The Gambit of the Faceless God — Epic Fantasy

“You dreamed about me?” I asked, slightly frowning my eyebrows. Miriam gently placed the book back on the counter and let her right hand contemplatively brush the book’s cover for several moments. She then took a deep breath and took a few steps forward towards the middle, shadowed part of the room, leaving me behind the sun-bathed corner. She placed her hands in her jeans pockets, marginally lowering her head as she responded,

“It was a short, but impactful one. It all started with me standing before a closed wooden door in a dark, barely visible room. I stood right in front of it like a statue, entirely motionless, aimlessly staring holes into the wooden surface before it was gently swung open by a silhouette of an angel who seemed to bear no face.

However, his presence, as well as his attire were enough to convince me that he was surely one of divine nature. He had short, curly blonde hair that seemed very wet, as if he just arrived at the place from wandering through the heavy rain outside.”

“He spoke to me in a gentle tone, telling me to take his hand because there was something at the other end of another door adjacent to us only I had to see.”

She then planted her right hand on her face.

“At that moment, I was in the state of complete submission. I was basically at his mercy for anything that could happen to me. I was powerless, senseless, thoughtless, purposeless… until our hands touched each other.

Hand in hand, after reaching the door, he opened it with his left hand, and we found ourselves in this… dark and desolate room that was shrouded in a black mist. However, a dim light shone right in the middle of that room, and it slowly revealed an illuminated stone pillar that carried you, sitting with your legs folded, holding a pale crying baby in your arms.”

“A… crying baby?”

“Yes,” she said, slowly turning her head towards me. A worried expression laced on her wisdom-filled face. “There were some peculiarities, however. One was that both you and the baby were completely undressed. Your vital areas were covered, but it only took me a tenth a second of a glance to understand that the both of you were naked.”

“You were crying alongside this baby. However, there was one noticeable difference. The colour of the tears you emitted was crimson red, blood-like. They glided down your face, tainting it partially, and they never stopped pouring out of your eyes. Both your sobbing sounds intermingled with the baby’s, whose tears were black. The tears strolled down your bodies and swept over the stone pillar beneath you. The angel silently watched the horrifying spectacle with a closed smile on his face, which was the first feature of his face I was able to see at that point.”

“He then turned towards me and said that the Perished One was already born, but not exactly in an eternal-like way. Much like His Temple, it always existed, just like we spoke about a few moments ago. The Perished One was as eternal as it was obsolete.

This is because the prophecy came from His tongue, and spoke out redemption and despair. It made sense because the sinners of this world never perished. They are only waiting for their unholy vessel to be born, and bring back the salvation of Humanity. It is only partly eternal because He is eternal—and we, as Humans, the original bringers of His curse, have some sort of resemblances to Him.

I slowly shook my head, sitting on the edge of the counter once more. “…But, what does that dream have to do with me?”

“That is what I fail to understand, too, Helvega. The angel said nothing about you. It only showed you alongside the child. Forgive me, but it made me consider if you could possibly be the actual Perished One, but, that would contradict the verse in Book thirty-six that goes as follows:

‘His birth will be marked with death, symbolized by the passing of his earthly Mother.’”

“As far as I know, Aurora is still doing alive and well. So for me to continue assuming this would turn me into a blasphemer.”

Her expression turned even more dramatic. She tried her hardest to pour the following words out of her mouth. The room appeared slightly darker as if the sun had suddenly moved further away from the building. My hands trembled, and I felt a prickling sensation all over my body as sweat began to ascend from within my skin.

We both stood frozen in our confining nervous spaces until, fortunately, a bird flew past the window, and it made a loud noise that caused me to snatch my head towards the arched windows. It also broke Miriam’s castle in the air, and she could then finish off what she was going to tell.

“But, then… the verse in the second half of that chapter came to mind.”

I knew exactly which verse it was.

I did not want to hear it.

Why?

Why would I feel scared?

Was it because of the tension-filled buildup she unintentionally mended throughout our shared time here?

Was it a feeling of shame and loneliness because the person you have the most care for in this world…

…Accused you of something as abominable as this?

What… could it have been…

Perhaps, it could have been the sheer significance of the book’s words. Being associated with any bad omens mentioned in the book made me want to plug my ears for as long as the conversation went on.

But it was too late.

Her voice sounded a lot more serious.

She looked at me with stern eyes, squinting them slightly, as she spoke,

“The Perished One will not be by himself. He shall be alongside his own creation of tears and blood, who will manifest itself as the Angel of Despair; His messenger who shall scream for him, cry for him, fight for him, and die for him.”

I could not look her in the eyes anymore.

I averted my gaze and held it downwards.

“…No…”

“Helvega…”

“No!”

I stood back up, and walked towards the front of the wooden platform, with Miriam standing right behind me. After a deep breath, I closed my eyes and spoke to her in my usual composed tone.

“You’re not being clear, Miriam. We both know just how obscure our dreams can be. Me holding that baby can not possibly only mean that I will end up becoming some angel who will oppose the God of All. That… that is nonsense!”

Feeling my dramatic energy, she stepped towards me and placed her right hand on my shoulder, tilting her head in reassurance.

“That is what I was going to say. It may just have been a coincidence that you were the one depicted carrying that baby for all we know. Matter of fact, our frequent encounters may have played a role in this.”

She then smiled gracefully.

“I was feeling afraid, but you managed to pull me towards the right path. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, Miriam,” I retorted, averting my pupils from her. “I would never, ever see myself opposing Him, and His holy spirit Yius. His word exists within the walls of His temple, and I have never been hurt by it. That alone should nullify all possible suspicions.”

“It’s not that I was comparing you to the prophesied being, Helvega. It kept me up the entire night. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

After a deep sigh, she continued.

“I would never dare to see something like this happening. What you just said describes the Perished One’s fate, because His word is like burning sulfur for the salvation of Humanity. The Angel of Despair is, in essence, considered to be his right hand. The one who will be the rider of the Black Goat, in the name of their God; The Shepherd who raises the White Raven and Black Goat.”

“I was… befuddled, that is all,” I said softly. “I know about Despair’s role in the prophecy. May them and their names be thrown in the Lake of Fire, for all eternity…”

She then chuckled with her mouth closed.

“Do you know how glad I am to have met you, Helvega? If you were actually the Angel of Despair, I would doubt the capabilities of our temples in preventing you from overthrowing us. You possess great wisdom and intellect… It would be such a waste to have it all thrown away. I am certain He is aware of that, too.”

I lowered my head in silence. Several seconds passed by before she took the word again.

“Are you okay?”

“…I just feel uneasy.”

“Do you need some water?”

“No… no thanks. The beautiful ambience is helpful enough.”

We then both made our way to the wooden platform, standing right in front of the large arched windows that overlooked the faraway heart of Eastern Ventoria. Our figures were shrouded in the light shadows just as the middle and right sides of the entire space, yet they were not enough to fully obscure the sun's rays. The atmosphere appeared brownish; resembling the colour of a latte, as if the entire chamber had been magically infused with its hue.

“Why was this room abandoned? Look at these windows, they look… absolutely beautiful.”

“Well, it only housed books only a small percentage of people read on a regular basis. As time went on, the people’s engagement with this picturesque but desolate room withered greatly. It had been a little over two months since someone, besides us, stepped foot in here.”

She pointed towards the opened space between the walls of the bookshelves in front of the counter, and the walls for the arched windows, which lead to the dark but expansive hall.

“Ever since we noticed the lack of engagement here, we used this space as a substitute storage room for miscellaneous books, such as copies of the Apocryphal Books.”

“Well, then,” I began, turning back towards the chamber. “I will make this my new hangout spot.”

“Are you sure?” she chuckled. “I thought you weren’t fond of spacious rooms.”

“You’re not wrong, but I can’t let this one go to waste. Matter of fact, I will make this my main office for when I become the caretaker.”

“It’s all yours,” she said joyfully, spreading her arms in the air. “If you want, I can make sure to only make this room accessible for you. I doubt it would affect the library’s capacity, anyway.”

“Are… you sure?”

“I don't see why not?” she shrugged. “You have been the most loyal member of the library for over three years now. See this as a cherishing gift.”

“A gift? That would be an understatement,” I smiled. “Just leave the room as it is. It will become mine once I take your role.”

“If you say so,” she chuckled once more, wrapping her left arm around my evidently smaller figure, as we both gazed at the striking outside view.

“Besides, are you going to attend the festival, Miriam?”

“Most likely,” she shrugged. “It is not as if I will be able to oversee the library for the duration…”

“Wait, what?” I frowned, raising my head to meet her eyes. Right when I did this, a flashback image of the three men walking past me flew through my mind. I gasped for a moment before querying her.

“…Before I entered the library, I saw a group of three men dressed in black suits exiting it. Did they come here to talk with you?”

“They were subordinates of Phineas Leander. He most likely knew I was working today, and took advantage by sending his men here.”

“What did they tell you?”

She closed her eyes and scratched her scalp, trying to recollect the moment.

“They told me how they wanted to have the Library locked down for as long as the festival was going on. I was not given a chance to perhaps consider the query… It was more like receiving an order in complete obedience.”

I shook my head, pulling my cheeks backwards. “I don’t understand, Miriam… The library had always been left open during the festivals in the past. Why do they want to have it closed off now?”

“I was never given an answer,” she said disappointingly. “All they gave me was a warrant that argued the building’s lockdown on the specified date. Though, I just took it in with little to no afterthought. It is only for a day, right?”

“That is not the issue,” I retorted. “Why does this have to happen? The festival happens in the heart of Ventoria, right? Therefore, given the library is situated on the far Eastern side of the city, it would be impossible for any calamities that could possibly happen during the event to reach this building.”

She folded her arms, her eyes turning contemplative as they were fixated on the outside view.

“I was told by Zaccheus that this festival would be the largest one to date. Perhaps the Luria Assembly seeks to keep Ventoria’s important architectures safe. But, it still does not make sense for the entire library to be locked down instead of being protected by some magical barrier, or the sort…”

“If they decided to do this to keep the drunkards away,” I began. “I doubt they would even consider, let alone be able to reach this place unless they really wanted to. They were always permitted to have fun in the heart of the city. They don’t need to go anywhere else… I just don’t understand.”

Leander…

Who approved this?

I just… can not seem to pull the strings together…

Miriam is right; it doesn’t make any sense to lock it down…

…Especially given fewer people are visiting the Library.

And as far as I know, only one calamity had ever happened in one of the festivals, and even that was a small malfunction within one of the ships. It hadn’t caused any major problems; nobody was injured, nor were the surrounding buildings damaged.

Emon…?

…

…I knew it.

I knew it was him!

But, why would mother allow this?

Does she not have a high enough authority to, I don’t know, make a change in this decision?

Yes… she should be able to. I’ll ask her about it.

“Helvega? Are you okay?”

“Oh,” I stammered. “I was just considering the possibilities of their reasons. I will ask my Mother about it.”

“Ah, right. She holds a high position within Luria, correct?”

“She does,” I nodded. “I’d assume she is able to disband the entire warrant if she wanted to. So this will be perfect.”

I then left my position and went my way to the right side of the chamber. It was almost a complete mirror image of the left side, with a few lesser scattered tables. I could see bits of dust as I walked past certain tables that carried some of the abandoned books. The sun began to shine brightly, illuminating the majority of the space. I spoke to Miriam with a gentle tone whilst gliding my fingers through the books’ facades, squinting my eyes in amusement.

“I do have to say, even after being here for so long, this room in particular does put justice to the ‘grand’ factor of the library. I still find it hard to believe nobody comes here.”

Miriam walked towards me, her arms still folded. “Most of our visitors are students from Ventoria University. They see this place as their ‘getaway’ from the tumultuous reality.”

She then raised her head, her pupils fixated on the high ceiling that seemed as polished as everything else the place had to offer.

“The exterior and interior shines brightly, regardless of any season… Yet, given that students are our largest demographic, their presence withers as time goes on.”

She continued, slowly gliding her hands over the tables.

“The city is known for its vast amounts of opportunities for employment, which made Ventoria University one of the most sought-after educational establishments throughout all of Deneve.

Most students are here to receive their diplomas and depart to other cities where their area of expertise is in demand. While the library is indeed a special place for them to reside, it is but a temporary fireplace until it dies out. They then stand back up, and continue their journey towards their goals.”

My eyes turned thoughtful. I took a seat on one of the tables, right in front of Miriam, who turned her head towards me as soon as I spoke.

“That always made me wonder; I know Ventoria is a well-developed city. It houses the church of Urdall, which gave birth to saint Maxwell Alexander. That alone brought Ventoria to social heights none of us could even dream about. We are well-respected and renowned for not only that but also our greatest characteristic, that being our engineering prowess over airships and battleships.”

I then continued, gazing at my opened right palm. “Yet, there still exists a strong presence of peasantry amongst the population. The North-Eastern part is one where most peasants reside.”

“That is because Luria’s ‘Custody Agency’ had been established there. They are providing care and accommodation for the less fortunate,” Miriam responded, closing her eyes.

“But, does it not make you wonder, Miriam?” I raised my head once more to meet her figure. “How are we one of the most esteemed cities in Deneve, and still have a strong plebeian proximity? We have the schools, we have Luria, as well as Monlay, the Assembly responsible for Educational and Professional constructions. And just like you said, the Custody Agency exists within this city. They basically have no excuse for not looking for work to contribute to society as best as they can.”

Miriam lowered her head as if what I just said struck a nerve in her. She remained silent for several seconds, enough for me to reflect on what I just said. Perhaps reconsidering my words would be reasonable, but it was true.

Whilst still a small percentage, the impoverishment had surely made its presence among us. Someone like Miriam, one of the late descendants of the Cowright family, should be aware of the situation, and how it could possibly affect the civilization in the future.

We both bore a deep affection for not only the city’s history but also its people. What are the chances of crime rates skyrocketing in the near future, or housing becoming an issue if we decide to take in as many immigrants and peasants as we can? The Custody Agency exits, yes, but, even they are facing capacity problems due to a lack of branches throughout Ventoria, so something like this should always have been a matter of discussion.

However,

After the seconds passed,

She spoke to me, her head still lowered, her face veiled by her long hair, and her voice took a drastic, solemn turn.

“…Do you think Ventoria will fall?”

“What?”

“…My excuses,” she raised her head once more. “I was pulling too many strings at once. We do have a large amount of problems, but just as saint Maxwell said; everything comes as time allows. If he managed to bring Urdall’s church back to greatness, it is most likely that our people, in this day, who are living in an evidently better and promising period, will bring not only the church, but also the entirety of Ventoria to new heights.”

She then fully turned towards me, tilting her head to the left with a closed, but beautiful smile.

“I am sure of it. And so should you, Helvega Jinton.”

“…Perhaps you are right,” I sighed. “Worrying about problems that will surely be fixed in the future will only do me wrong. It is not that I am viewing this city from a bad perspective, or whatsoever. I was born here. This is the place I have called home for my entire life. I will not let anything, not even other Humans destroy it under any circumstance.”

“I understand,” she nodded proudly. “It makes you feel angered as if not much is being done to bring a solution to cases such as this. But remember Maxwell’s quote. Instil it in your heart, Helvega. Because I know that you are one of the very few who knows Ventoria the best.”

She then gently patted my shoulder, her voice enlightened.

“You are only fourteen years old, and look at what you have accomplished! Only greatness will await you, Helvega, I just know it!”

“Thank you…” I chuckled. “I will do my best, Miriam.”

“Good to hear.”

“Ah, I almost forgot,” I stood up. “I was supposed to pick up my notebook I left here yesterday.”

“Ohh, so that is why you arrived?”

“Yes,” I laughed. “I never answered you when you asked me what I came here for, did I?”

“It is fine,” she giggled. “Whenever we find ourselves, we are bound to become each other’s escapism. You know where to go, right?”

“Of course I do. Never underestimate my knowledge regarding my favourite place, Miriam.”

“Hahaha! The audacity of mine!”

We both walked towards the front doors of the room. Every step I took felt dramatically saddening. I didn’t want to leave this magical-looking place. It was soothing enough to make anyone fall asleep easily. The atmosphere was completely silent as opposed to the more occupied spots in the building.

There were only a handful of tranquil places, but this one managed to top them all. As a ‘last resort’, I took advantage of the little time I had left and slowly looked around me, trying to marinate myself with the warm ambience before we reached the door. I took a deep sigh before speaking to her.

“I’ll be heading off now. Will you be here tomorrow?”

“No, my assistant will take over tomorrow. You’ll encounter him once you arrive.”

“Oh, okay then. I guess I’ll see you next week.”

“Sure. Be safe.”

“You too, Miriam!”

…

Helvega gently closed the door behind her, the sounds reverberating throughout the abandoned room.

I decided to stay behind for a few moments, making my way back to the wooden platform, where the beautifully made arched windows stood.

I gazed outside once more, my expression entirely emotionless. Even though I shared an adequate time with the young girl, seeing the flying birds chirping in the skies made me realize that time truly does not stop under any circumstance.

My mind was still filled with the contents we spoke about. Especially the dream I had last night. I could not help but ponder about it once more.

There was no mistaking it.

It was Helvega, carrying a crying pale baby in her arms.

The both of them cried together, their bodies quivering, as if they were in the middle of a polar desert.

The angel beside me watched the eerie spectacle with a closed smile on his lips as if he knew exactly what the dream symbolized.

Yet, I was alone. Just as I am now.

My mind remains sparse. As if, with each day passing by, I slowly begin to lose my thoughts.

“…The Angel of Despair…”