Chapter 2
Which none of us including Morgan would ever be placed, yet that could change as Desmond looked around the Judge's chambers and courtroom when we all filed in taking a seat. They already had placed a spell on each of us, making it so none of us could move more. Other than making ourselves comfortable and can speak only a whisper until it was time for us to talk. We were part of a smaller group as we were broken off into groups of twenty-four.
They did not know where the others were since they consisted of nearly five hundred in total and possibly more. In those twenty-four people are twelve women and twelve men. All the boys and girls under sixteen had been filtered out before they all ended up here. Desmond was seventeen and missed that by six months. The people and Council of Light refused to weigh each of the cases individually, with the town's people calling for their blood, demanding one final judgment across the board. Things would have been different if Morgan was still chained up in his cell, how he got out of those magical chains was a mystery. Which made everyone even madder, calling for all their blood, and not wanting to hear the individual cases. Three of the council voted to have a cooling-off period, but the vote was not in their favor.
The court room itself was more like a grand hall of splendor. With a large dome ceiling made of green and sapphire glass. In between the glass was large bone spider like arches glazing white, with huge gemstone blues, reds, and green and clear white diamonds at entrance of the bone arch points. The middle of the dome hung a large diamond chandelier that brightens the room, along the wall where large carved bench seats, which is divided into two places leading out to the main hall.
The seats were comfortably padded as we all looked towards the three council seats and recorder. Sat above us overlooking over us with two staircases sloping downward into the courtroom; itself decked out in red and gold carpeting, wood in front of where their judges' seat was dressed in a fine drapery of fine silver silk of red with large arrow point outlined in black horse's head with blue eyes. The seats themselves were large and held extra padding with the middle one in Green and the other two red with a wood backing made of dark mahogany.
The criminal box was right in front in the middle of the room like a cage, if you became unruly, as you see the top half suspended in the air above it. The floor was made of river rock, slick but dry. Noticing the square around the criminal box. Desmond swallowed hard, not liking the odds one bit, cursing Hess and Morgan's name. He prayed to his mother's Oracle that if he got a second chance, he would do whatever it took, including placing his head on the chopping block like so many did. Rather than serve in their army. A quick death was far better punishment he and his Da is about to receive.
Desmond watched as an ugly Green Toad and Black Fairy that had been transformed into the ugliest creatures he had ever seen; The Black Fairy no bigger than a small child at the age of twelve. The Green Toad was more in ugly toad fashion except wearing a shiny silver waist coat. That looked like it was made from the skin of river fish, and bone red tie with black dots. The Fairy said. "Arise and be judge this day by the Council of Darkness, since you have been Judge by your peers and the Council of Light. We will judge your souls and sentence you this very day where you belong."
She bowed as the Frog took the High Council seat. Only to get up again, after being handed a note, as he politely excused himself. Calling a thirty-minute timeout as two more of his friends came into the room and took their seats. A huge Black Bear and a large Black Cougar with red eyes sat next to him. The Bear on the right the Cougar on the left. Wearing a waistcoat made of Cheetah skin that gleamed red, yellow and hews of greens and blues. The likes Desmond and his father had never seen before. The Cougar said with a slight chuckle. "I see you wearing my birthday gift dear brother." Watching his dark eyebrows raise and then purr as he wiggles inside of it and petting the arms of the coat.
Seeing the white arms and claws of a white Bear, tied around his throat loosely, and set of golden cup links with is initials TH, and three large golden buttons on his waistcoat. Wearing a fur hat made of zebra skin, and its tail wrapped around the baseline that came from his sister the Black Fairy, and His older brother the Frog who is the head of the council, and the High Judge that rules here. While his friend the Bear chuckled slightly "I see you got my present dear brother as well?"
The Bear said. "Yes, I did, it is absolutely to die for."
The Cougar said. "I had to travel far and long to find the perfect one that would look good on you. I wanted you to know how much I love you as my true brother, as well as my friend over the last two hundred melanomas.
The Bear said. "Thank you for taking great care of finding such a present. The white Bear was not an easy kill. It was one of a kind. Due to its magical qualities… for instants, the wearer can change form and has the ability to become invisible. Other times it remains white as snow glows hues of white in the moonlight. I have here in this envelope the spell and the words you must speak. I paid dearly for it from that
ware-cat named Korderal and her Witch companion Tara."
He reached into his pocket of multi-color cheetah with a broadband hat with black fur and white fur around the base of the hat. The fur Cheetah waist coat glossed into rainbow colors. The neck and sleeves displayed a silver weave pattern, adorned with golden blocks featuring the initials BB. Along the neck, small golden buttons with the same initials completed the design.
"Yet I don't see our older brother and dear sister, wearing our presents during this special occasion. It is not so often we get guest like these before… to taste their crimes, eat their very souls for all eternity. How can we not look our best when it is our turn to dine? Imagine the feast we could have had while feasting on Hess's soul, before they took his body away and burned it, then scattered it across the galaxy's and his soul buried it so deep in the chambers no one here can feed upon it, least not yet."
The Cougar leaned back on his chair placing his feet up having us notice that he was wearing a matching pair of white hard leather shoes with black tassels on top said. "I have spoken to an Oracle while I was hunting down your very rare coat. She told me that there will be a time, in fact many times this will happen because what Hess's and Morgan has done by killing both the families of the White Solon and the Dark Prince himself by mistake. Plus, the boy's companion and his family. Including each of their past generation.
He and Morgan have changed time itself, and have killed key wizards and Oracles, or having them falsifying the prediction at least to their advantage. Everything they have done was planned and replanned to total rule the world or all the worlds and stars. (Total World Domination.)
"Somewhere in this lot are to be great warriors and wizards. And some will even be placed on the new Council of Light and some will replace us. Others will be brought forth to serve in Morgan's army again, and his new companion. The rest will lay here forgotten and never see daylight again until passing of the true light has been passed and dawning of a new age. But still those that have been forgotten and their souls that have been recast will pass into the light. Never to be seen again. So I have been told, so have I seen, and given the marking of one of the witnesses, and many things I am not allowed to discuss at this time and certainly not in public." The Cougar held out both his two paws showing the Bear and the Fairy the silver white snowflake on the front of his paws.
No one knew what was going on as we all listened to the Bear and the Cougar converse with each other. The very fact of them being all brothers and sister was inconceivable, friends not a chance, but family tied by blood that was un-herd of. Considering each of those creatures would kill each other in a heartbeat. Not go tracing around the universe looking for rare animals to kill as a gift for their enemy.
Yes, Desmond is looking at the impossible as his friends each kissed his friends paws, watching a runner speed through the courtroom. Handing a note to the Black Fairy. She smiled a horrid smile, watching her little wings flutter across the room. She paused. "Lunch will be served in two hours. Giving you time for a quick potty break, and take a seat in the main dining hall with the others, which is two doors down. Remember to wash your hands and faces so you can remove all the makeup and tears. You will find a change of clothes, and shower in the powder room behind you, and a manservant to help remove all your tattoos and any healing you might need, as well measure you for your Chamber clothes.
"After lunch we will begin promptly starting with your names, first names first, that being with A to Z first in each group of twentyfour. Because most of you had so many last names you can't remember them. However, we have taken great length to obtain birth certificates, and pictures from the time each of you were born. With and teen and adulthood, and blood samples, as well as skin and hair. You will also be under a truth spell the moment you walk out these doors. To prepare yourself for your stay here. Again fighting, bickering will only make it worst and can add more punishment to your stay here. We are being nice, that is because so far you haven't given cause to act out. You only get one chance to be Judge down here, before the council. What you do until then could worsen, for instance, fighting of any kind.
"We will then escort you out to your chambers and leave you to your punishment for one hundred years or a decade. Alone in the dark, and alone in the silence, paying the price for being stupid, while waiting to be judged. Which might never happen depending what is going on in the surrounding worlds. Remember, time is on our side not yours. Right now it might seem you have been here with us for a couple of hours, but in truth depending on where you came from. Ten years has already passed and already people have already begun to forget you.
We are eternal, almost Gods like. However, we still age, but do so every one minute of every century. Your clock, however, has stopped the very moment you were bonded to us and entered the chambers. Your bodies are in stasis, your soul will be removed and placed in the soul chamber once you have been Judge and we will keep it alive and feed upon it. We will discuss this in more details once we are judging you for your crimes, from the time you were born until now. Now line up so we can begin."
There was lots of grumbling from the harden criminals, more so the moment they walked through the door, feeling the spell or many spells drape over them. Some screamed "that burns," trying to brush the spell away, again noticing it was mostly the big nasty guys that like killing anything they moved on two legs or more depending on the prey or creature. The Bear and Cougar stepped in pulling those aside with a loud army growl. That caused my lip to curl wanting my Da and Ma, feeling my hair prickle or stand up straight. It felt like it was turned white on the second growl from the Cougar as he and the Bear bounced the bad, bad guys against the wall, while everyone else who was smart enough to get out of the way.
We watched as a hand as big as a boulder went up for an uppercut. Fell short as a Black Bear fist rammed hard into the bad guy's chest. We watched as he gave sharp turn with pull like a grab with his left paw hand, picked the bad guy up and sent him through the air, as he landed in a pile of bad guys that did not get the message about fighting. Or chose not too to take it seriously. The Bear growled at them. "Anyone else that did not get the message about fighting or causing trouble?"
They all shook their heads no, as they watched the Bear pull out a small wand that looked like white bone of some kind and green gem in the center of the handle that had been carved so beautifully. He pointed it down and swirled it. As a blue bone like cage, settled on each of the troublemakers. Then lifted them into a row having a manservant take over watching them disappear into a portal. They all cringed after being reminded how steep that punishment can be. None of them wanted that added, that to their rap sheet, it was bad enough they were here at all. They were then led to the restroom, as Desmond noticed quickly that it had not been sanctioned off for men and women. Da met my eyes as they nodded. "What did you think Hell would be like son? You'll find no privacy or dignity here." He whispered.
In total, of their group they had twenty-four people. They "had" twenty-four people" coming into question. Now down too twenty, leaving with nine women and ten guys and they weren't allowed to speak other than above a whisper, and never among themselves, unless they were given permission, like close friends or family members. Yet they were clueless when it came to the really bad guys, how they manage to scream and talk loudly as well as cause a fight. Unless it was for there, and their benefit. To see if they would find a way to beat the system and to be reminded that what they say was the truth.
Not many of the twenty in their group stayed within the group. Either by the towns they were taken from, or the species they have grown up with in their own villages. Others stayed in groups of friendships of likes clans. Those were Hess's and Morgan's favorite kind. Because they like killing, they are brutal and they have no preference, "who" they killed. Death is their domain, and many ways it was best to stay as far away as they can from them. Which explained the large gaps between everyone and them. Giving each of them each a warning. That those that can't be civilized during these proceeds, will be caged like wild animals, and will be dealt with last and added to their case file, when council here decides where you will be placed with in the chambers here. The lower the chamber the harder your sentence.
Desmond hated the fact he had to grow up so fast, but it helped to have his Da nearby. It was also good to see his face again. However, when he looked into the mirror. What he saw was a man that looked underfed, broken, and stark white, even his own hair was nothing more than straw from a scarecrow, and his father did not look much better. They were soon prodded and poked, and yelling at them to move along like sheep, towards the showers.
Telling them to place their clothing into the right basket, (shoes, socks, shirt, and pants,) as well as their under clothing. They did not have time for decency as their manservant waited for them at the shower. Tisking for being so slow. Each of them held a heavy stick in their hands used to poke them as they walked down the line. Between the divider, which at the end was a clothing chests and a locker that held new robes and clothing for them.
Desmond had lost count how many bruises he had on his body coming here, or out in the army, and ribs that were still trying to heal… and the ones that were newly broken by the guards in the cell before coming here. Plus the black sickness that had started to run through their camp, as a punishment of not arriving faster according to Morgan heavy hand of evil vile. There was no cure once, Morgan and Hess tracked down and killed all the healers. Making sure nobody could use that kind of power ever again, as well as many other key wizards as well as all the Oracles.
He and Morgan did everything in their power to make sure that they would rule for time and all eternity. They followed the timeline, and killed all those that might cause a problem, as they searched for the Five Keys of Destiny and the items, they needed to open the hidden chambers. Nothing but old ghost's stories told around a campfire, or told at bedtime about Kings and Queens of old. That held magic that could restore and build the very planets themselves, and as the very creation of people to live on them. Not even the modern witches or wizards believed in such things. Stating this kind of things had been lost throughout time, and should be Desmond and his father Jarald knew the truth, their hearts heavy with knowledge. The whispered stories were not mere tales, but a woven reality. The artifacts held the power of the Gods of Light, tangible proof. White Solon and the Dark Prince were more than just gossip, but they were uncertain of who they were or when they would come into existence. According to Desmond's vision, the time was approaching and him being one of the first General of Light and Oracle like his mother, was a testament to that. But had that changed?
The weight of their understanding burdened them. The Gods of Light and the High Elders forbade them from uttering a word about the Artifacts. But what difference did it make? They had no clue where to begin their search. Yet they dared to guess, reaching for hope.
However, their current predicament made their thoughts futile. Trapped in the Cross Bone Gate Prison, their mission shattered, their efforts in vain. Despair clung to their every breath, mingling with the stench of despair in the air. They were not alone; at least fifteen imprisoned Villagers shared their torment, the ones they were tasked to save. Or so they believed.
One of those old tales to tell. It will start with the White Solon and the Dark Prince; However, the clues are in the stars known as Morning Twilight. The map itself has been lost, as Morgan and Hess have been searching all the catacombs. Now Hess is trapped, and leaving Morgan with several problems.
Desmond and his father were the only ones left of their family that were still alive … again they both questioned that due to their current predicament. and had been that way since most of Desmond's life since childbirth. His father promised his mother that he would protect him from his legacy until it was time for the world to know what he was capable of. Desmond's father, Jarald, had always known that their family possessed a special gift, passed down through generations. However, he had never fully understood the magnitude of it until that fateful day when the ball of white light settled on their son. It was a moment of realization for him, as he recognized the significance of the golden white light that he had witnessed countless times before while his wife was performing acts of prophecy. Years later, Desmond's father came to the realization that Desmond was destined to become the next Oracle, causing a mix of pride and apprehension to fill him.
As Desmond entered his twelfth year, the changes in him became more and more apparent. Desmond's once carefree demeanor gave way to a sense of purpose and deep introspection. He started displaying an uncanny ability to foresee events and understand their deeper meanings. The family's secret rituals and practices became more prominent, as Desmond and his father embarked on a journey of training and enlightenment.
Nevertheless, in the midst of the excitement and newfound awareness, a pervasive uncertainty persisted. Sar'sene, Desmond's wife, had also possessed her own prophetic abilities, but her predictions had never come to pass with such accuracy before. Desmond's oracle powers appeared to have caused a cosmic balance shift, impacting both him and those around him.
As they navigated through this uncharted territory, Desmond and his family were now faced with a new set of predicaments. The oncehidden world of prophecies and divine interventions was becoming more exposed, and they had to grapple with the consequences of their newfound visibility. The question remained: had their current predicaments changed as well, or were they becoming more aware of the challenges that lay ahead? Only time will reveal the answers as Desmond embraced his destiny as the next Oracle, guided by the golden white light that bathed him on that momentous day. Sadly, his mother's sacrifice to save not just her family but the Village they once lived in prevented Morgan from obtaining the knowledge he sought. Now her spirit mixing with all spirits among the stars as one twinkled a little more brightly just for them until this very day.
Desmond's Father never remarried trusting anyone with their secret, and Desmond seemed fined by that choice he had made long ago. They lived in a two men bachelor cottage, raising sheep, and building wooden furniture, making a modest living. Until Morgan and Hess stepped into their lives. He cursed everyone with Black Death that would kill everything as a warning. If they held back in regards of not handing over eighty percent of all their possession like: (Food, clothing, gold, silver, and trinkets.) Most of all taking all those that can handle a blade. Having his Henchmen choose them out personally, going house to house, and those that hid them, the parents were killed on sight, and take all the children that can walk.
He did not care if the young ones could not keep up with the army. In fact, he enjoyed their pain pushing even harder. Telling their henchman, that if these mongrels don't make it to camp by the time the rest of the army does. They don't eat; they do not sleep. Just keep them moving on to the next place on the map. No, Morgan and Hess did not care about if they lived or died, all he cared about was their devotion to them.
Wanting everyone to suffer, dead or alive in their glory to him. He believed there was no cure of the Black Death. The books were so old, so deep in the catacombs. That it had seen neither a human nor a wizard as if they have ever touched them. They are so deep in shadow magic, you could feel the darkness. That tasted so intoxicating as they savored the tastes of the pages. One by one, finding the spells, learning things that should never be taught.
Hess had grown weaker as they studied, they both knew that his time was coming to an end. All the book state a new transformation is possible. But requires a coven of wizards from the same sect. Both Morgan and Hess knew a handful at best that might do it. The question it could they trust them to do it, which they very much doubted. So, there was a Plan B, a riskier plan. Hess will allow them to capture him with the entire army, which could work to their advantage. His army could break him out and free him, he could take one of their bodies and escape the Cross Bone Gate Prison before anyone knows it with a new body.
At least, that was the original plan. A stark contrast to their initial expectations. It was Desmond and his father who had fiercely opposed the plan, determined to sabotage it at every turn and with the Gods of Light and High Elders' help it was possible and they worked hard making sure they had succeeded — well mostly succeeded. As he reminisced, a sly smile crept across Jarald's face, imagining Morgan stranded and helpless, with no allies to aid him in their plot to conquer the world. However, they hadn't anticipated the agonizing reality of being apprehended and confined within the wretched confines of the world's most notorious prison. No, they hadn't planned on that. Their new plan was based on making sure Hess never escaped and never found a body. If it was all possible.
Desmond kept moving down the line until he was prodded very sternly into the fourth corner; his father taking one of the two females, and Desmond taking the last. Desmond did not know the two girls, as he blushed the moment his eyes noticed them, and hurried to look away. Which was easy enough as the shower turned very hot, causing Desmond to jump out by surprise.
His taskmaster emitted a low, menacing growl, the sound reverberating in the air. With a disapproving tsk, she or he, Desmond wasn't sure because his taskmaster was a cat or large cougar. Forcefully slapped the stick against a tender spot on his ribcage, causing a sharp, intense pain to shoot through his body. The crack of the impact echoed in his ears, intensifying the agony. As he winced in distress, he detected a distinct scent of sweat mingled with the metallic tang of blood. The taskmaster, realizing the severity of their actions, quickly apologized. Pointing to the potential site of a possible broken rib, they gestured towards the sizable bruise that had formed, a vivid patch of purplish-black against his skin. Desmond said. "–broken, I am not sure?" Desmond looked down seeing a female white cougar with patches of blue and green, and with hazels eyes blush a little as she touched him with her softened paw, then used her tail to adjust the temperature.
She said with a soft purr. "They call me Sar's. I will be your manservant until your judgment as well as your record keeper. I assumed that males like you bathe with your females all the time in domiciliary more like cages for animals. As well as procreate?"
Desmond's father let out a hearty chuckle, the sound echoing through the air. "It is true, Sar's," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "We humans sometimes find ourselves bathing together, but only when we become wedded to the female we have chosen as our partner." He gestured towards Desmond, his son, who stood nearby. "Desmond was in the midst of making his choice when Hess and Morgan arrived in
our village, thrusting us into service in their army."
The air carried the scent of soap and water, mixed with the earthy aroma of the village. Laughter and chatter from nearby villagers filled the background, creating a lively atmosphere. Desmond's father's chuckle added to the cacophony, a cheerful sound amidst the bustling scene.
As Desmond's father spoke, his words painted a vivid picture in the listener's mind. The unexpected intrusion of Hess and Morgan juxtaposed against the image of humans bathing together, a communal act of intimacy. The weight of their arrival, the disruption it caused, was palpable in the air, casting a shadow over Desmond's interrupted journey of choosing his life partner.