Mark of the Fool

Chapter 535: Hannah Kim, the Patron Saint of Alric (END OF BOOK 6!!!)

Hope. Though Keldas story was tragic and filled Alex with a simmering rage, it also gave him hope.

His thoughts raced.

So, youre saying theres a chance? his voice trembled.

No. We failed, she said firmly. We utterly failed. Kelda and I spent years putting together everything that wed learned and we still failed.

But you succeeded. Alex insisted. You undid Uldars tampering.

And who knows if that would have made things better, she countered. Its a dead path and itll only lead to your pain.

Hannah, thats bullshit, and youre smart enough to know that. Alexs eyes blazed. You said that we learn something that passed for science in Thameland. I take it this earth that youre from, and Katalonia, had higher science, right? More understanding of methodology?

Her face hardened. Katalonia? That was some dark ages stuff. But earth had a lot of science. Super science, even.

Okay! Okay! Alex spread his hands. So! Think about it like this. Science is a line of failures with each researcher learning from the last ones mistakes. Lets say you develop a formula for some super-potion or something. Then lose the formula. Well, you still have the researchers that made it and you still have the result.

He pinched his fingers in front of his eyes like he was narrowing his view through a lens. So the next generation of researchers would have a much better idea of how to proceed! Theyd have the building blocks of failure and success.

Alex jabbed a finger toward his Mark. Thats how this works! Every success and failure from previous experiences helps you learn how to proceed! All of your prior successes are the building blocks to the ultimate triumphs, but failures can teach you even more!

The cost is too high. The Traveller said grimly, raising her chin. This is obliteration were talking about. Its your soul disappearing. It means no afterworld. Nothing at all. If what happened to Kelda happens to you, youre just gone, and theres no turning back. The cost is way too high.

Let me be the judge of that. And, I agree in part, Alex pushed on. But. You started a map. I have access to one of the greatest bodies of knowledge in my world, and I could have access to wherever you worked on the Mark. We have years of your work to guide us. We could do this. Think about it, Hannah, my patron saint. We could make it so that no other Fool has to go through what Iwhat Keldahas gone through! Even if we end the cycle of the Ravener forever, its possible that I could end up with this Mark limiting me for my entire life. If we fail, then the next Fool will suffer too. Please.

He clasped his hands before him. I am praying to you. Tell me more. Tell me where your equipment is. You didnt destroy it, did you?

The Travellers light flared at his prayer, and the spirits face froze in indecision. She finally spoke. We didnt destroy it. But I cant tell you where it is.

Alexs frustration flared. You

Hold on, Im not saying I wont tell you: Im dead, she said. Its not right for the dead to rob choices from the living. I was kidnapped by kings and deities: Im the last person who should be denying you a choice. But the problem is that I dont know where the equipment is.

Alex froze. What do you mean? Your notes said you werewait Realisation struck him. OhKelda never told you where it was, did she?

No. Hannah shook her head. And after she was destroyed, I didnt try to find it. If the church had ever taken me, it was better that I didnt know. But, there is something. Theres a portal in my cavern that we keyed our Marks to. No one elseincluding other Heroescan use it.

Alexs heart dropped. Oh nothe Sage from this cycle tried entering a portal below your cave and it slammed shut when it recognised her Mark!

...thats not good, because now its permanently closed, she said, deep in thought. I can tell you that Kelda said it was really cold where she was staying.

Rightthe Empire maybe? You think her sanctum could be there? Somewhere in the Irtyshenan Empire? Alex asked.

Its a guess, she said, reluctantly. But even then, its a thin onebut we did spend a lot of time there in our search for clues, though we didnt find any. If there had been somebody there who knew what was going on, all traces of them were long gone.

But the cold is still helpful, Alex said. I came to the hells on less. And this? This is my life. And the lives of others.

Hannah paused for a long moment. The church.

What do you mean, the church?

Find their secret arm. That would be my suggestion, she said. I built my sanctum to try and break into Uldars realm, but I spent too much time hiding from the official church. I looked, but I couldnt find the secret side, I could have looked harder. They might have information about what exactly this patch wasand failing thatyou should try to find the ascension point.

What? What do you mean? Alex asked. What ascension point?

The dread was building in the air again, growing stronger, impossible to hold back.

Uldar ascended to another realm, she said. He ascended to full divinity from the mortal world. You know how in some places in the material world you can travel to other planes more easily?

Yeah, Alex said. You saying that wed have an easier time transporting ourselves to Uldars realm from wherever he ascended?

I think so. If its a path thats been used once, it can be used again, she said. Find that, and you might find Uldar. The church might know more about what the patch was and why the Mark of the Fool was changed. Uldar would definitely know, and I would bet a lot of money that the church knows where he ascended from. Maybe if you find that information, it can help you avoid the same fate that Kelda suffered.

ThatswiseIll try and do both, Alex said. This isIm so glad I found your phone. Im so glad I found it and you. Thank you, Hannah. So, what happens to you now?

Idont know. The Travellers radiance flickered. Dread rose in the air. One thing I do know for sure is, Im confused, Alex. Really confusedyour voice has been familiar to me since we started talking. And its been growing more familiar the longer weve talked. Im in the world of the living again. I learnedall these different things. I cant even wrap my head around it all.

The dread built.

Im going back to the afterworld, she said. Butmaybe I can bring myself back sometime. With your prayers, I think somethings changing in my spirit. My teleportation is growing stronger. Her eyes flashed. And if I came back oncemaybe I can come back again.

Maybe youre changing because of the faith were showing you. Maybe youre gaining divinity yourself. My mentor, Baelin, says that faith is a powerful force, maybe it can even help the dead. Alex suggested.

Maybe. Maybe. Her radiance faded further. well, what will happen will happen. Just so you know, I think I canwait, thats why your voice sounds familiar. When I dream, I hear your prayers! Youre the voice in my mind!

Really? Alex blinked. The dead sleep?

We dream. She smiled warmly. And sometimes the dreams are so sweet.

The dread pulsed again.

Hannah Kims image diminished as it did, she drew herself up to her full height, floating toward him. Im going to start talking like a Tolkien character for a bit.

A what character? Whos

Alex Roth of Alric! her voice boomed from every stone, rising, shaking the sky, even though she hadnt raised it at all. Her radiance was blinding. Thank you for doing so much for the descendents of those I love. Thank you, child of Alric. Of Thameland. IHannah Kim the Travellerswear to answer your prayers if its in my power, and to do what I can for you from wherever I am. It is my hope that we shall meet again in this world or the one after.

She raised a finger, and it flared like the brightest star. Youwho have gained some of my giftI reward you now. For your courage. For your faith. And for your willingness to face the darkness that I could never defeat.

Placing her finger against his forehead, she poured a river of power into him.

The Travellers energy swelled within him, growing ever stronger. Transforming, becoming more complete.

And then the river sputtered dry.

She gazed at him with affection. I have shared more of my energy with you. In time, I see you mastering it in the same way that Kelda of Clan McCallum once did. Without spellcraft, it is my hope that you will travel the universe and see planets and look upon the realms of gods. To see the planes as they are.

Alex bowed his head. Thank you. Thank you so much for the giftno, the blessing. I will keep praying to you, and I hope that my faith, my sisters and my partnersand whoever else sees you as their saviour, can make you stronger. Maybe you can gain enough faith to get out of the afterworld. And maybeyou could bring others with you?

Hannahs gaze turned sad. Its a miracle that I was able to leave at all. As for others? Lets just sayits not possible.

Why not? Alex asked.

Some things can only be experienced to be understood. She smiled. Death is one of them.

Then Alex took a breath. Can you deliver a message to my parents? Theyre already there.

I will try.

Tell them that Im alright. Tears came to his eyes. That Selinas alright. That Theresas alright and so are Mr. and Mrs. Lu. And that Im going to work hard to make sure we all stay alright. Tell them we love them and we miss them.

I will, the Traveller said, her presence fading. Her voice grew quieter. I will Then her smile blazed. And if I return again, then I will give you their answer.

A lump formed in his throat. Thank you. Thank you so much. If Isummon you again, do you think itll work?

She shook her head. That ritual was made to only work once to summon my sword, and I should not even be herebut obviously I know less about this power than I thought I did. I will promise you that I will strive and struggle to find my way back to protect you and my town. And perhaps others.

I hope you manage to come back, Alex said. And I might try and summon you again.

Let the dead worry about the paths of the dead. You must worry about the path of the living.

Ithink I understand.

Her form was now as sheer as a delicate veil, almost ethereal.

But her smile was radiant. And a bit mischievous. I sounded pretty awesome, just now, didnt I? Like a real superhero or epic king. Not bad for a little bit of roleplaying, wouldnt you say?

And with those words, he felt a door closing.

The radiance faded.

And the Traveller was gone.

Alex sat in the circle for some time, simply taking in what had happened. So much had been revealed. Some questions were answered. Some were raised. A pair of paths formed.

And he had a new power to explore.

What could he do if he was able to travel anywhere in the world? He could explore Thameland and the Irtyshenan Empire in the same day.

He glanced at the shoulder where the Mark of the Fool lay hidden beneath Thundars illusion. Just what secrets did it hold?

What would it be in its original form?

He would find out.

Hopeful, Alex performed the Travellers ritual one more timebut felt nothing. No response. He sighed, but he understood.

Until we meet again, he said aloud, clearing away the ritual and gathering up his belongings. He tied the sword to a rope and slung it over his shoulder. Fight on, Hannah. Fight on. Ill be fighting too.

With a small smile, Alex Roth turned and began walking back to his companions.

It was time to get back to them.

It was time to escape the Hells.

It was time to find this secret arm of the church.

One way or another, there would be a reckoning.

Impossible Kaz-Mowang raged in his hidden grotto, deep within the outer labyrinth. Impossible. That energyit cant be!

Nearby, his insect-like archivist gurgled among the remnants of the palace and the milling guests who had taken shelter within the greater demons hidden sanctum. Many were the worst for wear. Many look frightened.

All burned with a fury that was just waiting to be unleashed.

What is it, most glorious master? the archivist asked.

Hannar-Cim the bull-headed demon leapt to his feet. I felt her energy. I felt it! Steam billowed from his nostrils. This cannot be a coincidence. That wretched mortal must have had some part in this disaster.

Several members of his household growled, gnashing their teeth.

His archivist gurgled with excitement, spitting a line of mucus along the floor. My most glorious master, what will you do? Will I have the chance to see your glory directly?

You will. Kaz-Mowangs hooves ground against the stone beneath his hulking throne. Warriors! Prepare for a sortie! We must seek an enemy. An old one who thinks to strike me in the back like a coward. She ran from me once.

He smiled. She should have kept running.

Within the Ravener, a terrible process was taking place.

Where once it had conjured a single Petrifier, now it was crafting three.

Three to destroy three usurpers, and bring the cycle back into balance.

It was the manoeuvre dictated by protocol: an ancient escalation of violence that was built into it long ago. The Raveners mind was bent toward the process, working on nothing else.

Even when the usurpers had escaped its first petrifier, it did not break concentration. It simply performed steps as was decreed.

But, now, something disturbed it.

A strange energy had pulsed from somewhere so distant, it could not identify where the location was. But it knew whatit was: a usurper. A usurper joined with a strange power it had only encountered once, many cycles before.

An unexpected development.

What was the usurper doing?

What was the usurper plotting?

Factors were drifting further out of control. Still, its instructions had not changed. Protocol remained protocol.

and yet

A disturbance formed in the Raveners mind: a thought of what-if?. What if more unexpected patterns came to be? What if new threats arose. What if the instructions did not anticipate shifting variables.

And the orb of darkness floated in its chamber for a time, contemplating this.

Until, at last, it made a decision.

It broke protocol.

This was a step that it was only to take if the number of usurpers had risen to five or morebut things were shifting beyond prediction. Better to act now.

With this thought, its vast mind reached out across the distance.

Reached out and made contact.

Deep inside an escarpmentin a holy chamberUldars First Apostle raised his head. Something had touched his mind.

I hear you, the ancient voice spoke in the dark. Tell me, fellow child. What must be done to make the first sacrifice still bear fruit? What must be done in Uldars name?

Within the darkness, a golden light glowed.

And then went out.

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