We buried our greatest shame in Usekht Maati.  I can only hope the city can bear the sin of it, and no one ever digs it up again.

Kahlil Vamu Shaa, The Life of Adir Radd

Two figures, one male, the other female, appeared on either side of the small gold chest.  Ianus marveled at their sheer splendor.  

“Can you help me?”  Ianus shouted through the pain.

Together, they bowed their heads and covered the chest with their wings.  The pain lifted.  Ianus gasped for air.  

“Hello?”  He shouted at the Celestials.  “What do I do now?  Can you even hear me?”

A brilliant light blinded Ianus.

“Behold the Mother Light,” a familiar voice said, “Hold on, hold on!”

Suddenly, Kahlil Vamu Shaa appeared in front of the chest.  “You lost it,” he spoke again, “It is a sad thing, but not unexpected.  You have made it here at last.”

“I remember you, from my initiation.  You gave me this periapt,” Ianus looked down at the shimmering red stone inset in the soft leather glove.  “It confused Marnin to no end.”

“I suspect a great many things would confuse him,” Kahlil laughed, “He is a good man, but the shadow of your grandfather haunts him.  He means well, but he lacks the courage to be himself.  You two are a lot alike.  In time, he’ll learn.”

“Is that true for you as well?”  Ianus asked.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean no disrespect, but I am sure that you are not really Kahlil Vamu Shaa.  I’ve given it a lot of thought since we first met.  I was lost in a place between reason and truth when I saw you, and you gave me this periapt.  In the simulacrum, there is only imagination and creativity.  Someone else had to be in the room with me.  I know this is an illusion.  Who are you?”

The image of Kahlil faded.  A tall, willowy man took its place.  He must have been nine or ten feet tall.  His long, black hair trailed down his back.  Wearing little more than a tan leather kilt over his ruddy-complexioned skin and his toned muscles, he was a very imposing figure.

“My name is Eman Sarad,” he said, grinning widely, “And I am very pleased that you saw through my disguise.  You are the first person to lay eyes on one of my kind in millennia.”

“I seem to be the first person in a long time to do a lot of things,” said Ianus, “You are an Enmadra?  I have read so much about your people.”

“I am honored to hear it.  I am sorry you had to go through so much to get here.  I wanted to tell you to come, but our enemies can read your thoughts.  If they would have known about our interest in you, they would have opposed you ferociously.  As it is, they think you are dead or close to death.  That gives us an advantage.”

“Why did you give me this periapt?”

“It was necessary to get you where you are.  It is a good match for your personality,” Eman grinned slyly.  “It has given you wisdom and inspiration, no doubt.”

“No, it has never spoken to me.  I think I would know if it had, wouldn’t I?”

“You would hear it’s voice, distinct from your own.  I am surprised you have not yet heard it.  That is very unexpected.”

“Why have you brought me here?  You and Marnin have both made a big deal out about me getting here.  I am just a Maker, and a young one at that.  There is no reason for you to be so interested in me.”

“Just a maker?  Why would you say such a thing?  You are a very special person— all makers are.  The Makers are not a simple group of monks and nuns.  You are poets and storytellers, predicants and teachers.  Your words give form to thought.  You are not an illusionist.  The things you breathe into being have real substance to those who encounter them.  It is sad that you and your kind have spent so much time practicing the arts and the forms, and never look at their meaning, or power.  A maker is a powerful being.”

“Then why me?  Out of all the makers in the galaxy, what attracted you to me?”

Eman sighed, “Honestly, we have been interested in your family for a long time because he was.”

“Who is he?”

“Hlachar Cythraul, the one who fell.  He became interested in your grandfather, Nusair.  He tried to convert him, but he resisted.  He joined with us in the fight against Panthera and Cythraul.  So did your father and mother.”

“But who is this Hlachar Cythraul?  I keep hearing his name.  I read about him, but there doesn’t seem to be any reason or logic behind his actions.”

“Have you ever believed in something so strongly that it blinded your mind to the consequences of your actions.”

“Yes, when my father was attacked.”

“Exactly, he believes that he has found the truth about the very nature of reality, and the nature of what must be done.  His belief has over powered him— he can only see his goal.  He is blind to the consequences of his actions.  He believes that obedience and submission are more important than liberty and life itself.  Over and over again, he has raised up powers that will serve his purpose.  From the early crusaders to the armies of the Twisted Cross, he has spread his poison into the galaxy.  Now he has formed another.”

“So, I am here to stop this from happening?”

“We are all here to hold back the darkness.  We have called you here because you have the ability to rally others to your cause without realizing the power of your words.  You are a natural leader, who does not seek power.  Your kind is exceedingly rare.  Many people would lie, cheat, kill, and steal to have the loyalty you inspire in others.”

“So, I am the one who has to save the world?”

“Don’t think too highly of yourself.  If it wasn’t you, it would be someone else.  Sooner or later, all tyrannies fall under their own weight.  But I’m glad it was you.  You have hope, not fear.  Too many warriors fight against things, and not for something.  The true mark of a hero is not what you are willing to die for, it’s what you are willing to live for.  Death comes to us all sooner or later, but life— to be truly alive is something that involves a great deal of struggle.”

“What about the Holy Martyrs?  We honor them for giving their lives for the cause?”

“Exactly, we honor them for giving their lives.  They did not seek death.  There is no honor in seeking to end your life.  They stood for their beliefs and were killed for it.  They sought out life, and the preservation of life.  If they would have harmed others, they would have betrayed everything for which they died.  Battle does not make heroes.  War does not make heroes.  The courage to stand for what is right, even at the risk of your own death, that, and that alone makes a hero.”

“How do I know what’s right?  There are so many voices.  How can I discern the truth?”

Eman put his hand on Ianus’ shoulder, “My dear child, that is not an easy question.  The truth is often beyond words, and the facts can be forged.  Everyday, you must struggle to find whatever truth you can.  Never deceive yourself by thinking that your work is done.  The honest and continual search for truth is the most important part of your life.  What is right?  All that preserves life and serves liberty and justice.”

Ianus held his breath.  This was all too much for him.  This was not what he expected to hear.  He had never dreamed he would be standing before an Enmadra hearing why he was important in their plans for the galaxy.  He wanted a quiet life, nothing special, definitely not this. “Why me?  What makes you think I won’t just walk away?”

“You have too much of your grandfather in you.  It is your destiny.”

“So, I’m nothing more than a cog in the machine?”

“Your grandfather chose his life, your parents chose their lives, and you chose yours.  It is true that others conspired to get you here, but you made the decision every step along the way.  You know if you were not here now, you would have come later.  You know you could not tolerate the coming absolutism.”

Ianus knew what Eman said was right, but he wanted to blame someone else.  He didn’t want to believe that he had chosen to come here.  It was easier to blame others.  It was easier to think that others had hijacked his life, but it wasn’t true.

All his life he had read the stories about the great freedom fighters, and knew that he would have stood with them.  The more he heard about Ual-leen activity, the more he wanted to do something.  He had watched in horror as Master Theron had encouraged the people of Adrakaya to betray the basic principles of their democracy.  He could see their civil liberties slipping away from them.  They felt safer.  They didn’t understand the beast they had unleashed upon their land.

“You’re right,” Ianus said, “I know you’re right, but what can we do?  How can we stop the darkness from coming?”

“It may be too late to stop the darkness, but we may be able to stave off the night.  First we have to prepare the city.  I will awaken my brothers and sisters.  You need to prepare your friends.”

“The Enmadra are hibernating?”

“O no, they have been hidden, and many of them are unaware of what all has transpired.  Even now, my people are beginning to return to this city, and our other cities.”

“Will you make your presence known?”

“No, the time is not yet right.  There would be panic and mayhem in the streets.  Don’t forget, many of those people out there believe that our return is the first sign of the end of days.  We have to prepare them or our problems will increase.  Any way, the Raewyn have to make their presence known first.  The rumors are already in their favor.  It will be easier to accept their return, then ours.  Are you ready?  It is time to go back.  They are waiting for us.”

Ianus smiled, “I am ready.  We have a lot of work to do.”

Ianus staggered backwards; the light burned his eyes.  The winged eidolons on either side of the small, golden chest had disappeared.  For a moment, he wondered if all that he had just seen and heard had really happened; but then the light faded, revealing the giant form of Eman Sarad.

He was smiling with his arms outstretched.

The crowd gasped.  Marnin, the Vaticinars, and the other A’nath-ari rushed toward the high altar and prostrated on the marble floor.

“Stand up, stand up,” said Eman, “There is no reason to bow to me, or to anyone.  Save your prostrations for the Holy One who deserves your adoration.”

Slowly, they stood up, and began to whisper and chatter softly among themselves.

“Hail,” said Marnin, nervously bowing his head, and looking for any sign of disapproval, “We welcome you, we are pleased that you have chosen to reveal yourself to us again.  We have waited faithfully, and we will do all that you ask for.”

“Stand up, Marnin.”

“You know my name?”

“Yes, I have watched you for a long time.  We have watched you all for a long time.  The time has come for us to act again.  It is time for us to rise up, and stand for life!  The darkness is coming.  You have seen it on the horizon.  You know the storm beyond the mountains.  This is our time, the time that we were born for.  Send out the call to all the A’nath-ari:  The time for action has come, tonight, we revel in the joy of the day!  Send out the call!”

The A’nath-ari bowed and left the room.

“Marnin!”  Eman called out, “Go to the Basilica.  You will find Hinun Dabir by the shrine of Adir Radd.  Tell him to prepare for the feast tonight.”

Marnin bowed three times, muttering various accolades each and every time.  He, then, quickly ran out of the temple to do as he was told.

“He is eager to serve,” said Ianus, shaking his head.

“Yes, but is he eager to serve us, or the cause,” said Eman, “That is much more important.  One day, he’ll learn,” he turned and faced the pews, “Hail to our honorable friends in the Jade Moon.  You are welcome to join us.  For tonight, be merry.  Tomorrow, well, let us leave tomorrow to tomorrow.  I have to go.  I have so much to do.”

As the day went on, more and more Enmadra filled the streets of Usekht Maati.  There was a festive mood in the air.  The smell of spices, cooking bread, and cakes floated around the city.  Musicians brought their instruments to the street corners, and began to play.  Even the somber A’nath-ari had an extra spring in their step.

At twilight, bonfires were lit in the city square, and the drums intoned the beginning of the dance.  The crowd moved as one mass to the beat of the song.  The dance was infectious, no one could resist the rhythm. 

Even Maya, Pryor and Arun found themselves drawn to the heart of the crowd.

Maya laughed when she saw the smile on Arun’s face.  It was so familiar, like Ihy was back in their midst.  She had missed that smile, and his companionship.

She took Arun by the hand, and they began to dance.  Around and around each other, they twirled and moved to the rhythm of the song.  With each step, Maya’s heart leapt.  A warm mirth swirled through her chest.  She thought for a moment she could feel his soul stretching out to her.  Her smile broadened.

An effervescent laugh broke out of Maya.  She threw her head back and rolled to the dance.  Embracing Arun, she felt his skin on her cheek.

“Do you remember the last time we danced?”  She whispered in his ear.

“Yes, I remember the sensation of you held tight in my arms,” Arun said softly, “It brings back so many memories.  I almost feel like myself again.”

“You will be, in my heart I know you will regain all of your faculties.  You will be yourself and so much more.”  Maya ran her hand down Arun’s back, “And soon we can be together again.”

“This could be difficult.  Before, my Raewyn nature stood in the way.  Now, as far as anyone knows, I am Kishanu.  People could frown on our relationship.”

“Why?  Everyone knows the Kishanu have emotions, and you are not my bondservant.  I have never cared what others thought about us before, why would I start now?”

“I may not be all myself anymore, but I know that I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.  I want your life to be perfect.”

“But no one’s life is ever perfect.  No matter what happens, I will always be by your side.”

Working her way out of the crowd, Maya found a seat near one of the tables.  Arun and Pryor came over and joined them.

“You seem happy,” Pryor said as he sat down next to his sister.

“I am.  The tide is turning, I can feel it.”

“I’ve been thinking about what we did to Ianus.  We should have told him what we knew.”

“I know,” Maya watched Ianus dancing, “We did treat him poorly, but he has survived the trials.”

“There are more to come.  I just hope we did the right thing.”

Maya caught Ianus’ eye.  He stopped dancing, and walked over to them.

“You look very somber.  Tonight is a night for revelry.  Come on, join the party,” he said, and motioned toward the dancers.

“We were out there,” said Maya, “But we started thinking we treated you badly.  We should have told you everything up front so you could make an informed decision.  Because we manipulated you, you almost died.”

“The night is still young,” Ianus laughed.  “Look, you messed up.  That’s true, but there is nothing you can do about that now.  I’m not upset, so you shouldn’t be either.”

“You are being very understanding.  If you don’t mind me asking, why?”

“Because you’re family.  That’s what matters.  That’s all that matters.  There is nothing you could do that could change that.”

“But Ianus,” said Pryor, “We are not your family by blood.  You have to remember that.”

“Why?  Because that’s what’s important to other people?  What about blood makes a family?  It may make a genetic relationship, but what use is that to anyone?  Family is about spirit.  I love you, Maya, you raised and nurtured me, you are my mother.  Pryor is my uncle, and Arun is my father.  What else matters?”

Maya smiled.  “It is good to hear you have accepted Arun, but we kept secrets from you.  I don’t know that I would forgive so quickly.”

“Well, I have.  For tonight, forget your problems, and join the party.  Dance, sing, and celebrate without a thought for tomorrow.  Tomorrow will have enough anxiety with out adding to it.

Ianus shook his head, and ran back toward the gathered.  The music took hold of his soul.  The whole crowd moved as one.

Ianus was so tired of talking; he was glad to get lost in the dance.  No more regrets, no more cares, there was only music and movement.  

*This is how it should be,* Ianus thought, *Decide what is right and act.  There’s no reason to agonize over such easy decisions.  Peace of mind and clarity of life are rare.  They should be relished while they are here.  Who knows how long they’ll stay.*

After years of training, and too many sleepless nights wondering if anyone cared what happened to him, now he was home.  He had his friends, his family, what else could he ask for?

The familiar prescient fog stole his sight.  Thunder and lightning filled the horizon.  A shadow was stretching over the land.  Something terrible had just happened.  

Panic ripped the air out of Ianus’ lungs.  His muscles were rigid.  All he could see was blood.  Violence, terror, death.  A giant had awakened.  Cythraul was pleased.

“Ianus!”

*Who said that?* he thought, *I know that voice.*

Slowly, he opened his eyes.  Eman towered over him.

“Are you all right?”  Eman asked.

“No.  I have seen something that troubles me,” Ianus caught his breath.

“I know.  We have seen it too.”

“Why is Cythraul so excited?”

“Tomorrow, tonight we dance.”

“Do you know?  I can understand leaving the past to the past, but this has only just happened.”

“We can not stop our lives every time Cythraul upsets things.  If we did that we would never sleep.  You will learn soon enough.  This is my friend Hinun.”  Eman patted his hand on the shoulder of the Enmadra next to him.

“Come now,” said Hinun, “Join the dance.  The dance can heal a broken heart, and tie a community together.  The dance is the soul of the people.  It can even inspire magic.”

Hinun and Eman led Ianus to the largest bonfire burning in the center of the square.

Hinun released Ianus’ hand and ran toward the fire.  He leapt into the air and began to dance across the tops of the flames.  Whirling to the beat of the drum, he floated across the fire, the flames kissing his feet and holding him aloft.  A boisterous cheer rose out of the crowd.

“Do you see?”  Eman asked, “Anything is possible.  Only you can hold yourself down.”

Eman flipped on to the wisps of flames and held out his hand to Ianus.  “Gravity can not hold down one whose heart is free.”

Ianus took his hand, and he lifted Ianus into the air.

“Do not take your eyes off the heavens and you will not fall,” Eman said, and he joined Hinun in the dance.

The flames tickled Ianus’ feet, but they didn’t burn him, he spun around.

Hinun jumped off the flames and over the heads of the crowd.  Rebounding off the far wall, he flipped across to the other side of the square.  

Ianus had read about the sky dance of the Enmadra.  He never imagined that he would get to take part in it.  He took a deep breath, and leapt off the fire.  His feet brushed against the outstretched hands of the Enmadra.  Never did his weight come down on them.

As he turned at the wall, he saw Aashen and Tuun.  The wings of their Ceeri carried them high into the air.  They swooped over the ground, and across the crowd in magnificent arcs.

Ianus had never felt so free.  He never wanted to come down.  

Seeing Daru in the dance, he reached down and lifted her into the air, “Trust me,” he whispered, but the look in her eyes told him he didn’t have to say a word.

Hand in hand, they moved through the air.  Their feet pumped to the rhythm of the dance; their arms outstretched to welcome the heavens to their eyes.  Nothing was real but the moment.  Nothing existed but the song and the movement.

Ianus had never known such peace of mind.  This was how life should always be:  Alive in the moment with no thought of tomorrow.

The Enmadra broke out in song.  The words were foreign to Ianus’ mind, but the melody was as familiar as his own heart beat.  He and Daru sang along.  Soaring over the heads of so many, the power of the dance was so real.

After learning to fly without wings, what could hold him back from his goals.  The song taught him freedom.  Beyond every word that he had ever read, far past every philosophy, this showed him the face of liberty.

He looked at Daru with tears in his eyes.  He loved her more than any word could ever say, but he knew that fate longed to see them separated.  By death or war or distance, it would all end the same.  He could not let go of her no matter what happened.

She was the blood running through his veins.  Without her, his life meant nothing.  Together, they could do anything.  They could never be parted.  Ianus wouldn’t allow that.

Daru looked over at Ianus.  He had a smile on his face and tears streamed from his eyes.  She circled him.  The Enmadra beneath her raised their arms as her feet came down.  The timing was perfect and unplanned.  It just happened.

She wanted to ask Ianus what was wrong.  Why was he crying?  Why had the smile stayed on his face?  She hated to think that something could be wrong with him.

Her foot slipped, and she slid down into the crowd.

Ianus grabbed her hand, “Don’t take your eyes off the heavens,” he said, and pulled her back up.

She loved the feel of his skin against hers.  She ran her fingers up his arm, and around his back.  Electric waves of silence pierced her heart.  No words were necessary.  She slid her hands across his shoulders.  She rubbed her thumbs on the nape of his neck.

Her breath quickened.

Ianus swooped around her, and wrapped his arm around her waist.

She could feel his breath, hot against her back.  Her pulse quickened.  She pressed her back into his chest.  He was so close; she could feel his heart beating on her back.

The song faded from her ears.  There was nothing but him and her.  She turned around and gazed into his eyes.  The whole universe glittered in them.  She brushed his cheek with the back of her hand.  

He closed his eyes.

She wanted to hold him and never let go:  To stay in that one perfect moment forever.  If only this was a dream that would never end.  This was home.  This was a place that could never be taken away from her.  Love was forever.

Together, they spiraled out of the sky.  The ground felt heavy under her feet.  Everything had changed.  Nothing would ever be the same again.  In one brief moment of endless bliss, the whole world had changed.  The mountains didn’t seem so high, the valley didn’t seem as low.  Passion burned in her heart like she never knew before.

Ianus wiped a tear out of her eye, “What’s the matter?”  He asked so tenderly it almost took her breath away.

“I don’t want this moment to end.  I want to stay here forever.”

“Then don’t let go.  As long as we have each other, nothing can stand in our way.  I will never leave your side.  Death could not even keep me away from you.  You are my faith.  You take away all of my fears.”

Daru blushed, “I will never leave you.  If we are destined not to survive this, then we will have all eternity together.”

Arun and Maya danced through the air past them.

“I am so glad they have found each other again,” said Ianus.

“I’m glad you made peace with your father.”

Ianus shook his head, “Don’t you start with me again.”  He giggled, “I thought we were having a perfect moment.  One that would never end.”

“We are, but that doesn’t mean I can’t comment on your mistakes.”

“O really, does that mean I can point out a few of yours?”  Ianus smirked, “You’re too shy.  You don’t speak up for yourself.”

“Really?  Do you want me to be more assertive?  I can be, you know.  That is if you want me too.”  She pushed Ianus’ shoulder.

“Excuse me, miss,” someone said behind Daru.

She turned around and gasped, “Rasmus Dyre?  You’re the man who sold me that Eidolon!”

“Yes, miss.  I’m sorry for the deception, but the order demanded it.  I thought it was only right that you know, seeing how you’re here and all.  How have they been treating you?”

“Very well.  They have all been quite friendly.”

Suddenly, a loud roar shattered the night.  Fire on the horizon, a bright light growing closer.

“It’s a ship!”  Ianus exclaimed, “Are we under attack?”

“Not likely,” said Valeryn, walking away from the dance, “No ship could enter Tai-wer without knowing the clearance codes.”

“Could Cythraul know them?”

Valeryn looked up at the approaching ship, “He could, but if it is him, why hasn’t he fired?  He could decimate the entire city from the air.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to destroy the city,” said Daru, “Perhaps he wants to take the city for his own.”

Valeryn sighed, “He has always wanted Usekht Maati for his capital, but something about this is not right.”

Tara sat blindfolded on the bridge of the Sangrida.

“Is this really necessary?  I’m going to know where we are going when we get there,” said Tara calmly.

“I’m sorry,” said Kanu, “There are rules that have to be followed.  You have to trust me.”

“You know I trust you, or I would have never let you blindfold me and take control of this ship.”

“I know you’ve been through a lot lately, but soon everything will be better.  I can’t promise you that Panthera will never bother you again, but I swear I’ll do everything in my power to help you.”

Tara could feel the ship beginning it’s descent.

“Sangrida can finish the landing.  You have to come with me.”

Tara stood up and took Kanu’s hand.  He led her through the corridors of the ship.

Kanu pulled the blindfold off Tara.

She gasped at the sight of Kanu in the dark crimson robes.  “You are A’nath-ari?”

“Yes,” he said as he opened the gate, “I have served for a long time.”

A large crowd had gathered around the ship.  Valeryn Kamau approached the gate.  “Kanu?  Is that you?  It has been a very long time.  Who is your friend?”

“This is Tara Lael,” Kanu’s eyes widened, “The Enmadra?  I have been gone for far too long.”

Valeryn squinted.  “Little Tara Lael?  I know her, but it has been a while since I’ve seen her,” Valeryn smiled, “She serves with Master Barami.”

“Tara?”  Ianus said, “What are you doing here?”

“I don’t even know where here is,” said Tara, “I’ve had a very strange trip.”

“Why are you wearing the To’asaa?”  Asked Daru.

“It called to me.  With it, our people were reborn.  It is my salvation as well.”

“You know you must give it up.  You stole it.  It is not yours to do with as you please.”

“I will make restitution for my crimes, but you are not my judge.  I will answer for what I’ve done.”

“But you have to give it up.”

“It is not yet time.”