Short Fiction · Chapter
The Gifts of Asti explained
Varta, the last Maiden of Asti, takes the miniature sun and planets from the temple and escapes through a secret passage with her companion Lur.
What happens
Varta, the last Maiden of Asti, takes the miniature sun and planets from the temple and escapes through a secret passage with her companion Lur. She dons a protective scaled suit and navigates the dangerous underworld, encountering the Guardian of the Chasms, who allows her passage after she proves her identity. She chooses the path believed to lead to the upper world, and after a difficult journey, they emerge into a fertile land free of men.
Themes in this chapter
Destiny and Prophecy
Varta follows the ancient order given by Asti, fulfilling the prophecy that evil would rise and she must depart.
Isolation and Belonging
Varta is the last of her order, isolated from the fallen world, yet she finds purpose in her journey.
Ancient Wisdom and Technology
The scaled suit, the miniature solar system, and the secret passages reflect ancient knowledge preserved from the time of the Ancient Ones.
Characters to notice
- Varta
Last Maiden of Asti; takes the miniature solar system from the temple and escapes through the underworld.
- Lur
Varta's mute reptilian companion; travels with her through the underworld.
- Asti
The god whose temple Varta serves; the miniature sun and planets are taken from His statue.
- Ancient Ones
Referenced in the Guardian's mention of old legends and the pact made in Asti's Name.
Key passages
“Who are you who dare to tread the forgotten ways and rouse from slumber the Guardian of the Chasms?”
The Guardian demands to know Varta's identity for disturbing the ancient paths.
Encounter with the Guardian of the Chasms.
“I am Varta, Maiden of Asti. Memphir has fallen to the barbarians of the Outer Lands and now I go, as Asti once ordered.”
Varta identifies herself and explains her mission following Asti's command.
Varta's declaration to the Guardian.
“This will take you down into my country... And that way is death for creatures from the surface world. The other—in our old legends it is said to bring a traveler out into the upper world.”
The Guardian describes the two paths: one leads to its realm, the other to the surface.
The Guardian's guidance on the paths.