Page 8
CHAPTER 8
Mei
T he Forgotten Temple emerged from the mist as we crested the final ridge, responding to my arrival in recognition of the magic it was my family’s legacy to protect. It shimmered for a moment before solidifying, causing my companions to gasp when it came into view. Intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes adorned the towering wooden gates, guarding the entrance like celestial sentinels, the gilded eaves shimmering in the fleeting sunlight.
We passed under the tori gate and ascended the weathered stone steps leading up to the main hall. I paused to examine the vermilion pillars, stark against the muted colors of the mountain. My fingers traced each ancient rune etched into the stone, a silent testament to ages past that confirmed that the prince’s destination was truly the forgotten temple of legend that I’d read about.
Amidst the reverence of the moment, another seed of suspicion took root: why had the prince—with all his resources and scholars—chosen this particular temple that contained the very information I was desperate to keep from him…at least until I knew whether he could be trusted with it?
These misgivings had relentlessly assaulted my thoughts with every taunting whisper that had emerged from the mist during our ascent, mingling with my sense of inadequacy that I possessed the sufficient herbal knowledge required of me to serve as my family’s guardian against the prince’s potentially sinister desires.
I doubted mere coincidence had led him here. While shrines and temples lay scattered across the kingdom, only the forgotten temple played an intricate role in my family’s history, making it a sacred site for my lineage. Details of the mystical structure had been carefully preserved for generations. It was said to be the birthplace of the legacy my family guarded, first created by an ancient herbalist who once served as the temple’s caretaker, a monk who’d been known for their deep understanding of both spiritual and medicinal practices.
Though our family no longer resided in the temple, knowledge of crafting the powerful spells that had been created within its walls had been passed down to ensure they would remain protected even after the temple was abandoned, while safeguards had been put in place to protect the other treasures it housed. The mist could only be navigated with the elixirs concocted from one of my family’s secret recipes; even if someone managed to reach the top without them, the temple would only appear before a descendant of the original founder…in this case, me .
The question that remained was whether or not my comrades were aware of these particulars. I carefully monitored their reactions. Kael stood a short distance away with Sir Jiang, taking in the structure with wide-eyed awe. “Is this truly the forgotten temple? I heard it only appears for the descendants of those who founded it…” The heat of his gaze pierced me he trailed off.
“I suppose that discounts the idea that despite the unusual circumstances surrounding Ren’s arrival, he isn’t an imposter.” By Sir Jiang’s responding murmur, whatever respect I’d earned through my guidance through the treacherous mist seemed already forgotten.
My jaw tightened. It appeared the significance of this temple’s appearance wasn’t lost on one with an extensive knowledge of the area’s geography. As I suspected, my presence wasn’t a mere coincidence. I’d had an unsettling feeling this had been part of the reason for my recruitment when I’d noticed the misty mountains in the distance this morning, but it was another thing to have it confirmed.
Whatever Prince Darcel might claim about his awareness of my connection to the Forgotten Temple, he clearly hadn’t only been seeking an accomplished herbalist to aid their quest—our first destination confirmed that he wanted my family’s unique skillset, part of which could be found here.
I glanced his way and noticed him watching me with a measure of trepidation, as if fearing my reaction to the others’ whispers…which only deepened my suspicion that he not only knew of the legends surrounding this temple, but had something to hide in regards to his purpose in coming here.
Though the prince seemed too intelligent to be easily fooled, for the time being I decided to feign ignorance about the significance of our destination. I forced a smile. “This legend surrounding this temple is well-known amongst herbalists. To think it not only exists, but that I have the privilege of seeing it for myself, is a great honor.”
His tense trepidation relaxed. “We wouldn’t have been able to get this far without your help. We owe you a great debt.”
And if my assumptions were correct, he wouldn’t be able to proceed much farther without my presence, nor obtain any of the vast information contained within the temple’s sacred walls.
When I’d first realized our destination my first instinct had been to sabotage our arrival, but it was too early to openly thwart His Highness’s plan—especially when every action would also affect my father’s honor…not to mention my duty to my countrymen, should I truly be able to help root out the lingering curse in the land. Out of respect for his wish to serve our kingdom as dictated by our legacy’s duty, for now I would proceed cautiously.
In truth I also possessed a less noble reason for my decision—I’d often dreamed of going on a pilgrimage to explore my family’s history for myself in order to deepen my knowledge of my craft. I might never get another opportunity to explore this site sacred to my legacy…particularly the ancient library, said to be a repository of herbalist knowledge that included rare manuscripts, texts, and artifacts related to the practice of herbal magic.
The prince’s presence only confirmed that the royal family was after one of the secrets housed within these sacred walls, though which one he sought remained to be seen. Whether it was the tombs housed within the temple’s hidden library, or the powerful herbs said only to grow in these gardens, it was my duty to protect them.
I felt the weight of countless generations watching me as I entered, their presence woven into the atmosphere, as if lending their support to the looming task my guardianship entrusted in me. Once more the temple recognized my presence—paper lanterns flickered to life as we drew near, illuminating our surroundings in an ethereal golden glow.
I unconsciously took the lead, and the three men fell in behind me as though recognizing my connection to this place. Silence cloaked the marble floors, muffling our footsteps as we explored. We passed through a series of ornate doors, each sliding open to reveal chambers adorned with faded tapestries and murals depicting plants and powerful herbalists of old. The air grew cooler as we ventured deeper, the scent of incense and ancient wood filling our lungs.
Though I’d never walked these corridors, some internal instinct guided my steps, as if leading me down an invisible path my lineage created centuries ago. It ended abruptly when we entered a narrow alcove that dead ended at a stone wall. A series of curses rose from the others, nearly eclipsing the subtle unspoken whispers tugging my thoughts, beckoning me closer.
The others didn’t seem to hear them. “Come on, Ren, nothing can be gained from exploring a dead end.” But though Sir Jiang’s sharp tone urged me to retreat to another section of the temple, I lingered.
I rested my hand against the stone, pulsing with a familiar warmth; I recognized this unspoken language, similar to the enchantment that communicated with me within my apothecary. I closed my eyes, listening to each magical stir filling the air to decipher the message it was trying to impart.
“There’s something beyond this barrier.” I spoke unconsciously before I could check the potential consequences of my words.
Prince Darcel was suddenly at my side, leaning forward with an eagerness he couldn’t quite disguise. “Is it the ancient library?”
I narrowed my eyes but didn’t respond. As reluctant as I was for him to see it, I wasn’t strong enough to suppress my own eagerness to explore…but first we would need to find a way to access it.
As if in response, the magic hummed again, directing my attention to a smaller, less ostentatious antechamber. I quietly slipped inside. At first glance it appeared to be merely a storage area, but then I noticed a faint glow from beneath a pile of fallen debris. Curious, I approached.
I pushed aside the wood and stone to uncover a lantern hidden in an ancient chest, its delicate surface coated in dirt but pulsing with soft light. I carefully brushed away the layer of dust marring its thin paper surface to uncover a series of intricate brushstrokes depicting the sun, stars, and other symbols of light. It responded to my touch, flickering brightly to life, as if greeting an old friend.
“How strange,” I murmured, “It feels almost… alive .”
The lantern glowed faintly in response to my awed whisper. “Ah, you have found me at last.” A warm and rich voice emerged, resonant within the confined space. I startled and nearly dropped it in surprise, but managed to steady my grip.
For a moment I could only stare, wondering if the soft voice that had filled the darkness had been my imagination. I glanced towards the others. Kael and Sir Jiang stood a short distance away, absorbed in their examination of the large fresco that guarded the wall blocking our access. While they didn’t glance over, Prince Darcel stood near, watching me curiously.
“Did you hear that?” I asked tentatively.
He tilted his head, as if cocking his ear to examine the oppressive silence. “Hear what?”
I dismissed his inquiry with a shake of my head. His confusion only confirmed that the lantern’s voice was a sound only I could hear—tuned to the magical language I’d studied my entire life—another sign this temple was part of my legacy.
“Your assumptions are correct, descendant of my first master,” the lantern responded to my unspoken pondering. “I am Lumis, once the guiding light of the temple keepers. Only the family of the caretakers who serve as this temple’s guardians can receive the guidance from my sacred light.” Each spoken word contained a faint pulse of light that flickered in the shadowy stillness.
Heart pounding with the realization of what I had uncovered, I lifted the lantern to eye level. You can hear my thoughts? I made the inquiry silently so as not to attract more of His Highness’s scrutinizing attention.
“As clearly as you are hearing mine.”
Extraordinary. I had heard that along with the herbal knowledge that filled these walls this temple also guarded magical artifacts, but in all my research I had never seen one as enchanted as this.
Once more the lantern was privy to my unspoken thoughts. It gave another gentle pulse in affirmation. “Enchanted and eager to assist. It seems fate has finally lit the way through the confines of darkness to allow our paths to converge.”
Lumis continued, speaking of guardianship and guidance, of a light that could pierce through any darkness. As I listened, the weight of its history and purpose settled upon me, the key to the temple’s deepest secrets.
Does this mean you can show me the way to the temple’s library? I lifted it experimentally, allowing its shimmery light to fall across the faded stones.
It glowed in affirmation. I carried it back to the alcove that Kael and Sir Jiang investigated. Their brows furrowed when they noticed the lantern that for them only emanated darkness, but Prince Darcel simply watched with a knowing look that made me suspect it was no mere coincidence I had located one of the enchanted objects that only I could wield.
“The items housed within these walls are no ordinary objects,” he told the others. “But enchanted artifacts. Considering the lantern has chosen him, Ren will continue to take the lead, and you will follow his guidance without complaint.”
I first lifted Lumis to the wall in search of a way to penetrate its barrier, but the lantern’s light faded, casting the stones in shadow. “If it’s the library you’re searching for, you will not find it here,” it said.
Then what lies beyond the wall? I scanned the crevices adorning the stone, searching for the secrets they protected.
“A treasure trove of ancient artifacts, none of which belong in the hands of anyone other than the temple guardians.” By its knowing tone it sensed my misgivings about the prince and shared them.
While I was eager to see what sorts of objects were hidden in away in the trove, such explorations would have to wait for a time when I wasn’t surrounded by people who hadn’t fully earned my trust. I reluctantly turned away and went down another corridor.
With the lantern's light leading us, the temple seemed to awaken—whispers of the past swirled around us, inviting us deeper to discover its sacred secrets and the hidden legends contained within. Though Lumis illuminated the way, it remained silent as I explored the temple’s nooks and crannies, leaving only the subtle magical undertones to nudge my footsteps in the right direction.
While navigation grew more difficult for the group the later the hour became as the day shining through the windows faded into night, the lantern’s light pulsed steadily, cutting through the thickening darkness more effectively than any natural light.
How is your light piercing this cursed fog?
“My spark comes not from fire and flame but the essence of clarity, bound by ancient magic to reveal truths hidden by time and deceit.”
Lumis’s cryptic answer wasn’t unexpected; magic not only spoke in an ancient language only accessible to the trained ear but often in riddles that required vast knowledge and experience to understand. I wondered if with some experimentation Lumis would eventually be able to uncover secrets just as easily as it could penetrate the darkness…possibly even the true purpose of the prince’s quest. It gave a flash as the thought passed through my mind, but I wasn’t sure whether to interpret that as affirmation or doubt…or perhaps a warning.
Nearly an hour of exploration passed before the lantern suddenly began to pulse with a brighter light, a sign that we were nearing something significant. Its glow intensified we approached a seemingly impassable wall covered in faded frescoes and etchings. The engravings, though worn by time, depicted various botanicals and herbs used in ancient medicine—a tapestry of herbalist knowledge that beckoned for attention. I sensed a hidden path awaited us beyond the wall that would lead to our destination.
Sir Jiang’s weary sigh penetrated the stillness. “Another dead end, as if walking in circles hasn’t been unproductive enough.”
To my surprise, the one who came to my defense was Prince Darcel. “If you’d been observing Ren carefully, you would see that we haven’t been wandering; he knows exactly where he is going.”
For some inexplicable reason his words caused my cheeks to warm in an uncharacteristic blush, leaving me grateful for the faded light. I forced myself to focus on the stones. I carefully ran my hands over each crevice, but I couldn’t locate any hidden knobs or switches.
How do I open it? I silently asked the lantern, conscious of the three expectant pairs of eyes on me.
Lumis focused its light on several symbols that seemed inconspicuous to the untrained eye. “Look closely: these stones whisper secrets of the old ways. Let them guide your steps.”
By which it likely meant that the wall contained ancient runes, an area in which my studies remained rudimentary at best. I traced a finger along a depiction of a rare mountain root known for its healing properties. Do these symbols mean something?
An almost conceited spark flickered in response. “Indeed. These are not merely decorative, but are a kind of key. I can illuminate the words, but the courage to follow them must be your own. Place me near the wall, directly at this cluster of symbols.”
I started to lift Lumis but hesitated, glancing towards the prince. I was eager to find the library but conflicted about bringing someone whose motives were still unclear to me. I glanced down at the lantern, deciding with lingering trepidation that it wouldn’t be eager to show me the way if Prince Darcel posed a threat to the ancient magic.
Taking a deep breath, I did as instructed, holding Lumis close to where the symbols formed a subtle, intricate pattern. With a faint hum, the lantern’s light seemed to seep into the cracks of the stonework, causing the air around us to thrum with energy. Suddenly, the ground beneath our feet vibrated as the wall began to shift. A section of the ancient stonework receded and silently slid away, revealing a narrow passage that led steeply downward.
I unconsciously exchanged a look of anticipation with the prince before venturing into the newly revealed passageway. As we descended, the air turned markedly cooler, the musty scent of undisturbed air mingling with the earthy aroma of old paper and wood. The passage was lined with torches that flared to life at our approach, likely triggered by the same magic that had opened the way.
At the end of the descending pathway, we emerged into a vast underground chamber that took my breath away—the hidden library. It was a cavernous space, the walls lined with towering shelves that reached nearly to the arched ceiling. Each shelf was laden with scrolls, leather-bound tomes, and delicate manuscripts, their spines embossed with gold and jewels that glittered in the torchlight.
Tables were strewn with all manner of artifacts: dried herbs sealed in glass containers, stone tablets inscribed with ancient scripts, and intricate celestial maps charting the stars as they were known to ancient herbalists. The room was a treasure trove of knowledge preserved through the ages, each scroll and book revealing part of the vast tapestry of historical and magical lore that had been hidden away in this sacred place, waiting in silence for those who could understand its secrets.
“We've found it,” I whispered in awe. “The heart of the temple's wisdom.”
My fingers tingled, eager to seize the scrolls and begin reading them one by one. “You possess the same curiosity for knowledge as your ancestors,” Lumis said with warm approval. “But be careful. Magical protections are in place—several forbidden tomes are covered in a thin layer of poison that will burn you upon contact. I will illuminate the texts that are free of these protective enchantments.”
I glanced towards the others, frowning at the eager glint filling Prince Darcel’s eyes as he took in the vast library. He stepped forward, running a hand along a shelf filled with scrolls, his face reflecting the reverent atmosphere of the chamber. “This is more than I hoped for,” he murmured.
“Careful, many of these are coated in a deadly poison.” I bit my lip to hold back my smirk in satisfaction when at my words he hastily yanked his hands away.
From my other side, Kael had been reaching for some of the maps but instantly froze in place, whereas Sir Jiang frowned skeptically, as if he believed I’d come up with the lie to gate-keep which information passed through their hands.
Prince Darcel scrutinized my expression in search of any deceit before nodding. “I understand.”
The thrill of power I felt was almost exhilarating. “If His Highness tells me what he’s looking for, then I can point you towards the scrolls that will be safe to handle.”
I awaited his answer with bated breath, feeling on the cusp of discovering the answer to one of the many mysteries that had surrounded this quest since embarking on it. His hesitation lasted only a moment before he met my eyes and nodded. “I wish to discover more about the cursed darkness that once afflicted the land. These texts could hold the key to understanding not just the past but ways to protect our future.”
I blinked in surprise. I’d imagined a myriad of sinister intentions, believing that he’d come to this temple in search of powerful artifacts or powerful magic for political gain…only to discover that his true goal was to secure knowledge to prevent the return of the cursed night. Should he prove sincere, it would confirm that my doubts about him had been sorely misplaced.
“The cursed darkness? But it is said that it was caused by an enchanted sorceress, whose daughter used her light magic to dispel it after she became our queen.”
“Please don’t mistake me,” he said. “I do not doubt that account, considering I was intricately involved in the events that transpired. But with the curse’s lingering tendrils I sense there is more to the story behind the curse’s origins. After all, magic doesn’t just come from nowhere.”
As a practitioner myself I could attest that was true—while I possessed my own power, I could only cultivate it through the use of enchanted herbs and spoken spells derived from my concoctions’ recipes. “So you suspect that wherever the sorceress obtained her spell might still be at work behind the scenes, causing the cursed darkness to maintain some of its hold? Considering these lingering roots are currently affecting the land, you believe the curse might have originated from one of the herbalist spells contained in this library?”
Prince Darcel nodded. “The cursed night that engulfed Lumeria was devastating. I will do all within my power to prevent the darkness from returning to this land in order to protect my kingdom, no matter the cost.” Sincerity blazed his eyes, making his sentiment impossible to doubt.
I examined his words from every angle but his reasoning seemed sound, giving me reason to believe him—rather than being driven by greed and the ambitions for power I had initially feared, his sole aim was to uncover historical practices of herbalism that could benefit the realm and protect his people. My doubts had accompanied me so long that I was almost disappointed that Prince Darcel had an innocent, even noble reason to want to access this ancient knowledge.
Yet even in the face of his admirable honor I couldn’t deny it could still be a cover for a darker motive that could inadvertently threaten the secrecy and safety of my family’s magic.
Despite my lingering cynicism, his seemingly sincere intentions caused something to shift within me, a turning point I hadn’t realized I’d reached in my journey to trust him; this change chiseled away at the wall I’d erected as a barrier between us from the moment we’d met, leaving me almost unsure how to interact with him. To cover my confusion, I turned away and scanned the library, trying to decide where to begin.
In the dimly lit, cavernous library beneath the temple I began to explore the contents, searching the scrolls for information pertinent to the prince’s needs, each shelf and alcove whispering secrets of a bygone era. As my lantern cast a warm, golden glow over rows of ancient texts, a promising title eventually caught my eye, etched into the spine of a weathered scroll: Legend of the Cursed Night . My heart raced and my hands trembled as I reached for it, the leather of the scroll cool and slightly stiff beneath my fingertips.
With gentle reverence I unrolled the scroll. The moment my fingers brushed the faded ink, the characters shimmered and the ancient words came to life before my eyes, rising and twisting in the air like smoke. Invisible brushstrokes formed images that danced before my eyes—a celestial dragon whose scales glistened like the night sky, and a corrupt emperor whose greed darkened the realm.
The vision unfolded like a tapestry being woven by an invisible hand, and I scarcely breathed as I watched the history of my nation. The powerful dragon—angered by the emperor’s insatiable greed—swallowed the sun, casting the land into unending darkness. I flinched at the reminder of the horrible, all-encompassing blackness that had defined my world for most of my life. I blinked back tears as I watched the people suffering beneath this eternal night crying out for salvation.
Guided by ancient wisdom and the whispers of the earth, a brave herbalist crafted light from the celestial lights. The lantern glowed with a light that no shadow could touch, shining so brightly that it pacified the dragon’s wrath and unveiled the emperor’s deceit. With the truth revealed, the sun was restored…but the remnants of the dragon’s shadow lingered, hiding across the land, and over time they began to gain sentience.
As the images faded, I looked up to see the Prince Darcel standing across from me, his expression a mix of awe and grave concern. The enchanted lantern’s light pulsed gently from the table where I had set it, as if in response to the story we had just witnessed.
“That legend is a far different account than the events that unfolded in our kingdom as I understand them,” he finally said. “But if there is any truth to it, then we must discover the ingredients needed to craft the lantern in order to dispel the darkness once and for all.” His eyes shone with a newfound determination.
Unease pressed upon me as I nodded vaguely. The weight of my family’s legacy weighed heavily on my shoulders as I turned back to the scroll, my head and the prince’s bending close as we pored over the ancient text. All elements of the legend were a part of the legacy my family had guarded for generations. Though Prince Darcel wouldn’t have any way of knowing this when he first recruited me, it seemed too strange to be accounted to mere coincidence.
Though some of my suspicions about the prince’s intentions had been abated, this shift in our circumstances nourished my lingering doubt, stoking my newfound responsibility not just to the mission but to the truth it might unveil.