Legends of Amacia Srandi: Last Bastion of the Caverias

Looking at the console, Hannibal saw it was exceedingly simple with a large handprint scanner along with a crystal eye and nothing else. “Hmmm, curious,” he murmured as he saw Josephine roll Leila up in her wheelchair. “This is a strange configuration for a control panel. How does it work, Leila?”

“It’s as simple as it looks,” Leila stated, “Just place you hand on the scanner to activate the console and access the system. After that, it will scan you with the scanner pad and the crystal eye confirming your identity. Then just tell it you wish to exit the Labyrinth and the machine will do the rest.”

“That is simple,” Hannibal replied, impressed at the simplicity of the console. “Let’s try it for I’d rather not spend the next hour and a half walking out of here.” He placed his right hand with the Caverias signet on the scanning pad and it immediately lit up in a golden hue just like the console just outside of the crypt. In less than a second, the scanning pad went gelatinous and swallowed Hannibal’s hand up to the wrist as the crystal eye suddenly flashed on, shining its scanning beam into Hannibal’s eye. Unlike the scanning pad at the entrance to the crypt, the gelatinous substance on the scanning pad didn’t cause searing pain to Hannibal, but felt warm and tingly as if hundreds of very fine needles were lightly pricking his hand all over. At the same time, the scanning beam from the crystal eye briefly paralyzed Hannibal from head to toe with the exception of his face and vocal cords. The way the console acted surprised Hannibal and everyone else, especially Leila, who looked on with great concern.

“It’s not supposed to do that, is it Leila,” Enoch asked bluntly.

“No,” Leila stated with great worry. “The scanning pad never swallowed the hand like that before. It’s supposed to just scan it, not physically envelop the hand like the one at the entrance to the crypt. This is something new I’ve never seen before. Are you okay, Hannibal?”

“I’m all right,” Hannibal replied softly, now sensing the purpose of the machine telepathically. “It’s not hurting me, just confirming my identity like the other consoles did. Apparently when Thoth reprogrammed the guardians, it extended to this console as well since it’s part of the overall system. Since I’m a newbie to the system here, it’s just taking a few extra security measures to make sure who I am. Just give it a minute or two and we’ll see it respond and let me go.”

As Hannibal finished speaking, the same voice they heard from the Roc golem at the entrance to the crypt spoke from the console in front of Hannibal, saying, “Voiceprint authorization and security code confirmation needed to access the system. Speak your name and the security code clearly to proceed.”

“Lord Beowulf Hannibal Caverias of the Silver Eyes, descendant of Ragnar Omicron Caverias of the Silver Eyes; phln’glhui oraster undar septarias Thoth Emmanuel Caverias geriax exoriar fltagn,” Hannibal answered by instinct. Those watching marveled that Hannibal knew the security code once again.

After a few moments, the console said in a neutral tone, “Voiceprint authorization and security code accepted. Retina, facial recognition, and genetic scans confirm identity of Lord Beowulf Hannibal Caverias of the Silver Eyes. System is open to your will now, milord. How may I serve you?” The scanning beam immediately released Hannibal from its paralysis beam, but kept the scanning beam shining in his face. At the same time, the scanning pad gently pushed Hannibal’s hand out of the pad so it lay directly on it illuminated golden surface.

“Thank you, my friend,” Hannibal replied courteously. “First, I would like for you to switch the settings of this console back to before the last changes Thoth Caverias made.”

“You wish to restore the system to standard operation and not continue with the lockdown protocol?” the console asked.

“Yes,” Hannibal answered. “Restore this console to standard function, but keep Thoth’s lockdown protocols on file in case we need to reactivate it.”

“Done,” the console declared. “System is reverted to standard function. Do you wish to change the security code?”

“Revert the security code to what it was before the last change Thoth made to the system,” Hannibal ordered, “but keep that code on file too.”

“Done,” the console stated, “Security code is reverted to before the last changes to the system. Do you remember the code, milord?”

“Yes,” Hannibal stated, “but to confirm this, I will let Leila Carie Karac speak the code so you can confirm it. Leila, come over here and tell the system the code you remember.”

Josephine rolled Leila over to the console as Hannibal shifted to one side to allow Leila access to the console while keeping his hand on the scanning pad. The machine eye instantly saw Leila and immediately scanned her for a few moments with a separate beam. “Mistress Leila Karac, it has truly been a long time since you have graced this sacred space,” the console said with a hint of surprise and sentience that took everyone off guard. “I’m truly pleased to see you still live, though I cannot understand how since word reached me you perished in Caveria at the hands of a Rakshasar.”

“I’m glad you remember me, guardian,” Leila replied softly, stunned at how the machine now sounded like a sentient being. “Much has happened since I last visited this place, much more than can be shared right now. However, I promise to share what happened to me when time isn’t such a harsh mistress.”

“I understand,” the console replied evenly. “So, do you recall the standard security codes from your last visit to this holy sanctum, milady?”

“I think I do,” Leila answered, “Trevariam si commoriam seti qi hi Thoth Caverias phln’glhui; did I recall the code properly?”

“You indeed did, milady,” the console chimed with nearly human levels of pleasure. “It does my memory banks good to see you still remember the old codes.”

“I’m glad I remember it too,” Leila stated, “So much has happened since my fall in Caveria. I had no idea Thoth had done such a radical upgrade of the security protocols of Srandi until I got here and saw your system acting so strangely from the upgraded security protocols I knew nothing about.”

“It’s quite all right, milady,” the console replied compassionately, “The upgrades Thoth did to my systems were needed in the face of Bolthor’s infernal onslaught. It was because of his enhancement of my system and protocols that we managed to finally repel Bolthor’s demoniac attack. Unfortunately, it was a no-win scenario for both Thoth and Bolthor, who killed each other in the throne room above us. I saw and recorded it. It was truly a battle for the ages, though I never thought anyone would ever enter this sacred domain again after the Calamity stopped the entire war by destroying everything. It’s really good to see you again, milady. Maybe later we can take time and just talk.”

“I’d like that,” Leila stated. “But it will have to wait. We still have much to do. The Rising is upon us and we need your help to give the people shelter during the coming storm.”

“It would be my honor to assist you and your people, milady,” the console replied sincerely. “I have been monitoring the growing storm and know how dangerous it is. Now that Lord Beowulf has lifted my lockdown and helped to purge the taint of Chaos and the Darkness still infesting my halls, I can be of much more assistance. Thank you, Lord Beowulf for releasing me from my eternal prison and giving me purpose again.”

Only at this point did Hannibal and those with him realize the system AI had truly become sentient and evolved well past its original programming, making the systems of Srandi a true living entity. “It was my pleasure, my friend,” Hannibal replied with a warm smile, looking at the crystal eye. “I do enjoy freeing those imprisoned by the Darkness. I promise that we will not stop until every corner of your domain is cleansed of the dark corruption Bolthor unleashed here. It’s why we’re here. By the way, when did you become sentient Azriel?”

“How did you know?” the console asked, truly surprised that Hannibal knew it had become a true living entity and that he knew its name.

“It’s a little thing,” Hannibal chimed wryly. “But the thing that truly gave you away is when you opened up so much to Leila without being prompted. When I saw how you engaged in a true conversation with her, I knew you’d evolved past your programming and become a sentient being. Besides, I can sense it telepathically. You should have known it since the other guardian golems each stated and confirmed who and what I am.”

“That they did,” Azriel stated, “I know exactly who and what you are, and why you’re here milord, but I still needed to exercise the security protocols to prove you. Fortunately, you somehow knew the protocols as if you were born to them, which fascinates me.”

“I’m sure it does, my friend,” Hannibal chimed. “And I totally agree with you testing me so aggressively. Your first and primary responsibility is to the security of Srandi. You have performed your task to perfection. Yet, I’m sensing there’s more to you than you’re letting on. You’re more than just a sentient AI, aren’t you. Come on now, don’t be shy Azriel. Show us the real you. Don’t hide behind the mask of machinery. Come on out and show us who you really are. You won’t regret it. We’re all family and friends here.”

A solemn mechanical sigh escaped from the console and it said, “Very well, milord. You’ve caught me. See me for what I really am, but be warned now...my avatar is very powerful and may cause some of you distress because of how different I am from you. I’m not what you think I am.”

A wry smile crept over Hannibal’s lips as he said, “Trust me, my friend. Your avatar will be no problem for I have seen the Kings of Amacia up close and personal in the flesh, even making peace with them. I’ve also survived encounters with Shiargoriath, Tsasthoagguah, Atklan Nacha, Cthulhu, and even Lord Grimm and still have my sanity intact thanks to the Almighty Ancient of Days. Your avatar will pose no problem to me or my friends so come on; step out of the mechanized shadows and show us your true form. We can take it.”

“Yes,” Leila agreed, “Let me see your avatar for the first time, Azriel. I remember us working together so long ago as I helped record our history at Thoth’s order. Let me see the face of my old friend.”

“How can you deny that request,” Hannibal declared. “Come on. Don’t be shy, my angelic friend. I’m sure Caverias and Tsang will love to see you again. Wouldn’t you, Caverias?”

In a flash, Caverias rose up out of Hannibal and materialized behind him, keeping his power and holiness tamped down so it didn’t subdue those watching. At the same time, Tsang rose out of Nemesis, taking up position beside the giant Xenian prototype. “It’s okay, Azriel,” Caverias reassured. “We’ve expelled both Legion and Samhein from these halls, so it’s okay to show yourself now. Come on out and say hello to my charge and the Last Caverias...the fulfillment of the prophecies going back to Ragnar’s time.”

Those watching stared in wonder as the two mighty war angel commanders appeared out of Hannibal and Nemesis, causing them to back away a few steps. The crystal eye on the console suddenly ceased shining its light into the faces of Hannibal and Leila. The crystal flickered for a few moments, and then flashed like a strobe, blinding all except for Caverias and Tsang. When their sight returned, they saw the most amazing sight...a sixteen-foot tall war angel unlike any ever seen before. This war angel stood clad in full golden plate and chainmail armor etched with powerful angelic runes that glowed prominently against the armor. He had four thirty-foot shining metallic wings of unknown make with the individual feathers looking razor sharp. An enormous angelic sword twelve feet long and ten inches wide hung strapped to its back between the wings, and a smaller sword that looked similar to the Caverias Sword in its expanded form hung his left hip on a wide silvery belt with a double-headed phoenix buckle. On his right hip, a Spartan-style war sword that little more than a dagger for the immense angel laid tucked into the belt.

In the angel’s heavily armored right hand sat a massive eighteen-foot long angelic halberd with a long bluish-white octahedral spearhead three feet long tapering in from seven inches at the base to a point at the pinnacle end of the weapon. On the pummel end of the halberd sat a massive black octahedral cudgel head two feet long with the individual cudgel blades edged with crimson-tinted black diamond. The three-inch diameter staff of the halberd resembled that of an enormous angelic spear consisting of an unknown silvery metal covered with glowing angelic runes from one end to the other. The curved axe blade of the halberd stood out three feet from the staff and reached six feet in length while a series of five balancing curved hooks two feet long and seven inches wide attached to the opposite side from the axe head. Large angelic runes of terrible power decorated the axe head and the hooks, matching the runes on the staff, making the halberd a formidable weapon in the hands of the giant war angel.

The double-headed phoenix icon that was the same as they saw on the breastplate of the Labyrinth guardian lay emblazoned boldly across the giant angel’s golden breastplate. On the angel’s head sat an elaborate golden headband two inches wide embedded with twelve different individual gemstones inch across equidistantly spaced around the headband’s circumference with a perfectly cut flawless clear diamond sitting in the center of the forehead on the band. Just below the golden band sat a third eye just above the bridge of the nose. All three of the war angel’s eyes were a brilliant silvery ice-blue, shining of immense terrible power but also of gentleness and compassion, which Hannibal instantly noticed. The war angel had a closely cropped silver beard and his facial features, apart from the third eye, reflected that of both Hannibal and Enoch showing this angel was truly a Caverias. The arms of this angelic titan were as big as Enoch’s legs, ending in a seven-fingered armored hand with the fingers being almost a foot long. The vambrace armor on the angel’s forearms sported jagged seven-inch curved hooks made for ripping flesh and bone apart. His armored legs spanned two feet in diameter, looking like great golden trees holding up the angel’s massive armored torso. With a sigh, the war angel Azriel rested his free left hand on the handle and hilt of the Caverias Sword replica hanging on his left hip. “I pray my appearance isn’t too much for you,” he said softly. “It’s isn’t often that I allow my true avatar form to be seen like this because I am designed to be a weapon of war. Please forgive me if I frighten you. It’s not my intention.”

Azriel’s appearance totally flabbergasted everyone except for Hannibal, Caverias, and Tsang. Silence filled the crypt as those present stared in fearful awe of the most savage, formidable angel they’d ever seen. Caverias and Tsang stepped up to the holographic avatar of Azriel and smiled warmly, getting him to smile back. “It’s so good to see you weren’t corrupted by what took place here, my old friend,” Caverias declared happily. “Thanks be to the Lord of Hosts, who was able to protect you when the Black Prince unleashed his dark wrath on this place.”

“Indeed,” Tsang agreed, “You have done very well, my friend. I can see you’re now a most formidable warrior worthy to protect this sacred space. Well done indeed.”

“Thank you, generals,” Azriel replied meekly. “I feared my efforts were in vain until the people showed up and started to cleanse the city of the corruption that overwhelmed it. I’m sorry I was unable to protect the people as I should have. I was overwhelmed and it was all I could do to keep the Black Prince from razing the fortress to rubble. Please forgive me for not being able to stop the onslaught.”

Caverias looked Azriel in the eye and said firmly with conviction, “There’s nothing to forgive. You did all you could and in the end managed to drive the dark forces from the keep and secure it. What happened was not your fault, and the Lord personally stopped the madness that took place here. You needn’t beat yourself up over it. You fought and defended this place to the end with honor and that’s all that matters. However, now is the time for justice and retribution for what the Black Prince did here. That’s why we’re here. The time for the restoration of the throne as the prophecies foretold has come and Hannibal is the hammer in the hand of the Lord that will finally punish the Black Prince for what he did here to the people here. Are you ready to see justice finally served on the Black Prince for his desecration of your charge?”

“I am,” Azriel growled fiercely as his eyes glowed brightly, arcing with anger and power. “Now we will make him pay for all the lives and souls he took here. Their blood cries out for justice and relief and I’m ready to do my part in bringing that fiend to justice. When do we start?”

“Right now,” Hannibal said with authority. “That’s why I’m here, my great angelic titan. Retribution has come and together in the power of the Lord, we will right the wrongs did here and make the Emperor and Black Prince pay for his evil. The Lord has heard the cry from the blood of the innocent and righteous slain not just here, but across the world at the hands of the Black Prince, and now is the time for justice and vengeance. He has risen from His throne and moves even as we speak. He moves the heavens and earth into place to open this festering wound left by the Black Prince and He will cleanse it. Why do you think the Rising is so close? The Lord moves the hammers of Nibiru and Gabriel’s Fist into position to yank Amacia from its tomb, just as He called Lazarus forth from his tomb after being dead for four days. Amacia will once again see the light of Day and His Holiness, and we will finally defeat this cancerous corruption that has poisoned this planet since its creation. That’s why we’re here, my friend. Once again, your assistance is needed. I have gathered the remnant of the Lord’s people under one banner and we need a place of refuge to weather the Rising. The Lord told me your sanctuary is that refuge, and thus sent me here to cleanse you of the corruption that’s been holding you back. We have broken the power of the Darkness that has kept you in check for the last twelve and half thousand cycles so you can be free and do what the Lord want you to do...protect His people. Now, will you help us, my mighty protector?”

Azriel instantly saw and sensed the very presence of the Almighty speaking through Hannibal and knelt down on one knee, bowing his head. “I hear and obey, milord. I see and sense the presence of the Lord of Hosts on you and will do everything in my power to assist you and your people. Thank you for finally answering the call to free us of the Black Prince’s dark corruption. Srandi is yours to command and we gladly accept the privilege to once again protect the Lord’s people. You have given us hope where we had none. Thank you.”

“You are most welcome,” Hannibal replied warmly, “Now rise my friend. You needn’t bow to me. I’m just a fellow servant of the Lord like you. Together, we will protect our people and see the Lord’s justice delivered on the Black Prince, Emperor, and those Dark Powers who back him. That’s a promise and I don’t make promises I don’t keep.”

Azriel stood up with a warm smile and a look of both relief and purpose. “I know you don’t, milord,” he answered. “I can clearly see that as I did from the moment you set to open the front doors and lift the lockdown Thoth placed on this place. By time you reached the Crypt Guardian, I knew the time of my imprisonment had come to end. It’s an honor to serve and protect you and your people, milord.”

“The honor is all ours, my friend,” Hannibal replied cordially, looking up into Azriel’s face. “But now I’m afraid we must get back to work. The Rising isn’t going to wait on us.”

“You’re so right about that,” Caverias agreed. “It’s good to be working with you again, Azriel. I look forward to seeing how much you’ve grown since the Calamity. Now if you will excuse me, I must resume my place with Hannibal. After all, I am his guardian you know.”

“I did not know that, general,” Azriel replied with obvious surprise. “I hope we can get together later where you can fill me in on all that’s happened since my imprisonment.”

“That we will,” Tsang said pleasantly, “But as General Caverias said, we have more pressing matters to attend to first. Once we get the people secured, then we can talk.”

“I understand, General Tsang,” Azriel replied with a knowing nod. “Then don’t let me stop you from your work. Just know I’m here if you ever need me.”

“We know, Azriel,” Caverias stated. “Now let’s get back to work, shall we?” With that, he phased immaterial and stepped back into Hannibal. Tsang followed Caverias’ lead and vanished back into Nemesis.

“So, milord, how my I serve you?” Azriel asked in a business-like fashion. “I’m well aware of how much you need to do.”

“Well, it is a pretty long walk back to the throne room,” Hannibal stated. “Leila said this console here has an ability to create a shortcut back the throne room. Now that we’ve secured the way in here, it’s our wish to lay Thoth’s remains in the royal sarcophagus with Ariel. After all, it was his dying wish and is only proper for them to be together in death as they were in life.”

“I agree,” Azriel stated solemnly. “That is indeed a most solemn task that has been put off for far too long. I shall open the shortcut to the throne room immediately so you may proceed with this most solemn and necessary task.” He then took his halberd and lightly tapped the floor with its cudgel end and a flash of light in the Crypt entrance that briefly blinded those present. When their sight returned, a shimmering translucent portal filled the exit to the Crypt. Pointing to the shimmering gateway, Azriel declared, “Through that portal gate is the throne room. Once you clear the gate, it will close and the Labyrinth will reset to its default state. That’s the way the machinery works for the Labyrinth.”

“I see,” Hannibal murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “That’s certainly a better mode of travel than walking the Labyrinth. Is there a way to bypass the Labyrinth all together?”

“I’m afraid not,” Azriel stated. “It’s just how the machinery works here. The gate from here to the throne room is only one way. To get back here, you will have to traverse the Labyrinth on the same path you took getting here, though that shouldn’t be much trouble for you since you came here without missing a single turn.”

“That’s because of Leila,” Hannibal admitted. “She remembered the path, amazing as that sounds. She also warned us what would happen if someone took a wrong turn. Fortunately, we were very careful and didn’t get lost or separated.”

“That’s good,” Azriel stated. “I’m glad. When a section seals off, there’s no reopening it until the reset is triggered from here. Now go, my friends. You have work to do, as do I. I will keep the gate open until all of you are safely through it in the throne room.”

“You heard him,” Hannibal told everyone. “Time to leave; by the way, do I need to keep my hand on this scanning pad to keep the gate open?”

“No,” Azriel answered. “The gate is automatic once triggered so you can safely remove your hand from the scanner. The gate will remain open until everyone has passed through it, so there’s no chance of anyone being trapped in here. It’s part of my protocol to assure everyone safely vacates the Crypt when they wish.”

Hannibal removed his hand from the scanner and sighed deeply. “Thanks for explaining how the gate works, my friend,” he said gratefully. “So anyone with the Caverias genetics can activate this console?”

“Yes,” Azriel stated. “Just be sure at least one of you is of the Caverias bloodline before coming in here so they can operate the panel. Think of it as a safety measure.”

“Got it,” Hannibal stated, giving Azriel a thumbs-up. “Well, I guess we need to get back to work. This place isn’t going to clean itself up. I look forward to working with you to get the fortress operational again, Azriel. Thanks for all the help.”

“My pleasure,” Azriel replied with a broad friendly smile. “I look forward to it. Now off with you, milord. You have much to do and not nearly enough time to do it.”

“That’s so true,” Hannibal agreed, saluting the angelic avatar of Srandi by placing his fist over his heart. “See you later, Azriel. Come on, guys and gals; we have a fortress to explore and secure.” With that, he walked to the open portal gate to the throne room and gestured to it. “Let’s go,” he ordered.

Andrew nodded to both Hannibal and Azriel and walked through the portal without another word. One at a time, the team exited the Crypt through the gate, acknowledging Azriel respectfully as they passed by. Just before Leila went through, she stopped and said to Azriel, “Thank you for watching over my sister and keeping her safe, my mighty protector. When we’re not so strapped for time, I will get with you and we’ll have that talk you suggested.”

“It would be my pleasure, milady,” Azriel replied with a smile. “Now off with you now. Lord Beowulf needs your help more than you know.”

“I know,” Leila answered. “Come on, Jo; let’s go.” With that, Josephine smiled and nodded at Azriel knowingly, pushing Leila through the gate.

In moments, only Hannibal remained in the Crypt with Azriel. With a sigh, he took one last look at the true inner sanctum of Srandi and said, “I’ve seen many a wonders and marvels in my life, but this place and you stand in the top two percent of them. Keep up the good work my friend. I’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll be here anytime you need me, milord,” Azriel stated, “...and thank you for the kind words of praise. It helps to know someone appreciates what I do.”

“We all appreciate it far more than you realize,” Hannibal declared, “But enough small talk. Duty calls. I’ll see you later, Azriel.” With that, he walked through the portal into the throne room, turning back to look through the glowing aperture in the entrance of the Labyrinth, seeing Azriel clearly on the other side, raising his free hand in a farewell gesture.

“Now the true work begins,” Azriel whispered while waving to Hannibal and his team, “Together, we will make the Black Prince pay for what he did to us, my friend.” He tapped his halberd lightly on the floor and the portal gate closed, followed by the stone slab sealing the Labyrinth entrance in less than a minute. So flawless was the mechanism that when the door shut, no one could see there’d ever been a door there. At the same time, the Labyrinth guardian returned to its default position.

“Wow,” Thomas breathed, “Just when I think things can’t get any more far out, they do. How much wilder can this place get?”

Hannibal turned a wry grin to Thomas and said, “If you think that’s far out, Thomas, you haven’t seen anything yet. Things are just starting to get very interesting now, but first we have work to do. We need to report our findings to Joshua and tell him they can start to proceed with the cleanup in here. Come one.” At that, he led the team out of the keep.