Cost of Entry

Dense fog enveloped the lone figure as wind rushed across the narrow bridge, whistling through the canyon. Droplets sailed through the air while others pooled around the solitary individual standing on the ancient stone. The cloak whipped about his body as his arms encircled him. His foot inched forward, probing for the bridge’s edge. After seconds that stretched into epochs, a gust blew the top layer of the fog away, revealing a towering granite form looming over the figure.

He glanced behind him as his chest swelled. The man hunched his shoulders as he continued creeping toward the stone structure. When his boots touched the earth, he raced to the gate and traced the strange runes along its frame. “I found it.”

“Anyone can discover this sanctuary, but not all are allowed to enter. Why should we allow you inside our walls, Alden Rein?”

The man’s fingers clenched into fists before he pounded the smooth wood. “I’ve searched for years.”

“Finding our home isn’t reason enough to open our doors.”

Alden’s gaze drifted toward the voice as he continued knocking on the wooden slab. “What do you need to grant me entrance to your halls?”

Another gust of wind carried more fog, consuming Alden. As the whistling wind whipped past Alden’s ear, the clank of steel against earth seeped into the gusting wind. His hand flew to his hip, but instead of brushing against his sword’s hilt, his fingertips found his leather belt. “What’s happening?”

“You’re being judged as you requested.”

“How will you judge me?!” He spun and pressed his back against the stone structure. “How did you steal my sword? Without that blade, I won’t be able to defend myself!”

“Not all measures revolve around trial by combat.”

The wind intensified, ripping the dangling fog away, revealing a silent army arrayed before Alden. He pushed his shoulders into the massive blocks as his eyes whipped across the soldiers standing before him. “Given the force arrayed before me, how’s this anything other than my execution?”

“Could you battle so many at once?”

“No one could survive a fight against this kind of threat.”

“Are you choosing to face them all in combat?”

“No,” Alden said, his hand tightening his cloak around his chest. “How will you judge if I’m worthy?”

The fog swirled through the ranks of soldiers, engulfing each until a single figure remained visible. After a few heartbeats, the soldier marched onward, stopping just a stone’s throw away from Alden. The soldier removed his helm and locked gazes with Alden.

“Who are you?” Alden stepped forward, his fingers drifting to the doppelgänger standing across from him. After two steps, he spun toward the stone structure. “How does this man have my face?”

“You must be judged.”

“Based on what?” Alden whirled back to his twin. He rubbed his eyes as he circled the strange figure, settling upon his sword dangling from the stranger’s hip. “You still haven’t explained how you’ll judge me.”

The soldier turned around and grabbed Alden’s shoulders, pulling him closer. “Only those deemed worthy will be shown the path inside our walls.”

“You can’t be me,” Alden said, his fingers prying himself free of his twin’s grasp. “How do you plan on judging me?”

The doppelgänger lunged forward, grasping Alden’s head and yanking his forehead flush to his. Alden screamed as his legs buckled, but the strength of the copy’s fingertips kept him dangling from its grip. As Alden’s cry died away, the pressure against him vanished, and his knees collided with the ground.

“We have always seen what was needed.”

Alden’s gaze crept up as he staggered to his feet. “What does that mean? Are you going to open the path inside?”

“Do you feel that you’re worthy to enter our sanctuary?”

Alden stumbled forward. By the time he reached the wooden entrance, he slammed his fists against the smooth wood. “My search would never have begun if I doubted my worth to find this hall.”

“What do you seek?”

Alden’s back straightened as he swayed on unsteady legs. “Understanding and the ability to safeguard those whom I cherish.”

“Are you willing to abandon those you wish to protect?”

“They’re why I’m here!” Alden stepped forward, his hand falling to his hip where his fingers found his sword’s hilt. “They are the ones who matter to me.”

“Anyone who enters this sanctuary faces exile from this reality for a period of a thousand years.”

“Isn’t there a way to learn what’s needed without abandoning those whom I seek to defend?”

“You must make your choice.”

Alden closed his eyes as he licked his lips. “Will the descendants of those I love still exist to protect?”

“We have no knowledge of the world beyond our walls.” The gate fell back, revealing the hidden path to Alden’s prize. “You’ve been judged worthy to enter. Decide if you’re willing to join us to learn what you are seeking.”

Alden stepped forward and peered into the opening. He found an ascending stairwell, filled with flickering illumination. For an instant, the light stretched, catching the curving wall. Something moved just beyond its reach. Alden’s head turned, and he studied the dwindling ground holding the face of one he loved.

He closed his eyes and gripped his cloak. He spun and strode through the opening. As he climbed the steps, a heavy thud echoed around him. With each step, the light brightened. After a silent eternity, he caught sight of another single door at the top of the stairs.

He reached for the doorknob, but the wooden panel vanished. He stepped through the smaller doorframe and into an empty room. Nothing but bare stones greeted him. As he strode toward the center of the chamber, a second thud echoed through the space. He turned, his fingertips seeking the handle where it should have been, but they only found a smooth surface.

“You chose those yet to come over those existing now. It’s time to fulfill the journey you chose.”