Ayana squinted until her eyes adjusted to the bright glow. They had entered a circular entrance chamber with many doorways branching off in different directions. Sentinels garbed in steel armor loomed beside each entrance, gauntleted fists clenched around their sleek halberds.
She stepped forward, eyes wide with awe. An elaborate hallway extended before her, illuminated by large bronze braziers along the stone wall. Brilliant flames danced on burning coals, swaying and flickering to their own crackly rhythm. The smooth polished floor reflected the high vaulted ceiling above, an expanse of milky white marble flecked with delicate veins of gray.
"I'll take my leave, Lady Ayana." Zelroth inclined his head. "The Commander will be here any span."
Ayana nodded. "Thank you, Captain."
He and his men marched into one of the doorways, their cloaks trailing behind them.
At the far end of the hallway stood an ornate altar, bare and unadorned, atop which loomed a giant sculpture of a female deity. The trident in her hand was raised in silent defiance against the lords of the sky.
High cheekbones and arched eyebrows enhanced her fierce beauty. A sapphire encrusted circlet held her flaxen tresses as they cascaded down her shoulders in a tumble of flowing marble. A steel and gold battle armor enclosed her sleek figure, with the familiar crest of a trident emblazoned on her chest.
The sculpture was identical to the bronze statues that graced the temples of Azerian tribes. As she gazed at those cold gray eyes, Keîn Záka's tales echoed through her mind. It was the likeness of Bia Ilvia, the very goddess whom she was supposed to awaken.
She sighed. Are you even real?
"Welcome to my base, Lady Ayana."
She tore her gaze from the altar and fixed it on the hulking man who had appeared from one of the doorways.
Dark crescent brows arched over his eyes, with angular cheekbones carved down to a prominent jaw, all beneath a dome of close cropped hair. The exuberant smile on his lips radiated indomitable spirit and energy. His weathered features and keen intelligent eyes spoke of many years of experience on the battlefield. He wore a purple cape over his broad shoulders, a steel plated leather armor underneath.
Iezabel moved closer to her side, eyes narrowed into slits, hand on the pommel of her dagger.
The man inclined his head. "Cornelius Hunt, Base Commander." His deep voice resonated with power and authority.
Ayana curtsied in return. "It is a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine," he replied, his lips pulling wider. "I hope your journey was a pleasant one?"
She shrugged, a half-smile on her lips. "As pleasant as it could be."
His countenance immediately turned apologetic. "Ah, how discourteous of me! We can discuss these matters on the morrow. You must be tired." Not waiting for an answer, he turned to one of the pages behind him. "Escort our guests to their quarters."
"As you bid, my lord."
The Commander gave her a slight bow. "Have a pleasant night, Lady Ayana."
"You too, Commander."
Accompanied by Iezabel, Ayana followed the page as he led them through one of the doorways. Surprisingly, it opened into a wide passage with more doors on either side.
"Something tells me this wasn't a part of this temple," Iezabel said, her disapproving gaze scanning the smooth stone walls.
"Madame Zelrine said it was remade during the great rebellion," the page replied, "for people like us to hide from evil soldiers."
Ayana's eyes narrowed as she studied his scrawny form. His dimpled face had barely lost its baby fat; a boy too young to be a page. "How old are you?"
"Twelve years."
"What are you doing in a revolutionary base?"
"Madame Zelrine brought me here." He slowed his strut. "I don't have anywhere else to go."
"Oh." From what she had gleaned from Zelroth's men, almost everyone in this base had lost their families and homes. "I am sorry."
"Here." He stopped before an ornate door at the end of the passage.
He gave her a curt bow and ambled back to the entrance chamber.
Ayana turned the overwrought silver handle and walked into a richly furnished bedchamber. A crystal chandelier hung from the elaborate ceiling, the wide space filled with its warm radiance. The chamber itself was bigger than she had anticipated, with an attached bathing chamber and a separate lavatory. Apart from a large bed that occupied most of the space, a couple of ornate chairs sat near a circular table in one corner and a huge wardrobe occupied another.
"It is not at all as I expected."
Iezabel closed the door and dumped the bags near the wooden cabinet. "Now sleep all you want."
Ayana unbelted her sword and placed it on the bed. "First, I need a bath."
"As you wish, my lady," Iezabel said, lips quivering at her exhilaration. "You must be hungry. I'll have them bring over some food."
Ayana nodded, giving her an eager smile. "That would be nice."
She dug into her pack and grabbed a fresh set of underclothes, a towel, and her favorite soap, before sauntering into the bath. She hung her garments and glanced around, the fragrance of crushed blossoms heavy in the air. She smiled in contentment, breathing in the divine scent.
A large bubbled pool occupied most of the floor, made from the same myriad of tiles that formed a wonderful mosaic beneath her feet. It reflected the dim glow from the intricate candle holders jutting from the turquoise-blue walls.
Ayana undressed and slipped into the alluring pool. The water frothed and foamed like a hot spring surrounded by lilies and roses. The cocoon of scented liquid enveloped her in its embrace, tendrils of ecstasy seeping into her very pores. It was so calm and comforting, she could stay here all night, away from the world that meant her harm.
She closed her eyes and submerged, staying under till her lungs hurt. She slowly extended her arms and rose to the surface, letting the warm water soothe and relax her aching muscles.
It's been so long.