1.9 The Book of Life

    Vikkar tried to think positive as he rode along the trail to Anur, it was like riding with a dead body sitting behind him, but at least Vida was conscious enough to cling to his waist; all was not lost. The wind was cold today, there was a new spirit in the air, he could feel a dark wind he hadn’t felt in a while, the season had changed overnight. 

    They arrived in Anur just as the sun was setting over the hills, casting its golden light across the crimson leaves. This was a beautiful place, but when the sun cast its golden spell, it was magical.

         Vikkar glanced over his shoulder as they pulled up outside the Crystal Temple, Vida’s face was still magical in the golden light too, even if she wasn't there anymore. "Look Vida" he pointed to the white fortress, its white peak golden in the setting sun.

         Her glazed eyes made little effort to focus, confirming to Vikkar she didn't notice it at all, even the delicious aromas or melodic harmonies lingering in the air weren't enough to trigger any emotion. 

    Vikkar let out a heavy sigh and helped her off the horse. The goddesses in Anur were Vida's only hope, they had revived many refugees in the past, there was still a chance they could bring her back too.

         It was warm and cozy inside the temple. The fire was crackling in the hearth, aromas of delicious foods were billowing out of the kitchen; they came at a good time. 

         "Good evening my friends" he announced upon arrival, this time feeling more relaxed than last. But Mina and Neter seemed to ignore him, were they actually giving him a cold shoulder? Feeling the bad energy, Vikkar scanned the table for clues as he led Vida inside. The Moonwine was out, as were the Emerald Tiles... Something was wrong... 

         "Good Evening" he repeated in case they hadn't heard him. "Did we catch you at a bad time?"

         Neter was so consumed with rage, he didn't want to respond in case he blew. Mina reached her hand across the table, urging his calm. "Relax Neter. We don't know if he was consciously involved."

         "Mina? Neter? What is going on?" Perhaps it was trouble with the Nefilim. "Is the mine polluting the river again?" 

         Silence.

         He gestured towards Vida. "You remember Vida, don't you?"

         Neter nodded, putting his anger aside, given Vida's presence. "Yes, of course..." He stood up, surprised to see her now, he knew where she had been. "It's good to see you made it out of there." 

         But Vida seemed deaf, listless, seemingly only interested in the stone egg...

         "Vida?" Mina hadn't recognized her, she rushed to her side, horrified by the transformation. "Vida? Is it really you?" She took Vida's hand and rubbed it warmly, but Vida just stared listlessly at the egg. 

         "Come..." Mina placed her other hand around her shoulder, she could tell right away what was wrong, this was very much the same state refugees typically arrived in. It was possible to cure them but there was no guarantee. 

         "Let me make you some tea."

         Vida turned towards Vikkar, as if conscious of him...

         "Go ahead" Vikkar encouraged. "You remember Mina don't you?"

         Vida looked toward Mina and blinked.

         "Come… This way" Mina led her to the table.

         "She'll be okay" Neter assured, watching them make their way into the kitchen. "I've seen worse come back to life."

         "I hope so, because that sure isn't the Vida I knew."

         "Speaking of people we knew, I thought I knew you better!"

         Vikkar took offence. "What are you talking about."

         "Two visits from Kergal in a week?" Neter was beginning to wonder if Vida's arrival had something to do with the theft. "It's not a coincidence, my friend."

         "What are you implying?" Vikkar objected, put off by his blind insinuations. "Where did that come from? Are you upset with me about something?"

         "The book" Neter reminded. "Was it the trade off?"

         "The trade off?" Vikkar frowned, they had looked at several books. "Yes, Vida was a trade off! What are you talking about?" 

         Neter's silence only suggested he was being serious. 

         "What book?"

         Neter studied his brother's face as he stumbled over his words, he seemed genuinely confused, genuinely unaware of the theft. 

         "Who did you bring here?"

         Vikkar was beginning to worry his visit may have caused some negative friction now. "Orius.... Halios…  Halki... They came here looking for Knowledge, Mina showed them the books... Why is that a problem?" He paused, recalling the time spent in the schoolhouse.

         "The Book of Life?"

         "Yes! We only looked at it, is that a crime now?" He recalled the scene vividly now. "Mina, you were there!"  

         Neter could see that his brother was an idiot, not a thief. "It's gone" He broke the news. "It vanished around the same time you left."

         "It's... gone?" Thoughts rewound like a sprung coil... Halki had been left unattended in the schoolhouse while they picked herbs outside... Suddenly he felt like an idiot, suddenly he found himself questioning the entire field trip altogether, the price the gods were willing to pay for a few samples and seeds? He led trouble into the village? "Orius..."