Book of Light

Prologue: War

As the Armies of Light gathered at the walls of Laudhold, the Lady paced the gates of her own beloved city of Shadowmere, wringing her hands frantically and mumbling to herself.

No, no, no, no- why are you doing this, brother? You have no right. You have no right!

The Lady raised her head to the Nothingness, where the Mother sat watching and waiting. She fell to her knees, pounding the ground in disbelief.

You could protect me, mother, yet instead you do nothing whilst your prodigal son seeks his misguided vengeance upon me and mine. Do you take pleasure in the spilling of blood of those who no longer worship you? Or is it the simple amusement you find in your children endlessly warring for your approval?

The Lady slumped her chin against her chest, the relentless rain soaking her black hair to her porcelain skin, her deep purple eyes bloodshot and hopeless, her voice hoarse from the screams to the only one who could have saved her.

Why do you ignore me, Mother? Have I not done everything that you have asked? I gave the children of Shadowmere something to believe in again, praising my name instead of cursing yours. Can your arrogance find no satisfaction? You loved these children once, loved me! But you would see my brother take all that I love away from me…

The Lady sobbed into her hands; the rain was so deafening that she did not hear Fury pad up beside her. The mighty Shadow-wolf nuzzled the Lady’s side, and she gratefully threw her arms around his great, muscled neck, his flaring yellow eyes closing as she held him.

What is going to happen to us, Fury? Laud’s armies march for our gates, and Mother refuses to answer my cries. I fear we are lost, my friend. I am sorry— I have failed you. Once laud’s children break down these walls, he will come for us.

Liquid Shadow streamed from the Lady’s eyes, and Fury’s own Shadow-cloak wrapped protectively about them, providing at least some small respite from the pounding rain. The great beast stepped back from the Lady to stare deep into her eyes. Planets died and stars were born within the Lady’s perfect purple orbs, and even though they were rimmed with fear and hopelessness, Fury still considered her the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

“You have not failed, Lady. No one could have predicted the hate that would rage within Laud’s heart. But there is still time to flee! We can find a place to hide from Laud, some place he cannot reach, and we can start again—create more Children of Shadow. Let Laud have his victory, for surely he will exhaust himself with his undying need for supremacy over all things. Let him win, Lady!”

Lady Darkness smiled softly at Fury’s words and stroked his mighty muzzle lovingly. Shadows snaked angrily from her fingertips to dance with those likewise spiraling from Fury’s fur.

I… I can’t fight him anymore, my friend. Without Mother’s strength, I am not able to stand against Laud and the Light he wields. And my children have no fight left. We just wanted to live in peace, but the Light will always seek to stamp out that which defies it.

Darkness shrugged as the clamours of battle rang deathlessly in her ears, accompanied with the dying screams of Laud’s and her Children alike.

He will be here soon.

The scent of sweat and blood assaulted her senses, and as if in answer, the rain became more forceful, bringing with it a sticky heat that caused her black dress to cling uncomfortably to her skin. Darkness brought her knees up to her chest and hugged them as a child scolded and gently began rocking back and forth. Fury sat down by her side and placed his heavy head on her arms, footsteps resonating behind them.

“Don’t look, Lady. Please, do not look,” Fury pleaded.

“By all means, look, Lady Darkness,” came Laud’s hot breath in Darkness’ ear. “Look upon what your evil heart has created! Did you think the Light would not prove the stronger? Your sinful Shadows have no place in this world, this world that I have made Pure and Perfect!”

Darkness rose her head and shook it slowly, refusing to face her twisted brother.

Pure and perfect? I am evil? Look around you, brother—all the sins you have left in your wake, the greed, the deception… I did not ask for this! I did not send my Children off to die for some self-righteous crusade; they only sought to defend themselves, their way of life. Mother created both of us, yet you presume yourself the better.

Laud grinned wickedly, the easing rain bouncing off Laud’s pure white robes, as his Shield of Light kept him perfectly dry.

“I am better, sister—the Light is better. It would do you well to realise that. Why do you think Mother abandoned you? Even She knows your Shadows are inferior to the glory of the Light.”

Darkness exhaled an exasperated sigh and finally turned to face her brother. Golden eyes shone brightly beneath his heavy brows, and his shaven pate glowed with a faint radiance that burned the Shadows that resided within the Lady.

Are you quite finished, Laud? You have won, and I tire of listening to your rant about how my Shadows are everything that is evil in the world—unless this is a part of your torture? But I do have one final request, brother.

Laud shifted uneasily and shrugged, gesturing for Lady Darkness to continue.

I ask that you make it quick.

Laud leaned back in laughter and ran his hand over his bald scalp, the Light around him dimming. He knelt beside his sister.

“Quick? Oh, no, Lady, this is not your end; I still have use for you. You and your mutt will live the rest of your miserable eternities in my dungeon, where not even Mother will hear your cries. After all, I cannot let your evil spread and I will not make you a martyr.”

Laud stood and paced the cobblestones. Darkness rose to stand before Laud defiantly, glowing eyes peering out of her Cloak of Shadows and quickly vanishing.

Oh, do shut up. Yes, I’m evil, I understand, now let’s get on with it—lock us away, throw away the thrice-damned key for all I care!

Fury rose to his feet, crouching low, growling threateningly. Laud smiled at the wolf and raised his hands in feigned panic. Darkness placed a hand on the Shadow-wolf’s head and smiled a silvery smile when their eyes met.

Be calm, mighty Fury. It is at an end.

She turned back to face her brother.

I have your word, then?

Laud looked Darkness up and down and smirked.

“Yes, Lady. No harm shall befall you, either of you. As long as you remain… compliant.” The Lord of Light bowed low and swept his arms in a mighty flourish. He snapped his fingers, and shackles of agonising Light formed around Darkness’ wrists, keeping her raging Shadows at bay, and burning away her disobedience. “Come, sister. Your new home awaits, and you still have a purpose to serve.”

Fury nuzzled Darkness’ leg reassuringly.

“I will never leave your side, Lady. Let Laud do his worst, ‘in the name of the Light’, we will endure as long as we are together.” *

*How I wish you were right, Fury, but not even you can protect Lady Darkness from what is yet to come.

*********************************************************************

You want what?!

Laud approached the cowering Lady and knelt before her, his radiating Light burning away her Shadows, smoky tendrils hissing as they dissipated.

“You will give me what I want, sister.” Laud rose and raised his hand, Darkness rising with it, gasping. “Or I will take it.”

Laud dropped his hand and Darkness fell to the ground with a sickening thud. Fury ran to her side, whimpering, and bared his fangs. He growled menacingly; his hackles raised as if to pounce.

Laud looked into Fury’s glowing eyes and laughed mockingly.

“Oh, do go away.” He snapped his fingers, shrinking Fury down to the size of a chihuahua. The Shadow-wolf continued to snarl ferociously (and rather shrilly) and sat at Darkness’ side.

“Now, where were we? Oh yes…you have until Dawn’s next light. Do not fight me on this, sister.” And with that, Laud exited the Prison of Light and slammed the door behind him, his mocking laughter echoing throughout the stone halls.

Once the aching Light had faded, Fury returned to his formidable size and shot Darkness a quizzical look.

“You can’t be considering it, Lady—Laud is insane! He has taken everything from us. Please, please, do not do this!”

Darkness placed a gentle hand on Fury’s neck and ran her fingers through the Shadows that engulfed him. Smiling weakly, she whispered,

What choice do I have, my friend? But fear not; it will be all right. SOMEHOW. *

*But it wasn’t. Please, do not think any less of Lady Darkness—she fought back as hard as she could, but after months of imprisonment within the Prison of Light, the Shadows that had once protected the Lady had all but faded away.

*********************************************************************

Black blood dripping down her legs, Darkness huddled in a dark corner of her cell, sobbing uncontrollably. Her only comfort was the soft fur of her great Shadow-wolf as he sat beside her as close as he dared.

“I’m so sorry, Lady. I promised to protect you, but I…I…”

Darkness smeared the Shadow-tears across her eyes and ran her shaking fingers through her matted hair, doing her best to don her silvery smile.

Do not doubt the strength you give to me, Fury. You are my greatest ally, my dearest friend. Without you, I would surely have—

Darkness choked back the bile that was beginning to rise in her throat.

No, do not blame yourself. There is only one worthy of your ire, one who could have saved me from Laud’s perverse ideals, and she chose to ignore my pleas. Now, we are here, somewhere between life and death, lost to the judgment of the light.

Fury’s gaze drifted to the pool of congealing blood at Darkness’ feet and felt anger grip his great heart once more.

“Why did he do this to you, Lady?”

Darkness began wiping her dress down her legs and did her best to steady her words.

Because he is pure and perfect. Why else?

She spat hatefully, clapping her hands together as if in prayer.

Darkness sighed deeply and closed her eyes, the soft Shadows of Fury warm against her skin, the wolf’s mighty body rising and falling in contentment by her side. As she opened her dimmed eyes, Darkness smiled softly and kissed the wolf between his ears. The mighty wolf did not stir.

Fury… Fury! Wake up!

“He cannot hear you, my dear. I wanted to keep our conversation private, so your pup will not awaken until I give him the right to do so.”

Mother…

She whispered, hatred dripping as venom from her lips. Lady Darkness stood, her fists clenched at her sides, Shadows flaring angrily from her bottomless eyes, and turned slowly to face the Mother of All.

What the fu…

Darkness shook her head and rubbed her temples.

No, on second thought— I don’t care why you are here. Release Fury and go back to the Abyss from whence you came. I have suffered enough for one day.

Mother laughed softly and clasped her hands behind her back.

“I see your imprisonment has done nothing to dull your tongue, my child. And I was worried Laud and his Light would break you; I am glad to see I was mistaken.”

Darkness blinked and appeared behind Mother, the Lady’s slender arm around the celestial’s throat, her Shadows reinvigorated by their eagerness to sink into Mother’s…flesh? *

*Well, more universe really, but you can’t really say ‘sink into Mother’s universe.’ Does that sound oddly sexual to anyone else, or is it just me? Just me? Okay, then let us move on…

Such concern for my well-being, Mother. I’m touched, really. Now, any last words before I tear out your tongue?

Fueled by the hatred deep within Darkness’ heart, snakes of Shadow circled Mother’s mouth, brushing at her cheeks and licking against her lips. Her empty eyes bulged and widened in disgust.

“I’m sorry,” she gurgled.

Sorry? Sorry?! You abandoned me, left me and my Children at the mercy of that self-righteous son of yours! And when he finally took my city, still I prayed every night for your mercy, but you couldn’t even grant me peace, even when…

Darkness released her grip around Mother’s throat and slumped back to the ground, the Shadows falling from her violet eyes.

Mother coughed feebly and rubbed at Her throat.

“I, I couldn’t interfere, my Child. It had to happen this way. But I am here now.” Mother knelt beside Darkness and held her firmly by the shoulders, a million stars shining behind her bottomless eyes.

Darkness faced her Mother and spat in her face.

Oh thankyou; thank you very much- should I bow or should I curtsey? Do you expect me to be impressed? Grateful, even? Where in the Abyss were you when my city fell? When my Children were slaughtered by the hundreds, for simply living by that which the Light deems unworthy? Where were you when he took my Child?!

Mother wiped the spittle from her face and sighed exasperatedly, all hints of softness fading from her eyes. She waved her hands dismissively.

“Enough of this self-pity, Lady. I am here to save you, and what little remains of your city.”

What are you babbling about? Aren’t you a little young to be losing your marbles? THE CITY IS GONE!!!

Mother smiled and turned away from Darkness, and when next she faced the Lady, there was a tiny city of Shadow, standing atop a world surrounded by mist, in the palm of her alabaster hand.

“This, my Child. This is what I offer you—a chance to be Lady Darkness once again, to rule over your Children, safe from the Light. But…” Mother shook her hand, and the World of Shadow vanished in a puff of smoke.

But? If yours is anything to go by, this is a big ‘but,’ isn’t it?

Ignoring the Lady’s quip, Mother continued.

“You will be alone. Your world will exist outside this one—indeed, in spite of it. Laud will never harm you again, but likewise will your vengeance towards him will never see the Light- pardon the pun.”

Speak plainly, Mother, for I grow weary of this conversation and I miss the warmth of my wolf.

Mother lowered her head and sighed. “Very well, my Child. Take this cookie…”

A cookie? Are you seri-?

Before the last syllable could leave Darkness’ lips, a perfectly round cookie appeared before the Lady and she slapped her forehead with her palm.

“On one half, resides Laud and his Children of Light,” Mother began in her teaching tone of voice. “And on the other, stands your dominion of Shadows and the walls of Shadowmere. Now, imagine it broken.”

Before Darkness’ eyes, the cookie snapped in two perfect halves, one shining brightly, the other swirling with Shadows.

“Two halves of the same whole, never again to be reunited.” Mother brought her finger to her lips thoughtfully. “Unless you ate them, I suppose, then all the cookie pieces would churn about in the acid of the stomach, finally to be excreted as-”

Yes, thank you, Mother- A somewhat bizarre analogy, but I do believe I understand. I suppose I should be thankful that the cookie does not contain cat fur or fish oil.

“What are you talking about, my child?” Mother asked, her face a mask of confusion. Darkness sighed and shook her head.

You don’t get out much, do you Mother?

Mother plucked Darkness’ half of the cookie from the air and handed it to the weakened Lady, which she snatched greedily.

“Eat the cookie, my daughter, and next you wake, you will be free of all of this.”

Darkness began nibbling at the cookie, then she raised her brow and inclined her head, desperation awash on her face,

What of my Child?! What of…

And Lady Darkness knew nothing but Emptiness.

“Rest now, Lady. Mother is here.”

*********************************************************************

Laud looked down at the screaming babe in his arms, naked and perfect, warm love flowing throughout his body, a halo of brilliance circling his head. As his Light grew brighter, the babe’s screams grew louder, until tendrils of Shadow began to smoke from the babe’s skin where the Light had brushed her. Laud’s lips curled in a vicious snarl and he held the screaming child at arm’s length.

“No… this, this cannot be! Mother said you would be mine! But you are nothing but an abomination!”

As the child’s wails reached a deafening crescendo, Laud’s Light flared in anger and completely engulfed the baby, burning all warmth from its once-pink skin, turning it an ashen blue.

“What the…”

Disgusted, Laud dropped the babe to the floor- but just as the crying child was to fall to the stones, time stood still.

*********************************************************************

Stepping through the Void, Mother bent low to scoop up the frozen babe and cradled her in her arms.

“Nice to see you have not changed, son- still trying to stamp out that which does not please you.” Mother smiled coldly and paced Laud’s room, gently swaying the child.

Laud turned slowly to face the Embodiment of the Universe, his golden eyes shining with the Light’s brilliance.

“Mother, dear- how nice of you to turn up.” Laud glared at the babe, still frozen in Mother’s arms. “I believe you owe me some answers.”

Mother stopped in her tracks and spun on her son, her voice booming with the resonance of a dying planet.

“I OWE YOU NOTHING!”

Laud curled his lips in a menacing snarl, the Light behind his eyes fading in fear of Mother’s roar and he crossed his arms over his chest. With a deep sigh, Laud bowed his head.

“Why are you here, Mother? I am tired.”

Mother sat in one of the many plush chairs that adorned Laud’s room., wrapped the naked babe in a warm blanket and began rocking it to and froe, cooing softly.

“I am here to save my daughter,” she stated matter-of-factly.

Laud scoffed at Mother’s declaration and took a seat opposite her, crossed his legs, and intertwined his hands in his lap.

“Oh? Is that right? A little late, do you not agree? Darkness’ city lays in ruins, her Children slaughtered or fleeing and the Lady herself has taken up permanent residence in the Prison of Light.”

Laud swept his hands out at his sides.

“I have triumphed.” His gaze fell to the babe once more, his eyes flaring angrily. “Except for that. But you can’t win them all, I suppose.” Laud shrugged and rubbed his head thoughtfully, a wicked little smile crossing his lips. “But there is always next time,” he purred.

Mother cracked her own wicked smirk and held the child to her breast.

“About that,’ she chittered, “there will be no ‘next time’. I promised you an Immortal Child of Light and,” Mother held aloft the babe and squinted at it, “I do believe this qualifies.”

“What?!” Laud leapt from his chair, full of rage, the Light in his eyes burning an angry red. “This is not a child, it- it- it is a monstrosity! An affront to the Light!” Laud cut the air before him with his arm and stormed towards the window, the grounds of Laudhold alive with his Children.

“So quick to judge, my son. You would do well to remember that not all is as it first appears.”

Laud stood tall, never tearing his gaze from his victorious Children. “I don’t care. I do not want it.”

Mother growled in frustration. “Her,” she muttered through gritted teeth.

Laud shrugged and walked back towards where Mother remained seated, his stare turning to one of curiosity as he looked at the child.

“Hmm, no, I still don’t care. You keep it.”

Mother shook her head in resignation and closed her eyes.

“Would if I could, my son. Unlike you, I believe that this Child can become something more than what we first perceive her to be.”

“Oh, that is right- Oblivion forbids you from interfering. But that takes us nicely back to the reason you are here- you said you were here to save Lady Darkness, but you and I both know you can do nothing.”

Mother opened her eyes, the stars within shining with all the beauty of the universe and laughed.

“We all have a part to play, my son. And this is mine.” Mother held up her hand and from thin air, appeared one half of a cookie, shining with an inner brilliance.

Laud looked at the cookie and inclined his head.

“A cookie? Your part to play, is a cookie? Aren’t you a little young to be losing your marbles, Mother?” Laud mocked.

Mother smiled softly and whispered, “Your sister said that exact same thing to me, mere moments ago. Right before she ate her half.”

Laud visibly relaxed and sat back in the other chair, rubbing his temples.

“Fine, I’ll bite- What will happen?”

Mother’s grin reached her eyes and she kissed the infant on the crown.

“I will tell you what I told your sister- This cookie represents a new world- your world, to be precise. With one mouthful, it will give you what you have always wanted- to rule over a world of Pure Light, where Darkness’ Shadows cannot reach. Nor you her.”

Laud furrowed his brow and raised a sharp eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Mother sighed deeply and lowered her gaze. “Darkness has eaten her half, never to be seen again. As it will be when you consume yours.”

“Enough with this damned cookie analogy, Mother!” Laud pounded his fists on the cushioned armrests, his reddened eyes flaring once more before calming back to their golden hue.

“So dramatic, my son. Very well, no more cookies. Would you care for cake, instead? How about a scone? Ah, but I did not bring any cream…”

With every pastry Mother listed, the angrier Laud became, and the angrier Laud became, the harder it became for Mother to stave off her laughter. Conceding defeat, Laud’s Light faded to a dull white and he slumped down further in his seat.

“Fine, the cookie it is, just get to the point.”

Mother’s smile persisted and the cookie reappeared at her fingertips. “Darkness will have her own World of Shadow, and you will have a World of Light. Existing parallel to each other, but forever apart. You will never see your sister again….”

Probably, she added under her breath.

Laud nodded his appreciation for Mother finally getting to the point and twisted his lip in a wicked smirk. “What about that thing you hold in your arms? Where will it- where will she- go?”

Mother looked lovingly at the still-frozen babe in her arms and wrapped the blanket tighter, then shrugged. “She belongs to you, on your world.”

Laud looked at Mother thoughtfully and scoffed. “It is an abomination, and its Shadows have no place in my perfect City of Light! Still,” Laud stood and rubbed his bald pate, “I am not entirely without mercy.”

Laud waved his hand before him. “Let it suffer on the streets of Minar, its skin will label it an outcast- it will be interesting to see how long it can endure. Give me the cookie Mother, let us end this.” Laud snatched the cookie-half from Mother’s hand, laid down on his feathered mattress and ate the cookie in one wide bite.

“This is only the beginning, my son.”

*********************************************************************

Laud finally asleep, Mother snapped her fingers and the flow of time resumed; She looked down at the giggling babe in her arms and beamed warmly.

“Well, look at you, my sweet Child- such beautiful, soft skin- just like your mother.”

The babe gurgled and squeaked in laughter, as she tried to capture the stars that twinkled in Mother’s hair, tiny tendrils of Shadow snaking from her fingertips.

“Did that nasty Laud try to hurt my grandchild? He’s a mean old man, isn’t he? Yes, he is- yes he is!” Mother blew raspberries on the babe’s stomach, much to the babe’s delight, but then Mother’s smile faded from her eyes and she held the child close to her breast. “But I’m sorry, my love, but I must go, and I cannot take you with me- I am not allowed to interfere.” Mother bit her trembling lip thoughtfully before adding, “But I can do this.”

Mother kissed the child’s crown and her once-ashen skin turned back to that of a plump pink- smooth and unblemished. “This will be our little secret. We must hide your Shadows from the Light if you stand any chance of surviving in Laud’s cookie, err, World.”

Scrunching up her delicate face, the child giggled at the mention of the cookie and put her fist in her mouth and attempted to chew it. Mother beamed lovingly and held the babe at arms-length and twirled, finally putting the child gently on the chair and ‘booping’ her nose.

“I hope one day you will understand why I did what I did.”

As Mother turned to walk away, the tiny girl reached up for her, her chubby arms begging for Mother to stay, her bright blue eyes unable to comprehend the situation into which she had been born.

“Mamma,” she squeaked.

An ocean of tears welled in Mother’s eyes and she stopped, barely looking over her shoulder, for seeing the crying babe before her would weaken her resolve.

“I’m sorry, my love,” she whispered.

Mother gestured before her, tearing open the fabric of reality and stepped back into her Void, the tear closing behind her as if it had never been.