The Chronicles of Tenroha

Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

The door opened to a mid-sized cave that contained shelf after shelf of some of the oldest scrolls and books that anyone had seen. There were torches hanging on the walls, and orbs of bright lights floating around the room. The group followed Wilhelm into the room of forbidden books and gathered around a table that was situated in the center of the cave and they took a seat at the many chairs around the table.

Wilhelm greeted everyone and then said, "What I am about to tell you all, is of the utmost importance, because much of what is stored in here has not been seen by man nor anyone else in more than a thousand years." The room was silent as Wilhelm continued with all eyes upon him. "This library contains every sort of magic that is known to all as 'dark magic' and is considered by the order to be too dangerous and/or immoral."

Wilhelm took a seat at the head of the table and said, "Throughout the centuries, through researching, we have obtained certain knowledges that are to remain lost to all. We keep them here in order for us to know not to pursue such disciplines." He paused and took a deep breath. "There are also certain histories that the kingdom and the order wish to let be forgotten to time. It is one such history that has brought you all here today."

He pulled an object from his robes and placed it on the table in front of everyone. It was a golden chain with several gems that were set into silver circles attached to the chain. "Before we discuss the matter any further, you must all swear an oath." He placed one of his hands on the chain and said, "This chain will bind everyone here into a sworn brotherhood known as a svari-bróðerni."

Wilhelm grew more serious in his tone when he said, "The oath that will be uttered by all of you, will ensure that what is spoken and heard here today does not cross your lips whilst in the company of others who are not a part of the svari-bróðerni." The gems began to glow as he said, "This chain will also look into the deepest parts of your heart that lies inside of each of you, and deem if you are trustworthy for the task at hand."

Wilhelm then asked for everyone to place their hand on one of the gems and to hold on to it. He told them that once the oath was spoken, that the gems would reveal their worthiness and then he cautioned them by saying, "If the light from your gem fades away once you grasp it, you must exit the room immediately and without question, or the gem will draw from your life force until it is no more."

Everyone in attendance reached for a gem without hesitation. Wilhelm was pleased with this, because what he had cautioned was merely a test of everyone's self judgment. He felt that if they themselves felt uncertainty in their own hearts that they would leave. There would be repercussions if they failed, but death would not be one of them.

"Speak these words with your heart and soul. Do not waver in your vow, as you say it to us aloud," commanded Wilhelm, and then he spoke the vow that all were to repeat. "Mér er sá eiðr særr, mér er sá eiðr særr, mér er sá eiðr særr!" which means, I will swear to it that it is so. The gems grew brighter and they felt the magic inside the gems begin to wash over them and fill them something they did not recognize. The lights faded away when the spell was cast and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone began looking around the room. The chain was still on the table, but all of the gems had vanished. Wilhelm, seeing the confusion beginning to show on their faces everyone said, "The gems have become a part of you. They have entered your bodies to prevent you from speaking about what you are about to learn in front of anyone that is not among us. For if you try, you will be unable to do so."

"What do you mean by this," asked Ryan. Wilhelm replied, "Well, it is simple. If you begin to speak about anything that is said here today, and there is someone or something around you that can hear what is being said, weather known to you or not, your mouth will form the words, but the gems will remove the sound of your voice before the words are heard by the unworthy."