Web hosting Custom Email SiteBuilder

Ka's Story

The temple reeked of burned flesh. The afternoon had proved to be an orgy of sacrifices in the name of the maimed God Torak; as a Grolim, I had been part of the celebration. Sighing lightly as I shooed the last of the onlookers from the temple, I questioned the purpose of the sacrifices for the tenth time that day. I came to the conclusion that they kept Murgo society together, and that appealed to me greatly.

I pulled off my hood and took a deep breath of outside air before closing the temple doors. It was so quiet in the interconnected courtyards of Rak Cthol, and I liked it that way. As a matter of fact, all of Cthol Murgos was quiet...and I liked it that way too. In the distance, the sun was setting; its eerie red glow cast on the walls of every turret and tower made the city look as though it were bleeding. I smirked, thinking it a pathetic fallacy. This was my birthplace, and I'd been living here for seventeen years and not once had I wished I could leave. My father was a Grolim and my mother was a slave; it was not my decision to become a Grolim, it was ordained by Torak himself on the day of my birth. Being iconoclastic by nature, I did not like the fact that I was to become a priestess of the maimed God. And so, to ease my pain, Torak gave me the choice to become a sorceress instead; a proposition I greatfully accepted. I was granted an excessive amount of power over the Will and the Word, and by the age of thirteen, I was behind the altar and head-mistress of the Grolims of Rak Cthol. Now at seventeen, I still do not know why it was that Torak bestowed this gift upon me.

I turned my back to the ever-quiet city and shut the double-doors with a heavy thud. Inside the torch-lit temple, a few Grolims of the Purple order busied about cleaning the great stone altar that stood ominously upon a raised dias at the front end of the hall. "Leave." I ordered sharply, slowly making my way across the room; the Grolims silently left what they were doing and made their way out of the main gallery and into the chambers at the back. My black velvet robes made hissing sounds when they brushed the floor as I approached the blood-stained dias opposite to the doors. I ascended the few steps at the foot of the platform and stopped before the altar; its smooth black stone had been scrubbed clean of blood and gore, and a wickedly-curved knife gleamed in the light of the twin braziers that stood on either side of the altar itself. A dull noise sounded from one of the side doors leading into the Grolims' personal chambers as I picked up the twinkling knife and slid it up the sleeve of my robe.

My head was aching from the day's events. I groaned softly and sat atop the altar, holding my head in my hands, "I should have eaten this morning..." I mumbled and rubbed my gurgling stomach. The dull noise I heard a moment ago sounded once more and I looked over to see what was going on; the side door was open but there was no one in the dark hall beyond. I shook my head and ignored it, then changed my position from sitting to laying; most would find that laying atop a Grolim altar is a thing of unthinkable morbidity, but quite frankly, I never really cared what others thought. I closed my eyes and considered falling asleep when I felt the presence of someone else nearby.

I opened my eyes and rolled my head to the side, and there, at the top of the dias' stairs, stood a small boy with his hands behind his back, watching me curiously. "Hello." I greeted him simply, letting my arm dangle off the side of the stone altar. The Murgo boy blinked, motionless except for the rise and fall of his small chest; he was of slender build and his very dark hair framed the sharp features of his face, the firelight allowed me to notice his unscarred cheeks, which marked his boyhood. I sighed and brought my dangling arm up to remove the steel mask that hid my face, "Are you the one making all the noise I've been hearing?" I asked in an even voice, making my arm limp once more out of pure laziness and fatigue.

A dull flush crept onto the boy's smooth cheeks and I immediately knew his answer, "You're lost, then?" I asked furthermore, keeping my voice low and expressionless. The Murgo child stared back at me for an extended period of time after I had asked him the question; his dark eyes were alert and they lead me to wonder what was going on in his head. After a while of seemingly endless mutual gazing, I turned my head away and looked up at the ceiling, "It's best that you leave," I warned the boy, "the temple of Torak is not a suitable place for such a young man to be." I closed my eyes and attempted to rest myself for the second time that evening, hoping the boy would find his own way out.

When I heard nothing for a while, I opened my eyes; I could not see the boy in the corner of my eye any longer. Then, I felt a light touch graze my fingers; I turned my head towards the temple hall and found the small Murgo boy bent before my limp arm, the fingers of one hand extended towards the steel mask I held. When my eyes met his, he flinched and quickly jumped back from my mask, "You refuse to heed my warnings?" I asked suddenly, beginning to think the child was a mute or perhaps deaf. The Murgo boy frowned at me ever so slightly and then drew close again; I watched idly as his small fingers caressed the polished steel of my Grolim mask for the second time that evening. His face was so intent, so concentrated, that I couldn't help but let him continue his curious exploration.

After what seemed to me like an eternity, the boy left my mask alone and looked up at me with sedate eyes; without warning, he took a step forward and touched my hair. I did not care to move; the boy's serene way was soothing to me, "My name is Ka." I said softly. This time, my voice did not startle the small Murgo. He calmly continued to touch my hair, and then turned and slowly took my mask from my limp hand. His sharp features set and his dark eyes intent, he faced me once more and cautiously placed the steel mask over my face...then removed it and started over again -- twice.

"I'll bet your parents thinks you've been abducted," I told the boy in a more-or-less compassionate tone, "they would not be too happy to know that you're here with me at this hour." I went on disapprovingly. The boy's expression became rather distressed, but he did not stop his 'game'.

"You have lovely eyes." The little Murgo said unexpectedly. I figured that the boy could be reasoned with verbally before suggestively, "Thank you." I said pointedly, relieved to hear the child speak. The boy smiled a conservative smile and held my mask to his chest, "And pretty hair too." He added matter-of-factly. A momentary silence revealed to me just how quiet the temple had become since I'd layed down; the only sounds were that of my voice and the boy's, and the crackling of the braziers on either end of the altar I was sprawled on.

"Where are your parents? Did you not see them leave after the afternoon ceremonies?" I pressed, feeling odd about the boy's detention. I watched curiously as the boy's arms tightened around the Grolim mask, "My mother and father were killed by Algars last year." He declared shortly and tightened his fine lips. I closed my eyes and mentally punched myself for pressing the matter; a year ago, during the season of the wounding, there had been a small battle concerning the northern trade routes. The boy's parents must have been tradesfolk who inevitably got caught up in the scrape.

I softened my gaze, "I'm sorry to hear that." I replied gravely. The boy stared at me as if to validate my response, and so, to keep him from going silent again, I continued to ask questions despite the touchy subject, "And what were you doing all alone here this afternoon, watching the things that go on in this temple?" I asked, honestly curious. Non-chalantly, the little Murgo shrugged his shoulders, "What all Murgos do." He responded as though he had stated the obvious. I could not help but smile, "Who did you come in with?" I asked futhermore, genuinely amused by the child now.

"Myself." The boy muttered, his eyes going dim again and his hands nervously toying with my mask. A breeze drifted in from a window across the room; the air felt nice, "Who takes care of you? Did you not get handed over to a relative when your parents passed away?" I asked vehemently, positive that I was getting annoying. Fortunately, the boy didn't seem to mind my questions at all; his eyes were set on my lips, and he fixated them as he spoke, "I suppose that's what should have happened," He started with a great sigh, "but that's not what happened." He said firmly and frowned.

"Where do you live?" I went on, wondering how late it was all of a sudden. The boy continued to stare at my mouth, "Around." He replied barely-audibly. As though our whole conversation was the least of the boy's concerns, he placed my mask over my face once more and then nimbly jumped a small jump and sat on the very edge of the black stone altar. He turned his head and looked over at me; I raised a hand and removed my mask. "What do you want?" I asked of the little Murgo, my tone growing annoyed and sharp all of a sudden. I reached out my Will and briskly probed his mind out of irritation; in the boy's mind was but one thing: a message to be delivered to me.

"The Angaraks have suffered greatly following the death of our God Torak. How can an entire civilization be expected to change its beliefs and accept the guidance of another so-called God, when since history it has been accustomed to a certain faith?" The boy spoke suddenly, showing severe moral opinion for one so young. His dark eyes were intent as they bore into mine, "You speak of Errand, the Gifted One." I frowned deeply, "It is not wise to do so in the temple of Torak." I snapped, insulted. The young Murgo boy blinked my comment away, "Remain calm, Holy One; I was simply proving a point." He smiled almost proudly, "We must not let all of Angarak fade from our grasp. In this light, I come to you with a proposition – on the part of Kal Torak." He said confidently.

My mind reeled, I did not quite understand what was going on here, "Why did Torak not come to me himself with his proposition?" I asked skeptically. It was not common for me to receive messages via middleman. The child's sharp-featured face grew sorrowful momentarily, "Torak's spirit is strong, but only in the minds of his followers, I am afraid. He is quickly losing the strength he used to possess. Soon...he will be unable to communicate with us at all." He declared with a haunted gaze. I swallowed thickly, somewhat frustrated at Torak for having kept his predicament from me.

The small Murgo registered my frustration and unexpectedly touched my face again, "And that is why I have come to you this day. As Fourth Disciple of Torak and most reputable, the duty falls unto you to enforce the original beliefs of Angarak, " He paused, "you, Ka of Rak Cthol, will be the next Goddess of Angarak." He stated formally, his voice dipping to a raspy whisper.

***

The day after that, I was visited by a flamboyant young woman who proclaimed herself to be the Hierarch of Mal Abad. This visit had come completely unexpectedly to me, for I hadn't thought that any of my underlings would dare insult me by bringing someone to me during the reciting of my daily prayers.

The woman, my guest, was a being in which I could sense great defiance. This irritated me slightly, but I chose to dismiss my petty feelings and go on with our introduction. Her name was Lady Rose; an elegant-faced girl with curiously-slanted green eyes and outrageously curly brown hair. I took for granted that she was part-Murgo and my suspicions were later confirmed when Rose shared her history with me.

Rose came to me in hopes of learning more about the New God of Angarak Crisis; to tell you the truth, I new nothing more of it than she did. In fact, I was even more confused than she because of the little visit I got the day before from Torak's young 'messenger'. However, Lady Rose's visit to Cthol Murgos wasn't for naught. Not long after I had gotten over the fact that Rose was new and that she should not be trusted too quickly, she and I began to work out a partnership proposition.

Annoyed with Mal Abad's religious and social standings, Rose was in search of a new faith...if you could call it that. I thoroughly questioned and tested her on her belief in Torak, even though she was a Heirarch, and soon I came to the conclusion that she was almost as fanatic as I was about Angarak religion. She could serve me well!

For some reason I never bothered to look into, probably to pack, Lady Rose returned to Mallorea and left me to mull over our new partnership. Cthol Murgos has never been on good terms with Mallorea...perhaps Rose could help me put an end to that nonsense and all of Angarak could finally stand united! The expansion of Grolim intelligence and power would surely strengthen religious order, there was no question of that.

With that in mind, I put myself to bed. My rest was interrupted by Eriond who came to me in a dream...a dream that I would never forget.

"Ka, I am the true God of Angarak; peace for your people is in order. Cease resistance or face the consequences of turning your back to me." The boy said to me. He stood before me in my own temple, his angelic face calm as the sea.

I held his gaze and sneered at him, "Ha! You are not the true God of my people! For thousands of years Torak has taken care of us and ensured the continuity of our society -- if you are indeed the true God, than why weren't you there for us when we needed you most?!" I protested angrily, spitting out the words like poison.

Eriond's gaze did not falter, "It is your choice not to believe me, Disciple of the maimed God. However, your beliefs will crumble in time. Whatever you may be plotting will ultimately result in your downfall." He said quietly, hardly answering my question.

I spat on the boy-God and placed my mask over my face, "If you will not see to my people, then I will." I hissed, narrowing my eyes.

Eriond shrugged and placed his hand on my shoulder, "You are one of the last true believers, Ka; I pity your naivety. You will see your mistakes when your life expires and you face me for eternity."

With a chillingly low-toned laugh, I tear Eriond's hand off my shoulder, "I will kill you Eriond, mark my words boy...you will fall by my hand." I vow darkly and vanish.

Second later, I awoke with a start; I was covered in sweat and I was literally shaking with anger.

***

A month or so later, Lady Rose returned from Mallorea. I met her at the entrance of my Temple one morning, and I could honestly say that I was happy to see her again.

"Mistress Ka!" She greeted me with a smile and I held out my hand to her. When my eyes fell upon her clothing, I almost had a heart attack; Rose was wearing white robes!!!

I drew in a sharp breath and pulled my hand away from Rose's, "Remove this sacrilege at once!" I ordered, pointing at the woman's garb. I looked over my shoulder to make sure no one had seen Rose in the white robes; what would they think?

Rose's visage darkened and she narrowed her eyes at me, "Trust me, Ka, I will shed this garbage as soon as I can. As I'm sure you know, Eriond has paid a visit to Mal Abad." She took on a most forlorn expression and her eyes became thoughtful, "It is good to be in such a faithfully strong city again." She declared with a sigh after thinking back to her final conversation with Eriond.

I smiled wide and lead Rose inside the Temple. I showed her her new quarters and left her alone to get settled in (and to get changed); I, on the other hand, made my way to the main Temple hall and knelt by the eternal flames in silent prayer. Some time later, I was interrupted by Lady Rose's voice at my side.

"The fires are so beautiful," She said softly and I slowly opened my eyes and looked over at her, "they no longer burn in Mal Abad. All of Mallorea has probably been robbed of Torak's flame by now." She finished, lowering her gaze to the cold stone floor.

I laughed a hollow laugh and got up, only to sit gingerly atop the blood-stained altar, "Let them all freeze for a while in the ice of the boy-God's grip, for soon...soon we shall bring the True God of Angarak's warmth back to their hearts! Our people will be untied again, we have only time to wait on." I said confidently.

Rose crossed her legs and looked up at me, "And Torak has chosen you as this True Goddess?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

I smiled evilly and pulled my sacrificial knife from my sleeve, "It would appear so, Lady Rose." I breathed, reflecting the fire off of blade's sheer surface, "Isn't it wonderful?" I asked dreamily.

A pang of worry crossed Rose's face then. It occured to her for the first time that, perhaps, I was not all that mentally stable. Of course, anyone residing in Rak Cthol was a religious fanatic -- hell, most Murgos were fanatics! None-the-less, she believed that Torak's word was gold and that I was indeed the chosen one. What Grolim in his or her right mind would pass up the chance to have personal ties with Torak's chosen one?

"The Angaraks are in need of a new hope, and if you can raise their spirits Ka, then so be it." Rose answered to my earlier words.

I motioned for Rose to follow me and we both exited the Temple. I took her outside to walk the streets, and to get some fresh air. "I wish to build a city, Rose." I said calmly, squinting from the blatantly assaulting sunlight, "A city as majestic as Rak Cthol; only instead of raising it in Torak's honour, you will raise it in mine."

Rose's head whipped to the side and she arched her eyebrows in surprise, "I will raise it?" She asked quickly, "But it will take years! And, why me?" She added slyly.

I clapped a hand on her shoulder and smirked, "Rose, if you obey me than others will obey you. As my protege, you have almost ultimate power here in Cthol Murgos...isn't that just randy?" I stopped to see Rose's reaction to my words -- she grinned and I continued, "You will be my Master Builder. Granted, the job may sound difficult but it really isn't; you see to it that my city looks good...if anyone gives you trouble, you have the right to execute them as an example to the others who will work for you." I explained.

"What about the materials and the time?" Rose asked for the second time.

I shrugged and looked over at her expressionlessly, "The Will and the Word will sort things out for you, my dear."

We neared a cliff which oversaw the heights of Rak Cthol; it was a long way down. Rose and I walked up to the edge of the crest and let the wind ripple the thick black velvet of our robes; we stared out into the wastelands and kept a moment of silence. Then, Lady Rose spoke.

"What will your city be called, Ka?"

"Rak Zemlya." I answered, the words flowing into the wind like the screams of the last victim who was bent over the altar.

***

It was only a few days later when the biggest tragedy of my life took place.

I was kneeling by the great fires of the Temple and reciting a prayer in ancient Angarak when Torak's Will entered my mind in the gentlest fashion. Something was wrong...

"Child, mine spirit weakens by the hour." His voice graced my thoughts.

"Wilt thou be alright?" I asked mentally in return.

"No."

My heart almost missed a beat, "W-what does thou speak of? Surely thy strength--"

"Mine strength is non-existant, Child. The boy hast come to thee, no?" He asked, his voice growing softer and more distant by the minute.

"Yes!"

"Good then. Thy task is then set out for thee; Eriond must not gain control of my people! Thou must fight him and win!" Torak demanded suddenly.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, "Have no doubts of this, Master!" I cried silently.

Torak sighed -- or so it seemed, "Mine spirit dost not belong to me any longer..." He paused, "...I am afraid I must leave thee now -- for good. This message will be mine last, Child, and I have but one request."

I broke out in a cold sweat, "What request, Master?!" I asked desperately.

"Heed to mine children, Ka, they musn't forget their true beliefs!" Torak cried with a final burst of strength; seconds later, his voice left my mind and I found myself alone in the darkness of the Temple.

I opened my eyes and I began to quiver as what had just happened settled into my mind. My lower lips began to tremble as violently as my hands. I was alone! Torak was no more, his spirit was gone forever! I took in a sharp breath and raised my gaze to the sparkling steel replica of my Master's mask, hanging over the altar and looking down on me so protectively...

...but not any more.

I let out a scream of pain and rage so blood-curdling that every scream ever heard in Rak Cthol since then paled in comparison. I didn't even notice Lady Rose bursting down the huge double-doors and rushing towards me in conern. I began to cry; when I opened my eyes to stare down at the floor in misery, I saw that my tear drops were actually little droplets of bright red blood, dripping onto the cold stone one by one.

"Mistress Ka!" Rose cried and grasped my shoulders. She knew what had happened...every Grolim knew, but none shared my intense pain.

With a shriek of anger and despair, I tore away from Rose and snapped my knife out from my sleeve; I pointed the blade at my companion and sneered, "Leave me." I hissed at her. Rose watched in awe and pity as bloody tears ran down my cheeks; she just had to get me to settle down, "I can't let you do anything horrible, Ka." She told me quietly, reaching for my knife.

I cried out and slashed down, cutting her palm, "LEAVE ME!!!" I hollered and brought the knife to Rose's throat. Rose didn't move and just held my momentarily-insane gaze. She trusted me, I could feel it. I clenched my teeth and pressed the blade closer to her neck; if she would have moved or struggled to free herself, I would have struck her down in an instant...but she remained calm. I screamed a final time and threw my knife to the ground, then I collapsed in Rose's arms.

Rose however, did not stay with me. She pulled me off of her and sat me against the Temple wall; she then turned away from me and left the room. She was wiser than I had initially thought, for within moments, I was up and ravaging everything I could find.

***

Bright and early the next day, I woke Lady Rose up and dragged her out into the streets of Rak Cthol.

I began to stalk through the city's interconnecting courtyards, yelling out the state of things to come, "With Torak's physical death a few years behind us and his spiritual one only recent, it is about time that someone regains control of society! I will be taking that control with the help of Lady Rose..."

Crowds gathered and followed Rose and I as we strode through the streets, interested in what we had to say...

Profile Of Ka
The Hallways...
The Entrance