forced to endure...loneliness. Endless loneliness!” Corsea complained. “I told you many years ago that you would need someone.” Artemus chided. Suddenly another voice was with them. A very soft, feminine voice. A voice Corsea had never heard before.
“I have watched this for a very long time. I have been very disappointed. You talk of loneliness. You talk about you. Corsea, have you ever talked of...love? Have you ever tried to help anyone?” The voice asked. Artemus said nothing. He knew his place. Corsea on the other hand, in all his arrogance, had no respect for anyone. “Who are you!? Love!? A human frailty! A flaw that has allowed weakness to exist for eons!” Corsea shouted. “Do you really think there is any hope for him, Artemus!?” The voice asked. “There is hope for all beings.” Artemus replied. “Who are you!?” Corsea now asked again. “You shall find out in good time young one. In the mean time, think of what you are. Try to understand what you have done” That said, Corsea was again alone.
It was night as Igus, along with Arianna, Jessica, and Devon, emerged from a cave in the Hollow Hills. Igus did not need directions to Corsea’s tomb, after all, he had created it. As they approached Gareth’s camp, Igus could see that Corsea had sucked every ounce of fluid from the ground. Gareth went to his friends and embraced each one.
“Thank you all! This part of Kingsland will be again safe! Igus, what needs to be done now?” Gareth asked. Igus was saddened. The thought of resealing his brother hung heavy in his heart. But Corsea had left no choice. He had left Igus without any options. Igus decided that he would try to reach his brother, one last time. As he closed his eyes he could sense someone...different.
“Corsea! Can you hear me!? I do not want to do this!” “Then do not Igus.” Igus did not recognize the soft voice that answered him. Without another word, the skies opened up and it began to rain. The fires and torches were instantly doused! Gareth looked at Igus confused, then shouted.
“Igus! What is it you do!?” “This is not my doing! Someone else is interfering Gareth!” As the rain continued, the earth soaked up the moisture Corsea did not know what was happening, but did not care! His strength was rapidly returning. Igus knew Corsea would escape if he did not replace the seal quickly.
Devon watched Igus put his hands into a praying position, then slowly parted them. The vine gate began to open and everyone could see a black, glowing crystal, in the middle of an earthen portal. Igus started toward the portal, but too late! The crystal shattered and Corsea was free! As Corsea floated to the top of the precipice, Gareth reacted.
“Archers! Aim and fire!” But too late! Corsea knew humans all too well. He surrounded himself with a whirl wind and the arrows immediately headed back toward the archers! It seemed hopeless! The arrows meant for Corsea were going to rain down and kill many men! Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a voice thundered. “Enough!” The arrows fell to the ground, hitting no one! It was Devon who first noticed a being materializing behind Corsea.
“Look Igus!” Devon yelled, pointing upward. Igus recognized Artemus and wondered what was going on, “Artemus, what have you done!?” “It was not I! You have forgotten that even I cannot interfere!” Corsea turned to face Artemus. Artemus then held out his hand and a brilliant red light engulfed Corsea. Artemus then held out his other hand and a bright yellow light shot out and engulfed Igus! Gareth thought Igus was being attacked!
“Archers! He attacks our friend...” “No Gareth! Do nothing!” Jessica shouted. “Artemus does not attack anyone!” Arianna assured Gareth. Gareth looked at Arianna. She would not let anything happen to Igus, he thought. “Archers! Stand down!” He now commanded.
The rain slowed to a drizzle, then stopped. Devon went to Gareth’s side. Ian and Geoffrey had already made their way to Gareth and Devon could hear Ian suggesting they regroup and attack Corsea.
“No my friend. I cannot be sure, but I believe that everything is under control.” Gareth said calmly. “He is right Ian. Arianna loves Igus and would not let him be harmed.” Devon offered. “Arianna, what is this ‘Artemus’ doing?” Gareth asked. “I do not know...” Before Arianna could finish, the very ground started moving! The tomb that Igus had created, began to disappear into the earth! Panic filled Gareth’s voice. “Retreat!” He exclaimed, afraid for the men under his command. The men started to run for safety when a soft, feminine voice, entered each of their minds.
“Do not be afraid. No harm will come to any of you.” It said, gently, then added, “Please sit and stay calm.” One by one, each man calmed and sat down. They all watched as the tomb was swallowed up. Artemus now floated to the ground maintaining his magical hold on Corsea and Igus. It was Arianna who spoke first.
“Artemus, you have said you cannot interfere. What then, is it you do?” Arianna asked, respectfully. The answer came as quite a surprise! The whole area was suddenly bathed in a soft white light and a form began to take shape in front of Artemus.
The first thing they could focus on was her golden waist-length hair, that seemed to flow even though there was no wind. Her perfect, milk white face was soft and gentle. No goddess could be this beautiful. She looked at them through the lightest of blue eyes, then smiled. They could all feel the love that she exuded. Devon thought that she must be no older than eighteen.
Thank you Devon!” She said, in a sweet, soft voice. Devon’s cheeks turned red, as she continued, “I am called Focura. I am sorry I have allowed this to go on so long. I have always tried to avoid interfering with my children.” Gareth and Devon looked at each other. Devon did not speak out loud, but mouthed the words, ‘My children?’. Artemus sensed the questions in everyone’s minds and spoke.
“Focura is the mother of all nature. She was able to stop the chaos that prevailed over the earth and convinced the four spirits, earth, water, wind and fire, to work together. Without her guidance, there would still be nothing, no lakes, no trees, nothing.” Focura smiled at Artemus, “Thank you Artemus, now please, release Corsea and Igus.” Artemus did as requested. Corsea and Igus could finally move.
As soon as Corsea was freed, he tried to flee. Focura was aware of his thoughts and immediately lifted her hand. Corsea now felt as if a great weight had been placed on his shoulders and fell to his knees!
“Who do you think you are!?” Corsea demanded, the pain upon his face apparent. Focura looked at him sadly, “I have tired of your abuse Corsea. The Children of Nature were created to serve. I had hoped you would change during your exile, but you did not.” “You take Igus’ side also! Where were you when he tried to kill me!? Where were you...?” Corsea suddenly could not speak! With a slight movement of her hand, Focura froze his vocal cords! She then turned toward the huge force of men who were watching in silent amazement.
Focura closed her eyes and a green glow began to encompass the entire area! Gareth watched in horror as his troops began to fade! “Focura! They have done nothing! Why do you punish them!?” Gareth shouted. Artemus went to him. “They will be fine Gareth. She sends them home to Cashell, Joycen and Braxton, where they belong. This battle is over.” When each man had disappeared, Focura came to Gareth and Devon and again closed her eyes. This time a soft pink light emanated from her hand and Gareth could see four figures come into sight.
“Gareth my love!” Melanie exclaimed. Gareth could not believe his eyes, “Melanie! Michael!” He exclaimed, sweeping them both up in his arms. Devon could now see Loanna and Brittany. “Thank you Focura!” He shouted, running to embrace his wife and child. Igus introduced Loanna, Melanie and the children to Focura and Artemus.
Igus looked at his friends and was happy that they were safe, but saddened at Corsea’s prospects. Though Corsea had sought Igus’ demise, Igus felt no ill will toward his brother. Focura looked at the group before her. Devon and his family, Gareth and his family. Arianna, Jessica and Igus. The stage was set, she thought.
“Focura, Corsea is in pain, what now?” Artemus asked quietly. “I have not yet decided.” She said, then turned to the group in front of her, “You have all b
een affected by Corsea. I would now ask you what you would do with him?” Loanna looked at Focura, just now noticing how beautiful she was.
“What do you mean Focura?” Loanna asked. “Exactly what I have asked.” Artemus understood what Focura was now doing and watched with interest. Devon, who was happy to be reunited with his family, now spoke, “I think it was easier to want revenge when all was dire. After a battle, one tends to think of forgiveness.” He said.
No one had noticed that Igus had gone over to comfort Corsea. As the healing blue light surrounded Corsea, the pain eased and he was able to speak again.
“Why do you help me?” Corsea asked quietly. “I could do no less for my brother.” “I have told you that I do not accept you as my brother.” Corsea said weakly. Sadness covered Igus’ face, “Does that make it so? Should I allow my brother to writhe in pain because of mere words?” Corsea looked at Igus oddly, “I have treated you and everyone else with disdain, yet you still come to my aid.” Neither Igus or Corsea noticed that Focura had turned her attention toward them. She decided to listen a while longer.
“I still do not understand hate Corsea, but I know of love. Though everything you have done has