The Undying Hope of Love

Ch’Truta understood why Islana wished to meet with Shalia before having the advisors join her. He knew that Islana had learned from Shalia. She had been Islana’s mentor at one point, which is why Islana had hoped to return to Fang after the battle.

As the horde advanced closer to Ostiarium, Ch’Truta was feeling the weight of protecting Islana more overwhelming. She enjoyed being among the people. This made efforts to protect her more difficult, which is why Ch’Truta insisted on being by her side as much as possible. However, Ch’Truta had been coming more to the conclusion that the danger lay in the upcoming battle.

In the quiet of his own tent, which was only utilized as a place of private devotion and seeking guidance of late, as Ch’Truta had been staying with Islana at night, Ch’Truta set up his altar with the sand, the water, and the flame.

He place two of the plants within the flame. Soon, the smoke from them wafted up to his nostrils. Ch’Truta breathed it in, sitting in the lotus position, while meditating upon Yther and Viher, seeking their guidance for the upcoming battle. He needed to see how he could protect her. He’d give his life for her if he had to.

His eyes dilated as his eyes focused upon the flames of the burning plant. The vision came from the flames, representing the first Sister. Through bloodshot eyes, Ch’Truta saw the plants become the trees of a forest the flames of one plant became the fiery red hair of Islana. She was battling the flames of the other plant, which became a shadowy figure, like scorched blackened earth with magma flowing through cracks. This figure wielded a hammer.

Islana struggled in the battle. Her face seemed to give an inkling of recognition. The other figure didn’t seem human. It was large and glorious. A god? He hadn’t received that impression from the serpent. Perhaps this was the deity behind the person. Was this one of the Pillars of whom Islana mentioned?

In the vision, Ch’Truta saw himself outside the forested area. He saw himself running to get to her. Then the vision faded.

As these sights were dissolving, Ch’Truta could feel or thought he had heard, “Trust! Stay the course!” He immediately fell backward, his knees upward with his feet flat to the ground.

Hope came now enveloping him. He would be successful. He was running toward her. He would save her. That is what Ch’Truta’s mind saw in the vision. He would save the woman he loved.

As Ch’Truta’s mind was coming more to the present, he heard his voice calling to the Twins for her protection. He would trust; he would stay the course. He would hold on to the undying love he had for Islana.