Seekers of the Stone Maker

A short time later, Alyk snapped his fingers, causing ethereal lights to appear. As if by telepathic command, the lights grew in size, then changed, turning into metallic, bipedal creatures.

“I know this has been a long night, and I’m sure you have many more questions, but I think we should all rest, then start back up in the morning. These creations of mine can take you to the bedrooms. They will stay at the end of the hall in case you need anything.”

Lyla felt uneasy. Her entire life had been flipped around again in just under an hour. She was exhausted, sore, and ready to sleep, but something still nagged at the back of her mind. As the rest of the party followed the creatures, Lyla turned back to Alyk, who had already resumed his first form.

“Alyk?”

“Yes?”

“The Book of Io changed our lives. It all wasn’t for nothing, was it?”

Alyk stared back into Lyla’s eyes. She watched his face for any sign of danger or deceit but found none. He took a deep, slow breath, then stood and pulled his robe back around him.

“The Book of Io is proof that there was something before the Aesir made Midgard. It is proof that life didn’t need gods but that they needed us. That book was the most important thing I’ve ever written, and it brought you all here. It means, if nothing else, hope. It wasn’t for nothing.”

Lyla nodded, then turned and followed her friends. Down the hall they arrived in, she took a room next to Myla’s, where Rhokhishi was already putting her stuff on a table. They were simple rooms with a bed, desk, and chair only. Lyla removed her clothes, rubbed her face in her hands, then laid under the sheets. She could feel her sister on the other side of the wall. She was already asleep before she even heard or felt Rho get into bed with her.

Laying on the dry ground, she first heard the sound of thunder in the distance. Opening her eyes, she saw the rolling red clouds above her. To her left, Myla had already sat up and started looking around.

I think we’re still in Avernus, but I don’t know exactly where.

From behind them, a ball of light floated lazily past them.

Yla! Lyla mentally shouted.

She stood up next to her sister and followed Yla. As if one step was thousands, they moved quickly, reaching a river.

There’s a river like this outside where we fell asleep. Myla stated.

Do you think it’s the same one?

Myla pulled her sketchbook out and started turning pages. The various dates she created and finished each piece were at the top of her sketches, so tiny that most would miss it. Lyla saw her stop halfway through and then point at the page.

The date is the fourth of Toorst. That’s just under two months away.

Yla, are we supposed to come to the river on the fourth? Lyla asked.

The light blinked as if trying to answer, and she could feel the resounding yes in her mind.

Is this river…? Myla started.

I think it’s the River Styx.