Chapter 4

Even there Your hand will hold me fast.

They tumbled in time and space, not aware of any slowing or accelerating - just the steady plunge into the corners of the world. Lights flashed around them, blaring, green -yellow - blue. Sherwoode had to blink her eyes, as to not lose her vision.

Then there was another pulling, another porthole. Liline gave an inaudible groan as they plunged through another rip in the dimensional fabric. "Where are we going?"

Sherwoode couldn't hear her friend's call, as the dimension seized them.

*

The bright lights paled to a soft white light. Small clouds filtered through the air around them, giving off an almost interior light. There was no land, all the eye could see was clouds and soft blue sky. The sun increasingly brighter and Liline found she had to shut her eyes from the radiant gleam.

"Where are we now?" Liline gasped, hardly able to believe the magical world around them. "The Realms of the Immortals?"

"I don't think so..but of course, how would I know?"

Sherwoode slowly stood up from the cloud, puffs of light cloud fragments around her. The brightness had dimmed and she could see beyond the clouds. Over the horizon rose - out of a cloud - a tall mountain covered with greenery, sporting a winding path to a solitary tree on the top. Around the mountain, on the thick clouds, stood five small castles- each having a symbolizing weather vane.

"Stop there!" a rough voice yelled to them. To her amazement, three guards in gleaming armor and who flew without wings or Myubas, stood firmly before them - if you could call standing on thin air really standing. "You're both coming with us..whoever you are."

*

Liline and Sherwoode, after being flown through the clouds and castles, were strewn at the feet of a queenly lady. The lady raised a single eyebrow at the girls, her eyes steely black. "Who are you?"

"Uh," Sherwoode struggled to her feet, helping Liline up, "she's Liline of.." Sherwoode turned to Liline, "Should I say?" she whispered. Liline shrugged her shoulders,

"I suppose it doesn't matter now."

Sherwoode looked back at the lady, "She's Liline Sea Crystalof Earth, and I'm, well, I'm Sherwoode of Serenity and Sherwoode Island.And you are?"

The woman appeared surprised at Sherwoode's boldness and spoke slowly,"I am Queen Selena of the Roof of Elric."

Selena lifted herself out of the throne, preparing to sip from a small glass goblet given to her. Sherwoode looked upon the serene face, aware of the confusion behind the cool composure. The queen began to open her mouth to speak, but was cut of by the cry of an old woman in the courtroom.

A withered lady struggled up from the back of the large room, speaking in large gasps, "Sherwoode Island? That is where Father Sky's daughter was left -". She was cut off by the apparent commotion among the courtroom peoples.

Queen Selena nodded toward Sherwoode, "Are you familiar with the daughter?"

"No," Sherwoode looked down to the floor, "but I should be."

Selena felt surprise at the girl's sudden depression, "Why? Is something wrong?"

Liline recognized her friend's plight immeadiatly,"The daughter was her mother."

The commotion within the people broke now, as they surrounded Sherwoode and Liline - in honor. It took five guards to tear the peoples away.

"Is this true? "

"Yes, Queen Selena. Esteria was my mother."

The queen stroked the thin silk of her mantel - "Then, my dear, who was your father?"

"Sorcerer Laetre, an Earther."

Shrieks came from the court,cries of "Earth-dweller! Evils!"

In the east of the room, a heavy curtain parted - revealing a beautifully old woman, decked in rubies and sapphires. A hush came over the people as the woman walked among them, and up to Sherwoode and Liline. She smiled kindly to both of them, and then turned to the court.

"Can you not see through your prejudice? Many of you suspect now, the girl is lying. How could an Immortal Goddess ever love an Earth-dweller, especially an Earther? She is not lying, for many times I have heard in my dreams of a time that will come when Earth and Sk y will become one. It is this time. "

"And the human? It is clear to me that is shows that human and Elrician can befriend eachother in good, that all has not been lost in our fleeing from Earth. These prophecies come before you, in the form of two girls."

The Oracle left the room as quietly as she had come, speaking only this, "Queen Selena, have the girls visit the Nights, their daughter Nightsky is their age." The Oracle's word was not questioned.

*

"What is it like on the Surface?" Nightsky asked the two girls who had been setting up bunks in her chamber. "Is it ugly and cold?"

Sherwoode threw a blanket down on the cot,"No, it only gets cold and barren in the winter - but then in Northern Serenity, it snows. Most of the time its green and cool."

"Snow?"

"Crystals of water falling from the sky."

"Oh."

Liline directed her comment to Sherwoode, "Do you think that we can get back to Elric soon? The Shadows are coming."

"If I can find another rip in the dimensional fabric."

Nightsky's eyes clouded over, "What's a Shadow?"

*

"I,personally, don't think it takes two hours to travel between dimensions." Witha commented. He and Illiad were sitting by the Chaos Pool, far enough away from it though, waiting for Sherwoode and Liline to return. "Of course, we don't even know if that was the correct rip in the fabric. Sherwoode could be in the Roof for all we know."

"You mean there chances that she didn't pick the right rip?"

"Yes."

Illiad shook his head. He stood up and walked casually over to the Chaos Pool. "Then Liline could still be in the Realms of Chaos."

"Technically, yes."

"Should we go through?"

Witha laughed, "And possibly lose ourselves it Chaos? I think not."

"Then how else can we? And are we even sure Sherwoode would find Liline in the Realm?"

"That's no reason to go risking ourselves. If we wanted to do that we could rip a hole in a Myubas and still use it."

The Chaos Pool shimmered in the pale sunlight that escaped the thick forest canopy. Illiad looked at it narrowly, wondering what exactly was beyond it. He extended one hand gingerly, just grazing over the surface of the pool. That was enough for the Chaos - the darkness of Chaos seized him, drawing him into the shimmering pond.

Witha groaned, that had to be the stupidest thing Illiad had done yet. He had no worry for his friend, Illiad would probably just arrive to Realm - but how would he get back? Only Sherwoode knew how to use the rips in the dimensional fabric..actually she had just seen Raen experiment with it, she never practiced it.

"Maybe I'll be the hero.." Witha laughed, "just this time at least." He took a running jump into the void of Chaos. Heros,Witha thought to himself, always acted bold in the face of adversity. He was a hero.

Witha fell, colors flashing - blinding - around him in shapes and patterns, unrecognizable to the average eye. Yells of anger filled the air and space around him, piercing his soul to the bone. Shudders of unknown magnolia fears jarred his spirit. For the first time in his life, Witha reached into the depths of his Spirit-Force. He let the gift do its bidding, flowing around and through him - giving off a feeling of warmth and peace. He was serenely protected from the evils around him, no Shadow could take him. A thought ran through his mind - could Illiad save himself from the Darkness?

The void of colors cleared, and Witha plunged down into space. Clouds rose around him, gray unlivid colors. He saw the knobby tree branches, covered in slimy moss as he neared the ground. When he touched down, Witha expected a rough bump. He felt nothing but the soggy ground beneath him.

"Witha! You came!" Illiad ran over to him from a nearby bog dune.

Witha nodded, dusting himself off. "Do you see Liline or Sherwoode?"

"No." His friend looked toward the horizon, as Sherwoode had done just moments before. "There's some fortress over there. They might have gone to investigate."

"Its my policy not to go exploring Realms I'm not familiar with. Especially the realm of Chaos."

Illiad sighed, "Do you always have to be so cowardly? Let's just walk over there. If they're not there, we can just leave."

"Leave to where?" Witha inquired. "If you know some way of getting out of here, then you might as well tell me."

Illiad shrugged. "We can find something." He began to walk over to the Castle, Witha following close behind.

They tramped over the bog land, noticing the flora around them. Mushrooms of vibrant color sprouted from the ground around the withering trees. Illiad bent to pick one, mushrooms in Serenity were always delicious right out of the ground.

Witha grabbed Illiad's arm, "It's probably poisonous. This is Chaos, not your garden."

Illiad agreed, straightening back up and continuing fore ward. "I wonder who's castle that is."

"I don't know - maybe some Shadows place or something."

"Isn't it dangerous to be near a Shadow? Couldn't you be taken?"

Witha grinned, "I plan not to go anywhere near the Shadow. We're just looking for Liline and Sherwoode, right?"

"I don't think Sherwoode would go near a Shadowy Place. Liline maybe, but not Sherwoode. She hates them."

"Are you having second thoughts? We're in the Regiment. We're supposed to be brave."

"I'm only brave when I have to be."

"Well, you have to be. Here, at least."

The fortress rose in front of them, towering over the plain. Its dark stones were covered in cobwebs and a strange slime. Towers climbed toward the scenarios sky line, trying to touch the atmosphere. An unknown fear rattled Withal something nostalgic.

"Here we are."

Witha turned from the castle, "I don't see them. Let's go."

Illiad snickered, "Mr.Be Brave is scared? We can just look. Come on." The two friends started around the castle, listening warily for any sign of a Shadow. Unnoticed, a figure sneaked up behind them - cloaked in the darkness it belonged. Witha felt a clothed hand cover his mouth to stifle his scream. High One!..he pleaded before the darkness came in.

*

Sherwoode was dreaming. She knew that - nowhere else would the clouds shimmer around her than in a dream. Sherwoode knew the nothingness around her, terrifying and complete. She wished to scream, but her mouth was dry and useless.

"Sherwoode..." a voice whispered, carried on the wind, "Sherwoode...do you remember?" The voice swung around her. "Do you remember what I taught you?"

Sherwoode embraced the voice, clear and musical. She wondered, what should I remember? The voice smiled, radiating peaceful warmth. Happiness like she had never felt before was hers.

"The prayers..I sang them for you so long ago."

What prayer? The one about the dawn? The one about nature?

"Both - remember them my daughter - use them as you would spirit force. To protect you and your friends. You will need to call upon the High One in your struggle."

There was no verse about the High One..whoever you are.

"It is a prayer all its own, my child."

The voice sang now, beautiful and harmonious -

"I, in this time

of pain and suffering.

I, in this age

of unknown wishes,

call upon my High One, my God.

May his love and warmth encircle me,

may his mercy forgive me.

May his guidance help me.

May his protection save me

from the evil that I face.

I call upon the High One

aid me in this

acceptable time of sorrow."

Sherwoode loved the song. She knew she had always loved the High One, He had gotten her through many times of strife. But to use His love against the darkness?

Then a verse from the Book came to her. One of light and darkness, and the Darkness couldn't understand the light. The Oracle said the Light symbolized

the High One and His Son. Why had no one turned to him?

They fear, Sherwoode. Anything they don't understand they fear. Many fear the High One's unconditional love.

I don't. Sherwoode murmered. She tried to listen to the voices chanting around her. Their music was not of voice, she suddenly realized, but of spirit. They were singing with emotion and joy, and yet, she could understand. The feeling rushed around her, churning her self being. The Spirit felt the song, sang without the words - it was complete. She had never sensed anything so finished.

Who are you?

I am the Life. I am You, the world, each and every being.

I don't understand - how can you be everything?

No one was meant to understand - just believe this.

What should I call you?

Names are so material, limiting and trapping. I do know, however, that names give Elricians and humans a sense of person. You may speak to me as Kasimaria -

Andricia - Allenique.

Sherwoode's thoughts were muddled. Three different names...

Ah, I see you only like one name - although everyone has many. Even you and your friends. Then voice me as Kasimaria.

More names? What are they?

You ought to go as Iphigenia Hkna Sherwoode.

Hkna?

My dear, many questions you possess. Hkna is your spirit name, the name of your Spirit-Force. Hkna means Divine Inspiration.

All your questions are not to be answered..behold - you return to your realm...

Darkness climbed up around her, seizing her. She knew nothingness and emptiness - and then Life.

*

"You can't treat us like this!" Witha protested angrily, yanking at the chains that bound him to the wall. "We're Serenian citizens!"

"Son, you give me all the more reason." The Dark One laughed cruelly, turning in the dark dungeon. Moss rose up on the walls, covering the stone - cold with death.

Rats nibbled at the feet of the corpses still hung against the wall, rotting painfully in the Realms of Chaos.

"As you see..in a few months you shall be like your companions on the East wall -" the Dark One hissed, looking toward the corpses in the corners. "You may pray for the deliverance of your High One - He cares not. There is no place such as Summerland to go after you decay on Elric.To Him - you are ants to be crushed into submission."

"I don't believe that!"

The Dark One raised a single, menacing eyebrow. "I do think time will change your answer."

He strolled casually over to the East Wall, picking up a rib bone from the floor.

Turning back toward Illiad and Witha, he grinned. "You could, however, save yourselves."

Illiad glanced toward Witha, who leaned against the wall - smoldering from anger.

"How?"

"Join me. I need fresh blood - become of the Dark. It won't hurt much...and you shall live forever."

The chains almost snapped as Witha tried to grab the Dark One. "NEVER!" He fell back against the wall, hard - taking heavy breaths. "I will never join you."

"Then you will die."

"Kill me!" Witha screamed. "Kill us! You only kill our bodies - not our beliefs. They will live on! You will never conquer our people!" His eyes flamed suddenly, a deep brilliant blue - not the usual brown they were.

"That is exactly what my friend Laetre said - now he belongs to the Darkness. Many things fear the People of the Light- he is afraid of nothing now that he is one of the Dark."

"He has no soul! He cannot fear!" Witha snapped at the Dark One. Illiad slumped against the wall. He had no wish to outwardly fight the Dark One as Witha did. His family believed in inner peace and harmony, they said a clear spirit will defy all evil.

It seemed to him, Witha's parents had taught him differently. Actually, the trait seemed to be of most Earthers - a substantial fighting spirit. Witha had just gotten the larger amount of it in his family tree.

"As you wish." the Dark One's eyes blazed a dark fire, then cleared. He swept his cloak around him and stalked out of the room, leaving Witha and Illiad alone in the darkness.

*

Nightsky handed Sherwoode the thick warm blankets to pack in the have sacks. Liline watched from a sitting cushion in the corner as Sherwoode prepared to leave the Roof of the World. A small glass goblet rested near her, filled with the sparkling nectar of Lotus Flower Juice. She sipped it now and then, refreshing herself with the sweet liquid.

"Why must you leave?" Nightsky asked Sherwoode. "It is safe here."

Sherwoode looked down at the bag she was packing, "We left people behind and work unfinished. I - we - have to stop the Shadows."

"So you're really going to fight the darkness?"

Liline's eyes flew open. "We are?"

Sherwoode smiled. "Yes, and soon. The Equinox is coming. When Good and Evil are of equal power. It is only then that something could over power the Evils and the Shadows."

Nightsky nodded, gazing out the window. Her eyes suddenly lit up. She ran across the ivory room to a tiny chest. Retrieving an old key, the chest slowly creaked open. "It's here somewhere...got it..." Nightsky whispered as she picked something out of the chest. Looking at Sherwoode, she placed the package in her hand. "The Oracle gave me this...she didn't said anything about what it was - just that it had been given to her by Mother Earth. Mother Earth had asked her to safe guard it for her daughter, it had been a christening gift."

Sherwoode opened the ebony lid of the box, looking at the contents. A tiny silver chain shone up at her, a small crystal leaf hanging off the chain as a pendant. Within the leaf, diamonds and emeralds had been arranged in a runic pattern - one unbeknownst to her. She fastened the chain around her neck, "This was my mother's."

Nightsky grinned, "I know! That's why I gave it to you. It was giving me bad dreams anyway - I had to place it in a hermetically sealed boxed and magically sealed."

"What type of dreams?"

"I don't know - ones about Harmony being destroyed and Darkness. I don't like that."

Sherwoode nodded, "That's okay. Thanks for the gift."

Liline bent over Sherwoode to look at the gift. The emeralds winked up at her, shimmering in a pale light given off by the diamonds. "It's very magical, isn't it?"

"I don't know, you can't really tell sometimes." Sherwoode replied. She hoisted the haversack they had been packing off the floor. It was suddenly heavy, as if something within it didn't want her to leave this peaceful realm. She didn't really want to either, her mother was worshipped here - she would be perfectly happy.

"I suppose this is what they mean by choosing a kingdom of sorrow over one of happiness." Liline agreed with Sherwoode's thoughts. Her dark hair layered comfortably around her face, hiding her eyes filled with confusion. The hardest decisions to make always surrounded ones about right and wrong. Liline wasn't very sure if it was right to leave the safety of this dimension or it was wrong not to.

The only thing she could listen to was her heart, and it felt nothing.

Nightsky watched as the two girls slowly walked out the door. As they stepped onto a cloud, light surrounded them - their being flickered for a second. Then, the sky was empty once again.

*

Cold winds whipped around them, silencing all fears - as they churned falling in to the world between worlds. Sherwoode sent before her, touching all around her - the magick of Spirit-Force. It sensed nothing, nothing save for the tingling of the electricity around her and Liline - pulsing in this terrifying gateway.

Particles of speed-light travel flew around her, streaks of pure light. Only her behind eyes could see them - the eyes behind her mind , within her soul. Something cold struck her, something invisible to her mortal eyes. Liline screamed, blood-curdled within her. Some one was trying to hurt them - kill them.

Sherwoode shut her eyes, and reached out. She saw without eyes but her soul. For her life, she saw with Spirit-Force. Darkness cleared and wavered - cold, domineering. Her Spirit shook with unknown magnolia fears, frightening her inner psyche.

Lights flashed, blaring, unrecognizable...she surged with the light, flowing free and pure. Sherwoode felt her mind go blank, horrifyingly empty. She screamed with Liline, screaming at the Darkness that surrounded them. Around her, the nothingness wasn't.

*

Sherwoode slowly blinked her eyes, light clouding them. The shapes around her wavered and then - held. A high,piercing laugh rung through her, possessed by a tall dark figure. She tried to sit up, and realized something was holding her down. Fear came rushing toward her.

"Well..Sherwoode, how nice of you to visit." the Dark One hissed at her. "I daresay, I tried to rightly interrupt your traveling. Little did I know, you were coming right toward me."

Sherwoode struggled, her mouth voicing, swearing at him. The Dark One smiled gleefully, "You cannot escape."

He turned from her, picking a small cup up from a ledge. A large gulp, and still smiling, the Dark One spoke again in his rough voice, "What can you do? I will send my Shadow down here to Darken you. Actually, you will love to know this, I will send my Shadow, Laetre. Your own father will destroy your soul."

Sherwoode gasped. The Dark One knew happiness in her fear, "You cannot do anything, I am everything."

Light shone around Sherwoode. "No, you are not. My High One is..and so is Kasimaria. They will end you, they will unname you. I believe in them even now."