Mark of the Fool

Chapter 632: The Five Heroes

Alexander Roth looked at the top of Uldars Rise while the night deepened, feeling as though he was standing on the edge of a cliff.

Thererising before himthe place hed sought since hed turned eighteen and Uldar, the god of his homeland, had left his mark on his life. Two long years; a blink for an ancient like Baelin, but an eternity for a young wizard, especially one in his situation.

Alex had grown in many ways.

Hed certainly changed.

Those around him had grown and changed as well.

Thameland was different.

As was Generasi.

A great many things had turned for the better over the course of this cycle; discovering the wonders dungeon cores could be useful for could revolutionise magic, the Heroes were fighting not only to stop the Ravener and end this cycle, but to end all cycles and destroy the Ravener forever, the Travellers legacy was growing, blooming into something beautiful and far more powerful.

Villains had fallen.

Demons had died.

But, thered been high costs to pay as well.

People had died when the Raveners hunters had come seeking his life. Wizards had lost their lives in the attack at the Games of Roal. The expedition had bled hard when the petrifier came calling at the Castle in Greymoor.

Carey had lost her faith, as had Theresa, Selina, most of the Heroes, and Alex himself.

And now?

Carey was gone, her life lost because of Uldars servants.

Her death didnt seem quite real yet, after all, her spirit was still there, close enough to touch.

And yet, he couldnt sit with her over a cup of wine and a pastry at the bakery, or enjoy a delicious meal among a crowd of friends at a fancy restaurant, or even just pat her on the shoulder in acknowledgement of a job well done. He would never see her in school again, or puttering around the halls of the Research Castle. Shed never join another expedition, or have another debate with Merzhin.

Professor Jules time with her in the lab had ended.

Her spirit was with them at the momentthrough the concentrated divine power of the Traveller and the young womans own faithbut that moment would soon pass.

Then?

Shed be gone

along with countless other folk whod died in Thameland in cycle after cycle, while those living in peace in Uldars Rise had apparently simply looked on.

How many soldiers had been maimed?

How many families had lost their homes?

How many Fools, their lives? How many other Heroes, theirs?

The numbers were uncounted and even uncountable, and all of that suffering and loss had happened under Uldars silent watch.

And now? Now it was time for the god to answer some questions.

Since I dont have a living body anymore, Carey said, the note of sadness in her voice warring with resignation and determination. Uldar shouldnt be able to harm me, so, I can go and get us the answers we need.

Uldar? Merzhin looked up, his eyes shining. You can let us meet Uldar, Carey?

What are you people talking about? Watcher Hill asked.

But Alex was already on his way to the top of the Rise. He doubted even Baelin could stop him now.

Careys spirit was floating after him.

Wait for us! Theresa cried.

No way youre leavin us behind, Cedric added.

FatherI am ready Claygon said.

I can bring us there, Carey called out, raising her hands.

Alex felt the Travellers power gushing from her like a waterfall, and suddenly, her flickering soul was beside him, the two stood on the ruins of Uldars Rise.

A heartbeat later, the others appeared.

Ah, I wont be doing that too many more times, she winced. It likely cost me some of my time here.

Carey! Merzhin cried, you cannot

I can and I must, we must act now. She looked at Alex. Hannahs power is our best chance at getting the door open. I already feel her knowledge moving through my soulits astounding quite how much she learned about passing through the barrier between planes! But, enough of that

you want to join forces, combine your power with mine and give us the best chance, right? Alex asked, looking at what seemed to be empty air.

Within that space, he could feel the weakness in the barrier between planes.

We should wait for Baelin to return, this could be beyond us, Watcher Hill said.

Normally, Id say the same thing, Alex said. But we dont know when hes coming back. In the meantime, wed have to defend this place; the hidden church is still out there somewhere, and theyll be looking for ways to take their home back. We dont know what other weapons they have or what other allies they might have, either.

That was what he said to the Watcher, and while true, he hadnt voiced his deeper desires; in truth, he was tired of waiting for answers. He needed them. That need had burned in his chest for much too long. The source with the answers was right here.

He needed to question this absent god that had cost, and ruined, countless lives.

And to get those answers, welldamn the consequences.

But youre talking about entering the realm of a god! Watcher Hill looked wild around the eyes. Andeven though Roal did slay a demigod, the fact is, we are not Roal.

Thats why Ill be going through the portal, to find out what lies on the other side, Carey said. To be blunt, I am already dead. I can explore his realm safely.

Besides, Hart said, his voice a low growl. If this useless piece of shit we call a god was going to get off his useless ass, then he wouldve done it by now.

Hart! Merzhin cried. Your blasphemy

Shut the hell up, Merzhin, Hart growled. Listen, its taking everything I have not to punch your face in until theres nothing left but a bloody smear. Uldars useless! Youre useless!

Hey, hey, Cedric said. Merzhin turned things around fer us, right in the end there.

Yeah, in the end. Hart glared daggers at the Saint. You couldve broken outta here, Merzhin. Maybe you even came here of your own free will, didnt you? Now Careys dead because of you, and a lot of other people are too, and its because of you!Well, you, and Uldar. I mean look at this place He gestured to the ruins of the valley. dont you damn well think thatif he really gave a shit about ushe wouldve shown up to help his people out? Were standing on his front door step, arent we? He couldve walked right through it whenever he liked. But, no he abandoned everybody.

The Saint muttered something under his breath.

Merzhin, no, Careys spirit said.

Whatd you say? Hart demanded, taking a step forward. Go on, say it again!

Leave it, Hart, the Chosen warned.

No, I want to hear this, Drestras voice crackled.

I said that you and Uldar have much in common! Merzhin screamed, his voice echoing over the valley. If he is an abandoner, then so are you, how dare you judge him, you self-righteous hypocrite! You abandoned me for months! I know you did not care for me, but was I so evil? Was I so monstrous that you decided to cut me out and bury me in silence! You left me alone! How are you any better than the sin you accuse your god of?

Really, Merzhin? Drestras voice crackled with heat. You put this on him? Dont blame us. You choose to argue for Uldar even after all youve seen? And how were we supposed to tell you anything? Uldars church is the enemy! Look at how youre reacting right now. Can you blame us for not saying anything to you?

Ideserved something! he cried. I tried to help you all! To help all of Thameland! Even a kind word

You refused to even use my name, the Sage fired back.

and you were always looking for an excuse to try and leave our lands war to save your own skinor should I say scales! Merzhin snapped. You were a dragon, and you held that back from us? Such power could have saved many lives when we were fighting the Ravener-spawn, you selfish

Hey! Thundar shouted, stepping beside Drestra.

Oi! Enough of that! Cedric said. Lets leave it.

We dont have time Careys spirit started.

Oh, quiet! Merzhin suddenly shouted at Cedric. Look at you, the grand Chosen of Uldar, always trying to sew peace between us while keeping your own secrets and choosing your own sides.

Cedrics face turned red.

I hardly think thats fair, Isolde started.

I dont even know who you are! Merzhin shrieked, turning to Alex. Perhaps you are with the Fool, who has been hiding for Uldar knows

Alex held up one hand. No, his voice was as still as death, the Mark guiding it to a tone that clearly left no room for questions. All of you, stop it. Now! Ya, weve got a lot to talk about. Weve got anger. Weve got questions. Weve got tears. But we also have to leave all of that for later; right now, we only have Carey with us for a little while, and shewho just gave us our damn liveswants to help us get answers from Uldar himself. Lets not waste her gift. Alright?

The Heroes flinched at his words.

Merzhin looked as though he would say something else, but a glance at Carey finally sealed his lips.

Well said, Alex, Carey floated forward. Now lets hurry, we have a door to open.

We do, Alex said. Lets get some damn answers.

Together, the two wizards channelled the Travellers power and reached out, Carey Londons spirit and Alexander Roth, touched Hannah Kims power.

A warmth filled Alexs chest as her energies flared inside.

Yesat last he heard her voice whisper. Three hundred years after my deathwe have finally found you, Uldar.

He felt the Travellers energy pour from Careys soul, uniting with his own.

Together, they imagined Uldar, thinking of statues carved in his likeness.

They felt the weakness in the barrier between worlds.

And reached forward with Hannahs strength.

There was a muffled crack, like glass breaking beneath water.

Then came a louder sound like something crunching.

Cracks spiralled through empty air, ablaze with white light.

Alex roared.

Carey screamed.

The Travellers power flowed.

Andwith a sound like a mountain breakingthe door burst open.

A portal appeared in space, expanding like the maw of a gaping beast. Holy light spilled into the night. A choirs song filled the air, composed of celestial voices. When the door had fully opened, the group was standing before a staircase of white stone, wide enough for even Drestra, in her true form, to pass through many times over.

The walls were as white as snow.

The floors, the same.

Orbs of sacred lighthovering below the towering ceilingshed holy radiance.

Uldars sanctum spread before them.

There for them to enter.

Wewe did it Carey said, her voice faint. Her form flickered. Ill hurry through

Suddenly, there came a surge of mana.

Hello, children, an ancient voice spoke. Deep. As powerful as the bones of the world, yet softer than any cloud. Welcome to the sanctum. Come forth, and receive my guidance.

Uldar! Merzhin screamed. I hear him, I hear his voice!

With a wail, the Saint charged through the portal and up the stairs.

Bloody hell, yfool, come back! Cedric cried, racing after him.

Feeding frenzy! Never ate a god before! Grimloch grinned, charging up the steps. You owe me some blood!

What are you all doing? Khalik cried.

There was a clang as Claygons iron foot stepped onto Uldars stone steps. Iwill protect themfather

The golem charged up the stairs after the others, taking three at a time.

Aw, hells. Alex took a deep breath.

He wanted answers.

He needed them.

Before he could rethink it, he was charging up the stairs after Claygon.

Ill watch your back, Theresa yelled, swords in hand. Be ready to teleport us out of there if things go wrong!

Brutus barked beside her, bounding up the stone steps.

There came a thunderous footfall on the stairs behind them. Drestra had returned to her true form, and Khalik, Isolde, Hogarth, Svenia, Cedric, and Thundar were on her back.

The dragon shot up the steps, wings pressed to her sides, gliding toward Uldar. Najyah soared above her.

Behind them, Hart and Tyrismounted on Vesuviusthe battlemage had enchanted him with a flight spellfloated after them.

Protect the students, Watchers! For Roal! Watcher Hill shouted.

The guards of Generasi followed.

Left alone, Carey looked around the empty space, then up the stairs in shock.

Blast it! her soul cried. I did not die for this!

She flew after them.

Uldar, I am coming! Merzhin called to his god from ahead, racing up the stairs in front of Cedric.

The Chosen followed closely, not even pretending to be trying to catch him anymore.

As one, the group moved deeper into Uldars sanctum, desperate for answers.

The staircase spiralled endlessly, unadorned except for the occasional statue of Uldar, or his imposing angelic servants. As they made their way through the sanctum, the celestial song grew louder.

I can feel your power, Uldar! Merzhin sounded like he was near tears.

Is he attacking? Theresa shouted cautiously.

No, sjust what he means. This place is full odivine power, Cedric marvelled. Makes that First Apostle feel like a bloody ant. I think mknees are gonna buckle.

It is the fulcrum of all of our faith! Merzhin shouted. Its so beautiful, it all comes from here! Look at the walls, the glory of Uldar is laid bare!

Alex glanced to the side, startling.

Though stark white, the walls had been carved with murals on either side of the stairs. Each one was a scene of a group of Heroes battling the Ravener; every generations Heroes were chiselled in stone by a loving hand.

They were the perfect artistic record, stretching back for cycles; Chosens, Fools, Saints, Sages and Champions, facing armies of Ravener-spawn over different battlefields across time.

Each Hero was different. Sometimes the Champion was a gallant knight. Other times, a hulking barbarian. Sometimes the Fool was a jester or a sailor, other times a merchant.

Butacross different muralsall five Heroes were shown battling together, beneath each of their images was a carved inscription, stating which Hero they were and their given name.

Alex cursed himself; if these were in chronological order, then hed already gone past the Travellers image, it mustve been in a lower mural, closer to the bottom of the stairs.

How many cycles Merzhin said in wonder. How many.cycwhat is this?

The Saint came to a dead stop.

Cedric nearly tripped over him. Oi, watch it! Whats wrong witch ya?

Thisthis cannot be right Merzhin slowly approached a mural on the left side.

Everyone stopped, some catching their breath.

Whats wrong? Careys spirit soared to Merzhins side.

Alex slowly followed.

This mural is odd, the Saint said. I see the Saint, Chosen, Champion and Sagebut there is no Fool.

Did e die that cycle, maybe? Cedric asked.

No, you dont understand. Theres another Mark here, Merzhin sounded confused. Theres no Fool, but there is a fifth Hero, and they bear a strange Mark, one Ive never seen before

Alexs heart skipped a beat.

The inscription below them says Merzhin peered at the words. What in Uldars name is the Mark of the General?

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