Soul Mate: A Novella

Ch. 14 Samael

Half a day drifts by before we see any semblance of civilization. We have just stepped out to the far side of the forest that housed Rusalka to find ourselves standing at the top of a hill, up to mid-calf hidden by long flowing strands of grass. Looking around I see the valley below and the view is amazing. Honestly, I’m not sure what I pictured when I thought of The Fates and how they lived. I had assumed they lived in a pearly-white, glowing castle in the sky or something to that extent but before me is a massive crystal-clear blue lake surrounded by trees with vibrant, bold colored leaves that in the Earthly Realm would indicate the onset of autumn but here seems to be a permanent fixture.

In a singsong voice Rusalka says, “well boys, this is where I leave you.” Rim and I exchange glances somewhat shocked by her declaration. “What do you mean this is where you leave us? You said you would take us to The Fates,” I scoffed.

An imp-Ish giggle takes hold of her. “I have sillies. Our guys just have to go into the valley and follow the caverns. You will find them within.” With another giggle, Rusalka flutters her diamond-esk shimmery wings. Pushing her feet off the ground she leaps into the ground and then we hear her say, “tah-ta!”” Looking back at us over her shoulder, Rusalka wiggles her fingers in a wave and then flies off leaving me and Rim staring after her for a moment. Sighing, we begin our trek down the slanted slope of the hill slowly making our way down into the valley below.

The sun has begun to make its descent below the tree line as we make our way into the valley. In awe I stare at the sky of colors which the sun had ignited in flames of blues, purples, pinks, and red so bright they are nearly blinding should one stare for too long. Coming to my senses, I tap Rim on the shoulder, “your little pixie friend said to follow the caverns. I see some along the western edge of the lake just there.” Raising my arm, I point off to an area shrouded in shadow hidden by the setting sun.

Nodding his head, I follow Rim as he begins to make his way around the football field-sized lake until we reach what appears to be a very large cave. Clapping his hand upon my shoulder I hear Rim say, “alright, let’s do this, shall we?” His voice cracks slightly betraying the nervousness he is experiencing causing a crooked grin to form on my lips.

My foot slips causing me to stumble slightly as I try to find my footing among the slick rocks and mud inside the cavern. Rim and I have been traipsing through the enclosed space for about ten minutes before anything of significance comes into view.

A luminescent pale-blue glow slowly began to shimmer to life before we found ourselves surrounded by the eerie light of Arachnocampa Luminosa or what Earth dwellers would call glow worms. I feel like I’m walking amongst the stars; beautiful, captivating and if not careful dangerous to one’s health because if you do not pay attention to your surroundings and become enraptured with the sight of the little worms, you could find yourself plunging to your death.

Watching Rim extend his wings we communicated silently for him to fly across while I stepped across via shadows. Walking for another five minutes or so, we found ourselves standing in front of a building carved from within the very rocks of the cave. Intermittently, crystals stuck out seemingly sparkling of their own accord since no light befell the rocky exterior.

No precautions like magical deterrents, spells, nor guards of any sort seemed to be in place to keep out unwanted visitors from entering, granted I’m not sure if any beings had ever tried to do as me and Rim were doing at this very moment which was to confront The Fates in their homeland and though cautious, we journeyed into the opened hall.

A ripple glided over us as we found ourselves standing in the center exterior of the inner walls which were glimmering with crystals, diamonds and other precious jewels. One couldn’t help but be in awe of our surroundings as a tranquil sort of peace descended upon us. The calming effect put me into a dazed sort of stupor causing me to feel more fluid and languid as though I were in a drug induced state which I realized only too late that was what the ripple was for. They in fact did have magic in place to offset any ill will or intent of harm towards them.

Rim shifted his eyes to mine as realization took hold of him about what had just happened to us. Shrugging his shoulders in a ‘nothing we can do about it now,’ manner he began to walk further inside. I gave a quick nod of my head following behind him, but we had only taken a few more steps before we were stopped by a purple, hazy, shimmering entity. What happens next is his story to tell and since this is all about me, I will continue on from when we returned back to Earth’s realm.