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Igna's Domain: the light of hope
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Cecealye lunged forward in her bed. Sweat running down her, she tried to catch her breath as she realized that she was still in Igna's domain. She turned letting her feet hang off the bed, and ran her fingers through her hair. It was just a dream … just a dream. She then heard something across the room and turned to see Blaizen standing in the doorway.
"Are you okay?" he asked her.
"Yes … it was just a dream. I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No, I was awake …"
"Well, thank you for checking on me," she said as she turned away.
Blaizen stood there a moment longer. "How old were you?"
"Excuse me?" She turned back to him.
"The night your father died. How old were you?"
She paused a moment. "Seventeen."
"And your mother?"
"She died when I was twenty … at age twenty I assumed the throne, five years ago."
"I was nine when my little sister and mother died; they said it was caused by a disease. And I was fourteen when I got the news that my father had been killed in some stupid battle. From then on out it was just my older brother and me." He paused, "It was about a month before my escape to this planet that I was in a lab looking for merchandise. I had to hack into the database … then I found it. Files on my mother and father. It was that day that I found out that their deaths had been no accidents. The UG, Universal Government, had killed them."
"Why?"
"I never got to find out. My team was compromised and we had to flee, and now I'll never know … But you can find out the truth CC, the truth behind what happened to your family. And when you do, you'll have the power to stop it." He turned and began to exit the room.
"Blaizen … Thank you."
He nodded his head and left the room.
She curled up under the covers again. Lying there, she had thought that she would not get any more sleep that night. But within minutes the soothing sound of the water gently lifted her into a restful slumber.
She woke to the singing of many birds and the suns rays splashing here and there throughout the room. She freshened up and emerged from her room. I must be the first one up, she thought to herself as she proceeded down the hall.
As she walked into the room where they had had their first conversation she came to a stop. She couldn't believe her eyes. The table was adorned with freshly cut fruits, bright and vibrant with color like she had never seen, warm breads still steaming whose fragrance filled the entire room, and choice game that was so tender that it fell right off the bone, the very sight of it making your mouth water. Her eyes drifted off to the end of the table where Igna stood with a gentle smile on her face.
Her rich blue garment was simple yet elegant and it reminded Cecealye of a gentle stream. Cecealye stood there a moment longer as the rest of the group came down the corridor and was equally astonished at the sight of the banquet before them.
Igna's smile widened. "Please, come and eat."
They all grabbed a chair. Igna led in blessing the food and they began to eat. The conversation was almost non-existent, for the food was so good.
Blaizen wiped his mouth off with a fine napkin. "Okay, this is by far the best meal I've ever had in my entire life!"
"Same here!" Supreany added. "Is this how you eat every day?" she asked Igna.
Igna smiled and shook her head no.
"Then what's all this for? Just us?"
"For the kings and queens and their people who trust in Theos. For thus shall be the tables of their kingdoms, a great feast."
Cecealye's eyes began to fill with tears as she smiled and took another bite. They ate until they were satisfied and decided to go outside.
Cecealye came up behind Ean. "Can we talk?"
"Sure." He led her off away from the others. "What is it?" he asked as he leaned up against a tree.
She took in a deep breath. "Last night, I …" She paused as she looked down at the others. "Blaizen and I talked, and it got me to thinking. I may be hurting, but I am not alone in that hurt. So often, I have tried to be strong and take care of things on my own. But I've realized that that's not what Theos wants. He has surrounded me with people, people to help me along. He has blessed me with you …"
She dropped her head. "I can't do this on my own, and I see now that I don't have to. From now on, I will not push you away anymore. We face our problems together, you and I. I want to show you the respect you deserve …" She paused once more, waiting for him to respond.
He nodded his head. "Okay." He knew that must have been hard for her. She was a stubborn, proud, headstrong woman who wanted to show that she could be independent and handle things on her own. He could tell she wanted a hug, so he wrapped his arms around her. "Okay … let's go back down to the spring."
"So, shall we make an itinerary?" Orckle questioned as the two rejoined the others.
"Good idea," Ean agreed. "Igna stopped me on my way out here and said we needed to go to Belial first. She said she has something very useful waiting for us there." He paused and looked over at Supreany, who was running her fingers through the clear, cool water. "So, Supreany, where are these stones located?"
She took in a deep breath. "There are four on this continent. One's in Daren; one's in Chilla; another's in Goyebehema; and the last one's in Ellizea."
"Ellizea?" Ean looked over at Cecealye. "Do you know anything about that?"
She shook her head. "No … however, I believe I know who would. He now lives in Daninlei."
"Hmm. Well, we'll take out for Belial first. Then we'll head northwest to the Chilla Ruins. After that, we'll stop by to see your friend, and then, after we get that figured out, we'll go to the Daren Ruins. Lastly, we'll head for the Goyebehema Ruins. Any objections?" Ean asked.
"Sounds like a lot of walking," Blaizen mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing," Blaizen sighed.
Ean smiled. "Don't worry, Blaizen. We'll be going by boat most of the way to Belial, and I think Igna's present will help us out in that area as well. Now everyone, get rested up. We'll be leaving at dawn."