The Celestial Forge

  By: Schin Ka’Tharos

  CHAPTER 8

  (Part 2)

  Pain is often romanticized, especially in relation to advancement in the path of Forging. While suffering is certainly part of any growth and trials can bring betterment, often I feel the pain itself is unrightfully dismissed or not given its due. It is understandable to not willfully walk into suffering. It is certainly understandable. Extreme pain is not nothing, it bears significance.

  In those moments, had I known beforehand the torment that my soul would have endured I would not have chosen to bond with the VoidsEye. My desperate hope that the suffering would soon end was the only thing that kept my will and mind from fraying completely.

  Lost in a haze of overwhelming pain I eventually drifted from consciousness. When I awoke sweat covered me from head to toe and my robes were soaked through. On my arm, a thick black line had been etched into my skin where the VoidsEye key once had been. Upon inspection I realized the tattoo was made up of intricate symbols that flowed together, so dense that unless viewed a hand length away it appeared as a solid line of the darkest black.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  My awareness crawled back to me and I looked around for Uncle. Where he had sat now lay a large basin of water, some simple bedding, and a small cabinet that I recognized from Grandfathers study above. I then noticed a small folded cloth sitting right in front of me with a note that accompanied it.

  Schin,

  Unfortunately I could stay no longer and must leave in haste. I regret that I could not say goodbye in person. I have left you enough supplies for a month or two as you will still be unable to ascend above this floor for the time being. Whatever you choose to do I will understand and support you. I will find you when I am able, whether you are here or elsewhere

  -Uncle

  Alone, I took stock of my current situation. Uncle had not only left a supply of food and water but the cabinet also contained various herbs, pills and tonics. There was a small scroll in the cabinet as well, written in my Uncles handwriting, with a list of the cabinets contents and a short description of each. I decided to review it more extensively later when my mind had settled.

  My thoughts turned back to the VoidsEye and I entered into a meditative state to inspect any changes it had brought. With my attention focused, I could feel a new connection to the tower that I had not felt before, but it was faint like a forgotten memory just out of reach. I did feel a sense of vitality now, as if being in the tower restored me like a week of rest.

  That was it though. It didn't seem to bring any other benefits that I could sense. Disappointment clawed through my chest. I tested my ability to go up to the second floor and was repelled by the spiritual pressure before I had made it halfway up the stairs, just like Uncle had stated. I knew I could now leave and enter the tower at will though, so I ventured outside. I needed a fruit from the Falling Jade Tree.

  Next Chapter...

  Chapter 9: To Remain Unmoving