28 The Ancient Caves of Agora (2)

Waves crashed against the cliffs, sending sprays of mist that danced in the warm breeze, carrying a refreshing scent of salt with it. Descending the cliffside, the queen led the way, followed by the girls and the servants. She carefully navigated a winding path, skilfully maneuvering around rocks. As they made their way down, the sound of rushing water grew louder.

Finally, reaching the base of the cliff, where the rocky terrain gave way to a hidden cave entrance, the girls exhaled, relieved that they arrived without any missteps. The mouth of the cave beckoned, and its darkness was illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent plants that dotted the walls. "Incredible isn't it what nature is capable of? These plants made it possible for our ancestors to come and live in these caves without having to worry about the supply of torches or wood as it gives enough light to see one's surroundings." Clara started to explain when she saw Eliana's wondering expression.

"Fascinating." She remarked in return.

While they followed the queen deeper into the caves, she revealed what these caves were used for. "During the war, the women who had children were left behind by those who were capable of fighting – both men and women were called into battle. As they still were nomads back then, they had no fortress where they could seek shelter, so when they came across these caves, they settled in here during times of battle. When their families returned victorious from their combats, they met them here until they had to go back fighting again." Pointing to the crude drawings and symbols adorning the walls, Clara continued. "See here. The drawings are a testament to the strength and resilience of the women and children who had sought refuge here."

Soft rays of sunlight penetrated through narrow cracks in the cave ceiling, casting ethereal light patterns that danced upon the cave floor. The air was cool and damp, carrying a sense of sanctuary and protection, which was born out of necessity during perilous times. Eliana couldn't believe her eyes as they passed by chambers where makeshift beds, cooking utensils, and remnants still lingered. "It is amazing how well everything is preserved. Do people still visit this place?" Eliana asked.

"Actually, this place is used to initiate women who arrive in Agora from other countries and want to become Agoran citizens. One of the baths which was used by those brave women thousands of years ago, is still intact, and there we dip the newcomer's head and bless her."

Georgina looked at her, perplexed. "But we don't have anybody who wants to become an Agoran citizen with us, do we?" the minute she said it out loud, she realized what was happening and answered her own question. "Oh, so Eliana and I are supposed to become Agoran."

"If you wish so, yes. This will only be granted once, so you either become one of us today or never." Her stern tone made it clear that she wasn't bluffing.

Eliana and Georgina looked at each other, unsure of what to do. They only arrived in Agora two weeks ago and they were still getting used to this place. Now they were supposed to decide upon something important without any lead time.

Although there was nothing, they left behind in Paxos, and the only link was that they grew up as Paxon people, it never crossed their mind to change that. They weren't particularly fond of the Paxon people, but it was part of their identity and the parents they knew nothing of were Paxon too.

Seeing their reluctance, the queen spoke again. "I understand this is overwhelming and we didn't give you any chance to consider it but becoming Agoran doesn't mean you seize to be Paxon. We are not asking you to leave behind all you know and never look back. The aim with this initiation is to give you and us the confirmation that you are committed to us at least as much as you were to Paxos."

Knowing that Eliana had already given her heart to an Agoran prince and would probably marry him one day, Georgina expected her to accept. And since Eliana was all, she had left, and she wasn't planning on going back, there was no argument against the queen's offer. "I guess there is nothing keeping us from doing this, wouldn't you agree, Eli?"

Appreciating Georgina's attitude immensely, Eliana gleamed at her and nodded. Eliana wouldn't want to leave Georgina behind but for her she felt like she was meant to be an Agoran, appreciating Lothaire as her new home. It was strange since it was a place she barely knew, but she simply had a gut-feeling. "Alright then, follow me this way, please." The queen said, satisfied with their decision.

Reaching a vast chamber, the sight before them took their breath away - illuminated by a gentle purple glow emanating from crystal formations, a tranquil pool of water lay nestled in the center and was surrounded by columns, supporting the roof of the cave. Soft steam rose from its surface, caressing the air with warmth and mysticism. "How is it possible? This is warm water!" Georgina exclaimed in shock when she dipped her finger in the water.

The queen giggled for the first time in the girls' presence, which stunned them. "We believe enchanters used magic to warm the water. Also, the purple glow coming from the crystals is a sign that this pool contains supernatural powers."

"Does that mean, we will get affected by those powers? As in will I get any?" Georgina looked at Clara with a lot of expectations. She would love to become more than just a human.

"No there will be no influence."

Georgina was disappointed but without further ado, Queen Clara motioned for the girls to approach the pool from where she was standing. The girls stepped forward, their anticipation mingling with a hint of trepidation. The Queen's voice, both gentle and commanding, filled the cavernous space, "Eliana, Georgina, you stand here today as we welcome you into our ancient community. These sacred waters shall bless your journey and bind you to our kind."

With that, the queen signalled once more what the girls had to do, and they went ahead to immerse their heads in the pool. Feeling the warm liquid envelop their senses, it seemed to awaken a deep connection within them, especially for Eliana. It was an odd feeling as she resonated with her supernatural heritage. She felt as if someone or something was trying to connect with her, she closed her eyes to get a better understanding and flashes of memories streamed before her eyes. She couldn't distinguish what they were and couldn't hear the voices clearly but they seemed familiar. Before she could figure out what it was, Clara's distressed voice shattered the tranquillity. "How dare you enter this sacred place, you imbeciles?!"

As the girls emerged their heads, they saw three male figures appearing from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with a sinister hunger. It was a group of vampires who had clandestinely awaited their prey in the caves. "What a stupid queen you are. Coming here without any guards was a mistake." One of the vampires hissed.

Queen Clara's instincts sharpened as she swiftly positioned herself between the attackers and the girls while the servants, who had been quite all this time, stood on each side of their queen. Her fierce gaze met the predatory stares of the vampires, her presence emanating a commanding aura. "Stand back! These girls are under my protection," she declared, her voice vibrating with authority.

Knowing that there was no peaceful way out of this, Clara didn't lose any time, and after assessing the situation, she turned into her wolf form while lunging forward with lightning speed. One of the vampires immediately reacted and bared his fangs, leaping too. He clashed with Clara midair, aiming to sink his teeth into her flesh. But she deftly sidestepped his attack, her reflexes honed from centuries of combat. She raked her claws across his chest with a powerful swipe, leaving deep gashes in his pale skin.

As the other two vampires attacked, the two servants also turned into their wolf form and stepped forward, their hearts ablaze with a fierce determination to protect the girls and their queen. With unwavering loyalty, they joined the battle turning the cave into a battleground. Each clash of claws and teeth reverberated through the ancient chamber. Queen Clara's howls echoed off the stone walls; her werewolf formed a whirlwind of fury. The vampires, though cunning and determined, found themselves facing adversaries who refused to yield.

The servants found an opening and engaged one of the vampire's head-on, catching him off guard. Blow after blow rained down upon him, but the vampire retaliated with vicious strikes of his own. Undeterred, the servants fought on, their muscles straining with each swing. But the vampire, drawing upon his supernatural abilities, delivered a swift and fatal blow, piercing one of the servant's defenses and leaving her mortally wounded. With a final act of bravery, the servant helped the other to incapacitate the vampire before succumbing to her injuries, her body falling to the ground with a heavy thud.

Meanwhile, the girls had moved to a corner, searching for sharp utensils to use as weapons. Finding sharp crystals lying around, Georgina brandished two makeshift weapons, passing one to Eliana for her to use as well. Seeing the surviving servant losing her fight against one vampire attacker, they went to help her without considering the consequences. He realized their charge and swiftly moved, kicking them. The blow was so strong that both were thrown against the wall knocking Georgina out and making Eliana dizzy.