I was dreading the upcoming Angelway games. Though I was now doing regular exercises with Marcus and Sir Atticus, I was still not ready for the following trials. It, therefore, was a relief to hear the second games had got cancelled. Being a Squire had made me completely forget what time of year it was. It was the City of Light season. The month when we celebrated everything to do with the Order: the angels, the Order's creation, and the founding of City of Aurelia. I had always enjoyed the festival. It was an excuse for a day off school when it happened on a weekday and just another reason to party on the weekend. Though I had never been to the Aurelia, I knew about its founding from back to front. Primemaster Aurelian, the Order of Angels creator, founded it in the first century AV. Why he had placed it there was a bit of a mystery; however, his logic had been solid. Aurelia was at the South Pole and had never witnessed a demon attack.
As the founding of the capital was heavily linked with the Order, the Arknights usually played a big role in the celebrations. The week before we went through drill after drill, directing where we were supposed to go and the timetable for the day. Most of this was done through the Arknight teachers who took this day very seriously. This was one of the few days civilians actively saw the Arknights so they had to make a good impression.
So, that Saturday morning, I woke up with the other girls and, instead of putting on our usual training uniform, we put on smarter clothes. A fine shirt and a tight skirt with tights gave each of us a look of power and authority. I couldn't help but smile to see myself looking so good. That smile quickly faded as I noticed the girls putting on their berets. The beret was a sign of achievement as a Squire, proof after so many years of training that they could do the job. I, of course, had yet to prove any of that so I stuck out like a sore thumb as we left the girls dormitory. It was even more apparent at the canteen as I spotted younger Squires with their berets on. It made me feel inadequate seeing how proud everyone seemed to wear them.
However, I knew I had to earn that beret. It came when I had mastered a couple of things: mastery of weapon, physical fitness, and knowledge. Sir Atticus assured me we would get there in time. Though I was learning the knowledge fast, my fitness was slow progress, and my weapon expertise was basically non-existent. I was getting a used to the handgun, but anything bigger, I couldn't aim for toffee. Still, none of the guys seemed to notice, though I'm sure Virgil had told his gang about my disastrous shooting performance.
After breakfast, we meet Sir Atticus outside. The Arknights wore the same uniform as us, but they had strips and medals. Some were just simple wing patterns that barely caught the eye. Others had a shining medal, with full-on suns and angels insignia printed from glowing metal. When we arrived outside, Sir Atticus was having a disagreement with an Arknight I hadn't met before. "Our first festival after placement and I'm going to be damned if you don't show off your medals," she said, pointing her finger into Sir Atticus's chest. The woman was almost the same height as Sir Atticus, with gemstone blue eyes and a small nose. She was a little lanky, but I knew she probably had quite a punch.
Sir Atticus looked uncomfortable. "I can't go walking around with this thing on my chest. It's far too gregarious," he said. In his hand was something I had only heard of. I gasped. The Divine Wings medal was the highest honour a soldier could be awarded. It was so rare only a few had been given out over the past decade. Anyone who earned one received it at Aurelia by the Princess of Light herself.
The woman nodded before taking the medal and pinning it to Sir Atticus' uniform. "I don't care if it is gregarious. You earned it. Angels, we earned one worrying you weren't coming back." Both Sir Atticus and Marcus shifted slightly as she said this. My body froze for a second as that realisation dawned on me. Even though I had been on an army base for over a month now, death was not something I had thought about. Let alone the death of someone that I knew. Plus, neither Sir Atticus nor Marcus had ever mentioned near-death missions. Though by the looks of things, neither wanted to think about it. The conversation was interrupted as Lex appeared by our side. "Ma'am," she said, saluting the woman.
Marcus and I saluted Sir Atticus and stood to attention. "I don't think you've met Sir Iris yet," Sir Atticus gestured to the women next to him. Sir Iris eyed me with an intrigued expression.
"So this is the one you mentioned in your last call. The Nexus?"
"This is Sara," Sir Atticus said. I saluted Sir Iris, and she gave me a sharp nod as appreciation, and I returned to standing to attention.
"I hope Lex has given you a warm welcome, Sara," Sir Iris, now turning to her own pupil.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied. Lex blushed a little at my compliment.
"Good, I wouldn't expect anything less," she said, beaming at Lex. "I hope you've kept Marcus on his toes in the Angelway." She gave Lex a wink.
Shuttle buses picked people up by year groups and drove them into the city. Because of my addition, Sir Atticus, Marcus and I were an awkward three, so we sat at the back of the bus. It was weird to be at the back because the cool kids usually coveted it during my school days. I was glad we were at the back cause I got to see all the students and their teachers. I mainly focused my eyes on Lex and Sir Iris. Our interaction had left me a little confused. "Sir," I said, looking at Sir Atticus. He turned round to look at me. I realised I was whispering because I didn't want anyone else to hear what felt like a stupid question. "Sir Iris said she was on placement?"
Sir Atticus nodded. "She was sent to Yrok to help protect a group of travelling monks for today's ceremony. Why?"
"Well, Sir, if she is Lex's teacher, then who was teaching Lex when she was away?"
Sir Atticus smiled at me. "Two things happen: either the Squire is lucky enough to go with their teacher, or we leave them to train while their teacher is away. Obviously, this doesn't happen till you earn your beret." I studied the bus again. All the Squires apart from me had a beret on. A wave of shame came over me. I wasn't one of them. I kept fooling myself that I was. It's funny how easily you forget your place after a few weeks. They had all been training for years, and I had come in just at the end because of a prophecy no one knew about. I became tiny in my chair, hoping no one would look at me.
Londinium was pack as everyone was out enjoying the celebrations. The streets were rammed with stalls, amusements, and parties. It was incredible the amount of noise one place could produce. We could often hear the celebrations all the way from Wingsworth. Most of the roads were blocked off but the city had allowed the Arknight's buses to travel through unaffected. We were dropped off right outside the Colossi itself.I got out of the bus last before staring up at the vast cathedral.
It was so big that my small town temple could have fit in its main chamber. The Colossi was ancient beyond the city. It was said that Londinium was founded around the Colossi and not the other way around. Wrapping around the building were exquisite stain glass windows forged into shapes and sizes not thought possible. These windows tell the Divine's story in the centre; the angel regents on earth before the twelve Arknights of the Vale. They were the first Arknights, though I did not know what the Vale was. From my year six angelic studies project, all I learnt was that it was just a title. They were not just envisioned in the glass, though, but statues also guarded each point around the building. In-between them was twenty-four angels. In the Primdium (the holy book of the Order), they never really described angels except for powerful and awe-inspiring. However, I had never found the angel carvings that impressive.
The Masters were taking control of the situation. They formed us into two long lines leading up to the entrance to the temple. It was odd because there was one line now longer than the other. I stood at the end, making me feel even more out of place. I could see the eleven-year-olds on the other side, not being able to contain their joy about taking part in today. My stomach was churning. Everyone's eyes would be on us today. For the first time, the weight of how many people we were destined to protect hit me.
The Masters headed into the Colossi as their part in the parade came later. Crowds were beginning to gather behind small metal fences, all of them cheering. Small children poked their hands and legs through the metal bars, telling their parents they would be an Arknight one day. I couldn't help but a small smile at this. Had I been that full of hope when I was a child? Were my dreams really that big? I wished I could tell them what it was really like.
A bell rang, and the roar for them crowds died down. The sun was high in the sky. Thankfully it was May so the heat was bearable. Trumpets erupted from behind me, making me jump. A marching band began making its way down the path towards the Colossi. On cue, all the Squires salute as the first of two groups made their way down the track. Marching along in perfect unison came the Arknights. Chest out and standing tall they came like a force down the street. The crowds shouted and clapped as the men and women passed them. In front of them was a Master who was carrying a flag with the Arknights crest upon it. A sense of pride grew in my chest as I saw that mighty symbol flutter in the air. It reminded me I was part of something great now. Something worth fighting for. I thought back to my home and wondered whether Alice could see me now on TV.
The Arknights came to a stop right in front of us, a few meters before the steps to the Colossi. They came to attention, the strike of their feet resonating across the parade. As if on cue we stood to attention.
I had to resist peaking at what was coming up behind them. A second group led by a flag made their way up the path. They did not march, nor did they wear military uniform. Instead, their flowing white robes with golden lacing. The Order of Priest's flagbearer led them to join the Arknights. Though they weren't as impressive as the Arknights their uniform and calmness did make them distinct against the rigid discipline of the soldiers in front of them. Seeing the Priest made me wonder if Dad was here. They did allow Priests from all the boroughs to participate in the main festival though many choose to just help out at their own temples. Still, my soul reached out trying to search through the crowd for an answer I couldn't possibly know.
Together the Squire turned sharply to face the Colossi. Three people now stood in front of the door, surveying the crowds. One I instantly recognised and made my fists clench. Grandmaster Hera stood proudly, a mighty cape with symbols and insignia wrapped around her shoulders. She looked fancy enough to be a queen. Her chest shone with medals which made me more angry as it was a reminder that I hated a hero.
On the far left was an elderly man with the same white robe but accompanied with a great hat that almost reached to the heavens. He also carried a staff that was made of gold and had a pair of wings emerge from the top of it. The Master of the Colossi was the leader of the Priests Order and would be leading the service today.
The women in the centre completed the trio as the representation of the people. Jennifer Hardcastle was Primeminister of Britiannia and was of a bit of an unknown to me. She had only been elevated to the position last year and so she was very early into her ten year reign. I rarely followed politics as not much happened when you have an appointed ruler running the country. However, she was chosen by the Aurelian Council which meant she was worthy of such a title. She wore a white suit with a silvery badge on her chest. The wings of leadership were the highest honour a civilian could be awarded.
The three leaders gazed down at their Order, each one giving us a nodded before turning and heading into the Colossi. The Arknights and Priests followed suit while we had to be called in by one of the armed guards stood at the door. My heart pounded against my chest as we entered the Colossi.
It was just as grand inside. The white marble space almost glowed as the light shone through the windows. The colours were perfectly reflected onto the walls, making them appear covered in jewels. There were more statues, tapestries of hero tales, and relics of past Prophets. I stared at these statues, more interested in them than the procession, which reached its conclusion at the altar. The faces of the Prophets were smooth and almost featureless as the cravers removed all imperfections in their interpretations. It was strange to think that I, like these men and women of stone, had a destiny.
The Master of Colossi walked up to the alter and turned to face the congregation. The other two leaders sat in golden thrones on opposite sides of the alter, while everyone else found their seat. The Squires were at the back making the Master of the Colossi barely visible. Each row had a tag saying which year group was to sit there. My heart sank as I counted only twelve chairs for our group. Marcus hesitated in front of them before turning to me. Before he could say a word, I shook my head and sat cross-legged on the floor. Marcus had earned his seat. I would one day earn mine.
The Master began his service. It was a pretty predictable sermon. He talked about how the Divine had blessed the twelve guardians of the world and how the angels had led Primemaster Aurelian to found the city of Aurelia before heading off into the unknown. I had heard the story every year at our temple, but being at the Colossi surround by the very men and women who took up Aurelian's baton seemed to give the Master's words a lot more weight. When he mentioned the word Prophet, I pricked my ears up, hoping something would tell me about what my destiny would hold. "Though he was a Prophet of the city," the man droned on, "Primemaster Aurelian was destined to help take down the Dark Master, Koralax." A chill spread through the room like a wave. I shivered as that name touched my ears. I had never heard the actual name of the Demon King said out loud before. Every teenager had read it in a book and try to seem cool by saying it, but no one seemed strong enough to actually do it. Saying the name of the creator of demons, forger of corruption in such a holy site, didn't sit well with me. The name almost echoed around the silent room, pressing down on me like the Divine was using it to poke me.
As the talk went on, an idea came to me. Once the service had ended, everyone was allowed to minge and refreshments were provided. I hovered around the others, using my eyes to scan for the Master of the Colossi. "You'd think he would add something new after all these years," Tarvis said, taking a sip from his weak coffee.
"What's he supposed to add?" Lex pointed out. "It's not like the story changes."
"Yeah, but he might have added a bit flare with a little speculation of what happened to Primemaster Aurelian," Tarvis replied. "Like he was eaten by bears. Became a striper. Took up beekeeping. Just something better than he vanished."
"You've been watching too many of the Finding Angels programmes off-site, haven't you?" Jesse said, shaking her head.
"Marcus," I whispered, tapping him on the shoulder. Marcus turned to me, his eyebrow raised. "Is it possible to speak to the Master of the Colossi?"
Marcus gave out a sharp whistle. "That's easier said than done. We are really not supposed to, but I might know someone who could give you a chance." They put down their drinks. Marcus marched me over to where most of the Master and Arknights stood. I was expecting him to take me to Sir Atticus, who was in deep conversation with an annoyed looking Petra. Instead, Marcus took me to a group of Masters. They were all chortling about something but fell silent as we approach. I went numb when I saw the Master Marcus had brought me to. It was the Master who had held the flag. He had to be important to take part in the parade. He was still muscular though in his late fifties and his hair was half grey. On his cheek were the scars from something he clashed with probably before I was born. "Master Rooke," Marcus said, saluting. I saluted too. Master Rooke looked down at me before turning to Marcus. He nodded at Marcus to continue. "May I introduce Sara Blanc, Sir Atticus's new student." I stood up a little straighter and tried not to look away from Master Rooke's gaze. "Sara, this is Master Rooke. Leader of the Chamber of Masters." My heart did a summersault. Why did Marcus bring me to this Master? The Leader of the Chamber of Master was a big deal and probably wouldn't care for a silly girl's ideas.
However, Master Rooke stretched out his hand and shook mine. "Pleasure to finally meet you," he said. His voice was gruff but kind. He didn't intimidate you, but you couldn't help be in the shadow of his presence. "Atticus has told me a lot about you." I froze. Panic ran through as I tried to imagine why on earth Sir Atticus had spoken to the leader of the Masters about me. Master Rooke chuckled. "Don't look so terrified. It wasn't anything bad."
As I relaxed, Marcus nudged me. It was now or never. I braced myself for his rejection. "I was wondering if you could help me have a word with the Master of the Colossi, Master?"
I waited for Master Rooke to put me down, probably suggesting I was being silly. But, he handed Marcus his cup and said, "Well, of course, I'm sure he would be interested meeting you too." He gestured me forwards. I began to walk towards the alter when I realised Marcus wasn't coming with me. Glancing back, Marcus just gave me an assuring nod. I needed to do this on my own. Master Rooke and I headed towards the altar. We waited around, letting the Master finish his other conversations. "So you're Atticus's new student," he said, eyeing me up. His eyes were sharp, more like a hawk than a rook, but there was an air around him that reminded me of Master Orion. "How are you finding his teachings?"
"He's the best, Master," I replied. I didn't know what to say. Everyone had such a high opinion of Sir Atticus and, the problem was, so did I. I wasn't sure if it was bias or the fact he had taught me so well. He had given me twice as much knowledge as Mrs Reynolds ever had, pushed my boundaries with weapons' training, and supported me during my minor incident at the Angelway Challenge. Sir Atticus was just a great teacher, but I didn't want to sound like it wasn't my opinion. "He's really supported me through all of this," I added.
Master Rooke beamed at me. "Glad to hear my old Squire is still up to scratch." I couldn't help but let my mouth fall open, then realising who I was with, I quickly closed it again. "Yes, yes, Sir Atticus was my student," Master Rooke said. Master Rooke looked around and leant in. "If you want to know anything embarrassing about him, nows the time to ask."
My head was already spinning with the idea of a young Atticus. As I had always seen Sir Atticus as a teacher, I had never imagined what he was like when he was young. He barely spoke about his own training, and the fact the leader of the Masters was his teacher probably lead to him becoming the great man he was now. "What was Sir Atticus like as a Squire, Master?" I asked, desperate to know everything about him. Maybe if I learnt how Sir Atticus became the best, it might help me catch up.
Master Rooke thought for a second. "Atticus is a much more interesting man than most people let themselves believe. He's actually the son of one of our past ambassadors to the Aurelia. I oversaw his test, and I was blown away by how much effort he had put into it. Why an eleven-year-old noble wanted to become an Arknight is beyond me." I was hanging on to Master Rooke's every single word. Never would I have imagined Sir Atticus coming from such high status. He hadn't mentioned his family and never gave the appearance of being better than anyone. A lesson I wished Virgil took up.
"So, of course, when he passed, I took him on in an instant," Master Rooke continued. "He was arguably the best student we ever had. Leader of his own little group of friends."
"Anyone I know, Master?" I asked eagerly. It reminded me of our group of friends with Marcus and Lex being our leaders. It was a strange glimpse into my future where I'd hope we'd all still be friends.
"Yes, you know some," Master Rooke replied. "Otto, Iris, Petra, and Meredith."
"I haven't met Sir Meredith yet, Master," I said. I wondered if this Sir Meredith was on duty somewhere else and so hadn't taken on a pupil like Sir Petra.
However, Master Rooke looked away and coughed. "No, you haven't," he muttered under his breath. Then regaining his composure and added, "I should probably say Atticus wasn't perfect. He kept sneaking into the Matrix in his youth. We only excused him after all the work he put in."
"Yeah, Sir Atticus told me he got lost there on his first night, Master," I said.
Master Rooke frowned at me. I wasn't sure if I had insulted him. He then gave a short laugh. "Did he tell you that on your first day?" I nodded. "Probably tried to make you feel better. But trust me, you don't find people in the prophecy section of the Matrix by chance. You have to go looking for that." I stood there contemplating this revelation. Sir Atticus had lied to me. I didn't know whether to feel good or bad. Should I not take his words at face value? Or should I respect him more as he brought himself down to my level to make me feel better? Also, why was he going to the prophecy section of the Matrix? I hadn't been to the Matrix yet, as the others had warned; it wasn't like any other Archive. The Mantle's Matrix had forbidden books that not even Squires are allowed to read, so you had to have special permission to be there. So why had a young Atticus made trips there so often?
The Master of the Colossi moved in front of us. "Master Rooke," he said, his voice a little horse after giving that long speech, "good to see you again."
"And you," Master Rooke said, shaking his hand. "This is one of our Squire's, Sara Blanc, and she wished to speak to you." The Master gazed down at me with his old eyes. He didn't seem unkind, just a little confused why a Squire had requested his presence.
"Master, can I ask you a question on prophecies?" I said, feeling both men were waiting for me to speak. It was worse than having to tell the truth to my parents.
"An unwise area of interest," the Master of the Colossi wheezed. "Though I know all prophecies, I can tell you they do not fulfil the fantasy media portray. They can only tell of time locked events, not their cause nor their effects. "
I wanted to say tell me about it, but I kept my tongue in check. "I don't want to know about prophecies in general, just one specific one," I said, trying to reassure him I wasn't an issue. "Master, have you ever heard of the Prophecy of the Nexus?"
I waited with bated breath as the old man thought. His wrinkly skin came together as the cogs in his brain turned. "I have not heard of this prophecy," the master said. "Have you made this up to trick me?"
Before I could defend myself, Masters Rooke stepped in. "No, she is not lying. This is to do with some of our investigations recently. So you've never heard the term Nexus?"
"I have heard the term Nexus before," the Grandmaster said, crossing his arms. "But only in context of one person. Primemaster Aurelian was referred to as The Nexus." My stomach twisted in on itself at these words. All I could manage was a gasp. Primemaster Aurelian was a Nexus too? But he was the greatest Arknight in history, the founder of the Order. How could I be called the same thing? And what did my prophecy entail for such a title?
Master Rooke look very serious now. He glanced round the packed cathedral, though no one stood near us. "You're sure?" he whispered.
"Quite sure," the Master said. "Though scholars have yet to discover what it means. Its a term older than the Vale. And I have never heard it in context with a prophecy before." I didn't know why but 'the Vale' made me shiver in the same way Koralax made me feel. But, I had no idea what the Vale was.
Both myself and Master Rooke stood there stunned. This didn't bring me closer to finding out what my destiny was. Worse, it just revealed the scale of my prophecy. PrimeMastere Aurelian had not only changed the world but saved it. What world changing event was I supposed to cause?
Other people started to jostle us for a word with the Master of the Colossi so we gave him our thanks and left. Master Rooke marched me to the side of the Colossi before turning to me. "How are you doing after that?" he asked, fixing me with a concerned look.
I didn't know what to feel. Some would have thought this was a dream come true. A mysterious link to Primemaster Aurelian would make you a legend. But my link was to a prophecy only the demons knew. And that could only be a bad sign. "I'm ok, Master," I said shortly. I didn't want to speak much. My mind was twisting around this revelation making it hard to think.
Master Rooke placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't dwell on it, I'll inform Atticus what's happened. I'm sure he will have some thoughts on the matter." Master Rooke nodded at me and was about to leave before adding, "Don't mention this to anyone either, probably for the best." I nodded. There was no chance I was going to mention this to anyone. It would just give Virgil more ammunition against me. Master Rooke headed off into the crowd and I made my way back to the gang.
I didn't say anything as I approached, I was still dealing with my thoughts. Half were focused on the Nexus while the others were lingering on the Vale. For such a simple word, it put so much fear in my soul.
"Did you get an answer?" Marcus asked.
"Not really," I replied. "He just told me there Nexus is an old word, older than something called the Vale." When I said that word, everyone exchanged looks. "What?" I asked.
"You haven't reached that bit in the course yet," Lex said. "Trust me, enjoy not knowing about the Vale." I eyed each of them. Was this a joke? A trick? I would have said they were trying to be superior by excluding me, but the looks of discomfort they wore told me there was something up with the Vale. I made a note to ask Sir Atticus about it in our next lesson.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to see a face I recognised. "Dad!" I nearly shouted. I almost launched myself at him but I realised where we were. I just gave him a big hug and Marcus led us away to give us a moment. My heart swelled as I was engulfed in my Dad's arms. It felt right to be back here; I had missed it so much. I tried to take in every second as I didn't know the next time I would see him. Tears tried to push through, but I kept them back.
"Look at you," Dad said as soon as we let go. I took a step back so he could see me in my uniform. "Your mum and I are so proud of you," he said, giving me another hug. I had to use all my will power not to cry. My heart was so full I thought it might explode. "How are things going at the Mantle?" He asked next.
I tried not to consider the question too hard. If I thought about it, the memories of the Angelway challenge would surface. "It's been a bit of a challenge," I said, trying to make it sound like it wasn't too bad. Dad gave me a look. "Ok, it's been terrible. But, I have a lot of catching up to do."
"That's the understatement of the century," Dad said. I noticed he had bigger bags under his eyes than usual, and he didn't seem to have the same bouncy personality. "I've been reading up on the Order to understand what you are going through. It must be intense."
He was right. I had never run so much in my life, and I never wanted to see another gym again. And the knowledge I had taken on would undoubtedly give me a degree in angelic studies. But I didn't have a choice. I had to step up to the challenge. Not only was Sir Atticus counting on me, but so was my destiny. A destiny I still had no clue about. "Forget about the Order," I said, wanting to take my mind off demons and Arknights for a moment. "How are things at home? Have you spoken to Alice yet?"
Dad's hesitated. "Mum and I have lost a bit of sleep worrying about you," Dad said, scratching the back of his head. A stab of guilt pierced my heart. I had always done whatever I could to make my parents proud and not worry about me. Apparently, that didn't include the most prestigious job you could get. Dad must have noticed the look on my face as he added, "Don't worry about us. Parents worry. It's part of the job."
"And Alice?" I said.
"We haven't seen Alice since the day you became a Squire," Dad said, looking slightly concerned.
My insides rived with sadness. It was worse than I thought. "Alice and I had a bit of a falling out on the phone the night before," I said, looking down at my feet. I tried to ignore my heart, which was now screaming for me to go find Alice and apologise in person. The idea of not having Alice in my life was not worth thinking about.
Dad put a hand on my shoulder and shook me. "Hey, we know how fiery Alice can be. When you come back home, we'll sort everything out." I nodded, not feeling entirely hopeful. Alice would have held that grudge for months before I would see her again. How much can one mistake sour a friendship?
I was silent on the bus back to the Mantle. The others were chatting with each other or their Arknights. I sat at the back, enveloped in my thoughts of home and of Alice. It had only been over a month, and yet that time we were chilling on the library grass seemed like a lifetime ago. I didn't know if I yearned for it or not. Everything was exciting here, I had made friends, but I didn't want that at the cost of losing my old ones.
It was dark when we got off the bus, and everyone headed to the canteen for some celebrations. For me there wasn't much to celebrate. My day had been soured thanks to bad news from the Master of the Colossi and my dad. I wasn't feeling the festive spirit I should have done. Therefore, I knew I had to speak to Sir Atticus. He might be able to calm me. "Sir, can I have a word with you in private?" I said as our year group wondered to the canteen. Sir Atticus stopped and nodded. Marcus stalled for a moment but when I gave him a nod he got the message and joined the others. We went a little ways away from the stream of people to a small fence around a patch of grass.
"I assume this is about what the Master said," Sir Atticus said immediately. I nodded. Sir Atticus was the one person I trusted with this. If anyone could work it out it was him.
"What do you think it means, Sir?" I asked, hoping for some wisdom that would help me sleep tonight.
Sir Atticus paused, looking up at the sky for some inspiration. "I think you should forget the link to Aurelian, let me worry about that," he said. Then add, "Just focus on if he was good, hopefully your prophecy is good too."
"And if it's not?" I said, shrink a little, the weight of my anxiety resting on my shoulders.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Sir Atticus said. I obviously didn't look convinced because he said, "No point worrying about the future. Come on, lets enjoy tonight."
I nodded but then something else came to mind that stopped me in my track. "Sir, there was one more thing," I said. I trailed off for a moment realising I maybe shouldn't ask this. But I had to know. "What's the Vale?"
Sir Atticus friendly gaze melted away into a serious look. "Why do you want to know?" He asked. He didn't seem annoyed but this appeared to be an serious matter.
"The Master mentioned it, sir," I said, trying to gauge how much trouble I was in. "When he said it, I got this creepy feeling and the others acted weird when I asked them."
Sir Atticus crossed his arms and nodded. "I'm not surprised, the Vale is the Order's most important secret." I waited, holding my breath. This could be my first step into really becoming an Arknight. Knowing more than the civilians really set us apart. Sir Atticus sighed. "You'd have out eventually." He leant against the face, taking a second to compose himself and his answer. "The Vale is essential a gateway to hell," he said.
I stared at him. "What?"
"Yep. The Vale is a portal to Koralax's realm found at the North Pole. It contains both Koralax and his most powerful demons."
I took a step back, the horror dawning on me. A portal that lead to the world of demons? How did that exist in our world? I immediately understood why it was an Order secret. If the public knew about this it would be pandemonium. When I found the courage to speak, I had just one question. "Is the Order going to do something about that?"
"It already it has," Sir Atticus straightening up. "Aurelian, along with the original eleven Arknights, created a perimeter around the Vale using Divinium swords. They created a barrier that demons cannot pass through."
"Divinium?" I repeated.
"Yeah, imagine Anglium but next level," Sir Atticus explained. "There was only enough to make the swords. That's why even we can't even penetrate the barrier. So, the Order doesn't really worry about it. Aurelian knew what he was doing."
Sir Atticus insisted we rejoin the party so we made our way back to the canteen. However, my thoughts were a million miles away. I should have relaxed at the thought the Vale was sealed away and had no real force in the world. But the way it made me feel made me unsettled. How could the world sleep soundly knowing Koralax was right on their doorstep? I guessed that was we were for. An Order started by the very man who trapped the demon king.