"But that it spreads no further among the people,

  straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no

  man in this name."

  - Acts NKJV 4:17

  Ranuria—not once had he ever heard of a village like this one. Petite mud houses, children covered in dirt happily running around. Nicodemus felt they stood out like a sore thumb. Half of Virgils legs were covered in mud. Micah, on the other hand, pranced around smiling and waving at the kids. A few young girls had befriended Ruth and him. They asked personal questions; where they came from, what they did for fun, etc... Cain even seemed to be enjoying his time. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, and there was also a slight breeze.

  Nicodemus kept his head low, enough to make sure he was not lost and right behind them. There were no signs outside of the small homes, it was difficult to tell if they even had an inn or bed and breakfasts. He was becoming restless.

  A child was called over in a familiar dialect. Micah rapidly turned and responded, "You speak Alvonian? Ma'am! Pardon me." A lady perked up, once she knew he spoke to her. He ran greeted them, a few were exchanged, and Micah waved signaling to follow. Nicodemus had learned new words thanks to Micah, the usefulness of those words on the contrary, were limited. Unless the intention was to irk someone.

  "Demus, this is Abigail. Her mother, Miriam, is from the house of Spirit. Northwest of Power. She has invited us to stay at her place." Micah explained, his accent was stronger than before and he quickly turned back to accept her offer. A sense of relief washed over Nicodemus' face. He had no idea how Micah managed to pull it off, but was otherwise impressed.

  "You are welcomed to my home, Micah has told me you plan to travel to the mountains. It's rare we get visitors, please stay the night!” she finished off in Alvon.

  Micah then explained that she knew little Avernician, he would gladly translate any questions or comments she made. Nicodemus was more tired than usual now, he agreed as long as he could rest once they arrived.

  A thin sheet separated Nicodemus from the living area. The entire house was a manmade cave inside of the hills. Miriam apologized many times and wished she could offer more comfort. Everyone told her to not worry, a roof over their heads was better than sleeping outside. Nicodemus had felt even more sluggish than before, his stomach started to hurt and his headache had returned as well. Ruth checked him for any signs of a fever or other illness. She pulled out half a pill and asked him to drink it. He hesitated before giving in. Nicodemus had promised her he wouldn't ask about them. Regardless of what it did or how it worked, it was better than nothing.

  Micah stepped in and sat by his feet, he had told Ruth that Miriam made a traditional dish and to eat it now while it was hot. Ruth stepped out.

  "I thought you were feeling better?" Micah's accent was stronger than ever.

  "How come your accent comes and goes?"

  "Demus, there are much more important answers that need to be said," Micah sighed "Besides, we have four dialects. Miriam’s is noticeably from Spirit. I wonder how she came to end up here." Micah got off topic and began to make assumptions. Nicodemus could not tell the difference. He was tone deaf and he knew it. He did enjoy the way Micah pronounced some words on the other hand. He rolled his R's more and and the E in his name was said as 'eh' versus 'ee'. He also had Nicodemus beat, now he really wished he had paid closer attention to language-learning when growing up.

  "Are you even paying attention?" Micah pinched Nicodemus’ thigh.

  "I am, I was listening to every word."

  "You are such a liar."

  "You can just ask her. I'm sure she will tell you. I have never met another Alvon in Avernita. However, I am ignorant to anything outside Superbia. Ranuria is unknown land to me." Nicodemus would not admit how tired he felt of not knowing. He did not know anything about himself, his mother, his land. He had come on this journey to find out, only for more questions to arise. Micah pushed him aside, and laid down next to him. Nicodemus turned.

  "I feel just as lost as you. I don't blame you for anything. It is kind of unfair to you. We should travel the world together. We can find out more and hear the stories before the war. I heard that once Giants existed, Dragons, even the Sea Snake. Everything is now lost in time. The human population had declined by almost two thirds, it's all just a huge mystery to me." Micah closed his eyes.

  "I know, you'd think you'd know everything. As a prince I was told I grew up with the best education there was." Nicodemus felt as if his whole world was full of lies. Traveling had made him see every kind of human. The rotten, the kind, the poor. Nicodemus had a big palace, he had money, he was the Emperor. Yet, Micah, Ruth and Cain had taught him more than the best scholars had. "Micah?"

  "Hmm?"

  "I cannot believe I am saying this. Simply, thank you."

  "For what?" Micah opened his eye again.

  "Everything. You make me want to learn more, discover who I am. I also want to know you better."

  "Then come to Alvonia with me." Micah leaned down on his elbow. "Come with me, we can figure things out together, you can meet my disciples. Demus, they would love you! Timothy, Lucas, the twins, little Alex. They are still children. However, I promise you, I am trying my best to raise them to be just as smart."

  Nicodemus was not aware of how many kids there were. He knew Micah was a teacher, or more or less a leader that taught. He hadn’t expected just how much they all meant to him. He thought back to the first night. Nicodemus and Samyaza had discussed plans on what to do to Micah. Nicodemus did not feel right killing him. He had debated it with the court even. What if he had gone with that original plan? Nicodemus turned, he could not face Micah like this.

  "Hey, your face dropped." Micah tapped his shoulder.

  "Micah, why did you truly break into my palace?"

  "Why did you save me?"

  They both did not have an answer. Nicodemus had told Dimitri it was because his mother didn't keep prisoners. Answering a question with another one was their way of avoiding awkwardness or sometimes to hide the truth. Nicodemus knew that eventually they would need to be honest. Micah was not an idiot. Could they truly be able to stay friends once they got back? An empire and an oligarchy, who had been in a cold war. He knew his mother would question this friendship. Samyaza was not even a fan. Avernicians hated Alvonians. The four princes had lost their armies, their power. The seven seats were missing. Nicodemus and Micah would one day fight for their own people. They were enemies from the beginning. However, in this small room, Nicodemus wanted to be with no one else.

  Nicodemus felt better than he did earlier. Micah stepped out not long before he did. Miriam offered Nicodemus water and some food. He thanked her and sat down. Micah played with Abigail’s hair. He really was good with children. Cain approached him, setting his plate down next to him.

  "Did you get rest?"

  "Indeed. I was wondering, we can't take Virgil with us, and the horses?"

  "Took care of it. The horses will stay with them, as will Virgil. I asked Ruth if she wished to stay and she almost stabbed me with the knife. That girl refuses to leave your side now." Cain smiled.

  "Is Miriam okay with that?"

  "Miriam loves Virgil. Abigail was very happy too, of course we also said you would pay them."

  Nicodemus was not against it. He was grateful. It would be for the better if his dog stayed. He knew he was well trained and that Samyaza would prefer the dog to go too. He couldn't risk it, especially if there were flames involved.

  "Miriam, Micah, would you mind translating?" Nicodemus asked. They both looked over. Micah agreed.

  "I want to thank you, I promise to leave enough to help your family out. I was curious, how did you end up here?" Micah turned to her and translated it. She did a small thankful gesture and responded.

  "I was brought as a slave. Thirty years ago, before the Infernal Divine war. The empress had ordered a closing of the border. It was before the Levan Shiamin. Before the clashing of the earth’s lands." Micah's eyes darkened. When he translated the words Nicodemus did not believe her.

  "The empress? I was not aware she had slaves. I had heard she treats her staff and the citizens well. Never once have I heard of slaves." Nicodemus felt his hands turn to fists. She had to be lying.

  "You're of Avernician blood. You are privileged, this whole village is Alvonian. After the war a few of my people managed to escape. When news of the empress' passing spread, some more of my people were set free. I couldn’t leave, as I have Abigail. Except now, the emperor holds the crown. We have not seen him nor do we know what he plans. We are terrified."

  Ruth and Cain stayed silent. Nicodemus did not know what to say. Micah turned to face her, he had asked why they fear the emperor if he had yet not done anything while in power. Was it not pre-judging him? Perhaps the emperor was different.

  "Because I am Alvon. You are lucky to speak their language perfectly. I tell Abigail she mustn't speak our tongue, I have no money to return home. What good is an emperor who has only been taught by those who are evil like him?" Micah did not fully translate. Nicodemus had somewhat understood what she had. He was more or less surprised by how honest she was with the hatred she held for him. If she knew the same man of whom she spoke ill was the one she kindly invited into her home, how would she react? He wasn't going to let her know now. He felt awful. This poor woman could not even return home if she wished. He looked at Abigail, who sat in Micah's lap. All she had known was poverty.

  "Tell her I will pay her in gold. After all, she is caring for my dog, horses, and has given us a place to stay. I am sorry for what the empress has done. I do hope the emperor is not as evil as she thinks he is." Micah opened his mouth as if to comfort him but Nicodemus got up.

  "You do not need to pay so much! Please, just having you as visitors is enough." Miriam grabbed Nicodemus arm. She smiled at him. "Your heart kind. You are good." She smiled.

  "Thank you. I will still pay what I offered. Abigail deserves a better life too. Kind people get good rewards."  Micah kept the conversation with her, Nicodemus had stepped out. He sat down by a huge rain catcher. Slaves? Nicodemus had never heard of his mother having slaves. He did not want to think about how it was even possible. Avernita was once a rich and beautiful empire. it still was. Except now, he no longer knew the land he lived on. How many stories were lost in the war? How many people had truly died? He lived in an era where everything was lost in time. The mountains were new, gone were the lost and forgotten cities where once many people had thrived.

  Ruth sat down with him, Cain followed. Tension was in the air now, Miriam was bold to state her opinions to Avernicians, nevertheless, the emperor. Nicodemus wasn't as bothered as he would have been if they met earlier. Words were words, he knew himself better.

  "You know, everything will make sense soon enough. You can restore it all to its original glory. That was her goal. You have to get that sword. It is a key as much as it is also a way to free Samyaza."

  "Cain, I do not know what to believe in anymore. We live in a pandemonium after the greatest war mankind has ever known. I kept reading about how wonderful earth was. How many cities existed. There is nothing. It’s eery to me. I have lived in a utopia where everything seemed so perfect. Now, I'm drawn back to what Micah said to me when we first met. It has become an interminable cycle. Who was my mother? Who am I?" He grunted.

  "You are here for a reason. You will know what to do once your questions are answered. I can promise you that." Cain said. "I think it’s good you travel, become educated, learn and experience for yourself. One who rules the world should know the world."

  Nicodemus raised his head, it was much darker in this village than it was back home. Candle lights could be seen from small windows or cracks in their doors. Virgil ran out and Abigail followed close behind. He felt isolated, despite being surrounded by people. Micah peeked his head out and told them to come inside. Ruth and Cain called Virgil and Abigail in and made sure to clean his paws. Nicodemus stood up and rubbed his eyes.

  "Don't let it get to your head." Micah said, he stood next to him.

  "I won't. I heard you two chat for quite a bit."

  "Jealous?"

  "..."

  "HAHAHA!" Micah linked their arms together. "We can go for a stroll, if you wish."

  "It's alright, we will be on our feet tomorrow."

  "Then sweetheart, let’s go sleep."

  "Sweetheart?" Nicodemus whispered, he faced Micah backing him into the wall. Micah’s eyes widened, he had set himself up. Nicodemus leaned in, their noses touched. The two of them looked down at each other’s lips. He felt a heat rise in his stomach, he was so close. Micah’s lips slowly parted, Nicodemus leaned in—

  "GET IN HERE YOU TWO!" Cain yelled from inside. They both jumped and backed away. Micah fidgeted with his fingers, he opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something. Micah debated it between himself, and settled for not saying a word. 'Say something, you always say something.' Nicodemus thought to himself. Micah stepped back, before deciding it was best to go inside. Nicodemus needed him to speak, he reached out but it was too late. 'What was I thinking?' He pinched the bridge of his nose. Nicodemus had almost kissed him. The Alvon, his friend, a man. He had made jokes with Micah in the past, so he knew Micah would not be against kissing another man, but this was different. Nicodemus was not just a man, he was an emperor to the rival country, sworn enemy of his people. He was naturally very touchy when it came to him and Ruth. However, a kiss is more than just a hug or sleeping together —in a non-sexual way— He paced around a bit more.

  "NICODEMUS." Ruth called out.

  "Yes, yes, coming."

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  .   .   .

  “If I hear that rooster crow once more, I will make sure it’s on my next plate.” Nicodemus said, he removed the layers of pillows on top of his head.

  “Good morning, sir! We have been up since before he crowed.” Ruth replied.

  “Why was I not awoken?”

  “We tried. You wouldn’t listen. You’re a heavy sleeper.”

  “False, I am lucky if I get any sleep.”

  “I have to disagree, Virgil tried licking you, yet you chose to cover yourself with the pillows.”

  Nicodemus bit his tongue. Arguing first thing in the morning would put him in a sour mood the rest of the trip. Miriam placed a warm meal next to him. He sat up and ate. Noticing Cain was not in the room, Nicodemus looked around. Micah was sitting on a stool in a corner, eyes locked on a map. They did not talk the rest of the night—nor did they try to— instead, they went their separate ways and found a place to sleep. Ruth tried to start conversation with them, however was quickly shut down when the two of them did not reply.

  He got up and washed his dish, thanking Miriam for the meal. She offered him a small pouch with fruits for the trip. Calling Virgil to himself, Nicodemus felt a sense of sorrow. He did not want to leave him. Abigail ran to Nicodemus, she place a small piece of meat on his hand to feed him. Once Virgil did a few tricks such as; sit, paw, and play dead, Nicodemus awarded him. Abigail would take good care of his furry friend. He knew he was in good hands, better than leaving him out in the wild or at the gates.

  Cain had returned with their new clothes, he gave Nicodemus black cotton pants, a new belt and new boots. Ruth had similar clothes, and Micah was happy with the new shoes as well. Once changed they said their final goodbyes. Miriam and Micah had spoken a few more words, and she gave him a small hug. Abigail walked with them to the end of the village.

  “See you soon!” She shouted. The four of them turned to wave. Nicodemus heard a few barks, he wished to be able to speak or understand Virgil. It was a hard goodbye, but he knew he would be back for his dog.

  Nicodemus would never complain about traveling on horse again, walking through forests, up hills and trails was much more worse. Cain took the lead, and a halo was opening amongst the treetops. Blue mountain summits could be seen beyond.

  “We’re almost there. I’m afraid we would have gotten lost, if it wasn’t for the opening. I must warn everyone…”

  “Warn us?” Micah interrupted.

  “Would you listen, note that what you’re about to see is not—how do I say this?— common. The tower, like everything else on earth, is petrified. Frozen in time. You will see bodies, however you mustn’t touch them. Some are paying their time before they enter heaven. Others are damned.”

  “Would you elaborate?” Nicodemus said.

  “I do not need to, look for yourself.” They all blocked the sun from their faces. A giant silver tower was hidden between mountains.

  Nicodemus’ jaw dropped, he had expected a massive tower, yet, not once did he expect the clouds to revolve around it. The tower had a colossal black door, with a stone angel at guard. He was uneasy. Cain’s gaze softened, he gently pushed Nicodemus to move forward.

  "A Weeping Willow." Nicodemus ran under the tree, he studied the bark and carved names. Obvious signs of previous interactions with humans. The names where almost eroded away from age, Nicodemus pulled out a small dagger from his boot. His father had the sweet habit of leaving his mark, their backyard alone contained the many arbor-glyphs that were his mother’s name and his own. As he chiseled his name into the bark, Micah watched.

  "Hand it over." Micah took the dagger, and underneath he spelled out his own. Nicodemus ran his hand across the names. Here their names would outlive them, Micah headed back to the group. He had hoped they would talk before entering the tower, to more or less, clear the air between them.

  Cain called him back, they had to get moving. A stone pathway led them to the entrance. Gilded in gold, the etching on the marble tablets read:

  If you’re standing at the edge of temptation.

  You’re here to find redemption. By facing your sins you’ll find your strength.

  The deeper your cut, the heavier your burden of guilt. Be not afraid, as

  the flames consume your heart ablaze.

  The language was unfamiliar to him. Micah and Ruth also could not make it out. Cain squatted down, He read it out loud and translated it the best he could. Nicodemus gave him a perplexed look.  "'The deeper your cut, the heavier the burden of guilt.' The stone angel will weigh your sins, and according to how much of it is held in your heart, you will receive seven cuts across your wrist." Cain grabbed his dagger and ripped his sleeve open. "The cuts can be like those of a cat scratch, or deep enough to cut through muscle. You will lose blood. Fear not, as you will be able to wrap them up to control the bleeding. Apart from that, once we enter a new level that cut will be sewn shut. If anyone here, apart from Nicodemus, choses they would rather stay, do it now."

  The four of them looked at one another, Nicodemus almost had suggested Ruth stay behind, however she looked more determined now. He liked that about her. Since no words were spoken and no one decided to stay, Cain carried on. He had them follow behind him.

  The cherubim had three faces, one of an ox, a lion and man. Two wings formed almost a halo above its head, two spread west and east and the last two covered its body. In its chest was a hole. Above, carved under the mans face, was a small golden scale.

  Nicodemus looked down at his arms, the right was barely recovered, his left hand was functioning as usual. He settled to sacrifice his right arm.

  "Nicodemus, your arm has yet to recover." Ruth reached out stopping him.

  "Yes, I am aware of that."

  "..."

  "Worry not, I only need one hand to get the job done." Nicodemus chuckled. Ruth stepped back, her brows furrowed.

  "Before I do decide to sacrifice my arm, Ruth, hand me a full pill. It has stopped pain in the past." He reached out to her, Micah pushed him aside and shoved his hand into the hole.

  Golden light shown through and the scale tilted slightly, a ringing sound of metal, and Micah flinched in pain. Drops of blood oozed out from his wounds. Nicodemus reached out and saw his cuts. They were not as deep as he feared, nevertheless, sword training would have left deeper marks. Micah tore some of the fabric of his shirt and wrapped his arm.

  "You were taking forever." Micah whispered.

  "You are an idiot." Nicodemus replied.

  "Call me what you wish, I do not need pain medication to lower the pain."

  Nicodemus pinched the bridge of his nose. It was now a habit of his when frustrated. Replying to the comment would only build tension up. Noticing the cuts were not as deep, he placed his hand inside. The golden light burned his fingertips and the scale tilted downward at a high speed. Nicodemus closed his eyes and turned his head before feeling the fast blades make contact with his skin. He fell forward, and his sleeve was quickly covered in red from the blood. Pulling his arm out, he noticed the cuts were deep. His flesh hung loose and the muscle was unveiled. Nicodemus used his left hand to stop it from bleeding.

  Cain rushed and quickly bandaged it up. Three deep wounds, four smaller ones. His arm throbbed and stung due to the exposure. Micah ran to him checking his wrist and arm.

  "Demus!" His face showed worry, and his hands trembled.

  "You're still an idiot." Nicodemus said under his breath.

  "Yes, yes, I am aware. Why are yours much deeper?"

  "We all carry different sins. Surprisingly, you carry less." Cain replied.

  Micah had a wistful look spread on his face. He helped Nicodemus up, refusing to let go of his arm. Nicodemus closed his eyes, trying his best to ignore the ache. He was lucky it did not split his arm in half, the blades also made no contact with his recovering wrist. His whole right arm was bandaged, but he was grateful to still have full control and movement on his fingers.

  Ruth took a deep breath before placing her arm inside. Nicodemus and Micah prepared to handle her injuries. The golden light shown, the balance tilted and blades cut. She flinched and quickly removed her arm. Micah examined her arm carefully, Nicodemus was relived. While six of the seven were not deep, one cut was rooted deep into her flesh. Cain tilt his head.

  "Interesting, I wonder what burdens you the most."

  "Guess we'll find out soon. Shit. That really hurts." She squatted by the doorway. Nicodemus was also curious what it could be. Ruth seemed to have no sins. She was always sweet, caring and calm. He pet her head before hearing the blades go off again. He turned and rushed back to Cain. Nicodemus thought his were bad. Micah's face turned green.

  "Relax, I had expected this. Just bandage it up and let’s get going." Cain was a little too calm about this.

  When the doors opened, they stepped foot inside. Quickly it slammed shut behind them. Nicodemus' ears rang for a few seconds from the loud clash of metal. Torches lit up two by two, guiding them down a hallway. It was cold, and the air around them was dry. There was a musty and attic-like smell in the air. Nicodemus placed his hood back on. The four walked down an empty stone hall, little bugs could be heard racing across the floor. Since his vision was not the best due to the low light, his other senses kicked in. He heard what sounded like whines and cries in the far off distance.

  There was a crack and Nicodemus glanced behind him, Ruth had covered her mouth holding back her scream. She looked aghast as she lifted her foot and a human skull laid on the floor. He grabbed Ruth bringing her to his chest. They had not paid much attention to their surroundings. Dried up remains were stuck to the walls and floors

  “It's alright, you're alright." He whispered

  Ruth nodded, she was trembling. Nicodemus held onto her as they continued to walk. Wasting time was not an option. Micah let him escort her, and he followed closely behind. Cain did not seem to be affected by it all. He had mentioned this was not his first time in the tower. It was still new to them. Ruth had relaxed and let go of Nicodemus.

  "We will reach the base first. If you hear your name, no you didn't. If someone’s voice who you do not recognize tells you to wait, keep walking. Whatever you do, I beg you to just keep climbing. Our arms will stop bleeding once we reached the first floor. On the last floor, since I cannot join you, I will head out." Cain spoke in a low voice.

  Nicodemus grabbed Ruth’s hand and sent her to Cain, "Take Ruth's side, you know this place better than any of us. If anyone can keep her safe it is you." Nicodemus did not let Ruth speak, it was not a suggestion or option. Ruth opened her mouth to protest, but Nicodemus' face was enough to make her bite her tongue. Cain took her hand, and they began ascending the steps. Nicodemus watched as Cain and Ruth took the first steps. Their was no railing, and the stairs were worn out by centuries of climbers. Micah approached him from behind.

  "You're also injured. Let me help."

  "I'll be fine, I can still fight with my left hand."

  "I did not ask if you could. I will walk this with you." Micah held his right hand, it was a gentle touch. Nicodemus would not have noticed it if he did not see it with his own eyes. Micah still looked as if there was more he wanted to say. Nicodemus raised a brow.

  "Would you stop looking at me like that, Demus?"

  "???" Nicodemus did not let go but they needed to follow closely behind. Micah stayed quiet again. It started to bother Nicodemus now. He was acting strange, more reserved, in spite of that, he was still Micah.

  Nicodemus had noticed that Ruth was crouched down on the floor, Cain covered her ears. He and Micah rushed up, but Cain raised his index finger to his nose. Speaking would not be an option. Ruth had tears rolling down her cheeks, and she looked frightened. Nicodemus had never seen her cry before, he raised her head wishing he knew the reason. When the two made eye contact she wiped her eyes. Micah helped her rise back to her feet, and Cain reassured her that it's the tower. She nodded. Nicodemus and Micah looked at one another, they seemed to think the same thing. 'What powers did this tower have?' He kept his eyes glued on Ruth, he noticed her closing her eyes and Cain comforting her. He breathed freely knowing she would be safe with him as her guide.

  "My son, my sweet, sweet boy."

  Nicodemus was glued to the spot. Micah slightly turned to face him. He lightly tapped his cheek, trying to get him to focus.

  "Nicodemus, do you not recognize your own mother? Turn around."

  Micah squeezed his hand three times. ‘It's not real.' Micah mouthed. He tugged on his arm to keep walking.

  "Are you coming home? Come to me."

  Nicodemus covered his ears. 'It's not her, she's dead.' he had to remind himself. Micah took a few steps back and covered his ears for him. He placed his head on Nicodemus' back, and thrust him up a step to keep going. The two of them pushed forward. Nicodemus had now understood what Ruth felt. He knew it was not real. The mimics of the dead and loved ones. He reached behind him, signaling to Micah that he was alright. Micah took his hand again and walked by his side.

  Nicodemus could tell Micah was hearing things too. He would flinch and squeeze his hand. Checking up on one another every few steps. His mothers voice began to fade into a whisper. Both dared not to look back, nor stop although, climbing the steps had become excruciating tiresome. Micah pointed to the steps, and raised one finger, he took another and raised two. Nicodemus was quick to understand 'Count them'.