Legends of Amacia The Awakening

Ragnar’s Prophecy

“His friends say Ragnar seemed to glow when it happened,” Aeolus reported. “They’d been talking about the threat Grimm’s minions and the remaining Dark Gods posed to this planet when it happened. Ragnar, who was unable to stand after his fight with Grimm, stood up glowing head to toe as he spoke to those present. They say his silver eyes blazed like lamps as he told everyone not to be deceived, that their victory over Grimm was only short-lived. Killing and destroying Grimm’s form in our universe didn’t utterly destroy him. It only forced his vile spirit back into Void. Ragnar reminded everyone that Grimm escaped the Void once, and he’d eventually do it again to finish what he started. When asked what Grimm’s ultimate goal was, Ragnar said with no hesitation that Grimm wished to merge all dimensions into the Void of Chaos, extinguishing all Light and Life everywhere. His favorite saying was all things revert to the darkness of chaos in the Void. Those present asked Ragnar what to do about it and he said to be vigilant against the Darkness, and to annihilate every last one of Grimm’s minions wherever they may be found. Apparently, as long as one minion of Grimm remains in this universe, he can break out of the Void and return to this dimension.

“Ragnar then told them that in the end of days, in the time of the Last Caverias, Grimm would indeed return, emboldened by the evils perpetrated by the Darkness of this universe. He would come back to finish what he started with a new brood even more heinous than the first he came with. Grimm’s first goal would be to wipe out the Caverias line for all eternity.” Aeolus paused for a moment, letting Hanna digest what he’d told her.

“Did Ragnar describe this Last Caverias?” Hanna whispered; her face pale.

“He did,” Aeolus stated. “Ragnar first prophesied the coup against Thoth and the fall of Amacia where the Ancient of Days buried it to stop the Darkness from spreading. Then he prophesied the fall of the Emperor in terms very similar to what you’ve already seen and heard from Enoch, along with Amacia rising from its grave. While speaking of these events, Ragnar gave a description of the Last Caverias. He called the Last Caverias the Beowulf.”

A sinking feeling crashed through Hanna’s heart all the way into her shoes as icy chills raced down her spine. “Oh, man,” she murmured fearfully. “Here we go. What did he say?”

“Don’t be afraid, Hanna,” Aeolus reassured her in a conciliatory tone. “Your destiny is fraught with wonder and enchantment cast by the Ancient of Days Himself. Ragnar knew the Caverias line would survive and return to the cursed lands of Amacia from the surface after the Calamity. He insisted that the Last Caverias, the Beowulf, would be of his special lineage. Beowulf would be scarred by the Darkness in his early years of life and eventually find his way back into the light. Once he found his way into the light, Beowulf would find his way back to Amacia with a Lynxian mate he finds under very unusual circumstances along with eleven warriors from the surface, one of which was an enemy who really wasn’t an enemy. Ragnar also insisted that one of the eleven would be the father of Beowulf’s Lynxian mate whom Beowulf would see as a father figure. Once he finds his way back to the land of his ancestors Beowulf and his mate would be captured by his enemy. He would be tortured and temporarily mutated into a female before escaping. After escaping, Beowulf would find the way to reverse the mutation and strike several hard blows against the Darkness before reversing the mutation. One of those blows would be his freeing his mate and other righteous souls imprisoned in the Darkness, especially the soul who was responsible for mutating him. Hanna....” Aeolus looked Hanna directly in the eye, saying, “I don’t think I need to continue. You know of whom I speak. It’s you. You’re the Last Caverias. Ragnar knew and prophesied your coming hundreds of cycles before Thoth was born. Furthermore, he declared only you would be able to wield the Bane; that when the time was right, you’d be drawn to it and start to unlock your destiny. When you finally discovered your heritage and destiny, you’d become the most powerful Caverias to ever live and become one of the great guardians of the universe like Cerrelius. That’s why he insisted that the Bane be stored in the Red Tower’s Armory. He knew you’d be drawn to the Red Tower, and that only you would have the power, skill, and instinct to handle the Bane. In fact, he said you’d use the Bane by sheer instinct as if you had been born to it without ever having used such a weapon before. You admitted feeling the call of the Bane and using it in the Armory arena against the drones by instinct without ever having trained with such a weapon before. Hanna...there can be no more doubt. You are the Caverias...the Last Caverias. Ragnar Omicron Caverias, one of the greatest Caverias to ever live foretold your appearance in this late black day over thirteen thousand cycles ago. You’re special, Hanna, in ways you don’t yet comprehend. You come from a line of mighty guardians who have protected this universe from the Darkness since the beginning of time itself.”

Hanna’s mouth dropped open in astonishment and she fell to her knees. “Oh, my god,” she breathed. “I had no idea Ragnar prophesied about me in such detail. Did he describe me physically?”

“He did,” Aeolus declared. “He said the Last Caverias would be slightly smaller than he was with a moderate build. The Beowulf would have ice-blue eyes with just a tint of silver bearing slightly feline characteristics, and would bear many scars from his time in the Darkness. Furthermore, he would be very telepathic and empathetic, exhibiting incredible elemental skills and power by instinct without knowing why or how he could do it initially. But most importantly, Ragnar stated that after his mutation and escape from his enemy, he would battle and kill several Old Ones with the weapons of his ancestors in his enemy’s old stronghold. By the time he has the mutation reversed, Beowulf would come to understand the power within him, but would use it hesitantly. He’d claim no human should hold such power. Hanna...if that isn’t you, I don’t know what is. Ragnar believed in you, even though he never knew you. He said you’d save us all from the most Ancient Darkness in the power of the Ancient of Days, restoring balance to the multiverse. If you don’t believe me, use your growing telepathic prowess to search my memories to be sure.”

“I don’t need to,” Hanna murmured with a pale look on her face. “You wouldn’t lie to me about something this important. I’m just having trouble comprehending how Ragnar so accurately described me. It’s as if he’d actually seen me. Did he?”

Aeolus sighed. “If he did, he didn’t tell anyone, not even me,” Aeolus admitted. “Like you, I too am puzzled how Ragnar could so accurately describe you, right down to your eyes, scars, and mannerism. All I can say is the Ancient of Days must have showed him you when he uttered that incredible prophecy in his last minutes. I wish I could have been present when he did it. That was literally his last act.”

“I know you do,” Hanna replied softly, rising to her feet and hugging Aeolus’ huge head. “I can feel your angst at missing his final moments. But even now, I feel as if I’m still missing a piece of his story. Something is still missing, though you have filled in a large part of his story for me. I really appreciate that. Now, I have some idea of what kind of man Ragnar was.” A thought hit Hanna that made her pause and shook her countenance as she backed away from Aeolus.

“What’s wrong, Hanna?” Aeolus asked.

“For some reason, I thought of the nightmare I had about Apocalypse,” Hanna answered, very subdued in her tone and manner. “Is it possible that this skeletal figure in my nightmare was in fact Ragnar? He did say we were the same...that he was the beginning and I was the end. What if Ragnar is Apocalypse?”

“That’s an interesting thought,” Aeolus stated. “I saw the dream you speak of during our telepathic contact with each other. But I cannot answer that question. This Apocalypse figure does seem to have some of Ragnar’s mannerism, but I cannot say for sure it’s him, not like I was able to positively identify Cerrelius. You may want to pray and ask the Ancient of Days about that. You are His Hand, after all. I’m sure He’ll give you understanding about it.”

“That’s a good idea,” Hanna admitted. “Some good old-fashioned prayer is what’s needed now. This is a mystery I need to unravel as much as the one about my missing time.”

“True,” Aeolus agreed. “But I must now beg your forgiveness again. Our conversation has caused you great trepidation. It’s driven away the peace you had when I first approached. I’m so sorry my revelations caused you so much anxiety when you were trying to prepare for the mutation reversal.”

A troubled sigh escaped Hanna’s lips. “There’s nothing to forgive,” Hanna declared, touching Aeolus on the side of his enormous face. “I’m as much at fault here as you are. But I am very grateful for what you shared with me about Ragnar and Grimm. It’s something I really needed to know.”

“You’re welcome,” Aeolus rumbled softly. “But we need to get your peace back. Maybe singing Grimm’s Requiem will give you back the peace you’ve lost. Come, let’s sing the song together. I could use a bit of that peace myself.”

“Yes,” Hanna replied with a smile. “Let’s sing it together.” With that, Hanna sat down cross-legged beside Aeolus and began singing the song, meditating on it as she sang it. Aeolus started singing it too, rumbling out the notes in his own native draken tongue while concentrating on the song. Peace fell upon the pair almost immediately, the song driving away all their troubles and fears. After they sang for about a half hour, both Hanna and Aeolus had perfect peace and serenity in their minds and hearts. Hanna stopped singing with a sigh and a smile as Aeolus too ceased singing. Looking at Aeolus as she rose to her feet, Hanna said, “It’s such a powerful song filled with so much love and light. I feel so good now. Thank you for suggesting we sing it together.” She kissed Aeolus on the side of his face and stepped back with a warm smile.

“You’re most welcome,” Aeolus replied warmly. “I had forgotten how powerful the Requiem is. It’s calmed my troubled mind and heart too, and placed a balm on the memories of Ragnar and Grimm. I truly hope Ragnar was mistaken about Grimm returning. I do not want to see that monster reborn into this universe.”

“Neither do I,” Hanna agreed, “But there is something dark moving in the shadows beyond the evil of the Emperor and the Black Prince. I can sense it and so can you. It refuses to let itself be seen yet. I don’t know if it’s Grimm or some other ancient evil unknown to me. In either case, we must be vigilant as Ragnar asked us to be so we can counter whatever may be lurking in the Darkness. But I’m not going to let it steal my peace again. Jesus said let the troubles of tomorrow stay there. We have enough trouble today to deal with.”

“That’s so true,” Aeolus agreed. “This Jesus is the messiah the Ancient of Days sent to you humans long after Amacia was buried, isn’t he?”

“He is,” Hanna declared. “Jesus is the only begotten son of the Ancient of Days. He took the penalty for us so we may be reconciled to our God. You want to know the story?”

“Yes,” Aeolus answered.

“Then I shall show you,” Hanna stated. “I shall open my mind to you so you can see the Gospels of our God.” She touched Aeolus on the side of his face, telepathically connecting to Aeolus. “See the story of our God as I know it,” she said resolutely.

In the blink, Aeolus saw and understood pure Christianity, along with the Gospels of Salvation and the Kingdom. He realized what the Almighty had done to bring his rebellious creation back into alignment with Him. “Oh, my word,” Aeolus breathed, stunned at the message Hanna showed him, “The Ancient of Days did that to save his creation?”

“He did,” Hanna replied with a smile, breaking contact. “He loves us more than anyone can conceive, but He can’t save us if we won’t let Him. Many people have heard this message and rejected it, throwing it into His face and doing all kinds of evil in His name. Their selfish ambitions keep them ensnared in the Darkness. We’re now rapidly approaching the same point of no return that happened at the end of the Days of Darkness. He may love us, but He can take only so much before He has to act and return balance to his creation. That’s why the Calamity, the Kragonar happened in the first place. The balance got so out of whack and the beings of this planet so evil he had to destroy them to return balance to his creation. He’s a righteous God and can only take so much before He has to act to punish the evil of men and other creatures that violate His laws.”

“That explains so much,” Aeolus rumbled with a sober smile. “I’d always wondered why the Ancient of Days did what He did. Now, you’ve provided me with the critical piece I needed to see the big picture. Thank you, Hanna.”

“You’re welcome,” Hanna replied. “It was my pleasure. I’m always happy to share the Gospel with any who are willing to hear. I’ve found far more souls in this cursed underworld who are receptive to the Gospel than I’ve ever found on the surface.”

“I find that incredible,” Aeolus admitted. “Why aren’t the people of the surface receptive to it?”

Hanna sighed. “I don’t know,” she answered. “But they just won’t embrace the Light. Most are ensnared by the Darkness and don’t know any better. Some are so selfish they can’t see past their own evil thoughts and desires. Yet others are plain evil and followers of the Darkness, influenced by the Black Prince and the Emperor. Apparently, the Emperor and Black Prince have been influencing the surface much longer than I realized. The masters of the universe up there serve the Emperor and the Black Prince. They’ve been trying to subjugate the world for hundreds, maybe thousands of cycles, getting the surface ready for the Emperor’s return.” She paused with a sober, troubled look. “They’re trying to recreate the Days of Darkness and unleash the Emperor from his grave here, Aeolus,” she declared. “I think that’s why the Almighty has me here...to stop it from happening and keep the Light from being extinguished from this planet forever.”

Aeolus looked down at Hanna thoughtfully and smiled soberly. “You are so very close to embracing your destiny,” he declared. “You’ve discovered why you’re here, which is very good. Now, embrace it, my friend, and remember, you’re not alone. Your friends are here to help you carry this burden. It’s our job to help you carry this burden, as it is your job to lead us in this fight.”

“I know,” Hanna said softly. “I’m not alone, not anymore. And I do appreciate all the help I’m getting. I’d rather not be in this position, but at this point, I can’t back down. My conscience won’t allow it. Heh...I guess I kind of ask for it.”

“What do you mean?” Aeolus asked.

“I asked for this position by insisting on finding out what life was like in the 1st Age,” Hanna stated. “I walked right into it without realizing what I was getting into. Oh, well...I can’t back out now. Seems everywhere I turn, there are prophecies and evidence that I’m destined for this. I never really believed in destiny. I always thought we made our own destinies by our choices, and that it wasn’t foreordained. It seems I may have been slightly mistaken about that.”

“You’re not completely mistaken on that matter,” Aeolus reassured. “Every soul’s destiny is unique, forged by their choices. However, a select few have a prescribed destiny laid out by the Ancient of Days...a destiny that cannot be altered or changed by their choices. Those select few are driven by forces greater than they are. They make the choices that bring about their destiny without them realizing it. By time they realize what’s happening to them, they become bitter and resentful because they feel they have no control over their lives. I know you feel this way, Hanna.”

“True,” Hanna admitted. “I feel that way, and I don’t like it at all. I never wanted this, just to know the truth.”

“I know you don’t like it,” Aeolus stated. “I can plainly see it, but believe it or not, Ragnar felt the same way. He felt much like you do, unable to escape a destiny he never wanted. Ragnar never wished to be a great guardian standing in the way of the Darkness. It was thrust upon him, and it caused him great pain and anxiety until he accepted that destiny. When he accepted the position he found himself in at the time Grimm descended upon our world, he became a great force for Life, Light, and Good. He told me just before he went to confront Grimm for the last time that he didn’t regret the decision to embrace his destiny. Ragnar got great delight in helping and protecting others, though he detested violence and bloodshed. He accepted that holding back the most Ancient Darkness and Grimm was his reason for being. And like you, it took him a while to discover it. But once he realized that was what the Ancient of Days wanted for him, he embraced it and became the standard-bearer for all Caverias who followed.”

“Whoa,” Hanna murmured. “So he felt the same way I do. You know this for certain?”

“I do,” Aeolus insisted. “I was his closest non-human friend. Ragnar never kept anything from me, including his trepidation about how he had no apparent control over his destiny. Things constantly happened to him with such speed and frequency he could only react to them. It perplexed and angered him greatly. The only thing he didn’t have to react to was when he took his wife. Kara was the best thing to ever happen to him. She never imposed upon him and gave him exactly what he needed when he needed it. She helped him discover the secret to controlling his Rage.”

“Was she like Ragnar...special?” Hanna asked.

“Yes,” Aeolus replied. “Kara was indeed special. She had unique talents and skills that complimented Ragnar’s own unique skill set. Furthermore, she was the only one who could keep up with him, especially in battle. When they went into battle as a team, they were practically unbeatable. None could stand before them. I found it surprising how vicious and brutal Kara could be in battle. Normally, Kara was a kind, gentle soul who loved everyone. But when something threatened her or her loved ones, she became a vicious as a saber cat. In a way, Selina reminds me a lot of Kara, just as you favor Ragnar so much in your looks and mannerism.”

“Now, that’s interesting,” Hanna chimed. “Was Kara a human?”

“Yes,” Aeolus stated. “She was pure human genetically as far as I know. A radiant beauty she was too with flaming red hair and emerald eyes. She had a bit of a temper, but knew how to control it and utilize it. It made her a formidable fighter.”

“Really,” Hanna replied. “Was she telepathic?”

“She was a telepath of the first order,” Aeolus stated. “But she only used her telepathy with Ragnar. Kara refused to use it with anyone else. From what I understand, her telepathy is how she helped Ragnar tame his Rage. It’s very similar to what Selina does for you and your Rage.”

“Is that so?” Hanna asked. “Did the wives of the other Caverias do the same for their men?”

“They did,” Aeolus stated. “But of all the Caverias, only Thoth and Ariel had the telepathic fusion like you and Selina do. That’s what made Thoth and Ariel the strongest. Without their fusion and love, Bolthor may have succeeded in wiping out the Caverias line. Never underestimate the resilience of a Lynxian woman. She will move heaven and earth to protect her mate and family. I heard rumors that Ariel actually sacrificed herself to save Thoth, but I don’t really know if that’s true or not. All I heard was that Bolthor killed Ariel in front of Thoth when she refused his advances and Thoth resisted his will. He should have never done that. That forever turned Thoth against Bolthor. It grieves my heart every time I remember it.”

“I will find the truth of what happened,” Hanna declared. “That’s a promise. And I do know the resilience of Lynxians intimately. Selina can play me like a harp. I’m a puppet on her strings. She knows just how to...well, you know.”

“I do indeed,” Aeolus stated. “I’ve seen it before. Lynxians are a marvelous species with such power and compassion. If humans were a bit more like the Lynxians, the Calamity may have never happened.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Hanna answered. “I’ve heard both Nathanael and Selina talk about their people. It seems their species is not much different from humanity in how they treat each other. At least that’s what it was like when their blue sun went supernova and destroyed the Kaitian Empire. Selina and Nathanael are only part of a small, very small minority in the Kaitian Empire...a minority that was being persecuted brutally for believing in the Ancient of Days. I’d like to think there were more like them. When I rescued Nathanael and Selina with the portal generator, their people were just as selfish, ambitious, and evil as humanity. I found it quite astounding that two species separated by such cosmic distances could evolve in such a similar manner.”

“That is interesting,” Aeolus agreed. “I know nothing of their home world, just that a number of them arrived on this planet in a crippled starship when Thoth’s father ruled. It crashed in the southwestern mountains of Azrael near the sea. Everyone saw it come in. Whoever piloted the ship did a very good job of keeping the ship relatively intact as it came in.”

“How many was on the ship?” Hanna asked.

“About three hundred,” Aeolus stated. “But only eighty survived the hard landing. Ariel and Leila’s mother survived, but her husband died in the crash. She was a couple months pregnant when they arrived out of nowhere.”

“You’re speaking of Leila Karac?” Hanna asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes,” Aeolus replied. “Leila and Ariel were twins who were born on this planet. Ariel eventually married Thoth and Leila married Thoth’s best friend, Ezra Karac, who became Thoth’s top general.”

Hanna rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Now there’s some information Selina would be very interested in,” she chimed. “Both of us wondered how Lynxians came to this planet. How did the ship crash?”

“Apparently, it appeared out of nowhere in low orbit heavily damaged,” Aeolus reported. “They sent out a distress signal that our friends in the Alkaidian Alliance picked up on, as did we. Unfortunately, the Dark Gods and the Draconian Alliance received the same signal and everyone moved to intercept. Before anyone could reach them, the ship’s orbit failed, forcing them to do a controlled re-entry and a hard landing. The result of their appearance was an orbital battle between our allies and the Dark God’s allies that lasted two weeks. Our forces eventually drove back the Draconians.”

A sour expression crossed Hanna’s face. “So, the Draconians were a problem back in your time too,” she stated grimly.

“Indeed,” Aeolus rumbled. “The Draconian Alliance was the right hand of the Dark Gods, led by Grimm. They came to pillage this planet of its resources, but were careful not to get too close to Grimm. They knew he and his brood would target them, so they made agreements with the other Dark Gods for protection. At least, that’s what I understood. Are they still around?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Hanna hissed. “The masters of the universe on the surface who work for the Emperor have been trading with the Draconians for my entire life. They’re using the Draconians and their tech to get a stranglehold on humanity. I know this because I used to be one of them.”

“I know,” Aeolus growled. “But this is a disturbing development. Only the Alkaidian Alliance had the firepower to check the aggression of the Draconians. Do you know if they’re still around?”

Hanna shook her head. “I have no idea,” she replied. “We’ve had contact with the reptilian Draconians and several other species, who are not all on the same page as to what to do with us humans. I know the Draconians, the Greys, the Bugs, and the Nordics want to harvest the planet and us with it. The other species are standing off, waiting to see what’s going to happen, but I do believe they may be very concerned about the way things are going.”

“This can’t be good,” Aeolus stated. “I know about the ones you call the Greys and the Bugs. The ones you call Greys are Ruticulians and are subservient to the Draconians, who are malevolent reptilian beings bent on galactic domination. The Bugs, on the other hand, are divided. In the 1st Age, factions of the Bugs worked with and against the Draconian Alliance. I’m sure the ones your people on the surface are dealing with are those who allied with the Draconians. Be very wary of the insectoids allied with the Draconians for they will turn the Earth into a hive if allowed. They will eat any being that is not of the Darkness. The other factions stood with the Alkadian Alliance to stop them. As for the species you call the Nordics, I haven’t encountered them before. But if they’re in league with the Draconians, then they’re not our friends. It’s not good that you haven’t seen the Alkadian Alliance yet. They may not exist now.”

“I hope not,” Hanna answered. “We can use all the help we can get against these shits. But it’s kind of moot now. The Draconians and all those other aliens are just minions. The real threat is right in front of us. The Emperor is the source of this evil. We stop him; this planet has a chance of survival.”

“True,” Aeolus agreed. “But for now, let’s just drop this discussion. You don’t need anything else to weigh you down right now. I’ve already told you more than you’ve needed to know. Besides, your procedure is nigh and you need to relax and not worry about such things. Go and have some fun. Sing Ragnar’s song again and play some. The forces of Darkness can wait. Besides, I have some work to do myself.”

“Okay,” Hanna answered pleasantly. “I am getting a bit hungry. It’s been nice to talk with you like this, Aeolus. I really enjoyed it.”

“So did I,” Aeolus declared. “If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. My ear is always open. Now, if you will excuse me, I must go.”

Hanna kissed Aeolus on the side of the face before backing away as the draken stood up. “I love you, Aeolus,” she called out. “You’re a true friend.”

“Likewise,” Aeolus chimed, “I’ll see you later.” With that, he jumped off the tower, flying off to the north.

“Until our next meeting,” Hanna whispered, waving to Aeolus. “Be safe, my friend.” A warm feeling of contentment filled Hanna’s heart as she watched Aeolus disappear into the distance. A roar from below drew her attention away from Aeolus. Turning to the sound, she saw a Liopleurodon one hundred twenty feet long jump straight up out of the water crushing a Plesiosaur in its jaws. Falling back into the water with a roar, Sea Rex disappeared like a ghost with its catch. Hanna smiled. “Still king of the Sea, aren’t you Sea Rex?” she murmured, turning away and heading back into the Red Tower as the light dimmed with the approach of night.