NICCA - The Silantan Hierarchy
======================
Life upon the Ea.

Malea Silanta Vagnera Abzat Anzor Iamer Aster Ea Nemea Nicci Murkad Shand Iric Numon and Jison Umor, Degmad Walls.


Shandon arak

In the quite of the morning Shandon awoke inside the great sanctuary. HIs eyes opened and he knew that he was the master's disciple. Shandon watched the ceremonies and knew them without thinking and new the language spoken by all about him. HIs eyes were young and his mother and father gone yet his mind aware of all.

The days grew pleasant along the upper coast of Silanta. The trees grew tall and strong off the Cliffs of Iric where he would go and play during the warm afternoons before the fog would come in off the Malean Sea. His time upon Ea was filled with the wonders of children and that of a privileged heir to the wisdom of the Masters.

The pastoral gardens of the germina that provide the nourishment for the great sanctuary brought peace to Shandon. Sonatt his master and guide spoke to him often of things that grow and live.

How is my young disciple this summer day," Sonatt said rounding a corner his White Staff in hand and dressed in the deep indigo robes of the ceremony of the sixth path.

"I am no different as I was when you saw me this morning master," shandon spoke in his young voice with wisdom in his tone. "you are not too old yet to see this are you?"

Shandon I will never be too old to see your light shine upon this land," the wise one said again looking about the garden. "You have a fine garden here Shandon."

"It is not mine Master," all that is of Ea is for all of us to share upon Silanta. The Sages of all time have spoken this have they not."

Sonatt looked at Shandon with a curious eye and seeing in him the pure wisdom of his mother Nemea and the strength and resolve given to him by his father Shand. He nodded in agreement and leaned forward on this staff holding his frame above the young boy as they surveyed the coastal gardens of Germania.

Sonatt lost himself into the thought as he remembered back over the last decade and more when Nemea arrived on the cold foggy night of winter 13 Sun Circles previous. She bore Shandon at dawn on the Seventh Tone of the Resonant Crystal Sun. It was auspicious for this was a very special moment of time. His birth was well timed by Ea. She knew that his hand would be of great importance in the changing of the worlds.
His mind was sharp and clear from the day in which he opened his eyes and he knew without knowing that his life would be filled with destiny. This destiny he could not speak but he saw and looked into the eyes of his mother and the masters with the clear vision of a new born disciple.

Nemea had felt his call to leave the cities of the plains of Silanta and to go into the northern lands of the White Temple. There the sanctuary would be home for Shandon. Nemea heard these voices of not the child but the one who would walk in the path of light. This call was strong and she was carried across the cliffs of Iric and through the woods of Anzor to the upper reaches of Silanta and far from the powers of the King Abzat and his dominion.

Sonatt could not see the disciple in Shandon arriving with full consciousness. HIs mind was becoming more pointed towards the central light of the eternal torch. The power of the world would fall away with the passage of time. Oh but there is so much that is happening that cannot be explained. No it is not time for him to know what must be done. Shandon may only guess what is happening upon the world and will not know that the changes will bring him to the path of the masters and the flight of the Blue Eagle.
Now it is the time of fertile gardens, of youth of learning the history of the worlds. This is a great time of passion for youth is its own daily reward. His youth becomes manhood and with new power he will burn a brighter light.

"Master," shandon cried as he had moved down a couple of rows into the garden looking at the coming harvest, "Come here you must see this."
Sonatt quickly walked through the gardens and looked out. For Sonatt's vision was keen and clear and he could see a long distance. He saw the trail of Nicci, Six priests aligned walking two by two towards the refuge of The Silantan Sanctuary of Sonatt.
These 6 footmen were on the errand of the King Abzat who has ruled for 30 suns over the Silantan world with behind the gates of the Demagd Walls.

We have not had visitors in many suns Master, an excited Shandon said without knowing. "I wonder why they have come and who they are."

I know of these men Shandon and I know they come for ill and not for friendship. I am afraid they are messengers of the King and they bring only mistrust, and fear with them disguised as religion. Sonatt turned muttering with a great deal of profound concern. "We must return to the Halls of the Sanctuary and greet their arrival."

Shandon was eager see visitors from afar and looked back as they walked up the path back to the White Temple. The path was manicured with beautiful multi-colored flowers on each side. Shandon could not quite keep up w

So the narrative is that the Nicci priests are blind and they have come to the white sanctuary to get the Ahsal and they have the Aedr and they have defeated the Southern Golden Temple of Niation and have done the same at the Eastern Crimson Temple of Crysn. Now they talk about the Wandering sages of the lands of the west. These are the sages of the future and there is nothing that is know of them. The Nicci arrive and Umor greets them and Numon is with him Jison and Shandon prepare fruit plates in the kitchen... As they are finishing Nesara arrives with her helpers and company and they take over as the younger disciples then stand next to Sonatt as he waits as two of the Nicci come to front of the Hall of the Central Pillar. There upon they discuss things.

As Sonatt arrived back upon the Temple he called Jison, Umor and Numon to him and sent them to do some tasks. Umor got an old wooden box from the vault, Jison and Shandon prepared the food and Nimon greeted the Nicci and led them into the temple courtyard.

As the custom of the Blind priests they walk hooded and never opened up to the light. Their faces always remained hidden.

They sacrifice there eyes so they can develop psychic vision. They are feared because of there crazy attitude and the way they work together in pairs. They speak in pairs as they are empathic with one other and they work in groups of 6 and their group or ring is 6 and 6 and in all their number is 6 times 6 times 6 or 216 In the highest ring. In twos they work in sixes they travel and in 36 they go into the cities and preach.

The Nicci held there ground psychically in the temple with two remaining at the steps and two at the foot of the hall and two to speak to Sonatt the names were Izal, Izel, Izil, Izol, Izul, Izyl These are the names of rank for each member of the tribe of Nicci.

They spoke about the times and the changes and that the Great cube of Degmad is complete and that the time will come for all the Old Sages of the Old religion to be brought into custody.

They came to arrest Sonatt. But he did not budge and cursed them as a fowl wind blows out of the mouths of snakes. The eerie feelings as the two spoke in unison the same words grew in fervor as they begin to feel invincible yet Sonatt spoke with clear truth and was in the powerful white temple of the pyramids of the north.

Little did the Nicci know of the old sages powers.

The NIcci have Brown Staffs and wear grey cloaks and never look up. The staffs have one snake that is wrapped around carved and with a jewel in its eye. Each of them have a different jewel of the six. A a Diamond of different color --- Ruby, Yellow, Emerald, Sapphire Amethyst

They spoke of the rising of the armies and in the end when they left they mentioned Nemea to Sonatt and how she had been taken back 13 years ago. The secret of Shandon's mother was almost revealed.

The NICCI

I trembled as I heard their speech convoluted low and echoing between two bodies the same words.
"The one of light hair and sky eyes must come back with us now for it is time. She whom was of the house of Abzat and ran to the north is now given to Silanta. She has born only one and you have held him here for 13 circles."
"I have nothing for the willing blind" Sonatt in regal poise, You are a standing curse of our civilization. It shall not be long before you will know the end... The end is coming as soon you shall see with new eyes that are blinded not by the knives of darkness but by the light of zyan."
The Nicci pair felt a force that was not given for me to understand as I watched Sonatt gain power and force in his words.

You have not seen the real, the body of the world EA, for you have left tach to the faithless priests of Cini and the King of the Central Tower.

The hallway seem to grow darker as the other Nicci who had stood upon the doorway entered behind the two in counsel with Sonatt. Then from the Entrance of the Great White Sanctuary of Sonatt came the fifth and sixth Nicci...

They quietly formed into a formation to support the speakers. Then six voices in unison spoke

You are not of the body of Abzat and the alliance of the four. It is our time and yours is gone. The sages of ancients time and of the sacred places will not rule upon Silanta. The time of Abzat and the priests of the Eye see the path ahead into the journey.

White Sage we shall bring you to see with the eye of the one. The Silantan Eye is ours see the color and know our power has won.

As I viewed from around the corner I could see Sonatt stand alone in the face of these six priests and call their bluff.
Nicci - your fowl breath disturbs my sanctuary. I ask you to leave if you cannot see your way you will be lead to the door. I forgive your blindness but not your arrogance. Your eyes are blinded to the light and will never see. You must leave this place at once.
Sonatt intensely stared into the Nicci yet they held their ground and did not move towards the door or break teir formation.

We have come to take the White Sage. The White temple is Silantan not that of the Ancients. Your time is over and the Nicci rule the lands and see the future visions. White sage you power is gone and the noen you hold so precious is ours. Give us this or we shall come and take what is ours.
The effect of the Nicci was altering , the mood was force and hypnosis. The intent was constant and unrelenting from six souless beings with one voice. Againa nd again I could feel them probing for where the Noen was located, for weaknesses in the power of Sonatt ... I could sens them looking for passages in the mind. I was trained well in the Mind Journeys and could see them look but look as an animal in a cage ... They could only see as far as the master allowed
It was wise for us, Jison, Umor and Numon and I to wait our time to be within range of the Nicci. When I first saw them they made me shudder with fear as they have phuysically blinded themselves to the light of ASter and Iamer, our two glorious suns. When they arrived Sonatt sent Umor to get the old wooden box from the vault. Never have I seend this box nor its contents.

I could see now behind the column to Sonatt and I could see him opening the box and taking out a small silver container. There upon he began to open it and I saw a soft emerald light begin to glow on to his face and highlight his wringkles and creases above his beard. His face seem to grow more calm as the light reflected off his deep dark eyes. For a moment the thoughts of the Nicc inside the sanctuayr were gone as the color of the green was so soothing and effervescent.

Something began to touch me and for a moment I knew more than I could tell. Thepoace seemed to slow and become quieter. I could sense another place very different than here. The temples walls with the cut and carved marble of teh white sanctuary were gone yet the colums were smooth and clean as glass. I saw faces I knew but did not... I saw a faster scene of changes of faces I did not want to see of a dark land that held fear and capture. This was not of my time. I knew it but this is not my time and I am not myself. I am not ready to see this I thought. I heard something arrie within me and say ... be still and know that I ma with you. I heard the words againa nd again and they said the same things over and over. I looked up and still the scene had not changed and in the middle of this I could sense that something was changing in me. I could feel a power and a connection to this green light that was being formed on the face of Sonatt.
The panaorma of the life that I am living changed in me. I saw the face of my mother Nemaea. ONly as an infant I saw her before she had returned to Agnera and of my foather I have lost all knowledge. In my place in teh temple the garden had given me solace and home and Sonatt as a grandfather and mentor I have nothing better to receive. In each timeless moement more and more information was given to me and I could see into a distant future and I could see into this past. I could know that which no toher might know. I looked deepr and saw the end of the world of Silanta... this frightened me... and I shuddered and as I did there were two dark figers watching me and as i looked I could see two more pairs of Nicca looking down upon me... there was something that was not know in this. Sonatt was at this time held in the Emerald light and in it looked peaceful and composed but I could also feel his presence above me and holding me quietly by a silver strand that ran from the back of my neck up into his body near his throat.

The visions were getting more complex as I could see and eye below me and I saw a black pulsating light that was hot and colored with red and orange pushing up towards me and tormentnign me. I could sense that I was being lifed up away and out of this energy.

I held to the power of Sonatt and followed in closer until I was ready to see again. I had fallen and had laid there and saw now Umor coming to me and seeing my pain and loss of consciousness he asked if I could be helped. I did not know how to answer and rather than answer I waked away from the sitiation aand into the open air.

In the air at ngiht the peace and power of this time gave me the feelings that I could hold mueslef up to know better what i was feeling.

In a moment thought all that passed and the timelessness was gone and the fear of the Nicca was the only thing that stayed.

 

=================

Temperance
In the land of Silanta above the woods of Anzor I wander through the peaceful valley looking for justice. King Abzat has decreed that none shall live free outside of the Temple walls. I am not going to be placed in bondage in the city. I seek my own inner truth and I will not let my consciousness become the tool of the mad king.
Let my words ring out. I am Nemea, I am the one who would rise above the world and fly away from injustice and cruelty. I have seen the vision of the world and I know it to be wrong. Let my vision ring into the hearts and minds of all who live in Silanta. This is not right. We shall not go against the creator and take away from the people of Malea.
I am the rhythmic guardian of the radiant Blue Sun. Mine is to hold the power of creation and bring upon the Nelan the Command of the Eagles. I am here to call forth all that would hold back this power. I am Nemea.

On the horizon as the yellow sun moves from high to low and the blue sun follows it this day there will be a solar conjunction upon the morrow. All Silantans are ready for the great awakening that has been promised by King Abzat. His rule will be fulfilled and he will be crowned the great sovereign of the whole continent. Yet I Nemea know that other things will happen this day. The Nelan have cared for me and have told me to listen. I have listened and there is a great awakening that is happening in all people. Silantans will revolt from Abzat on the conjunction and they will walk towards the central fire in the center. They will follow destiny and seek the Nelans.

The priests of Abzat know this. They have conspired with the Nicci clan of snakes. All the warriors are under his control.
I am not of the Priests who call forth to survive first and worship second. I am of the winged Nelan who call forth to overcome the oppression.

This pilgrimage to the great masters I must take. Sonatt will tell me of my journey. He will speak to my heart and tell me of what will happen under this powerful wake of evil. The Nicci have already claimed the blood of many on their shields. They will not stop with just a few. They have tasted it and will again want the power of others. They are calling out for traitors to come and receive rewards.

The trail to the coastal temple from the central city is long. The way has been hard and I have left with nothing but my own soul and energy to carry me. The trees grow taller as I look into the sky seeing the stars begin to appear. Alone, with child, afraid I am but a woman who does not belong in Silanta. I have felt the fear of abuse of Silantans. I have chosen the life of a woman but not that of a slave.
The breeze of the fresh air comes into my body as the fresh coolness washes away my perspiration. The future looks bleak behind me but I know I am close to the masters. Sonatt has always offered to me the opportunity to reside within the Sanctuary. The Sanctum of the Old Kingdom holds a special power. The priests and warriors of King Abzat do not set foot thereupon. Sonatt and Nesara are powerful magicians with a hand of sorcery. It is told to all that would come near to carry no fear of their power.

I am separated from my family but I will not go back to the city of Agnera. All I know there has been turned over. There is no kindness or hope when all things are torn usunder by the power of one who would watch an infant die.

next
card

Fog moves in around the trees and darkness settles in. Every movement becomes harder. The Oasis of the Sanctum is much further now. The darkness and the fog only make the journey longer and more difficult. Each step is unsure in the wooded forest. No landmarks are visible as the fog covers every tree, cliff and star. The ocean is not far off and near are the cliffs of Iric. The fog hold confusion within itself. It hides me from all others but keeps me from my goal. There is light but nothing to guide me on.
No one would come on this journey with me. I have had no help for I am alone in this journey. The cliff edges are beginning to appear ahead. I am near the ocean I can hear the sound of the surf raging against the rocks. The journey's end is close.
Each step on moist ground slips on the rocks and leaves of the underbrush. My legs are heavy. I feel the way ending. Tears are rolling out of my eyes. My family would not listen to my visions. I have told them of my connection to the Nelan. They laughed and sent me to the doctors. I am dedicated to this vision. I did not want to leave but knew I had to reach within and connect up with my heart. I will not let this child be born in the world of Abzat or in the City of Vagnera.

The surf sounded deep and muffled below. Without being able to see below in the quickening darkness I knew I was on the cliff edge. A deep dark chasm opened up before me as I guided myself along the rocky cliff. There was only one way to go and that was towards the Sanctum. To safety I am lead. I call out to Sonatt. Please I am here. Guide me home to the safety. Protect me and my child to be born.

The journey is steep, my legs are tired and I move along. I am getting worried. The fog is thicker and it is darker. I am cold and wet from the mist. I cannot see the steps. I do not know the way. I am lost and afraid. there is no one here for me. The emptiness surrounds me with its terror. I am blinded to the world and walking away from a greater fear.
I hold no anger anymore. In Vagnera they will lie cheat and steal your life. The sacrifices would take my son if I stayed like they have taken the others. My lover is surely dead. I did not see him again. The wars with Malea took him and he will not come back. I know he is dead. Oh beautiful Shand. You have brought me to love and have cared from me but I could not have saved you from the world. I can give you the tenderness of my heart and hold you in the caress of sleep with me and share our bodies but I have lost you to the world of terror. Oh, Shand, I wish you were here and I was not alone. I need you to guide me on. I am here to find the path but cannot, it is dark, please lead me along to Sonatt and Nesara.
I am afraid to go on and afraid to go back. There is no one to lead me out of this spot. My next step my take me down to the rocky bottom of the shore. I am not sure how I came. I cannot see . It is al dark. What do I do now.

I am lost in the darkness and this is the end. I am cold and cannot see where to find shelter. I am on the cliff edge of the ocean and I can only pray for help. I will not move until the sun rises and gives me light to see with. I will lay here and protect myself in this soft grassy wet hole and have the ocean bring me to sleep if I can.
Laying down upon the grassy the waves resounded all around with a thunderous roar. The fog stayed throughout the night as I laid with my heart in rhythm with the waves. I was cold but stayed comfortable as I could in the protected places I could only feel. At first light again I will see where I am. The night enclosed closer and without starlight or candle light I entered the darkness of thunder. In the sleeping night there is a heart that cares but she is behind the mystery. This is the death that I would know in the future and would accept but now I am uncomfortable and wanting the dawn to appear. With patience I wait and wait for the light to return.

I am the daughter of Ea in the winter. I feel the two planets of the of the Blue Sun light the morning first, Aster and Iamer. They bring to life my hope again. I begin to see under the star light where I am. I was safe here but any move forward and I would have fallen. My intuition brought me safety and I was able to find security in this small cave in the side of the cliff.
Coming so far across the land with so little energy I know that I am guided by the masters. A dream reminds me of who I am, I am Nemea, and I am alone in the world with a husband. Shand is dead, killed in the wars, I am to be sacrificed to him if I stayed and my child buried with me. they will not allow me to bear a fatherless child. I ran and ran and ran. Tears still soak my face with the thought of my beloved and my unborn. I follow his wish that I carry on. I was born to bring this new heart into the world. I will not let the king kill me or my unborn son.
I adventure across the forests away from Agnera to find safety and have my child. Sonatt and Nesara will surely help me. they have been with us for many years and have guided us to be together. They taught me of nature. I know the truth of the Blue Sun. I know where it has come from. It is not the evil ones that are from it. There is an evil that surrounds EA but they are not of the Blue Star.

The Murkads have been summoned by the evil of Silanta. The Iamerians and Asterians are part of the Blue Sun. Sonnat and Nesara have told me this. I know this. The Murkads are working with Abzat to create more power . They will destroy the world with it. This is there hope to control or destroy.

Aster and Iamer shine up the sky as the light of yellow and blue shine across the horizon together. The mingling of the light gives a emerald greed tint the the morning sky behind a violet shading into darkness. The light fills me again with hope and freedom. I will not be sacrificed to the whims of the priest or the powers of the king. I will have my child. I seek the safety and the comfort of the Sanctum of Sonatt and Nesara.
The light reveals the passage way back over the cliff edge. My breath returns as I see how clear my intuition to stop was. The intuition was given in fear but it guided me hear to rest my body. I am strong again and ready to continue. The fog has lifted and I see again. I know where Sonatt and Nesara are. I can see the beacon light of their Sanctum shining me home. I am closer than I thought. I am much closer than I thought. I will be there shortly. I feel relieved.