She couldn't allow herself to cry. Bravely she spoke the next words, which echoed hollowly among the villagers gathered on the hill. Meanwhile, the priests were arranging white stones to form a high mound. Within a few new moons, so many had been raised on this hill that she couldn't count them anymore. The wind carried the scent of blood mixed with the stench of decaying bodies. The people dispersed in silence. She remained. This time, her brother had died. Once again, they were forced to defend the village, but this time, the last member of her clan hadn't returned... She fell to her knees, resting her arms on the cold stones, burying her face in them. Why? Why had he left, leaving her alone? She sobbed, distraught, like a small child. Pain tore through her heart. This war was pointless! How much longer could it last? It dragged on endlessly. One funeral followed another, the tears still unweaned, and once again they had to journey to the graveyard to bid their friends a proper farewell. Today, everything had lost its meaning for her. She was the village's Priestess. She had dedicated her entire life to serving the gods and goddesses. Every day at dawn, she rose to perform rituals, and when everyone else was asleep, she knelt by the fire to pray to the Horned God to protect those she loved. Today, she had to struggle with the pain of loss and disappointment. Their village blocked the path of the Black Demons and Fallen Angels, who were marching towards the White Tower in the South. They were destroying everything in their path. Nothing mattered to them except murder and rape, which would further demonstrate their strength and power. She knew supplies were running low, that new waves of refugees were arriving in the city on the Great Lake, and that riots were breaking out, fueled by fear and hunger. The High Priest desperately tried to bring peace, but the more people there were, the harder it was for him to control the terrified crowd. She herself did not interfere in politics. She had too little power. All she could do in these difficult times was pray, heal the wounded, and conduct funeral rites. Today, the armies of Demons and Fallen Angels had taken the only person she cared about. How could she contain her pain? Instill courage in the hearts of others when she had lost it herself? She rose to her feet, and a cold wind blew against her face, ruffling her long hair. The last tears trickled down her cheeks as she slowly descended the hill, heading toward the settlement. The tall grasses rustled around her like a swaying sea. She resolved that as long as she had the strength, she would support those left alive. Children in front of the city gate were merrily playing war, and she watched sadly as they fought and pretended to be dead. She passed them in silence, then made her way to the center of the city, where, in a small square surrounded by large oak trees, stood a wooden temple supported by pillars carved with mysterious symbols.Inside, it was pitch dark, lit only by the glow of the fire burning in the heart of the temple. She knelt beside it.
"Great Goddess! Protective Mother, Wise Crone, Beautiful Virgin, you who guide the lives of each of us, hear my prayer as I kneel before you today, humbly begging you for protection over these people and over this temple." She took a handful of dried lavender and threw it into the flames. "Our defenders are weakening, our supplies are running low, without you we will perish! Horned God, Lord of the Forest and Forest Animals, mighty and strong, come when I offer you flowers and holy water today. Please come and support us with strength..."
She didn't finish. The fire wavered violently and burst into a new flame, in which she saw the silhouette of her god. She prostrated herself before him, and only after a moment did she raise her blue eyes humbly.
"My servant," he said in a strange, echoing voice, "The City must fall. The armies of Demons and Dark Angels must advance further to reach the Ice Mountains.
" "Lord!" she moaned desperately. "Lord, this means our death!
" "I will save you from death!" he moved the enormous deer antler anxiously.
The girl wept, clenching her fists on her priestly robes.
"There are so many innocent people here! So many children and women... We obeyed your laws, honored your holidays... Horned God, I beg you for mercy for them...
" "Be silent!" he cried, and suddenly she felt such a strong gust of wind that she fell limply onto her back. "This war must finally end!" Only you stand in their way, finally leaving this land!
"Horned God! Father of Forest and Game," she pleaded, weeping, "They are killing my tribe!"
"You are the only one left of your clan, and you must live... therefore I will send you a warrior who has been destined for you from the moment of your birth. You will bear him a child in whom my strength and the wisdom of the Great Goddess will be revealed. From you will come a great lineage that will bring peace to this land... But until this land is cleansed, until every stone is washed in blood, the great prophecy will not be fulfilled...
" "Lord! Is it because of me..." she sobbed desperately.
"You have been chosen to lead a new tribe, towards a true love of Nature and peace." For this to happen, we must wipe out the slothful race of Adam's sons from the face of the earth...
- Horned God... - she stretched out her hand towards him, but the flame suddenly diminished and the vision disappeared.
The girl continued to cry before the fire for a long time, unaware that one of the Priests had overheard her conversation with the Horned God. At night, when the full moon shone over the valley, the City Guards came for her. They dragged her from her bed and, along with the Priests, up a hill on which stood a stone circle. It was here that sacrifices were made to the gods, where the greatest rituals were performed. This was sacred ground, filled with the forces of nature. The girl wept, but she didn't struggle, knowing why they had come. She firmly believed that if she died, she would save the settlement, and she was ready to sacrifice herself. Slowly, she lay down on the cold stone. Rain fell from the sky, at first timidly, then with full force. It pounded against the armor of the City Guards and the large stones. It mingled with her bitter tears. The High Priest stood over her. She saw determination and fear in his eyes. He, too, wanted to protect the tribe. After all, that was why they were here, that was why they had given their lives—to sacrifice them to the Gods, Deities, and humans. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She sobbed quietly, clenching her fists helplessly. The High Priest raised a gleaming dagger above her.
"Great Goddess, Mother of the Great Sea and the Golden Sun! Horned God, Father of the Great Forests and the Silver Moon, accept this body and the blood spilled here, that we may escape the danger that awaits us. Look down upon us as we offer you today the greatest possible sacrifice!"
At that very moment, a huge, silver lightning bolt ripped through the sky, its thunder mingling with the High Priest's desperate scream. A silver arrow pierced his body. Blood gushed from his mouth, and a moment later, he collapsed to the ground in front of the girl. Terrified, she leaped from the sacrificial stone. Around her, a turmoil ensued with rioting horses and infantry composed of terrifying Demons. At their head rode a tall warrior in black armor and a helmet resembling a wolf's head.
"Nothing can happen to the High Priestess!" he shouted, pointing his bloody sword at her. Spurring his mount, he charged into the midst of the bewildered City Guard.
She stood between them as, with a rage and brutality unknown to her, they slaughtered those who had once protected her. Blood gushed onto the sacred ground and the sacred stones. She could do nothing. Tears welled up in her eyes again. Suddenly, everything fell silent. The crunch of breaking bones, splintering skulls, and the clatter of powerful horses' hooves faded, and she could only watch helplessly as they rode away at a furious gallop toward the settlement. She ran after them for a moment, shouting for mercy, but no one listened. She was left alone on the desecrated hill. Weeping, she walked slowly toward the city. More and more houses burned, flooding the horizon with a red glow. The screams of the people echoed through the valley. Her mind went blank. Why hadn't she died then? Perhaps her death would have prevented this tragedy... The Dark Angels sat outside the city gates, lighting bonfires. Their loud chants of victory echoed against the walls. They were beautiful. Tall, with black hair and fair skin. They had two or three pairs of wings, depending on their rank in the hierarchy. Each wore light armor forged from iron and adorned with animal skin or fur. As she walked among them, none of them even glanced at her. It was as if they hadn't seen her. Meanwhile, all she could think about was reaching the sacred fire in the sanctuary. After all, she was supposed to protect it, lest it ever be extinguished. She walked through the city streets drenched in blood. The dismembered bodies of children, women, and men lay everywhere. Some tried to flee, others tried to defend themselves, but no one escaped alive. Only a few raging Demons still searched the huts, searching for those who had taken refuge in the shadows. With a sob, she pushed open the Temple door, and a bonfire appeared before her eyes. Deep inside, she was glad that both the Temple and the Holy Fire had survived. The sound of a body slumping to the ground frightened her. However, something told her she shouldn't flee and should stay to... to help. She slowly peered behind the column supporting the roof, where an unconscious warrior lay. He was seriously wounded. He had a gash across his eyebrow and a slash across his chest. For a moment, she stood over him, staring at his bloody face, then knelt beside him and, with difficulty, rolled him onto his back. She could help him. She possessed knowledge of herbs and a great gift: healing hands. Her tears fell on his forehead. Anger mingled with despair within her. She could kill him. Take revenge for what he had done to her tribe. Even though he had saved her life on the hill, she hated him for what he had done. The words of the Horned God came to her mind. He was right, for after all, this warrior had saved her from death... With trembling hands, she unbuttoned his bloody armor. She brought him water and wolf pelts. She washed and bandaged him, her heart weeping. Suddenly, a Dark Angel entered the temple. She felt his great energy with all her strength. He ran to the unconscious man and knelt beside him.
"Did you bandage his wounds?" He looked at her in disbelief. "After all this time..."
She wouldn't look at him. She had neither the courage nor the strength. She was so tired!
"He needs so much rest now..." she whispered finally and stood up.
"You're not going anywhere!" He took her hand in an iron grip. "You'll take care of him until he regains his strength.
" "Leave..." she moaned so quietly he barely heard her, but there was something in her voice that made him let her go. He knew she would return. Soon the warrior had regained enough strength that he and his troops could move on. The day of departure was approaching inexorably, and she feared being left alone in this dead city, guarding the Holy Fire according to her vows.
"What is your name?" he asked, his eyes following hers.
She looked at him with startled eyes and leaned over the fire.
"Will you answer me?" he demanded.
"Caliel. My name is Caliel."
At first, he said nothing. In his eyes, she found only silence and emptiness. She saw the faces of those he had killed. She saw death and destruction in them, and she was afraid to look into them, yet at the same time, there was something about him that gave her no peace, that drew her to him in a way she couldn't explain.
"Come with me!" he blurted out suddenly. "I don't want you to stay here!"
"I made vows," she replied after a moment. "I can't leave this temple."
"Who do you want to stay here for? They all died."
She glared at him furiously, clutching her bloodstained, soiled robes.
"It's not humans I serve, but the Great Goddess and the Horned God!
" "They too have abandoned this city. Don't you see that?
" "Why?!" she suddenly cried out reproachfully. "Why did you do this?! Why..."
Her voice broke; she could say no more. She only sobbed heartbreakingly, lifting her head to the sky. The warrior rose from his bed and knelt beside her.
"Don't cry, Caliel." He held out his arms to her, but she threw herself at him, striking him blindly with her fists.
"Murderers!" she moaned hysterically. "You killed them all! You killed them! I won't forgive you for this! They're dead... dead...!!!"
The sun was just rising over the deserted city. Black ravens were pecking at the bodies of the dead. The air was filled with an unbearable stench of rot and blood. Even the Demons had moved beyond the settlement walls. Everything was ready for the journey; they only awaited a leader. Finally, from the morning mist, he emerged, carrying the sleeping Priestess on his shoulders. They gazed at her in admiration. She was beautiful, her long hair falling to the warrior's knees, and her peaceful face rested on his chest. The man seated her on the great horse before him, covered her with a black cloak, and the large army finally set out towards the Ice Mountains. Slowly, they left the lands where the Horned God and the Great Goddess ruled. A dead silence hung over this once-magnificent land. All settlements were burned, all the people slaughtered. As the Horned God had spoken, the earth was cleansed with blood, awaiting the return of Those Who Controlled Nature. The legend of the Silver Moon Clan was passed down from generation to generation. No one truly believed it existed anymore. It was said that its members descended from the womb of a great priestess who possessed the ability to speak with all spirits and whose spiritual strength allowed her to survive in times of cruel wars. She came from a pure lineage of Nephilim, angels, and humans; she was one of the last, if not the last... Finally, the prophecy was fulfilled. Caliel would bear a child who would revive the ancient lineage and the ancient rituals. Meanwhile, she lay in the arms of the warrior who had led a vast army of Demons and Dark Angels in the slaughter of her tribe. When the gentle rocking of his horse's gait awoke her, at first she didn't know where she was or what had happened. But the scent of his skin, soaked in blood, quickly reminded her of the distraught faces of those who had recently stood with her on the cemetery hill. She wept again. This time quietly, silently. The warrior's face was tired, masculine. He didn't look at her; his thoughts were occupied by something entirely different, something important. Only at the great river that crossed their trail did they set up camp. They led the horses into the meadow, while they lit fires to strengthen themselves. Caliel and the warrior sat under a spreading tree, breaking dry bread and drinking water from the river.
"You uttered my name in your sleep..." he said suddenly. "How can you know it?
" "I don't know, sir," she whispered. "No one has told me your name.
" "Remember," he suddenly took her face in his hands and searched her eyes. "You know not only my name..."
For a moment, they froze, staring at each other. Caliel felt as if she were sinking into his eyes, unable to remember. She found blood and death there, but also longing, the inconsolable pain of losing someone important. It seemed to her that his eyes had already seen the beginning of the world, and would surely see its end as well. She took a shaky breath, closing her eyelids. She was sinking in on herself, swimming along an unfamiliar path leading to the heart of her soul. Somewhere deep within her recesses, she found the same longing, the same pain... slowly, as if from a fog, the image of a tall man dressed in armor and a helmet shaped like a wolf's head emerged in her heart... he was waiting for her... he was destined for her.
"Nilajhasz!" she moaned, opening her eyes. "Your name is Nilajhasz!"
The man hugged her tightly. His arms wrapped painfully around her small body.
"I've waited so long... I've searched the world for you... finally, the prophecy is coming true... thanks to us, peace will reign in the land of the Horned God and the Great Goddess!
" "Nilajhash," her voice broke.
The sun was setting on the horizon when she awoke from her sleep. The warrior continued to cradle her in his arms, his gaze following the Demons, who, along with the Angels, were setting up their tents. Darkness was falling over the valley where they had set up camp. The murmur of the rocky river drowned out the sound of conversation and laughter.
"I'll bring blankets; we'll spend the night here, away from the camp." He stood and moved to the saddles laid by the river.
The tree under which they sat had spreading branches that bowed low, almost to the ground. Caliel slowly lay down next to Nilajhasz. She felt his heart pounding against his chest. He struggled to keep his warm hands from roaming over her body.
"Are you cold?" he asked, wrapping his arm around her shoulders protectively.
"No. Not now." She pressed her cheek against his chest.
She felt so incredibly good. A blissful peace and silence filled her, a silence she hadn't experienced in a long time. For the first time in many nights, she fell asleep peacefully. Even though he had wiped out her tribe, killed her brother, she couldn't hate him. Some invisible force compelled her to love him, to surrender herself to him not only with her soul but also with her body. When Nilajhash sought out her lips in the darkness of night, she didn't resist. At first timidly, then with increasing boldness, she returned his kiss. She feared what would come, but she wouldn't and couldn't back down. The power of destiny bound their fates and drove them together. When he entered her, a wave of excruciating pain washed over her entire body. But she didn't cry out, biting the back of her hand. Nilajhash saw they were harming her, but he couldn't stop himself, couldn't stop now... He tenderly stroked her cheek, reassuring her. When he collapsed on the blanket beside her, she lay still for a long time, gazing at the stars shining through the tree's branches. She knew that life had begun in her womb, and that this life would change the fate of this land. It was for him that it had been prepared, cleansed of old sins... It was only dawn when she heard the shrieks of Demons and the cries of Dark Angels. They were attacked!
"Stay here!" Nilajhash said, putting on his armor. "I won't let anything happen to you!"
"Nilajhash! Don't leave me!" she moaned, kneeling beside him.
"Caliel," he smiled softly, cupping her face in his hands, "whatever happens, remember that I will be with you. I will always protect you. I don't want to lose you again!"
His hot kiss silenced her protests. He stood up and ran into the clearing where the battle was raging. Caliel knelt between the branches of a tree, watching in horror as a massive army of Light Angels attacked Nilajhash's force. She saw gleaming swords slashing at the enraged Demons, ripping through the Dark Angels. Their white auras blinded her. The surprised army stood no chance. Suddenly, she heard the powerful clatter of horses' hooves. With fear, she saw three Light Angels galloping toward her. Terrified, she ran to escape, but she had no chance. She felt only a strong tug, and in that same moment she found herself on the white horse of the Angel of Light.
"Don't struggle," he shouted to her. "I don't want to hurt you."
"Nilajhash," she moaned. "Nilajhash!!!"
She didn't know where she was going. The horses of the Angels of Light sped through the valley like the wind. Soon the others joined them. The battle had to end. Her heart trembled with fear for her beloved. She so desperately wanted him to be safe! Suddenly, a great lake, on which a gigantic city was built, began to emerge from between the tall trees on the horizon. Its white houses, almost like white gold, gleamed in the morning sun. Caliel gasped with admiration. Now, as if more joyfully, the horses galloped down the dry grass-covered shore, and when they reached the pebbled beach, they didn't stop for a moment. Snow-white steeds galloped across the water! Soon they found themselves at the white city gate, guarded by two enormous statues of stone bears. Wide-eyed, she gazed at the tall houses, delicate flowers, and trees, completely different from those in her village. They rode along the main street, greeted by laughing crowds. After all, they were welcoming victors. The Angel of Light allowed her to dismount only in the large courtyard in front of the white temple. To enter, they had to climb many steps, and when they finally found themselves in the shadow of the grand arcades, a hunched old man emerged to meet them. He wore blue priestly robes and held a tall staff with eagle feathers hanging from the end.
"Thank you, friend, for bringing her to me." His voice was strong and commanding.
"I am at your service." The Angel of Light with three pairs of wings bowed low to him and left.
"Let's go." The old man turned his back on her and headed deeper into the temple.
Terrified, she wanted to flee, but something prevented her from taking a single step in the opposite direction. It was the old man, he must have cast the spell on her! Helplessly, she followed him. She walked between the tall columns supporting the ceiling. Everything here was made of stone, the light filtering through a narrow window just below the roof, letting in its thin shafts. They stopped only at a narrow passageway, which she was to follow alone.
"Wash and run," the old man muttered. "It is not fitting for a priestess to walk in these rags."
Caliel looked down at her dirty and bloody robes with shame. She quickly slipped into a narrow corridor, at the end of which she found a stone pool filled to the brim with warm water. With a moan of pleasure, she slipped inside, rubbing dried herbs arranged in wedge-shaped baskets into her skin. Then she dressed in clean, long robes. The long sleeves hung almost to the floor. She looked around helplessly, deciding to explore another corridor, which led her directly to a beautiful garden built on the temple roof. She was speechless with amazement, unable to grasp the beauty of this city.
"Do you like it?" An old man with a long beard sat on a fallen tree trunk.
"It's so beautiful here!"
"My heart rejoices when I see you happy.
" "Who are you?" she asked, suddenly serious. "Why did you order me brought to you?"
"Call me Nemamiah. I come from the House that serves in the Temple of the Golden Sun." He gestured to the tree trunk he was sitting on, motioning for her to sit beside him. "For hundreds of years, our mission has been to protect the Silver Moon Clan. The Clan from which you and your ancestors come. We have been with you, establishing the cult of the Horned God and the Great Goddess at your side. Together with you, we built forest sanctuaries, erected stone circles. We were faithful to you, and you blessed us and our descendants. Aeons passed, and our House dwindled. It became increasingly difficult to maintain our lineage, and even you could not help us." Meanwhile, more and more people began arriving in the land, alien to the rituals of nature and nature's rites. They cut down the forests and polluted the rivers. We couldn't just watch this happen! We had to do something!" The old man struck the trunk with his weathered hand. "War raged in the land. The Silver Moon clan, defending their last temples, was almost completely wiped out. We managed to save only two children. I kidnapped the siblings from their cradles to escape the battle. I hadn't ridden far when I heard pursuit behind me. I stopped my horse by a large lake, amid the reeds, and hid them there, wrapping their tiny bodies in priestly robes. I blessed them with the gift of the Great Goddess and fled to distract the warriors. I never learned what became of them. But the Horned God didn't abandon them; he surrounded them with his protection and brought humans to them so that no one would know their true origins...
The old man fell silent. Caliel could see in him how much the memories hurt him. She remained silent, gazing at the green branches of the trees rustling in the wind. The sweet scent of flowers filled her nostrils. She struggled to connect the dots. She and her brother were those siblings. They were from the Silver Moon Clan, the House of Nephilim. Now she understood why no one had ever mentioned her parents, why they had always been alone, homeless and rootless. Sadness filled her heart. She wished so much for her brother to be with her now. He would have the answers to the questions that tormented her. Never before had she felt so many unknowns, yet everything suddenly began to become clear. She had finally found someone who could dispel the darkness of her past!
"What happened to my parents?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"They died defending what was most important to them. That's how they were. They served the Great Goddess and the Horned God with great devotion, humbly listening to the forest spirits and the song of the wind. Only thanks to them did the Nephilim House survive this long. They did what they could. They believed they could save you and your home. Unfortunately, the forces of those who came to destroy were too powerful. Only I, with my last strength, managed to escape with you. When the war subsided, I gathered around me the Angels of Light and the High Elves to build this city. I named it Atlantis. I built it for my descendants, but..." Nemamiah sighed heavily, poking at the ground with his stick. "I was unable to save my House. Thus, I am the last of those who once accompanied you and protected you." For a long time I couldn't reach you. Powerful spirits protected you, but the more forests burned, the more rivers destroyed, and the more game killed, the lessened their power... The day came when your brother died, and a great lament escaped the throats of the spirits who had loved you. At last, I managed to find your trace. I sent my friends for you as quickly as possible. You must live to give birth to the life conceived within you. The child you carry possesses great power, and it will rebuild the power and greatness of the ancient deities in human hearts. In it lies hope for many who pay homage to the Horned God. And for me, too, though I am old and my end is near.
He stood and looked at her tenderly.
"The important thing is that you're here and that Nilajhash has found you." He patted her head. "You're safe in Atlantis. You're safe here. You can go wherever you want, but you can't leave the walls of this city. The waves of this lake are enchanted. They will swallow anyone who touches them. Now my duty calls me. But I promise I'll share all my knowledge with you, my dear. I've prepared a room for you in the temple. You'll surely find it. No one else is allowed here.
" "Thank you, Nemamiah," Caliel said, escorting him to the temple door. "Thank you for your grace!"
"You don't have to thank me, dear child; it's my duty, one I once swore to fulfill until the end of my days." It gives me great joy to see the one who will save the House of Nephilim." Nemamiah walked down the dark corridor.
Caliel returned to the garden. She stood by the stone wall, exposing her pale and tired face to the wind.
"Nilaihash," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Wherever you are, I am with you. I know you will keep your promise and find me!"
Wandering the narrow streets of Atlantis, she slowly learned its structure. It was a stone island in the middle of a vast lake, built in the shape of a circle. The temple was built in its center on a high hill. Warmth and peace emanated from all sides. During her solitary wanderings, she passed Angels of Light with golden hair and blue eyes and High Elves clad in green robes. She watched their merry games, singing, and dancing. Days passed. Nemamiah had less and less time for her, and she felt the child in her womb grow and make itself felt with increasing strength. One cloudy night, a storm raged over the lake. Lightning ripped through the clouds, illuminating the darkness of the night. Rain pounded against the colorful stained-glass windows like war drums. Caliel awoke from a restless sleep, hearing Nemamiah's screams. Barefoot, she ran to his chamber, sensing something bad had happened. She found him lying on his bed, fever high and blood pouring from his ears. Heart pounding, she knelt beside him, trying to lift his head.
"Leave me," the old man groaned, pushing her hands away. "I don't want you to help me. It's too late.
" "No!" Caliel cried. "Let me help you!"
"My friend Namael will be here soon," he smiled, though his smile faded with each passing moment.
"Nemamiah! You can't leave me! Not you!" she sobbed heartbreakingly. "I don't want to be alone! Don't leave me!"
"My dear child," he whispered, "I have prepared everything so that you may take over Atlantis. I have taught you everything you need to know; take care of my work.
" "I don't want it! I don't want this wealth! Just don't leave me," she sobbed, squeezing his hand.
"Give me this last honor and burn my body according to the local rituals. At last I can die peacefully and return to the land of my ancestors with my head held high... "
Tears streamed down his emaciated cheeks.
"No! No...! Don't leave me! Nemamiah... Nemamiah!"
However, the old man had already closed his eyes, his breathing had quieted, and the tears had stopped. Caliel desperately lifted her head, sobbing heartbreakingly. So too did Namael. He arrived as quickly as he could, but he didn't have time to say goodbye to his friend. Soaked, he stood in the dim light of the chamber, illuminated by silver lightning, and watched the translucent figures gathered around the dead man's bed. Nemamiah's ancestors had come for him, only to vanish together into the darkness. Namael knelt beside the girl, covering her with the warm bear pelt.
"Nemamiah is gone," he said. "Go to bed, and I'll make the preparations."
Caliel watched him with tearful eyes. She slowly rose and moved toward the door, stopping at the last moment.
"If I may ask you... please stay with me in the temple today... I don't want to be alone...
" "Don't worry. I will."
The girl nodded, and more tears flowed down her cheeks. As he had promised, Namael stayed, and the preparations for Nemamiah's funeral brought them closer together. Caliel felt increasingly comfortable in his company, and Namael helped her direct the funeral ceremonies. Finally, the day arrived when all the city's inhabitants gathered before the temple. The pyre was placed at the top of the steps, as Caliel had instructed. She gazed with awe at the Angels of Light and High Elves who arrived with torches and candles, illuminating the entire courtyard in a magnificent display. Meanwhile, Nemamiah's closest friends laid his body on the wooden altar. Caliel stood before him, raising both hands.
"Mother of the Golden Sun, Father of the Silver Moon! Behold, your humble servant has given you his life as your possession. Behold, today he has departed from us, leaving us in sorrow and bitterness!" Her voice echoed powerfully off the city walls and carried across the waters of the great lake. "We dedicate his body to the elements of nature. We will scatter his ashes to the four corners of the earth, so that he may unite with water, fire, earth, and air. Accept his final offering along with our tears and pain. You who establish the four seasons and all the laws that govern plants and animals, come to us today and hear our lament!"
Suddenly, the clouds above the temple began to part, revealing billions of stars. Silence fell upon the courtyard. Even Caliel fell silent, dropping humbly to her knees and crossing her arms over her chest. Suddenly they saw the great disk of the full moon, slowly beginning to be obscured by the gigantic day. A powerful gust of wind extinguished all the candles and torches. All of Atlantis was plunged into darkness.
"Woe to us!" someone suddenly shouted out into the dead silence. "It is an ill omen!
" "Do not fear!" the mighty, replicated voice of the Horned God boomed so loudly that the temple shook to its foundations. "Among you is a woman we have blessed. In her womb is a child who carries within herself my strength and the wisdom of the Mother Goddess." It will sit as the rightful ruler on the throne of this city and take possession of the land consecrated to us, to restore in human beings a reverence for nature and the universe. Let everyone, therefore, remember forever and tell posterity from generation to generation that the House of Nephilim survived the wars and will assume its rightful rule, and I will bless this land and elevate it above all others!
Then the moon began to reveal itself again, blinding them with its silvery glow, and in a moment, clouds once again covered the entire sky, plunging them into darkness. Caliel slowly rose from her knees. At that same moment, four torches touched a dry tree. Hot flames began to consume the body of the last of the House of the Golden Sun, and until only red embers remained in the marble courtyard, no one left the temple square. A cold wind was already scattering Nemamiah's ashes, carrying them across the water to the land he loved so dearly. All dances and festivals were canceled. A time of mourning had come. Caliel, with Namael's help, served as the high priestess of Antlantis. However, with each passing day, she realized more and more how much she missed the settlement and her past life. More and more often, Namael found her lost in thought, sitting on the windowsill, her arms around her large belly, gazing at the horizon. He tried to comfort her, but Caliel grew increasingly sad. Through traveling traders, they heard fragmentary rumors of armies of Dark Angels and Black Demons heading for the Ice Mountains. No one would tell her what had happened that fateful morning when they were separated from Nilajhasz.
"Caliel," Namael said, stepping out of the shadows. "I'm worried about you.
" "You don't have to," she replied, smiling. "I'm fine.
" "You miss the settlement, don't you? I see you grow sadder with each passing day. "
"The day of the dissolution is near, that's probably why...
" "Caliel!" The angel cupped her face in both hands. "I want to help you, but you have to let me!
" "Thank you for staying with me, for helping me here for so long. You are a powerful Angel with great power, but you cannot turn back time or change my destiny or the fate of my child. The war that is raging on land is my fault... So many innocent people have died because of me...!
" "You are not to blame! Not you, nor your child! You are merely a means to an end.
" "I don't want any more people to die!"
"Come here," he spontaneously hugged her, enveloping her in his great wings. "We will think of something, I promise you.
" "The war is near! They will be in Atlantis soon.
" "Don't worry about it. The most important thing now is you and the child. You have to take care of yourself." Namael lifted her into his arms and carried her to the chamber.
He gently laid her on the bed. For a split second, he leaned over her, so close to her face, her lips... With the last of his willpower, he straightened.
"Sleep, Caliel. I will watch over you.
" "Thank you, Namael. Thank you so much." She wrapped herself in the warm bear skin and closed her eyes.
For the first time, sleep came almost immediately. Caliel slept peacefully. Namael sat by her bed for a long time, staring at her face. "What have you done to me?" he thought, his hands burying in his hair. "What have you done to me? From the first moment I fell in love with you... I can't stop thinking about you...! Me? Me!? One of the most important Angels of Light in all of Atlantis!? It's impossible...!"
He hurriedly left her chamber, then out of the temple and into the courtyard. A red glow appeared on the horizon. More villages were burning. The Demon armies were now dangerously close. It was high time they began to arm themselves. The sun began to rise lazily over the ancient forest. Birds shook off the morning dew, and the entire sky was covered in a red-violet glow. Caliel was roused from her sleep by a terrible stomach ache. She wanted to rise, but she had no strength. A strangled scream tore from her throat. The pain intensified with each passing moment. Desperately, she clenched her fists around the bearskins. There was no one nearby to help her! Suddenly, in the center of the chamber, a single tiny flame flared, then a second, a third, and a few moments later, dozens of them! They swirled around the chamber, carried by the magical wind. Caliel dimly saw them all around her, their warmth giving her new strength.
"You've come to help me?" she whispered, biting her lower lip.
In response, she heard only crackling sounds, like dry twigs snapping. More and more will-o'-the-wisps gathered around her body. The pain in her lower abdomen caused her to lose consciousness, but each time the light from the will-o'-the-wisps brought her back to life... When she fully regained consciousness, she lay nestled in a bear pelt, holding a child in her arms, suckling hungrily at her breast. Happily, she burst into tears, clutching the little boy to her. Gratefully, she raised her eyes to the heavens, thanking the will-o'-the-wisps for their help. Slowly, the sound of great commotion in the city reached her ears. They were arming themselves, saddling horses, forging new swords and arrows. Were the Demon armies already so close? When she regained her strength, she entered the center of the temple, placing the child on the stone altar.
"Horned God! Great Goddess!" "She exclaimed, raising both hands into the air. "This is the child of whom the prophecies spoke! This is the heir to the throne of this land! The one who will bring peace to the valley! The one who will instill faith in the powers of nature and the forces of the elements into the hearts of men! Look upon this child and bless him with your power!"
At that same moment, an incredible light blinded her. She shielded her eyes with her arm, stepping back. From the milky mist slowly emerged a beautiful woman with long, flaxen hair and blue eyes. On her head was a thick wreath of various wildflowers, and she wore a delicate dress as if made of spider silk. She was unearthly beautiful, as fleeting as the wind, as wondrous as the most beautiful wildflower. She approached the altar where the child lay and took him in her arms.
"Greetings, Keeper of the Sacred Fire, last of the Silver Moon Clan," the Goddess's voice reminded her of the murmur of a stream. "Today, an ancient prophecy has been fulfilled within you, one that will bring peace to this land. You were very brave, my little Caliel. Now you are free." You are not bound by any promises or vows. You may go wherever your feet take you. In gratitude for this child, we will grant you freedom.
"Mother..." the girl moaned silently.
"I will take him with me," the Great Goddess agreed. "In the world of the deities, we will raise him as our equal, only there will he acquire all the skills that will help him revive people's faith in the deities of the past.
" "Please don't take him from me..." she sobbed helplessly, reaching out to the child.
"It will be best for both of you. Or perhaps you want this child to grow up amidst wars and bloody battles, in constant fear and dread?"
Caliel grew sad, lowering her head. Mist again enveloped the great altar and the interior of the temple, the dull sound of birdsong echoing against its walls. The Great Goddess was leaving, taking her child with her. She didn't want to watch. Deep inside, her heart wept piteously. With quick steps, she traversed the cold, dark corridors of the great temple. In the courtyard, she found herself between armed High Elves and Angels of Light. They were ready to depart. She frantically questioned them about Namael. She had to find him. Finally, she saw him in a small house at a wooden table. With him in the room were other important Angels of Atlantis. She interrupted their meeting, shouting his name from the doorway.
"Namael, I'm coming with you!" she said fiercely. Her eyes burned with a fire of determination and regret he had never seen in her before.
"You can't! Not in your condition."
The other Angels stared at them in astonishment, saying nothing.
"I want to go with you! I won't stay here! I won't just watch this!
" "You're not even a warrior!" he groaned tiredly.
"I can help you by healing the wounded! I can also use a sword, I learned once.
" "That's not enough... don't you understand that...
" "I have to go with you!" she exclaimed fiercely. "I want and I have to help you!
" "But...
" "Namael," one of the Angels interrupted him mid-sentence. "Let her go. She'll at least help heal the wounded; you know how things are..."
The Angel of Light sighed heavily, nodding. Meanwhile, Caliel was already running outside to the blacksmith to seek armor for herself. She braided her hair into a thick braid, placed her priestly diadem on her forehead, and, along with the others, awaited the moment to depart. The horses were impatient, pawing the ground with their hooves, and the air was rumbling with conversation and speculation. Namael rode right beside her. He didn't want to lose sight of her. He still opposed the idea of Caliel, fresh from giving birth, embarking on such a dangerous and long journey. They left Atlantis in silence. Soon after, the horses were galloping across a great lake. Their journey through the forest wasn't long. From afar, they could hear the despairing cries of the murdered and the furious shrieks of the Demons. Caliel felt she must help those who had helped her and take revenge on those who had destroyed her settlement! She quickly lost sight of Namael. In the rage of battle, he sought out new opponents. She, too, drew her sword, and with a power she had never known, crushed the crooked heads of the Black Demons beneath it. The clash of swords, the clashing shields, deafened her. Demon blood streamed down her face, merging with her own. With each Demon slain, with each Dark Angel defeated, the pain in her heart diminished. Their blood seeped into the earth along with her despair and the pain of losing loved ones. Her horse reared again and again, pushing deeper into the greatest battle. Caliel felt her strength draining. Darkness began to cloud her vision. Suddenly, she saw a rider fleeing from the battlefield among the trees. Without hesitation, she gave chase. When she heard the furious shrieks of Demons down the valley, and the smell of smoldering fires filled her nostrils, she realized the rider she was pursuing wasn't fleeing but bringing help to the band trapped in the forest.
"My love," she whispered to the horse, practically lying on its neck, "Please run like the wind, we must stop it!"
As gray stones burst upward from the trees, the knight's horse abruptly slowed, squeezing between them. This was her chance. She gripped her sword tighter and hurled it at the man with all her might. With a soft groan, he fell to the ground, among the leaves and moss. This was neither a Dark Angel nor a Black Demon. She reined in her tired horse and jumped to the ground. Her aching legs gave way beneath her. She knelt beside him, yanking the iron helmet from his head with trembling hands.
"No...!" she moaned in a piercing voice. "Nilajhasz, no...!
" "Caliel..." he stared at her in disbelief. "Is it really you...?
" "Nilajhasz," she sobbed, hugging him. "I didn't know... I didn't think... forgive me...!
" "I'm so glad to see you." He smiled, but his face was contorting with increasing pain. His entire chest was covered in blood. "I wanted to see you just once more..."
"Nilajhash," the girl cried, "I beg you... don't leave me...
" "Just once..." he whispered, but his voice caught in his throat.
His hand fell limply onto her lap.
"Nilajhash!" she cried desperately. "Nilajhash! No! Please don't! Please... NO!"
Her cry turned into a heart-rending shriek. Bitter tears washed the dried blood from her face, mingling with the rain that shattered on the leaves of the old oak trees. Slowly, as if in delirium, she raised her sword to her chest.
"Wait for me, my beloved..." she whispered, clutching the heavy hilt with both hands. "I will join you soon..."
At that same moment, she thrust the cold blade into her chest. Paralyzing pain seared through her mind, ripping her body apart as she slumped to the ground beside him. With the last of her strength, she grabbed his cold hand. A mist clouded her vision. She couldn't say anything anymore, not even whisper. Only a few tears flowed from her eyes. In the pouring rain, ghosts of the past appeared in the mist beside the lovers' bodies...
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