Dodging hanging orbs, Aramus did that, and even though he went through no door, the moment those orbs were behind him, the thunder of the swirling sea became naught but the sound of gentle waves lapping a shore.

Aramus did not like that.

He also did not question it.

He further did not like that beyond those orbs there was nothing but pitch dark.

He did not question that either.

“It has been long,” a voice came from the shadows.

Aramus knew not how to respond.

Thus, he simply said, “Yes.”

“Did your father tell you of me?” the voice asked.

It sounded old, but strong. Wise, but elusive. He could not even pinpoint from where it was coming.

And in those shadows, he could see not a thing.

“Yes,” he repeated.

“So you know, you do not descend without peril. And you do not learn without sacrifice.”

Shite.

“I know,” Aramus confirmed.

“The unicorn and the balls, the shadow and the cock, the sage and the heart, the crystal and the head,” the voice sang eerily.

And nonsensically.

“May I sit?” Aramus requested.

“Do you wish to sup with your bride?” the voice asked.

“Yes.”

“Then no, my king. I think your visit should be brief.”

Aramus forced himself to breathe evenly, but deeply.

Then he began, “There is much happening.”

“Oh, I know. I know. Know, know, know. I know everything, Sea King.”

Aramus had no reply.

“So what do you give me to get what you wish of me?” the voice asked.

“What do you want?”

“Your first child.”

Aramus took a step back, his hand instinctively moving to the saber at his belt.

“I see this is not to your liking,” the voice noted.

“My father told me the sacrifice would be mine to make. That would be mine. But it would also be my wife’s. You may require of me. You do not require of her.”

A disturbing chuckle before, “And I see your father was thorough.”

“Yes, he was. You are our secret. You are our protector. As such, you have my respect. And with that respect, I must share I do not have time to play games.”

“Not I,” the voice replied. “I have all the time in the world.”

“I can imagine that would be a boon,” Aramus muttered.

“No, my son, it is a curse. It is the worst curse of all. That and loneliness. Think of that, an eternal lifetime of loneliness.”

“The kings would visit, if they did not have to sacrifice.”

“The gods would frown, if they did not get their due.”

“Are you a god?”

“I was.”

Aramus felt his neck begin to itch.

His father told him of the riddles, the games. That you did not seek the seer without a vast store of patience. That you needed to guard against getting caught up in the enigmas, or you could be lost to that abyss forever.

And you did not seek the seer unless you were willing to pay the price.