to him. “Don't you feel it?”
Aaliyah touch his shoulder and let her spirit flow toward his. She could feel the power calling to Gewey. But it was different. It was not the abstract raw power she molded to her will. This had form and...consciousness. She gasped and snatched back her hand. “It knows you.”
“Yes,” Gewey affirmed. “I don't know how, but it does. I can almost hear its thoughts.”
“Hear whose thoughts?” asked Pali.
“The temple,” Gewey replied. “It speaks to me. From here I must go alone. It won't allow you to enter.”
Aaliyah took Gewey's hand. “Are you certain?”
Gewey smiled and nodded. “Yes. Don't worry. I don't sense the anger of the Oasis. But I do know that I must go on alone.”
Aaliyah squeezed his hand and stepped back. “We will await you here.”
Gewey turned and placed his hand on the doorknob. The second his flesh touched it, darkness surrounded him and there was a great rumble as if the very earth was being shattered all around him. Aaliyah, Pali, and the hallway vanished. For a moment, he was struck by fear and panic, as the rumble became a roar, and a powerful wind rose up and swirled in a tempest lifting him skyward. He let out a scream as he struggled against the force. Then as quickly as it came, it disappeared. He felt himself begin to fall. Unable to see through the darkness below, he braced himself for impact, but it didn't come. Instead, he felt his feet land gently on soft ground. Gewey knelt down, expecting grass, but was shocked to find what felt like polished marble. He pressed down with his finger. It gave way, sinking in, then reforming once he withdrew.
“This can't be real,” he said. His words echoed repeatedly, then slowly faded. “Am I alone?”
As if in response, a small ball of light, appeared just in front of him. It grew brighter and brighter, until he was forced to shield his eyes. Then it dimmed, and there stood the figure of a man. He was as tall as Gewey, and just as broad. His raven hair fell carelessly, in loose curls just above his shoulders. He was dressed in a long, silver robe, open in the front, revealing a loose-fitting white shirt, and trousers. His features were sharp and angular, with a perfect symmetry that was beautiful to behold. His flawless ivory skin bore no sign of age or blemishes, and glowed with a soft radiance. He smiled as he met Gewey's eyes.
“I knew you would come,” he said. His voice was deep and soothing.
“Who-who are you?” Gewey stammered.
“You know me as Gerath,” he replied.
“God of the Earth,” Gewey whispered.
“Yes,” he replied. “And no.”
Gerath stretched out his arms. “What you see before you is merely an image. A piece of my essence left behind in this world. Left behind for you.”
Gewey eyed him carefully. “Are you my father?”
Gerath laughed. “Indeed, I am. At least I am your father in the way you would understand it. I played my part in your creation.”
“Then who is my mother?” he asked. The words of Felsafell echoed in his mind. This knowledge would drive him mad. Suddenly he was afraid to hear the answer.
“I'm sorry,” he replied. “But some answers I cannot give.”
Gewey became irritated. “Then why are you here?”
“I am here to help you,” Gerath turned around slowly and bowed his head. “Many mistakes have my kind made. And you must help us atone. You must redeem us.”
“How am I to do that?”
“By mending what we have broken.” He faced Gewey again. His face bore immeasurable sadness. “We had foreseen our imprisonment,” he continued. “And we built this place. We built it so that you could one day find it. What resides within this temple will aid you and those whom you love, should you choose to follow the path put before you. But I sense that your efforts will be hindered. Something evil now surrounds you and you must face it. You must drive it out.”
“What is out there?” Gewey asked.
His eyes grew dark. “Creatures of pure hate and malice. They were sent by the one who imprisoned us. But do not fear them. You are stronger....far stronger than they can understand. Stronger than all in creation, save one.” He stepped forward and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “My son.” His voice was filled with compassion and sorrow. “Of all the Gods, you were chosen to right our wrongs. You are untainted by our sins, and