The north door in the center room was open now, leading them through to another small room. Like the last, it had a door on either side, and one straight ahead. This one, however, wasn’t empty; it had several comfortable, deep purple arm chairs.

“How thoughtful,” Sera commented.

Matt nodded. “Which way?”

“Why don’t we just go left,” Tess suggested.

“Then right for the next one?” he guessed.

“Yep.”

“Sounds good to me,” Sera said as started for the west side door.

Matt grabbed her arm and pulled her back, then went to the door, drawing his sword once again. When he touched the iron door, an engraved rose appeared on it and began glowing softly.

“Weird,” Ayden said. “That’s Tandra’s symbol, but she didn’t have a statue. That doesn’t make sense.” He gasped suddenly. “Wait a minute! Brex said that he’s the god of nothing anymore, but he must have had a domain at the time this place was built. And if Tandra wasn’t, then…”

“Brex was the god of love,” Sera finished, smiling. “That really fits. All I could feel from him was love, just pure love and nothing else.”

“This might be a test for you, Viv,” Matt said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes. “God of love, not sex.”

“Didn’t seem to be what he was about.”

“Well he’s not the god of love anymore, now he’s just…” She grinned and bit her lip for a second. “A god.” She looked through the open doorway then and wondered, “What test would he have though?”

“Let’s find out,” he said and led the way. An information stone was directly in front of them as they came to stand in a small room. The wall before them was translucent with silvery glow and an arched opening in the middle. On the other side was a forest, as if they had stepped outside. It was night, but the large, full moon gave enough light to see by. The trees were gray, dead looking, and close-set. A ten-foot wide path led through them for about fifty feet until it turned right and disappeared from sight. An eerie mist hovered above the forest floor, swirling and never seeming to settle.

“How’s this love?” Vivyka wondered. “It’s creepy in here.”

Ayden shrugged as he stepped up to the stone. “More Presbelic. I think this place is intended for clergy, which makes sense.”

Sera joined him with a sigh. “I’ll try,” she said and he smiled encouragingly at her. “Only one may enter to reach the…”

“Lever.”

“Lever on the… other side. Love touches all, but…”

“Harms.”

“Harms none,” she finished. Just then, a movement in the woods drew their attention.

“Someone is waiting behind that tree,” Korin said quietly.

Sera nodded and took a deep breath. She turned to Ayden and held his hands as she looked up into his eyes. “Can you do magic in here?”

He took a hand away and cast a shock spell, testing it. Electricity crawled over his skin for a moment, then disappeared. “Yes.”

“Good. This test is for me. Can you stop anyone from coming in after me?” she asked, her gaze flickering to Matt for a second.

Ayden squeezed his eyes closed for a moment, then nodded.

“Promise me that no one will get by you.”

He sighed. “I promise.”

“Why do you have to do it?” Matt wanted to know. “I’ll go.”

She let go of Ayden and touched Matt’s cheek tenderly. “Because to pass the test you have to touch everyone in there, but you can’t hurt them. No matter what.”

He tensed. “I can do it.”

She smiled sadly as she set her bag down. “No, you can’t. I’m sorry. Remember what Brex said… the rose is for me.” She reached up on tiptoe to kiss him. “It’ll be okay,” she assured when he held her hand tightly. “Let go.”

When he loosened his grip a little, she pulled her hand away quickly and ran through the arch. Ayden moved to stand in front of it, facing the group. He set his bag beside him and stood ready, keeping his eyes on Matt.

Korin put a hand on Matt’s shoulder. “Perhaps it will be better if you do not watch.”

“No,” Matt said shortly, shrugging him off.

Korin nodded and stepped back.

It only took a few seconds before Sera gasped and Matt moved closer, making Ayden raise a hand in warning. Matt stopped. “What is it?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing. I was just surprised by the emotional atmosphere.”

He knew it was negative without asking, he could see it in her eyes, it was hurting her. “Angel, please let me do this.”

“No,” she said again, more firmly this time. “This place is filled with strong feelings of anger and violence. It’s not just me who would feel it, it’s meant to make it harder to not hurt anyone.”

“But it’s affects you more,” he argued.

“Yes,” she agreed, “but I’m stronger than you think. Remember that I endured your memories. I can endure this.”

“That almost killed you,” he growled.

“I can do this,” she said simply and turned back to the path. She took two steps before a man jumped out from behind a tree. He wore plain gray clothes that covered every part of him except his face, helping him blend in with the forest. He swung at her but she managed to duck.

When Matt’s hand balled into a fist, Tess moved closer and put a comforting hand on his arm. Sera quickly reached up, touching the man’s face and suddenly he disappeared. She took a few more steps down the path before another came. This one struck out too fast and the back of his hand connected with her face. She fell to the ground under the force of it. Matt moved forward again, but this time he ran into an invisible wall, the air glowed blue for a moment where he touched it. It was Ayden’s shield. He glared at the mage before looking back at Sera.

Tess grabbed his arm, holding it as Sera got back to her feet quickly and grabbed for the man. She took hold of his shirt as he tried to knock her away but she held tight and then manage to touch his skin. He disappeared like the first. She looked back at Matt, telling him with her eyes that she was fine. She got another ten feet before two came out at once, this time one of them held a dagger.

Matt’s muscles tensed more under Tess’ hands.

The unarmed man was closer and Sera was able to touch his face within seconds. She wasn’t strong, but she was quick. The second advanced and slashed at her. She stumbled back as the blade grazed her arm, enough to make her bleed, but her cleric powers automatically healed the wound. The tear in her shirt and the small bloodstain, however, stayed.

Sera looked past the man and her eyes grew large, then she gasped in terror. The man looked behind him and she touched his face, making him disappear. She glanced back at the group, smiling and rolling her eyes as if to say; who falls for that? She walked even father this time, getting to the turn in the path, when four men emerged from the trees. Two carried clubs and two held daggers.

Matt slammed his fist against Ayden’s shield until it cracked, but the mage cast another immediately. Ayden rose his left hand and his rope started snaking its way out of his pack, it stopped and swayed slightly, just a warning for now.

“Matt,” Tess said, “if you go in there, she’ll fail the test.”

He just snarled in response but remained where he was, his breathing heavy, and his jaw clenched.

Sera jumped out of the way of the first swing, then lunged at the guy and managed to touch him. But the second attack hit. The club slammed into her side, knocking her to the ground and she cried out softly. The third struck with his club and hit her back.

Matt’s fist slammed into Ayden’s shield again.

“Don’t make me use the rope, Matt,” Ayden said solemnly. “You won’t be able to get past me.”

Tess hid her face in Matt’s flexed bicep when the forth man’s dagger slashed Sera’s thigh as she got back to her feet. Sera whirled around and thrust herself toward the man with the dagger. A second later, he vanished, but his dagger remained, giving her a weapon if she chose to take it. She grabbed it as she ducked a club that swung at her, but instead of using it, she threw it into the forest. Another hit knocked her forward into a tree.

She pushed herself off and turned around just in time for the man to backhand her. She grabbed his wrist as he did, using her grip on him to keep from falling. She yanked off his glove with one hand and touched his bare skin with the other, making him disappear.

As the last man came toward her, she was moving slower, it was obvious that she was weak from the physical and emotional pain. She ducked a swing, but the second hit her, but instead of letting it knock her over, she latched onto it and used it to launch herself at him. The last one disappeared. She stood there for a moment, taking several deep breaths before walking further down the path, now heading north and out of sight.

Matt raked a hand threw his hair. It was worse not being able to see her. His imagination played out the worst in his mind. He stared at the rope, calculating his chances of getting by the mage. He still had his sword in hand; he could just cut the rope. He was strong enough to break through the shield pretty quickly, and if Ayden was focusing on the rope he wouldn’t be able to cast another fast enough.

Abruptly, he threw Tess off, slammed his fist against the shield again, and then sliced at the rope when it came. But suddenly a burst of energy hit his sword, knocking it out of his hand. The rest of the rope coiled around his ankles, and then another energy blast hit him in the chest, Sending him back, hard into the wall behind him. When looked at Ayden there was a fireball already summoned in his right hand.

“I don’t want to do it,” Ayden said evenly. “But I will.”

“Ayden,” Vivyka said in surprise, taking a step closer.

His gaze didn’t leave Matt. “He’s strong. A fireball or two won’t kill him. Just sting like hell.”

Matt closed his eyes as he slid down the wall and sat, groaning in defeat.

Tess dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around him. “It’ll be okay,” she whispered, though her face was wet with tears.

Ayden let the rope slither back into his bag. He conjured a snowball in his left hand and then merged it with the fireball, causing both to vanish. Matt heard the sizzle of the fire extinguishing and glanced up at him. Ayden met his gaze, hands still at the ready, and shook his head slowly. After a moment, Matt nodded. He put an arm around Tess, though she was trying to soothe him, he knew she needed it herself.

They waited with knots of dread in their stomachs as the minutes passed. Vivyka clung to Korin, Tess stayed in Matt’s arms, and Ayden continued to stand watch. It felt like an eternity before anything happened. Then, all at once, the trees disappeared and they were in a square marble room. Sera was against the north wall, next to a lever that she had pulled down.

Tess moved so that Matt could get to his feet. He raced to Sera, pulled her close and held her tightly, his hands gripping her dress. “My angel,” he breathed with intense relief.

“See? Told you,” she said weakly.

He picked her up and carried her to the next resting area. Sitting in one of the arm chairs, he held her close and stroked her hair. “We can rest for awhile,” he told her. He kissed her tenderly on the forehead and she smiled up at him. “Sleep for a while.”

She nodded feebly as she snuggled closer, resting her head against his chest, and closing her eyes.

—————

After a nap and some food, Sera was feeling good again. They headed into the next room, through the east door with two trees intertwined on it, Nathora’s symbol, the goddess of nature. Matt held Sera’s hand, bringing her with him.

It was another thick forest, except this one was lush and tropical, and it was daytime. The place was vibrant and full of life with sounds of birds, frogs and other wildlife. Matt smiled, loving the heat of it. Once again, they were in a small room with a glowing translucent wall before them, only this time it was light green. An information stone was in the middle of the room and an arched doorway led into the forest beyond.

Ayden barely stepped up to the stone before Tess asked, “What’s the test? Can I have this one?”

He smiled as he read through the text, laughing when Tess started bouncing impatiently. “Relax,” he told her. She stuck out her tongue so he leaned closer and acted like he was going to bite it. She laughed. “Would you stop distracting me?” he grumbled playfully.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, holding his hand and leaning her head on his shoulder, trying to be patient.

He kissed the top of her head, then returned his attention to the stone. “Okay, only one can enter again and the key to the leave,” he nodded to the door that closed behind them, this one had a keyhole in the middle, “can be found inside a leopard.”

“Gross,” Vivyka commented.

“So hunt a leopard in there, huh?” Tess asked, lifting her head and looking into the forest.

“Tess,” Sera came to stand beside her, Matt still holding her hand, unwilling to let her go. “I think Korin should do this one. He’s a ranger, this is what he’s good at.”

Tess pouted, but she couldn’t argue with her. A ranger had abilities that she didn’t. She sighed heavily. “Fine.”

Ayden squeezed her hand. “Maybe the next one.”

“Yeah,” she said lightly, though still sounding disappointed.

“Korin, would you be willing to do this?” Sera asked.

“I would be honored,” he told her.

She smiled. “Thank you.”

He took off his pack and sword, keeping a dagger, his bow, and a quiver full of arrows. He gave Vivyka a kiss, and then entered the jungle. Once inside he stood there, closed his eyes, and was very still for a long moment. Finally, he ran east and disappeared into the trees.

“So, I guess we sit and wait,” Tess grumbled.

The rest nodded and sat on the stone floor.

“Ayden,” Matt said after a few minutes. “Sorry about before.”

The mage smiled. “No problem.” He pulled Tess closer to him. “I understand, though I’m unfortunately more used to seeing my girlfriend get beat on. It’s still hard to watch and not be able to do anything.”

Matt nodded. “You’re impressive, by the way. I didn’t really realize that until now. I’ve never met a mage who can cast as fast as you do, and with multiple spells going too. That’s amazing. Especially for someone who’s only eighteen. I know a couple people who’d really hate that.” He chuckled.

“Told you he was great,” Tess said smugly.

Ayden shrugged. “I’ve had a lot of practice, almost every day for twelve years. And I’ve had someone that insisted on practicing things, like speed, constantly.” He smiled at Tess. “She’s relentless when it comes to training, but it pays off.”

“It’s more than that though,” Tess said. “He’s got a powerful bloodline that goes back to Farlon.”

Ayden sighed. “Why do you only pay attention and remember the stuff you can brag about?”

“I like bragging about you. You’re amazing.”

He smiled a little. “Thanks, but shut up.”

She just smiled back.

“I already knew that anyway,” Matt said. “I was there for the whole sword trick, remember? I kind of figured it out.”

“Oh.” Tess frowned. “I didn’t. He just told me a few weeks ago.”

“You’re slow,” Matt teased and she made a face at him. “Anyway, I’ll make sure to stay on your good side,” he told Ayden.

Tess laughed. “And you were all cocky and nonchalant when he threatened to kill you. He so would have cremated you.”

Ayden sighed again and rolled his eyes.

Matt laughed. “You just love it that he can beat me, don’t you?”

Tess grinned. “Tickles me pink,” she said. Ayden grinned and tickled her side. She jumped and squealed, then tickled back.

“You’re probably not helping the hunt,” Sera pointed out.

They settled down. “See? Stop messing around, Ayd,” Tess told him with mock seriousness.

He just smiled and kissed her cheek.

Matt noticed Vivyka smiling at them. He shook his head and sighed dramatically. “I think the wildcat’s being tamed.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “There’s plenty of wild left in this woman,” she assured him.

“Uh huh. So, are you going to drag Nature Boy with you to the taverns?” he asked with a smirk. “And give up all your man hunting?”

“Man hunting.” She scoffed. “I’m not as big of a slut as you were. I wasn’t taking home a different person every night.”

“Because you had to stay at the orphanage during the week,” Sera said.

“Sera!” Vivyka gasped.

Sera looked sheepish. “Sorry, but it’s true.”

“Well, yes, but he doesn’t need to know that,” Vivyka said, smiling.

“So… you’re making a go of it with him?” Matt asked.

She glanced down for a second, then shrugged. “Well, you know… what the hell, right? Got nothing to lose.”

“You know, I never felt like I had anything to lose my whole life,” he said seriously. “Then suddenly I had everything to lose.”

“Scary,” she mumbled.

“Very,” he agreed.

She nodded, then pulled out a cigarette—her own for a change—and lit it.

“I can’t imagine someone getting through this temple alone,” Tess commented a few minutes later. “And this is only the third test.”

“I think that’s the point,” Sera said. “It’s not supposed to be easy.”

“Wonder what happens if you fail?” As if she sensed the hidden information, she turned to look at Ayden. “You know, don’t you?”

He shrugged. “It said on the thing in the main hall.”

“Well?”

“Either the test itself kills you…”

“Or?” she prompted.

“Once you open a door there’s no way out except to pass the test.”

“So, starve to death?”

“Actually you’d die of thirst.”

Tess frowned. “I don’t like either.”

“You had to ask,” he pointed out.

“Well, let’s just not fail.”

He nodded. “Good plan.”

—————

Even with the skills and abilities of a ranger, it took two hours to track and kill the leopard. Like the last one, the forest disappeared as soon as the test was complete, leaving them in a plain marble room. Korin walked to his pack and grabbed a rag from a side pocket to wipe blood off his hands, his dagger, and the key.

Sera hugged him as soon as he was finished. “Thank you.”

“I had fun.”

“Don’t say that too loud,” she teased. “They might want to think up something more difficult.”

He laughed. “I did not say it was easy, just fun.”

She smiled. “I’m glad.”

“On to the next,” Tess said eagerly.