87 The High Priest

With a tight grip on the torch with his right hand, Umbriel descended slowly until his foot landed on the solid ground. His eyes adjusted from the flickering light of his flame in the pitch black tunnel. He lifted the torch as he squinted his eyes to see what's under.

Atrius hopped down right behind the young priest and took the torch from him. "I'll go first", he said bravely as they walk ahead grazing the walls with his fingers.

The tunnel was high enough to allow the two grown men stand comfortably inside. The ceilings and walls were made of rubble masonry, with repulsion spells written in intricacy. Regardless of the dark and warmth, the passageway is bearable and isn't too suffocating. The two trudged the long narrow passageway as their footsteps echoed in the dark. The closer they go, the more they could clearly smell the balsamic and citrusy scent filling the zephyr underground - the fragrance that the priests use for protection. As they went along, they could hazily see the brimming light at the end of the tunnel.

The darkness started to play tricks on them, sharpening Atrius' attention. After every few steps, they kept seeing things that aren't there. The sound of the wind that seep in come in a soft and balmy sigh, undeniably raising every hair on their bare skin. Just when they reach the other end, the two were welcomed by a slightly opened single iron door with black metal studs and steel bands. They could hear voices coming from inside - a little faint but there. Atrius placed the torch on an empty wall sconce nearby and drew his sword as he put his finger over his lips. "Stay still, I'll check first", he whispered as he slowly reach for the door. 

"No Sir Atrius, fear not!", Umbriel stopped Atrius as he grab onto the amateur knight's coat. "This is truly the safest place here", he uttered as he trustfully put his life in line.

"Wait Umbriel!", it was too late for Atrius to stop Umbriel for the young priest have already opened the door wide. They both stood in awe as they drop their jaws at the unexpected sight.

There were five priests in cream cassock seated around a low blackwood coffee table in the middle of the room. The room was small but cozy enough for the remaining survivors of the Holy Land. The underground circular chamber was surrounded with lavishly ornate wooden mahogany, decorated with vines and hummingbirds. The rubble floor is fully covered with burgundy carpet made of fur. The chamber was illuminated with a few short but chunky candles that seemed to be burning out. There's also a wall display of swords and daggers made of silver and gems. On the left, there's a hand-carved mahogany console, with tapered legs rise and a quatrefoil apron surrounding the beveled edge tabletop. On top of it, there's a silver incense burner with vapor coming out. Underneath the console, there were books and journals that were properly arranged. It was then Atrius knew that the chamber was for the most important relics of the soul travelers, but as far as he could see, there was no iron coffer that Umbriel talked about.

In the middle of room, Atrius observed for the half-filled basket of bread and water receptacles placed beside the coffee table where the priests rest. There is also a slight acidity that can be smelled in the air. If not for the vapors coming from the incense, he would've gagged in the foul smell.

Umbriel couldn't believe at first, but then, he couldn't deny the beat of his heart slowly jumping in inexplicable joy. "High Priest Onias!", Umbriel shouted with his eyes as big as a coin. The priests seemed to be sharing a piece of round loaf of bread and cups of black tea. All five of them looked dreadful with dark sunken eyes and prominent cheekbones. Their cassocks seemed dirtied and bloodied, matching their weary look.

"Who's there?", Onias jolted as he drink his black tea. The old man with grey curly hair and grey beard stood up slowly. He rubbed his right cheek with a distinct red birthmark. It took him a while to recognize the unexpected visitor in their safe sanctuary. "Ah! Umbriel? Is that really you?", he asked as he point a finger at the tearful young priest.

Suddenly with high-in-spirits, Umbriel ran towards the high priest and wrapped his arms around the old man's waist as he drop on his knees. "I'm so glad to see you! I… I thought everyone here have died", Umbriel weep in solace.

"Oh dear!", Onias swiftly slapped Umbriel's head as he push him away. Umbriel hugged Onias even more. "Stand up, quickly! You have always been a crybaby, haven't you grown up yet?", Onias said as he eventually pat the whimpering young priest's back.

"Hold on High Priest Onias! Is he really Umbriel?", another priest with a long crooked nose asked with doubts written all over his face. Fixing his red biretta over his thin-haired head, the priest couldn't help but cower in fear behind the high priest.

"Do not be afraid, Elijah. He was able to come in here, didn't he? He really is Umbriel then.. and not a soul traveler", another priest with a bandage on his head said. He wore a lot of amulets around his neck and beaded bracelets on his wrists. "We're glad you found us". he said.

"Dorson is right. No traveler can come in. And, at least we have someone with a sword that we can trust now", Onias said as he look at Atrius who's gaping at the surrounding.

"Are you sure about that, High Priest?", a priest with brown skin asked. "I do not mind having a circle of five friends until the end of time", he said warily.

With a long pause, Onias studied both Umbriel and Atrius. He have seen how gullible Umbriel have always been, but, he believed that the young priest have a good intuition on selecting people to trust. That is why Umbriel was sent to Brandenburg - to aide in the selection of the Kingdom's warriors. "They are already here, Elon. If they want our souls taken, or heads cut off… they already have", Onias said.