Warning: contains violent and non-consensual themes
Part II - Subjugation
The circular platform lowered until it came to rest before his feet. In all his 41 years, Barus had never felt so out of place, or so incredibly nervous. He was the blacksmith of his village; a craftsman in his own right. But never had he seen something like this. What kind of technology - no - it had to be a dimensional work that powered the device. But if that was the case, who was making the incantation?
The nun who had escorted him to the 99th floor nodded curtly, and he gingerly stepped on, and for better or worse, the platform detected it's payload and automatically began the return trip upwards.
Barus had known about this day for some time, ever since his name was the first drawn for the task of 'punishing the former Archpriestess'. It had been decided that
he
would be the first to visit her chamber, but he couldn't decide how he felt about his 'luck'. Why was it that he felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter?
For the past 2 weeks he had been put up in luxurious accommodations.
Isolated,
more like it. And he had spent much of that time wondering if this day would actually come. Would the Archpriestess ever awake from her coma? Would they really throw him into a room with her and expect him to...
take
her? Sexually? Was he truly going to have the chance to enjoy some human intimacy after 10 years of misery and loneliness? Did he dare to hope to see justice done, and to quench his own, personal thirst for vengeance?
He had climbed the various stairs and elevators to arrive at this strange, sterile looking room on the 99th floor of the architectural wonder that was Principal Cathedralis. Even on approach to the capital, he had gawked at the glass-like tower that rose far above all others until it disappeared up in the clouds. It had been the headquarters of the Primordial church, and its construction may be the single greatest achievement of human civilisation. But now that the church had been officially disbanded, well, exactly what grand purpose would Principal Cathedralis continue to serve?
There were no windows on the 99th floor, and in fact here he saw none of the great decorations, features or practical fitouts that he had observed each step of the way this far. On each other 'floor' of Principal Cathedralis, he had witnessed mighty pillars, or chandeliers and staircases, through to enormous trees and a majestic waterfall. There had been every conceivable artwork, utility and luxury, but there was also an eerie scarcity of people enjoying or maintaining the landmark's many functions.
Apparently the Archpriestess constructed each new floor as a worthy successor to the existing top floor. She would make the new area her personal quarters for a period of time, until she decided to extend Principal Cathedralis yet again. He speculated that the humble 99th floor may have been a kind of staging area for construction of the top floor, whilst also serving as a security checkpoint to ensure the Archpriestess' privacy.
No doubt in days past, a visitor of his lowly standing could have never reached the elevator on which he now stood. Well, a person such as he couldn't have entered Principal Cathedralis in the first place, much less climb this high. He struggled to comprehend that he was currently at an altitude higher than the clouds of the sky. It didn't feel real - and even less so for the purpose of his visit.
Well, the moment of truth approaches.
Suddenly he felt overwhelmingly giddy; lightheaded. He had to plant his feet firmly apart to ensure he didn't topple right off the rising platform, and he searched deeply for the courage to face this situation head on. After all, he
had
volunteered for this by his own free will.
Yes, he did well to remind himself that he had wanted this from the moment that word of the verdict had reached his village. And he had desired to be with a woman for many years following the loss of his dear wife so long ago. Certainly nobody could ever replace the love of his life. But still, this person - the Archpriestess of the Primordial church - it was said that she was the most beautiful woman in the entire Unified Empire!
But, also the oldest? Perhaps she had been a stunner when she was young? Or was it all just rumours born from reverence to the one who mysteriously ruled all, but who never showed herself publicly? Suffice to say, the Archpriestess was considered the great enigma of their society, even more mysterious than Principal Cathedralis itself. But here he was, about to learn the truth first-hand.
The platform came to rest near the edge of a huge, circular room, and no less than 10 metres above him spanned a grand dome of glass and decoration worthy of the greatest cathedral in the world. Or, at least, it had been. He could see numerous patches where broken glass had been replaced with temporary painted timbers. The furniture towards the middle of the room was of quality, but looked tiny amidst such a ludicrously sized space. This penthouse could have fairly served as an entire church in itself. But, there was a lounge, a dressing area, and a grand bed decorated in purple and gold trappings, and...
two
female figures. They were completely still, and regarded the intruder silently. With distrust and contempt, no doubt.