Pilgrimage to Plunder by Pent Ghelsburg
Disclaimer: All characters in this story are fictional. They are my creation and intellectual property. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely a coincidence. They are not meant to resemble anyone else's characters. This piece contains underaged characters. Some details have been fictionalized for simplicity sakes. You have been warned.
The draught had come to pass. It had been several weeks since the whole ordeal had passed over. Life had returned to the way it was for Karbad. The citizens had returned to normal and things did not look nearly as bad as they were before. Rationing was no longer in place and what little greenery there was around the town was flourishing once again. It was surely a harkening for the better.
Miraj had returned to his usual regiment at the temple. Samir had become a staple of the acolyte life by this point. The younger boy had taken to his training rather eagerly and was learning more every day. The teen was surprised that Samir was picking up things so quickly and seemed earnest to take on more tasks and responsibilities. However, the time was coming when a pilgrimage had to be made.
The pooka had not made a pilgrimage in some time. The standard practice was to go to Mekah but the alternative route was one that Miraj had not taken. A place to the far east known as Xiachao, known more commonly by foreigners as Xiao. Xiao was a place in the Asiatic Kingdoms. A place known for warring dynasties and for its silk and jade. To the people of Karbad, including Miraj, knew very little of the place.
The teen had been thinking about a pilgrimage for a few weeks now. He knew it was something that Samir would have to do sooner or later. But the Jerboa was still too young to do it on his own. So the rabbit decided that he'd go with him on the endeavor, even if he wasn't sure how realistic it was at this point. However, he knew nothing of how to get to Xiao or even where to start. So Miraj figured he'd need to do some asking around to obtain a guide and if possible a translator.
One morning, Miraj got up to the usual beckoning of sunlight through his window. He peered outside it, the speckling reflection of the sun made it hard to see out. The rabbit got out of bed and changed into his more casual street garb. A hempen tan shirt with wrappings to protect his lower arms, some loose khaki pants, and his usual desert boots to make sure no sand got inside his socks. His stomach reminded him it was time for breakfast.
Miraj busied himself with his usual morning routine. Picking out some fruit and grains for his meal. Squeezing some juice from oranges, making the kitchen smell of sweet citrus. He sated his hunger before cleaning up after himself. It was a short ordeal like usual since he didn't spend very much time doing it. Thinking only about his options to obtain safe travel through the Silk Road and to the kingdom of Xiao.
Once he was done, he went about making his way outside. The usual sight of the high morning sun momentarily blinded him when he stepped out into it. Miraj allowed his eyes to adjust for a few seconds before moving on. Heading out into the streets of Karbad, but still unsure where to start. The rabbit wondered who might know of the best way to get to the eastern kingdom. After all, it wasn't something that most furs in that part of the world did.
The pooka decided to start his day in the bazaar. He needed supplies for the week and hadn't been in a few days. He wondered if maybe he might run into a foreign caravan that could take he and Samir out of the town. Miraj headed over to Merchant's Row. The usual chitter chatter of that part of town became louder as he got closer to it. He was glad to see furs out and about again since things had been slowly trickling back to a more sustainable style of life for the people of the town.
Miraj made his way to the produce vendor. An alligator was taking care of the stand today. A lanky woman with a brown-scaled body. Her eyes sunken in from age and lacked much color to them, almost looking into a deep void. The rabbit approached the stand and overlooked the day's offering. It was a far more plentiful bounty of produce on the wooden table today. Things he had not seen in some time littered the table with reasonably low prices affixed to them.
The teen bought a few items and was given a small burlap sack to put them in and carry. Miraj thanked the woman and continued normal through the row of vendors. Passing by a different one, an old mystics shop furnished with large rugs and knotted walking sticks. No one seemed to be at it but the rabbit was not interested in such things. Still, it was nice to see variety returning to the row once again.
The boy continued to stride throw Merchant's Row. Vendors were wide and varied today with many furs crowding about the more popular venues. Miraj was not interested in what caught people's eyes but instead in finding the exotic section of the market. Miraj weaved his way through the crowds of furs to the back of the vendors. Only a few things lined the area with none of them seeming to come from the far east.
Miraj stopped for a moment and looked around. The stalls in this part of it were much more spread apart from the sellers. He had never seen any of them before but nothing about them spoke to the common rumors associated with what one would find from Xiao. The pooka decided that there was no sign of a Xian vendor that day and that he needed to go about this a different way.
Proceeding out the rear exit of Merchant's Row, he headed into a back alley that spilled out of it. The narrow path beyond it was barely enough for more than 3 furs to fit through but Miraj figured it would be quicker than backtracking. He soon headed into a more central part of a town that was much broader and more full of people all around. Over in one of the corners, he saw something that caught his eye. The sight of a green dragon seemed unfamiliar to him.
Looking at the dragon, the woman wore dainty blue silken robes that covered much of her figure. She had long nails that seemed to be painted with a vague hue of yellow brushings. Near her was the same person who often translated for travelers from the Far East. Hope renewed inside of Miraj as he approached them.
"Greetings, are you preparing to leave for Xiao by any chance?" He asked the translator in hopes they would ask the woman for him.
The scarab looked at him before uttering a few words that Miraj didn't understand. The rabbit watched as she nodded and smiled.
"Would you perchance be willing to add two travelers to your caravan for a few coins?" Miraj reached into his pocket, certain she would say yes.
The beetle looked at him once again before speaking more in the foreign tongue. The dragon looked over at the teen as if gauging his true purpose. His humble demeanor and getup did not pose to be a threat. She simply shrugged at him.
"Thank you!" The pooka tried offering her some money but she declined it.
The woman spoke to the translator who asked in return. "She wants to know where the other is. She intends to leave at noon."
"Tell her I will fetch them and that we will meet here at lunch." The teen took his coins back and pocketed them again.
The man spoke to her again and the dragon nodded back at the boy. Immediately Miraj sprung into action. He knew he didn't have much time to gather his things or to fetch Samir. The teen figured the best place to start would be to get his apprentice. He ran as fast as he could black to the Black Light District. Being careful to not run into anyone as he brazenly made his way through the streets of Karbad.
Miraj proceeded past the hookah houses to the community where Samir lived. The Jerboa's home was but a short distance from it. He soon arrived at it and knocked at the door without delay. Samir's parents answered and allowed the pooka to come inside. Miraj thought it might be pertinent to share his plans so that the boy's parents knew what was going on.
"Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Akash. I was wondering if we could talk about something related to Samir's role as an Oracle." The rabbit wanted it to be as simple and to the point as possible.
The boy's mother looked at him warily, figuring something was up. "Certainly, and what might that be?"
"Samir will soon be required to go on his pilgrimage. I was thinking we could do it sooner rather than later." Miraj continued to avoid the fact that sooner was referring to today.
The woman seemed curious as her rounded ears perked up. "Pilgrimage? You mean like traveling to a holy place?"
"Something like that. Except we will be traveling to see a relic. There is no religious purpose to it. It is only for the experience and self-discovery." The pooka kept it to the basics.
The mother scratched her chin softly before looking at her husband. "I see. When are you suggesting this to happen."
"Well, I have secured safe passage to Xiao. If Samir cannot go, he will just have to do it later to another location like Mekah." Miraj wanted to make sure they were aware there was a choice in the matter.
The woman looked at her husband again. "Can you excuse us a moment?"
Miraj stepped outside so they could discuss this. He didn't anticipate that Samir would go but figured he would offer all the same. It was a few moments before they reopened the door.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. We have decided that it is too short notice for us to allow Samir on this Pilgrimage. We will make sure he tends to his duties if you are still to go." The Jerboa woman maintained a soft smile on her snout.
The rabbit nodded. "I understand. I will most likely not go as to go alone seems rather foolish to go alone as I've already gone on a pilgrimage to Mekkah."
"That is understandable. We will respect your decision either way." The two parents stepped back inside after the short-lived discussion was over.
The teen debated if he still wanted to go. Just him going on a pilgrimage seemed like a waste. Even still, he'd wanted to see more of the world and this was his chance. So he decided he would pass on the opportunity, even if part of him wanted to go. After all, he had much to do in the grand scope of his responsibilities.
The least of which was to make sure that Samir became the best possible Oracle that he could.
Miraj knew he needed to report to the Vizier that day. After all, it had been a while since he'd seen the woman. He needed to see if there were any new tasks that the order and its acolytes needed to undertake. The rabbit didn't like having to see the Vizier as she was often cold and even seemed disconnected. Though....he knew it was a necessary part of his job so he was grateful that it wasn't very often that he had to do this.
He put on his acolytes necklace before heading out the door, making sure to lock the door. The necklace was an ornamental piece of jewelry that was both heavy and unappealing. He only wore it for formal purposes such as this. Making his way to the Sultan's palace, It was walled off and the security into the Royal Promenade was always higher than in other parts of the town. Still, the teen knew he needed to see the Vizier regardless of how hard it was to get in.
The pooka headed over to the Royal Promenade, looking down at his neck to make sure his necklace was visible and taking a big breath. The rabbit entered into paths leading towards the promenade. The area quickly became brighter with color and far more extravagant with its furnishing. On both sides of it, large sandstone statues stood, each representing different deities associated with the standing sun. Miraj bowed to them before making his way past.
The teen pushed into the carpeted area. Some of the nearby guards looked at him warily as he entered into it, each time showing them his necklace. Yet, he'd been there enough times in the past that the guards were somewhat familiar with him. None of them gave him a second thought as he made his way into the main part of the royal promenade. Miraj followed back through the wide corridor to a much more narrow hallway that led into the palace grounds.
The head vizier's residence was on the bottom floor of the palace. Her quarters were off in the west wing where many of the Sultan's advisors lived. However, the vizier was the only advisor who had her quarters. It was also the easiest one to find since she was the only person, other than the sultan herself, who had guards. As Miraj got closer to the Vizier's quarters he was greeted by the familiar sight of the many jackal guards who were charged with protecting him.
Miraj was let into the Vizier's quarters once the jackal guards realized who he was. The rabbit had only been there a few times in the past but he was familiar enough with the place that he wasn't shocked by the plush style of the residence. The Vizier's quarters were lined with plush pillows and a luxurious velvet rug that encompassed much of the room. The bed at the far edge of the room was much longer than his own.
As he entered into it, he heard a harp being placed. Miraj had no idea the woman was a musician, though the notes being played were by no means the most harmonious things he'd ever heard. The rabbit moved over towards where he heard the music. He saw the lizard woman playing the harp, sitting on a small stool to support her body. The thing was far too small for her and offered very little space.
She looked over towards him, stopping what she was doing so that she could give him her full attention.
"Greetings, Acolyte. Are you here for your tasks and community requests?" She asked with the usual straight face she carried.
Miraj nodded. "Indeed, I am. The temple is in great shape and everything has been transferred over from the deceased Oracle to Samir.
"That is good to hear. The people rely on the hope and services you provide and we are forever in your debt." The lizard woman stopped playing her harp to get up from the stool.
The rabbit kept his eyes on her as she panned across the room. "Thank you. Samir has been a big help. He is much more willing to take up menial tasks than our last Oracle."
"Well, she was old. What did you expect? Anyhow, I have the scroll with your duties. Should you finish them on time, there will be an extra reward." The lanky woman reached into her pocket and pulled out an old vellum piece of paper.
The teen's ears perked up in interest as he took the scroll from her. "We will do what we can to finish all of them. Thank you for the opportunity.
"Of course, we try to show our appreciation for those cut of the cloth. We know that often your deeds go unnoticed." The taller woman forced a smile.
The pooka nodded to her. "Thank you. We won't disappoint you."
"I know you won't. Now…off with you. I have duties to attend to and so do you." The lizard shooed him off and went back to playing her harp.
Miraj walked away, unfurling the scroll so he could look at it when he was out of the more private area. The rabbit made his way back out of the Vizier's quarters and through the long hallway that led towards it. He paid no attention to the jackal guards as he went past them again. Once he was back outside in the main complex of the Royal Promenade, he considered his next course of action.
The rabbit knew he could go back to Samir's and share the information with him. It was technically an off day but Miraj wanted nothing more than get started. He took a moment to look at the scroll, browsing through the contents of it. Most of the tasks seemed to be simple, things like recruiting new acolytes and community outreach. However, there were some more interesting tasks like a relic recapturing effort.
The pooka liked nothing more than going on adventures to places. The opportunity to test his skill as well as his wits excited him. He figured it would be a good opportunity to involve Samir as well. So he decided that the next day they would undertake the task as it seemed to be the most difficult one. Until then, Miraj decided to busy himself with the more administrative task of finding new acolytes.
The Order of the Standing Sun wasn't a super popular organization. It had always been small, long before Miraj had taken his oath to uphold the tenants of the teachers. But it was a responsibility that many didn't want. The pay was enough to get by but there were far easier places of employment than the Order. Still, Miraj figured he could at least find one person who would be interested.
The teen wondered where he should start. Recruitment wasn't something he'd done before. He continued his way through the main streets of Karbad. It was a nice day out and there was only a minimal wind blowing about. It was so minor that only a few grains of sand were cascading above the ground below. The rabbit decided he would see if he could use the tavern's community placard for his devices.
Miraj headed over to the Tavern. A bar known as the Sister's Edge. It was a small cantina that operated on the far side of town in the back of the Black Light District. It sometimes hosted live entertainment but was more popular with the people who enjoyed a drink from time to time. The teen wasn't quite old enough to partake himself, but he wasn't interested even if he was able to.
The pooka entered into the bar. The moment he did, he could smell the acrid stench of alcohol in the air. He looked around for the tavern's keeper as some of the patrons gazed over towards him when he entered.
"What's this kid doing here?" One of them shouted towards him.
Miraj shouted back over the ruckus in the room. "I need to speak to the tavern keeper about posting an ad."
That silenced the sudden uproar of noise into a more hushed tone of talking amongst each other. A moment later a large broad-shouldered woman called him over.
"I be she. Come to the counter and state your purpose." A water ox stood wiping the counter down in front of her.
The teen made his way towards the bar. "I was wondering if I could make use of the placard outside to post a job offering."
"You look a bit young to be hiring for yourself. Who is it for?" She arched her eyebrow seeming curious about the situation.
He looked at her. "It's for the Order of the Standing Sun. The Vizier requested for me to place ads. May I?"
"Certainly, here is some velum for you to use. There is no charge for community services. Feel free to use it. Is there anything else I can do for you?" The ox handed him a piece of paper and something to write with.
Miraj shook his head before taking it from her. "No, thanks for your help."
The rabbit stepped away from the bar. He noticed that the patrons were no longer staring at him. They had returned their attention to whatever they were doing before. He made his way back outside and held the small scroll of velum against the adobe brick of the building. He thought for a moment as he came up with the best possible way to advertise what they were looking for.
He decided to keep it as simple as possible.
"Community Organization looking to recruit new acolytes to serve the people of Karbad. If interested, please see the Vizier."
Miraj posted the thing on the board, holding it up with one of the nails that were already in place. He returned the woman her writing utensil and thanked her again. This time the patrons paid him no heed as he returned to the bar. Making his way back out, he was more than glad to be out of the place. The foul smell of alcohol in the air was none too appealing. He stepped away from the Sister's edge and began to make his way towards the temple.
He wanted to prepare for the relic recapturing effort. The rabbit looked at the scroll again. According to the directions on the piece of paper, the relic was known as the Meshid's Aura. It was a talisman from ages long ago. An expensive gem attached to it hanging from a bronzed chain. The tales that spoke of it referred to it having given the user magical powers but such things never came to fruition.
The text continued to tell the location of the talisman. "Underneath the Pyramid of the First Emperor. Among
the belongings of his possessions. Belonging to the people of Zakar." Zakar was the name of Karbad under the rule of the pharaoh. A civilization that had fallen to ruin and only remnants of it remained around today. Many of the citizens of Karbad had all but forgotten about it, except for those who dabbled in such scholarly pursuits.
Miraj had never been to the Pyramids before. Everyone knew of them but very few visited them. The pyramids were a place of burial, even if the rulers and other aristocrats inside were no longer revered. Still, they were considered haunted by those who believed in the supernatural. The teen was not in that group but still had not taken the opportunity. It seemed this would be his chance.
The rabbit decided that he would take up the task with Samir the following day. He and Samir were supposed to meet up regardless and it would give him the rest of the day to do miscellaneous tasks. So for the remaining portion of the afternoon, he spent at the temple cleaning up and finishing a few things that needed to be done. It didn't take him long until he retired home and enjoyed some rest.
The next day came before long and Miraj got up at his usual time of day. The sun peered through his window, blinding him a bit. Looking outside, it appeared to be clear. The skies were blue and not much sand could be seen floating about in the distance. He got up out of bed and went about his morning routine. Preparing a small bag of things to bring with him and making his breakfast.
When he was done, Miraj placed the bag over his shoulder. He headed out the door and locked it behind him. Making his way directly to the temple, the teen couldn't help but be excited about his upcoming adventure. The chance to do something like this with Samir again was a good experience for the younger boy in his mind. Already he was planning for the possibilities, though he knew things could always go wrong.
Miraj arrived at the Temple of the Standing Sun before Samir did. It was usually the case so it didn't alarm him. The rabbit decided to busy himself with completing some loose ends at the temple. Putting an offering in the Spring of Purity and polishing up the Altar of Essence. A short while later the Jerboa showed up in his usual street garb. The teen smirked at him as the boy had yet to adopt the temple attire just yet.
"Hiya, Samir. Ready for a little bit of an adventure today? Rather than our usual routine?" The older boy assumed the younger one would be up for it.
The cub's smile grew across his face. "Heck, yeah!"
"Alright. The Vizier has tasked us with recovering Meshid's Aura. We must travel to the pyramids to recover it." Miraj kept it as simple as possible.
The young boy's ears lowered a bit. "The….pyramids? But they are haunted aren't they?"
"Ghosts don't exist. It's just a story to keep treasure hunters away. Don't worry too much about it." The pooka put his hand on the cub's shoulder to comfort him.
Samir shuffled his feet as he stood in place. "Are you sure?"
"You have nothing to worry about. I promise. Just trust me. Besides it's better than just doing the usual, isn't it?" The rabbit was certain his apprentice would agree.
The rodent softly nodded. "Yeah. I think so…"
"It will be great. Come on and follow me and we'll get underway. I brought us provisions for the day." Miraj waited for the boy to join him.
Samir smiled a bit before joining the side of his master. The cub was still afraid but he wasn't about to turn down the chance of adventure. After all, he had asked for more responsibility in the past and this was a chance for him to prove himself. So he tried pushing his fear to the side, forcing it to the back of his mind. Following in behind the teen as the two made their way down the north side of the Ziggurat.
The two soon began their trek into the desert. The sand today was strangely calm compared to usual. Only a few swirls of it spiraled about as they ventured out from Karbad. The journey to the Pyramids was a longer one. Across the Dunes of Pariah to the valley of the forgotten queens. A hallowed place where all of the tombs of the past civilization were kept. Miraj couldn't help but be excited to finally see it as he'd heard only tales of it.
They continued to push further into the desert. It seemingly became even hotter the farther they removed themselves from the city. The lack of greenery around made it easy for the heat to burn into the sands, only to rise above. Both boys were used to it by this point as they'd both grown up in the region. The heat was nothing new to them but dealing with it always brought different problems.
Miraj and Samir made their way to the Dunes of Pariah. The rising and falling of sand mounts made the younger boy lose his step on occasion. Each time he did so, the teen went to his assistance and helped him back up to his feet. Fortunately for him, the Dunes were not an expansive environment and planned off to a more flat landscape. The Jerboa was more than glad to be past it.
After a short while, they arrived at the Valley of Forgotten Queens. Obsidian pillars with hieroglyphic inscriptions laid all about them. Some of them were worn beyond the past of point of legibility but that mattered not since neither boy could read it. Miraj stopped for a moment to look around. A light wind carried about pushing some sand as it cascaded across the otherwise flat surface.
In the distance, he could see three of the Great Pyramids on the horizon. They were far from the only ones but they were the most recognizable because of how large they were. Samir tugged on the older boy to get him to move more quickly. Miraj smirked at him, glad to see he was getting more into this now. They continued forward once again, making their way to the pyramids.
They eventually arrived at the three Great Pyramids. The largest of which stood at the center of them. Its shadow eclipsed the one behind it, even providing a bit of shade to the boys who were now but a few meters away. Now that they were close enough, both of them looked up and marveled at the site. It was awe-inspiring, to say the least. The large sandstone bricks were a bit worn from time and weather but had held up well enough.
Miraj led Samir over towards the front of it. The entrance was evident enough. The pyramids were public property now that they have been properly explored. Though some amount of treasure hunters had raided the places in the past, there was still a fair amount of relics inside. It was the duty of the pyramid keepers to make sure they did not go missing. However, there was a protocol in place for those people who wished to use the relics for scholarly purposes.
The two boys entered into the pyramid. Inside a small torch was affixed to the side of the entrance. The pyramid keepers had placed it there for travelers who wished to venture to the inside. Miraj looked back towards Samir to make sure he was still following him. The boy was still close by, latching onto one of the sides of the pyramids. He was still a bit uncertain about the whole thing.
The rabbit reached back to touch his hand. "Come on, it will be alright. They likely have removed the traps anyways…"
"Alright…" Samir took a deep breath and fell in behind his master.
Miraj took hold of the torch and started down on the hall. The inside of the building didn't have much air moving through it. Only the light breeze that came from behind. The further they went inside, the less of the breeze was apparent. The hallways were narrow with limestone bricks lining up and down the sides of it on both sides. The air inside was stale and made the whole place like musty and stagnant air.
They proceeded down the hall until they reached a small set of stairs. The staircase was narrow. It was barely wide enough to accommodate one person at a time. Each of the steps was small. The torch lit the way providing them with what illumination they needed to watch their steps. The constant pitter-patter of their feet echoed through the stairwell. Soon enough they came to the end of it where they filtered into a wider room.
A larger chamber lay before them. The torch that Miraj carried reflected against some small puddles of water that had accumulated in the area. Stepping into the middle of the slapping of the water against their shoes resonated through the room. Samir continued to keep a close distance behind the older boy. Being forever vigilant of his surroundings and panning his head around to make sure there were no surprises.
The two boys continued into a door that was shut in front of them. A singular man stood in front of it with two torches on either side of him. An older egret who held a scepter in hand, eying them as they approached. The greyed feathers on the bird seemed all too pristine white for a man who had appeared to have been assigned keeper of the place.
"Halt. What brings you to this place?" The bird's voice was confident and bellowed through the room.
Miraj looked him directly in the eyes. "The Order of the Standing Sun has come to claim the relic called Meshid's Aura."
"I see. You do not look to be treasure thieves. Do you wish to undertake the trial to enter the chamber of keeping?" The older male overlooked both the boys with an eye of curiosity.
The rabbit's ears perked up. "Certainly. What is involved with this trial?"
"Should both of you wish to enter then you both need to complete the tasks. Follow me to the room of records." The bird stepped away from the door and led them to a nearby wall.
The two boys looked in front of them. The light from Miraj's torch showed nothing but a solid wall. The bird reached forward and tapped it with his scepter. A loud rumbling sounded through the chamber as the wall before them collapsed to the floor. In front of them an illuminated area with several paths breaking off from the
main one. The bird stepped in front of the one on the left and motioned for the two boys to join them.
Miraj and Samir made their way over to him. The room before them was empty. A small cliff overlooking a vast void below with a small chamber on the other side of it. Looking below, the rabbit could see naught but a pit as far as his eyes could see.
"First….a leap of faith. On the other side sits the orb of faith. This orb must be obtained to move on. Truth in the purpose and no harm will come to you." The avian fellow tapped a small area removed from the cliff and a light tapping noise could be heard.
Miraj figured this meant the floor must have been invisible or that some sort of magic might have been at work. He offered his paw to the other boy. The teen took the first step, taking it slowly at first. Only meagerly placing his front foot on the vacant space in front of him. Sure enough, his foot found firm ground and he took another step. Samir remained close behind and followed without hesitation.
They soon made their way to the other side. Atop a pedestal was a small orb sitting for them to take. Miraj clutched the thing and the two boys made their way back across. The whole task was much simpler than either of them had expected. Once back in the main room, the rabbit handed the orb over to the keeper who smiled at them. The bird once again made a move through the chamber and led them to the right path.
This time an empty room lay before them. A firm ground to be certain, with the same sandstone style as the rest of the pyramid.
"Second, a test of wit. Before you is a puzzle. The floor tiles will activate as you step on them. Light up the whole room and you will be awarded the orb of wisdom." The bird motioned his staff to the inside of the room.
Miraj looked over at Samir. "Take one side of the room and I will do the other."
For the first time since they entered the place, they split up. Each of them at opposite sides of it. Once again the keeper tapped the floor causing the tiles to dim, except the ones under each boy. Miraj stepped forward a single step causing the four squares around him to illuminate. Samir did the same with the same pattern of squares to light up. The rabbit figured this would be easy.
Yet, as they got closer to each other and more of the squares were illuminated it started to cause a problem. Every so often the lit-up squares would overlap each other causing the ones next to it to turn dark once again. They now realized they had to make it so that the squares didn't overlap. The two boys continued to trek back and forth as the floor tiles switched between lit up and dark.
It took a while for them to figure it out. Eventually, they had to call out to each other where they were going. Miraj took charge of the whole ordeal, telling Samir where he needed to go. The keeper watched them with interest as slowly but surely they managed to light up the entire room. When they finally did, a chamber in the back opened up and revealed the orb that they were to claim.
Miraj took hold of the orb and the two boys made their way back across to the other side of the room. He handed off the orb to the keeper who gladly took of it. The egret motioned for them to follow him once again. The bird led them into the final room at the center of it all and began speaking.
"The final test is one of strength. Only one of you must participate. You must defeat the opponent. The opponent in question is an enigma and cannot harm you. The weapon will be provided." The bird tapped on the floor again, causing a small rack of weapons to rise from it.
The rabbit stepped forward, knowing full well he was the only one trained in combat. Samir watched with interest as he'd never seen the older boy fight just yet. The pooka grabbed a mace and shield and prepared himself.
"Begin. The first one to land three strikes on the other shall be named a victor." The keeper crossed his arms and watched next to the Jerboa.
The moment the egret uttered these words a pile of sand emerged in the center of the room. Slowly it began to form into a figure. Miraj made his approach to the figure as it became larger. Soon resembling an amorphous frame holding a shield and spear. The thing tapped its shield three times with the weapon as if to goad the rabbit to make the first move. Yet, the teen had been trained to fight on the defensive. He continued to wait.
The two of them rotated in circles. Neither of them made an attack. The keeper soon snapped, causing the figure of sand to strike forward. Each blow bounded off Miraj's shield as he repelled the attacks with deft bounces backward. The pooka hopped back once again leaping forward through the figure, soaring right through its sandy frame. Samir cheered his master on proudly.
"One-Zero." The Keeper announced.
Miraj smirked as he watched the sandy figure take shape again. It once again lurched forward. Long swoops of its spear with no particular direction to them. The boy easily defended against them, bashing his shield forward causing the sandy beast to buckle backwards.
"Two-Zero." The Keeper announced again.
The pooka rolled forward through the sand, knowing that it could probably re-shape around him. The thing remained stationary for a moment before splitting into two smaller figures. Each with the same weapon at their side. Both of them began circling him. Samir continued to beckon the acolyte on. Miraj kept a close on both of the figures of sand as they circled him like predators honing in on their prey.
They soon attacked at the same time, each of them taking a singular swing at the pooka. Miraj ducked underneath, taking a quick move to the outside. Hopping backward as they once again made another strike at him. Each of them continued to do so, not giving him a moment to retaliate. Miraj then stepped in front of one of them as the other struck at him. Once again bopping underneath the blow as it hit the other sand creature.
"Three-Zero." The keeper announced as he snapped again.
The two sand creatures re-formed into a small orb as Miraj went over to pick it up. The rabbit caught his breath for a moment as he recovered from the struggle. Samir looked at him with a sense of awe about him. He'd never seen anything like it and couldn't help but be impressed. His master soon returned his weapon and handed over the orb to the keeper. The elderly bird led them back the way they came through the corridor to the closed-in room where they faced the same closed door as before.
"Three trials you have faced with bravery, diligence, and tact. So too must both of you be rewarded. All we keepers ask is for an item of equal exchange to be left at the altar. May the bearded lady watch over you." The bird placed the three orbs into crevices in the door causing it to slide down in front of them.
Miraj and Samir went through it, soon finding themselves in a much more well-lit area. Several altars lay strewn across the room with statues of the elders to whom they belonged. The rabbit knew that Meshid was a Scarab and used that to identify him. Approaching it, he took a small medallion from his satchel and exchanged it with the Aura. It shone with a bright red glow as he touched it.
The altar clutched onto the medallion and clicked in place. Miraj placed the Aura back in his bag and touched Samir on the shoulder.
"Let's make our way out of the pyramid then we can eat and go home. Good job today." He said with a smile.
The Jerboa nodded as they followed their way back out of the room. The Keeper bade them farewell as they made their way past him and back up to the top of the pyramid. When they were outside, Miraj shared some of the provisions he had packed with him with his apprentice and the two ate. The two of them smiling each other after a hard day's work and a job well done.
They would make their way back to Karbad. Miraj returned the relic to the Reliquary of Keeping, where it would later be studied by the Scholars of the Standing Order. Both Samir and Miraj would be rewarded by the Vizier for their success. It was something that Samir wasn't expecting. Coming home with great news to his parents who were all too happy to see him succeeding in his new role.
Miraj and Samir would return to their normal duties after that day. Samir would begin to take up his role even more seriously, wanting nothing more than to impress his master. Even going as far as to learn skills like metallurgy, leatherworking, and cloth making. Together the two would become quite renowned in the city. Over time Samir would become just as trusted as the Oracles before him.
As for Miraj, the pooka would become a renowned teacher for his order. He would never become Oracle but remained a trusted advisor to Samir, who would remain a close friend of his for the rest of their lives. The rabbit would work to recruit new members and even hone his skills as both an Alchemist as well as an Engineer. After a while, his travels would become far known both in Karbad and even beyond.
