XVII – Mythical Beings And Strange Conversations

After all the hubbub had worn down, I figured that the time would be well spent recovering from our latest adventure. Therefore I told my men that we would be staying put for a couple of days.

I think the men set a record time obeying my orders.

Within minutes I heard soft snoring coming from some of the tents while others set to repairing damaged armor and weapons. As for myself, I found a large rock to sit upon and contemplate all we had learned from the journey so far.

Looking around, I realized that we had come to the end of the tunnel. Doing the math, our marches had taken us an astounding four hundred leagues to tunnel’s end in a little over one week.

I knew that no Roman Infantry, including the much vaunted Praetorian Guard, could have accomplished the same task in the same amount of time. I was proud of my boys so I decided to add a day to our rest period. I’d tell them at evening meal.

For the first time I had a chance to really look around me and truly see where I was. The tunnel mouth widened out into a space so large that I could not easily see the far walls or cavern ceiling even with my excellent eyesight. All of the land about us was lit by that same greenish glow which prevented complete darkness from settling in. I was still curious about the day and evening cycle the plants kept, so I’d be sure to ask Lanni about it at the earliest opportunity.

Little did I realize that my question would be answered by a more informed source.

The next morning we were paid a visit by Tummi who seemed to be escorting none other than the white Seraphim. Entering our camp, Tummi kept a discreet distance as the Seraphim walked up to me and seemed to be casually studying me from head to foot.

Turned out the guy was my height and slightly more massive. Very impressive that. Giving off an aura of quiet confidence, Whitey spoke and his words echoed in my mind.

*Greetings General Varus. I have been waiting to speak to you for some time now. Your journey has been most impressive. So far. I had a wager with my three brothers* (he gestured toward the other camp and the three Seraphim therein) *that you would take at least one of your months before you would come in contact with the Valparta. It seems that I have underestimated your prowess in the matter. My red bother will pleased with his victory. He wagered you would arrive in less than three weeks. Such are the fortunes of wagers.*

It was taking some self control on my part to act calm in the face of his introduction, which was more than mildly unnerving hearing him speak with no mouth to speak from.

“Well, you know my name but I am more than interested to know yours. Lanni calls you Seraphim, but I’ve only heard that term in Judea when talking about something called angels. Sooo . . . what are you known by?”

The Seraphim looked at me with that blank face which made me want to jump out of my skin.

*I should tell you that one of us alone is called by the singular Seraph, while two or more are called by the plural Seraphim.*

Great! I’d insulted him without even trying. I found myself wishing for Caesar’s presence to get me out of this conversation, as I’m more of a hit first and ask questions later type of guy. As it turned out, Whitey wasn’t offended in the least.

*As to names, we Seraphim have no such designations. We are simply referred to by color, description, and/or number. I am known as ‘White’, ‘Air’, or ‘One’. You may choose which you prefer.*

Desig . . . huh? This guy was way too fancy with his words. I chose not to make an issue of it.

“Okay ‘Air’. Nice t’ meet you. What are your friends named? No . . . let me guess. Red for fire, blue for water, and the brown guy is earth I betcha’.”

The Seraph stayed silent for what felt like minutes

*Well done General! We did not think you would be so astute.*

As . . . what? Whitey was starting to get on my nerves with those big words of his.

“If that means what I think it means . . . thanks. I do my best. If it doesn’t . . . those are fight’n words!”

Whitey actually seemed to smile with no smile.

*Trust me General. It was a compliment. But, seriously. We need to talk about vital matters.*

I didn’t like the sound of that at all. What was this Seraph about to tell me?

Chapter XVIII

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