Read Online The Vitalis Chronicles: Tomb of the Relequim by Jay Swanson - Free Book Online Page B

to tell. It seemed like endless layers of rippling energy.
    “ What is this place?”
    “ This is the Temple of the Magi, a sanctuary to their dead and a place where they could meet with me at will.”
    “ Are you... the Creator?”
    The light erupted into a dazzling array of colors and intensities as it laughed at his question.
    “ No, no. I am not within a hope's distance of attaining so lofty a title. I am merely a messenger and servant.”
    “ Then why do they call you 'Greater?'”
    “ Because, dear Ardin, compared to them, I am.”
    “ So this place is a tomb?”
    “ Not hardly; this is more a memorial. When the Magi pass there is no body left behind, as I'm afraid you have discovered by now.”
    Ardin's stomach twisted, memories of Alisia and Tertian dying landing him like blows. “Then what are these statues?”
    “ Representations of every Mage that has ever lived and died. They are represented in the height of their earthly glory, manifested here as soon as they are taken from this world.”
    “ There were this many Magi?” He was astounded by the thought.
    “ Indeed, and now they are all but extinct.”
    “ So the Magi really were good, then?”
    “ Of course. In conjunction with the Creator, I made them to help guide mankind as my Magistrates. They came to be known by mankind as 'Magi' over time. I was made for this explicit purpose, to serve as a mentor and guide to humanity on this continent. But as they grew in population I needed assistance. Thus we created my Magistrates.”
    “ Why the Purge then? Why kill them all?”
    “ Mankind was led astray, I'm afraid. They were corrupted, their leaders compromised. The Greater Being of Grandia, the Demon as you know him, abandoned his intended purpose. And in the war that he was to unleash, he reached out to and corrupted key people under my protection.”
    “ Why didn't you do anything about it? If you're so powerful–”
    “ Mankind made their decisions, Ardin. In the end I'm only a guide. As I said, I couldn't be everywhere at once. The decisions, and their resulting consequences, rest with the individuals that made them.”
    “ But the Magi! All of these people... you could have stopped it! This room is filled with the ghosts of your failure!”
    “ And you've never failed, Ardin?”
    The reproof stung more than a little.
    “ I'm not perfect, young one. I separated myself from my physical and metaphysical presence to conquer my rival. Thus the formation of the Brethren, of whom you have met Tristram. But in doing so I removed myself from human society. I was bound to this place, thus I no longer had a voice. No longer could I walk with them and learn from them, let alone teach them. They thought I had abandoned them when I was doing all I could to save them.”
    “ So they betrayed you too...”
    “ Completely.”
    This was all so foreign to Ardin. It went against everything he had ever been told. “Why am I here?”
    “ There is something very important that I would ask of you, Ardin. Something you must choose to do, if you will.”
    “ What is that?”
    “ I believe it to be merely the outcome of lessons you are already being taught. That wound, on your shoulder. Where did you get it?”
    Ardin's hand rose absentmindedly to where his shoulder gently throbbed under his cloak. The words caught in his throat.
    “ I'm afraid that is one scar that will never fully heal, Ardin. You brought that injury upon yourself in your wrath, at the expense of innocent life. And in many ways you are lucky it is all you received.”
    “ I didn't mean...” Ardin's eyes drifted downwards. “I'm so sorry...”
    “ Your apologies are not due to me.” The voice remained kind. Ardin felt grateful for that. “ I can see the fear in you, Ardin. Fear of yourself. And I want you to overcome it. In fact, I would go so far as to say that I need you to.”
    “ What could you possibly need from me?” Ardin looked back up at the talking ball of energy.
    “ My