Chapter XXII
The Ancient Fortress of Perperikon
They had arrived some hours before in a broken temple on the outskirts of the old abandoned city of Perperikon. Germanicus had returned with food to sustain them for the journey ahead. He had also taken the opportunity to explore the surrounding area to see if there was anything exceptional to report, which there was not.
The city had decayed, and nature had reclaimed for the most part what had been taken from her in the distant past. Aged and cracked marble pillars lay scattered at their feet; grass pushed through stone floors and weeds disrespected fine mosaics from antiquity. Most of the buildings were nothing more than shattered broken husks that had withered through the passage of time. They sat quietly and ate what fare there was, there was a strange quiet about the place as if not even the animals wished to intrude upon the dead calm.
“I wonder what happened here?” asked Germanicus quietly, lest he disturb the tomb.
“As in most places, it had had its time, and time took care of it,” replied Adamous. “Can anyone remember where we’re headed?”
“The Monk knew,” said Germanicus.
“Yes, but since he’s dead I suggest he’s not going to be much help,” replied Merit. “He mentioned a fortress close to the City. I think he said it was two to three leagues distant, high up in the mountains, which are west of here.” She pointed to the peaks that rose dauntingly ahead.
“Well, let’s get after it, the sooner we’re there the better.”
“Why don’t we just use the Seal and jump there?” asked Merit.
Adamous smiled unconvincingly, after their encounter with Asag he now eyed every sound or shadow with suspicion, “It was easy to work out where Perperikon was from the account that the Monk gave us: so setting the Seal for the right site did not provide us with too much of a problem. Unfortunately the next stage is a bit more difficult, as we don't exactly know the place we are going to. And since we know it's not far, we’re probably better off walking, and there's more than likely a path close by leading to it."
They turned and made their way across a field of obstinate dead columns, which were more like the skeletal remains of shattered bones, and once clear of the cities ruins they made good pace.
"So the name's Tekmor is it?” asked Adamous.
“It is, though I still prefer Merit, and as you are aware until our run in with the Moira, it was not that clear to me whether you were with Azazel or not.”
“I see, it's possible you thought that our disagreement with the Merovingian and Charon could have meant we were actually aides of Azazel, and they did refer to us as Angelos.”
“Not just that, I believed, and in many respects, I think the Merovingian thought the same, that the Dragon would try to take the Codex, and when you appeared, he, like I did, mistook you for his acolytes. That is why he treated you so harshly. And until recently, I cannot say that I was sure of you myself. None of us after all want the Dragon to get hold of the Codex of War.”
“How long have the Djinn and the Great Merit been here?”
“Too long, you really have no idea what a contradiction humanity is, at times they are incredibly generous, at other times, incredibly cruel.”
“Perhaps to some they seem a contradiction, to me they are like nature, within them can be a calm breeze or a hurricane," said Germanicus. "You see they have not worked out how to look within themselves yet, to see their true nature, consequently the wars that govern their hearts, also govern their actions."
"Are they really that primitive?" asked Merit. "As to not know themselves."
"Merit as you are well aware, there are many peoples that do not understand themselves, and some of them have been around far longer than humanity," replied Germanicus.
"Yes, we Djinn often judge other races to be less cognitive; when perhaps that's something we also at times lack."
“So Merit the thing is, now we are all better acquainted, are you willing to help us retrieve the Codex,” said Adamous.
“I don’t know whether you’ve noticed, but I already am doing that. As we say, ‘don’t send the Angelos, to do the job of the Djinn,’”
“They don’t say that,” replied a sceptical Germanicus.
“I know, but from now on they probably should do.”
“I’m curious will the Djinn commit themselves to the war?” queried Adamous.
“We’re a very independent lot. It’s a question of how best to maintain the Equilibrium. I believe it to be by following the right Way and not any other path.”
“Some of your brethren do not feel the same,” replied Adamous.
“Yes, but is that not the way of all things, the line between light and dark is often veiled,” she spoke sadly. “Some, like the High Dominus still believe that we should remain neutral and guard against being drawn into the conflict, but I feel we have watched long enough to know that things will not change for the better, unless we help them to.”
“Who is the one that speaks for the Djinn?”
“It is Yazid, he is the eyes and ears of the Dominus,” replied Merit.
“Yazid, if I remember correctly, it was he that informed us of the treachery of Azazel, all those eons ago,” reflected Adamous.
“Yes, he was always suspicious of Molochs design,” said Merit, “And sadly his suspicions were proved right. Azazel always desired the Blessed Codexes and the Sacred Seals that were in our possession: hence he wanted us to join with him. Some among us had actually thought him changed, after all the time that had past. But he is still the same cunning deceiver he ever was. In the end, it is the fact that he has convinced a few of my kin to join with him, and that he has tried to take with subterfuge, what does not belong to him, or anyone for that matter, that has made a certain number of the Djinn ignore their neutrality and enter the War against him, and by doing so we maintain the Equilibrium. Though I dare say Yazid and the High Dominus believe we should all remain outside the conflict. There is some logic to the argument, that the balance must stay unbroken, no matter what. So if a few Djinn help either side, then there is a certain serendipity to that.”
Adamous and Germanicus listened carefully to Tekmor, and it was as well they did, she was also known as the Elemental, and was by far one of the most powerful beings in the Universe. She knew the ways of Chakra, that which is spirit, like no other. Nature to her was a weapon to be wielded, or a tool to be crafted. The Angelos were just relieved she was on their side; she would have made a formidable enemy. The concern of course, was that the Moira had known her powers and had said, that there were mightier beings than her in the universe, that they were allied to, now that, if ever there was any, was news of the disturbing kind.
The three made their way in silence along a narrow pitted path that led in the general direction toward that of the mountains. The road was rugged and stretched along an open grassy knoll which held few shrubs and trees. They travelled the next two leagues without incident and the road they journeyed upon was quiet. In fact the air was still, it was as though the planet held its breath. And in the distance, on a cliffs edge, high up where you would think only eagles flew, could be seen the fortress they had travelled that far to reach. The only problem was it did not look abandoned.
There was a narrow track that wound its way up the mountain to the entrance gate. It was thoroughly worn, another indication that it was an old road. By the time they had reached the summit, it was early evening, and the sun gave the fields below a golden crown. Long shadows greeted them as they approached the gate.
“This is no fortress, it’s a monastery,” said Adamous.
“It’s a little creepy actually,” whispered Germanicus.
“I think that's your vessel speaking," replied Adamous. "After all the things we’ve been through, and all the worlds we've visited, and you think this is creepy."
“Well it is,” said Germanicus.
“This place does not feel right,” said Merit.
“I think I just covered that,” said Germanicus.
The three stood staring at each other, before Adamous threw his hands in the air, strode up to the door, and with the hilt of his sword banged three times. He took a step back, and waited, at first there did not appear to be anyone at home. Then on the other side could be heard a shuffling and a rattling sound. There was a small hatch to the door, which opened. A long nose peered through; the man’s face was hooded and covered in shadow.
“Who is it that comes to our door at this time,” said the Monk.
“It is I Adamous, and Germanicus of Constantinople, we seek shelter.”
The monk shut the hatch and there was a clanking sound as he opened the door within the gate.
“My name is Bartholomew; you’re far from home, what brings you thither.”
“We need to see the head of your order on a matter of deep urgency.”
“The Abbot is Marcus Aurelius, he is taking mass as we speak, perhaps you would like to eat and refresh yourselves before you meet him.”
They passed through the door when the monk reached out and barred Merits passage.
“Women are not allowed entry here,” said Bartholomew quickly.
“That’s not a woman it’s a boy,” said Germanicus just as quickly, "he is my valet and I would have you let him pass."
The man squinted in the darkening gloom, “I’m sorry it must be a trick of the light, or lack of it.”
Merit just nodded.
“I’m afraid he has no tongue, so he can’t speak,” said Adamous.
The courtyard was large, cobbled and lit by torches: there was a stable to one side, where a man was scattering hay for the horses: he was calling them out by name.
“Now, now Farrow, you’ll get yours in a moment,” went the cry from the shadows, as they heard jostling and neighing from within.
There was a path that ran up to a large domed chapel with a brass crucifix above it, which rested on the highest point. Another tall building to the side contained the Dormitory. Instead of being made of blocks of stone this one was made of flint and looked as though it was the oldest building there. A chimney escaped through its tiled roof, indicating that someone was readying a meal in the scullery. There were allotments to one side, where vegetables were being grown, and a patch of garden where large slatted boxes on stilts stood, from inside could be heard a humming sound, no doubt these people were the keepers of bees. There was an open building nearby with a furnace for the smithy, the billows lay quiet and the burning coals had been left to cool, though they still glowed, there was also a trough filled with water by the side of it, various tools hung down from struts overhead. And there were three mighty anvils within it, with a large thick hammer resting on each of them, they stood testament to the intense labour that went on there. A brick built store stood near too. Adamous gave the foundry a second glance, they could if they wanted, provide enough arms for a small army.
Bartholomew led them into what was a thinly lit mess room where there were many tables with long benches on either side. To the rear of the room was a large crucifix of Jesus that was suspended by chains from the ceiling. Withered tapestries hung down, a testimony to its military past. Food was provided: bread, goat’s milk and mutton with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Quite a staple diet if a little bland, the three ate heartily. When they had finished other monks began to enter the room, many were much younger than the one who had opened the door to them.
As they sat sipping their milk they were joined by the Abbot.
“So Bartholomew says you have business with us, what could that be I wonder?” said the Abbot. “We have nothing here of value, or we believe there is nothing here of value, so what is it, that our monastery has, that has made you trek all this way?”
“We’re looking for a casket of sorts; it was taken by Herodotus in the Persian campaigns and was hidden here, or so is believed.”
“Interesting, can you tell me more?”
“Only, that the Emperor requires it, to aid us in our war, against the Saracens. Do you know of it?”
“There may be such a thing as you describe in our vaults, but it is no holy relic, in fact it is only part of the whole, but not the whole. Come, I will take you to it.”
With a sigh of relief from Adamous, the Abbot rose and led them away.
They were taken to the chapel; they entered through thick wooden doors of some age. There was the smell of Frankincense in the air, and Icons filled the walls, the ceiling was adorned with a painting of Jesus at the annunciation, his body was lifted up by a cloud and there was a dove hovering above his head, his hand was held up in the Orthodox manner, as if he were blessing the congregation. There were brass candlestick stands either side of the alter. A chandelier hung from the ceiling and illuminated the entire chapel. The Abbot led them past the Iconostasis and into a small side room where he lit a lantern, and passed it to Adamous, to the back was an old wooden gate that led into a crypt. Taking a thick metal key from a piece of string that hung from his waist, the Abbot fitted it carefully into the lock. The key struggled a moment before turning, and with the help of Adamous and Germanicus he hauled the door back. It clearly had not been opened for some years.
Adamous entered first, followed by Germanicus, and then Merit, they descended down a narrow winding stone stair that opened out into the crypt.
“Why are these places so deep underground,” said Germanicus.
Long shadows crept in front of them as Adamous lit the torches that hung along the walls.
“It wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t,” said Adamous.
“Hang on has anyone seen the Abbot?” asked Merit, speaking up for the first time since they had entered the monastery.
They all turned round, he had not followed them down, Adamous immediately felt uneasy.
“Germanicus!” cried Adamous.
“I’m already on it,” he said leaping back up the stairs.
As they descended to the foot of the stairs, the chamber Adamous and Merit walked out into stretched out in a concave manner, within each wall was an ornately crafted sarcophagus, and what was apparent, was that some predated Christianity.
“This isn’t good,” said Adamous looking at the one with the Dragon motif.
Germanicus came flying down the stairs, “We’re locked in, I don’t think these people are what they seem.”
“You think,” said Adamous holding the lantern over the casket with the Dragon motif.
“Ah! That’s not good,” said Germanicus.
Merit shook her head, “I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this. I don’t suppose what we’re looking for is here? That would be too convenient.”
“Well, actually it is here,” said Adamous looking at a small gilded case crafted with angelic and Djinn script. It had carved sunken edges that could ably fit two rods of power, and atop it was a sunken hollow where the Seal could be secured.
“Then what’s with the Dragon?” asked Germanicus.
“Look closer if you get rid of the cobwebs you can see more clearly, there’s a man with a spear piercing the beast,” said Merit. “There’s also a name by the side of it.” Merit stepped forward and rubbed the dirt away from the name, “George, is he not the man you found earlier at the chapel in Thebes? He certainly gets about.”
“Is the door really locked or simply jammed, it did after all take all three of us to open it.”
“Ah,” said Germanicus, “actually you could be right, I just tried the handle and pushed against it, and when it didn’t budge I came back.”
“Well, as we all know, nothings ever what it seems.”
“Let’s take the casket and get back to Constantinople.”
“What about the Abbot and the monks here.”
“They’ll just have a story to explain to passers-by of three mysterious Byzantine travellers that came to their monastery looking for something, and when they found it, they disappeared quietly into the night. We’ve got what we ca
me for, so open a Portal, we need to get this back to Constantinople without further delay and intrigue.”
Germanicus placed the Seal against the wall; it vibrated and hummed into life, a vortex appeared, and as it did so, he adjusted the Seal for the right location.
Without warning there was deep clanging that was repeated, and was so loud that the walls of the crypt trembled at the sound.
Germanicus shot Adamous a glance, "Do we go?"
"You had better see what that's all about. Remember you haven't got long the portal will close soon enough, and once that happens, it will take a while for the Codex to reactivate."
"Understood," cried Germanicus as he hurtled back up the stair, reaching the door at the far end, and this time with more effort, he hauled it too, then he raced out of the chapel. There were clear chaotic shouts and a definite call to arms. Entering the yard he was shocked to see the monks busy gathering up their weapons, the Abbot was directing them to the walls as branded arrows flew overhead, the clanging was now deafening.
"What's going on," cried Germanicus above the din.
"The enemy is upon us, save yourself while you can. In the Crypt there is a hidden tunnel that leads away from here. As for us we have no intention of letting go our monastery without a fight. For Byzantium and St. George."
To the disbelieving eyes of Germanicus, the Abbott drew his sword and with an alacrity that belied his age ran at the gate, just as it burst asunder: the Abbott was flung back; quickly recovering he rose to charge at their unholy adversary. There beneath the arch stood Haldrago of the Wold and by his side the Moira. The Monks swords at the ready and shields in hand rushed forward to meet the advancing Wold menace.
Germanicus turned and flew back, breathlessly he rushed forward into the crypt, "It’s the Moira and with them are the Wold, led by Haldrago. They must have traced the energy flow of the Seal when we used it to get to Perperikon. The thing is do we stay and fight and chance losing the Codex, or do we leave."
"There's nothing we can do to help against the power of the Wold and the Moira; I'm sorry but we must go before the portal closes, and we become trapped."
"Can't you use the Codex," shouted Merit.
"It needs at least three parts for it to work, we've only got two. Quick we cannot afford any more delays, we must reach Constantinople with our prize, everyone into the portal."
First to go was Merit followed by Germanicus and with a sad glance back, Adamous hesitantly stepped forward. The portal shimmered as the light surrounding it faltered; finally it simply blinked and was gone. Soon after, the clanging halted as suddenly as it had started, and an ominous silence descended. The Monks had been left to their fate.