The Ever War: Chapter 2.3

The first week passed by. The second. The third. One month. During this time, Josh not only mastered the language of the Katar, but several others. Jild was difficult, but manageable. Sarah could be found either in the main archive, or wandering the city with Josh.

They were happy here, despite the circumstances in which they came and why they were there. However, with each passing day, Josh began to feel restless. The whispers seemed to grow stronger and stronger. During his lessons, he would seem detached, disconnected. It was if he was there in body, but his mind dwelt elsewhere. And everyone watched and waited, knowing that the time would soon come.

James sat in his study staring out the window. Ca'lel entered quietly. "You wished to see me?" She asked quietly.

James didn't look at her. "My time is drawing to a close, my friend." He removed his glove and revealed his Mark, key between two wings. The color was beginning to fade.

Ca'lel's face fell. She ran to him and fell to her knees beside his chair. "No! You mustn't die! Who will watch over the Temple?" She cried. "Who will watch over us?" Tears streaked through the fur around her eyes.

James smiled sadly and wiped them away. "I have only seen you cry once, dearest Priestess, and that was with the death of your brother."

The female Katar looked up at him pleadingly. "We always thought of you as a father figure. Please...is there no other way?"

His smile widened. "Ah, so you know what I am to do?" She nodded, unable to say more. "I am afraid not. The Road is locked. The only way to unlock it is by using the Key."

Ca'lel shook her head. "But...what will happen to you?" James stood and turned back to the window.

"I will join the rest of my generation." He turned back to her. "And as for who will watch over the Temple, I have chosen you, Ca'lel."

Her eyes widened. "Me? You have chosen me? But...but I couldn't! I'm not like my brother!" She hung her head. "I'm not strong. That's why I'm only a priestess." She looked up at him again. "I'm not worthy."

James smiled again. "None of us are, not at first. You are strong, Ca'lel. You have been my most trusted friend and pupil. In fact, you have even been a daughter of sorts to me. You will do well."

Ca'lel rose to her feet and bowed. "If this is what you wish, then I will bear this honor."

James chuckled. "I chose you a long time ago. All this time, I have been teaching you everything you needed to know to carry out this task. Now, go on. I have much to think over." She left him how she had found him, staring into the distance.