Chapter V
Realm of the Rageon
Callinicus led them throughout the day, and either the Rageon had managed to deceive them and make its escape, or his 'stick' was not as powerful as he first thought it was, or maybe he had just misunderstood the writings of Heraclius, so for whatever reason, they were no nearer to finding the creature.
Valerius was out front, looking to see if the beast had left any tracks, “What’s this?” he picked up some crumbs and studied them beneath his lantern before showing his findings to his companions.
“Oh, that looks like it was our supper, it does appear we’ve been going round in circles… again,” remarked Priscus.
“Look with respect, I don’t think that stick or staff of yours, does what you think it does. I think the fact that we’re lost suggests that,” said Bacchus.
“We’re not lost,” replied Callinicus.
“We’ve just gone round in circles,” said both Bacchus and Priscus.
“Exactly, we therefore know where we are. It’s not where we want to be, but it does tell us we are close to the creature.”
“How does that tell us we are close to the creature?” queried Bacchus with not a little incredulity.
“It means that the creature tried to lose us by doubling back, which hints at its intelligence, it’s a trick that most hunted creatures employ.”
“Most hunted creatures that are afraid of being discovered that is, and I don't think that this Rageon is scared of us, in fact I think its toying with us,” said the Pentarchos.
“I think perhaps you could be right. We've probably given it something extra to ponder upon and that is all, when it was struck by the power from my stick, as you call it,” although they could not see it, Callinicus’s brow was furrowed, his concern for where the Rageon was had heightened, by its apparent ability to evade them.
"Maybe it's gone for help," said Arminius.
"Believe me; it's not that intimidated by us," replied Arzealous. "I don't think it would believe anyone would be foolhardy enough to hunt it down. It most likely thinks we're lost, in which case it's probably lurking close by for an opportune moment to consume one of us. It was out to feed remember, and I think these creatures like to dine alone."
The thought of being eaten put the Stratiotai on edge especially since the deep dark beyond their lanterns was powerful indeed. Every sound, every echo, appeared exaggerated and whenever they stopped there was the overpowering feeling of being watched. Callinicus held his staff aloft, it pulsed dimly, sending out, as it were a heartbeat that pushed back the veil of black. They moved off; their breathing seemed to keep in time with the light as it throbbed, shimmered and bobbed in the dark. The water that had been distant began to close in on them: it flowed now with a deep whooshing sound. As they approached it, Valerius stumbled and fell forward with a cry; still clutching at his lantern he carefully got to his feet.
“Are you okay, I said not to go ahead of the light!” cried Callinicus, holding his staff up to Valerius’s face.
“We’re certainly on the right track,” he replied barely concealing the disgust in his voice.
“How can you tell?” asked Callinicus.
Priscus moved close and held his lantern aloft, as the others gathered round.
Valerius pointed toward what appeared in the dark to be a boulder, and lifted his light above it. There in front of them were the emaciated remains of two ashen victims of the Rageon. Their bodies were strangely contorted; the clothes they wore were nothing more than rags, wrappings for shrunken fleshy skeletal remains.
“Ah! I see, they still look fresh,” Priscus poked the body with his sword, an oozy viscous fluid escaped.
Arzealous looked up, “When it could not get to us it must have gone looking for easier prey and dragged these poor unfortunate victims down here, can you smell that, it’s the same odious stench the creature left before.”
“This is strange, they appear to be recently killed, yet the light from my staff does not indicate that the Rageon is anywhere near,” Callinicus seemed truly perplexed.
“Perhaps your stick’s broken,” said Priscus with a chuckle to himself.
“My stick is not, as you say, broken, it has to be something else.”
“Over here everyone, look at my reflection in the water,” said the Pentarchos.
Water was falling from a shaft at the top, into a channel below, instead of cascading down as you would expect, it seemed to be moving slowly.
“Yes and…” replied Valerius, his voice trailing off as he joined him.
“Look at our reflections in the water; the light from our lanterns seems distant, foggy, as you’d expect, but the light from the staff burns bright.”
Callinicus stepped forward and placed his staff in the water, instead of it hitting a wall on the other side, it passed through. They all felt a sudden unease; the Stratiotai drew their swords instinctively. They had found the doorway into the realm of the Rageon.
“The Rageon is in there: at least we now know how it crosses over from the other side. Your staff must act like a key, somehow it has opened a doorway to our friends kingdom, which means we can now pass through,” Arzealous looked round at the Stratiotai as he spoke.
“Let's just destroy the gateway and be done,” said Valerius.
“If we did that we would still not have any answer as to why it is here,” replied Arzealous.
"Fine by me," said Arminius.
Callinicus forced his staff deeper into the water, “No, we need to ascertain its true purpose and prevent it from coming through again if possible.”
“If my mythology is correct, isn’t this the River Styx,” said Arzealous with a sense of disquiet, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully and shrugged, his mention of the name was for the benefit of the Stratiotai, he was well aware of the danger that now lay ahead, and he needed them to prepare for it, and in a limited way, understand what they were up against.
“Interesting, but what’s in front of us is very real, and not a myth; so you think this could be a doorway to Elysium,” replied Bacchus in awe.
“We all know the underworld exists, it’s just none of us had planned on visiting it just yet,” said Valerius.
"Remember everyone, The Rageon are not to be trifled with, if we are caught don't expect a quick death," rapped Callinicus.
"That's alright by me, "replied Arminius, "I don't want a quick death, I'd like a slow death, over the next forty to fifty years maybe."
Sergius growled, “I don’t know, perhaps I’ll meet the Demon that did this to my face and show it some Roman Steel, and let’s be honest if any of us are to die, at least we’ll be in the right place for it.”
"Speak for yourself Sergius I have a wife to get back to," said the Pentarchos.
"With a wife like yours you'd be better off in there."
"Don't you mean with a husband like him she'd be the one better off."
Their humour was cut short by Arzealous, “Everyone leave your packs behind, this is going to be a quick sortie, in and then straight out, I hope; take what you need for a day’s ration, and lets be on our way.”
Quickly they unburdened themselves of anything that would prove cumbersome and took whatever was necessary for the journey, a rope, grappling hooks to scale walls with, daggers, swords, even an axe.
“Right who’s first?” asked Arzealous with a smile.
The Pentarchos merely grunted and taking a long stride over the channel passed through; quickly the Stratiotai followed; Arzealous looked at Callinicus with a raised eyebrow, the courage of such men was truly remarkable, he then stared at the water as it flowed past, and leapt forward. Callinicus had one last look back and also passed through.
There was a deep rushing sound, everything momentarily frenziedly reeled; he felt that he was being sucked uncontrollably down a shoot, the world around him first distorted, as if he had entered one of those mirrors in the Byzantine circus, there was the strange sensation of being covered in a
gooey fluid, but in truth he knew there was nothing, just a vast emptiness, as his reality faded out of focus, he felt light headed, next there was a peculiar sensation of falling at an incredible speed through a kaleidoscope of differing colours; then suddenly he was out the other side.
“That had to be done to be believed,” said Priscus.
“Quick everyone, beneath the cover of the trees,” cried Arzealous.
They raced the short distance to a forest that bordered the portal they had entered from, and then looked out from behind the trees.
“Do you think we were spotted,” cried Bacchus.
“No,” said Arzealous calmly.
“How can you be sure?” asked Valerius still panting from the mad dash to the trees, though his heavy breathing could have just as likely been due to the rush of excitement they all felt.
“Because my dear Valerius, for one thing there’s no alarm or trumpet call from that castle up there; for another where’s our pursuers.”
They stopped a moment to take in their new surroundings while they contemplated their next move.
The world around them was similar to Terra Azure, with a few bizarre exceptions, the sun above their heads seemed ordinary enough, but the two moons above the horizon were a bit disconcerting even though they were about half the size of earth’s moon, the shape of one, which had a large cleft at its side, gave it an angry appearance, and they appeared to hover precariously as though they might fall from their high perch at any moment. The sky was much more turquoise and a lot less blue; the clouds seemed nothing more than wisps that caressed the air. The trees were sturdy and imposed themselves onto the landscape, they shot straight up, and splayed out at their summit, where the leaves dazzled with a fiery red, that threatened to set the sky ablaze, the bark was silver, rugged and heavy in appearance and their roots protruded angrily from the ground. The forest floor was, but for the strangely pebble like fallen leaves and cones quite austere and littered with strange looking tracks. And hiding in the perpetual shadow were many curious looking plants, if plants they were; column after column of tree reached so high that to look up at them meant to get a crick in one’s neck. The portal was the gaping mouth of a toothless cave; no light penetrated or exited the abyss. At its opening to either side were hieroglyphs; imbedded above the entrance was a green crystal that gave off a dull light, the same type that had been attached to the Rageon’s helm. Valerius stamped the ground curiously, the top layer was a spongy more homely green colour, though he sensed there was a harder underlay. The air was thick with that odious sickly sweet smell that was the hallmark of the creature; more than one of the Stratiotai wanted to gag, but in their stubbornness and devotion to duty, they forced back the reviled nasty taste of it.
In the distance at the opening to the valley was an imposing fortress, it was set back from the forest and cut out of the mountain; at its feet running the length to the Portal and seemingly beyond it, where no light escaped, was a paved roadway. The citadel ahead of them, for that is what it seemed, was aged, though it was difficult to tell how old it was, its walls were smooth, high and glistened with a rusty tinge; its towers rose as fearsome buttresses, ready to swallow up any that dared assault it; the gate with its iron mask, sat barring any access.
The path that led from the Portal right up to the gate was well trod which was disconcerting enough. Also there were other roadways that branched off in different directions, an indication if ever one were needed, that somewhere close by was a community.
Valerius's eyes narrowed as he gazed ahead, “I guess we all know where we have to get to.”
“We’ll leave Priscus and Bacchus behind to watch the Portal, and I mean watch, you are not to engage anyone, no matter how wild or unthreatening it appears, remember the realities of this world will be very different from anything we’ve known before, and who knows what other creatures are waiting for us, other than the Rageon.”
“What if we should meet Cerberus?” enquired Priscus.
“Well good luck with that,” replied Valerius, “But I think you’ll find Cerberus is probably the least of your worries; and besides if Callinicus’s staff did its job right you should be able to battle with anything you come up against. From Cerberus to four headed Hydras.”
“Four headed Hydras, no one mentioned Hydras.”
“Looks like I just did, just something for you to think about while you wait our return Priscus.”
With that Valerius gave out a gruff laugh and hurried off after the others, who were making quick time up to the fortress, zigzagging through the trees as they went. Arzealous led them first deeper into the gloom, so that he could come upon the fortress from a different direction. They came upon some strange tangled bushes that had tentacles that floated in the air and whipped out at any passing small beastie, ensnaring and devouring them with aplomb. Also the smell of the forest was different to that when they were out in the open, instead of it being stuffy there was a clearness to the air, and it was much easier to breathe in. They noticed something else; at the base of the trees between the roots were what looked like gills, and they were actually discharging air, whatever was in the atmosphere that gave it that harshness, the trees probably took it in, no doubt through their leaves, and discharged it by some method at ground level. There did not seem that much life at the perimeter of the forest, but as they moved inward certain sounds could be heard that were not of a pleasant nature. Slowly they crept round until they faced the Fortress, they had not realised how distant it had been, nor how everything on that world was to a greater scale. Hence when the Rageon had paid its visit to their world it had appeared as a much larger being, because that was in line with the nature of the world it had come from. The fortress was more imposing close too; some of the Stratiotai shrunk back behind the trees, so daunting was the sight that befell them, Arzealous and Callinicus stared out at it, they were confronted with the problem of what to do next. The walls were high indeed, even with the rope Sergius had brought they would never be able to reach the turrets.
“Any suggestions,” said Arzealous.
“We should wait till the sun sets,” suggested the Pentarchos.
“We have no idea if the sun does set; nor do we know how long that will be,” replied Sergius.
“Yes we do, the sun has been crossing the sky steadily since we arrived. I would suggest at the rate of its passage it will set within two to three hours. But what then, we’re still without an idea of how to get inside the fort. Unless someone is suggesting we go up to the gate and just knock, but I wouldn’t fancy that, not unless I wanted to be the next meal on the Rageon’s menu.”
Arzealous sat back leaning up against the trunk of one of the trees, when one of the Stratiotai came forward.
“We’re not going to need to do that, I’ve spied a weakness. You see the gate, there’s a gap at the top which we can get through. It’s probably way too narrow for a creature as big as the Rageon to do the same but we’re made for a smaller world. Once that’s done; if you look to the side of the gate, I can just make out a door; there doesn’t appear to be a lock, which means it must be bolted or stopped up somehow from the inside. I should be able to open it, if not; you’ll all have to do a bit of climbing.”
Arzealous peering out from behind the trunk of one of the trees ducked back, “good plan, let’s wait and see if dusk descends before we make our move.”
Valerius sat back against the tree and before long fell asleep.
The Pentarchos watched on amused, “I swear that man could sleep anywhere.”
Sergius busied himself making sure that the rope, when he threw it over the gate did not fall back. He also took one of the grappling hooks, and fastened it tightly to it.
“You feel this ground, it’s like mud after the rains, and yet it’s not damp just spongy,” Callinicus picked up what looked like heather and placed it in a pouch, “you’ve been awfully quiet Arzealous, what’s bothering you?”
Arzealous looked up from proddi
ng the ground with a stick, lowered his voice to a whisper, and drew the Watcher close, “I’ve been to most places on my travels and more than most I know the vastness of everything, but I don’t recognise this world.”
“There you go: a place you’ve never visited before.”
“Yes, and it’s that, that’s bothering me.”
“I see, what you’re saying is that any place you haven’t visited may prove to be truly problematic.”
“Callinicus you have a gift for understatement. There’s a saying which I'm fond of repeating which is: only fools rush in where the Angelos fear to tread. This may be one of those worlds where the Angelos have feared to tread. And as I do not recognise it, this could be a Universe I know not of.”
“Maybe, or perhaps it’s just a big multiverse, and this planet of the Rageon, is one they have kept secret for a very long time.”
The darkness began to settle, there was a short dusk which passed quickly and then the gloom slowly gave way to shadow. The moons had both descended also, but as they had done so, to the other side creeping above the horizon, could be seen a planet. As it became more and more visible through the atmosphere, there could be seen clearly, a definite civilisation. Continents were lit up by vast cities, which also meant by the size of it perhaps the world they were on was nothing more than a moon, a satellite to its grander neighbour, and they were merely on one of many moons. Quickly before the light got too strong Arzealous hurried them forward, they swiftly traversed the short distance between the forest and the fortress. Sergius flung the rope high and with an all too loud clatter it grasped the gate. He climbed up without too much effort and when he reached the top he hauled up the rope and clambered over, then falling to the floor, he packed the rope across his shoulder and hurriedly disappeared into the small alcove at the side. The others were furtively waiting in the shadows by the door. There was a clanking noise as if something was being heaved back, then a creaking, and the door was dragged open. They rushed through and paused in what was the small alcove.
“Strange there are no guards. In fact, I get a strong feeling the place is deserted,” said Sergius, he stood stiffly up against the doorway.
“You could be right, look at Callinicus’s staff,” said Arzealous.
There was no life to the crystal.
"Do you think we could be wasting our time here?" asked Arminius.
"No, it's the only place close to the Portal," replied Callinicus.
“Then let’s get to the main hall while we may,” said Arzealous.
Locking the door back up behind them, they ran out into what was a stone courtyard, there were statues of strange creatures running either side of the main pathway and all were imposing and very life like, they led to a large stone blocked manor house built on several levels. It had at its centre a mighty door with large thick framed windows that stood either side of it. When they reached it, they calmly pushed the door too, and entered into a large hallway that had stairs running up its centre. On the wall to one side was a large mirror; to the other hanging down were tapestries, one of which had a savage looking Rageon in full battle armour with a crown above its head with five stars above that. Words beneath read, Lord of the Five Systems, Arzealous rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the Rageon’s had chosen to branch out, and such an act had gone unnoticed.
There was a long table at the centre of the hallway, it had a solid covering of wood made from the trees of the forest outside and upon it were picture frames and various ornaments. The stair was wide, made of stone and seemed to divide at its summit into separate wings. Lights clung to the ceiling and walls illuminating the hall, but they were out of the ordinary, steady unwavering and restless and motivated to glow by some unseen power. Arzealous was quite adamant they were not to split up, and that they were not to touch anything or take anything unless given clearance to do so, and though there were one or two rumblings of discontent to this order, the Stratiotai were disciplined enough to comply; only with them altogether Arzealous had said, would they be able to face the Rageon with some chance of success. They climbed the stair, their soft shuffling and shallow breathing an indication of how tense they were. When they reached the first landing, quickly they disappeared into any chamber that was open, rummaged through whatever was there and left; any door that was locked stayed locked, there was no time for a thorough search; this same act was repeated on several levels, until they came upon a high cavernous chamber, cut deep into the heart of the mountain. Column after column ran along it, at their height, they disappeared into the shadow; each pillar reflected the passage of the intruders. They were of differing types and colours, and some had trunks mightier than the greatest columns in Constantinople. At the far end, the hearth reached half way up the wall, and burned with an unexpected calmness. Doors either side were like eyes to its gaping mouth. Above the hearth hung a large framed painting of a Rageon, surrounded by what seemed a dark mist, its piercing cold stare almost looked alive. Along the floor, was a thick rug, it was of some great beast, mightier in size even than an elephant, its gaping mouth and canine teeth suggested it would not have died without a struggle. As it lay there, they side stepped it warily, unwilling to arouse the wrath of whatever god had created it. When they arrived by the fire, only then did they realise the magnitude of the place. Sergius investigated a large table that was placed to one side of the hearth, and began rifling through some papers. While the Pentarchos and Valerius searched the area to make sure there were no unfriendly surprises waiting for them. Callinicus stood staff in hand, expecting the crystal to explode into life at any moment, and yet it remained silent. Arminius stood guard and watched for any uninvited guests.
Sergius rifling through the papers looked aghast, “Arzealous there are plans here, not only of Constantinople, but of the Saracen encampment.”
“It would seem we’ve been spied upon for some time, but for what purpose?”
Arzealous grimly picked up a scroll to study it, “The creatures movements are not without purpose that's for sure. And it seems to have a reason for being in Constantinople at this time, and also the Rageon could not have been acting alone for it to have gathered so much information."
"But why then give itself away by leaving dead bodies everywhere,” replied the Pentarchos, who had quickly joined them by the table.
“We were meant to think the dead were plague victims remember, I think we can all now see that the dead were not left as random victims but had a purpose, which was to sow fear and dread amongst the populace. We are not meant to discover the truth of this. And these are such detailed plans; there campaign has been well thought out.” Arzealous rummaged through the papers on the desk, the very idea of how much the Rageon knew gave him a very bad feeling, “there’s much here that will be of use to us…”
"Then we should take what we can, and leave, before the Rageon returns," said Sergius.
"Ah! That's just got to be bad timing," responded Valerius, as he pointed toward Callinicus.
Looking up Callinicus gasped, “Arzealous my staff.”
The others turned horrified to see the crystal begin to glow, then burst into a fiery flame.
"The Rageon, it's returned," cried Sergius.