Sanctuary for the Unknown

Quite a distance away from John and Mundi at the river’s mouth, Celeste and Roman landed just on the outskirts of Empyrea, where all Empyrean Wizards were born, and most still dwelled. There was no better place for a sanctuary anywhere in the realm. It was where the land in the clouds met the earth. Nestled high in the mountains, hidden by a cluster of lush trees and mist drifting in from Empyrea, it was nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.

Roman pushed through dense tree branches to a rusty bell hanging over a curtain of leafy vines. A handwritten sign hung precariously under the bell.

“Ring for assistance… three times, please and thank you.

Sincerely,

Shep”

Roman closed one eye and gave the bells three good tugs.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The clang of the bell startled both wizards, snapping them back from their exhausted state.

" I should be used to that,” Celeste uttered, wide-eyed and alert.

Roman smirked. “We are both awake now.”

A pair of shuffling feet accompanied by muffled mumbling approached the gate from the other side. “Hello? “Who’s there?”

“It’s, It’s Roman and Celeste!” Celeste yelled softly.

“Who…? What’s that? Speak up, child. I’m old and worn!” A shrill voice shook the leaves on the vines.

“We are from the Guardians Guild,” Roman added. “We have another unknown.”

“You don’t say… another one?” The lock rattled back and forth. “That’s gotta be the umpteenth one in as many days.”

The vines cleared, exposing a clunky iron gate and a round man of short stature. A few remaining silver hairs tussled with each other to stay intact on his head. In contrast, a bushel of hair flowed from each ear. It’s a small miracle he could hear anything at all.

A broad smile lit up his face, exposing the scattered and worn teeth inside his mouth. “Well now, if it isn’t my two favorite fledglings.” His face radiated warmth. Deep lines outlined his eyes and mouth from years of joyous laughter. Celeste and Roman could not help but smile when they saw him.

“It’s good to see you, Shep,” replied Celeste with a bright smile.

“My, my…! We are approaching the hour of shadows. They always bring cold chills.” He nudged the two inside the sanctuary. “Come in, come, come! You will catch a draft standing out here.”

As they entered, every squeak, chirp, grunt, and growl echoed off the stone walls. The sanctuary was carved into the mountain. Melted snow and mist from the clouds ran down the walls, creating an ample water source for the unknown. Cracks in the walls allowed sunlight and flowers to grow within the walls.

“So, what do you two have for me this time?” asked Shep.

“It’s a flying creature, some kind of bird… we think,” said Roman.

“It seems so helpless and scared. It has an aggressive side, so we have to be careful.” Celeste added.

“Ahh, yes, yes. I know exactly where it shall go, poor thing.” Shep rubbed his hands together and shuffled down a long hallway. It was not long before all the moans and growls dissipated to chirps and whistles. “Here we are, the flying oasis.” He used his entire body to shove the door open just enough for them to slide in.

They entered a large cavern with a waterfall that spilled from a crack in the wall into a lagoon. Shep planted trees everywhere the rays of the sun beamed in. Winged creatures of every shape and size flew about the area.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The sanctuary bell clanged through the halls.

“Another visitor? Twice in one day? How can this be?” Shep grumbled and shuffled off.

“I love this place,” Celeste sighed. “I could spend all day here.” She pulled a handful of crumbs from her cloak. As he held her hand out, tiny birds with feathers fluffed out landed on her hands and pecked at the crumbs.

“Well, you are part bird,” Roman chuckled. He cleared his throat, “They also know a tender heart when they see one.” He put his hand on her shoulder and gazed into her eyes.

“Roman, you know how I feel.” Celeste shifted her eyes to her feet.

“Yes, and you know how I feel,” Roman replied, holding his gaze.

“I know.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “We should really free this creature.”

“Oh yes, yes of course,” Roman stammered.

She pulled the stone from her cloak and placed it on a ledge “Inverte incantationem lebera eam.” She whispered and closed her eyes. Red beams of light swirled around her cloak, then shot to the stone, causing it to burst open. When the lights dissipated, the blue feathered creature stood unscathed on the ledge. After one brisk ruffle of its feathers, it glanced at the two wizards and flew off into the sanctuary. Celeste and Roman both took a collective sigh of relief.

The door squeaked open to a sliver, just enough for a pair of lips to slip through. “Someone is here to see you two. Come quickly!” Shep snapped urgently.

“See us? That’s strange. Are you expecting anyone?” Roman asked suspiciously.

“No, no one comes to mind.” Celeste shook her head with a confused frown.

“Okay, let’s be ready for anything.” Roman slowly pulled the door open, ready to react to whatever was on the other side.

“It’s okay, fledgling. It’s just me.” A hearty voice muttered softly from the other side.

Roman smiled, placing his hand over his chest. “You gave us a scare. After everything we’ve been through as of late.” He waved Celeste over. “It’s Julien, we’re safe.”

Celeste beamed and burst through the door. “Julien! I’m so glad you’re here!” She leaped into the old wizard’s arms.

“Princess…” He huffed as she knocked the wind out of his middle. “Up to your usual guardian business, I see.” He raised his bushy brown brow.

“You have no idea,” Roman muttered. “If I told you everything we’ve seen during our last outing, you likely would not believe me.

“Oh? Try me…” Julien offered a wink.

“Come, let’s grab something warm, yes?” Shep interrupted. “Before we get into important business. My old bones could use a rest.”

“Ahh, splendid. Just so happens I brought some stew, simmered all day, vegetables straight from my garden.”

“Perfect, Julien… can always count on you, old friend. I will have the tea steeped in no time.” Shep added a skip to his step.

Julien strolled behind, occupying every gap of space in the walkway. He had a custom-made brown tweed cloak, sewn from extra fabric due to his immense size.

“Here, here we are. Julien, extra-large seat for you, right here, just in front of the cozy fire.” Shep stood proudly behind a reinforced wood chair large enough for Julien to sit comfortably without breaking under his weight.

“So thoughtful,” Julien obliged, cautiously lowering his backside to the seat. Both he and Shep held their breath. The chair let out a squeak as he sat all the way down. Julien let out a sigh of relief.

“Wonderful! You see? Skilled craftsmanship! Shep cheered.

“Yes, yes, well done, Shep.” Julien smiled through his unruly beard. The warmth of the fire bursting from the stone hearth instantly added color to his cheeks.

Shep smiled, holding his hands out to grab some of the heat. “Huh? Oh no, no, t’wasn’t me… the elves made it as a gift. I took in an unknown for them, quite a nuisance for them if memory serves.”

“The elves are skilled carpenters.” Julien shifted about in the chair. “This is a wonderful gift. I shall have to visit more often.” He grinned.

“I could have told you, elves work,” Roman boasted, rubbing his hands along the tip of the chair. “They send me gifts often after our fight together in the abyss.”

“You did destroy the shadow beast. I suspect you will receive gifts for the rest of your days,” Julien declared.

“Ahh yes, yes indeed,” added Shep.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

“Again with the bells! Never have I received so many visitors in as many minutes! What is going on in Azra’s Pith?” Shep stumbled and shuffled off to the gate.

“I’m coming!” Celeste followed; her curious nature would not let her sit still.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

“Three times, I say! Three times!” Shep shook his chubby fist in the air.

Celeste skipped past him to the gate and shoved it open with her shoulder.

“Use haste, child!” Shep snapped.

“There’s no one here…” Celeste glanced around. “Nothing but mist and shrubs.”

The mist faded at her feet just enough to see a box wrapped in velvet. “She sees it.” The bushes rattled near the gate.

“Yes, yes, she does. Go ahead, girl… open the box.” Mischievous whispers giggled and carried on back and forth.

“Who’s there?” Celeste shouted, clenching her fists.

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