch had created a muscular, firm physic. He watched S'Tha as he removed his gert. She quickly returned her eyes to Tulrah'Kas.
Kleadine approached her, slowly moving her to the great black hir. She did not fight him and let him slowly lower her to the hir. S'Tha watched as he approached the edge of the hir. Looking up into Tulrah'Kas's stone face he raised his arms to her.
"Tulrah'Kas, Aklash Tia!" He motioned to S'Tha. He came and positioned himself above her, his eyes gleaming.
"Now sal'rch, we honor the T'sai's passion." S'Tha closed her eyes and turned her face from his and waited. All the while letting the fire of hatred burn brightly within her.
Chapter 3
S'Tha sat quietly taking the warm breeze that blew in the window. She had not spoke of her time with Kleadine and only her rounded abdomen showed that she had indeed honored the Goddess with the Arch-Reldei. It was now near the end of the Little Sun and soon S'Tha would be relieved of her burden.
Asara stood behind her regarding her mistress. She felt such pity for her; S'Tha took no joy in her condition, as she should. She had barely spoken since her return from the temple of Tulrah'Kas and very rarely ventured out of her father's house, nor would she eat unless forced.
"Sal'rch, will you not take something?" Asked Asara. S'Tha just stared out the window towards the temple.
"Perhaps if I brought some saya and qir'lal, you might try to eat." Asara said hopefully.
"Perhaps..." Asara went silent as S'Tha turned to look into her eyes.
"Perhaps I shall die Asara and be out of my misery!" S'Tha said bitterly. Asara took her face in her hands.
"No T'sai! You must live, your child will come soon." She smiled gently.
"The child shall die also Asara." S'Tha pushed her away and rose slowly holding her lower back, the pain had been with her for days now, and no matter what she did she could not rid herself of it. Asara looked into her dark eyes.
"No sal'rch, do you not remember your vow?" Asara had not brought up S'Tha's blood oath since she had returned, but she now believed this might be the only thing that might keep her mistress going.
"Remember ashu'cezh!" Asara held S'Tha's eyes. For the first time in such a long time Asara saw life within S'Tha's eyes, fire slowly starting to burn.
"I have thought of nothing but that all these months t'hy'la." Replied S'Tha then she turned her head from Asara.
"I have thought of every possible way to exact ashu'cezh on Kleadine." S'Tha paced up and down her quarters,
"I have the fire within me." She put her hand to her chest,
"And the will to do it Asara...but how?"
"I will do it for you sal'rch, allow me to do this for you." Asara approached her.
"No Asara, I cannot allow you to do my deeds. I must do it myself." She took Asara's hands in hers.
"And I will do it t'hy'la, as soon as this burden is lifted from me." S'Tha looked to her swollen abdomen. Asara reached with her one hand and placed it on S'Tha's belly, feeling the life within.
"No sal'rch, this is no burden, this is you! Remember this babe also hold's you; forget of how he or she has come to be. Think only of the goodness you have brought to its tiny form. In time you will find comfort in this child." Asara removed her hand.
"How can I find comfort in something I might not have? If this child is male...he will be taken from me at birth." She took Asara's hands again.
"Promise me Asara...if my child is male as soon as he emerges...kill him!" S'Tha's voice was hushed and full of pain. Asara's eyes widened.
"No... No, sal'rch, I cannot..." S'Tha held her hands tighter.
"Promise me Asara...I would rather he end his life here, than to allow Kleadine and his kah'ich to raise him under the ways of Tulrah'Kas!" She looked deeply into Asara's eyes.
"Promise me on your blood... if my child is male...you will take his life!"
Asara understood her pain; she would not want the priesthood to take the child either. She took a deep breath.
"I promise on my blood sal'rch that if the child is male...I will kill it." S'Tha moaned and brought Asara into her arms.
"Kleadine will pay for all this grief he has caused." She let Asara go.
"Asara, you must do something for me." S'Tha approached her writing table and quickly wrote something on a piece of parchment. She returned to Asara.
"There was a young female at the temple when I was there. Her name is Ayahtinah, find her and bring her here. I believe she will help in exacting ashu'cezh." She gave Asara the note just as her quarter's door flew open. In came S'Tha's mother visibly shaken.
"Mother, what is it? What has happened?" Both S'Tha and Asara approached the bed where her mother now sat trembling.
"Mother, tell me, what is wrong?" T'Lir looked into S'Tha's face.
"The Kush-Reldei have just left, they took your father with them against his will. They said Kleadine had accused him of subversion. Oh S'Tha, I fear for him!" S'Tha stood straight and looked into her mother's eyes.
"I have been saying this for years Maas, only ill can come from an association with Kleadine. Father will have to face his end...whatever it might be!" T'Lir stood and went to her daughter.
"S'Tha, he is your father, I beg you to go to Kleadine, speak with him on behalf of the House of Rus'ma. Beg him to allow your father to go. You carry his child...surely he would take pity on you?"
"Ha! Kleadine take pity? Maas I am only one of many that carry Kleadine's child!" She spat.
"He cares not for the mother's of his offspring, we are only the objects of his sick pleasures and a vessel to carry his ill begotten brood. No maas, Kleadine has no pity within his body."
"Please S'Tha, he is my adun... he is my life. I beg you to speak on his behalf... please!"
S'Tha saw the pain within her mother's eyes and felt the torment coming from her. She believed her father deserved what now had befallen him, but her mother's pain over whelmed her.
"Maas, I will go to Kleadine and speak to him. But I will not beg, not even for my own life, he would enjoy that. I can promise nothing, but I will speak to him." Her mother kissed her on the forehead.
"Thank you my daughter. Be careful. I will wait for your return and hold within my heart your success."
"I will try maas. Asara bring my cape, we shall leave for the temple now." Asara left to fetch S'Tha's cape as S'Tha cradled her sobbing mother in her arms.
Chapter 4
S'Tha hated being there, hated the male that had forced himself on her and others under the guise of religion. She should kill him now within his quarters. But then she thought of her unborn child who stirred beneath her gahra and the vow she had made to Ayahtinah. No, she would wait till she could honor her vow and her child was safe or dead.
The door swung open and a young tress approached her.
"You wish to speak to the Arch-Reldei?" He asked. S'Tha detected a faint accent, perhaps from the east. The boy was not even old enough to go through his kahs-wan. S'Tha stood awkwardly and put her hand on the young tress's shoulder.
"Do you miss your home sal'rch?" She asked. The young boy looked up into her dark eyes and S'Tha into his, she saw a loneliness within them, a hopelessness.
"Everything I need and want lies within the temple of Tulrah'Kas T'sai." He answered..."This way T'sai, the Arch-Reldei will give you an audience." He turned and waited until she reached the door. S'Tha gazed once more into the boy's eyes and she was sure she was doing the right thing if her child was a male. She entered the dim quarters of the Arch-Reldei, the door closing behind her.
Kleadine stood behind a large stone table perusing some papers.
"S'Tha...or should I say T'sai S'Tha. I am honored that you chose to grace our temple with your beauty once more." He came around the table smiling at her.
"I see from our last meeting the Goddess in her wisdom has made you a fertile vessel." He stood in front of her, his dark eyes gazing through her. He took her hair in his hand.
"T'sai, still not following tradition?"
"What I follow is my concern and mine alone Kleadine. I did not come here to speak to you of our last meeting, or of my child." She pulled her hair from his hand.
"You have my father held within the temple?" She kept his gaze.
"What charges have you fabricated against him?"
"Your father? Oh yes...Rus'ma. Your father S'Tha is a threat to the priesthood and a blasphemer in the eyes of Tulrah'Kas." He said smiling.
"What nonsense is this Kleadine? My father has always been a loyal supporter of you and the priesthood. I know that for truth." Her eyes became darker.
"I have proof S'Tha!" He retorted.
"Proof! Falsified kah'ich. I believe nothing you tell me. I wish to speak to my father." Her voice was demanding.
"T'sai, I advise you not to use that tone with me. I need no proof of anything! Have you forgotten who I am?" He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her across to the large window that overlooked the main square and beyond.
"Look!" He pointed out the window, "Look S'Tha, this..." He grabbed her by the hair,
"This is mine! I am the Arch-Reldei of Tul, chosen one of Tulrah'Kas herself. I am the high Kush Reldei." He let her hair go. S'Tha glared at him, her hatred rising.
"I own everything and everyone from here to Gol and back. I decide who lives and dies." He walked away from the window leaving her standing there. Kleadine returned to the table and picked up the papers that lay there.
"Here is your proof S'Tha!" He stood holding the papers out to her. S'Tha slowly walked over to the table, she started to reach for them but decided against it.
"Anyone would admit to anything under the torture of your Kush." She said coldly. She hoped it was not true, she could understand her father dying if he was still Kleadine's puppet, but to have him go to his death because he tried to fight against the priesthood, she didn't know if she could bare that.
"I wish to speak to my father."
"You may speak to your father S'Tha, but I do not think your father will be in any mood to speak to you." He threw the papers back unto the table and headed for the door.
"Come with me, you may see your father before he goes to join the Lady."
S'Tha's heart jumped, Kleadine was intending to murder her father. Of course he did not consider it murder, he and his priests called it Al'gris wha'sch, the great honor. S'Tha followed the Arch-Reldei silently down the darkened corridors; there were no windows in this part of the temple. This was the realm of Tulrah'Kas, where Kleadine's elite Kush carried out his depraved lust for torture and pain. S'Tha searched deep inside for her strength. She followed closely behind Kleadine with much effort.
Finally they arrived at a door. Kleadine turned to face her.
"S'Tha, I feel it is a waste of your time to speak with your father, he is of no mind to speak to anyone. He prepares himself for the ritual...but if you insist." He opened the door and S'Tha started to go inside, she stopped briefly and looked at Kleadine.
"What ritual does he prepare for priest?"
"Ghe'M Pes Katra." He answered; S'Tha's eyes flew wide.
"My father has nothing you would want priest!" Her voice was shaking. Kleadine put his hand on her rounded belly.
"Everyone has something I want T'sai." He turned and left her standing dazed at the door. Her mind was swaying; she calmed herself and went into the small room.
Her father sat in the center of the room in a losherok position, in deep meditation. S'Tha approached him and knelt in front of him, she reached and touched his hand. Rus'ma's eyes slowly opened and looked vacantly into the face of his daughter. He had been sedated with the potent presh.
"Father, are Kleadine's words truth? Are the charges against you as he says?" She asked him. Rus'ma just stared at her. S'Tha knew he did not recognize her.
"Father, have you turned to the Kh'liorah?" She gazed into his glassy eyes.
"My words do not enter you." She hung her head then looked back up into his eyes, placing her hands on his face.
"Father, I know your physical cannot hear me, but your katra will. I vow that Kleadine will pay for this, he will pay for everything he has perpetrated on the Vulcan people." She raised her two fingers and placed them gently on her father's lips. S'Tha rose slowly and looked down at her father, he closed his eyes again.
"I vow on my blood father...he will pay!"
She did not know how or when, but Kleadine would pay. She was certain of that. She left the temple and went directly home, she did not know what she would tell her mother. She did not want to tell her that her adun was to meet his death through Ghe'M Pes Katra, this was the most horrible of deaths. S'Tha would tell her something else to ease her grief.
Later she sat with her mother and Asara in the family's garden, holding her mother as she cried for her coming loss. She had told her that the priest would be merciful this day that her father would die in Tal-shaya, a painless ritual of breaking of the neck.
Suddenly T'Lir sat ridged in her chair, her eyes wide. She was experiencing P'pil'lay. She knew S'Tha had lied to her, but she knew she had done so to try and save her from the horror she now felt. T'Lir pushed S'Tha gently away from her and stood, not saying a word she entered the house. S'Tha and Asara watched her go.
"Shall I go with her sal'rch?" Asked Asara.
"No leave her, she knows the truth, she suffers P'pil'lay. She needs time to be alone. I will go to her when she needs me." S'Tha returned her attention to Asara.
"Tell me Asara, did you find Ayahtinah?" She asked.
"I have sal'rch, she lives two days from here; in the Shar col'shay. I have sent your request, if she comes it will be towards the end of the Little Sun." Asara answered.
Suddenly S'Tha stood up, her eyes wide.
"Maas!" She rushed quickly into the house, straight to her mother's sleeping quarters. S'Tha stood her hand on the door. Asara reached her side.
"Sal'rch, what is it?" S'Tha's eyes told Asara what she now felt. Asara took S'Tha's hand from the door and swung it open. Both women stood silent as T'Lir lay motionlessly on the floor of her quarters. After sometime Asara approached T'Lir and picked up the small lil'ra which lay at her side. She reached and closed T'Lir's empty eyes.
"How much more can I take Asara?" S'Tha whispered.
"As much as need be sal'rch, till you can take no more." Asara stood holding the bloody lil'ra out to S'Tha. S'Tha approached her and took it from her hand.
"Let the fire smolder S'Tha. In time you will have justice." Said Asara. S'Tha dropped the lil'ra beside her mother's body.
"But how much time will pass t'hy'la till justice lies in my hands?" Asara couldn't answer her, but she knew no matter how much time would pass S'Tha would keep her vow. She would have justice.
Weeks past slowly and Ayahtinah had not come, neither had S'Tha's child. She sat in her quarters staring out the window at the temple in the distance and would only eat when Asara forced her. They had placed her mother's katra in the Hall of Memories, but her father's katra was...could not be placed into the orbs which held the living essence of the Vulcan self. No, he was held inside of Kleadine as many others were. This gave S'Tha great pain knowing her father's katra was within the darkness of the Arch-Reldei and only in Kleadine's death would he be free.
The next evening S'Tha lay in her bed, she was feeling unwell. All day she had paced the house supporting her aching back with her hands, she had taken no food and very little liquid. She had not felt the child for days now and she feared the worst. But Asara assured her it was normal for the child to still before the birth.
She had just closed her eyes when a pain ripped through her lower abdomen and back. She lay very still hardly breathing...then again. Finally after an hour, when she could stand no more she got up and went looking for Asara. She found her in her quarters; Asara stood and came to her putting her hand on S'Tha's abdomen.
"It is time." She said helping S'Tha back to her bed.
S'Tha would not go to the birthing chamber at the temple which was expected. She decided once again to go against tradition and birth her child in her own bed. She didn't need to be infused with presh that she didn't know if she had a male or female child, and in the temple she couldn't end her child's life if it were male.
The night went on and S'Tha suffered in the pains of childbirth. Just before the actual birth S'Tha took Asara's hands in hers.
"Promise me Asara...if it is a male..." Asara nodded her head in compliance. There was so much death in the House of Rus'ma of late. But she agreed with S'Tha, she would not let the priesthood take S'Tha's male child. It was a mercy to end his little life than to make him suffer for the rest of his life under the whims and wants of Kleadine, his father. Finally the birthing was over and S'Tha lay soaked and exhausted on her bed. She opened her eyes and looked at Asara.
"The child?" She asked weakly.
"Your daughter sleeps S'Tha." Asara smiled.
"My daughter?" Queried S'Tha.
"T'sai Kh'liorah has finally smiled upon me." She said.
"Bring her to me."
Asara went and cradled the small bundle and came back to the bedside, she handed the tiny child to S'Tha who held her gently in her arms.
"So tiny, so beautiful." S'Tha gazed lovingly at her daughter.
"She will be as her maas, strong and willful." Said Asara. S'Tha smiled for the first time in ages.
"She will have to be, we have a long fight ahead of us Asara." Asara nodded.
"What shall you name her?" Asara asked.
"A strong name it should be." She stated. S'Tha kissed her daughter's forehead and the small child started to stir in her wrappings.
"B'Oada. I shall call her B'Oada." S'Tha said.
"A good choice sal'rch, she is small now, but in time she will bring honor to that name, I know it!"
S'Tha allowed her daughter to take her first milk and both women watched till she fell to sleep. When she had done so Asara took her from S'Tha and placed her in the cradle. S'Tha lay watching Asara gently rocking the child's bed, she thought she had named her truly, for indeed she would have to have a strong name to carry her through this life.
B'Oada, the T'sai of Ankh, was an old Goddess in the Vulcan pantheon. The daughter of Tulrah, T'sai Kh'liorah and Las'hark the All-Father of the Vulcans. After her father was given birth to by Tulrah and became her consort, Las'hark began to murder all of Tulrah's other children she had bore to him. Finally Tulrah could take no more, so when she gave birth to B'Oada she told her adun the child had died in childbirth. Las'hark did not believe Tulrah and banished her to the planet's surface to suffer under his fiery rays. Tulrah survived and brought the Vulcan planet to life. In time B'Oada grew into a beautiful woman. She studied the way of Ankh and forced herself into the Vulcan way of battle. When she was secure in her abilities she confronted her father and slew him, but for her crime the other Gods of Vulcan placed her in the night sky as a star, never allowing her to return to her home or family. Las'hark rose into the day sky where he remained in fear that his daughter might pursue him there. And that is why Las'hark rises and falls as the day turns, he must keep moving for fear B'Oada catches him.
S'Tha looked past Asara and her child out the window to the early morning dawn. High in the west B'oada hung just to the right of T'Khut, sparks flew from her face, and her anger flaring with the hatred she held for her father.
"Yes Asara, I have named her well." She pointed to the red star in the sky.
"B'Oada fights even now!" Asara looked out the window.
"And so will this little star sal'rch." She continued rocking the cradle as S'Tha fell to sleep with dreams of battle and fire creeping into her mind, and B'Oada holding the senepa high in the center of T'Khut's flaming face.
Chapter 5
"Sal'rch, T'sai Ayahtinah is here to see you." S'Tha stood and put B'Oada back into her cradle and told Asara to bring Ayahtinah immediately.
Shortly Asara returned with Ayahtinah and another female. S'Tha held her hand up in the salute of greeting.
"Live long and prosper t'hy'la," She said approaching Ayahtinah and her companion.
"And you T'sai S'Tha." Responded Ayahtinah. B'Oada stirred in her cradle and Ayahtinah went to look at the child.
"The Lady was with you S'Tha, she gave you a daughter." Ayahtinah reached and touched the child's face.
"And you t'hy'la, what did you birth?" Asked S'Tha.
"A strong, healthy son I bore S'Tha as did my companion. I would give my life if only they would have allowed him to stay with my family." S'Tha's heart ached for the woman.
"Is there anything I can do Ayahtinah?" She asked.
Ayahtinah looked at her through hardened eyes.
"My son, get him back for me!" She said. S'Tha approached the cradle and looked at B'Oada, she knew how far she would go to keep her child and she felt pity for Ayahtinah.
"If I could t'hy'la, I would, but I do not know how?"
"Tumar and I have a plan to get our sons back." S'Tha glanced at Tumar; she was a very large female and from what S'Tha could see very muscular beneath her gahra. Tumar pulled out a roll of parchment and unrolled it for S'Tha to see. She pointed to a spot on the map.
"Here, T'sai is where they keep the children. We can come through this rear garden then through this corridor here." She looked at S'Tha to see if she was following her.
"It is only a few steps to the nursery. We are in and out in a few minutes."
"But what about the tress? What should happen if you encounter one of them or a Reldei?" Asked S'Tha.
"Tal-shaya!" Answered Tumar. S'Tha nodded her head in agreement.
"But it will take too long to find your sons." Said S'Tha.
"No S'Tha, one of the wet nurses knows of the plan, she will have our sons waiting." Said Ayahtinah.
"But we need your help to attract the Reldei away from the nursery."
"Me! How will I be able to attract the Reldei anywhere?" S'Tha laughed.
The three women gathered and Tumar and Ayahtinah told her of her part in the plan.
S'Tha sat once again outside Kleadine's chamber waiting to see the Arch-Reldei. She hoped her two companions would be successful in their endeavours to retrieve their sons.
The door opened and S'Tha was lead into Kleadine's chamber. He stood looking out the window, he was garbed only in his gret, and he turned from the window and approached her.
"S'Tha I honestly believe you do enjoy being in my company." He said looking at her trim form beneath her semi-sheer gahra.
"Believe me Kleadine my being here has nothing to do with enjoying anything about you!" S'Tha stared at him trying to hold down the burning hatred within her.
"Then what brings you back to me this day t'hy'la?" He used the word t'hy'la in its form, meaning lover.
"Never Kleadine, never will I be your t'hy'la. I come here with a demand!"
Kleadine smiled thinly and walked around her slowly.
"A demand? Not even you will demand anything from me t'hy'la!" She turned to face him.
"I have certain rights Kleadine as the mother of your child."
"One of many mothers t'hy'la. Do not bring yourself into any false security, you mean nothing to me. I will admit you do kindle a flame within me and I do so enjoy you coming here, but that is only a physical attraction... nothing more. And as on having rights!" He approached the window again.
"As every other female in this land your only rights are to perform Aklash Tia, which you have. And to be a vessel for my seed, which you have also done." He turned once more to face her.
"So as I see it t'hy'la you have no more rights!" S'Tha walked towards him, her hand reaching beneath her gahra for the deadly lil'ra she had concealed there.
"Speaking of my seed, once again S'Tha you have gone against tradition." He shook his head.
"One day t'hy'la I will not be so lenient with your willfulness. But since you only gave me a daughter, I will over looked it." He smiled.
"It must be a great pain to you... no son to carry on your families house or to serve the Lady."
S'Tha took her hand from beneath her gahra empty. She would wait a little longer to end this priest's life; she cleared her throat.
"Kleadine that is why I am here, to speak of my daughter." She said.
"I wish to hear nothing of the complaints you have with your daughter S'Tha." He said.
"I have no complaints with my daughter, only a request." Kleadine's eyebrow went up.
"A request? S'Tha what would that be?" S'Tha took a deep breath and looked into Kleadine's eyes.
"I request Kleadine, that you allow my daughter to enter the priesthood when she is of age to serve Tulrah'Kas in her many forms."
Kleadine was taken aback, never before had any female requested such a thing of him. He looked at her with mild disbelief on his face.
"Tress! Tress!" He yelled. The door opened and a young tress entered.
"Fetch Selar and the Kush-Reldei...NOW!" He yelled. The tress closed the door and went to do what he was told.
Ayahtinah and Tumar had made their way through the garden at the rear of the temple and entered the corridor. They had encountered no one. As they started down the corridor towards the nursery they heard footsteps coming towards them. Both women pulled themselves into a small-darkened alcove and held their breath as Selar and a dozen Kush-Reldei rushed past them, when they were sure it was safe Tumar spoke.
"It would seem our sister has done her job!" Ayahtinah nodded.
"Come Tumar, let us get our sons and leave this place."
Carefully the two women made their way along the corridor till they stood outside the nursery door. Ayahtinah slowly opened the door and slipped inside, where she was confronted by a young tress, who looked at her with surprise on his face. Ayahtinah did not wear the traditional gahra that was custom, but a red gert and breastplate, the garb of the Kush-Reldei. The young tress's eyes went from her face to her bare legs and back to her face again, he was stunned to see a female dressed so.
"Why are you here?" He asked.
"I have come to see my son, surely you would allow a mother that right?" She answered putting her hands out in submission.
"No one is allowed to see the male children, especially the mothers!" He pushed by her to alert the Reldei, stepping right into Tumar who had stayed behind the door when she realized there was someone else in the room with Ayahtinah; she looked down into the tress's face and smiled.
"Today tress you will not be getting anyone." She took him in her arms and snapped his neck. The tress fell silently to the floor.
"You have killed him!" Ayahtinah said looking at her with shock on her face.
"Better him than us t'hy'la. Come our sons wait!" Tumar left the tress behind and carefully approached the second door where she heard the cried of the children. Ayahtinah took one more look at the still body of the tress and joined her.
Tumar opened the door, this time holding her lil'ra in her hand ready to strike down anyone who stood in her way. The only person that was in the main nursery was T'Kre, the wet nurse who Ayahtinah had persuaded to help in their efforts. She stood holding two infant males in her arms.
Ayahtinah reached for one of the babies and T'Kre let him go.
"Are you sure this one is mine?" She asked looking into the small face she now held.
"I am sure, see here." She pulled back the child's wrapping to show a red senepa tattooed on his outer thigh.
"Only Kleadine's offspring are marked so, they carry the senepa of the Kush-Reldei."
"My son will never be a Kush-Reldei!" She cradled him to her and left Tumar to take her son. Tumar looked at T'Kre.
"How do you know this child is mine? He is not Kleadine's son, I was not chosen to perform Aklash Tia with him." She gazed into nurse's eyes.
"Here." T'Kre undid the child's wrapping and showed her the child's leg. Around his ankle was a small binding. T'Kre took it off and handed it to Tumar.
"I mark all the newborns with this, in case of their death, I notify the mothers." Tumar looked at the binding, her name written on the inside of it. She dropped the binding and took her son from T'Kre. Tumar held him out awkwardly looking into his bright eyes. The child squirmed in her grip, his face turning red.
"Yes! You are my son, you have fight!" She pulled him to her chest and closed her eyes and smiled.
"Thank you T'Kre, if you are ever in need..."
"Yes, go now...before the Kush come." She pushed Tumar and her son to the door where Ayahtinah stood waiting.
"Go with T'sai Kh'liorah." T'Kre said. Both women smiled and slipped out the door heading out of the temple towards the house of Rus'ma.
S'Tha stood quietly watching Kleadine pace the room. Selar stood to her right with the other Reldei behind him. Finally Kleadine spoke.
"Can you believe this Selar? This female wishes us to except her squalling female within the temple! To be a priest! To serve Tulrah'Kas!"
"This cannot be done, no female has ever given honor as a priest to the T'sai." Stated Selar. S'Tha glared at him.
"Then I think perhaps B'Oada should be the first." She said. Kleadine looked at her in amazement.
"B'Oada...B'Oada, you have chosen a name of the Kh'liorah. This is blasphemy S'Tha. I should have you..." Selar approached Kleadine and whispered into his ear.
"Arch-Reldei this female is dangerous. There has been talk among the Reldei of her frequent visits to you. If we harm her there might be a problem." Selar turned and looked at S'Tha, she stood stoned faced keeping his gaze.
"What do you suggest Selar?" Asked Kleadine.
"Allow her to make her daughter whatever she wants and where ever she wants, except here. She could cause many problems if she is allowed to stay in Tul." Kleadine nodded his head in agreement. He did not need this female causing him problems. He approached S'Tha.
"So, you want your daughter to become the first female Reldai?" He used the feminine form of Reldei.
"Then I will agree to your request t'hy'la. We will allow your daughter to serve the priesthood." S'Tha's eyebrows raised, she couldn't believe Kleadine was agreeing to her request.
"But I will be with her through her training." She stated. Kleadine took her hair in his hand, she felt sickened by his touch.
"Yes, t'hy'la, you will be with her every step of the way." He said his hand going up to her face. S'Tha kept her eyes on his.
"I shall bring B'Oada on her third year to be initiated into the priesthood."
"I cannot allow that S'Tha, no you will take B'Oada immediately to Gol." He smiled.
"To Gol! This cannot be done Kleadine. Gol is at the other end of Vulcan, there is nothing there except red sand and old ruins. We will die!" Her eyes were burning with rage.
"Then you and your child will die S'Tha. That is all I can offer you, it is your choice what you do." S'Tha thought, if I go to Gol I would be able to bring my daughter up in the ways of the Kh'liorah. I could ask Ayahtinah and Tumar to come with me; together we would wait till it was time to exact ashu'cezh. If I stay Kleadine would find away to rid himself of me. Finally she spoke.
"I will take my daughter to Gol Kleadine. There I will teach her in the ways of our ancestors, she will become a priestess in the old tradition. And when she is grown and immersed in the old ways...beware Kleadine, beware B'Oada. Her father shall have no rest from her fire. As it is in my blood, so it shall be in hers!"
"Great goals for a female S'Tha. Remember this, I will have you both struck down should I hear of you approaching the border of Shar Tul. Do you understand S'Tha?" His voice was cold. S'Tha looked to Selar who stood quietly listening.
"I thank you Selar for giving me this opportunity to raise me daughter as a Reldai, may Kh'liorah find a place in your heart." She said to him.
"There is only room in my heart for Tulrah'Kas T'sai." He answered.
"Perhaps in time Reldei?" She said. Taking one more look at Kleadine she turned and left.
S'Tha hurried into her quarters where Asara sat rocking B'Oada. Ayahtinah and Tumar sat on the bed holding their sleeping sons. S'Tha rushed and started to gather her things.
"Sal'rch, what are you doing?" Asara asked bewildered.
"I...we are leaving Asara." She turned to Ayahtinah and Tumar.
"All of us, it is too dangerous to stay here. As yet Kleadine does not know you have taken his offspring." S'Tha approached the bed and looked at each child.
"We must leave before it's too late!"
"But where shall we go t'hy'la?" Asked Ayahtinah rising and laying her son on the bed.
"To Gol we shall go. There are some old ruins there; they shall be our new home. We will become strong then come back for our ashu'cezh. I have heard of a secret faction of T'sai Kh'liorah, we will search them out, they will help us in our training." Tumar stopped her confused.
"Our training? What are you saying S'Tha?"
"We shall go to Gol and reconstruct the great temple there. We shall bring forth the old tradition, we..." She put her hand out to the other two women.
"We shall be the Sisterhood of Gol!" She finished. Tumar looked at her as if she were insane.
"Truly S'Tha you cannot believe in the Sisterhood? I mean there is no proof they even existed, mere fancy of imagination. Even if they did exist you cannot believe we could achieve what they did?" Tumar said eyes wide.
"Yes, I do Tumar, they were real and I believe we can become as they were. There is a clan mother in Gol, Nurum, she is said to be the last of the Sisterhood, and she is now in hiding with her clan. The exiled priests of T'sai Kh'liorah hide her and her clan. The clan of Ni'rch Heya are said to be followers of the true form of T'sai Kh'liorah and have achieved great mental and physical power through their training. Kleadine had tried to search them out, but they were too well hidden by the priests of Tulrah. I believe they were once the Sisterhood of Gol. And if we find them we will learn from them and in time defeat Kleadine and his priests!"
"Do we have a choice S'Tha?" Asked Ayahtinah.
"Choice? We either stay here or eventually are killed by Kleadine. Or, we go to Gol and live!" S'Tha said.
"But there's nothing there, t'hy'la!" Said Ayahtinah.
"Then we will build something. We can do this, sisters, we can become the new Sisterhood of Gol. I know we can!" She looked to each woman.
"I have nothing to stay here for." Said Tumar.
"Nor do I." Agreed Ayahtinah.
"Good it is done. Asara prepare our belongings, we leave for Gol in the morning, and Asara...you need not come if you do not wish to, you may stay here." S'Tha was hoping her t'hy'la would come with them, but she would not force her. Asara went to her still holding B'Oada. She put her hand on S'Tha's brow.
"Sal'rch, I have been with you since your birth and now I care for this little one. I could not leave her or you. I will go to Gol also. The child will need to be taught the way of the T'sai." Asara took her hand away and cradled B'Oada.
"It is done. With T'sai Kh'liorah we will succeed. The Sisterhood of Gol shall rise once more!"
Chapter 6
"S'Tha there is a group of females from Tul. They wish to speak with the Arch-Reldai." Tumar stood her gret gently blowing in the warm breeze, her hair tied back in one thick braid.
"The Arch-Reldai?" Questioned S'Tha
"You!" Smiled Tumar.
"Apparently it is the rumor in Tul that a group of females have started up the Sisterhood at Gol. And we are teaching the disciplines and even Kolinahr!" Tumar smiled.
"And one more thing S'Tha." S'Tha looked at her.
"Kleadine is in a fit of anger that you have survived this long." This time S'Tha smiled.
"And much longer t'hy'la!" They both went out to meet with the females of Tul.
S'Tha knew that it must be urgent for no one would dare come across Gol unless they were mad or desperate, S'Tha thought perhaps she was both.
Ayahtinah joined the two women on the main balcony, all three were garbed in Kush-Reldei garb and only S'Tha wore her hair loose. S'Tha's eyes widened, before her stood ten women all carrying babies about the same age as B'Oada, the heat of Las'hark beating down on them.
"Bring them in, give them water and food. We will speak later when they have rested." S'Tha turned and walked back into the main hall of the temple.
The four Vulcans had been at Gol for two months. They had cleaned a few rooms of the deserted temple that were livable and had found a secret well which had been bored into the very rock below the main level. They didn't worry about food as the qir'lal plant was abundant on Gol, and it contained everything a Vulcan needed to survive. S'Tha had set up meditations rituals for her and her companions which they followed religiously. They even had mock battles among themselves, Tumar always being the victor. Slowly they were teaching themselves the way of the warrior.
S'Tha had gone to look for the clan of Ni'rch Heya and Nurum, but had not found any sign of them. This depressed her. Surely she couldn't be wrong. She must find Nurum if the Sisterhood was to survive for only with her knowledge could they learn the old ways. She was brought out of her thoughts as Asara came in with B'Oada. S'Tha took her and let her feed.
"Asara, surely this child must think that you are her mother." She smiled at B'Oada as she drank at her breast.
"No t'hy'la, be sure she knows you are her mother, she feels the love you have for her." Asara said. Footsteps came on the stone floor, S'Tha looked up as Ayahtinah brought in one of the females from Tul. The young female still in her white gahra knelt down in front of S'Tha. S'Tha handed B'Oada back to Asara who quickly left the hall. The young woman started to kneel.
"No, no sister." She took the woman by the hands and pulled her up.
"We do not do that here, we are all equal." Said S'Tha.
"But Reldai, your position dictates this honor." The woman spread her hands, palms up to S'Tha.
"At Gol, no one is above another." S'Tha stepped back.
"Why have you come here?" She asked.
"We have heard of a powerful Reldai at Gol. That she started the Sisterhood again. We have also heard she would rid the land of Kleadine. In time this land will follow under T'sai Kh'liorah as it did in our past and not follow Tulrah'Kas anymore. Also we have heard that this Reldai knows of Nurum and that the old one is teaching the Sisterhood the old ways, the ways of the kea. But most important the reason we have come is that we have heard the Sisterhood is looking for young females to train as priestesses, so we have brought you our daughters, the offspring of Kleadine and his priests. We hope you will honor us and accept each of us within the Sisterhood." S'Tha turned and walked to a stone bench, she stood there thinking then turned to face the young woman.
"Your name?" She asked.
"My name Reldai is T'Pri, from the House of Su'mar."
"Where have you heard these things T'Pri?" Asked S'Tha.
"Reldai it is on all the lips in Tul. In fact there is another group of women with their daughters on there way now. They should arrive tomorrow." S'Tha looked at Ayahtinah.
"T'Pri, what you speak of is not all truth. We have come here to start the Sisterhood, this is correct, but the rest I'm afraid is only rumor. I cannot allow you to stay here, I cannot expect you to give up your home and life to join a cause that might never be. You must return to Tul." S'Tha walked back to T'Pri and put her hand on her shoulder.
"I am honored that you and your companions have traveled so far, but I cannot expect you to fight my fight. When the next group arrives they may stay and rest, then you all must go back to Tul." T'Pri took her hand.
"Reldai you must not send us back, we will not go...we cannot go back to Tul." S'Tha looked at Ayahtinah again.
"This is true S'Tha, the women that come to Gol come in fear for their daughter's lives." Ayahtinah had been told the story of the slaughter of the young females in Tul by the mothers who now asked for sanctuary. S'Tha's eyes flared.
"And why is this T'Pri?" S'Tha asked.
"Kleadine feels that most of the females of Tul will bring their daughters to the Sisterhood, that would cause him and his priests a great loss. For there would be no more Pa Vetch females, they could not perform Aklash Tia. So he has declared the plak sacrifices, the blood sacrifices. All of our daughters are in peril, already the slaughter has started and many of our young daughters lie still within the temple of Tulrah'Kas. We must stay if we are to survive." T'Pri dropped her head.
"Is this true Ayahtinah?" S'Tha asked.
"It is truth. The females of Tul flee to save their daughters." Answered Ayahtinah. S'Tha walked away shaken by what she had just heard. How could Kleadine do such a horrible thing?
"But it isn't illogical! If Kleadine murders all the females he himself will disband the ritual of Aklash Tia." Said S'Tha.
"He cares not Reldai. He has the mind sickness and his hatred for you is over whelming him. His emotions run wild within him. He would rather take the lives of our innocent daughters than allow them to come to you and the Sisterhood."
"Then T'Pri tell your companions they may stay here at Gol. You will train with us and your daughters will learn the way of the Sisterhood." S'Tha approached T'Pri.
"I will find Nurum and she will teach us the ways of the kea." She turned and walked to the stairs that led out of the main hall, when she reached the top stair she turned once again to face the two women.
"I vow on my blood that the Sisterhood will rise in fire, as it was in the past. And we will have ashu'cezh! Kleadine will be stopped and his Kush-Reldei will be crushed into the red sands of Vulcan. The Sisterhood of Gol will bring back glory to this land! No matter how long it takes. With my last breath I shall fight him! And when I am gone, my daughter shall carry the fight! Fear not t'hy'las; Kleadine will pay and pay dearly!"
S'Tha left the hall calling for Tumar. She would have her inform the other women of their rules and what was expected of them within the Sisterhood. Then she would go and would find Nurum of Ni'rch Heya if it were the last thing she did. She would not come back to Gol till she found the eldest mother.
S'Tha had left Gol the day after the second group of females arrived. She took enough water and qir'lal to last her for two weeks; she hoped to return to Gol well before that with news of Nurum. She had told Ayahtinah and Tumar to keep the training going no matter what the outcome. She had told Asara that if something happened to her, to raise B'Oada as her own and to pass the blood vow onto her, that her father would not go unpunished. Asara vowed on her blood she would do as she was asked.
S'Tha had been traveling for six days and on the sixth night she had made her camp. Disillusioned and saddened she had planned to return to Gol the following morning; her supplies wouldn't allow her to go any further. She had expected at least some evidence of the clan of Ni'rch Heya, but nothing. Her skin was raw with the heat and winds of Gol. And the rays of Las'hark weakened her vision.
The land around her lay a deep crimson, rising gently in flowing slopes. S'Tha looked up into the sky, T'Khut rocked her crescent horns reaching high into the darkness. To T'Khut's left, B'Oada spat vehemently at her great red sister world.
"One day your namesake shall spit fire as furious as you." She said to the flaming star. S'Tha turned her view to the far horizon; her eyes were now adjusting to the darkness. She squinted her eyes to see more clearly. At the end of her vision where the sky met ground she saw flickering lights. S'Tha stood and strained her eyes to see clearer. She knew of no city or village that lay this far from Gol.
"Ni'rch Heya...." She whispered. She decided then and there that she would travel on; it could only be two, maybe three days journey. She couldn't turn back now, being so close to finding Nurum. It would be foolish to turn back then come back with fresh supplies. It could only be Ni'rch Heya... it could only be she kept thinking.
She would travel through the day as the night was too dangerous, Gol was filled with carnivorous beasts that inflicted poison into their victims and death was sure. And it would be impossible to sleep during the day under the torrid heat of Las'hark. She returned to her camp and sat staring off into the direction of Ni'rch Heya till her eyes slowly fell shut and S'Tha fell into a deep exhausted sleep, her last thought being...now Kleadine it begins...ashu'cezh is one step closer!
Chapter 7
She sat moaning, wondering how she was going to continue. She knew of the blindness, every Vulcan did and usually the sight would return with rest and darkness. But S'Tha had nowhere to go to find the darkness. She took a length of her set'a and soaked it in the remaining precious water; she then tied it over her eyes, hoping it would ease the blindness and pain of her raw skin. How much time passed she did not know. But the heat was suffocating her. When she was moving and had her goal in mind it was easier to endure the oppressive rays of Las'hark but now not being able to carry on she realized the great power of the golden orb above her.
S'Tha pulled her set'a around her body and lay waiting for her eyes sight to return or her katra to leave her body. She hoped not the latter. She thought of Ayahtinah, Tumar and Asara. Her heart called out for B'Oada and her blood raged for Kleadine. Was this to be her end? To succumb to the rays of Las'hark in the middle of Gol? She raised her head.
"And Ni'rch Heya so close." She whispered. S'Tha pulled herself up, somehow she would reach the great mountain, with her last breath her footsteps would carry her there. She didn't know how far she had to travel or in what direction, it didn't matter anymore, she was beyond thought. Her mind was filled with strange visions, her lips swollen and bleeding, even the set'a could not prevent Las'hark from burning her. She stopped walking and fell to her knees.
"T'sai Kh'liorah do not allow this...I must go on. Give me the strength, I must keep my vow." S'Tha slowly went into darkness and she fell upon the sand. The last of her breath heaving franticly within her body.
When S'Tha woke she no longer felt the heat of Las'hark upon her. Her eyes were still bound and her skin did not feel as if fire burned upon it. She felt beside her and did not feel the searing heat of the sands; instead her hands felt a coolness beneath them. She started to pull herself up but was stopped by the burning pain that covered her body; a hand on her shoulder eased her back down.
"Lay still sal'rch, to move will only cause you pain." A female voice said, S'Tha lay still.
"Where am I...and who speaks to me?" S'Tha whispered through swollen lips.
"You are within Ni'rch Heya and I am T'Krech, a healer within the service of T'sai Kh'liorah." Came the voice.
S'Tha reached out till she found T'Krech's hand. "Tell me T'Krech, is this real or am I dead?" She asked.
"You are as real as I am and neither are you dead. Now rest I will bring S'lil, he will speak with you and tell you what you wish to know." T'Krech got up from the stool she was sitting on and started to leave the room.
"T'Krech." Called S'Tha
"Yes sal'rch?" She answered
"Am I among the Sisterhood?" S'Tha asked. There was no answer from the woman for sometime.
Then T'Krech's voice came, "I cannot answer that sal'rch, it is not my place to do so. When you speak to S'lil he will tell you what you want to know...now rest." The room became quiet and S'Tha lay falling in and out of sleep. She felt contented; she was within Ni'rch Heya, within the Sisterhood. Her journey would go on and she would succeed, she felt it within her katra.
S'Tha awoke to a hand on her forehead. She reached up and took the wrist of the person who stood beside her bedside. Her sight had not returned as yet and she still wore wrappings around her head. The hand pulled gently from her grasp.
"I am S'lil, Arch-Reldei of Ni'rch Heya. I am also a healer. You are suffering from temporary blindness due to the long exposure of Las'hark." The voice halted, the hand went to her leg, gently moving the length of it.
"I will have T'Krech prepare more salve for your burns. Truly it must have been quite urgent for you to journey this far from Shar Tul. What is your name?"
S'Tha painfully rose from the bed until she was sitting upright.
"I am S'Tha from the House of Rus'ma." She said.
"Then tell me S'Tha, why have you come to Ni'rch Heya?" The voice asked.
"I have come from Gol, from the temple of the Sisterhood..." The voice interrupted,
"The Sisterhood?" It asked.
"Yes, a group of females with their young daughters have left Tul traveling to the ruins of Gol. We are the new Sisterhood." Said S'Tha.
"You have left your families and homes to dwell in Gol?" The voice asked.
"We have, you sound as if we are mad priest!"
"Well S'Tha either you are all mad or you have been exiled. Which is it?" The voice asked.
"Neither priest. We had no choice. We either left or our daughters died." S'Tha's voice was cold.
"Kleadine has ordered that all Pa Vetch females are to be slaughtered." S'Tha stopped talking for a moment and listened, she did not hear the priests breathing as she did before.
"Are you still there Priest?" She asked.
"I am S'Tha, continue." He said.
"Kleadine has taken everything from me! And on my blood he will pay. He rules Tul with insanity; he must be stopped! And I will stop him with the help of the Sisterhood."
"That I must admit is a great task you have committed yourself too S'Tha. Do you not think others have tried and ended in Ghe'M Pes Katra? Many of our own priests have succumbed to Kleadine in our attempt to rid the Vulcan people of his insanity. What makes you think that a group of untrained females will fair any better?" He asked.
"Because priest, we have the fire that burns within our very katra. If it is the last thing I do, Kleadine will die in my lifetime!" S'Tha spat.
"S'Tha you and your companions are not skilled in the ways of battle, you do not even have weapons except the lil'ra and you only have basic disciplines. How do you expect to rid Vulcan of anything?"
"That's why I am here priest. I have come to speak to Nurum, to learn the ways of the kea, to learn the old ways." She said.
"Then I am afraid S'Tha you have come along way for nothing." S'lil said
"What do you mean to say priest?" S'Tha reached for his arm.
"Nurum has been dead for many years. It is true she was the last of the Sisterhood, but it ended with her."
"Surely she had priestesses who she trained, who could pass the knowledge on to me?"
"No S'Tha, Nurum did pass on certain knowledge, but the extent of it stayed with her. She felt no one had evolved high enough in the kea or katra to give that knowledge to. So I am afraid you have wasted your time and effort." S'lil turned and was about to leave when S'Tha asked.
"S'lil, Nurum's katra, was it lost?" S'lil turned his head; he already knew what she was going to ask.
"I cannot allow that S'Tha." His mind was already linked with hers. S'lil raised his hand to his head and his eyes got wide.
"Nikh...you have the nikh." He came towards her and sat back down on the stool.
"S'Tha you have the nikh, did you know this?" He asked.
"The eye, none of my family has it nor is it in my ancestors."
"You must be trained in the use of the gift." S'lil said.
"Gift? I've always heard anyone with the nikh was cursed."
"That was only because they could not control it and make it work for them." He started to unwrap the bindings from her eyes. S'Tha sat quietly.
"You can be taught to control the nikh. In the past our people did not know how to control it, and it usually drove them to madness and eventually death. They were constantly being fought over by the ruling clans, till in desperation they ended their own lives. Our sister clan, De'et Khiori, are obsessed with the quest of finding people who have the nikh. Tre'ahs, their Reldai has done everything in her power to search this land for such unfortunates. She has even gone as far as to work with the Arch-Reldei Kleadine, promising him an indestructible warrior priesthood if they can find and breed people who have the nikh. That is the only reason Kleadine keeps all male children, hoping that at least one will be born with the nikh." He looked into S'Tha's eyes, they were still a bit swollen and a pale film lay across them.
"I will have T'Krech come and bathe your eyes once again." He stood.
"Yes S'Tha, if the nikh can be controlled it is a terrible weapon. We can teach you how to use it."
"Then you must do that priest, you must teach me how to use the nikh. Then I will surely have ashu'cezh on Kleadine and his priests!" She said.
"S'Tha you must treat the nikh with great respect or it will destroy you." He turned to leave then stopped.
"And as far as Pe'tra aria, we will consider this. For only Nurum could effectively instruct you in the ways of the nikh. But first you must regain your sight and heal your wounds before this is attempted. I will send one of our priestesses to Gol to tell them that you have arrived at Ni'rch Heya and that you will be staying with us for a period of time. She can start to train your Sisterhood in simple disciplines of the kea... S'Tha?"
"Yes priest?"
"Your child will probably have the nikh. She will have to be protected, if Kleadine or Tre'ahs get word of this they will go to no end to get her and you." Said S'lil noting the concern of S'Tha's face.
"Not to worry S'Tha, your daughter is fine for now. If Kleadine thought you or your daughter had the nikh you would not be here now." He turned and left the chamber leaving S'Tha thinking of everything he had said. She lay back down and waited for T'Krech to come and bathe her eyes.
When T'Krech had finished she spoke to S'Tha.
"Sal'rch, S'lil has asked me to inform you that he has sent T'Cressa, his first priestess to Gol." She picked up the bowl of herb water and started to leave.
"S'Tha, S'lil has also requested that you fast until the ritual...and mediation also."
"Ritual?" Queried S'Tha
"Yes S'Tha, S'lil has decided to allow you to attempt to perform Pe'tra aria." She turned and left. S'Tha knew that T'sai Kh'liorah was with her and ashu'cezh was a bit closer.
Chapter 8
Tumar looked up startled, as the female seemed to just appear from nowhere. Tumar had taken the night watch in hopes of being the first to see S'Tha approaching Gol, but for three weeks she had not come. She slowly rose from the step reaching for her lil'ra. T'Cressa looked at her cautiously.
"Put the lil'ra away." She said.
"Bring to me the one who is in charge of this." She motioned her hand around the temple.
"Tell her the Arch-Reldai of Ni'rch Heya wishes to speak to her. And Kush, bring me water...I thirst."
Tumar re-sheathed her lil'ra and stumbled up the rest of the stairs to fetch Ayahtinah and water.
Within moments Ayahtinah appeared with Tumar right behind her, she handed T'Cressa the water she had requested. They stood without a word while the Arch-priestess drank; when she had finished she looked at Ayahtinah.
"You are the first priestess?" T'Cressa asked.
"I am t'hy'la to S'Tha." Ayahtinah answered.
"Is she well?" T'Cressa looked at the young female.
"Your Reldai is well. She will stay at Ni'rch Heya to be trained in the old ways. She will return to you when her disciplines are complete." She approached Ayahtinah and looked into her eyes.
"Your Reldai will need a first priestess and you shall be her." She turned and looked at Tumar.
"And you will be tas'ma, the battler. It will be your duty to train the others in the ways of battler." T'Cressa turned and watched as Las'hark started his climb.
"The others are not awake as yet?" She asked.
"No Arch-Reldai." Answered Ayahtinah.
"From tomorrow on everyone will rise before Las'hark, they have much training ahead of them. If they do not wish this, they will be sent back to Tul. The disciplines are strenuous. I do not need anyone who is not going to give their all." She turned again to face them.
"Wake the others, have them come to the main hall and Ayahtinah bring S'Tha's daughter to me." She walked past them heading for the main hall.
When all the women had assembled in the main hall and Ayahtinah had returned with Asara carrying B'Oada, T'Cressa went from one to the other looking deep into each one's eyes. When she had finished she returned to the steps that lead to a small dais. She looked at the hundred and thirty-two females that stood in front of her, with their daughters and the two sons of Ayahtinah and Tumar they numbered two hundred and sixty four, she did not count Asara, as she would not be trained in the disciplines. There was much whispering among the women. No one had told them what was happening.
"Quiet!" Said T'Cressa.
"When you assemble within the tadash quam in front of me, you will not speak unless asked to. You will not breath louder than I can hear and you will keep your thoughts under control at all times, for I know them also. I am T'Cressa, Arch-Reldai of the clan of Ni'rch Heya. I have been sent here to teach you all the disciplines of the kea. Hopefully you will all reach the Kolinahr... eventually. If any among you do not wish to be here, or are not willing to take my instruction without question... leave now, return to Tul." She stopped and waited to see if anyone of them would make a move to leave, none did.
"You will all follow every instruction without comment, even when you think it is wrong." She looked through the crowd.
"Starting tomorrow you will all wake before Las'hark does. The early morning will be spent in meditation. The afternoon will be spent with Tumar in battle training."
"But that is the hottest part of the day Reldai!" One woman said. T'Cressa looked at her.
"In time you will learn to ignore that." She went up the stairs till she stood on the dais.
"After that everyone will help to rebuild this temple. Meals will be restricted to once a day, in the evening. But before meals are taken there will be three hours of disciplines from me. This will start tomorrow. As for today, I want every inch of this temple, every grain of sand swept away." They all looked at her as if she was mad, but no one spoke.
"By the time your Reldai returns this will look like a temple and you will resemble priestesses. You may leave now and start your duties for the day."
Everyone started to leave the hall except Ayahtinah, Tumar and Asara who still cradled the sleeping B'Oada in her arms. T'Cressa came down the stairs and stood in front of Asara. Asara didn't know how to take this female.
"Give me the child." T'Cressa ordered. Asara looked at Ayahtinah who nodded for her to do so.
She handed the child to the Reldai who held her gently in her arms.
"Now little Khiori do you have the nikh as your mother does?" She asked the sleeping child, T'Cressa flicked her foot till she opened her eyes. She looked into the black orbs of B'Oada and smiled softly.
"Yes it is true, she will be a great hope for the Sisterhood." T'Cressa said.
Asara couldn't believe what she had just heard; B'Oada and S'Tha possessed the nikh! How could this be true? None before in the House of Rus'ma had ever had it. Surely the Reldai was mistaken.
"No Asara, I am not mistaken. I can sense the child has the nikh. One who has it knows another." Asara was amazed she had not spoken; yet this Reldai had heard her thoughts. She bowed her head slightly to T'Cressa.
"No Asara do not lessen yourself in front of me. We are all equal here." T'Cressa said raising her hand to Asara's face she placed her two fingers in the center of her forehead. Asara closed her eyes.
"S'Tha has chosen her t'hy'la well." She removed her fingers from Asara's forehead.
"I will rest now, when I wake I will inspect the work which has been done this day." T'Cressa left the three women standing in the hall in silence, each with their own thoughts. But one thought they all shared was the birth of the Sisterhood of Gol had now begun.
Chapter 9
S'lil would come in the evening and instruct her in the advanced disciplines, which at times eluded her, but S'lil was patient, going over them again and again.
When S'Tha's sight had come back and she saw S'lil for the first time she thought he did not look like a priest at all. Instead of the shaven head she had come to know as the symbol of the priesthood, he wore his hair long to his waist, pulled back and tied with fibrous bands. He wore a tiny white stone in the center of his forehead, a symbol of the Arch-Reldei of the T'sai Kh'liorah. His robes were a lightweight fabric in a gleaming white. The rounded collar her wore contained Vulcan glyphs in silver. His umber eyes seemed to shine with a deep peace and understanding, something she did not have.
It had been six weeks since S'Tha had started the disciplines and she wondered when she would perform the ritual of Pe'tra aria and return to Gol. She missed her daughter and her companions. That evening as she sat with S'lil her question was answered.
"S'Tha do you feel ready to perform Pe'tra aria?" S'lil asked.
"I am ready Reldei." She answered. S'lil looked at her studying her eyes.
"Then tomorrow before Las'hark rises you will perform the ritual of the passing of the wisdoms. If Nurum's essence chooses to pass on to you what she knows, you will be the greatest Reldai in our history to date. If she chooses not to... you will probably die." He looked at her.
"Do you accept this S'Tha?" He asked.
"I accept what must be done S'lil, no matter what the cost." He nodded.
"Then you are ready S'Tha."
S'lil left S'Tha to prepare through meditation for the ritual the next morning. The morning would come quick enough and she needed to be at oneness with herself. Only then could she hope to achieve the passing of the wisdoms. S'Tha's mind was empty of all other thoughts except... would she live to carry out ashu'cezh?
Early before Las'hark rose T'Krech came to S'Tha's chamber.
"Sal'rch the Arch-Reldei waits for you. It is time." She said. She helped S'Tha to dress in a plain white gahra. S'Tha refused to have her hair bound upon her head instead she braided it and let it hang down her back.
They left the chamber and walked silently down the passages of Ni'rch Heya. Throughout the great mountain priests and priestesses were in silent meditation honoring the oneness within them. They passed a large hall and S'Tha glanced in. The Tadash Quam of Ni'rch Heya lay darkened, only a large ornate brazier threw enough light that S'Tha could see the enormous statue of Tulrah, T'sai Kh'liorah's face softly glowed from the fire within the brazier.
They continued down the passage till they reached an archway which lead to a flight of stairs. Both women descended the stairs. It was much darker and cooler within the depths of Ni'rch Heya. Finally T'Krech stopped in front of a large door.
"Wait here." She said and disappeared inside. S'Tha looked up and down the dark corridor, she calmed her breathing, her heart pounded a little quicker than normal. She didn't know what was going to happen in the ritual, but she trusted her oneness would bring her through whatever was in store for her. She recited a silent quwes of protection to T'sai Kh'liorah. The door opened and T'Krech spoke...
"This way, the Arch-Reldei is ready."
S'Tha walked past her into a large chamber. The light was very dim and she smelled the presh flower that was slowly burning on the brazier. S'Tha felt sick, her stomach heaved but she managed to control it. S'lil approached her.
"Are you well S'Tha?" He asked.
"Yes, S'lil, it is the smell of the presh, it sickens me. I thought only Kleadine offered it in ritual?" She asked.
"Originally the presh was sacred to Tulrah, in it purest form. The priests of Kh'liorah only in high rituals used it. It is only since Kleadine introduced the worship of Tulrah'Kas has the presh been abused. No longer is the presh a sacred herb of the Gods, now it is in use by every tress within the temple of Tulrah'Kas. It has become an addiction with them. In it's purest form." He motioned towards the brazier,
"It is quite potent, but its minimal use has no ill effects upon us."
"Must it be used within this ritual?" S'Tha asked.
"It must S'Tha. You must be completely open; you must be able to receive whatever wisdoms Nurum's essence wishes to share. And the presh allows you to do both." He said taking her by the arm and leading her across to a large kir table. Upon it sat an orb about the size of a head. It pulsed softly glowing in sporadic sequence. S'lil put his hand on the orb. He still had his hand on S'Tha's arm and she felt a jolt of energy shoot through her, she stiffened. S'lil released her arm and stepped back.
"Put your hand upon the orb S'Tha." He said quietly. She looked at him nervously, then at the orb. Slowly she reached out, her fingers trembling slightly. S'Tha stopped about an inch away from the orb. Her hand froze in its glow. She looked at S'lil.
"I will leave you with Nurum." A small smile appeared on his lips.
"Only fear can harm you S'Tha. Work with the energy, do not fear it." He said. S'Tha nodded and S'lil turned and left the chamber.
S'Tha stood for sometime staring at the orb which held the essence of Nurum. Her arm was becoming numb from the length of time she held it over the orb. Finally she decided she had waited long enough, the scent of presh had made her light headed, and she swayed gently. She took a deep breath and placed her hand on the orb. At first she felt a pulsing energy flowing up her arm, it was not unpleasant. As the energy that was Nurum made it's way up her arm it became more intense, she started to feel uneasy, her breathing became laboured. It seemed like every nerve was on fire and every muscle was being ripped from it's bone. S'Tha tried to call out, but nothing came nor could she remove her hand from the orb. She slumped on the table, her eyes wide. She lay there waiting for her body to explode from the inside out. After awhile the sensation started to ease and her mind became very calm and clear. She lay taking all that Nurum would offer, her mind seemed to be filling like one would fill a bowl of water till it overflowed. The knowledge that was being passed flashed in small pictures so fast she couldn't keep control of them.
Slowly the energy receded from within her. Finally she was able to remove her hand from the orb. She lay across the table eyes wide staring at the orb. She now contained every wisdom that Nurum possessed. Her eyes closed slowly and she fell into a deep sleep, completely exhausted from the ritual.
How long she stayed like that or how she got back to her chamber she didn't know. But when she woke she had a terrible headache. She raised her head then put it back down on the pillow. She put her hand to her forehead, when she took it away blood was on her fingers. S'Tha touched her forehead again and felt where the white stone of the Reldai had been inserted. She smiled gently knowing that her vision of the Sisterhood was truly happening. S'Tha closed her eyes again and fell to sleep, Nurum's wisdoms running through her mind.
GOL
They both entered T'Cressa's chamber. T'Cressa was pleased to see T'Sha, it had been nine months since she had left the great mountain and to see one of her own sisters gave her a connection to her own Sisterhood. The training of the Sisterhood of Gol had gone well, T'Cressa was satisfied with their progression. Most of the new Sisters had worked very hard to achieve the mastering of the kea. And in the Kush te'rmch most excelled, Tumar was indeed a fine teacher when it came to the ways of battle. T'Sha greeted the Arch-Reldai.
"All is well within Ni'rch Heya?" Asked T'Cressa.
"All is well Reldai." T'Sha removed her set'a.
"The Arch-Reldei has sent me to inform you that Reldai S'Tha shall return shortly to Gol."
"She had preformed the ritual of the wisdoms?" T'Cressa asked.
"She has. The Reldai now contains all that was Nurum." Answered T'Sha. T'Cressa nodded.
"Then indeed Kleadine will have a fine opponent when the time comes." The Reldai stated.
"And how goes it here?" Asked T'Sha. T'Cressa walked past the two women to the door.
"Come T'Sha I will show you. I am... pleased with the priestesses of Gol." They started down the hall.
"Even the youngest have almost reached their potential. It is strange how hate can drive us to succeed."
"Yes Reldai, and we have justification to contain this hate." Said Ayahtinah from behind. T'Cressa stopped and looked as her and nodded.
"Yes Ayahtinah, but one must control that hate, emotions at times cloud our logic. If we are to succeed we must remove all emotion, and work only with arie'mnu. Only then can we achieve what we want." She said.
"And what is that?" Asked T'Sha.
"To rid our land and the people of Vulcan of the priesthood of Tulrah'Kas." Answered Ayahtinah.
"But we are priestesses of T'sai Kh'liorah. We have not the right to take up weapons against anyone. It is not the way of Kh'liorah." Said T'Sha looking at T'Cressa then back to Ayahtinah.
"Although the Sisters of Gol are followers of T'sai Kh'liorah, they are also Krush-Reldai and will take their vow at months end to protect this land and the people from any harm at all costs." T'Cressa said.
"Then you have changed your ways T'Cressa? Our doctrine of non-violence is not within you anymore?" Asked T'Sha.
"What I have heard and seen Sister over these months would change anyone's views. Kleadine has gone completely mad. He butchers everyone. He has declared ashu'cezh against S'Tha and the Sisterhood. Right now he readies his Kush-Reldei. I fear there will be ankh' in this land T'Sha, like nothing we have ever seen in the past. And I for one will fight with the last breath I have in me under the hand of T'sai Kh'liorah." T'Cressa looked directly into S'Tha's eyes.
"We had no knowledge it was this bad T'Cressa, truly Kleadine would not go as far as to start ankh', he truly must be insane." Responded T'Sha.
"Insane does not describe his madness Sister. He has even started to perform the Ghe'M Pes Katra on his own tress. He offered even the youngest males in the plak aru'sh. He invokes Tulrah'Kas daily to bring her wrath upon the Sisterhood." Spat Ayahtinah.
"Perhaps if S'Tha would not have left Tul with her vision of the Sisterhood, this would not be so?" Said T'Sha.
"Whether S'Tha had left or stayed Kleadine would have to be stopped. S'Tha's choice had only quickened the inevitable. But I feel secure in the knowledge that now with Nurum's wisdoms within S'Tha and with the ability of the Sisterhood we will put an end to the priesthood of Tulrah'Kas." T'Cressa finished.
"But at what cost Reldai?" Asked T'Sha.
"To everything there is a cost, sometimes the price to pay for freedom is costly. But what choice do we have?" Asked T'Cressa.
"Indeed, what choice do we have?" Replied T'Sha.
"Come let me show you Gol and the new Sisterhood." The three women continued walking towards the entrance of the temple. Las'hark's face slowly crested the horizon to send his golden rays upon the red sands of Gol.
Chapter 10
Over the months she had worked closely with S'lil to learn to control and use the nikh. At first she wanted to give up and let it remain dormant, but S'lil assured her whether or not she used it, it would come and it was safer to be in control of it than let it destroy her.
S'Tha turned from the darkness, as she waited for T'Krech appeared in the entrance of the doorway. She did not need to hear her; she knew she was coming.
"Reldai, the Arch-Reldei will speak with you." T'Krech said. S'Tha followed her silently to where S'lil waited. After T'Krech left he smiled at S'Tha.
"It is time S'Tha, we have given you all we can. We have no more to give." He said. "Then I may return to Gol?" She asked.
"You have too, your Sisterhood waits. As does Kleadine." S'lil noticed a flash in S'Tha's eyes.
"Then I will leave forthwith, I would not want to keep the Arch-Reldei of Tulrah'Kas waiting!" S'Tha said trying to conceal the hatred she felt for the man.
"S'Tha remember; do not abuse your abilities. Do not let your hatred of Kleadine cloud your logic. For only in logic there is truth and only in truth success." S'Tha nodded.
"Fear not S'lil my hatred for Kleadine is controlled. I will not foolishly plunge into anything that would endanger me. No... That time is gone; I will wait till everything is right. Only then will Kleadine wish he never heard the name S'Tha!"
"Do not be lulled into a false security S'Tha. Kleadine now knows of you and your abilities, he is prepared for you. And his abilities are as powerful as yours if not more so. And unlike you he will do anything to secure his position as Arch-Reldei." S'lil warned.
"Then S'lil, you truly do not know me." She turned from the Arch-Reldei and walked to the entrance of the chamber, she turned and looked at him.
"Ever since I was old enough to understand the way of Aklash Tia I knew it was a desecration against females. Kleadine has violated and demeaned females for too many years. He has taken everything that was mine! No S'lil fear not that my hatred for this priest is not strong enough to carry me to the end."
"And what is the end S'Tha?" S'lil asked.
"Ashu'cezh!" S'Tha said her eyes full of fire.
S'lil approached her. When he stood in front of her he lifted his two fingers and placed them on her lips. S'Tha's eyes widened.
"Be careful." Was all he said and left.
S'Tha stood for a moment, the warmth that S'lil had just given her flowed over her. She brought herself out of her thoughts. This male had touched something deep inside of her. (For months now she had watched him in his meditations or as he honored Tulrah in the Tadash Quam.) She found him attractive and trusted him, something she had not done for a long time. Ever since she was a young child she found the Vulcan male untrustworthy and had always vowed she would never bond and marry. Her parents had arranged a bonding for her when she was ten years old, but it never happened. The young male was suddenly taken ill and died three months later. S'Tha refused to bond to another saying,
"The Gods do not wish for me to bond. Through Sarin's death they show this." Her parents arranged another bonding but she refused to even meet with the new suitor and as she got older, no matter what threat her parents would use, she refused to accept any bond mate. S'Tha knew somehow if she was to bond she would not be free to do what she had to do now. She was satisfied in her choice.
She turned and looked out the door where S'lil had just gone through.
"Perhaps later, when this is over there will be time for pleasures." She said turning and heading for her chamber to prepare herself for her departure to Gol.
GOL
"Who is this female?" Asked S'Tha.
"She is T'Cressa, Arch-Reldai of Ni'rch Heya. She left before you woke; she has been here these many months training the priestesses. I'm sure she will be pleased that you have returned." T'Krech said. She had come to Gol with S'Tha as her aide. S'Tha started to climb the stairs; she stopped when she reached the step below T'Cressa. S'Tha put her hands out palms up.
"I come to serve." She said. T'Cressa noted her nervousness and took her by the hand.
"It is I that should serve you Reldai. She said. S'Tha looked up into her face.
"We truly only serve the Kh'liorah T'Cressa." Said S'Tha.
"This is truth Reldai. Come you will meet your Kush Reldai." She turned and walked towards the entrance of the temple; S'Tha and T'Krech behind her. They followed T'Cressa to a large balcony off the Tadash Quam, the three women stood looking down onto the main square of Gol. S'Tha's eyes widened.
Beneath them in the main square stood the Sisterhood of Gol. Now numbering over five hundred. They stood in silence, eyes closed, their pale gray garhas blowing in the wind. S'Tha noticed Ayahtinah and Tumar.
"Why are those dawning different gahras?" She asked.
"Tumar wears the green gahra of life's blood and ankh. She is head-kush and has trained the Sisters in the ways of battle these many months. She is very skilled in the ways of killing a male with her bare hands. She is also exquisite in the handling of the senepa." T'Cressa looked at S'Tha.
"She will also train you in the art of the warrior priestess."
"And Ayahtinah, why does she wear the dark gray?"
"She is your first priestess. At first T'Sha was sent here to be your first, but I fear she does not share the same views of ashu'cezh as the rest... how could she? She was born within Ni'rch Heya and has never been at the hands of the priesthood of Tulrah'Kas. She cannot understand the emotions and scars of those of us who have." T'Cressa turned her head away from the Reldai.
"And you can?" Asked S'Tha. T'Cressa turned to face her.
"I can." She said.
"I too was one of Kleadine's violations in Aklash Tia, many years ago." S'Tha saw the pain and loss flash on T'Cressa's face. She put her hand on her arm.
"Tell me sister, you birthed a daughter?" Asked S'Tha, hoping this to be true. T'Cressa turned her head away and looked down onto the gray sea.
"No Reldai, I did not have the favor of the T'sai Kh'liorah with me as you did. No my son now stands as Kleadine's first priest." She looked back at S'Tha.
"Selar is my son S'Tha... but we will talk no more of him. Ayahtinah is your first priestess, you can trust her with your life, and you might have too. " S'Tha turned her view to the woman standing in the main square.
"Why do they stand so?" She asked.
"They are going through their initiation as priestesses of the Sisterhood. They will receive their t'rek when T'Khut's horns rise high two night from now." T'Cressa turned and started to walk from the balcony.
"Come Reldai, you must be tired and thirsty form your journey. Rest and nourish yourself then we will talk more."
"No T'Cressa, first I wish to see my daughter." S'Tha said. T'Cressa nodded and led the way to a small bedchamber at the rear of the temple.
"The other children stay in the common chamber. The older ones take care of the younger ones, as now." Said T'Cressa.
T'Cressa left S'Tha to visit with her daughter and she and T'Krech went to discuss matters from Ni'rch Heya.
S'Tha opened the door and entered the chamber; her heart was full of joy. In ten months she had not seen her daughter, she only hoped B'Oada would still have the bond in her that they shared. She closed the door and Asara looked up from the scripts she was reading to B'Oada. A smile came to her lips and she put the scripts down reaching for B'Oada she picked her up and approached S'Tha. Both women embraced each other and tears were in Asara's eyes.
Sal'rch you have come!" Asara said.
"I will always come to the ones that are in my heart." S'Tha replied. Asara handed her B'Oada. S'Tha took her in her arms and held her tightly till the child squirmed to be released from her grip.
"B'Oada, do you not remember maas?" Asked Asara of the child. S'Tha handed her back to Asara. B'Oada looked into S'Tha's face. S'Tha melded into her daughters mind and held her.
"Maas." B'Oada said and put her finger on S'Tha's lips.
"Maas." She repeated, S'Tha smiled fighting to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
"She does remember me." She said.
"Of course she does, you are her Maas. She will never forget you." Asara said putting the child down. They both watched as B'Oada walked over to the scripts that were on the stool and picked them up waving them around.
"She likes to be told tales, like her Maas did." Said Asara.
"How is she progressing with the nikh?" Asked S'Tha.
"She is young yet, but T'Cressa says she is learning well the lessons she teaches." Answered Asara.
"I will be taking over her training, T'Cressa must leave to return to Ni'rch Heya soon." Said S'Tha.
"We will miss her, she has done well for the Sisterhood." Said Asara.
"At first I did not care for her ways, too harsh. But I see what she has made of the females of Tul and I admire her for her abilities. And she treats B'Oada very well." Asara finished. S'Tha smiled and put her hand on Asara's arm.
"I will rest now t'hy'la. Wake me when the evening starts." S'Tha left to find her chamber leaving Asara to tell tales of children to B'Oada.
"I cannot agree with this!" T'Sha said.
"We as followers of T'sai Kh'liorah may not take up arms, it is against our way, our teachings to take life. I for one will not be apart of this." The hall was silent; all eyes were on the young priestess. Finally S'Tha stood and walked around the table where the elite Sisterhood had gathered. It had been a week after the initiation of the Sisterhood and a choice now had to be made of what stand they would take against Kleadine. S'Tha knew exactly what she wanted to do, but without the complete agreement of the sisters... all of them, she was at a stand still. She approached T'Sha; her eyes were calm, showing none of the anger she held within at this moment.
"Priestess, you have lived at Ni'rch Heya since your birth?" She asked.
"I have Reldai." T'Sha answered.
"Then I cannot expect you to understand what we..." She pointed to everyone in the hall.
"Have had to endure. You are still Pa Vetch?"
"I am Reldai." T'Sha answered her in a steady voice.
"And you do hold this sacred T'Sha?" S'Tha asked.
"I do Reldai. A priestess should be whole to serve the T'sai." She said. S'Tha took her by the arm and lead her around the hall. T'Sha looked into each face of each female. S'Tha put her in front of Tumar, Ayahtinah and even T'Cressa. She turned her to face her.
"Look into my face T'Sha and tell me who I am?" Her voice was hard.
"You are S'Tha, Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol." Answered T'Sha.
"Yes I am! And I serve Tulrah with all of my heart, my katra burns with her fire as everyone's' here. But I am not whole T'Sha. That part of me has been ripped from me! Do you understand what it is like to be violated, to be raped by an all-powerful male? You cannot fight him, you cannot run away in fear he will harm your family. There is nothing you can do! Every woman in this temple can tell you the same story, every woman in Tul also." She put her hand on S'Tha's shoulder.
"I understand that you cannot fathom what we feel. You have never gone through Aklash Tia." She took her hand away.
"Kleadine must be stopped! The priesthood of Tulrah'Kas must be disbanded! We Vulcan females and now even our males are being butchered! If we are to survive, Kleadine must die!!" S'Tha walked back to the table and stood waiting for a comment from T'Sha.
T'Sha looked from one priestess to another and back to S'Tha.
"Truly I cannot understand how you feel. I can only imagine the horror you have all been through. I have been here to see the females of Tul coming for sanctuary here at Gol. Their stories have saddened me; I admit this. But as a priestess in the service of T'sai Kh'liorah and second priestess of Ni'rch Heya I cannot be a part of taking life, no matter what has happened. Reldai, the young tress are only following what Kleadine tells them..."
"And that makes it right!!" Screamed S'Tha.
"Perhaps we should send you to Kleadine and maybe when you return you will have a change of heart!" S'Tha said coldly. T'Cressa stood and approached T'Sha.
"No Reldai we will not do that. No one would deserve that fate." She looked softly at T'Sha
"No we will send this child back to Ni'rch Heya, where she will not have to be involved in this matter. There she may honor the T'sai." She turned to walk away but stopped and turned to look at T'Sha once more.
"Perhaps you have captured the true meaning of the Kh'liorah T'Sha, something we have not done. Live long and prosper sal'rch, you leave tomorrow for Ni'rch Heya."
"I thank you Reldai for your understanding. I will hold you all within my katra. I will ask T'sai Kh'liorah to protect and give her hand to your success. T'Sha bowed her head.
A young female walked in through the entrance of the hall, behind her a priestess. T'Cressa approached her heart pounding in her chest.
"De'et, why are you here?" T'Cressa already knew, she felt it, her mind swayed and she closed her eyes. The priestess slumped to the floor.
"Bring her water!" Yelled Tumar to one of the other priestesses. De'et was near exhaustion, her gahra splattered with blood. T'Cressa kneeled beside her and lifted her into her arms.
"Tell me De'et, everything that has happened?"
De'et looked up into the face of T'Cressa. Her eyes were filled with fear and horror. The priestess pulled herself away from T'Cressa, when she was steady De'et stood and approached S'Tha. She put her hands out in submission.
"Reldai I have been sent to you with words from Kleadine." All breathing stopped within the hall. S'Tha approached her and put her hands on her shoulders.
"What are Kleadine's words?" She asked in a whisper, her eyes flaming and her heart jumping.
"He tells you he waits at Tul for your company. You should come forthwith if you wish him to spare the Arch-Reldei S'lil."
"He has S'lil?" Asked S'Tha. Whispers went up around the hall.
"Silence!" Snapped S'Tha.
"What of the priestesses and priests of Ni'rch Heya?" Asked S'Tha.
"I am all that is left Reldai." Slowly T'Cressa's eyes filled with horror. She caught the end of the table to steady herself.
"No, all of them?" She asked, her voice cracking. De'et nodded slowly.
"If you do not go to Tul, the Arch-Reldai will die in Ghe'm Pes Katra. And Kleadine will come for the Sisterhood." S'Tha let go of her shoulders and walked to the end of the table where T'Cressa stood dazed.
"He also said he would take pleasures with you once again before you join the T'sai." S'Tha stiffened at the thought of Kleadine touching her. She reached up and tore the set'a she wore from her head and threw it on the table.
"NO! NO!" She screamed.
"He dies!!" She put her hand on T'Cressa's arm.
"He dies t'hy'la... he dies!!"
S'Tha removed her gahra letting it fall to the floor. Her black gret and breastplate shone under the light of the torches in the hall. Tumar and Ayahtinah also removed theirs.
"I will leave tomorrow for Tul. Tumar ready your most efficient Kush. Ayahtinah you will accompany me also." She said staring blankly at T'Cressa.
"I will join you also t'hy'la." Said T'Cressa.
"No t'hy'la, you must stay here with the rest of the priestesses, the children. If I do not come back, then you will carry on ashu'cezh... no matter what... he dies!!"
T'Cressa nodded her head in agreement. T'Sha approached the table.
"I will go with you Reldai." She said. S'Tha went to her and looked into her eyes. She reached up and removed her set'a.
"Bring her a gret and breast plate Tumar, she will join us at Tul. Her eyes will see what we fight against." She took S'Tha's face in her hand.
"Now you understand sal'rch?" She asked. T'Sha nodded.
"I feel your fire Reldai. I understand why he must be stopped. And I will stand with you and if need be give my life to protect you in your fight. I vow this on my blood!" All voices in the hall repeated the vow.
S'Tha turned and left the hall her body trembling with the hatred that wanted to explode.
"Ready everything Tumar, tomorrow we leave for Tul and Kleadine. Tomorrow Tulrah's Tia will ignite!" She said as she left to join Asara in her chamber and to spend the remainder of the night holding B'Oada, not knowing if she would ever see her again.
Chapter 11
The Sisterhood passed through the archway that lead to the main square of the temple of Tulrah'Kas. Waiting on the top steps were a dozen priests; Selar at the head of them. S'Tha and her priestesses climbed the stairs to meet them; her eyes never left the face of Selar. When she stood before him, his priests stepped back, S'Tha paid them no mind, her eyes held only Selar.
"We have come for the Arch-Reldei S'lil, priest." Her voice was steady, absolutely no emotion. One of the tress put his hand slowly to his waist ready to pull his quon tch, the ceremonial blade now used to butcher the Vulcan people. Tumar saw him and pulled her senepa from beneath her gahra.
S'Tha put her hand out to stop her.
"No t'hy'la, it is not time." She said. S'Tha turned her gaze to the tress, his eyes were glassed and dilated, the effects of the over use of presh. She went deep into him, her eyes flaming, not a muscle moving. She reached down into his blood, into his very katra. The tress dropped the quoin tch and looked wide-eyed into S'Tha's face. She went deeper still, exploding her fury within him. The tress gave a strangled scream and slumped to the ground. Selar watched with horror, as the tress lay lifeless before him, the rest of the priests backed further away. Selar stepped closer to S'Tha his hands in the submissive gesture.
"It is true Reldai, you do possess the nikh. I offer no fight." He said.
"We come for S'lil!" She said once again.
"I cannot give him to you Reldai." He said not looking into her eyes in fear that she might turn the nikh on him.
"You must speak with the Arch-Reldei Kleadine. He is the only one that may release him to you."
Selar always thought this female to be dangerous. But now as she stood in front of him her eyes black and flaming beneath her black set'a he knew she was not only dangerous but also lethal.
"Is Kleadine in his quarters?" She asked.
"No Reldai, he awaits you in the Tadash Quam in the main garden. I will take..." S'Tha pushed past him.
"I know the way priest." And she walked towards the entrance of the temple, when she reached the archway she turned.
"Tumar, Ayahtinah if these kah'ich move." She looked directly at Selar.
"Kill them!!" Both priestesses nodded and S'Tha disappeared into the darkened hall of the temple.
She walked steadily towards the Tadash Quam, her heart beating just a little quicker. She entered the garden; memories of her last visit vivid in her mind. She approached the center of the garden where the hir lay; Kleadine now kneeled before the great statue of Tulrah'Kas. She could have killed him then but she chose not to, she stood silently watching him.
Kleadine slowly turned his head. He raised himself from the hir and turned to face her. His eyes were clear, he had not over indulged in the use of the presh, he was clever, and he knew he had to have all his senses when he faced her. He came towards her removing his gahra, S'Tha kept his gaze.
"Will you not remove your set'a and gahra t'hy'la that I may see you? It's a little late to start following tradition." He said lifting the end of her set'a.
"I come for S'lil." She said slowly. He looked at her searching for her powers, trying to determine if she was stronger than him. He smiled.
"Of course t'hy'la, I will take you to him soon. But first will you not honor Tulrah'Kas with me?"
S'Tha spat on him. He smiled and wiped the spittle from his face. Kleadine reached out and grabbed her by the arm and pulled her hard against him. She reached out into him ready to explode everything within him but her eyes flew wide with horror as she hit blackness, she couldn't get through, he was stronger than her in the arts of the kea. S'Tha reached for her lil'ra but her caught her hand and pried it from her. He pulled her set'a from her head and kissed her face, she fought him but he was stronger. Kleadine dragged her back to the hir ripping off her black gahra and threw her onto the black stone.
S'Tha couldn't believe what was happening. She searched within for the abilities of Nurum, but all was dark. She kneeled on the hir her hair entangling around her. Kleadine reached and ripped off her breastplate. She looked up into his face.
"You would violate an Arch-Reldai?" She hissed.
"You are a female, you will pleasure me Reldai or not!" He came down upon her pushing her down onto the hir.
"First pleasure, then S'lil." He said putting his mouth on hers.
S'Tha lay not moving as Kleadine took pleasures with her once again against her wish. He was not as gentle as he was before and S'Tha did everything to prevent herself from crying out. But in the end she couldn't contain her pain and anguish. When he had finished she lay sobbing. She had failed herself, the Sisterhood and her vow.
Kleadine pulled her up and kissed her hard.
"Why the tears t'hy'la? I thought you would enjoy it, after all you are the mother of my child." He looked into her eyes.
"You should have had more training S'Tha before you attempted to match me in the kea." He let her go.
"Come you may see the Reldei." She reached for her gahra.
"No need for that, he won't be able to see you." Kleadine turned and started to walk from the garden.
S'Tha could only imagine what he meant by that statement. S'Tha walked into the ritual chamber, Kleadine was already standing beside the hir which S'lil was lying on, six priests surrounded the black stone, their quon tchs held in front of them. When she reached the hir and looked down into S'lil's face she shrunk back in horror, his eyes were gone. S'Tha put her hand on his face. "S'lil do you live?" She whispered. S'lil did not answer.
"His life force is still within him t'hy'la, but that will soon change." Kleadine said as he came around the hir to her side.
"You see he has agreed to allow me to contain his katra." S'Tha looked in disbelief.
"No..." She moaned. Kleadine smiled.
"Do not be upset t'hy'la, although your Arch-Reldei will be dead, everything that he was will be within me." He tapped his head.
"Everything!" He whispered. S'Tha stared at him tears in her eyes.
"You will perform Ghe'M Pes Katra?" She asked.
"Yes, and you will watch. Perhaps learn something new." He drew close to her till his face was only inches from hers.
"S'Tha, it's a wonderful feeling to be able to hold the knowledge of others. Everything they have learned in their lives. You could join me, we could be the greatest and most powerful Reldei's that this world has ever known!" He drew back. "I would rather die, take my own life priest than submit to your insanity." S'Tha said.
"I've come here for one reason, and that is to kill you!" Kleadine laughed and took her face in his hand.
"Oh S'Tha... you already tried that, but I am stronger. It will always be that way. You do not have the power, the ambition to achieve what I will." He let go of her face.
"And what is it you wish to achieve priest?" She asked. He turned and walked back to the hir.
"That is simple S'Tha, I want to be a God! I want absolute power!"
"You already have that priest." S'Tha was becoming uneasy. If only she could meld with one of her Kush, but her mind was not controlled enough to do so.
"I want the knowledge of the ages. I want every thought, every wisdom of the Vulcan people. I want to feel their living essence within me!"
"If you continue Ghe'M Pes Katra, eventually you will have no one left to honor you when you achieve Godhood." She said in a feeble attempt to convince Kleadine to end this madness. He reached across S'lil's body and took her by the hand.
"That is why I want you S'Tha. You have the nikh, however weak. But our offspring will have it stronger. Think of it t'hy'la, an elite priesthood, all of them having the nikh! They would be unbeatable, the priesthood of Tulrah'Kas would stand above all mortals!"
"But they would stand alone priest and eventually one who is stronger would have the same vision as you. And you will be dead!" S'Tha glared at him. If only she had her lil'ra she would end this priest's life now, or die trying. Kleadine looked at her his face blank, his eyes glazed. He shook his head and brought himself back to the deed he was about to do.
A Kush stepped forward and before S'Tha could move he had her in an iron grip. Kleadine proceeded to dress himself in the ritual garb of the Ghe'M Pes Katra. The black gahra hung in folds to the ground; the face of Tulrah'Kas stared empty eyed from the belt around his waist. He placed the Ray Kalt upon his forehead and picked up the quon tch. Slowly he approached the hir and stood over the still body of S'lil. S'Tha held her breath, she wanted to shut her eyes, but she knew she had to watch, to let her mind and katra remember, to allow the hatred of him to grow.
Kleadine raised the quon tch to his face and kissed the blade closing his eyes he began.
"Tulrah'Kas, holder of the heart,
His voice was clear and it seemed to echo off the walls within the chamber. The other Kush started the chant.
"Ne ash'kre Ghe'M Pes Katra!
It started out slow and low but within a few minutes it had reached a crescendo. Their voices reaching every part of S'Tha's being. Kleadine slowly turned the quon tch downwards, the deadly blade gleaming in the torchlight. S'lil turned his head to face S'Tha. Her heart ached for him, but she was useless to help him.
"Ashu'cezh Reldai." He whispered and smiled. S'Tha silently mouthed the words and watched as Kleadine plunged the quon tch into S'lil's chest. He stiffened but did not cry out. Kleadine quickly made a few cuts within the Reldei's chest and pulled the still pumping heart from the cavity. He placed the heart into the vessel, which hung at the head of the hir and quickly placed his hands on S'lil's head in a melding position. Kleadine's head jerked back and he slumped to his knees still holding the meld. S'Tha stared in horror as she watched as the priest retrieved the essence that was S'lil into himself, his face in complete ecstasy.
Slowly Kleadine released his hold on S'lil and pulled himself up. He stood for a moment till he was steady then approached S'Tha. She stood still held by the Kush, controlling herself the best she could. Kleadine brought his blood-splattered face to hers.
"The power t'hy'la. The pleasure." He said as he put his lips on hers. S'Tha froze, she wanted to be ill, but that would show her weakness. Kleadine pulled back and looked into her stone face.
"Take her to her priestesses." He turned and left the chamber. S'Tha looked after him feeling such hate and disgust within her. She pulled her arm free from the grip of the Kush and left the chamber taking one last look at S'lil.
"Ashu'cezh t'hy'la!" She whispered and went to join her priestesses.
When S'Tha appeared at the entrance of the temple her priestesses yelled with joy thinking she had put an end to the Arch-Reldei. Tumar approached her removing her gahra. She placed it over S'Tha's shoulders hiding her nakedness from the male priests.
"It is done Reldai?" Tumar asked. S'Tha looked up into the face of the Battler, her eyes full of defeat and sorrow. She turned to face her priestesses and walked forward.
"The Arch-Reldei S'lil is dead." Her voice was like steel.
"And Kleadine lives." All eyes of the priestesses looked with complete astonishment.
"We will return to Gol for now he is stronger. We must become stronger. S'lil has ordered ashu'cezh, and it will be carried out in time. But I am afraid t'hy'las this is not the time." She turned to Tumar.
"Take a dozen of your best Kush and bring the Arch-Reldei's body." She took a deep breath.
"And Tumar." Tumar looked at her.
"Butcher any of Kleadine's priests that you find!" Tumar quickly chose her priestesses and entered the temple.
S'Tha approached Kleadine's priests who were standing ready to accept their fate.
"Today Selar, he has won. But in time the tide will change. I vow this!" She took the senepa that Ayahtinah was holding and looked at it. Tears were in her eyes.
"Will you not come into the Kh'liorah Selar?" She asked looking at the blade.
"Tulrah'Kas is my light S'Tha. She is all I know and need." He answered. S'Tha raised the senepa and looked into his face.
"Then your maas will be pleased that I have set you free from your misery." Selar smiled and lifted his hands in submission. S'Tha held her breath and brought the senepa across his neck; the deadly blade cutting through flesh and bone easily. Selar's head fell to the ground, his body still standing, his hands still held out. S'Tha put the tip of the senepa on his chest and pushed. His body lurched forward and impaled itself on the tip of the blade. He fell forward onto her and she pushed him to the side where he fell and hit the ground with a thud.
She wiped the blood from her face on the green gahra and looked at the remaining priests. S'Tha turned to walk away putting her hand on Ayahtinah's shoulder.
"Kill them!" And she continued down the stairs listening to the moans of the dying priests. Her priestesses were not as merciful as she; they made them suffer before taking their lives.
"So be it!" S'Tha said.
"Kleadine wants horror that even he will shrink back." She turned and watched the frenzy of her priestesses.
"From this day on Tulrah's Tia will wander the land. And the red sands will become green with the blood of the Vulcan people, until Kleadine lies lifeless and the priesthood breathes no more upon this land... the battle will never end!" She yelled above the screams of the dying priests. S'Tha threw the gahra off and ran back up the stairs joining in the butchering and finding a release from her hatred.
Chapter 12
The years had passed slowly and S'Tha had kept her promise, there had been no peace on Vulcan for thirty years. The blood of the Priesthood as well as the Sisterhood had covered the land. In the beginning a truce was arranged between the priests and the Sisterhood that at the end of each battle each side could recover their dead. But for the last few years Kleadine had reneged on that truce and rather than allow more of her Kush to be slaughtered, S'Tha chose to let the bodies lie where they fell. The Vulcan sky loomed dark and gray from the fires, which covered the land from Tul to Gol.
S'Tha had lost many priestesses in the battle of Tulrah's Tia and her heart cried for every one of them. In the third year of the battle while S'Tha lead a campaign to Shar Ri'muk in the north, she had returned victorious only to find Gol sacked and burning. The few priestesses that had remained behind slaughtered and her daughter taken. T'Cressa had tried to hide the child, but the torture of the priesthood under the direction of Tre'ahs, oldest mother of the clan of De'et Khiori had taken it's toll and T'Cressa gave them both the child and her life.
Madness slowly started to seep into S'Tha's mind. She no longer stayed behind in battle as Tumar and Ayahtinah advised; she fought beside her priestesses with a fury none of them possessed. She allowed no priest to remain breathing, after every battle S'Tha would leave the ranks of her kush and search the battle field, when she would find a priest that still breathed she would execute a method of killing called Chas' ran...the slow death. She took great pleasure as the blade of her senepa sliced off the top of the victim's skull and through the ability of the nikh she possessed reduced the brain to a sticky thick mass that flowed out onto the ground. The fire of hatred had consumed her very being. She lived and breathed for the day she would have her daughter back, but more than that the thought of holding Kleadine's beating heart in her hand kept her going.
S'Tha had just returned with her priestesses on the campaign to Shar Sul'mani, she now waited for word of her daughter. Tumar had found the clan of De'et Khiori and a week before had taken one hundred kush to the west of Gol, to Lita's to get B'Oada back.
S'Tha sat her mind filled with thoughts, but the most pressing was would her daughter accept her as mother once again? After twenty six years of not knowing her and being in the hands of Tre'ahs and more than likely her father... perhaps she was too indoctrinated to be trusted within the Sisterhood.
S'Tha rose from the stool and went to the window. Her hair now dragged on the ground and was secured in three braids to hold it in place. Her black gret and breastplate shone crimson under the red rays of Las'hark who was declining in the west. She turned as she heard footsteps approaching her chamber. Tumar entered with T'Sha, smiles broke on both their faces.
"We have her t'hy'la!" Proclaimed Tumar. S'Tha approached the Battler.
"You have my daughter?" She asked, shocked, she never thought Tumar would return with B'Oada. She put her arms around her companion and hugged her.
"Is she well Tumar?" She asked.
"Well enough. Though she does have your fight!" Laughed Tumar. S'Tha smiled,
"Of course. How many have we lost?" Asked S'Tha the smile leaving her face.
"Not a great loss, ten priestesses went to join T'sai Kh'liorah." S'Tha nodded.
"And what of the clan De'et Khiori?" She asked.
"All slaughtered Reldai, and among them twenty Kush Reldai in the service of Kleadine." Answered Tumar.
S'Tha smiled.
"And Reldai...we brought Tre'ahs. I thought you would want her alive." Tumar said.
S'Tha looked at the Battler in amazement.
"She is here?" She asked.
"She is Reldai."
"Bring her to me." S'Tha's voice was cold.
"One thing you should be aware of t'hy'la, B'Oada calls the old one Maas. Think before you act. You do not want to alienate your daughter further by killing the female she now knows as Maas." S'Tha looked thoughtfully at Tumar.
"Bring the Reldai Tumar. I care not what B'Oada might think. This female along with Kleadine has taken everything from me! Whether my daughter wishes it or not she will respect my decision. Bring Tre'ahs!"
Tumar left leaving T'Sha with S'Tha. T'Sha waited till Tumar had left the chamber.
"Reldai may I speak openly?" She asked. S'Tha looked at the young priestess who thirty years ago wanted to run back to Ni'rch Heya to save the blood on her hands, she now stood a seasoned kush, blood not only on her hands but her body as well. "You may speak T'Sha." Answered S'Tha.
"Reldai, your daughter has been with the clan De'et Khiori for most of her life to date. She only knows what she has been taught by Tre'ahs and her priestesses. B'Oada knows not why you fight her father, she feels you are wrong in carrying Tulrah's Tia these many years." S'Tha stopped her.
"You spoke of her father, how well does she know Kleadine?"
"She has trained with him in the ways of the kea, other than that, I know not how else she knows her father." T'Sha averted her eyes.
"I know she has spent the last ten years, half a year with Tre'ahs the other half with Kleadine learning the arts of the priesthood. The gift of the nikh is much more evolved in her than your own. Why she has not turned it on us... I do know not. But her ability is high, almost as powerful as her father. Be careful Reldai, this was too easy. I fear the Arch-Reldei has allowed us to take B'Oada." S'Tha looked at T'Sha through fathomless eyes.
"Do you say B'Oada has come here with her father's blessings? Perhaps to gage our weaknesses?" Asked S'Tha knowing the real reason B'Oada was taken so easily.
"No Reldai, I believe the reason B'Oada is here is to kill you."
T'Sha became quiet as she heard footsteps approaching. Tumar entered with two other priestesses and Tre'ahs. S'Tha watched as the old Reldai forced herself to keep up with the others. When she came to stand before S'Tha she raised her hands in submission.
"I come to serve Reldai." Said Tre'ahs. S'Tha laughed and approached Tre'ahs looking into her green eyes.
"Do you know who I am old one?" S'Tha barked in her face.
"I am S'Tha of the House of Rus'ma. I was the vessel that carried the Arch-Reldei's child!" She pointed towards the entrance of the chamber.
"The child you took from me! I hold within me the essence of Nurum!" She turned from Tre'ahs.
"I am she who will bring Kleadine down!" S'Tha calmed her breathing then turned to face her.
"So, do not stand there telling me untruths. You come here to serve? You only come because Kleadine wills you to be here!" She grabbed the old Reldai's face.
"Tell me Tre'ahs, why are you here? Why were my priestess' given no fight when they took you and my daughter?" She glared into her eyes.
"I only come to serve Reldai." Tre'ahs repeated. S'Tha had already delved into her mind and retrieved the truth. She went around to stand behind her.
"You come to kill me... is this not the truth?" S'Tha whispered in her ear.
"I come to serve." Tre'ahs repeated once again. S'Tha placed her arms around Tre'ahs' head and neck.
"You shall serve Tulrah'Kas better than I." She said and snapped Tre'ahs' neck. Not a word was spoken from any of the priestesses that had watched the tal'shaya. S'Tha let her drop and stepped over her.
"Bring my daughter." She ordered. Tumar left the chamber returning shortly with B'Oada.
S'Tha turned to look into her own face. For B'Oada was her daughter in feature and form. B'Oada's eyes fell on Tre'ahs' crumpled form.
"Maas!" She whispered and broke free from Tumar's grip. When she got to Tre'ahs' side she knelt and cradled her in her arms.
"No, no Maas. Why did father send you?" She cried. S'Tha approached her and looked down at her daughter and tears came to her eyes. Not tears for her daughter but tears for herself, tears for the loss of her daughter.
"Your father sent the old one for he knew I would end her life. Obviously she had become an inconvenience in your father's plans for you." S'Tha said.
"And you know B'Oada life means nothing to your father." She finished and all went silent. B'Oada laid Tre'ahs' body on the floor and stood to face S'Tha. They both regarded each other intensely.
"You are S'Tha?" Asked B'Oada
"I am." Answered S'Tha
"You were the vessel which gave me life? You are the female who tries to destroy my father? You are responsible for the death of my maas?" Asked B'Oada. S'Tha turned and walked away. What has she been told of me she thought?" What poison has she been filled with about me? She turned once again to face her daughter.
"Yes, B'Oada I am all those things." She raised her hands in submission.
"But I am also your true Maas." She turned to Tumar.
"Bring Asara." Tumar left quickly again.
"You feel B'Oada that I am the enemy. That I have brought this destruction upon the land?" She quickly walked over to B'Oada and took her by the arm.
"I have done this for you!" She yelled.
"For every female that was shamed by Kleadine. For every young babe that has suffered the plak aru'sh. For my father... for my Maas... S'lil!!!" She let her go and put her hand to her breast.
"FOR MYSELF!!" B'Oada stood looking her face free from emotion.
"Can you not see your father's darkness? Or has he blinded you with Aklash Tia?"
B'Oada lowered her head, she knew what S'Tha implied, and deep down she felt shame because she spoke the truth. S'Tha went back to stand in front of her and put her hand on her face.
"He has violated you!" She stated the obvious. S'Tha took a deep breath and let it go of B'Oada's face. Tumar entered the chamber leading Asara slowly. She brought her to stand before B'Oada. B'Oada looked at the older female.
"Do you remember this female B'Oada?" S'Tha asked.
"B'Oada, sal'rch." Asara said placing her hand on B'Oada's face. B'Oada raised her hand to Asara's.
"Asara, I remember you." She said softly. S'Tha approached Asara and pulled off her set'a. B'Oada recoiled in terror.
"Look B'Oada." She took hold of Asara's face.
"Look what your Maas has done. And only because this female thought your life was worth trying to save. T'Cressa was not so fortunate!" Asara took S'Tha's hand.
"Sal'rch, do not blame the daughter for the ways of her father. She is but a sal'rch, a pawn in her father's hand, a lump of clay that he has molded. She cannot be held responsible for what her father has made of her... how could she; she was so small when he took her. Blame not her." Asara smiled and turned to B'Oada taking her other hand in her free one.
"And you sal'rch. Although my eyes do not see, I can still sense and I know your bond with your real mother is still within you. Can you not allow that bond to surface? Can you not claim your true maas?" Sha asked. B'Oada looked into S'Tha's eyes.
"Will you join us sal'rch?" Asked S'Tha.
"We will avenge you for what Kleadine has done. With my dying breath I will fight him, and when my breath is no longer, you will take on the fight and carry on Tulrah's Tia. Until the serpent lies crushed none of us will rest!" She took her hand from Asara and put it on B'Oada's.
"Will you be my kush? Will you be my daughter once again?" B'Oada pulled her hand free from S'Tha's grip and reached up and removed her white set'a letting it drop to the floor. She reached back and unbound her hair; it tumbled to below her knees. B'Oada looked at S'Tha.
"I am my mother's daughter. I stand as one with her. Tulrah's Tia shall rage with flames so feverent; that the very land will cry out for the mercy of the Chas' ran. I am with you Maas, till the breath is no longer within me, I vow it on my blood... I am with you!" Yells went up within the chamber as S'Tha and priestess' welcomed B'Oada to the Sisterhood of Gol
Later that evening as S'Tha sat speaking with her daughter she found out more about Kleadine. She noted the senepa tattooed on the girl's leg.
"You are trained as one of Kleadine's elite?" She asked. B'Oada looked to where the senepa was, now that she wore the gret and breastplate, marks were easily seen.
"I am. " She said. S'Tha laughed.
"And Kleadine forced me to leave with you because I dared ask for you to be initiated within the temple. How things change." She shook her head.
"Is your father as mad as he was?" She asked next.
"At times maas very mad, other times normal. I must be honest Maas, I do love him." S'Tha looked at her daughter with contempt in her eyes.
"What kind of love B'Oada... father/daughter love, or lovers?" She asked. B'Oada turned her head not answering. Both women sat in silence for a long time.
"I was his first priestess. There were certain duties I had to perform. When I preformed these duties he was not my father, he was the Arch-Reldei. It did not matter, at least being first priestess I only had to pleasure the Arch-Reldei. I was safe. Not like the other females. They had no choice who their attackers would be. At least I had that dignity." She closed her eyes.
"How could he do this to his own sal'rch?" S'Tha said to herself.
"Kleadine puts no value on what or who you are. If you are female you are to be used as such. You should know that Maas. After all he took you twice." S'Tha looked shocked at her daughter.
"He told you this?" She asked.
"He did, he also told me that you came to him and begged him to pleasure you. And when he refused to make you first priestess you went insane and took me away from him."
"Do you believe him B'Oada?" S'Tha said holding her daughter eyes with hers.
"No maas, I do not believe his words. I know Kleadine better than any female on this world. Twenty years of knowing this male would make any female not trust his words or actions."
S'Tha felt pain in her heart for her daughter and the fire burned higher within her katra.
"Did you give him an offspring B'Oada?" She asked. B'Oada looked to her mother.
"No maas, I did not. I took infusions to prevent such a thing. He believed my lack of fertility was due to the nikh I possess. He was working with his healers to find a way to make me fertile." S'Tha rose and went to sit beside her daughter.
"B'Oada you understand that what I do is right? That if I could go away and live in peace with a family... I would. You do understand that Kleadine must be stopped and his priesthood destroyed? It is the only way that we can bring our world back to where it was before. Where as females we do not have to fear our males, especially males like Kleadine. Where females are not subjugated and used as chattels. Before the priesthood we had equality with our males and we were respected and honored. Kleadine destroyed all that with his priesthood and the dark mother. Her darkness has fed your father and distorted his kea and if he is not stopped it can only get worse." She put her hand on B'Oada's leg.
"At times I think the darkness can get no darker, then Kleadine comes forth with some new ritual of Tulrah'Kas and butchers more of our people. So I retaliate. He fills my waking hours with hate and he haunts my dreams."
"As you do his maas." Said B'Oada. S'Tha looked at her.
"In his sleep your name is always on his lips. But I do not think it is hatred he feels for you. I believe you are in his heart." B'Oada said holding her mother's eyes.
S'Tha stood she didn't want to hear such words. She changed the subject.
"B'Oada, the nikh, how far have you progressed?" She asked.
"I am above average. I could end life with it." She said.
"Then why have you let Kleadine live?" S'Tha asked.
B'Oada stood and laughed. "Maas, you do not know how powerful Kleadine is. You tried and failed. He is very skilled in the ways of the nikh. He does not need the powers of the rituals to strengthen him. The nikh alone he possesses is strong enough to protect him from anything. I have tried Maas, but I also have paid dearly for my effort."
"Would you end Kleadine's life if you could sal'rch?" Asked S'Tha. B'Oada's eyes flared, S'Tha saw herself standing there.
"I would!" She said.
"Then we must improve your abilities of the nikh, and you must achieve Kolinahr." Said S'Tha.
"Kolinahr? But no one has been able to achieve that for many years. Not even Kleadine has." B'Oada said.
"But Nurum did, and I hold Nurum's wisdoms within me. Kolinahr has eluded me for some reason. But it is within me. I will give it to you B'Oada; I will transfer that part of Nurum to you. Perhaps you will be able to achieve what I have not. Will you agree?" Asked S'Tha.
B'Oada thought for a moment, to achieve Kolinahr would make her stronger than Kleadine, than any of her people. But if she was too weak to contain the discipline it could destroy her. She sighed.
"Yes maas, I agree. This is the only way to stop the madness. To stop Kleadine, I will achieve Kolinahr."
"Then in the morning we will prepare for the meld and if T'sai Kh'liorah wills it we shall have a weapon not even Kleadine can stand against. Rest now sal'rch and worry not of the past, for you are the future and hope of the Vulcan people." S'Tha kissed her daughter's forehead and smiled.
"That is a very heavy weight to carry Maas." She whispered.
"Ah, yes, but you are my daughter and you shall carry more than that and be triumphant. Sleep now." S'Tha left B'Oada in the pale glow of the torch light meditating on the work that must be carried out if Vulcan and it's people were to end Kleadine's reign of terror.
Chapter 13
"Ayahtinah tells me you fought well at KolShar." De'et lowered her eyes.
"I fought as worthy as any of the Kush Reldai." She answered.
"But only the Battler herself could out kill you De'et." S'Tha said proudly.
"How many kah'ich fell to your hand Kush?" Asked B'Oada. De'et raised her eyes to look at B'Oada who stood before her, her hair gently blowing in the breeze.
"My kill at KolShar topped fifty-three." She answered.
"Fifty-three, impressive, but with more training in the kea it could be one hundred and fifty three." Said B'Oada. Both S'Tha and De'et looked at her with disbelief on their faces.
"Surly sal'rch these words are not true?" Questioned S'Tha. B'Oada looked at her mother.
"My words are true maas. I will teach De'et and any other priestess how to accomplish this art. Then the priests of Tulrah'Kas will not have much longer to breath on this land and then we can deal with Kleadine."
"Then you will teach everyone of the priestesses this art in the kea control and we will certainly crush the priesthood into the red sands." S'Tha said continuing down the lines of gray till she stopped before Ayahtinah.
"What losses at KolShar t'hy'la?" She asked her first priestess.
"Three priestesses fell and two are in the care of the healers, they should recover to fight again." Said Ayahtinah.
"That is unacceptable Kush." Said B'Oada
"In the next campaign there will be no losses."
"I will not listen to the words of Kleadine's whore!" Ayahtinah spat.
B'Oada kept her eyes steady. "Yes Kush, I am Kleadine's daughter and I was his... whore. But I am also S'Tha's daughter and my heart and katra belong to her and T'sai Kh'liorah as yours does. Always remember Kush hatred is for the battle against Kleadine, not for each other." B'Oada finished.
"Tell us B'Oada, was not the reason your father let you come to the Sisterhood was to kill your mother?" Asked Ayahtinah. B'Oada looked at her understanding her mistrust. S'Tha stepped between them.
"B'Oada your words are truth that you speak." She looked at Ayahtinah.
"T'hy'la my daughter was sent to kill me. She has not. Allow me to attend to my own trials; I am quite capable of doing so. I appreciate your loyalty to me but remember t'hy'la, B'Oada is also my blood, and her loyalty is with us... not Kleadine." She looked at B'Oada.
"And I assure you I will be the first to cut her down if I suspect her loyalty is false." B'Oada looked to the ground.
"Never maas would I be disloyal to the Sisterhood." She said. S'Tha looked at Ayahtinah who nodded.
"I will hold my words t'hy'la. But always mind B'Oada my eyes as well as every priestess in the Sisterhood will be watching you. Make no false move."
"I give you my vow of blood." B'Oada pulled her lil'ra from its sheath and brought it across her arm, the blood seeped and ran down her arm. She held her arm high into the air.
"On my blood sisters, I vow to end the life of Kleadine. There will be no peace on Vulcan till he lies dead among his priests and the temple of Tulrah'Kas shines red with the embers of victory!" She yelled.
"And I vow to you Ayahtinah you will be with me when the final battle is fought and when the final blow is given to the Arch-Reldei, this I vow on my blood!" Ayahtinah nodded.
"I will keep you to this vow B'Oada." Both females kept each other's gaze until S'Tha turned and continued towards the temple, B'Oada following behind her.
Ayahtinah looked towards Tumar, each silently giving their vow of protection of S'Tha.
B'Oada entered the Tadash Quam with S'Tha; the smell of presh filled the air. They both approached the dais where Tulrah stood, watching her sacred space through eyes red and flaming. S'Tha reached and threw a handful of dried presh upon the brazier that stood in front of the statue, dark smoke rose high and swirled towards the arched ceiling. S'Tha coughed as the sweet sickly smell entered her nostrils.
"The smell disgusts me." S'Tha said.
"It reminds me of your father." B'Oada stood in silence not commenting on her mother's statement. S'Tha sat upon the dais and motioned B'Oada to do the same.
When her daughter had positioned herself beside her she spoke.
"Sal'rch, you understand that the meld can be dangerous to both of us?" B'Oada nodded.
"Are you willing to chance it? In the least one of us might be driven to madness." S'Tha looked deep into her eyes trying to see any signs of fear or apprehension... there were none.
"I do Maas, I am willing to chance the meld, if it benefits the Sisterhood in anyway." Replied B'Oada.
"Understand sal'rch, it is not only my wisdoms you will receive, but that of Nurum of Ni'rch Heya, the last of the original Reldai's' of the old Sisterhood. It is that I fear will do the damage. Within me is all her knowledge and the Kolinahr. That discipline has eluded me all these years... why... I do not know? It is within me, but I have not been able to attain it. If I can pass it on to you... will you accept it?"
"I will." Answered B'Oada.
"Then may T'sai Kh'liorah protect us both."
S'Tha raised her hand and placed it on B'Oada's face.
"My mind to yours. All that I have I freely give." She whispered. B'Oada jerked back as the energy started to flow into her mind. Her eyes widened and her breath caught sharp in her chest, she felt as if she was going to explode. Her first thought, her first instinct was to pull away, but she couldn't. She thought of calling upon her nikh but she suppressed that thought quickly. She took everything that S'Tha gave her till finally S'Tha removed her hand. B'Oada stood eyes still wide and walked to the center of the Tadash Quam. She looked to the ceiling and screamed one long scream then collapsed onto the floor. S'Tha jumped from the dais and hurried to her daughter's side, gathering her up in her arms. A small group of priestesses lead by Tumar and Ayahtinah approached and knelt beside them.
"I only hope I have not damaged her in my quest for ashu'cezh." S'Tha said her eyes moist. Ayahtinah took B'Oada and called for two Kush to come and take her.
"Only time will tell t'hy'la." Ayahtinah said. S'Tha watched as the Kush lifted her daughter and removed her from the sacred space.
"You must rest S'Tha. I will stay with B'Oada myself. As soon as she wakes I will come for you." She helped S'Tha from the floor, and led her to her chamber.
S'Tha woke to darkness, images fresh in her mind of the field of battle. Too often of late she had been haunted not only by the dead and dying but the form of Kleadine seemed to seep into her time of sleep. She rose from the bed and went to stand in front of the balcony; a cool breeze blew through touching her body and dissipating the thin film of sweat that covered her. S'Tha stood looking out onto the sands of Gol that spread endlessly beyond the plateau of the temple, now it lay quiet and cool. It seemed safe here, so isolated and far away from the madness. She looked upward to where the stars blinked in the thickness of the night. Fiery B'Oada still spitting fervently, searching for Las'hark, her father. S'Tha smiled.
"But unlike you B'oada, my child will catch her father and put an end to him." S'Tha stared back out to the sands, she knew one day she would cross Gol, and one day she would have to face him on the red sands. She also knew it would not be by her hand that he would fall, nor would the final victory be hers. That would be B'Oada's right. And she was at peace with that.
"So tell me Ayahtinah, did my daughter achieve Kolinahr?" She asked still looking into the darkness.
Ayahtinah was not surprised S'Tha knew she was standing behind her.
"That I do not know S'Tha, but she is awake." She put her hand on the Reldai's shoulder.
"You should go to her, she is confused and weak. Her maas should be at her side." S'Tha turned and put on her gahra then left her chamber to see to B'oada.
B'Oada opened her eyes as her mother entered her chamber. Neither of them spoke for sometime. When B'Oada spoke her voice was shaky and she had to keep her eyes closed as her head ached from the light of the torches.
"Maas, Nurum's knowledge is great indeed, but it unsettles me that I do not have control of the images that pass freely within." She said. S'Tha approached her bedside.
"It will pass in a few days sal'rch. The control will come. Till then your kea will be in turmoil, but this is the way."
B'Oada opened her eyes and looked at her mother. "Do I have the Kolinahr, do we now have the power to end Kleadine?" She asked.
S'Tha shook her head. "That I do not know. We will know more when you have control of the disciplines of Nurum. Until then rest and gain your control over what has been given to you." She put her hand to B'Oada's face.
"Sleep now sal'rch, I will come later."
B'Oada closed her eyes again and fell to sleep as S'Tha stood watching her, with the hope that the Kolinahr would not elude her daughter as it did her.
Chapter 14
She opened her eyes and in the distance she saw figures approaching the temple. At first she thought them to be Vulcan females bringing their daughters, as over the years this had been the case, the Sisterhood had grown from a mere handful to almost six thousand. Gol had been built and rebuilt to accommodate the new arrivals. The ones it could not accommodate were sent to Ni'rch Heya where they were trained as healers and taught the ways of ritual. Her own son, Sian had been sent to the great mountain along with Sarad, Ayahtinah's son, both were now healers and priests in the temple of Kh'liorah. All males that came to Gol were sent to Ni'rch Heya, as S'Tha would not allow males into the temple of Gol. The males that joined the priesthood of T'sai Kh'liorah were equal to the Sisters and had all the right as they did. But S'Tha would not allow males into the main Sisterhood, as she believed males had ruled the sacred teachings too long and in her opinion had done a poor job at it.
Tumar lifted her hand and shielded her eyes from the glare of Las'hark, she slowly rose, disbelief on her face. She yelled for T'Sha who came running. Both priestesses stood in amazement as a dozen or more priests of Tulrah'Kas came closer to Gol. Not taking her eyes off the approaching priests she said.
"T'Sha, bring the Reldai, she must see this. I myself cannot believe what my eyes show me." T'Sha forced herself to turn and leave the stairs, moments later she appeared with S'Tha and a few hundred priestesses all with senepas at the ready. S'Tha's black gahra flapped around her wildly as the hot winds caressed her. She came to stand beside Tumar, Ayahtinah at her side.
"What do you make of this S'Tha?" Asked Ayahtinah.
"That I have no thoughts on. Tumar what say you?" S'Tha asked.
"Perhaps they flee Kleadine and seek sanctuary among the victorious Sisterhood." Tumar laughed.
"No, no Tumar. Kleadine's tress are too well indoctrinated, and they fear him too much. They would never leave the priesthood; there they feel themselves safe under Kleadine's powerful grasp. No Tumar, it's something else." S'Tha started down the stairs, the priestesses followed her down and stationed themselves equally on the stairs behind her. It would take the priests a while to climb the pathway to the plateau where the temple was and S'Tha would be waiting for them as they approached.
By midday the first of the priests stepped off the pathway onto the stone entrance of the temple. He looked up and saw the army of the Sisterhood all garbed in dark red grets and breastplates, each one holding a senepa. He swallowed hard and continued, his small group of priests behind him. When he reached the first stair he fell to his knees and raised his hands in submission, the others did likewise. S'Tha came down from the step looking at him with hatred burning in her eyes. She stood in front of the priest; he dared not raise his head not until she acknowledged him. S'Tha carefully put the tip of her senepa under the priest chin and brought his face up to look at her. She removed the senepa skillfully, one scratch would inflict an agonizing death as the senepa was tipped with a lethal poison and she did not want this priest to die, not until she heard his words.
"Get up priest, I am not Kleadine. I do not expect anyone, not even kah'ich like yourself to grovel in my presence." The priest rose keeping his eyes down.
"So are you going to tell me why Kleadine's elite have crossed Gol?" She stepped closer to him.
"Or am I going to play child's games and guess? The priest looked into her eyes.
"I am Selkar, first priest to the Arch-Reldei. I come with no harm to you or the Sisterhood." He said. S'Tha looked at the bedraggled priests and smiled.
"That is wise priest. Now tell me why have you come?" She ordered.
"We have been sent by the Arch-Reldei, he has a request." S'Tha turned to her priestesses and laughed with contempt.
"The Arch-Reldei has a request." She yelled and turned back to face the priest.
"I am honored that Kleadine would request anything from me!" She spat on the ground.
"Tell me priest, what is his request?" Her voice was loud. The priest closed his eyes, when he thought if was safe he continued.
"The Arch-Reldei is... ill. He needs your help." S'Tha looked at him shock on her face.
"How ill is he?" She asked.
"If his illness continues... he will die." Answered the priest. S'Tha circled him and came to stand in front of him again.
"I cannot help Kleadine, I am not a healer. But I will show him kindness that he has not shown anyone. I will send him a healer from Ni'rch Heya since apparently his healers are useless. I do not want him to die so my hand will be empty of that pleasure." She turned to leave.
"Reldai... it is not that sort of illness... none that healer could end." She turned and glared at him.
"Then what kind of illness is it tress?" She asked. The priest looked to the ground then back to her.
"The Arch-Reldei's illness is of a delicate nature Reldai. He has need of your... services." S'Tha came within inches of his face.
"What services?" She asked her voice hushed. The priest shifted and cleared his throat.
"The Arch-Reldei has entered his time and without your services he will die."
"Am I to understand tress, that Kleadine is in Pon farr and he wishes for me to accommodate him that he may live?"
"Yes Reldai. And he specifically asked for you." Answered Selkar. S'Tha came closer still to speak; she didn't want the rest to hear.
"I am so honored tress that Kleadine has thought of me first for this most honorable duty. But I must decline; after all we are not bonded. He should find himself another female." She glared into his eyes.
"Unfortunately Reldai there are no other females in Tul, they are all here as your daughter is." He looked into her eyes,
"S'Tha this is no the way for any male to die, not even Kleadine. Rather you perform Chas' ran on him than to allow him to suffer so. Would you show him this mercy?"
S'Tha kept his gaze. She knew the torment of Pon farr, the madness. It was no way for anyone to die. But to go to him and offer her services was in the least distasteful to her. But she would rather offer herself then kill him than to allow him to just die without her hand being involved.
"Has he entered plak-tow?" She asked.
"Not as yet Reldai. He vows on his blood your safe passage there and back." S'Tha laughed and turned, she slowly approached the stairs then turned.
"Wait here tress. I need time to decide what I wish to do."
"Not too much time Reldai, there is not much left." She ignored him and continued up the stairs Tumar and Ayahtinah following behind.
"I will do anything to keep Kleadine alive only to have ashu'cezh!"
"But S'Tha to go to him and lay with him... this is beneath your rank as Reldai." Said Ayahtinah.
"I say we go and watch him in the throes of Pon farr, let him suffer, our satisfaction will be gained!" Tumar spat.
"No Tumar, I do not want his death sanctified. Think of it, the Arch-Reldei dies in Pon farr. It might gain him more support from the people, especially the males. Right now our males have stood by and allowed their mates to bring their daughters to the Sisterhood. But if Kleadine perishes in Pon farr, the male population would sympathize and refuse to let their daughters come. And in the last days of Tulrah's Tia we will need every able person to stand with us." She looked from Tumar to Ayahtinah.
"Then we will slaughter all males!" Tumar said coldly.
"No Tumar, we need not every male on Vulcan against us. Right now we fight most of the time to stay alive. To bring all the males against us would be our end.
"Then if this must be done, send one of the others. They will go if you order it. Spare yourself the indignity of the act. All ready twice he has violated you t'hy'la. How much more must you take from that kah'ich?" Asked Ayahtinah. S'Tha put her hands on her first priestess's shoulders.
"He will accept no other, he has made that clear, and it is my services he requests. Do not concern yourself t'hy'la with how much more I can take. A very wise woman told me I will take as much as need be." S'Tha said letting go of Ayahtinah.
"I wish you would reconsider S'Tha." Said Ayahtinah.
"That I can't and won't do. I shall leave with Kleadine's tress in the morning. Tumar arrange a handful of Kush to accompany me, completely armed. I do not trust Kleadine's vow of blood." S'Tha turned to leave the hall then stopped at the archway.
"Do not tell B'Oada what I do." She said.
"She will ask for you S'Tha." Said Tumar.
"Then tell her I have gone to Ni'rch Heya, I shall return in ten days." She said leaving and her two t'hy'la to wonder where she found the strength to allow herself to perform such an act.
******
Chapter 15
Tul had returned to somewhat normal. People were now in the streets, going about their daily business. The only sign that something was wrong was the absence of women. S'Tha had seen a few, but mostly elders. The young females that she did see had come from the further reaches of Vulcan, where probably their fathers were indebted to the Arch-Reldei and Tul for their meager existence. And although they were young, they were too young for even Kleadine's needs.
When they reached the main entrance to the temple she was sickened by the smell of presh. Large bonfires had been set in the main square and priests were continually throwing the dried presh onto them in great amounts in hopes of sparing their Reldei his final end. S'Tha told her priestesses to wait on the outskirts of the temple and Selkar had promised her they would be taken care of properly. She believed him; he did not seem as fanatical as the others. She even sensed she might be able to trust this tress.
He led her through the corridors of the temple till they reached Kleadine's private chamber. He turned to her. "Have you ever seen or been with a male during his time?" He asked. S'Tha was shocked that he even cared to ask.
"No I have not." She said.
"But it can't be any worse than being raped by him!" Her voice was calm but underneath he picked up tones of hatred. Selkar reached out and took her hand, she went to pull back but she didn't.
"I warn you Reldai be careful. Do not fight him. He is madder than you remember... and with the plak-tow nearing... insane." He reached under his gahra and pulled out a lil'ra and slipped it into her hand. S'Tha was thankful as her weapons had been removed on entering the temple. She quickly took the lil'ra and put it under her own gahra. She watched Selkar's face.
"T'sai Kh'liorah watches over those who are kind tress." She said.
"Then I hope she remembers me in the last days of Tulrah's Tia for my small kindness." He replied.
"I assure you she will!" Said S'Tha and turned and entered Kleadine's chamber.
She closed the door behind her and looked around the darkened room. All the draping had been closed over the windows as to let no light in or no presh fumes out. Normally Kleadine did not indulge in the presh except before the Ghe'm Pes katra and when he did he only took small amounts. But now the smell of presh was suffocating. S'Tha broke out in a sweat and feared she would vomit but she held it back.
She turned and saw Kleadine kneeling in front of a small altar, his hands steepled in front of his face. S'Tha approached him silently and stood behind him, how easy it would be to kill him now, but B'Oada's words entered her mind, 'I believe you are in his heart.' She pushed the thought from her mind; she couldn't let such an emotional thought sway her. Kleadine slowly rose and turned to face her. He dropped his arms to his sides and focused his eyes. He reached out and touched her face. S'Tha forced herself not to turn away, not to anger him.
"T'hy'la, you have come?" He brought his hand down from her face and took her arm; it was as if he didn't believe she was there. Kleadine's breathing was quick and catching in his throat. He reached and removed her set'a letting it drop to the floor. S'Tha's hair fell in three thick braids down her back. Kleadine went behind her and started to unbraid her hair, his hands trembling. When he had released her hair he picked it up in his hands and brought it to his face, he let out a deep moan and pulled her close to him. S'Tha stiffened at his touch. Kleadine pulled her closer still. S'Tha pulled away and walked to the other side of the chamber, she turned to face him. She felt his passion, the fire within his body reached out to her. She felt the fire within herself, she tried to pull it back down but at the moment she didn't want too. Kleadine came towards her. He reached and removed her gahra and let it drop to the floor.
"I should want to kill you Kleadine, I have waited for over thirty years to kill you! But I find myself now only wanting to touch you, to share pleasures with you." She turned her head not wanting to look at his face. Kleadine took her face in his hand and looked deeply into her eyes. S'Tha did not see madness or cruelty in his eyes-only fire. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, he gently kissed her fingers, and she brought her other hand up and put it in his face.
"I should kill you priest!" He put his lips on hers.
"First we shall take pleasures t'hy'la, then if you still wish to take my life... you may." Kleadine's voice was soft, enticing. She picked his hand up and put it to her mouth, she drew her lips along his fingers and onto his hand. Kleadine pulled his hand away from her and pushed her to the floor and brought himself down on top of her. His body was hard and burned with fire; her's ached to be touched by that fire.
"This night priest you have no fear I will take your life, only your fire." Kleadine brought his mouth to hers and began to end his Pon farr.
S'Tha did not know how long she had been there; everything was a blur. She now could at least think clearly and her thoughts went directly to her priestesses. She left the bed and dressed. She took the lil'ra she had placed beneath a low table and sheathed it in her belt. She was cautious leaving the chamber, Kleadine was no where to be found, neither were any of his tress. She made her way down the corridor, as she reached the main entrance she realized why the temple was empty. All the priesthood were on the temple steps, silently watching something in the main square.
S'Tha ran through the entrance and started to push her way through the priests, none of them noticing her or giving way to her. When she had made her way to the bottom she saw Kleadine standing a top of the dais in the middle of the square. She was too far away to hear his words. S'Tha caught sight of her priestesses, all of them being held by the Kush of Kleadine at the bottom of the dais. She ran forward pushing her way through the unyielding priests till she stood in front of the dais. One of her priestesses was now standing in front of Kleadine, held by two Kush. Her eyes were closed and her face showed no fear. Kleadine raised his hands and took the priestess's head in his hands and held it, a few moments passed and the priestess's eyes flew open. She struggled against Kleadine's grip but to no avail. The priestess slumped against him.
Kleadine took her in his arms and turned her to the waiting priests. He noticed S'Tha staring up at him with horror on her face. The priesthood started to chant.
"Tulrah'Kas...Tulrah'Kas!"
The priestess opened her eyes and looked directly into S'Tha's face. Kleadine smiled at her. S'Tha raised her hand and screamed,
"NO!" But Kleadine ignored her protest and preformed the tal'shaya. The priestess crumpled to the ground and Kleadine raised his arms in the air.
"Tulrah'Kas is merciful!" He yelled above the chanting of the priests. The next priestess was brought forward. S'Tha pushed her way through the remaining priests till she stood at the foot of the dais, she began to climb the stairs, Kleadine ignored her completely and continued to sacrifice the next priestess. S'Tha reached the top of the dais and went to walk forward when a hand took hold of her arm. She turned and looked into Selkar's face.
"Be careful Reldai!" He said then let her go.
S'Tha turned and walked forward. Kleadine had another priestess in his arms. He turned to face S'Tha, the priestess opened her eyes and looked at her, but S'Tha only saw Kleadine's eyes. His arms jerked and the priestess slowly fell from his embrace. Kleadine raised his hands to S'Tha.
"T'hy'la, you have come to honor Mother Night?" He smiled. S'Tha forced herself to smile back at him.
"And you priest." She said. She walked forward into his arms. He embraced her and lowered her to the ground.
"We shall honor each other S'Tha." He whispered.
Selkar made his way to the bottom of the dais where the remaining priestesses were being held. He whispered a few words to one of the tress, who promptly turned and started to lead the priestesses away. Kleadine was too preoccupied to notice. One of the priestesses pulled back, she looked at Selkar.
"Why?" She asked.
"Because sometimes the darkness lets in the light." Was all he said.
"But our Reldai... what of her?" Ba'Lish asked.
"I will bring her. Go!" He pushed her into the arms of one of the tress. Ba'Lish turned and followed the tress out of the crowd. Selkar watched till he was sure they were far enough to be free from harm then he returned to the top of the dais and stood.
S'Tha waited till Kleadine was deep in passion till she reached down and pulled the lil'ra from her waist. Kleadine thought nothing of it. She brought the lil'ra up in her hand and placed it against Kleadine's chest. She reached up and brought his face to hers and kissed him hard. He returned the kiss as passionately as her. S'Tha pushed the lil'ra hard against Kleadine's chest; it entered just to the right of the heart. He broke the kiss and rose up over her, his eyes wide with surprise.
"T'hy'la!" He hissed. S'Tha pushed him off of her and stood looking down at him.
"KAH'ICH!!" She screamed. She bent down close to his face.
"I claim ASHU'CEZH priest!" Kleadine was unable to call to his Kush. The pain prevented him from speaking. The mass of the priesthood stood stunned at what they had just witnessed. Slowly a few of the elite Kush started forward, their quon tch drawn. S'Tha knew her life was over, she only hoped B'Oada and the Sisterhood would exact their revenge on the priesthood and continue Tulrah's Tia. She closed her eyes and waited for the first blow.
Selkar came forward to stand beside her. "Take the Arch-Reldei to his chamber and bring the healers to attend him!" He commanded. The Kush quickly re-sheathed their weapons and went to pick Kleadine up from the dais.
Selkar turned to S'Tha and grabbed her by the hair. "I will take care of this female!" He started to drag her from the dais, she tried to free herself.
"I must make sure he is dead!" She cried.
"No, we do not have time!" Selkar said heaving her almost off her feet as he pulled her down the stairs and into the crowd. S'Tha glanced back and watched as the Kush lifted the Arch-Reldei and carried him off towards the temple.
"Let it be over T'sai." She whispered and disappeared with the first priest out onto the main roadway of Tul.
Two days had passed and still no word had come from Selkar's tress on the condition of Kleadine. S'Tha had waited patiently but now she felt the need to return to Gol. She had lost six of her priestesses to Kleadine and the other seven were anxious to leave before they too would end up as the others. Not that they feared death, but to die, as a sacrifice at the hands of the priesthood was undesirable. They were Kush; they should die in battle with a senepa in their hands.
"Selkar, we must leave this evening. I grow weary of being in this place. My Kush are restless. Can you not go to the temple, find out the news we wait for?" S'Tha's voice was hushed.
"Reldai it is not safe for me to go to the temple, even if Kleadine is dead, I am now associated with you, I will not live to find out whether he lives or not." He put his hand on her shoulder.
"One more night S'Tha, if no news come by tomorrow evening we will leave for Gol. I give you my word." S'Tha nodded in agreement.
Ba'Lish entered the room.
"Reldai there is a young tress who wishes to speak to the first priest Selkar." She said.
"Bring him, and Ba'Lish search him for weapons." She said. Ba'Lish left and returned quickly leading the young tress. He went to stand in front of Selkar, lifting his hands he spoke.
"First priest, I have urgent news." He said hurriedly.
"Speak tress." Selkar said.
"It is most pressing that you leave Tul this night. There has been a declaration given that all females are to be brought to the temple. They are searching for you also." The tress looked from Selkar to S'Tha.
"Why must all females be brought to the temple?" S'Tha asked.
"Kleadine..." The tress was cut short as S'Tha grabbed him, her eyes wild.
"Kleadine lives?" She was shocked.
"I do not know if these are Kleadine's words or if Su'nin has given the order." The tress said.
"Su'nin?" S'Tha looked at Selkar.
"Kleadine's aide." He said.
"And the females?" She asked.
"To find you and your remaining priestesses, to perform Ghe'M Pes Katra. I am afraid the elders and the young will suffer at the hands of Su'nin for what you have done to the Arch-Reldei."
"If we only knew if Kleadine lives or not, we could enter the temple and kill this Su'nin." Said S'Tha.
"S'Tha, it would do no good, Kleadine has many elite. Kill one and the next will replace him and so it will continue." Selkar said, "We must leave for Tul, now!" He said. S'Tha looked at him.
"You may accompany us to Gol Selkar and rest, but then you will go to Ni'rch Heya to join the priesthood there as no males are permitted to stay at Gol. " She looked at the tress.
"You also may come, for to stay your life is over." The tress raised his hands to her.
"I welcome your kindness Arch-Reldai." He said.
S'Tha collected her priestesses and with Selkar and the young tress made her way through Tul and out into the blackness of the Vulcan night, home to Gol.
Chapter 16
"Do not speak to me in such a manner sal'rch, I am still Reldai here, and the choices I have made were the right ones." S'Tha's voice was just as calm.
"Remember Maas not only were you violated but six of our Kush were lost... as well as Kleadine being still alive. I do not call this successful." B'Oada said looking directly into her eyes.
"You have also brought two of the kah'ich into our sanctum." B'Oada looked at Selkar, he could read no emotion in her dark eyes.
"We do not know if Kleadine still lives, it is being kept in silence. As for Selkar, he and his tress will leave for Ni'rch Heya in the morning. I will not do any less for the male that saved our lives." S'Tha said.
"That is agreeable. We will send a few of the Kush back to Tul to wait for the announcement of Kleadine's end." B'Oada said walking to the window.
"They will be found out B'Oada. Their lives will end." Said Selkar.
"I did not ask for your words priest, do not give them." B'Oada glared through empty eyes.
"Tumar." Called S'Tha. The Battler approached her.
"Choose two of your Kush, remove their t'rek, and have them dress as T'sai, their hair bound upon their heads. Their chances should be fair to survive." S'Tha approached B'Oada at the window.
"You have achieved Kolinahr sal'rch. This is commendable, but forget not who I am and offend me not." B'Oada bowed her head slightly in a gesture of forgiveness.
"Tumar will prepare for a campaign in the east, Shar Tal. It is there where Kleadine sends his elite Kush for training. You will join me in this campaign so that you may see what is expected of you when you achieve Reldai." Said S'Tha. B'Oada raised her hands and bowed her head.
"I will do you honor Maas." She turned and left the chamber leaving the rest to talk. S'Tha looked after her as she left, knowing that indeed it would be B'Oada who would claim ashu'cezh.
Shar Tal
The three-year training was hard and often times cruel. And the young tress knew on entrance to the temple of Shar Tal that one out of five would not make it through the training. The tress that completed the training were sent back to Tul to serve Tulrah'Kas and Kleadine. The ones who did not were offered in the Ghe'M Pes Katra, their knowledge taken by the Arch-Reldei of Shar Tal.
Si'rus had been Arch-Reldei at Shar Tal ever since Kleadine had come to power. His disciplines were almost as good as the Arch-Reldei of Tul and Kleadine had recognized that. So he offered him rank and power to keep him happy. Si'rus was the only other Vulcan that was allowed to perform the Ghe'M Pes Katra. Since the battle of Tulrah's Tia, Si'rus had become restless, he had approached Kleadine and demanded he allow him to take an army of his Kush to Gol and crush the Sisterhood... Kleadine had refused. Si'rus had left discontented stating Kleadine was getting old and weak and if he allowed the Reldai of Gol to hold his heart it would surely be his downfall.
Now with the apparent death of Kleadine at the hand of S'Tha, Si'rus was free to rid the priesthood of the Sisterhood. He was already compiling his strategies on a direct assault of Gol.
"Reldei Si'rus, a small band of the Sisterhood is approaching the main gates." A young tress said. Si'rus looked up from the maps he had been studying and glared at the priest.
"Are you certain?" He asked.
"I am Reldei, they carry the standard of the Sisterhood."
"Perhaps they come to end this battle now that Kleadine is dead. Their Reldai has no reason to carry on with ashu'cezh." Si'rus stood straight.
"If this is the case, then we have them. We will not have to go to them, as S'Tha will come here to save her Kush. Truly the Gods are on our side." Si'rus said smiling.
"I do not believe this to be the case Reldei." Answered the tress. Si'rus looked directly at him.
"Explain?" He asked.
"From what we can see Reldei there are over a thousand Kush approaching Shar Tal, they are only hours away. They are also garbed in battle dress. I believe they are not coming to talk." He said. Si'rus turned and looked at the maps on the table after a short while he returned his attention to the tress.
"So you believe they have come to fight?" Si'rus asked.
"Your second priest believes this is the case." He answered.
"Then we will fight them! And in the end we will have the victory. Notify S'ras to have all the elite Kush stationed around the perimeter of the city. When we deal with this band we will go to Gol and end the Sisterhood! S'Tha shall have my ashu'cezh upon her head!" He bellowed.
"There will be no need for you to go to Gol, Reldei, S'Tha stands with her Kush as well as her daughter, B'Oada. I fear having both of them in the ranks will effect our own Kush, S'Tha is (renound) for her cruelty and skill in battle and her daughter due to her Kolinahr can only be worse."
Si'rus threw the maps to the floor and stormed out of his chamber towards the main gates.
"Then they will both die, Kolinahr or not!" The tress followed closely behind.
S'Tha stood and watched as a small group of Kush approached their encampment. She had stood staring at Shar Tal all night deep in thought. If they could take Shar Tal, then Tul would be no problem, if Kleadine was in truth dead. But they still had no proof of this, no word had come out of Tul that he was indeed dead. So she assumed that Kleadine still lived. And if he did live then even with the fall of Shar Tal, Tul would be a hard prize for Kleadine would enlist every male on their world to stand and fight. It would be hard but it could be done. Ayahtinah came up behind her.
"T'hy'la, it seems we have company." She said.
"Do they come to ask for a truce or is it to set a time for battle?" Asked Ayahtinah. "Either way, it matters not. We fight when I decide." S'Tha said letting her gahra drop to the red sand.
"Shall we go to meet these kah'ich?" She asked starting forward calling to Tumar and B'Oada to join her.
By the time they reached the priests another few dozen priestesses joined them. The head priest was a mature male that showed disgust by his very countenance. S'Tha thought he must be Ki'rus's first priest Szal. He raised his hands in submission to the Sisters.
"You are far from Gol Reldai." He stated dryly.
"Our Arch-Reldei bids you entrance to Shar Tal... to rest and drink before your journey back to Gol." S'Tha laughed.
"Priest do not take me for a fool. The only way I will enter Shar Tal is with my standard blowing victorious in the air." She spat.
"We wish no fight with you or the Sisterhood. Have you not heard Kleadine lies dead at Tul? We have no reason to continue Tulrah's Tia." The priest said a thin smile on his face.
"That is only rumor priest, only when I see Kleadine's cold and rotting body will I believe that he is truly dead." B'Oada moved closer to her mother watching the first priest intensely.
"Go back to Shar Tal priest inform Si'rus tomorrow at first light we will enter the city." S'Tha turned to walk away, she felt deep within the hatred coming from the priest, she stopped and turned just in time as Szal pulled his quon tch from beneath his gahra. B'Oada was quicker than Tumar or Ayahtinah. She went deep within the priest's brain, boring mentally into its very core. Her eyes were black, void of any emotion. The priest dropped the blade and grabbed his head. He slowly sunk to his knees, his brain felt as if it were being liquefied as he rolled unto the ground. A moment later he lay staring blankly into the endless sky.
S'Tha returned to B'Oada's side.
"Take the first priest back to Si'rus, inform him the Sisterhood take no prisoners!" Two of the Kush rushed and picked up Szal's limp body and hurried off with the rest of the priests behind them to the safety of Shar Tal.
Chapter 17
"This has been too easy t'hy'la!" Said Tumar,
"Clan De'et Khiori put up a better fight than these!" S'Tha looked at Tumar, she knew she was correct.
"These are tress Tumar, untrained... easy slaughter. Si'rus would never send his elite Kush out onto the field. He waits till we are worn down, and then they will strike. He assumes these hours of battle will weaken us and then his Kush will have an easy victory!" S'Tha said.
"I agree with this." Tumar said.
"This day Kleadine's priests will have no victory. By the time T'Khut rises her horns into the night the priests of Shar Tal shall lay rotting as Kleadine does." S'Tha said walking towards the great gate of Shar Tal, her senepa wet and sticky in her hands and a hope that she was correct about Kleadine.
Si'rus looked down upon the sea of dark red that now stood before the main gate. His eye caught S'Tha, her long hair flying loose from the thick braid which hung down her back, her face and body smeared with sweat and red dust. Her black gret and breastplate glared crimson under the brightness of Las'hark.
"Surrender Reldai, and I will be merciful!" Yelled Si'rus. S'Tha stood staring back at him, she did not answer.
"I give you my vow S'Tha... on my blood. It shall be Tal'shaya for you and your priestesses."
"We are warriors priest. We die in battle not in mercy!" Responded S'Tha.
"Send your elite Si'rus, we are weakened now, or do they tremble behind your gahra?" S'Tha called B'Oada to her side and pointed to a Kush standing beside Si'rus. B'Oada raised her eyes; she quickly entered the Kush before he had time to bring up his control to stop her. He fell forward, Si'rus watched as he toppled over the top of the wall landing with a heavy thud on the ground. Si'rus's eyes widened. He had heard tales of the abilities of B'Oada, but until now believed them to be the fabrications by the Vulcan people who had heard wondrous tales of her abilities.
"Now Si'rus, you can open the gates and fight like Kush Reldei or we can stand here and pick you off one by one. The choice is yours?" There was a long silence before Si'rus answered.
"Then S'Tha, we choose battle!" He yelled his teeth grinding with the hatred he felt for her.
"Open the gates!" He glanced once more at S'Tha and left the rampart of Shar Tal heading for his chamber to await the victory.
The gates opened and before S'Tha stood the elite Kush of Shar Tal. S'Tha raised her senepa and walked towards the second priest, Sras held his gaze upon the Reldai as she came towards him. He was twice her size and he had no fear he would kill her quickly. His orders were to kill the Arch-Reldai and the Sisterhood, all except B'Oada. She would be taken alive; her abilities would be useful to the priesthood. Sras pulled his quon tch from its sheath and released his cape from its ornate clasp at his shoulder; it slowly fell to the ground. Not once did he take his eyes from S'Tha, not once did he blink, his gaze held the concentration of the coming kill.
S'Tha lowered the senepa to waist level holding it in both hands in front of her, her eyes also held the promise of death. She strengthened her control as she felt Sras trying to enter her, she would not allow this, and it could be fatal. Sras raised his weapon in striking position and took a step forward with a thin smile on his face.
"Kleadine lives!" He said in a low voice hoping to shock S'Tha into acting slow, but this was not the case. When S'Tha heard this, the fire started to rage within her. Her eyes shone red with the burning hatred she felt for Kleadine. She was so quick Sras didn't even have time to bring his weapon down. S'Tha took a step, twirled twice raising the senepa high. The weapon connected just above his ear, slicing through his skull. Sras fell to his knees still holding the quon tch. S'Tha watched as he fell forward convulsing on the red sand. She raised her eyes and looked at the Kush who were unsheathing their weapons, the sound rung in her ears. She lifted her senepa and brought it across Sras's neck, the body twitched a few more times then lay still.
"FIGHT!!" She roared,
"Fight! Kill them all!!" In a flash the battle broke forth and all around her weapons gleamed under the brilliant rays of the Vulcan sun. She walked forward cutting through the odd Kush that dared stand to challenge her. The fight was too frenzied for the elite Kush of Shar Tal to center her out. S'Tha walked eyes focused on the main temple, stopping occasionally to fight a lone Kush in her path. When she reached the steps of the temple she turned to watch the fray, her priestesses were fighting like Gods, B'Oada shining among them. Secure in the knowledge the victory was theirs', she entered the temple. She met no resistance from the few Kush that remained behind in the temple to protect Si'rus. The sight of her made them back off and she searched the temple of Shar Tal unhindered.
She found Si'rus in his private chamber in the midst of preparing his personal altar for the victory ceremony. He turned quickly as he sensed her. They both stood glaring at each other. Finally S'Tha raised her hand.
"It would seem Reldei that Tulrah'Kas has abandoned her loyal priests in their time of need." She said dropping her hand to her side. Si'rus did not reply, he stood staring blankly at the Arch-Reldai, his head heavy with the effect of presh, he knew she would take his life and he accepted it.
"I offer you the same mercy as you offered me Si'rus... Tal'shaya." She whispered and came towards him.
"Or do you fight as a Kush?" S'Tha stopped a few feet in front of him waiting for his answer.
Si'rus took a step forward then fell to his knees. "I request Tal'shaya Reldai." He said letting his hands come up in submission.
S'Tha approached him placing her senepa on the altar; she positioned herself behind him. She placed her arms around his head and neck.
"Then Reldei go to your dark Mother disgraced and in shame." Just as S'Tha started to apply pressure her eyes flew open and she stumbled against the altar. She lifted her hand to her side and brought it away bloody and stared at it in disbelief, how could she have been so neglectful, she thought, she should have checked him for weapons. S'Tha looked from her hand to Si'rus who stood only feet away from her.
"Now Reldai it is you who shall go to your T'sai Kh'liorah." He threw the lil'ra onto the altar beside her. "Or perhaps I should allow you to live and deliver you to the Arch-Reldei myself. I'm sure it would please him to have you back and the knowledge he would retrieve from you S'Tha." He put his hand to his heart. "Ghe'M Pes Katra!" He smiled.
"Kleadine is dead!" She hissed, her voice full of hate.
"Only rumors S'Tha... Kleadine is as much alive as I am. You of all people should know that. P'pil'lay." He whispered.
S'Tha had ignored the fact that she had bonded with Kleadine when she went to him in his time of Pon farr. Si'rus was correct in assuming that if Kleadine were truly dead she would have known by the severing of the bond. S'Tha reached behind her and picked up the lil'ra.
"No Si'rus you shall not deliver me to Kleadine. First I shall end your life then I shall go to Tul and rid the Vulcan people of the Arch-Reldei!" She straightened herself and flew at Si'rus. But she was stopped short as he brought the back of his hand across her face; she fell to the ground stunned. Si'rus was on her in a moment pulling her up by the hair, he released her grip on the lil'ra and threw it across the room.
"No S'Tha, I have had enough. Kleadine will not have his pleasure!" He started to pull her across to the altar. S'Tha knew what he was going to do but she was dazed and weakened from the fight. For the first time in her life she felt true fear and cried out, "NO!"
The fear of Ghe'M Pes Katra terrified her. She had never felt fear this intense before. She made a feeble attempt to pull away from Ki'rus but his grip was like iron. S'Tha tried to calm herself to be able to use the nikh, but in her terrified state she could not summon the stillness she needed. Si'rus cleared the altar with one swipe of his arm and picked S'Tha up dropping her hard upon it. She struggled violently as he reached with his free hand for the quon tch, which hung on the wall behind him. He lost his grip twice on her then struck her hard in the face sending her into blackness. Now he could work freely. He raised the quon tch in both hands, blade pointing towards S'Tha's chest.
"Tulrah'Kas, holder of the heart,
"You claim nothing priest." Came a low voice in front of him. Si'rus raised his eyes to see B'Oada standing in the doorway of his chamber, her senepa gleaming with fresh blood.
"Put it down priest." She commanded. Si'rus raised the quon tch higher; he would not be cheated from his prize. B'Oada dropped her senepa and walked forward not taking her eyes off his. B'Oada's eyes showed nothing. Si'rus felt he was looking into two dark unfathomable pits. She did not need to lift a finger to take a life but her bloodied face and body told him she had not used her abilities to fight, she enjoyed the kill. Si'rus's chest heaved with frantic breath as he tried to draw as much air in as he could. He did not know if it was the rush of the coming Ghe'M Pes Katra or the fear of his own impending death?
His hands trembling he lifted the quon tch a little higher then froze. His mind was locked, he could not think of the next command to send to his limbs. Si'rus forced his eyes down to look upon S'Tha's still form. His eyes remained only briefly upon her then they were drawn back to B'Oada's eyes. No matter how he tried he couldn't bring the quon tch down to strike the Reldai. B'Oada was within his mind, searching, probing every part of him. It was not painful just slightly unpleasant. He felt invaded by her thoughts, yet he could not stop her. B'Oada's ability was more powerful than any he had known. He actually admired her; the skill she possessed was astounding. She seemed to go so effortlessly to every part of his being, intertwining every muscle. Every cell in his body was invaded, causing fire and searing coldness where she chose to go.
B'Oada's breathing stilled till not even at this close range could Si'rus see her chest move. A single drop of perspiration trickled down from her hairline. Si'rus's eyes followed it as is made it's way down the side of her face unto her neck leaving a gleaming path as it went. It slowly and erratically flowed down unto her breast then disappeared beneath her breastplate.
"Allow me the claim." His thoughts came to her.
"I allow you nothing but death priest." Hers came back.
Si'rus's breath sucked in, deep and sharp. The quon tch dropped from his hands and fell noisily onto the altar, his eyes stared widely as B'Oada reached and tore mercilessly within him. Si'rus threw his head back, his neck bulging with the silent scream he attempted to let out. He grabbed the side of the altar and slowly sank to his knees behind it. Thin lines of blood started to trickle from his mouth and nose and thoughts no longer registered in his mind. B'Oada took a deep breath and approached the altar. His katra would not be retrieved, nor would it be placed in the Hall of Memories as so many other his would be lost to them forever.
B'Oada stood silently recovering from the energy loss she has just exuded. Within minutes she had regained all that she had lost. She put her hand on S'Tha's face. S'Tha opened her eyes and looked into her daughter's eyes. B'Oada helped her to sit up; it was then she noticed the blood coming from beneath S'Tha's breastplate and gret.
"I will get Tumar, she will attend to your wound." S'Tha grabbed her arm.
"We have no time for this B'Oada. We must finish here then start for Tul." Her grip tightened.
"Kleadine lives!" B'Oada looked dispassionately at her mother.
"It is finished Maas. Shar Tal is taken; we have victory. All priests lie in its Tadash Quam. If Kleadine lives, he will live a little longer. We have fought hard and well mass. We shall allow Kleadine to make his next move."
S'Tha pushed herself from the altar and started across the floor to the entrance. She made it halfway then slumped to the floor. B'Oada went to her and removed her breastplate; just beneath her ribs on the left side a wound laid open, blood seeping from it freely.
"Maas if this wound is not tended too, you will not live to witness Kleadine's end." B'Oada stated. S'Tha agreed, even now she felt her energy leaving her. She put her hand on B'Oada's arm.
"Call Tumar. When I am stable we shall return Gol." She sighed.
"And wait for Kleadine to exact ashu'cezh for the desecration the Sisterhood has committed at Shar Tal." B'Oada grasped her mother's shoulder.
"This is the only logical way, under the circumstances." She released her grip and left to get Tumar.
S'Tha watched her daughter leave, then lowered herself to the floor and fell back into darkness. Within the darkness Kleadine's presence pursued her
Chapter 18
"How long have I been at Gol?" She whispered to herself.
The door opened and T'Sha entered carrying a tray. She quickly put the tray down and went to the bedside.
"Reldai, you must rest." She said trying to help S'Tha to lie back down.
"T'Sha, I have rested enough it would seem." S'Tha pushed her away and slowly stood. Her head swam lightly with dizziness and she grabbed T'Sha for support.
"I should call for Tumar." T'Sha said.
"That will not be necessary, bring my gahra." T'Sha went right away and fetched her gahra. When she had put it on she looked at T'Sha.
"How long have I been at Gol?" She asked.
"Two weeks Reldai." T'Sha answered pouring S'Tha a measure of water.
"Two weeks?" She took the water from her.
S'Tha drank from the goblet then placed it on the tray.
"You were injured at Shar Tal, you have been in a healing trance since." T'Sha explained. S'Tha remembered being injured and falling into darkness where she drew upon the disciplines of healing that were within Nurum's memory.
"Where is my daughter?" She asked.
"B'Oada and your elite sit in counsel."
T'Sha picked up the tray.
"In counsel?" S'Tha was surprised although her face did not show it.
"Why do my priestesses sit in counsel without their Arch-Reldai?" She asked. The priestess turned her head; she did not like the fact that she should be the one to tell S'Tha what had transpired in the last two weeks. She turned her face again to S'Tha and took a deep breath.
"Kleadine lives." She said,
"He has sent his elite once again to Ni'rch Heya." She stopped and looked into S'Tha's eyes, they were dark and unmoving.
"When the news of the down fall of Shar Tal and the slaughter of the priests reached Kleadine he sent out a force of Kush like we have never seen before, thousands. They went directly to the sacred mountain where they took revenge for our action at Shar Tal." She stood quietly for S'Tha's questions. S'Tha's gaze was cold as she walked past T'Sha towards the door of her chamber.
She stopped on the top step and without turning she asked. "How many survived?"
"One Reldai." S'Tha's voice was barely audible. S'Tha pushed open the door and headed towards the main hall where B'Oada sat in counsel.
"I will not accept this Tumar, it is not logical." B'Oada said.
"I will not risk one more of our priestesses to save the life of one priest."
"B'Oada, your mother would want this. After all Selkar did save her and her priestesses at Tul, she gave him sanctuary at Ni'rch Heya. She would at least attempt to save him!" Tumar's voice was hard.
"Allow me to take a small band of Kush, I am certain we could penetrate the temple and make good our escape with the priest." She put her hands on the table,
"Or have you forgotten, we have done this before?" B'Oada looked at Tumar, her face blank.
"That we will never forget Battler, it is within the memory of the people. But another such raid on the temple of Tulrah'Kas would be suicide. Remember Kleadine is no fool and you can be sure that he will be ready for us to try and procure Selkar." Ayahtinah had been sitting quietly through the debate between Tumar and B'Oada until she could hear no more.
"I for one will not sit here waiting for Kleadine to attack Gol" She stood,
"I say we take Tul now!" Ayahtinah's bottom lip quivered slightly. B'Oada approached her and put her hand on her shoulder. Her eyes softened.
"I understand your hatred. And I grieve with thee." She looked at Tumar,
"And you also t'hy'la. The loss of your sons is a loss to all of us, but to blindly go into this would be even more of a loss. We must look at this logically, not with our emotions." She took her hand away from Ayahtinah's shoulder quickly; the emotions surging through the first priestess offended her.
"I too want nothing more than to have Kleadine dead. But it is not the time as yet." Tumar slammed her hands onto the table.
"When is the time B'Oada?" She yelled. B'Oada looked at her then turned her gaze to the entrance of the hall where S'Tha now stood.
"Maas, you are well?" She asked in a level voice. S'Tha did not answer, but went directly to Ayahtinah and embraced her. She reached out and put her hand on Tumar's arm.
"I grieve with you both t'hy'la." She said. The rest of the priestesses sat quietly ignoring the show of emotions between their Reldai and her two priestesses. B'Oada backed away, she felt the grief from them and although she too had grief for both Tumar and Ayahtinah and their loss, the Kolinahr prevented any show of emotion.
Finally S'Tha released her embrace on Ayahtinah and turned to B'oada who now stood at the balcony looking out onto Gol. She approached her.
"Kleadine has taken Ni'rch Heya once again." It was more of a statement than a question. B'Oada turned to face her mother.
"He has." She answered. S'Tha nodded her head absently.
"Then what do you suggest we do daughter?"
"I am not in the position to do anything Maas. You are the Arch-Reldai of Gol, it is your choice." B'Oada said. S'Tha turned and approached the table.
"He wants you to come to him Maas." S'Tha stopped then stiffened.
"And why would he want that daughter?"
S'Tha asked not turning to look at B'Oada.
"I have told you once S'Tha, you are in his heart, and I sense he is within yours... although you fight it." B'Oada's voice was cold; she stepped away from the balcony and went to stand beside her mother.
"Feel no shame in this maas. It cannot be helped, you are bonded to him. Kleadine is in your blood." S'Tha looked into her daughter's face.
"Your words are not completely true. In truth we are bonded. But the only feelings I hold for your father are negative ones." S'Tha's eyes were full of fire.
"Yet Maas, you would go to him again in his time, you would lie with him to end his Pon farr. I do not hold this against you, you cannot prevent this, you are his aduna." The room was completely silent; all eyes were on B'Oada and S'Tha. The priestesses could not believe that B'Oada dared bring these things to their Reldai in front of them. S'Tha spoke without looking at her daughter.
"I cannot counter your words daughter. All I will say is when Kleadine enters his time once again, it will be you who will end his blood fever in my stead." She looked at B'Oada, "Perhaps this will be more suitable to you?"
B'Oada did not answer but stared coldly at her mother. S'Tha walked away from B'Oada and stood at the table.
"Ayahtinah, Kleadine holds Selkar... does he live?" She asked.
"We assume he live S'Tha. But in what condition he is in, we know not." Ayahtinah answered, her emotions now in control.
"And what are the Arch-Reldei's demands?" She asked. Tumar started to bring forth Kleadine's demands.
"If you wish the priest to live you will send a thousand priestesses to perform Aklash Tia with the priesthood, " S'Tha listened not moving.
"He also demands that you end ashu'cezh against him and any offspring that are born of Aklash Tia, male or female belong to him and stay within the temple of Tulrah'Kas. And that you, S'Tha, Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol leave your position here and return to Tul forthwith and take your rightful position as bond mate to the Arch-Reldei of Tulrah'Kas." The hall was deadly quiet.
"And if I do not comply with these demands?" S'Tha asked.
"Then the priest will die in sacrifice and Kleadine will lead an attack on Gol himself and his words are 'The blood of the Sisterhood will stain the sands of Gol for a thousand, thousand years!'"
"Is the priest that brought these demands to you alive?" S'Tha asked.
"He lives Reldai." Answered Tumar.
"Then dispatch him now to Tul with these words. Tell Kleadine I will come to Tul, but it will not be to meet his demands. Ayahtinah ready my battle dress, we leave for Tul in the morning." She turned to leave the hall, and then stopped turning to face her daughter. "B'Oada, after this battle you will assume position of Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol. I grow weary of this fight." She turned and left.
B'Oada knew one day she would succeed her mother as Reldai, but she didn't expect it this soon. Her mother was a mature female and strong. She still had many years where she could competently lead the Sisterhood. Her warrior training had only improved with her maturity. It was not logical for her to turn the Reldai title to her; she could not understand why she would do such a thing. B'Oada returned her attention back to the table where she joined in the strategies of the coming battle.
Later that evening she entered her mother's chamber. S'Tha was sitting meditating at the open window, she still had her gahra on from that morning, her gret and breast plate lay on the bed where Ayahtinah had placed them earlier. B'Oada approached her and stood regarding her.
"Maas, forgive the intrusion. I only wish to offer you my apologies for the words I spoke this day. Although they were true, I should have said them in private." She said.
S'Tha opened her eyes, she had sensed her daughter enter her chamber, but chose not to acknowledge her. "B'Oada, you can do nothing else but tell the truth, your disciplines will allow nothing else. You need not apologize for saying the truth." She looked at her daughter, "It is not logical. There is sometimes pain in truth."
S'Tha stood and looked at B'Oada. "Sal'rch, can you tell me why your father is in my heart? The hate and disgust I have for him still burns within me, yet his image seeps into my mind, whether I am asleep or awake, he is always there burning my very being." She closed her eyes, "Even meditation eludes me. The darkness of my mind seems to be always fighting to keep his face out." Her eyes opened and a tear fell. "So B'Oada, you must now take on Tulrah's Tia, for I do not feel that I will make the correct decisions, and one wrong move based on emotional attachment could mean the end of the Sisterhood. And I will not be responsible for that. After this battle no matter what the outcome, you will take my position as Arch-Reldai; you have proven yourself capable in every way. I have no doubt you will succeed where I have failed."
"Maas what will you do? You will stay with the Sisterhood... the fight?" B'Oada asked. S'Tha put her hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"I will stay as long as you need me to B'Oada." S'Tha placed her arms around B'Oada. B'Oada stiffened at the show of emotion but allowed it; she placed her one arm around her mother and held her also.
"You will always be the Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol maas. You will never be forgotten in the memory of the people of our world for your fight and courage." She stood back and looked at S'Tha.
"When we are long gone from this world, still the name of S'Tha of the House of Rus'ma will live." She raised her hands in submission.
"I will always serve and honor you mass." S'Tha raised her hand in her world's salute.
"Live long and prosper B'Oada." B'Oada bowed slightly and turned and left her mother's chamber, allowing her to return to her meditation.
TUL
"The Arch-Reldei will give you audience... this way." He led the older priest into Kleadine's chamber. He approached Kleadine who was standing gazing out the window onto the main square of the temple. Both priests stood silently waiting for him to acknowledge them. Kleadine turned ignoring the younger tress, directing his attention to the Kush he said.
"Surus, you have returned. What news have you?" He asked motioning the tress to leave.
"I fear the news I bring Reldei is not what you have waited for." Surus answered. Kleadine just stared at him.
"I delivered your demands to the Sisterhood." He started,
"When I arrived I was not given an audience with the Arch-Reldai, she was unavailable. I was given an audience with B'Oada."
"How is my daughter?" Kleadine asked.
"I believe your daughter is well Reldei, although she did not speak to me." Answered Surus.
Kleadine licked his lips. "You said you had an audience with her, yet she did not speak with you?"
"No Reldei, she did not speak with me, the Battler and S'Tha's first priestess did the talking. B'Oada just listened."
"Who gave you clearance to leave Kush?" He asked.
"The Battler gave me clearance and also the Arch-Reldai's answer to you."
"Do you plan to keep me in suspense for the rest of the day Kush?" Kleadine was becoming irritated with the slowness of the Kush.
"No Reldei, that is not my intention. The message from the Arch-Reldai is as follows." He cleared his throat.
"She will come to Tul, she left the morning after I did and should be arriving at Tul tomorrow. But I fear Reldei she does not come to you to fill your demands." Kleadine started to pace the chamber.
"Then why does the T'sai come to Tul?" His frustration flew from him.
"She comes to bring Tulrah's Tia to Tul and to end your life Reldei." Kleadine stopped his pacing and looked at the Kush. "To end my life?" He screamed, "Hasn't she learned from the past that I am too powerful for her?" He grabbed the Kush by the arm. "Is she mad? Does she not realize that I could kill her in a breath?" He hissed.
"It is not the Arch-Reldai you should fear, but your daughter. She is in full Kolinahr, her powers are superior to yours." Kleadine released the Kush and brought his hand across his face, his heavy ring catching him on the mouth, his top lip split open and the blood gushed out over his chin. The Kush dared not move, Kleadine in anger could be lethal.
Kleadine turned and stared out the window of his chamber. For along time he said nothing nor did he move. When he did speak he was calm and his words slow and precise. "Surus, have Selkar prepared for ritual." He said.
"Selkar will die in Ghe'M Pes Katra?" Asked Surus through a swollen mouth.
"No, no. He will die as a warrior." Kleadine turned his gaze out to the square, "He will die in the main square upon the central dais with a weapon in his hand."
Surus swallowed hard. "Kush triloris?" He asked.
Kleadine turned and smiled. "Yes, Kush triloris."
Surus was taken aback not since the time before memory had the Kush triloris been preformed, and when it was preformed in the past, the warrior's dance was only used on enemy Kush from warring clans.
"Yes, Surus. When the Arch-Reldai S'Tha enters Tul, it will be the first thing she will see. And perhaps she will realize what I hold in store for her." He smiled again, "Then I am sure she will gladly give in to my demands. Go, prepare Selkar for the dance!"
Surus quickly left the Arch-Reldei's chamber to prepare for the coming ritual. Kleadine returned his gaze to the window.
"Come, t'hy'la. Bring your warrior priestesses... bring the whole of Vulcan. Not can stand against me. Come, I wait for you my t'hy'la!" He stood for sometime in silence then started to prepare himself for the coming battle.
Chapter 19
At the time the Vulcan people were even more warring than they were now, they squabbled among themselves for every little complaint. At the time any organized religious body did not rule Tul, but the strongest, most ruthless warrior held power over Tul. And of course the power changed hands quite frequently as there were always a more powerful warrior, with more determination who fought his way up the ranks to end the current hold of power.
The old Sisterhood of ancient Gol realized that this would have to stop, that the Vulcan people would have to become somewhat civilized if they wished to survive as a race. So they sent a young priest by the name of Sukat with an army of ten thousand, mostly priests and priestesses, but among them a large contingent of commoners. The battle of Tul raged for three months and when it was over, Tul lay in rubble, the current warrior in power slaughtered and over eight thousand dead combined. Sukat entered the temple as the first Arch-Reldei under the graces of the Sisterhood and the blessings of the T'sai Kh'liorah. The planet Vulcan knew somewhat of a peaceful existence till the coming of Kleadine and the darkness of Tulrah'Kas.
Now for the first time in countless years, S'Tha stood as Sukat did at the gates of Tul, ready to change the history of the Vulcan people as Sukat had in the early days. Of course know Tul was run by Kleadine and his Kush Reldei, each strong and well trained in all disciplines of battle as her priestesses and she knew they would be out numbered at least two to one. But S'Tha gave this no thought, whatever the outcome of the battle; this would be her greatest challenge and a battle that would be held within the conscious mind of all Vulcan people far into the future of their world.
S'Tha had not spoken to anyone on their journey across Gol. She kept to herself. Even when B'Oada came to speak with her she sent her away. S'Tha realized that she had to be both physically and mentally whole if she was going to succeed. Inside she feared the confrontation with Kleadine. In the past he had been stronger and had taken the victory from her. She could not allow this to happen again. So she had spent the journey calling upon Nurum's wisdom of disciplines and battle, hammering them into every cell of her being. By the time they reached Tul, she was secure with herself that the battle would belong to the Sisterhood.
She stood and watched as the early morning sun slowly climbed the temple's highest tower. The rays of Las'hark did not seem as hot on this day and the winds held their breath. It was as if the very elements of Vulcan were aware of the forth-coming battle and recoiled in fear. S'Tha stood her set'a hanging limply around her form. She was brought out of her thoughts as Tumar and a handful of Kush approached. She had sent the Battler out earlier before Las'hark rose to find out what, if any information that would be helpful to them in their fight.
"S'Tha, I do not like this." Tumar said.
S'Tha did not speak; only her eyes questioned her elite priestess.
"It is deadly quiet within the confines of Tul. The only movement is in the center market. The Kush prepares the dais, for what I do not know? No word comes from the lips of the people. Kleadine is up to something, perhaps we should wait for the attack till we find out what it is?" Tumar feared nothing, but the thought of dying uselessly in a trap disgusted her.
S'Tha closed her eyes, at this close range she sensed Kleadine clearly through their bond. She turned and went back to her tent. Her elite priestesses congregated outside, waiting for her to decide their course. Shortly she emerged from the tent, her set'a removed and her hair loosely around her. Her senepa gleamed in her hands. "Tumar, come, one hundred Kush...choose them." She barked, "We will see what plan Kleadine has in store for us." She made her way through the throng of priestesses.
Tumar closed her eyes, she did not like this, yet S'Tha was her Reldai she would obey her. She quickly started to pick her best Kush to follow S'Tha into Tul.
B'Oada and Ayahtinah stepped in S'Tha's path as she walked forward.
"No sal'rch, you will remain here. When we are sure this is no trap you will be sent for." S'Tha said.
"Maas, I cannot stay here, not with Kleadine there." B'Oada pointed to Tul.
"I cannot allow your father to take you, it's too dangerous, and I believe this is what he wants... for you to enter the city with me. Once he has you, he knows I will do anything to have you back. No B'Oada you will stay here with the others till you are called for."
B'Oada did not like her mother's decision, but like Tumar she would honor it. S'Tha looked at Ayahtinah and put her hand on her face.
"And you t'hy'la, do not fear, I will not strike down the Arch-Reldei till you are at my side, my blood vow will be honored." Ayahtinah placed her hand on S'Tha's.
"I had no fear of that t'hy'la." She said and removed her hand from her first priestess' face and walked forward; Tumar and the hundred elite following.
S'Tha and her band entered the city of Tul freely, not one Kush Reldei was to be seen. They made their way through the deserted city. Tumar was uneasy; this was not Kleadine's way. She had fought his Kush for over thirty years and the elite Kush of Kleadine were always ready to take the fight. As they turned onto the roadway that lead to the market center, they came face to face with a thousand of the Arch-Reldei's elite none of them made a move to rush the Sisterhood, but parted to let them through to the dais. As S'Tha got closer she saw that the lone figure upon the dais was Selkar. She quickened her pace. When she was a few feet from the dais Kleadine's Kush barred her from going any further. She raised her senepa to strike the Kush in her path but Tumar held her arm.
"Wait." She nodded towards the dais where Selkar was joined by the Arch-Reldei. S'Tha lowered her weapon and turned her gaze to Kleadine.
He stood his legs spread and his arms crossed over his chest. He no longer dawned the robes of the Arch-Reldei but his warrior dress shone crimson on his form. Upon his head the elite Kush helmet with Tulrah'Kas's face embossed on it. His face from his eyes up covered in the red dye used by the priesthood. His arms shone gold from the hundred arm bands covering them and from under his breast plate his chest glittered with the sacred powder of Tulrah'Kas.
Kleadine glared down at S'Tha and a thin smile came to his lips. S'Tha glared back with such hostility that Kleadine turned his gaze briefly. Silence filled the air. No one moved. Finally S'Tha broke the silence.
"What games have you here priest?" Her voice was loud and deadly. Kleadine let his arms fall to his sides and stepped forward.
"Game t'hy'la? I play no games, you should know that." His voice was just as deadly.
"No t'hy'la, this..." He motioned to Selkar who stood behind him. "This is for you, in honor of your home coming." He took another step forward to the edge of the dais and reached his hand out to her.
"Come aduna, come stand with me and watch the dance." He smiled.
S'Tha spat towards the dais, her spittle landing on his right foot, he looked down with disgust on his face. "The only way I stand with you priest is when I perform the Chas'ran upon your head." She seethed.
"I told you many years ago t'hy'la that my leniency would eventually come to an end." Kleadine looked briefly at Tumar.
"Seize them!" He yelled. At once two hundred Kush were upon S'Tha and her priestesses. It was all so fast none of S'Tha's Kush had time to react; even if they could they were too confined to fight. When all the Sisterhood were secure, Kleadine jumped from the dais to stand in front of S'Tha. He raised his hand to her face and touched it lightly.
S'Tha looked up into his face and smiled.
"It has only begun priest, the day is young." She whispered. The two Kush that held her tightened their grip, S'Tha showed no sign of the pain she felt.
"No S'Tha, when this day is over so will Tulrah's Tia be. And you..." He grasped her under the chin and lifted her face to meet his; his lips brushed hers. She tried to pull away but he held her firm. "And you will be my aduna in every way, t'hy'la in its true form." He let her go and circled the dais to stand facing her. All the time Selkar stood gazing blankly ahead. Kleadine raised his hand into the air to get the attention of his elite.
When he was sure all eyes were on him he gave the command. "Kush tirloris!" Swiftly twenty elite Kush circled the dais; each held a senepa that had been coated with deadly poison. The second priest of Tulrah'Kas climbed the stairs of the dais and approached Selkar.
Selkar turned his view to the second priest; he lifted his hands and accepted the senepa he offered.
"Selkar, first priest of Tulrah'Kas do you freely accept the senepa?" He asked. Selkar remained silent. "Then Selkar, child of Stahr, child of Suras, go to the dark mother thy katra lost!"
S'Tha couldn't believe what she was hearing, not only were they going to sacrifice the first priest but they would not retrieve Selkar's katra, he would be lost to them forever. She tried to pull free but the Kush's grip became tighter. Kleadine scowled across the dais at her, he held her eyes for a time and only when the second priest left the dais did he break contact.
Slowly Selkar circled the top of the dais looking into each of the Kush's faces, daring them to make the first strike, none of them moved but stared stoned faced ahead. On his second turn around the dais, a young Kush jumped forward and took the first strike, catching Selkar on the right thigh, the senepa was so sharp Selkar didn't even notice he was hit until he felt the sting a minute later. The next Kush struck but Selkar barred the strike forcing the Kush to tumble backwards. The next jumped forward but Selkar swung low catching him across the chest leaving a grisly gash of green seeping from the wound. The Kush started to strike quicker and from all sides of the dais. Selkar was finding it hard to keep up with them, already he had a dozen or more cuts on his body and he was starting to feel the effects of the poison. Selkar started to loose his balance and stumbled but still the Kush struck out at him again and again.
He came to stand in front of S'Tha where another Kush struck him with such force on his side he fell to his knees holding the wound. His body was now completely covered with blood and his breathing quick and sharp. S'Tha tried once again to pull away, but the Kush who held her pulled her arm high onto her back, she winced with the pain. Selkar watched through dazed eyes as the Kush grabbed the Arch-Reldai by her hair and yanked her backwards. Slowly and painfully he pulled himself up till he was standing supporting himself on the handle of the senepa. He hoped that no other Kush would strike till he gained his breath, but that was not to be. The Kush to the right of him swung and caught him on the rear of his calf. His leg buckled slightly, he straightened himself once again and started to swing the senepa blindly. Selkar circled the dais striking out at each Kush, connecting flesh with each blow. On the far side of the dais he swung barely missing Kleadine by inches. Kleadine stepped back amazed at his staying power. Selkar came around the dais to where S'Tha and her Kush were being held. He turned in a circle once, twice gaining speed, the senepa straight out in front of him, on the last spin he lunged forward, the senepa striking the Kush holding S'Tha. The force of the blow was so strong it cleanly removed the Kush's head that toppled to the ground in front of S'Tha. The hands of the priest convulsed on S'Tha's arm and then the headless body fell forwards leaving S'Tha one free arm. Selkar slumped to his knees completely exhausted, the poison taking its toll. He raised his eyes to look at S'Tha.
"T'sai Kh'liorah has her light upon you Kush!" She yelled. Selkar raised his hand to his heart and smiled. S'Tha's eyes widened as Kleadine approached from the other side of the dais, a senepa held expertly in his hand. He reached Selkar and pulled his head back and brought the senepa down on the front of his neck. Selkar fell backwards, his body still. Kleadine looked down at the lifeless form of his first priest then at S'Tha, her eyes were wild. She pulled her other arm free from the remaining Kush who still held her. He let her go, he had no fear she would succeed in harming the Arch-Reldei.
S'Tha pounced up onto the dais in front of Kleadine, she started to circle him, he followed her. She circled him three times then stopped. S'Tha threw her arm high into the air. "Totiatal!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, "Toriatal!" Behind her the Sisterhood started the chant,
"Toriatal! Toriatal!" Their voices raised high and carried on the wind to the outskirts of Tul. B'Oada and the rest of the Sisterhood stood listening to the chant of challenge. B'Oada picked up her senepa and started towards the city followed by Ayahtinah and the rest of the Sisterhood.
Chapter 20
"Toriatal, t'hy'la, this is your wish?" He asked.
"My wish is to remove your heart as you watch priest!" Her voice was as hard as steel. Kleadine raised his hands in submission.
"But t'hy'la you already have my heart." He reached his hands out to her.
"What weapon do you choose priest?" She held his gaze.
"As you wish S'Tha, I choose the quon tch." He stood back and waited for the two Kush to climb the stairs to the dais with the chosen weapons. Kleadine accepted his personal quon tch and slowly turned it over in his hands, the blade gleamed in the light of Las'hark, who was watching the challenge high overhead in silence. S'Tha took the quon tch from the Kush and looked at it, she had never used one before. It was the weapon of choice of the priesthood and she knew Kleadine was an expert in all its uses.
Kleadine did not wish to kill her, he considered her his aduna even if she did not allow him the same title.
"We can end this now S'Tha, before I have to kill you. This is not my wish." He whispered. S'Tha looked into the crowd and saw Tumar still being held by the two Kush. She put her hand to her heart and inclined her head to the Battler.
Tumar smiled and started to chant her name. "S'Tha! S'Tha!" Soon the rest of the priestesses were also chanting, this uneased Kleadine. He pulled up his control to block out the rising chants.
S'Tha raised the quon tch to waist level and swung it clumsily in front of Kleadine, he quickly avoided the blade. S'Tha was accustomed to the heavier senepa and the lightness of the quon tch was throwing her off balance. Kleadine took off his helmet and threw it into the crowd. He circled her once keeping his eyes on hers. He brought the quon tch down missing her. She felt the wind of the blade brush her face and brought her weapon up to block it before it struck flesh. Kleadine danced around her lunging and striking out quickly. Till then he had not hit her and S'Tha knew it was not because of his lack of skill, he was playing with her.
Twenty minutes passed and Kleadine stopped and lifted the blade into the air and smiled.
"Now we fight!" He said. He spun and bent forward striking S'Tha on the upper thigh. She quickly jumped backwards. The quon tch was not as finely honed as the senepa; and each strike cut deep and caused great pain, she ignored it. S'Tha lunged forward, her blade hitting Kleadine's breastplate; he grabbed her wrist and held her for a moment looking coldly into her eyes. He threw her across the dais. S'Tha hit the stone hard but rolled and was back on her feet in a heartbeat. She ran at him the quon tch high, as she got close she raised the blade and brought it down to strike his right shoulder, he brought his up and blade hit blade. The force was so strong from the blow that S'Tha felt it through her whole body; she quickly backed off, Kleadine following her. He spun and lunged once again hitting her again on the thigh right above the first hit. S'Tha stumbled backwards and limped to the other side of the dais, she hoped this small space of time would let her gain her control as well as her breath.
Kleadine stood watching her from the other side allowing her to rest. After a few minutes he strode across the dais the quon tch at his side. When he was a few feet away S'Tha swung catching him on the midriff beneath his breastplate. He brought his weapon down across hers knocking it out of her hand. It hit the edge of the dais bouncing into the crowd. Kleadine stood smiling, he could kill her now, but that was not what he wanted. He waited for her next move.
S'Tha looked to where the quon tch had fallen then to Kleadine. If she was to survive, she would have to get closer, without space he could not use his weapon, he needed more room to maneuver. The crowd was silent waiting for the next move. S'Tha reached under her gret and unsheathed her lil'ra. Kleadine looked mildly amused; did she think she could bring him down with the lil'ra? She had tried before, but now he was armed. He laughed loudly and dropped the quon tch onto the ground. S'Tha watched as he kicked the weapon off the dais and raised his hand, motioning her to come. She wasted no time she flew at him, throwing herself onto his chest. Kleadine wrapped his arms around her and held her. She brought the lil'ra down but he grabbed her wrist and held it putting pressure till the lil'ra dropped from her hand. S'Tha started to struggle with him trying to free herself from his embrace, but he was too strong, he held her firm. She reached out with the nikh and was just about to enter him when he pulled up his control and she hit blackness. She struggled again knocking Kleadine off balance. He fell still holding her. When they hit the stone S'Tha was on top. She wrapped her hands around his throat and squeezed, but her hands were not strong enough and he pried them away easily and rolled her, now he was on top. S'Tha reached out blindly beside her till she found the lil'ra, she picked it up and swung at Kleadine, he caught her hand and smashed it against the stone causing S'Tha to release her grip.
"Not this time t'hy'la." He smiled. S'Tha started to hit his breastplate with her fists causing her knuckles to bleed. Kleadine had had enough; he grabbed both of the wrists and stilled her. He brought her arms over her head and held them there. He raised his eyes to look at Tumar then bent and put his mouth on S'Tha's. The Battler struggled against the two Kush that held her, till one of them brought his fist down onto the back of her neck causing Tumar to buckle to her knees.
Kleadine continued kissing S'Tha. She thought quickly, she had to get out of this before it was too late. She kissed him back, Kleadine pulled away and looked into her eyes.
"T'hy'la pleasure me." S'Tha said. Kleadine's eyes grew dark, but the fire he felt was over powering. He leaned forward again and put his mouth on hers. S'Tha kissed him hungrily then brought her lips up his face. When she came to his cheek she stopped, Kleadine was highly aroused and did not notice she had stopped. S'Tha kissed his cheek then sunk her teeth into it at the same time she brought her knee up into his groin. Kleadine screamed trying to pull away, but her teeth clung securely. She bit deeper till she felt her teeth meet. Kleadine had released his hold on her to try and pry her loose but she would not budge. She grabbed his face in her hands and pushed it away. The tearing of flesh made a horrible sound. She brought her other knee up into his groin and he let out a sickening moan. S'Tha put both her feet onto his chest and pushed, Kleadine fell backwards and she was up.
A few of the Kush started to climb onto the dais, and before they could reach her, she had Kleadine. She took the position behind him to perform tal'shaya. Even in his dazed condition he was stronger, he stiffened as to give her no measure to snap his neck. Kleadine reached up and grabbed her by the hair. She struggled giving all her strength, but all her strength was not enough. S'Tha grabbed her own hair and started to wind it around Kleadine's neck, when she had secured it she released her hand from it's hold on his head and grabbed the other end of her hair and started to pull. Her hair started to tighten and Kleadine's eyes flew open, he struggled for breath lashing out at her blindly. A few of his hits connected but she kept up the pressure on him.
Kleadine's second priest approached. It was against the laws of toriatal for any one to interfere but perhaps he could persuade her for mercy.
"Reldai, allow him death quickly." He pleaded. S'Tha pulled harder and glared at the priest. She looked like a mad woman, her eyes aflame. She tasted his blood on her lips and that incited her... she pulled harder. Kleadine's head now rested on her breastplate and his arms were limp at his sides. S'Tha ignored the pleading of the priest. The priest tried a different tactic.
"S'Tha, if you kill the Arch-Reldei, then I will give the order for you and your priestesses to be slaughtered!"
"Then priest it will be worth it!" She snapped.
Kleadine's mouth was open trying to take in any air her could. His vision was blurred from the blood and sweat that was in them. S'Tha pulled harder on her hair, his head pushed back harder against her breastplate. He lifted his hand and touched her face.
"No t'hy'la, mercy." He managed to say. S'Tha ignored him and pulled again. His hand fell to his side.
"I will not be cheated this time priest!" She hissed into his ear.
"Ayahtinah, forgive me. I have broken my vow." She pulled again. Kleadine's breath caught hard and he slumped. S'Tha didn't want to chance it; she kept pulling tighter. Just then she heard a commotion at the rear of the crowd and glanced sideways to see what it was.
B'Oada and the rest of the Sisterhood had entered the city and now were engaging the priesthood in battle. S'Tha smiled. The second priest screamed.
"Attack! Destroy them!" Just then Kleadine brought his closed fist up into S'Tha's face, blood flew from her mouth and nose and she fell backwards. She lay there dazed, her hair entwining both her and Kleadine. The second priest unsheathed his lil'ra and cut through her hair releasing Kleadine. The battle raged around the dais as priestess and priest fought in frenzy. Kleadine looked behind him to where S'Tha still lay, he started to rise taking the quon tch from his priest. Before he got up on his feet, Tumar stood in front of him, her senepa raised high, the body of the second priest lifeless at her side. Kleadine looked up into her face, he smiled and lunged forward, the blade entering Tumar's midriff, her eyes widened and the senepa dropped from her hands. She fell to the ground holding the protruding blade. Kleadine hauled himself to his feet, three of his elite steadying him, he pushed them away and staggered over to where S'Tha lay half conscious. He fell to his knees over her body and wiped the blood from her face.
"It's over t'hy'la." He picked her up to a sitting position. S'Tha opened her eyes, on seeing the battle and the body of Tumar she closed them again, the tear stinging her face. Kleadine came closer and whispered.
"I win t'hy'la." then let her drop to the dais. He forced himself to stand again and started to walk from the dais.
"Bring her!" He ordered his Kush. He left the dais and the fight, his Kush helping S'Tha to follow. She did not fight them, there was no fight left in her. She could only hope that B'Oada would survive to carry on ashu'cezh. Blackness hit her and she thought no more.
Chapter 21
She tried to move but her body was so sore the mere effort caused pain to shoot through her. S'Tha didn't know how long she had been in this place; she didn't even know where she was. She didn't have any recollection of their escape from Tul. And Kleadine had not been to see her as yet. She did not look forward to that time, but she knew it would come. He himself had been injured and probably under the care of the healers. He had sent his private healer to care for her. An elderly priest called Surit. Since she had been awake, he had been there caring for her wounds. She had continually questioned him over the last few days, but to no avail, he would just glance at her and continue his work.
It was now late evening and Surit had been absent for many hours. S'Tha pushed herself to an upright position, she gasped with the pain and held her side, she assumed she had broken ribs and gingerly stood up, holding the edge of the bed for support. She noticed that her battle dress had been removed and she now she dawned a white gahra. She reached up and ripped the rings from her hair which held it bound a top her head. Her hair fell down around her. She threw the rings at the door just as it opened. S'Tha turned her gaze to the door expecting Surit to enter. Her breath caught as Kleadine stood there. He wore the robes of the Reldei. The black robe hung loose on him, his bare chest gleamed with gold dust. He no longer wore the red dye of the priesthood on his face. S'Tha noticed the scar on his midriff where she had struck him; his cheek had been butchered and was healing quite nicely. The healers had done a fine job. The scar he would carry would not be obvious... damn the healers she thought.
She wanted to sit back down on the bed as the pain was unbearable, but she refused to show him her weakness. He did not approach her but stood at the door watching her, finally he addressed her.
"Are the quarters to your liking t'hy'la?" He asked, his voice soft. She remained silent. Kleadine watched her for a few moments. "I trust Surit has been adequate in his abilities?" He took a step closer, "He is my finest healer." He added. Still S'Tha kept her silence. "If you are in pain I can arrange for Surit to administer...." Kleadine was cut short.
"I need nothing from you priest!" She snapped not looking at him.
"I see you still have your tongue t'hy'la." Kleadine took another step towards her. "Then I would assume you do not wish to hear any information on the outcome of the battle?" He said turning and opening the door readying to leave.
S'Tha turned quickly; she grabbed her side with the effort. "Kleadine, wait!" Her voice was anxious, almost pleading.
Kleadine stopped but did not turn. "You wish me to stay t'hy'la?" He asked. S'Tha swallowed hard.
"I wish you to stay Kleadine." He closed the door and turned to face her. S'Tha cast her eyes to the floor, she hated to plead in any way to him, but it was the only way she could find out the information she wished to know. He came to stand beside her. He took a piece of her hair in his hand and stood looking down at her. S'Tha kept her gaze to the floor. He let her hair fall, he reached for her hand and lifted it placing it on his face, and she did not pull away.
"Do not touch me Kleadine." Her voice was barely a whisper. He let her hand go and she brought it back to her side.
Kleadine kept his gaze on her as he spoke.
"Your priestesses fought well t'hy'la, you should be proud. The losses on both sides were heavy." He put his hand on her shoulder.
"But that is to be expected, after all both sides being highly trained Kush, not to mention extremely indoctrinated." He removed his hand and went to the window. S'Tha raised her head to view him. This was not the Kleadine she had known all these years, perhaps the battle was becoming too much for him also. He was calm, almost subdued.
Kleadine continued. "Yes, the losses." He stopped and looked at her. "I did not expect your priestesses to fight so well t'hy'la. I wish I would have stayed to watch."
S'Tha turned her head from him. She wanted to ask him so many questions, but she feared she would anger him so she remained silent and listened.
"At Tul over two thousand fell, at least that is the unofficial count. I will know the actual figures when my advisors return. The rumor among the Kush is fifteen hundred Kush fell at the hands of the Sisterhood, over two hundred at the hand of our daughter." He looked out the window into the darkness at the flaming red star.
"You certainly named her well t'hy'la." S'Tha smiled within herself.
"Your first priestess fell, at this point we do not know if she is dead or alive." S'Tha turned her head to face Kleadine.
"Ayahtinah has fallen?" She asked.
Kleadine did not answer but continued. "We have sent twenty emissaries to Gol these last two months to acquire a truce between the priesthood and the Sisters of Gol." He turned from the window and approached her. When he stood in front of her S'Tha looked up into his face. "Only one out of twenty has returned. B'Oada has butchered them all! The only survivor arrived this morning, his mind so badly distorted."
Now Kleadine turned his head. S'Tha had never seen him like this; usually he was so aggressive, so arrogant. He had never shown this side of himself, she felt his pain and she almost felt pity for him.
"Kolinahr is a terrible thing t'hy'la, remember it removes all emotion... compassion and pity." He looked back to her.
"Love. By giving B'Oada this power, you have created the perfect Kush Reldai. She cares not who falls under her." He put his hand to her face; S'Tha turned her head away. Kleadine took her hair in his hand.
"She would even kill you if you should become inconvenient." He said.
"She would never harm me priest. I am her mother." S'Tha's voice was hard. He put his hand beneath her hair and onto the back of her neck and stroked it with his fingers.
"Don't be too secure in that knowledge S'Tha, mother or not, our daughter is capable of killing you."
S'Tha stiffened; his touch was causing emotions to surface. Kleadine felt this and leaned forward.
"I would never kill you t'hy'la." He looked into her dark eyes.
"You hold my heart." He put his mouth on hers and kissed her gently. S'Tha was disgusted with herself; she was actually allowing him to touch her. She turned her face and a tear fell down her cheek.
Kleadine let out a deep breath and released her. "When Tul is cleared of the Sisterhood we will return, until then we will remain here at Shar Russa. B'Oada is sending her aide now, to arrange your release." He turned and walked to the door and turned again to face her. "But that will not be possible t'hy'la, at months end you will become my aduna under the blessings of Tulrah'Kas."
S'Tha's eyes widened and she approached the door. "No! I will never be that to you priest!" She hissed.
"As I see it t'hy'la, you have not much of a choice." He smiled and opened the door.
"And S'Tha, it saddens me to have to tell you this. The Battler, she did not survive." He did not wait for a response and closed the door.
S'Tha leaned against the door; she was over come with grief for Tumar. Tears fell hot on her face. She slumped to the floor and allowed her grief and rage to empty from her. When morning came Surit found her curled up on the floor, her eyes staring blankly. He ran to get the Arch-Reldei.
Surit returned with Kleadine and two Kush. Kleadine went directly to S'Tha's side and knelt beside her. He put his fingers on her neck to feel for her life force.
"She lives!" He said. "Lift her to the bed." One Kush stepped forward and lifted S'Tha's limp form and placed her on the bed. Kleadine stood watching. "How has this happened Surit?" Kleadine asked. Surit came forward.
"I do not know Arch-Reldei. I must examine her to know more." Kleadine stood aside.
"Then healer...examine her!" His voice was full of impatience. Surit quickly proceeded to examine S'Tha, a few moments of silence passed. He took a deep breath and turned to face Kleadine.
"I'm afraid I can do nothing for her." He stated. Kleadine looked at him his mouth opening to speak.
"She has induced kan-sorn. No one except S'Tha herself can bring her out of it." He finished.
"You are a healer Surit...heal her!" Kleadine yelled into his face.
"That I cannot so Reldei, and all your screaming will not change that." Kleadine looked to where S'Tha's body lay.
"What can we do to bring her out of this kan-sorn, there must be something we can do?" He asked in a calm voice.
"I told you Reldei, nothing. The Arch-Reldai has self induced her state and only she can come out of it."
"How long?" Kleadine asked. Surit shrugged his shoulder.
"As you well know Reldei, in the past the ancient Sisterhood used the kan-sorn as a way to heal themselves. We have memory of certain Reldai's remaining in this state for months... years. There is not a thing we can do." Surit stood waiting for Kleadine to fly into a rage as was usual for him, he did not. Instead he approached the bed and took S'Tha's hand.
"Why t'hy'la, why? The past between us is over. We have a future." Kleadine caught himself, he remembered the Kush and Surit were there listening.
"Leave me!" He ordered. The three Vulcans obeyed the Arch-Reldei and left him alone with S'Tha.
Once outside with the door closed Surit turned to the Kush.
"I am concerned with the Arch-Reldei's behaviour. Does he not remember this female has claimed ashu'cezh upon him? S'Tha would rather kill than look at him, yet he treats her as t'hy'la. His mind is weak, this cannot be allowed. It could be the down fall of the priesthood." Surit started to walk away.
"What do you plan to do Surit?" Asked one of the Kush. Surit stopped.
"I plan to bring this concern to Kleadine's advisors. We cannot have an Arch-Reldei that allows his heart to make the decisions for the priesthood. A Reldei with a sick mind is bearable. He looked at both Kush.
"One with a sick heart is not!" He turned and hurried off towards the chamber of Kleadine's head advisor, his robes flapping behind him.
Chapter 22
The first priestess entered the hall and stood in silence waiting for B'Oada to acknowledge her. After some time B'Oada turned from the altar and approached Ayahtinah.
"You wish to speak with me?" B'Oada asked.
"I do B'Oada. The Sisterhood demands to know when we leave for Shar Russa to liberate S'Tha? We all grow impatient. We must make our move before Kleadine decides to make his." Ayahtinah looked directly into B'Oada's dark bottomless eyes. B'Oada stepped closer to the first priestess.
"Ayahtinah, I realize the Sisterhood desires the battle and the life of the Arch-Reldei. No one here more than I would wish that. But to travel to Shar Russa is not logical. The distance is twice as far as Tul and after such a journey it would leave us weak, we would have to rest before the battle and that would allow Kleadine to make his move. I will not allow this to happen. We have already lost enough of our Kush, if we loose any more our fight will be over. Tulrah's Tia will lie cold... and my mother's wish unfulfilled."
"We have taken Tul B'Oada, over a thousand priests lost their lives. How many more could he have at Shar Russa? Surely we could take Russa? And S'Tha... what of S'Tha? To leave her in Kleadine's hands..." Ayahtinah turned her head away; just the thought of the Arch-Reldei sickened her.
"I assure you Ayahtinah, S'Tha is well. Kleadine will not harm her. And when he returns to Tul... we will strike." B'Oada turned and walked to the entrance, Ayahtinah following her.
"How can we be sure Kleadine will not harm the Arch-Reldai?" She asked; B'Oada turned to look at her.
"Kleadine wishes peace, he realizes he is no match for the Sisterhood. His priests convey this to me. He nearly begs for Tulrah's Tia to end and has suggested the priesthood and the Sisterhood unit as one faction. He knows if he takes S'Tha's life there will be chance for this."
"And you will give him peace?" Ayahtinah did not believe this the case but she had to ask.
"Not while I still breath will Kleadine have his peace." B'Oada put her hand on Ayahtinah's shoulder.
"I made my vow when I came to Gol... no matter what. We shall end the priesthood and we shall get S'Tha back... alive!" B'Oada took her hand away and started to leave the hall.
Ayahtinah followed her, both Vulcans continued towards the main square of Gol where the Sisterhood waited, "The Battler will live." Ayahtinah said making her way through the hall beside B'Oada.
"I had no doubt of that, her katra burns too bright for her to give up the fight." B'Oada replied. They both continued to the square where B'Oada would address the Sisterhood for the first time in two months.
Shar Russa
Kleadine had taken to his private chambers after a week of staying at S'Tha's bedside. She had shown no sign of coming out of kan-sorn. He had his healers perform every healing technique and ritual known to them, even ones so obscure the eldest of the healers had almost forgotten them. But still S'Tha lay in her silent state.
This is not how the Arch-Reldei had planned events. In his sickened mind he believed S'Tha would brake her icy car against him. After all he had taken her captive. He held her life in his hands. With her as his aduna he could put an end to ashu'cezh. With her as his aduna he would retain his position as Arch-Reldei. He would have nothing to fear except his daughter, but with S'Tha won to his side, he had hopes that his daughter could also be swayed. And if she could not be swayed... he would not hesitate to kill her. He did not expect S'Tha to induce kan-sorn and this certainly thwarted his plans. For without her being one with him, he was at a stalemate and this frustrated him to no end.
When Surit and his advisors approached him two days earlier with their concerns, he was outraged.
"It is none of your concern who I choose as aduna, and I assure you I am in control of the situation!" He screamed.
"Arch-Reldei we have every reason to be concerned. You are the Arch-Reldei; you are adun to Tulrah'Kas. It has never been within the Arch-Reldei's right to take a mortal aduna. It is not within the memory of our people; it is blasphemous to go against tradition. You must reject this thought; it will only bring us ill. Kleadine had flown into a rage, decapitating two of his junior advisors. The other three including Surit he had restrained to await for his decision on their fate, and now he waited for S'Tha to end herself induced trance.
Within S'Tha's subconscious, darkness surrounded her. Occasionally through her mind's eye she glimpsed images of her life, floating in nothingness. She was amazed at the clarity of the images and felt at times she was actually amidst the conscious world. She had to keep telling herself she was not on the physical plain but in the realm of shadows. A realm where all Vulcan's walked occasionally. But the Reldai used the realm as a way of visioning... a way of getting past the living, solid existence into the nether world of dreams and shadows.
By inducing kan-sorn it gave S'Tha the time she needed to heal herself and to avoid a confrontation with Kleadine. Within her trance S'Tha had no concept of time but her ability to move unrestricted was as simple as breathing. She had known Kleadine had been with her for the first few days when she first went into the trance state. She also knew of Surit's plan to have the Arch-Reldei removed, and she didn't like that at all, at least with Kleadine she knew where she stood, and if she had too, she could and would use his affection for her to her advantage. But with a new Reldei in position and Kleadine dead the chances of her surviving were gone.
S'Tha constantly moved in and out of Kleadine's mind. Kleadine had achieved the ability of visioning, being a Reldei this was part of his early training as all disciplines were, and being in middle maturity his skills were far superior than S'Tha's. And at times she found it difficult to enter his dream state. When she did achieve entry she found it unsettling to be within Kleadine's shadow walk. She was constantly fighting images from his physical life. When the madness became too intense she would retreat back to her own form, hiding within herself. She didn't know if it was safer to face Kleadine in the flesh or in katra form. She didn't like either.
As time passed S'Tha retreated deeper inside of herself, she no longer ventured forth, she found the constant assault of Kleadine's unstable mind too draining so she chose to seclude herself within her own darkness. S'Tha knew she was not alone within her darkness. She had felt another presence there with her since she had entered kan-sorn, but until now it had not made itself known to her. She thought for the first while that the presence was that of B'Oada lending strength to her mother's plight. But within the darkness S'Tha knew this was not her daughter, the presence was much stronger. Its powers were benevolent, but underneath the benevolence laid a calculating coldness. S'Tha could stand no more; she had to find out who or what was within the darkness with her. She ventured out into the realm of shadows to find the presence.
Kleadine listened intensely to the tress as he described what he had witnessed at Tul. His mood was dark these weeks past and the information he was now hearing did absolutely nothing to ease his concerns of the future of the priesthood.
"On entering the city we were informed by certain loyalists that your daughter has returned to the city and now sits in command of the temple of Tulrah'Kas. She gives speeches every day from the main square within the temple. At first only a few of the residents of Tul showed themselves to listen to her words. As we were there the crowds grew by the day, till truly the whole of the city would wait for her to appear on the stairs of the temple." The tress looked briefly at Kleadine then quickly away. The Arch-Reldei sat scowling.
"I must admit Reldei, B'Oada has a way of mesmerizing a crowd."
"What are her words tress?" Kleadine asked.
"She speaks of Tulrah's Tia, how she will continue her mother's ashu'cezh to all corners of Vulcan. She speaks of how her hand will bring your end. She likens herself to the Goddess of Ankh', and as B'Oada pursues and conquers Las'hark, she will conquer you Reldei." The tress shifted. Kleadine rose and laughed.
"And how does she plan to achieve this?" He asked.
"Through the disciplines, through the Kolinahr." The tress replied.
"Does the Sisterhood sit as a whole at Tul?" Kleadine asked as he moved to the window.
"No Reldei, B'Oada is wise, only a portion of the Sisterhood is situated at Tul, the rest are divided between Gol and Ni'rch Heya. She believes you cannot and will not succeed in conquering the whole of the Sisterhood if they are spread out so."
"How long does she plan to remain at Tul?" Kleadine asked.
"Until you deliver the Arch-Reldai S'Tha." Answered the tress.
"And then?" He asked.
"The she will vacate the city and return to Gol to plan the final battle." Kleadine said nothing and stared absently at the tress, his thoughts rushing out of control.
"Leave me." Kleadine's voice was hollow.
"One more thing Reldei." The tress looked at Kleadine, the Arch-Reldei lowered his gaze at the tress.
"B'Oada has preformed the ritual of matay, the death ritual. She now wears the dome of wisdom as the priesthood. She has vowed not to let her hair grow until her mother is returned unharmed."
Kleadine said nothing as the tress turned and left. He knew B'Oada had the will to carry on ashu'cezh but did she have the strength and ability to end his life. For the first time the Arch-Reldei had doubts in his abilities.
Chapter 23
S'Tha had been taught as a young child to walk the niorah pon as all Vulcan children were, but with the higher disciplines of the Reldai, her ability was far superior than others. She felt as comfortable in the shadow realm as she did in the physical world.
She made her way through the dimness of her reality, vague images floating around her; she paid no attention to these. S'Tha had one thing in mind and that was to find the presence, the other that was with her in her kan-sorn state. She had traveled through the nether domain floating through shimmering lights, reaching out with all her senses to locate the energy she knew was with her. S'Tha finally reached her goal, in front of her in the distance was the presence she searched for. It was too far away to actually see it's form clearly but the energy that emanated from it was like nothing S'Tha had ever experienced. She halted her pace and stood taking in the energy. She was in awe of the immense power that radiated all around her. S'Tha started to approach the form lifting her hand to shield her eyes from the brightness of it.
"You have come sal'rch. I am she who holds the knowledge and gives the truth." S'Tha looked into the face of the elderly female, she was indeed ancient, but her eyes shone brightly.
"Who are you?" S'Tha asked. The older female approached her.
"Surely you know me S'Tha? I have been with you since your time at Ni'rch Heya. It is I that have brought you this far on your path of ashu'cezh. Truly your inner self knows she whose wisdoms you carry within?"
"Then it is you Nurum, oldest mother of the clan of Ni'rch Heya, Arch-Reldai of the times of the ancients." S'Tha bowed her head.
"I come to serve." She said. Nurum raised her hand.
"I do not wish your servitude S'Tha." She lowered her hand.
"Why do you continue kan-sorn? Have you forgotten ashu'cezh?" Nurum asked. S'Tha raised her head.
"No." Was all she said.
"Then S'Tha why do you avoid the Arch-Reldei? Why do you hide in niorah pon, do you fear Kleadine so much that it is safer to slink within the shadows than to face him?" Nurum's voice was icy cold.
"It is not so much Nurum that I fear Kleadine, as I fear myself." S'Tha answered.
"You cannot allow emotions to run you." She pointed a finger at S'Tha. "This will be your down fall. If you allow Kleadine to invade you he will win. The Sisterhood will no longer be." Nurum turned and walked away from S'Tha.
"Nurum I have achieved all the disciplines that you endowed upon me with the exception of the Kolinahr. Why?" S'Tha walked to where Nurum stood and looked down on her. The oldest mother turned and faced her.
"At times S'Tha we are not always ready to accept what we are given. You have taken everything and have used it wisely. What we cannot or in your case, will not accept, we pass on... as you have done." S'Tha knew she was referring to B'Oada.
"Now you must take peace in the knowledge that the Kolinahr will be used in its fullness by she that holds it." Nurum walked away.
"Nurum, one question?" S'Tha asked. Nurum stopped but did not turn to face her.
"Kleadine believes that my daughter will kill me?" She stated.
"B'Oada is capable of killing anyone effectively and without remorse S'Tha. Will she kill you? This I do not know."
"How will I know?" Asked S'Tha.
"You will not. Logically B'Oada has no reason to harm you. I can only say do not give her one. For in the end you will lose." S'Tha nodded her head in understanding.
"Do not remain too long in this place S'Tha." Nurum walked further into the darkness.
"The fight awaits." She said as the silence of the niorah pon enfolded her leaving S'Tha standing alone.
Nurum was right, how long did she plan to stay within the safety of the shadow realm? She had faced Kleadine many times before and had survived. She had to face him, whatever fears she had she must control them. She had to face the Arch-Reldei... she had to continue ashu'cezh.
Chapter 24
Young females who had fled the city now returned to the safety of the Sisterhood. They had no fear of the Arch-Reldei or Aklash-Tia. They had free choice of whether they joined the Sisterhood, which many did, or to live without the religious body of Tulrah, both choices were acceptable.
B'Oada would invoke T'sai Kh'liorah every morning in the main square of the temple, which would bring the whole of the population of the city to witness the daughter of the Arch-Reldei. In the beginning they didn't know if they should trust this strange female, after all, she did not hold the title of Reldai and she was Kleadine's daughter. That fact alone brought a great deal of mistrust and distaste to the people. But as time went on and B'Oada preformed the honoring of the Lady of Light daily in full view of the people, they began to feel comfortable with her and the Sisterhood.
It was not so much the honoring of T'sai Kh'liorah which had swayed them but the speeches which B'Oada would give afterwards on the steps of the temple that kept them coming back. Her oratory skills were amazing, bringing herself out of her controlled Kolinahr to speak to them with passion and furor.
The people began to put their belief in this young Kush; they believed it would be this young female that would bring about the liberation of the Vulcan people. It was she who would bring about the downfall of Kleadine and his priests of Tulrah'Kas.
Each morning the people of Tul would bring offerings of presh to the temple and give honor to the T'sai Kh'liorah asking for her protection of the Arch-Reldai and her warrior daughter. Each morning the quwes of the people would reach the ears of B'Oada as she sat in meditation within the Tadash Quam.
"The people call your name t'hy'la." Ayahtinah's voice was hushed within the sacred space. B'Oada threw a handful of presh on the brazier, it crackled and spit then quickly the light gray smoke lifted and swirled up into the darkness. B'Oada repeated a series of quwes then inclined her head, once finished she stood and turned to face Ayahtinah.
"The people call your name." She repeated.
"I hear." B'Oada said, she approached the first priestess and put her hand on her forehead lightly them removed it.
"The people grow anxious t'hy'la, they wonder the strength of the Sisterhood. They say we fear Kleadine; they say we should take our army and take S'Tha from him. They say we should take Shar Russa and destroy the priesthood. I am inclined to agree with them. It has been many months and we have done nothing." Ayahtinah looked directly at B'Oada. B'Oada held her gaze for sometime before she spoke.
"I have thought of my Maas daily, and I know the people wish me to take action against Kleadine. But at this time it is not logical. My mass is safe." Ayahtinah looked at B'Oada with doubt in her eyes.
"I assure you t'hy'la my mother lives and is well. But to take Shar Russa... it cannot be done. Kleadine knows this and he waits for us to try. It is what he wants and I will not give my father what he wants... no, he will come here to Tul, he will give us S'Tha... and then he will give me... his life."
"But what time will pass before this happens B'Oada, Kleadine could stay at Shar Russa forever if he chooses and that only gives him strength and the ability to recruit new tress. We cannot allow this to happen, we cannot allow him to become stronger." A very thin smile appeared on B'Oada's face.
"Let Kleadine become stronger...he will still lose. For remember t'hy'la it is I who contain the ability he lacks, the Kolinahr eludes him. Although he is Arch-Reldei, he still allows his emotions to surface and he allows his emotions to make his choices for him." She walked past Ayahtinah.
"I do not!"
At that moment Tumar entered the Tadash Quam, she lay her senepa down as she entered the sacred space, no weapons of death were allowed within its holiness. It had taken Tumar quite a few months to heal from the attack of Kleadine, but she had healed fully, only a small scar from the quon tch remained as a constant reminder of her confrontation with the Arch-Reldei. Both B'Oada and Ayahtinah turned to face the Battler. It was rare to see her on the sacred space of Tulrah. She chose to do her honoring of the Gods in the open under the bright rays of Las'hark, the patron deity of the warrior cast.
B'Oada approached Tumar on the steps; she nodded for her to speak.
"B'Oada we have a visitor, he asks to speak with you. I would have ended his life and not bothered you but he has words from the Arch-Reldei." Tumar's eyes did not show her hatred of the name that left her lips.
B'Oada brushed past Tumar saying. "Allow me time to dress then bring this tress to my chamber, both of you shall attend this meeting." With that she was gone. Tumar and Ayahtinah went to escort the tress to his audience with B'Oada.
The Kush priest followed the two priestesses down the corridor of the temple he had walked so often in the past. Now instead of the white gahras of the priesthood, the corridors and garden were filled with the gray of the Sisterhood. The Kush kept his eyes to the ground as the stares of the sisters unnerved him. He was quite aware that he might not return to Shar Russa after his meeting and he was prepared for his fate. The tress stopped outside a large door, the Kush recognized the private chambers of Arch-Reldei. He summoned more control; he did not want the daughter of Kleadine to know his fear. Tumar threw the door open and stepped aside.
"In!" She said, her voice as cold as the senepa she carried. The Kush entered and stood quietly, his eyes remained cast to the floor.
B'Oada no longer had her black gahra on but her gret and breastplate to show this Kush that she was indeed the warrior that the priesthood whispered about. She stood looking at him; B'Oada was just as tall as the Kush. She spoke finally; the Kush lifted his eyes and stared directly into eyes so cold, so black that he swallowed hard.
"Kleadine has words for me?" She asked; her voice so full of control the Kush could not gage her mood. He lifted his hands in submission and bowed his head pulling his eyes away from hers.
"The Arch-Reldei has sent me with these words." He raised his head to look into her face.
"He wishes to let you know that your mother has induced kan-sorn and has been within niorah pon since her arrival at Shar Russa. He is concerned that if your mother does not come out of her self induced trance she may not be able too and she will be lost forever."
"I sincerely doubt Kleadine's concern for my mother is genuine. My maas is an Arch-Reldai and has been trained in every aspect of all the disciplines." B'Oada came to stand beside the Kush. He felt the power that emanated from her. She turned her head and looked directly at him, she reached gently into him to find out the truth. Why Kleadine would send him? When she realized this was the truth she backed off and walked to stand in front of Ayahtinah. "I am confident my mother knows exactly what she is doing and she will cause herself no harm."
"The Arch-Reldei believes if she does not come out of niorah pon she will die." The Kush was now realizing that the disciplines of Kolinahr were a dangerous attribute for any individual to possess. The coldness and lack of compassion as well as complete logic were not a desirable trait.
"If this is my mass's choice, so be it. What does Kleadine expect me to do?" B'Oada asked already knowing the answer.
The Kush approached her and Tumar stepped in his path unsheathing her senepa, he stopped mid-step and raised his hands to her. Tumar lowered the weapon satisfied that the Kush meant no harm. "Your father has asked that you accompany me back to Shar Russa, perhaps there is a chance if your mother knows you are there, it might encourage her to come out of kan-sorn. "He stopped to get B'Oada's reaction to his request, there was none. Ayahtinah leaned forward glaring at the Kush. "B'Oada, I advise you not to consent to this. Kleadine already has our Arch-Reldai, if you go he will have you also. I do not trust that this is the reason he wishes you to come." Ayahtinah approached the Kush and put her face into his.
"Tell me kah'ich, what is the true reason your priest wishes his daughter at Shar Russa?"
"I know no other reason first priestess." He answered. Ayahtinah pulled her lil'ra from her belt and put it against the Kush's throat. He did not move and kept his gaze on B'Oada. She approached and took Ayahtinah's wrist and pulled her hand away.
"Enough t'hy'la, he tells the truth." She said. B'Oada looked directly into his eyes, he was beginning to wear down under the stress.
"I will not go with you to Shar Russa. But I will suggest this to Kleadine. He may bring my mother; he may also bring an assembly of twenty Kush. He may stay at Tul until my mother is free of her condition. I give him my vow on my blood that he may come and go freely, unharmed. If it is true that it is his concern for my Maas's well being that he sends you here, then he should have no objections to this proposal." B'Oada gazed absently out the window onto the main square of the temple.
"Tell my father I await his answer. He need not fear me, my words are truth." She turned and looked at him.
"Hopefully his words fall truthful from his lips."
"I thank you for your kindness B'Oada. "He raised his hand in the Vulcan salute and turned and left, Tumar following him to arrange safe passage for him. When they had both left Ayahtinah turned to face B'Oada.
"T'hy'la, are you certain that you should allow your father to come to Tul? After all he has done against you and your maas?" Ayahtinah asked.
"I thank you for your concern Ayahtinah. But Kleadine has held my mother in his heart for as long as I can remember, he will not harm her." Ayahtinah's mouth opened, she did not believe she had heard B'Oada correctly.
"Do not be fooled by this kah'ich, he would perform Ghe'M Pes katra on S'Tha if he could and he would construct a most horrible ritual for you as well t'hy'la!" B'Oada raised her hand to silence the first priestess.
"This might be the case with me Ayahtinah, but my Maas has no fear of losing her life to the Arch-Reldei. If he would kill her he might also die, remember they are bonded and it takes a very strong individual to survive the pil'p'lay. In truth I believe even in his distorted mind he holds S'Tha higher than he holds himself."
"This might be the case B'Oada but if your father decided to enter Tul, I will be at his side, and if he breathes wrong I shall claim ashu'cezh myself!" Ayahtinah turned and left.
"You and many others t'hy'la." B'Oada whispered and turned her gaze to T'Khut's crimson face that was now slowly rising into the dimming sky.
Kleadine stood at the foot of S'Tha's bed; he had been there since he had spoken to the Kush who had returned two days earlier. He had made his mind up; he would travel against his advisors wishes to Tul. He knew his priests believed him to have lost his senses completely; he knew he was treading on shaky ground. He could have the whole priesthood against him but at this point it was his heart that he was following. In the last months Kleadine had neglected all the duties of his position. When he was not watching S'Tha in her kan-sorn he was wandering aimlessly through Shar Russa trying to get her image from his mind. His advisors and elite believe him insane but he still had the loyalty of the lower tress that did not know the situation, and to remove him from his position of Arch-Reldei would cause a split within the priesthood that his advisors did not want. Better to live under a mad man than to have S'Tha and her daughter take their lives. And to have S'Tha assassinated under the nose of the Arch-Reldei was a plan that was quickly dropped, the reprisal would be too great. So they let Kleadine do as he wished with the hopes that he would come out of his dementia as he had done before.
Kleadine came around the side of the bed and took S'Tha's hand. He looked at it for along time then he looked to her face.
"T'hy'la I will take you to Tul, surely there you will respond. Our daughter will bring you out of your darkness." He let go of her hand and left to ready for the journey to Tul.
S'Tha stirred quietly within the darkness secure in the knowledge she was winning...Tulrah's Tia would continue.
Chapter 25
They entered the main square of the temple and were greeted by a hundred priestesses of the Sisterhood who removed their weapons. When that was completed they escorted the Arch-Reldei and his Kush to the main steps.
Kleadine made his way through the sea of gray and began his climb to the top. When he neared the top of the stairs he was confronted by the Battler, her senepa gleamed in the mid-day sun. Kleadine did not raise his hands in the typical submission gesture, he was still Arch-Reldei and he would not be submissive to anyone, instead he walked pasted Tumar.
"I see my daughter has reached the status of God, she now raises the dead." He did not wait for an answer but continued till he reached the top of the stairs.
Ayahtinah approached him from the entrance of the temple. She refused to show him respect. She glared at him, her green eyes showing him the hatred she held for him.
"Where is the Arch-Reldai?" She asked.
"My aduna comes." He pointed to the litter his Kush were carrying up the stairs.
"Where is my daughter?" He asked, "I thought she would have shown herself to greet her father on his home coming." He kept his eyes on hers. Ayahtinah ignored him and stood back to let the litter carrying S'Tha pass. Tumar and her Kush following.
"Follow me, B'Oada awaits her Maas."
Ayahtinah led the way through the temple, Kleadine right behind her, no one spoke, it was if their breathing remained still, the tension filled the air crackling around them.
They passed the many gardens and meditation rooms. Kleadine noticed that all the statues of Tulrah'Kas had been removed and those that were too large had been covered in white cloth to hide them from view of the Sisters. When they reached Kleadine's old chambers Ayahtinah kept going, obviously B'Oada was not within. They finally reached the main garden that housed the Tadash Quam. Ayahtinah stopped.
"Remain here, I will see if B'Oada is ready to give you an audience." She entered the garden.
Time slowly passed and Kleadine was becoming impatient, he walked towards the entrance of the garden but the senepas of the two Kush of the Sisterhood reminded him quickly that he was not the master of the temple anymore. Just then Ayahtinah appeared in the doorway.
"Bring the Arch-Reldai." She ordered. Kleadine motioned his Kush to bring S'Tha.
"No! You priest and you only!" She snapped. Kleadine looked at the first priestess in amusement.
"I can not carry the litter alone!" He said
"You have two arms priest, use them!" Ayahtinah turned and waited for Kleadine to pick up S'Tha and follow
They made their way through the garden till they reached its center. Kleadine was affronted to see the great statue of Tulrah'Kas was now T'sai Kh'liorah, covered in a white wash to conceal the redness of T'Khut's Tear. The black altar kir was also covered in the same whiteness.
"Place the Arch-Reldai on the kir." Ayahtinah ordered. Kleadine did as he was told; he straightened S'Tha's white gahra then stood glaring into Ayahtinah's eyes.
"You will regret the treatment you have offered me, I vow this." His voice was hard. Ayahtinah smiled up into his face.
"Be careful who you threaten priest, you are in no position to do so."
Kleadine lifted his hand as if to strike her. "You should know by now I do not threaten...I act!" He hissed.
Ayahtinah was about to answer when B'Oada spoke.
"I see father you come in your Kush garb, do you plan to fight?" She asked.
Kleadine quickly turned to face his daughter. It was true, she did wear the priest's dome and coupled with her black gret and breastplate she looked quite impressive. For a moment Kleadine forgot the question, but he quickly gathered his control and answered. "I do not plan to fight you daughter, but the warrior's garb is much easier to travel in." He tilted his head, "I see you have adopted your mother's lack of tradition."
B'Oada glared at him with empty eyes.
"Why can't you females give up this game, take back the traditional role of the Vulcan female?" He smiled.
"That will not happen father. We have fought too hard and lost too many to fall back to where we were. No father, we will fight until we are equal with our males whether you approve or not... it shall be done." She walked past Kleadine to the kir and put her hand on S'Tha's forehead. "The Arch-Reldai is wise." She said. Kleadine did not ask why. B'Oada took her hand away from S'Tha's head and turned to look at her father.
"Being in kan-sorn she was useless to you. There were no pleasures to be had, no fight to be given. Even if you would have killed her, her body would not feel it. And no one can bring her out of her state, only she can do that. In your mind's illness you overlooked the real reason my Maas induced this state, father." She stepped closer to him. The Arch-Reldei's eyes grew darker.
"She knew you would bring her to me, and you thought I would have the ability to bring her out of kan-sorn. I do not. But she does and she will in her own time come out of it. The prize you held so highly, the one thing that might have given you the ability to bring down the Sisterhood had been delivered to us. The Sisterhood goes on as does ashu'cezh." Kleadine's eyes became dangerous but B'Oada had no fear of him.
"I gave you my vow father, I will keep it. Leave Tul now, return to Shar Russa. When my mother is well enough the final battle will be fought and have no doubt the Sisterhood will be victorious." Kleadine broke his silence.
"Do not be so sure daughter, the old Reldei still has fight!"
"But that fight is waning quickly father. You allow your heart to lead you, a foolish mistake. Does my maas hold you that much that even her hatred of you does not deter you from this emotional act?" He lifted his hand and put it on the side of her face, B'Oada turned away.
"I remember a time when I held your heart too t'hy'la." He whispered so not to let Ayahtinah hear.
B'Oada stepped back. "Whatever you held Kleadine was not shared by me. I was your first priestess, I had a duty to perform." She looked directly into his eyes, "It meant nothing to me. Actually if I did not possess the disciplines of Kolinahr I would be physically ill at the thought of you taking pleasures with me."
Kleadine stepped towards her, his voice low. "Tell me daughter, what is it like to share pleasures with an adept of Kolinahr?"
"That you will never know. Now, leave Tul Kleadine."
"Allow me to stay, only till S'Tha returns from her kan-sorn, that I may speak to her. After all we are bonded, I have that right." B'Oada knew this was the truth, he did have that right as adun to S'Tha, she conceded.
"You may stay to speak to my mother, if she wishes to speak to you. Until then you and your Kush will be held with guard."
Kleadine nodded.
"Ayahtinah, take the Arch-Reldei and his Kush, secure them. Give them food and water." She turned to Kleadine. "I will call upon you when the Arch-Reldai is ready to speak with you."
Ayahtinah led Kleadine from the garden. B'Oada watched him leave then went to the hir to sit and wait till her mother returned from niorah pon.
Chapter 26
Finally the door opened and Tumar bid him entrance. As he entered he saw S'Tha at the window, she had changed from the gahra to her warrior dress. He went directly towards her. B'Oada appeared from nowhere and stood blocking his path to S'Tha.
"Allow me to speak to S'Tha.' He hissed at her.
"You may speak with the Arch-Reldai." B'Oada looked to her mother, S'Tha continued staring out the window.
"Allow me some privacy to speak with her, after all she is my bond mate." He went to push B'Oada out of the way but one look from her changed his mind.
"If my mother wishes to speak with you alone I have no objections." B'Oada said.
"Maas?" S'Tha turned her gaze from the window to look at Kleadine for the first time.
"You may leave us sal'rch, there is nothing to fear."
"The Arch-Reldai has not spoken to anyone since her return from the shadows. Do not tire her." B'Oada said then left the chamber with Tumar and Ayahtinah to allow her mother to speak with her father.
When the room was empty, Kleadine approached S'Tha, he lifted his hand and touched her face, and her eyes seemed hollow as if no life was within them. She did not pull away from his hand.
"T'hy'la it has been a long time since you have been with us." He said taking another step closer. S'Tha just looked through him.
"Are you whole t'hy'la?" He asked. S'Tha pulled away and walked slowly down the staircase to the main floor.
"I am whole Kleadine, wholer than I have ever been." She said.
"This pleases me t'hy'la, that you are well. It is time that we put this ashu'cezh behind us." Kleadine came and stood behind her embracing her with his one arm. S'Tha's head spun and she leaned against him for support. Kleadine put his face to the side of hers, her female scent seeped in through all his pours, and his lips brushed the side of her face and then to her ear. Her breath caught in her throat.
"T'hy'la say you will end this battle against the priesthood, I will vow to you on my blood anything you wish. You can be my first priestess. If you want I will disband all rituals. You will be my aduna, my t'hy'la." He whispered, his voice halting. He turned S'Tha to face him and put both his arms around her.
"S'Tha tell me these things." His lips brushed hers. S'Tha opened her eyes and pulled back.
"No, no t'hy'la." He pulled her back to him.
"Do not touch me Kleadine, I cannot allow this." She pulled away again.
"You cannot allow this, but you want this. Allow me to give you the pleasures we both want." Kleadine said.
S'Tha put her hand up to silence him. "Release me."
Kleadine let her go, he watched as she walked away from him. She walked to the far side of the chamber when she felt sure there was enough space between them then she turned to face him.
"I will speak with you. Allow me to finish what I must say." S'Tha's voice was steady and clear. Kleadine nodded his agreement.
"The heart does many things to us. It has the ability to confuse us, to make us lose our logical mind. It tricks us; it sends us down paths we do not want to go. It makes us do and say things we will regret later. I vowed many years ago that I would not bond with any male. Yet I stand here bonded to a male that I have hated and despised all my life. I still do hate and despise you Kleadine, that will never change. But deep within this heart." She put her hands on her chest. "Within the darkness there is a small space that holds you." S'Tha dropped her hands to her side.
"But I cannot allow this. I am Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol; I have declared ashu'cezh upon you and the priesthood. If only I were able to retain the Kolinahr, then I would have no doubts in killing you. It would be the logical thing to do." She walked over to him, reaching up she kissed him on the mouth then stood back. S'Tha took a deep breath then went to the door; opening it she called for her elite Kush. She stood quietly holding the Arch-Reldei's dark eyes in hers. When all of her elite were in the chamber she went to stand beside B'Oada.
"Sal'rch, you are my daughter, child of my blood. I have given you life. Since you have been within the Sisterhood you have shown that your heart is indeed with the T'sai Kh'liorah. You have proven time and time again that your loyalty lies with the Sisterhood."
B'Oada raised her hands and bowed her head. "I have nothing but respect and honor for you maas." She said in a hushed voice.
S'Tha nodded and smiled. "I have been within the shadows for a time. It has given me time to search within for what I must do and how it must be done." S'Tha turned and looked to each of her elite.
"All of you over the many years have shown me complete trust and loyalty, and I hold you all within my heart." She turned to face Kleadine. "I know longer feel that I am able to lead the Sisterhood. My logic is not as strong these days as I would wish. I grow weary, the fight has been hard but I do not regret anything that I have done." She turned again to B'Oada.
"Because of this B'Oada, I do not feel that I am not competent to continue to be Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood... or to finish ashu'cezh."
B'Oada's eyes widened and she started to protest.
S'Tha raised her hand for silence. "From this moment on, I relinquish my title of Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol. From this moment forward B'Oada, child of S'Tha, child of Kleadine, daughter of the House of Rus'ma holds the title of Arch-Reldai." S'Tha took her hands. "My last orders are..." She looked at her elite.
"All of you will follow any orders my daughter will issue. We will ready ourselves to leave for Gol." She let go of B'Oada's hands and turned to face Kleadine. "I also order that Tulrah's Tia continue and ashu'cezh is carried out."
Kleadine's jaw twitched. "T'hy'la?"
"I have no more to say priest, if you wish to discuss this you must take it up with the Arch-Reldai of the Sisterhood of Gol." S'Tha went and stood behind her daughter. Kleadine approached the group of Kush. B'Oada's eyes burned through him.
"S'Tha...enough! You cannot do this. You are the only one that can stand as Arch-Reldai!" He reached past B'Oada and grab S'Tha's arm. S'Tha stood unmoving.
"Release her priest." B'Oada's voice held such venom his hand dropped from S'Tha's arm quickly. He was only inches from B'Oada; he looked down at her glaring into her face. B'Oada's face was cold and deadly.
"Then the fight shall be carried by my own daughter. Very well then the fight shall go on. I vow daughter that this will be a fight you will not want. In the end the Sisterhood will be crushed. In the end all of you will fall!" He looked at S'Tha.
"What your mother has just done will be the cause of all your deaths! Remember this daughter...remember who brought about your deaths!"
"So be it priest, the fight continues." B'Oada said flatly. "Ready yourselves, we leave for Gol."
The priestesses started to leave the chamber, B'Oada leading them. Kleadine stood watching as they started to file out, he almost had her. He was so close and now with her resignation of her station as Arch-Reldai he would probably never have dealings with her again, it would be B'Oada he would have to deal with and he held nothing with her. He had to attempt once more to bring S'Tha to his side. Kleadine flew across the chamber and out the door. Two Kush priestesses turned and drew their weapons, ready to strike. B'Oada came through her priestesses to stand at their side.
"Kroykah!" She shouted. Both priestesses lowered their weapons and stood aside. "What is it priest?" She asked.
"Allow me to speak once more to S'Tha." He lifted his hands in submission. B'Oada looked at her father with no emotion on her face.
"You choose to belittle yourself in front of your enemies? This is not worthy of an Arch-Reldei." She kept her eyes locked on his.
"What is worthy and what is not should be none of your concern daughter." He turned his gaze to S'Tha who stood at the rear of the priestesses not watching the scene.
"T'hy'la allow me to speak with you."
S'Tha turned her head towards him. "Speak Kleadine." She said.
"Will you give me a moment alone? What I have to say is for you alone."
"What you have to say priest can be said in front of the elite Kush, if not then it is not worth saying." B'Oada said turning to look at her mother.
S'Tha approached them and looked up into Kleadine's face. "I will speak with him sal'rch.... alone." S'Tha's voice still held power and B'Oada stood aside to let her mother speak with the Arch-Reldei.
"Leave us!" S'Tha said not taking her eyes from Kleadine.
B'Oada stood not wanting to allow her mother any time alone with her father. She remembered his ways; his touch and she believed her mother might fall into his trap.
S'Tha turned to face her daughter. "Leave us... now!" Her voice was hard. She raised her hand and laid it on B'Oada's shoulder.
"You have nothing to fear sal'rch." B'Oada looked from her mother to Kleadine.
"From you maas this is true. But I have no trust in this priest." B'Oada turned and motioned her priestesses to follow leaving S'Tha and the Arch-Reldei alone. When they had disappeared into a garden along the corridor Kleadine turned his gaze back to S'Tha.
"T'hy'la, we cannot end this." He took her hand.
"I have asked you this before and I believe if you could you would. I have told you, you hold my heart and this is true. Never before have I allowed a female to come to this point."
"It was not my will to do this priest." S'Tha said barely loud enough to hear.
"This might be the case t'hy'la, but never the less you have done it." He lifted his hand to her face. S'Tha pulled away.
"I believe t'hy'la that I am within your heart more than you say." S'Tha turned and walked away saying.
"It doesn't matter where you are Kleadine, or if it is more than I say. Nothing can come of it." She turned to face him.
"Too long I have hated you... perhaps if the circumstances were different... perhaps if you had not raped others and me. Perhaps if you had not murdered my father and caused my mother to end her life." She lifted her hands and dropped them to her side in anguish.
"Perhaps if you had not taken my daughter from me and used her as you have used every other female." S'Tha turned her head away from him.
"Just perhaps if you had not committed all these things there might have been a chance that I might be attracted to you." Kleadine came to her and took her by the shoulders turning her to face him.
"S'Tha these things are true that you speak. I have committed every one of them. If I could take them from your memory I would. By the Gods I would. But I can't... they are done." He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead.
S'Tha pulled back. "No Kleadine!"
"S'Tha could you not allow me to make amends to you?" There was silence for a long period of time.
"No." Was all S'Tha said.
Kleadine turned and stated to walk away then turned again to face her. "Then S'Tha I have no choice to carry on with this battle and in the end the Sisterhood will lie breathless upon the sands." He looked deep into her eyes. S'Tha saw the darkness in them which she had seen so often before and she shivered. "And in the end I will have you whether you want me or not. It is easier to come freely then to be taken against your will, you know that S'Tha. The choice is yours!"
S'Tha raised her head arrogantly. "You underestimate the hatred our daughter holds for you. Do not forget Kleadine she has attained what both you and I have not... Kolinahr!" S'Tha hissed.
"She only knows the path of logic, she has no emotions to get in her way. She only has one goal in mind and that is to rid the Vulcan people of a sickness that has been with them too long. And she will remove this illness in time, she can do no less. She will take what I have wanted for so long priest!"
"My heart?" Kleadine sneered.
"No priest, our daughter does not want your heart." S'Tha laughed and walked over to him.
"Our daughter knows the pleasures of me t'hy'la! It is the fire she wants!" Kleadine's eyes narrowed. S'Tha raised her hand and struck his face. His eyes flashed dangerously.
"No priest, your life!" They both stared coldly at each other. S'Tha calming herself, reaching deep within herself for solitude. When she found it she took a deep breath. "This wastes nothing but time and energy, nothing will come of it. What has been done... done. What has been said... too much. There is nothing more." She started to walk to where the Sisterhood waited for her.
"No t'hy'la! S'Tha do not walk away from me...No!!" Kleadine came behind her yelling.
"T'hy'la I forbid you to do this! I am the Arch-Reldei, the chosen of Tulrah'Kas. It is only she who can deny me... not you! T'hy'la, kroykah! KROYKAH!"
S'Tha stopped, her elite forming a semi-circle around her. "You wish to say something priest?" S'Tha asked.
Kleadine looked from S'Tha to B'Oada, their stares were icy. "If you do not come to me, if you do not take your place as my aduna... Then I have no choice but to end my life, for I have nothing." No one spoke, the priestesses only stared, non-caring on their faces.
"That is what you have priest... nothing." S'Tha reached for her lil'ra. She looked at it remembering her mother. She tossed the knife in front of Kleadine.
"Then priest take the only thing that is left to you." They all stood and watched him.
He bent and picked up the lil'ra, he slowly rose, his eyes on the gleaming deadly blade. Kleadine lowered his eyes to look at S'Tha. "T'hy'la, if I plunge this blade into my chest it will be your hand that has done it... is that your wish?" He turned the blade towards his body.
S'Tha did not flinch.
Kleadine clasped the lil'ra in both hands and without taking his eyes from S'Tha's he plunged the lil'ra deep into his chest.
No one moved, no one reacted.
He put his hand to his chest bringing it up looking at the blood which covered it. "T'hy'la... you have killed me!" He gasped.
S'Tha raised her hands towards Tumar. "Your weapon." She demanded. Tumar unsheathed her senepa and handed it to S'Tha. S'Tha then threw it down to where Kleadine knelt on the floor his chest covered in fresh blood. "If you have the will priest, do it correctly!" Kleadine looked up into her face. He couldn't believe that she would let him go this far, he held his hand out to her. S'Tha just looked contemptuously at him and turned leading her group of priestesses out of the temple.
When they reached the main entrance they were met by the rest of the sisters who were waiting to leave for Gol. A blood curdling scream reached their ears and S'Tha stopped in mid-stride, her breath caught in her throat, she stumbled slightly but quickly caught herself. "Let us take our leave of this place." She pushed past the sisters that surrounded her and made her way down the stairs.
B'Oada looked back into the darkened entrance of the temple. She had no fear, the fight would continue, her father's life would still be there for the taking when the time came. She ran down the stairs joining the rest of the Sisterhood on their journey home.
Chapter 27
29 years later......
The years had past slowly and the battles had become more frequent and fierce. The loss on both sides had been great. Both priestesses and priests were beginning to feel the stress of the constant fighting. it was like a sick game, the Sisterhood would attack then retreat falling back miles to rest, the following day it was the priesthood which took the attack, the blood flowed freely on both sides. The will to fight was slowly dissipating. The battle of Tulrah's Tia had raged on now for nearly sixty years, and still Kleadine's grip was strong.
In the last few years the people of Tul and surrounding cities had left their homes to flee to Gol to ask for sanctuary. She gave it freely. The young and the elders were sent on to Ni'rch Heya. Anyone who was able to carry the senepa stayed at Gol. At this time B'Oada had allowed even males of her race to stay with the Sisterhood at Gol, the only law, no males shall enter the Tadash Quam, to do so brought death.
The priesthood had grown due to the fact of frequent raids to the far reaches of Vulcan, young females were taken and returned to Tul where they were relegated to produce the next faction of the priesthood. Kleadine had hand picked his first priestess out of such a raid. When Aural was brought from Shar Karamu she was only nine years old, but even at that young age Kleadine saw something within her, something he could form and use. In the years Aural was first priestess she had trained in all the disciplines under the hand of Kleadine himself. She had grown to a female not only of great beauty, but her cunning and skill in battle echoed throughout the land. Kleadine was certain this was his champion, that this Kush would bring B'Oada down. He had no fear that Aural would face B'Oada and kill her or die trying.
Till this point B'Oada had not brought the battle within sight of Tul, she had remained elusive only entering the battle near the end or leading her priestesses in retreat. At times she did not even join the Sisterhood in campaigns, but allowed her first priestess, Ayahtinah and the Battler, who were seasoned Kush to lead the fight. At these times B'Oada stayed within the Tadash Quam in deep meditation reviewing her disciplines and strengthening her Kolinahr.
B'Oada journeyed to Ni'rch Heya once in a year to meet with her mother. S'Tha had retreated to the fire mountain on her return from Tul twenty nine years before. She did not trust herself to stay at Gol, with her bonding with Kleadine she would only cause suspicion within the Sisterhood, so chose to remove herself as far away from controversy as possible and Ni'rch Heya was far enough.
She buried herself in the teachings of Nurum. She searched within and claimed the esoteric knowledge from the ancients of her people. She still held high rank within the Sisterhood, it was her name that was chanted in battle and honor given her with each new victory. S'Tha had become what Kleadine wanted to become, a Godhead among the people. S'Tha spent most of her time within the realm of shadows absorbing all that Nurum had to offer. She was beyond the living world even when she was part of it.
S'Tha sat quietly within her private chamber, no rays of Las'hark entered her secluded domain, at times she missed the warming rays that had entered every part of her temple at Gol, but this was only a passing thought. Her chamber was void of any form of comfort, the only indication that the chamber was lived in was a stone sleeping platform which she used as a mediation bed. Above it hung an elaborate tapestry of T'sai Kh'liorah, which was the only possession she took pleasure in. On the opposite side of the chamber an ornate altar containing her religious tools. A large statue of Tulrah graced the altar's center reaching up to the darkened ceiling of the chamber. Her senepa hung above the chamber door, it's beaded tassels hanging low to one side of the arched door. At times S'Tha would stand and count the green beads as if confirming the lives it had taken when she herself was Arch-Reldai. Not even Tumar's held as many beads upon her weapon, now within her state of light the weapon was a distasteful thing, each bead crying out her shame in a life taken.
S'Tha rose from the meditation bed and approached the altar, her black textured robes swishing softly on the stone floor. She no longer tied her hair so it hung in an ebonite fall to the floor and beyond. She stood in front of the altar and reached for a handful of presh, she gently tossed in on the brazier. Her eyes closed and she started her morning quwes, the prayers echoed around the empty chamber. S'Tha reached and placed her hand upon the lower abdomen of the Mother Goddess invoking her light upon her. She stayed so for quite a time till she absorbed as much as the peaceful rays that she could contain then removed her hand and stood silently, her mind completely empty except for the whiteness of T'sai Kh'liorah.
A knock came on the door which brought S'Tha out of her meditation, she turned knowing it was T'Lis, her young aide. Since the death of Asara, a year previous, S'Tha had taken T'Lis and trained her in the ways of the T'sai. S'Tha had grieved more for her trusted Asara then she had for her own mother.
"Enter." S'Tha's voice was hushed. The door opened and T'Lis entered, she was dressed in a gray gahra of the Sisterhood although she was not a priestess and did not wear the t'rek she did contain the knowledge of the Sisterhood. T'Lis approached S'Tha and bowed her head slightly.
"Tela'at maas." Elder mother, the term S'Tha was now known as by the Vulcan people. "The Arch-Reldai has arrived from Gol and wishes an audience with you." T'Lis said.
"I am aware of that sal'rch, bring her at once. It has been too long since my daughter has been with me." She nodded to the young female and T'Lis turned and left her chamber to bring B'Oada. A few moments later the door opened and B'Oada entered. Both females stood regarding each other for a few moments.
Finally B'Oada raised her hand in the salute. "Live long and prosper S'Tha of Rus'ma."
S'Tha approached her and lifted her hand placing it on B'Oada's cheek. "And you daughter." She removed her hand and regarded her daughter. B'Oada was now mature and carried a body of a seasoned Kush, hard and strong. She allowed her hair to grow back when she returned to Gol and it now hung unbound to the floor. Her eye's were her mother's, dark and without light. S'Tha saw the same gleam in them that she once had. S'Tha allowed herself a small smile. "T'sai Kh'liorah has been kind to you daughter." She said.
"Indeed maas, she grants me the strength to carry on her fight." B'Oada answered.
"And this fight sal'rch...it goes well?" Asked S'Tha.
"At times very well, others we lose ground to Kleadine's kah'ich. The Sisterhood fights well, they feel as I do the final battle in close at hand."
"The final battle... how long have I waited to hear that? It has been a long time in coming and I live only for the day it is over." S'Tha went to sit on the platform and motioned her daughter to do likewise. When B'Oada was sitting beside her, S'Tha spoke again. "Ayahtinah, Tumar...they are well?" She asked.
"They are well maas and send you their wishes for long life." B'Oada turned to watch the last of the smoke from the brazier rise into the darkness.
"Return the same. T'sai Kh'liorah knows they need that wish more than I."
B'Oada returned her attention back to her mother, the darkness of her eyes seemed endless. "Maas, there is a female, first priestess to Kleadine. They say her powers are equal to his and her Kush ability surpasses all. In the last year Kleadine has offered three challenges on her behalf."
S'Tha looked into her daughter's eyes. "And what is the challenge sal'rch?" She asked.
"The challenge as it stands is that I come to Tul, fight her in battle, if I win Kleadine will disband the priesthood and return to Shar Russa never to be heard of again."
"And if you lose?" S'Tha asked already knowing the answer.
"Then the Sisterhood disbands and you return to him as aduna." S'Tha forced a cynical laugh.
"It amazes me Kleadine still wants me, I believe he will pursue me even in my death."
"These words are truth maas. The memory of you eats at him. He will not rest until you are at his side. And I believe if this is accomplished he will no longer have the desire and you will be discarded, as all the rest. He only keeps pleasures with this Aural as he needs her ability to fall me. And since you no longer go to him at his time, she takes your place... for now. If this was not the case in truth she would not hold title or him." B'Oada stood and crossed to the altar placing another handful of presh on the brazier.
"B'Oada, do you believe that this Aural is your better?" Asked S'Tha, B'Oada turned to face her mother.
"I have seen her in battle, she is a capable Kush, if I can beat her? I believe so. She might have the skills and disciplines of a priestess, but I contain the one discipline she does not. That alone would end her." B'Oada finished.
"Then why do you hold back from a fight which is yours?" S'Tha asked rising from the platform.
"Simply maas, I will not allow the Arch-Reldei to live, in doing so I will shame you and the people of our world. No, Kleadine will feel the coldness of my senepa upon his body. Ashu'cezh will be carried out as you have declared those many years ago. The priesthood will be a thing only in the memories of the people. Warrior tales they tell their children of a time long ago."
"And what of you B'Oada?" S'Tha halted her voice,
"Do you have any...regrets?" She asked.
"Regrets are not logical maas, my life has carried on as it should. Most were my choices, some I had no choice in." She said.
"Yes B'Oada I know that well. My only regret is that I had to bring my only child into a fight that was none of her doing." B'Oada went to speak. S'Tha raised her hand to quiet her and continued.
"If I would have not pushed my choices, perhaps you would have been more content, perhaps you would have bonded and married, perhaps..." S'Tha looked away from her daughter and closed her eyes. B'Oada went to stand at her mother's side.
"Maas, I have no regrets in my life. I made the free choice to pursue this life. Soon the battle will be over and I will have the choice of what I wish to do with my life. But it is true I am limited being a Kolinahr adept. I will remain in the Sisterhood, a child...perhaps." B'Oada touched her mother's arm.
"But those things are for the future and that shall be soon enough."
"Where shall you go from here B'Oada?"
"To Gol mother and from there a campaign outside Tul. Kleadine has stationed a few hundred Kush under the command of he's first priestess, he wants us to attack and we will oblige him. From there we will enter Tul and end this once and for all."
"If you would allow me sal'rch, I would join you on this campaign. Too long I have been within this mountain." S'Tha said.
"Do you think this is wise maas? After all we will be only miles from Tul... from Kleadine. If he were to find out that you are with us it would insight him to try and take you once again, we would be back to where we were twenty nine years ago. And this time he might not let you go so easily."
"Have no fear sal'rch, Kleadine will think twice before he dares attempt to take me from the Sisterhood this time." B'Oada regarded her mother.
"Then maas you shall join us on this campaign and Goddess willing it will be our last." B'Oada went to the door and opened it. T'Lis had waited outside in the corridor to serve the needs of her mistress. "Priestess ready the Tela'at maas. She will join me on the journey to Gol. You will accompany her to tend to her needs. We leave before Las'hark rises." B'Oada turned to face her mother and raised her hands in respect and turned and left.
T'Lis entered the chamber and began to ready S'Tha's possessions which she would need to travel. When she had finished she left to ready her own leaving S'Tha to her mediations and quwes.
Chapter 28
An elite Kush stood watching across the distance, he felt the Arch-Reldai trying to probe, quickly he pulled up his control. B'Oada hit blackness, she persisted, probing harder, deeper... but nothing. Another Kush came to stand beside the first. She turned her attention to him and proceeded to enter his mind, again blackness. Slowly the elite grew in number, she attempted to enter each Kush which came to stand with the others, again and again she hit darkness. Finally the first priestess came to join her elite, B'Oada sent her mind quickly to attempt an entry but was met in mid air by the first priestess's mind. Blackness surrounded her and for a brief moment B'Oada panicked, she instantly pulled up more control and waited.
Both priestesses probed each other, trying to gain entry, both failed... stalemate. B'Oada retreated, her mind flashing, energy crackling around her. Her mind calmed and she took a deep breath and held it. She bent placing both hands on her knees exhaling her breath slowly.
"Sal'rch, are you unwell?" B'Oada turned quickly to face her mother.
S'Tha approached her and looked out to the great city and the elite. She stood silently for a moment then looked at her daughter, her face did not show her concern. "Tell me B'Oada...what are these?" She pointed to the figures in the distance.
"That is easy maas, they are the elite Kush of Kleadine." B'Oada said holding her control steady.
S'Tha looked into the distance again then back to her daughter, once again she asked. "What are these?" Her voice seemed lower, harder.
B'Oada saw no reason to hold back what her mother already knew.
"It would seem maas that these are Kolinahr adepts." She said slowly. S'Tha looked deep into her daughter's eyes. "Do you fear them?" She asked.
"It would be a lie to tell you I have no fear maas. But illogical to admit it, after all I have made this choice and I will face my fear in battle. I can do no otherwise."
"When do you start the battle Reldai?"
"Within the hour we will move." Replied B'Oada.
"Then I suggest you ready yourself and make peace with she who is light."
B'Oada bowed her head and left returning to the main tent to seek the solitude she needed.
S'Tha returned her gaze to the distance. Her black gahra flapped silently about her body, she closed her eyes.
"So Kleadine you would in truth kill your own child?" She asked the stillness her voice fading into the air. Ayahtinah and Tumar came to stand beside her.
"Not until I breath my last priest will you have that satisfaction." She turned to face her two t'hy'la.
"Ready my Kush garb. I fight this day!" Both priestess looked at each other then at S'Tha. They saw no use in arguing with her and fell into line following S'Tha back to the main tent to prepare for the coming battle.
Chapter 29
"I request entry to the Arch-Reldei. I have news from his first priestess." He stated. "The Arch-Reldei is not giving audience to anyone." Replied the second Kush.
"I assure you he will want to hear what I have to say. The first priestess was adamant that I speak with him promptly." He leaned closer.
"I do not wish to lose my life on this our day of victory."
The elite Kush understood what his comrade meant. Aural was a very capable Kush, as skilled as any of Kleadine's elite, but she was immature and often lost her control when her will was not carried out. The elite turned and entered the chamber returning quickly to usher in his comrade. Kleadine stood gazing out the arched balcony, he had been there since first light, waiting for the noise of battle to reach him. He turned to face the two Kush, his countenance was dark. These many years had brought late maturity to him. Although aged he still carried himself straight and his body showed no signs of his true age. He came down the steps, his white gahra brushing the stone. "You have words from my first priestess?" He asked.
"I do Arch-Reldei." The Kush took a step towards him.
"She sends me to tell you that the battle to crush the Sisterhood of Gol will begin when Las'hark is high over head." Reported the Kush. Kleadine smiled.
"This is pleasing news, give Aural my blessing for the coming fight. Tell her if she succeeds the reward will be great." Kleadine turned to walk away when the Kush spoke again.
"Arch-Reldei, she also said the Arch-Reldai of Gol stands with them." Kleadine stopped and turned his head slightly.
"I am aware of that!" He snapped.
"No Arch-Reldei, not your daughter. Tela'at Maas stands with the Sisterhood this day." Kleadine turned fully to face the Kush, his eyes wide.
"S'Tha? S'Tha stands with the Sisterhood?" He asked his voice hushed and full of disbelief. He closed his eyes and searched for her... finally he found her...
"Yes Arch-Reldei she has come from Ni'rch Heya to attend the final battle of Tulrah's Tia." The Kush said. Kleadine looked at both Kush then laughed. "So my t'hy'la comes to witness the massacre of her dream. She comes to give moral support to a waning tradition." He shook his head and laughed again.
"No Arch-Reldei, the Tela'at Maas comes to fight. She dawns the garb of the Kush. Truly she sends unease among the elite of Tulrah'Kas." The Kush cringed back, this would not sit well with Kleadine.
The Arch-Reldei began to rage, pacing back and forth, finally he calmed himself and came to stand in front of the uneasy Kush.
"You tell me that my elite tremble as sal'rch in front of an aged female!?" The Kush looked into Kleadine's face.
"They believe that her retreat into Ni'rch Heya has brought her the complete disciplines of Nurum, that the ancients now dwell within her."
Kleadine trembled with rage, he grabbed the Kush by his breast plate and glared darkly into his eyes. "You return to Aural and tell them that they will stand and fight and they will bring me victory. S'Tha is nothing more than a female! And to be used as such!" He let go of the Kush. "Tell them I will personally fall any Kush who does not fight!" He turned and walked back up the stairs, the two Kush turned to leave. "Kush, tell them no one shall touch the Tela'at Maas, she is to be brought directly to me. I will deal with her in the way she should have been dealt with many years ago."
The door closed as the two Kush left.
Kleadine approached the altar of Tulrah'Kas and placed his hand on the images breast. "Yes, t'hy'la, you will not deny your fate this time. You are my aduna and shall stand by me as such." He removed his hand from the statue's breast and placed it on his own. He trembled thinking of the coming pleasures he would take from S'Tha. He thought truly Tulrah'Kas had blessed him, the pleasures of victory and the pleasures of the female he had held in his heart for most of his life.
Kleadine smiled and waited for both.
Chapter 30
The first priestess had informed the elite Kush of Kleadine's words, she had no fear they would not fight, after all most of the Kush had been in the service of Tulrah'Kas from the time S'Tha first declared the great battle and in truth each one wished it was their own weapon that would bring her down. The younger tress would stand and fight with the hopes of rising through the ranks. Aural herself had images of the ray kalt upon her forehead and the title of the first female Reldai under Tulrah'Kas.
All watched as the Sisterhood came to a stand still some three hundred yards across the red sands. From here they could almost see the faces of the warrior priestesses. Aural moved forward, her hair was tightly pulled back and hung in a thick braid down her back. She walked steadily keeping her eyes on the coming form that approached her. When she had walked halfway she stopped and waited for the Arch-Reldai to reach the same point. When B'Oada stood in front of her for the first time she realized the power that the Arch-Reldai possessed. Aural bent and laid her weapon on the ground in front of her and stood showing empty hands. B'Oada did the same, both stood looking at each other, both trying to probe each other's weakness... both hit blackness.
After some time B'Oada spoke. "My father sends a female to fight in his stead? Is his fear so strong he must hide in Tulrah'Kas's darkness?"
Aural glared through pale green eyes. "The Arch-Reldei fears nothing, it is better my weapon strikes you down B'Oada, he allows me this pleasure."
"Yes, he is free with pleasures, no doubt you are aware of this priestess." B'Oada's voice held contempt in it.
"As you are." Aural smiled, she knew that Kleadine had used his daughter as first priestess and was hoping to get a negative reaction from her, maybe then she could probe this female.
B'Oada turned her head then looked back at the first priestess, she took a step forward, Aural took a step back. "This is the truth priestess and if I were to offer Kleadine that pleasure again then you would lose your favor with him." B'Oada's eyes grew darker, Aurel's flashed. The Arch-Reldai felt her control fall and quickly entered her probing her every thought. Aural pulled her control up quickly forcing B'Oada to retreat from the murkiness she held within.
"I have demands from the Arch-Reldei." Aural said her voice icy.
"Demands? He is so sure of victory?" B'Oada asked, Aural did not answer but continued.
"First, you will disband and return to your homes and start acting as females. Those who are worthy may join the lower ranks of the priesthood under my command." B'Oada listened not showing her disgust for the first priestess.
"Second, this S'Tha shall join the Arch-Reldei as aduna and take on all responsibilities as such." Aural glared at B'Oada.
"These are the demands of the Arch-Reldei." She finished.
"Only two demands? Strange that my father is so humble in his requests. Tell me Aural, if my mother should decided to honor Kleadine's demand... what will become of you?'
"I do as the Arch-Reldei commands. In any case I only allowed him the pleasure of me to rise to where I would have the ability to succeed him." A small smile came to her face.
"You really do not believe I would allow him to touch me so, that he is in my heart?" Aural sneered. B'Oada shook her head.
"Have you no honor?" She asked.
"Did you have honor when you laid with him? Did your mother have honor when she did the same?" Aural spat.
"I was a child, I did not have the will to resist him, he was within my heart, I trusted him. As for my mother... I cannot speak for her." B'Oada shifted.
"Do you still hold him in your heart Reldai? Does the trust still remain?" B'Oada came closer to Aurel.
"That ended thirty years ago. The only thing within my heart for Kleadine is darkness."
"What do you say to your father's demands?" Asked Aurel. B'Oada bent and picked up her senepa.
"No to both!" She said. B'Oada picked up her weapon.
"Then we fight Aurel... and you die!" She hit the blade of her senepa against Aurel's quon tch, her eyes were so dark.
"So be it." She said and pulled her blade back and turned and walked away leaving Aurel standing, her quon tch still in the same position, Las'hark gleaming off it.
Within the ranks of the Sisterhood the presh burned freely, it's potent aroma rising upwards on a thin gray stream bringing requests of victory to the all powerful Mother. Each priestess approached the quwes wheel, reaching out they spun it. it's high revolutions of spinning caused it to make a shrill whistling sound which not only reached the ears of the Goddess Tulrah but the ranks of Kleadine's elite. One by one the priestesses would chant their own personal quwes adding their name to it which would allow T'sai Kh'liorah easy access to their katras should they fall in battle.
By the time all the priestesses had preformed the ritual quwes Las'hark was almost directly overhead. S'Tha approached the wheel, her eyes fixed on it's elaborately carved face, it's once side was worn away by it's many years of constant use. S'Tha closed her eyes and reached her hand out to spin the wheel, she stopped short and pulled it back, opening her eyes she stared intensely at the wheel. Slowly it started to turn, as her mind reached out and spun the wheel it became faster till it was only a blur in the eyes of those watching, it no longer whistled but emanated a piercing scream. When S'Tha was certain that even De'et K'uri, the God of the Vulcan underworld shrunk back at the intensity of the quwes she threw her arms high into the air and raised her face to the blinding sun.
"ASHU CEZH!!!!" She screamed, her voice penetrating into every rock and grain of sand.
Aurel strained her eyes across the sands to get a better view. S'Tha's voice reached her sending a shiver throughout her body.
"We move!" She ordered and slowly the elite Kush started across the small space of sand which separated the priesthood from the Sisterhood. When they had stationed themselves a hundred yards from the first line of the Sisterhood they stood and waited, their quon tch's raised in front of their faces.
S'Tha and B'Oada made their way to the front of the Sisterhood which parted as they moved through the sea of black. The wind had picked up bringing whispers of victory to the ears of the Sisterhood. When S'Tha and B'Oada reached the front of the lines Tumar and Ayahtinah came to stand with them. The Battler started to tie her long hair back and gave the order for the rest to do the same. This was Kleadine's elite and they did not need the restriction of flying hair to hinder them. Only S'Tha and the Arch-Reldai left their hair unbound. When all were ready Tumar said.
"Then t'hy'la, this is the day the priesthood will fall!"
"In truth sister it is." S'Tha replied.
"Shall we move now?" Tumar asked. S'Tha looked at the Battler.
"On your order t'hy'la." She said. Tumar turned to face the Sisterhood.
"Ashu'cezh!!" She screamed her voice spitting out the words as if they were poison. The words came back from the priestess, it began slowly and quietly until the whole of the Sisterhood gave the chant life. Tumar raised her senepa in front of her face and turned to face the priesthood of Tulrah'Kas. She spun three times and let go of her weapon, it flew halfway across the sand and sunk into the red sands, it's bead work hitting the sliver blade. Tumar rushed forward unsheathing her lil'ra. The rest of the Sisterhood raised their senepas and pushed forward leaving S'Tha and B'Oada to stand and watch. B'Oada made a move to join the fight but was stopped by S'Tha's hand.
"Not yet sal'rch, it is not time." She said. B'Oada nodded and held back. The fire was raging in her, she could actually feel the energy leaving the fallen bodies and this excited her. She could taste the victory.
Chapter 31
She fought her way through the sea of Kush till she disappeared. Ayahtinah grew concerned, she didn't like the idea of Tumar leaving herself open and not having the protection of the priestesses to guard her back. She started to move forward to join the Battler. All around Kush and priestesses fell. Both Aurel and S'Tha saw the Battler's plan. Aurel sent another line forward to stop the oncoming priestesses, she would not be taken by the likes of the Battler. Quickly the Kush fell from rank and pushed forward until they reached Tumar, Ayahtinah appeared at the Battler's side her senepa wet from the kills made. Thirty of the elite Kush stood between the two priestesses and Aurel.
"If T'sai Kh'liorah wishes for me to join her this day, she best make room for Aurel, for I go no where without her!" Tumar said through heaving breaths.
"I do not join her that easily t'hy'la, first I see Kleadine fall. The blood vow S'Tha promised will be this day!" Ayahtinah said. Tumar looked as her and a faint smile came to her lips. "Indeed!"
She rushed forward her senepa slashing and hacking. The two disappeared into the mass of elite.
S'Tha put her hand on B'Oada's shoulder.
"Now sal'rch, we shall join the victory." She said unsheathing her senepa and moving forward. The fighting was still frenzied along the back lines and S'Tha and B'Oada had to make their way carefully through the fray. When the priestesses saw their leaders passing by them they fought all the harder, making safe passage for them. Not a blade came upon the two as they pushed forward, even when they were engaged the elite Kush turned and found another priestess to do battle with. S'Tha watched their faces as they fell back from her, she knew this was Kleadine's orders, she also knew if by some chance the Sisterhood would fall this day, she would have to submit to the Arch-Reldei and she had made up her mind, she would not do that.
They reached the side of Tumar and Ayahtinah who were fighting to stay alive, Aurel had sent in a fresh group of Kush and both priestesses were finding it hard to remain in control.
"T'hy'la, you have finally decided to join us! I was becoming concerned for our fate." Tumar said breathlessly, her body was soaked in sweat and red dust from the sand clung to her. Tumar suddenly realized that no weapon had struck hers since S'Tha and B'Oada had arrived, she turned to face the Kush and saw that they had backed away forming a semi-circle in front of them, behind them the battle raged on. Tumar took a step forward raising her senepa to waist level. No Kush approached her, they stood with their eyes obverted from the small group of priestesses.
"What magick is this t'hy'la?" She asked. S'Tha approached the Battler's side.
"If it is magick, it is Kleadine's...not mine." S'Tha answered.
Just then Aurel pushed her way through the line of Kush and came to stand in front of S'Tha. Both B'Oada and Ayahtinah came to flank the Tela'at Maas, their weapons ready to strike. Aurel looked S'Tha up and down, her eyes cold, she lowered her quon tch.
"So this is the female that the Arch-Reldei would have us die to retain? Truly I do not see his logic." She raised her weapon and motioned S'Tha to come forward.
"Come Tela'at Maas fight for your right to have him."
"I do not wish him first priestess. I come to fight in Tulrah's Tia, I come here to claim ashu'cezh. Order your Kush to stand and fight, it will be their shame to go to the dark Mother as cowards." S'Tha said her eyes keeping contact with Aurel's'. Aurel raised her quon tch higher.
"Fight me S'Tha!" She screamed. A Kush approached her.
"First priestess you cannot fight the Tela'at Maas, Kleadine has..." He did not finish his statement before Aurel's weapon cut him down.
"Fight me S'Tha! Or I will cut you down!"
"Maas, you cannot fight her, allow me." B'Oada whispered into her ear. S'Tha turned to look at her daughter.
"No sal'rch, she wishes me. This is the last fight I shall take. I will oblige her." S'Tha looked back to where Aurel stood poised for the fight, she raised her senepa, the beads hitting it's hilt as she swung it in an arch over her head.
"Kali-fee!" S'Tha roared. Aurel jumped forward the quon tch griped tightly in both hands. S'Tha spun hitting Aurel's weapon with such force she knocked her backwards.
"B'Oada, will the outcome be for S'Tha?" Ayahtinah asked. B'Oada answered not taking her eyes off the fight.
"Indeed, S'Tha is skilled, only her age is a hindrance." Ayahtinah turned her gaze to the fight mentally sending her strength to her t'hy'la.
Aurel had bounced back quickly and was now circling S'Tha, both of them not taking their gaze away from one another. Suddenly Aurel lunged forward, removing a length of S'Tha's unbound hair as she side stepped her. S'Tha turned quickly bringing the senepa across Aurel's upper thigh, it left an ugly green gash. It was a minor strike but the poison that entered would slow the first priestess down. She turned sharply and struck S'Tha across the breast plate, S'Tha stumbled backwards into the Kush, Aurel ran forward, her quon tch at head level. She was just about to bring her weapon across S'Tha's shoulder when the Kush she was leaning against pushed her forward, propelling S'Tha past the first priestess. As she flew past her, S'Tha brought the senepa slashing across Aurel's right arm, cutting deep, blood splattering up onto her face. Aurel looked down to the gash on her arm, her eyes widened in disbelief. She raised her head and glared at S'Tha. S'Tha lowered her senepa.
"Enough first priestess. I have not come here to take your life, end this!" S'Tha yelled, the continuing battle behind her.
"End this now and I will give you my blood vow, you shall live." She placed her senepa on the ground in front of her. B'Oada made a move to join her but was held back by Tumar.
"It is not your fight Reldai... leave it." The Battler said. B'Oada stood back.
Aurel stood listening to the voice of S'Tha, it sounded far away, the poison had started to affect her, her eyes were blurred and her breathing laboured. She staggered forward a few steps and lifted her quon tch. S'Tha did not reach for her weapon, she knew she wouldn't need it.
"I am Aurel, child of Saris, child of T'Aur." She stopped and looked around bewildered, one hand let go of the quon tch and she reached out in front of her. Aurel shook her head trying to rid herself from the murkiness within. Slowly the priestesses were taking their places behind Tumar, the battle had slowed as the bulk of the priesthood lay stilled on the red sands. No one, not priestess or priest made a move or spoke a word as they watched Kleadine's first priestess.
"I am she that Tulrah'Kas has chosen, first priestess to the Arch-Reldei." She dropped her weapon and fell to her knees.
"Why!" She screamed.
"So long I have served you! So long I have trained! For this!!" She raised her blood covered arms to the Vulcan sky.
"For this! No victory! No honor! Only a slow death at the hands of an aged priestess whore!!" She lowered her arms and hung her head to wait for the poison to render her into darkness.
"Do you wish to live Aurel?" Came S'Tha's voice. Aurel lifted her head and looked at S'Tha. "Be quick, time is short. Do you wish to live?"
Aurel focused her eyes and tried to calm her breathing, she reached up and took hold of S'Tha's arm.
"I wish to live." She whispered.
S'Tha pulled her arm free, she turned and called to Ayahtinah who came quickly.
"Give her the tincture." S'Tha said.
Ayahtinah looked at her mildly shocked, that she would allow this female to live. S'Tha saw the look on her face and put her hand on Ayahtinah's shoulder. "Remember t'hy'la, my own daughter could be her. Kleadine has a way to distort young females. Is your memory so short?" She asked.
"No Tela'at Maas, I remember well." Ayahtinah replied taking a small clay vial from her belt. She bent and lifted it to Aurel's lips and held it there till she finished it's contents and waited for S'Tha to speak.
"We shall now have an audience with the Arch-Reldei. Bring the first priestess," She turned to look at the remainder of her priestesses, a quick glance assured her of few losses and this pleased her. "Come B'Oada your father waits." B'Oada hurried to her mother's side and both started towards Tul. They were stopped by the Kush who stood waiting, barely one hundred of Kleadine's elite still breathed.
S'Tha glared at the front line. "Either stand aside or fight priest." She addressed the Kush in front of her. He did not respond. S'Tha called Tumar, who tossed her the weapon which S'Tha promptly caught. With one swing she fell the Kush lifeless.
"Kill them all, and do it quickly!" She moved through the line untouched as her priestesses as well as B'Oada delivered a quick death blow to each Kush in their path. Soon she was joined by B'Oada and the Sisterhood and they made their way into the city of Tul and Kleadine.
Chapter 32
"Clear the way, we go to the temple!" She yelled. Slowly the people in front started to pull away, informing others to do the same. When there was room to move the Sisterhood started onto the main roadway. Only a few people ran into their path but they were easily put back. Soon the whole of Tul were following the priestesses through the city. They reached the entrance of the temple and S'Tha stopped remembering the first time she had come through the gates. She was young then and full of fire, the fire was still within her, but with age she had learned to control the flame. No longer did she allow the fires of hatred to run her life. She turned to B'Oada.
"So sal'rch, the long fight ends this day. Vulcan will be liberated!" She looked through the gates into the main square of the temple.
"Kleadine will fall under your hand." S'Tha placed her hand on B'Oada's arm.
"No maas, that is your right." She said.
"I'm afraid I cannot claim that right B'Oada. You have taken the fight these last thirty years. The right is yours, I allow this. I shall have the satisfaction in knowing ashu'cezh has been carried out."
B'Oada knew the real reason her mother would not claim ashu'cezh. the Arch-Reldei was in truth in her heart, she could not understand why her mother held him after all the pain he had caused her, it was illogical. B'Oada bowed her head and raised her hands.
"I accept the claim maas, it will be quick. I will not allow him to suffer for your sake." S'Tha nodded.
"Then we shall end it." She said moving through the gates towards the stone stairs which led to the temple of Tulrah'Kas.
When they reached the top platform of the temple S'Tha turned and looked down onto the multitude of faces that had followed the Sisterhood into the temple. The crowd was so great it flowed out onto the main roadway and beyond. S'Tha thought surely half of Vulcan had come to witness the eradication of the priesthood.
"Ayahtinah." She called, her t'hy'la approached her hands raised. "It has been a long fight t'hy'la, and here we stand as we did many years ago, but this time it is not as suppressed females. I vowed to you on my blood many years ago that you would be here to witness the end and this day my vow will be honored." Ayahtinah placed her hand on S'Tha's shoulder.
"I honor you Tela'at Maas." She said quietly. S'Tha placed her hand on Ayahtinah's shoulder and a forced smile.
"Bring Kleadine's first priestess." S'Tha said. "I will deliver her to the Arch-Reldei myself."
"S'Tha, she should die!" Hissed Tumar who was standing behind her. The Tela'at Maas did not turn to face the Battler but spoke to her.
"No t'hy'la, the only ones left to die this day are the remaining priests of Tulrah'Kas. This child has chosen life, it shall be so. Bring her Ayahtinah."
Two priestesses brought Aurel forward and S'Tha looked at her, she was shaken from the entry into Tul, the people had not been so kind to her. Aurel tried desperately to raise her control, but she could not achieve the control she needed. S'Tha looked past her to Tumar. "Tumar, clear the temple, and do not make them suffer unduly." The Battler nodded and disappeared into the temple.
B'Oada stood quietly, away from the rest of the Sisterhood. Her eyes were closed and her breathing almost stilled. Shortly a priestess appeared, De'et's energy was high, her emotions offended both S'Tha and B'Oada. She approached B'Oada and waited for her to acknowledge her. When the Arch-Reldai finally opened her eyes, she did not speak.
"Arch-Reldai, the way is clear, all lie dead except Kleadine, he is within his chamber." De'et announced breathlessly. B'Oada did not respond but looked at her mother. S'Tha nodded to her daughter.
"Come Aurel, I will say my farewells to the Arch-Reldei." S'Tha said. B'Oada watched as her mother and the first priestess of Tulrah'Kas entered the temple then turned her attention to the crowd below.
S'Tha walked silently through the corridor of the temple. To either side of her lay the lifeless bodies of Kleadine's elite Kush, it seemed there was not much of a struggle and most kills had been quick and clean. As she neared the chamber of the Arch-Reldei she was met by Tumar and a band of priestess that had fallen Kleadine's Kush. they stood waiting for her words. S'Tha stepped carefully among the fallen priests.
"The day is ours t'hy'la!" Tumar said putting both hands on S'Tha's shoulders. The Battler could hardly contain her joy. The fight was finally over.
S'Tha withdrew her senepa from it's sheath and handed it to Tumar.
"Leave two priestesses and join the others, you have earned that t'hy'la." Tumar looked at the senepa and took it from S'Tha holding it across her chest. The Battler looked deeply into S'Tha's eyes questioning her silently.
"Do not fear, he will not harm me." S'Tha said.
"Go stand with my daughter, it is her you owe loyalty to now." S'Tha said.
"The little Khiori has become the mistress of ankh', and my loyalty to her is as pure as it has been to you t'hy'la." Tumar said.
"I am blessed to have you and Ayahtinah as t'hy'la. Go now, I will speak my last words to Kleadine."
Tumar turned and motioned two of the priestesses to stay and left with the rest. S'Tha approached the door and closed her eyes, she turned and looked at Aurel who had stood silently waiting.
"You will remain here till I have need of you." S'Tha ordered. Aurel nodded and took her place between the priestesses. S'Tha looked back to the door...she could sense Kleadine within. She reached her hand out and threw the great door open, S'Tha took a deep breath and entered the Arch-Reldei's chamber.
Chapter 33
Her mind closed out all sounds of the crowd below, her name came as a chant from their lips but this was not important. she was not there to take the glory for the victory of Tulrah's Tia, that was her mother's honor. She turned and climbed once again to the top of the stairs, she was there for one reason only. B'Oada looked into the darkened entrance that led into the great temple and spat towards the darkness then she turned her attention to the crowd once again. Her battle garb shone red under the intense face of T'Khut who had started to ascend. to the right of Vulcan's sister world the flaming B'Oada fumed as her father Las'hark sunk slowly on the horizon. B'Oada's hair hung loose to her knees covered in dried blood and debrief of battle.
Her warrior priestess surrounded her on both sides. B'Oada waited till the noise of the crowd fell to a deadly hush. She remembered the many times she had stood on theses same stairs and told the people that they would be free, that was thirty years ago when Kleadine had retreated to Shar Russa. She closed her eyes and allowed herself a small smile. When she opened her eyes the smile was gone.
"People of Vulcan, I stand here before you as I have promised, whole and victorious!" The crowd roared as she spoke.
"We." She extended her arms towards the great crowd. "We have suffered for more than sixty years under the tyrannical harness of the priesthood. When we could no longer fight, we still went on! We... I could not allow this to go on. We rose on the hot winds of this endless red land. We soared across this land as the lakanga soars in search of prey... and we found it people of Vulcan and we devoured it greedily! We have won this day! I will finish what my maas started those many years ago!" B'Oada stepped down to the next step.
"No longer will we have to send our pa vetch females to submit to the Aklash Tia! No longer will the priesthood take our sons to distort them into the vileness of Tulrah'Kas! Never again will the fires of the dark Mother burn with the innocence of our clan's people!" The crowd went wild as she took one more step down.
"No people of Vulcan, never again! From this day on, no female will be a chattel of her mate. All of us whether male or female will be equal, in all aspects! From this day on all children will carry the mother's blood line as well as the fathers'! And most important... from this day on all oldest mothers of every clan will have a voice once again! Their voices will ring out in the great Hall of Voices for all to hear!"
B'Oada turned and climbed to the top of the stairs once again, she brought up her disciplines and sunk into Kolinahr, she then turned to face the crowd again. The crowd listened carefully now, not a sound came from them. B'Oada's voice was controlled and calm now.
"People of Vulcan I have come here today to give you your long waited, hard fought for freedom. but I have come here for a more important purpose. I have come here to finally put an end to Tulrah'Kas. Without destroying the head, the serpent shall live on and rise once again. So this day I will crush the head of the great serpent of Tulrah'Kas!"
S'Tha stood silently listening to Kleadine recite his own personal quwes to the dark Mother. She had been there for sometime now and had listened carefully to each sacred word that came from the Arch-Reldei's mouth, over and over he chanted the quwes. The words ran through her mind, she looked up to the gleaming statue of Tulrah'Kas and for a brief moment she had thoughts of sending it crashing to the floor. But like her own T'sai Kh'liorah, Tulrah'Kas was very real to her and she did not want the dark one's vengeance upon her.
"Praises upon her,
Kleadine stopped and looked up into the statue's face, he reached for another handful of presh. S'Tha noticed his hand trembling as he placed the dried flower upon the brazier. It crackled softly and slowly thin lines rose from it. Kleadine returned his attention to the altar, he was just about to continue the quwes when he decided against it. He laid his head on the cold stone and remained that way for a time. S'Tha stood watching, feeling his pain, his desperation, but she did not move.
Slowly Kleadine rose to his feet, he looked down at his personal altar and with one swipe of his arm he cleared it. He reached and took the lil'ra from beneath his robe and placed it upon his breast.
S'Tha approached him placing her hand on his.
"No t'hy'la...not this way." She said quietly. Kleadine turned to face her allowing her to take the lil'ra. His control was weak. "It is over, the battle won?" He asked.
"The battle is won." S'Tha answered.
"It is time, your daughter waits." She said, her voice steady. Kleadine looked into her dark eyes, searching for the fire he had seen so often before, but it was not there and if it was, it was so controlled. "It is time then?" He asked the words absently.
S'Tha nodded. She did not feel the satisfaction she thought she would, instead she felt pity for him. She raised her hand and placed it on the side of his face. Kleadine placed his hand on hers and held it there. Finally S'Tha pulled her hand away.
"Go to your Goddess knowing you are in at least one heart." She said. Kleadine did not speak but leaned forward and kissed her, she did not pull back but allowed him to finish the kiss. "You have always been my aduna." He said and walked past her towards the door, she followed slowly behind. Kleadine stopped and without turning he asked. "Will you be there to watch our daughter end me?"
There was silence for a few moments then S'Tha answered. "I will take no pleasure in that."
Kleadine opened the door and walked out into the corridor coming face to face with Aurel and the two priestesses. Aurel could not keep his gaze and turned her face away from him. He noticed the wounds upon his first priestess, he turned his face from her.
"Take the Arch-Reldei to B'Oada." S'Tha said. She noticed him stiffen then he turned to face her raising his hand in salute.
"Live long and prosper." He dropped his hand to his side and walked away, the two priestess escorting him. S'Tha and Aurel stood in silence watching him go. S'Tha turned and entered the chamber closing the door leaving Aurel to stand alone
Chapter 34
"People of Vulcan, many years ago I vowed to you I would not put down the senepa till every priest of Tulrah'Kas lay lifeless on the red earth, as my maas vowed even before me. today I keep this vow. Today the last priest of dark Tulrah dies!" She turned her head to the entrance of the great temple.
"Bring him!" She yelled.
All eyes strained to see two priestesses coming out of the dark corridor. Between them an old Vulcan male, his head shaven, his white robe hung limp over his straight form. They brought him to stand in front of B'Oada. She stared at him her eyes empty of all emotion. He stood with his head held high showing that even in death he was above her.
"What do you wait for B'Oada? Is this not what you have wanted since you were a child at my knee?" He tilted his head to one side and regarded her with distaste.
"You have no remorse for all the ones you have butchered?" She asked calmly.
"I am above reproach, I answer only to Tulrah'Kas!" He answered.
"Then you shall answer to Tulrah'Kas forthwith." She raised the senepa over her right shoulder. Kleadine did not take his eyes off hers.
"There is one thing I will thank you for Arch-Reldei." She said.
Kleadine smiled, contempt on his face for his daughter. "And what is that sal'rch?" He asked.
"That you gave me life that I might takes yours today!" She swung the senepa and it connected with a sickening thud. Kleadine's head fell, rolling down the stairs. B'Oada waited till the headless body of her father fell and stopped twitching then started down the stairs, the senepa in both hands, not a whisper came from the crowd. When she reached the decapitated head of Kleadine she lifted it up on the blade of the senepa, thrusting it high into the air.
"The serpent is dead! Vulcan is liberated!!" She threw the impaled head into the crowd and turned and ascended the stairs once more. Reaching the top she was met by her warrior priestess. Ayahtinah handed her a cape which she promptly threw over her shoulders.
"The cause is won Reldai! Glorious is this day! Long may it live in the memory of the people!" Ayahtinah, first priestess of the Sisterhood of Gol stood proud as she pulled B'Oada's hair from beneath her cape.
"Where to now t'hy'la?" Ayahtinah asked.
B'Oada put her hand on the first priestesses shoulder. "I wish to go home t'hy'la. I wish to go to Gol." B'Oada made her way through the small crowd of elite priestesses. Ayahtinah, The Battler, T'Lar, T'Hiala, Bah'lish, T'Cil, T'Esh, Nurah, T'Moya, De'et, T'Sha and T'Bal, all of them hand picked by her mother.
Ayahtinah looked at the other priestess then called to B'Oada. "T'hy'la, what of the temple?" B'Oada stopped and looked up to the pillars of the temple of Tulrah'Kas. It's fiery columns rising high into the reddened sky. She turned to her priestesses. "Destroy it!" And entered the temple to retrieve her mother.
S'Tha stood within the chamber of the Arch-Reldei, the only light within the chamber came from the glowing coals upon the brazier. The light outside the balcony had turned from pale red to a dark crimson, black clouds forming to obscure the horns of T'Khut. The door opened and B'Oada entered, she stood looking at her mother, feeling her pain. The p'pil'lay was tearing at her and it took every bit of her control to suppress it.
B'Oada crossed to the large window and stood, her cape and hair blowing softly in the warm breeze. Finally she turned to face her mother, she regarded her silently. S'Tha raised her head and looked at her daughter. Behind her the dark clouds parted allowing the flaming star to show her fuming face. S'Tha watched as the red orb spit and fumed sending rays of fire towards the giant horns of T'Khut. She remembered her daughter's naming and how the same star hung in the sky of dawn searching for her father Las'hark. S'Tha thought the star's battle would always continue, but for now her star's battle had ended. She smiled.
"Where to now sal'rch?" S'Tha asked.
B'Oada approached her mother and wrapped her in her cape, she kissed her forehead.
"We go home maas, we go home." She answered.
They both started to leave the chamber, the wind blew through the window and smothered the remaining coals.
S'Tha turned and looked into the darkness. "My adun's fire has ended." She whispered and a tear fell down her cheek.
"Indeed maas." B'Oada watched as the coals began to slowly glow softly again and doubted her mother's words.
A.J. Ward
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