Legends of Amacia Rise of the Caverias

When Electra entered the room with Hanna, everyone noticed and stopped eating. Enoch smiled warmly at Hanna. “Welcome back, little sister,” he crowed pleasantly as Electra deposited Hanna in the chair next to Enoch. “I see Electra found you some nice clothes that suit you. I’m sure they’re much more comfortable than what you arrived in.”

“Oh, yeah,” Hanna replied, shifting position in her chair to get more comfortable. “Electra has a real gift for making clothes.”

“That she does,” Enoch agreed. “Everything Electra makes is top-notch quality.”

“How are you feeling, Hanna?” Elias asked politely. “We were a little worried when you passed out after using the Teacher with such power and precision.”

Hanna saw a mug of bison milk and honey sitting next to her plate and immediately drained half the glass. She plunked the mug down on the table and said, “Ahhh. That really hit the spot. I’m all right, Elias. I still have a bit of a headache and am still just a little fatigued, but otherwise all right. It may be from how long it’s been since I last ate.”

“What about your legs, Hanna?” Emma called out. “Are they still not working properly?”

“No,” Hanna admitted, “But I am getting feeling back in them. Apparently, it’s going to take a little longer for the muscle atrophy to dissipate. I just need a bit of physical therapy to get my muscles to remember what to do.”

“We can help with that, little sister,” Elle declared, “...so don’t give it a second thought.”

“I appreciate that,” Hanna answered, sipping on her milk. “I’m also really glad to be free of that back brace. It was so uncomfortable, even though it did help relieve the pain I was in. Did anyone bother to look at my back while I was in the Healer?”

“I did,” Enoch answered. “After the last round in the healer, the fractures in your vertebrae have healed up nicely. However, those vertebrae are a bit out of alignment and it’s putting some minor pressure on your spinal cord. That’s why your legs are still not right. As soon as you get your strength back, we’ll give you a spinal adjustment to put those vertebrae back where they’re supposed to be. After that, I fully expect for you to be able to walk again.”

“I’d really like that,” Hanna chimed, looking over the meal set before her. “And it does explain why my legs aren’t behaving. Still, it feels so good not to be in agonizing pain all the time. I feel like things might just work out now.”

“Excellent! I can see you’re in a very good mood right now, Hanna,” Enoch replied happily as he resumed eating. “That’s very good. Now have some of the mastodon. It’s very tasty.”

Hanna looked at the slices of grilled meat and said, “I think I will.” She chose a moderate-sized piece of the meat and filled her plate with beans and fruits, and then started eating. Her appetite was strong.

As Hanna ate, Emma said, “I’m glad to see that you are whole once again, Hanna. And your mood is much better than when you first came here. Would you care to share what caused this change in your mood?”

Electra looked across the table at Hanna and abruptly realized why her mood was so good. “You finally reached Selina, didn’t you?” she asked.

Hanna looked up as she swallowed a mouthful of meat and smiled. “Yeah,” she answered, “...just after I woke before you came to my room. Remember, I told you about it when you got there.”

“That you did,” Electra answered, noticing Hanna not mentioning the overload she suffered from her contact with Selina. “What did you find out with your contact?” she asked.

“Selina’s all right for the moment, but I still couldn’t tell where she is being kept,” Hanna reported, “Thank you for teaching the discipline I needed to get a better handle on my telepathy. I can now do things I couldn’t before with the gift. Thank you so much, Electra.”

“You’re very welcome,” Electra replied graciously. “All I did was to show you how to discipline yourself. The rest you did on your own.”

Hanna shook her head, saying, “No. I didn’t do it. The Almighty did. This gift is His gift. His power and mercy showed me the discipline of the machines, and is directly responsible for the level that I’m at now. I don’t know if you all realize it, but in my former days as an enemy of the Almighty, I was a seventh-level dark wizard with all the terrible powers that go with it. Yet, even with all that power I had as a dark wizard, it pales in comparison to this new gift I’ve been given. I just pray that I can use it properly and to the glory of the Father.”

“You were a dark wizard?” Enoch asked with surprise as Hanna continued to eat. Hanna nodded as she ate. “But you changed sides,” Enoch surmised.

“Yes. That is a story all its own,” Hanna stated, “Let’s just say that the Almighty had other plans for me so He laid a little trap of His own for me and I fell into it head first. It was a very hard time for me during that period. The enemy didn’t want to let me go and tried to kill me many times. I’m sure that whoever put me in the bed saw the bite and claw scars on me from the demons as they tried to kill me when they came out. Apparently, even the Emperor’s mutation and my wounding in the Arena couldn’t hide those scars.” She took a swig from her drink, looking around to see who would respond to her comment.

Electra nodded as did Kida. “I was wondering how that happened, all those bites and gashes,” Kida said softly, “Would you care to elaborate on it, please?”

Hanna finished her meal and leaned back, draining her mug of milk. She chuckled, saying, “Sometimes I get a little tired of telling it, but since you asked so nicely, I’ll tell you my story.” By this time, everyone had finished eating and George, Ben, Emma, and Elle cleared the table. Those who were not clearing the table moved over to the couches and chairs. Nathanael carried Hanna to the nearest comfortable chair, where she tried to relax while waiting for those who were clearing the table. A few moments later, they came in and sat down. Everyone sat in anticipation of what Hanna was going to share. Hanna chuckled again.

“What’s so funny, little sister?” Andrew asked.

Hanna looked at the Sons of Thunder and said, “I was just thinking what a strange fate it is that has brought me here as a man mutated into a woman to tell a family of giants the story of my rather bizarre life.” At that, she began the tale of her life long before her mutation with the killing of her family near Mt. Rainier.

Her story went well into the night. Nathanael sat back and listened politely because he had heard it all before. The others listened with great interest. On several occasions, Hanna’s tale brought gasps of astonishment and horror from the women. She told of her rise as an assassin and wizard, including some of her kills as the top assassin in the world. She told of the power she had as a man and her ability to command it. Her story included tales of the Illuminati and the plans of powers that be to force Luciferian world government on the world as well as their links to the Emperor. Enoch sat with his fingers together in front of his mouth and nose as Hanna spoke, taking in every word. Then Hanna got to the pivotal junction in her life: her deliverance from the occult world. She told how she took a wrong turn and ended up in a Christian community where men of God of that village cast out the Draken Prince of the East, Dezarcus, along with four hundred other demons from her. Hanna explained pure Christianity to them and her conversion to it. From there, she went down the line telling about her search for Amacia: how she was driven to locate it. She gave just an outline of his story, touching on the high points. It was almost midnight when she decided to stop at the point where Joshua took them to Kaal Bek in Arionath. Drinks had been brought out about the middle of the evening and Hanna sipped on a glass of water. “Is that enough or shall I tell you more?” she asked, “Because as you no doubt know, much more has happened since we came here, including my capture, mutation, and escape from the Emperor.”

Enoch yawned and said, “No. You have said more than enough. You have had a terribly hard life for as short as it has been. Life has been a continuous fight for survival since you were born. But as I listen to your tale, I can see how the Ancient of Days has forged you in the furnace of affliction to prepare you for the task He has put in your hands.”

“That’s the truth,” Hanna agreed whole-heartedly. “My life has truly been a blast furnace of affliction...an active volcano of troubles, but the Lord has kept me through it. Even now, He sustains me in my mutated status. I have survived lethal attacks so many times throughout my life that some people believe that I cannot be killed; that I’m an immortal of some sort. But that’s far from the truth. I am flesh and blood...a mortal, and can die just as easily as any of you can. The only thing that keeps me alive at this point is the mercy and will of the Almighty. Many times, I’ve wished that this task had never been given to me. However, I know that is a wish that will always go unfulfilled.”

“You yearn for a simpler, more peaceful existence,” Electra commented, putting into words what Hanna was trying to say.

“Exactly!” Hanna agreed enthusiastically. “My life has been nothing but a constant struggle since I was big enough to know anything. Violence and bloodshed have followed me like a faithful dog, even to these ends of the Earth. How I yearn for a peaceful, quiet existence where no man, woman, or spirit troubles me...to live in peace and quiet, and not be embroiled in any kind of conflict. That’s my dream, to serve my God in peace and humility and not have my hands stained by the blood of war any more. But alas, I am a man...no woman of war and not by my own choosing. My path is laid before me and I must walk it. Unfortunately, I see much more blood and violence before me and it grieves me to my heart what I may be forced to do before it’s over.” A troubled sigh escaped her lips as she finished speaking.

“Do not give up on your dream of peace so quickly, little sister,” Enoch replied. “It’s a noble goal to have. Peace is always its own reward. Your dream of living in peace will come true in time. You must believe in the Almighty Ancient of Days who has guided your steps all your life, even when you were His enemy. Everything you have suffered has been allowed to happen in the will of Almighty. He has shaped you in the blistering fires of the furnace, molding and working you into the sword of His indignation against the Emperor. For this purpose were you birthed. When your task is finished, the peace you so desire will come. So don’t faint in this final hour of the harvest.”

Hanna yawned as she smiled, saying, “You’re right. I’ve known it all along, just didn’t like it too much. I’ve never liked being driven like I am, but I now know better than to resist the Lord, even in this mutated state.”

“I think it’s time for bed,” Elias stated, changing the subject. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m up way past my bedtime.”

Enoch nodded and said, “He’s right. We have much to do in the morning. I suggest we all go and get some sleep.” Enoch then looked directly at Hanna, saying, “Do not fear to sleep tonight, Hanna. Neither the Emperor nor Ahriaman can reach you here to do you any harm. This place is hidden from his gaze and well-protected, so sleep well, little sister.”

Hanna yawned again as she rubbed the side of her face, saying, “Okay. Good night, friends.” Everyone rose and began to disperse to their rooms for the night. Hanna yawned as she looked around the room. Déjà vu hit her like a freight train as she watched George, Ben, Andrew, Hunter, and Elias walk away. Enoch stood with Kida as Nathanael stretched.

Emma came forward and gently embraced Hanna as a sister, kissing her on the cheek. “Have sweet dreams this night,” she said with a pleasant smile.

“Thank you, Emma,” Hanna replied as Emma walked away.

Elle stepped up to Hanna with a partial glass of bison milk and honey, saying, “Here, little sister. Have the rest of my milk. It’ll help you rest. Tomorrow, we’ll start your physical therapy.”

Hanna accepted the mug of milk, taking a good swallow from it, replying, “Thank you, Elle. I appreciate it. Maybe at some point we can talk about your people.”

Elle smiled and said, “I’d like that,” as she walked away, glancing over her shoulder.

Electra then stepped forward to say goodnight to Hanna. She looked at Hanna with the love of a mother, the same love she showed before dinner. Hanna looked into her eyes for several moments, seeing Selina in her features. She began to weep softly. Nathanael could sense Hanna’s sorrow for Selina, which surprised him. In fact, even Enoch and Kida could sense it. Electra sat next to Hanna, took her in her arms, and cooed, “Shhh. It’ll be okay.”

Hanna sobbed softly as Electra stroked her hair. “You love her so much,” Electra said softly as she took her hand and lifted Hanna’s chin so she could look her in the eye. “Do not fret. Her captivity will soon end and you will be reunited.”

Hanna hugged Electra as a child would a mother, saying, “Thank you for all you have done. You remind me of my mother, filled with kindness, hope, and faith. I hope and pray I don’t lose you the way I did her.”

“No one knows what the future holds save the Ancient of Days,” Electra cooed in her ear. “I have the same prayer, little sister. May we never be separated like that. Now off to bed. You have a big day tomorrow.”

Electra let go of Hanna and walked over to Nathanael, putting her arm around him. He did likewise and said to Hanna, “I’ll see you in the morning, Hanna. Enoch and Kida said they’d take you back to your room.”

Hanna nodded and she, Enoch, and Kida watched Nathanael and Electra disappear into the tower. Enoch, Kida, and Hanna looked at each other. Hanna drained the rest of the milk from the mug Elle gave her when Kida commented, “Something troubles you, sister. What is it?”

Hanna set the mug on the end table next to her chair, looking at the floor. She sighed, saying, “Yes, this has been a hard evening. Every time I tell of where I come from, it’s like those old wounds open back up. Telling my story always does that and it always hurts when I do. I committed such great evil in those days before my deliverance. It is a terrible burden. Even worse, my mutated status has caused these memories to be even more vivid and terrible. Being a woman has somehow amplified the power of these memories. God, I wish I could just forget, but I know it won’t happen, and now, the déjà vu has kicked in full force. Everything about this evening is so terribly familiar to me, as if I’ve done this before in a past life maybe. Even the mutation is familiar. It’s very troubling.”

Enoch and Kida came over to Hanna. Kida sat next to her, put an arm around Hanna, saying in a soothing melodious voice, “Do not let your heart be troubled by this, little sister. We’re here for you. Go to bed and dream sweet dreams of her in peace.”

Enoch touched Hanna on the shoulder, saying, “Kida is right. Be at peace, little sister, and dream of your precious soul mate. Let the dreams be happy dreams. Let the sleep restore and refresh you.”

Hanna looked at them with a sober, but pleased look on her face. Their words had encouraged her. “I believe I will,” she replied. “Sweet dreams for me have been at a premium for a long time. Sweet dreams are long overdue and I could use some.”

Enoch smiled and said as he picked up Hanna, “Then let’s get you to bed. Pleasant dreams await you.” Minutes later, Enoch and Kida entered Hanna’s room and sat her on the bed. “I’ll step out while Kida helps you change for bed,” Enoch declared, “Please try to relax and have a good night’s sleep.”

“I’ll try,” Hanna replied gratefully as Enoch stepped out, closing the door behind him.

“Now, let’s get you ready for bed,” Kida chimed. “Do you need the bathroom?”

“No,” Hanna stated, “But I could use a hand taking off this dress.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Kida said pleasantly. She helped Hanna get into her nightgown and turned the bed down for her. After Hanna settled in the bed, Kida started towards the door.

“Kida, wait,” Hanna called out with a tremor in her tone.

Kida returned and sat on the edge of the bed. “What is it?” she asked.

Hanna looked into Kida’s eyes and broke into sobs. “Why?” Hanna wailed, “Why does my life have to be such a torment? My life is nothing but one tragedy after another. It never ends!” Hanna crawled to Kida and clung to her, sobbing deeply. “And when I think it can’t get any worse, it does! Do you have any concept of what it feels like to have your mind ripped out of your body, dumped into a clone that is your gendered opposite, and then ravished, tortured, and mutilated to the point of death? And then just as your about to die, have your mind returned to your body, which is then mutated and tortured as you fight for your very existence? I no longer fear hell because I am already there! Why? Why did this have to happen to me?”

Kida cradled Hanna in her lap and purred for her. “I don’t know, Hanna,” she cooed sympathetically, “You’re right in thinking I cannot fathom the pain and evil you endured. It’s terrible beyond description, but I can tell you this. You are not alone in this. We are with you to help you bear this terrible burden. Don’t try to bear it by yourself. It’s too big. Share it with us. We’re your family and family helps one another when things get so bad you can’t see the light. Together, we can survive this terror. You have to let us help. You must let us in.”

Hanna abruptly stopped crying and looked up at Kida. Kida’s words reminded her of what Selina said on their wedding night. “Are you sure you want to see it?” Hanna whimpered, “It’s terrible and heinous beyond description. Your mother helped me earlier with this burden before we came down for supper, but it’s not enough. Would you put your head on the block to save me?”

“Yes,” Kida replied emphatically with no hesitation, “You’re more than the sum of your memories, Hanna. You’re haunted by not just what the Emperor did to you, but also by what you’ve done over your lifetime. You must let it go, all of it.”

“Would you see the terrors of the sex floor or Hell’s Kitchen?” Hanna asked pointedly, choking emotionally on her words.

“If it would help you release the pain and terror it holds over you, yes,” Kida said resolutely.

A knock came to the door. “Come in,” Kida called out.

Electra entered with a stern, sober look. “It seems I’m needed again,” she declared. Walking over to Hanna, Electra sat down on the bed and held Hanna’s hand. “I knew you’d break down again after telling us of your past. Do you wish to be free of the pain these memories hold over you?” she asked sincerely. “If you do, you must not hold anything back. We cannot help you if you don’t show us everything. Will you do that? Will you show us the terrors that torment you without holding back?”

“Yes,” Hanna whimpered, “I must. Being mutated has enhanced my reactions to these memories. I cannot suppress them any longer. Only Selina was able to help me control these bad memories. But she isn’t here. Please, help me! I’m begging you both. Help me deal with this nightmare that refuses to dissipate.”

As Hanna spoke, Enoch pushed a wheel chair into the room. Parking it next to the bed, Enoch surmised, “So, it has finally come to a head, has it?”

“Yes,” Kida stated, “Telling us her story after supper opened up all the old wounds, and now it’s become more than she can bear alone.”

Enoch squatted down and touched Hanna on the knee. “You are never alone, Hanna,” he declared, “We are always with you, but you have dark secrets that have weighed you down your whole life. It’s time to relinquish these secrets and let the light of the Ancient of Days purge them from you. You must share it with us so we can help you bear this tremendous burden that’s on you. Are you ready to share everything?”

“Yes,” Hanna sobbed, “I cannot take it any longer. I have to tell someone, anyone!”

“Kida, Electra...merge with Hanna’s mind and help her release the pain,” Enoch ordered, “Then tell me what happened and don’t pull any punches.”

“I’ll do better than that,” Hanna blurted out, “I’ll show you myself!” Hanna’s telepathic power exploded again and she linked not just with Electra and Kida, but invaded Enoch’s mind at the same time with the ease that Selina had invaded Hannibal’s mind the day after their wedding. Hanna wept deeply as Kida cradled her. Kida, Electra, and Enoch became passive observers of Hanna’s hideous past, moving from the present backwards in time.

Gasps escaped Kida and Electra as they saw first-hand the torments experienced by Hanna in Amacia. Tears burst from their eyes at the horrors and depravity of the Emperor. Enoch too wept in anger and horror at the terrors unleashed on Hanna. Within ten minutes, Hanna had shown them her complete life as she remembered it, including her parents and their deaths. Hanna finally broke telepathic contact with them after twelve minutes, having exhausted herself mentally and physically.

“Now, you know everything,” Hanna said weakly, barely able to speak. “That’s who I am as far as I know. You now see the truth of my cursed existence.”

“How do you feel now?” Kida asked, choked with emotion.

“I feel free,” Hanna whispered, “...and utterly exhausted.”

“Your power is amazing, Hanna,” Enoch admitted, “To have survived all that shows without a doubt that the Ancient of Days is watching out for you. Moreover, I can now understand why you seek a peaceful life out of sight.”

“But why would He put me through such hell?” Hanna asked, “That’s what I want to know. Why would He curse me to such a fate?”

“I think you already know the answer to that, little sister,” Enoch answered softly, touching Hanna on the shoulder, “But I swear to you by the Ancient of Days, my own blood, and the blood of our ancestors the Emperor will pay for his crimes against you and the people he’s terrorized. He will pay in blood compounded on blood. The Ancient of Days is not going to let this atrocity stand. That’s a promise.”

“Furthermore,” Electra added, “He’s given us to you as a support. Yes, He allowed your family to be taken by the Dark Powers. He even allowed you to be taken by them for a time, but He snatched your soul from that darkness and set your feet on the path of Light and Truth. He started to remedy the wrongs done to you the moment He pulled you out of that abyss. Now look at what He’s done. He’s blessed you with incredible gifts and has given you a new family: us; a family who has the power and love to help you overcome this darkness. Now that we know what made you this way, we can help you bear this burden and you can truly begin to heal. You are definitely not alone now that you have let us in.”

“And we swear by all that’s holy, we will get Selina back and find a way to reverse your mutation,” Kida announced, “You and Selina will be reunited as you should be: as man and wife.”

A supremely peaceful look fell across Hanna’s face as she smiled. “At last, I am free and can start anew,” Hanna whispered, “Thank you for being there for me. Thank you.” Hanna suddenly passed out cold in Kida’s arms.

“Oh, you poor girl,” Kida said softly, laying Hanna down on the bed, “You have been so abused and rejected by so many people for so long. I’m genuinely happy you found love with my sister. Of all the souls in the universe, she’s your soul mate without a doubt.”

Electra covered Hanna with the blankets and sighed. “That she is,” Electra agreed as she stood up. Looking down at Hanna, a soft, motherly smile crossed her lips. “She’s such a strange soul. I find myself drawn to her for no apparent reason. I guess it may have something to do with the fact she reminds me so much of my older sister on Kaitia. I love Hanna and can’t help it.”

Enoch put his arm around Electra and gave her a gentle squeeze. “All of us feel that way, Electra,” he stated. “Hanna is so much more than she knows. Her genetic code shows it. Moreover, she has a strange timeless quality that is right down bizarre. It’s like she belongs everywhere and nowhere at the same time.”

“I noticed that too,” Electra declared as Kida stood. “She’s an enigma that is truly baffling.”

“So true,” Kida agreed. “I don’t know if any of you noticed it, but when she linked with us, it was through sheer instinct. Her mental power is phenomenal and is growing exponentially with every moment she lives. Hanna has no idea who or what she truly is, and if I may be so bold, I’d say neither do we. This power inhabiting her is beyond her genetics. It frightens her deeply and I must say it frightens me too. She’s a being unlike any who has ever lived before. I pray she doesn’t slip back into the darkness before she realizes who and what she really is.”

“That’s a very astute observation, Kida,” Enoch stated. “I knew there was much more with Hanna when she invaded my mind a few minutes ago with the ease that you do, Kida. Hanna is obviously a telepath of the first order and someone we should not fuck with at all. I dare say she has the potential to see through any deception. Knowing this, I think we should help her discover who she really is, no matter how long it may take. Hanna has to know who she is and why she’s here.”

Electra stepped back from Enoch and said, “I agree. She’s family and as family, we have an obligation to help her find her destiny. It’s obvious that Hanna doesn’t fully grasp what’s going on or what’s being required of her. We have to help her find the answers she seeks.”

“And we will,” Kida said, wrapping her arm around Enoch. “When will you show her the stones, Enoch?”

Enoch paused for a moment before answering, and then stated, “Soon, my dear. Hanna has been exposed to Nicodemus and thus, the prophecies of her coming to this land. However, Nicodemus doesn’t have the entire prophecy. As soon as Hanna can walk, we will show the whole prophecy to her and she’ll understand her role in this battle for the soul of the planet.”

“We must be careful in how we show it to her,” Electra declared, “Hanna is still very insecure because of her mutation. We must not force it on her. She has to want to know the truth before we can show it to her.”

“And we will,” Enoch stated, “Hanna wants to know the truth of her existence, but fears what she’ll find. When she’s ready, she will accept what we show her. Now, let’s leave her to sleep. She needs it after relieving herself of that dreadful burden.”

Electra leaned over and kissed Hanna on the cheek. “Goodnight, my precious sister. May you have pleasant dreams tonight instead of the horrid nightmares that have plagued you all your life.” Enoch, Kida, and Electra left the room, turning out the lights as they did.