The Trailokya Trilogy Companion is a continuing online manuscript that illustrates and explains some of the details of the story, helping readers to keep things straight while they travel through the series. Readers can view this live companion book on Wattpad (either using the website or an app for their phone) absolutely free.
The companion is organized in alphabetical sections for convenience. In each section, the entries are organized like a dictionary along with original artwork and excerpts from the Trailokya Friday blog posts. In the coming weeks and months the blog will feature specific entries, to give you a taste of what is available in the companion.
Sephr, Dux, Arms Keeper.
The commander of Walhall and keeper of the armory of Zion.
Dux Sephr of Walhall
Dux Sephr plays an important role in Zion, not just The Trailokya Trilogy. This giant svargduta is both the commander and keeper (short for arms keeper) of Walhall, the armory of Zion. He is entrusted by the king to scan and suit every legionae. There is no atman that goes under his gaze and is not seen to the core of their very being.
This position is given only to the most trusted of warriors, for they must exceed in strength and truth. Dux Sephr, however, does not serve as judge. He does report any findings to the High Council. It is the individuals advisors among the alders who will forge a plan around Sephr’s word.
The only atman to come under his gaze are those who enter into the legion orders. Not all dutas or souls will be seen by him. He is regarded highly by the legion members not just for his service to Walhall, but his efforts in the Conflict, which eventually led to his position in the armory. As you know, atman rise, and positions will become vacant, requiring another to take charge so the administration of Zion can continue, as well as the military, even the day-to-day activities.
In appearance, Dux Sephr resembles a man from ancient Persia on Earth in Samsara. He is as tall and wide as his fellow Svarg, General Mikhael. His hair is curly and kept somewhat short, along with a shorn beard that warms his great jawline. His demeanor is gentle and cheerful. His personal armor is also reflective of a Persian style, suggesting that he had great influence on souls who inhabit that are of Earth, because they carried memories of him into their lives and made them manifest in their culture.
Although he is a gentle being, one has a sense that crossing Sephr would be a grave mistake. As leader of Walhall, he has many units to his command, and they are filled out with some of the best duta ever to serve, as well as Lungs (called dragons on Earth).
Meet Sephr in this brief excerpt, then read the rest of The Shadow Soul to learn more about him and the other fantastic characters in The Trailokya Trilogy.
The great carved doors of the armory swung inward, revealing a long, red granite hall. Passing through the archway, they also passed under the watchful gaze of two heavily armed cherubim and their war hounds, trained by Praefect Fenrir himself. The black eyes of the four-legged sentinels followed them until they were well inside. A matched set of Powers stood to either side of the entrance interior. In the far-off apse, a seraph floated before the great seal of Walhall, a downward-pointed, open-palm hand with an eye. Another set of Powers guarded the base of the steps that led to the chancel. The seraph took note of them but seemed uninterested, and rearranged the plates of armor that partially covered his wings. He had no worries of intruders, because the apse floor was the resting place of a long, red lung with a hoary gold beard and suspicious eye. Its great head rose. Like a dog, it stood up, circled, and lay back down.
Four thrones stood guard as well, two for each towering colonnade that lined the length of the hall. At each heel stood what looked like small sculptures of the lung in the apse. However, clear lenses washed over the eyes, putting the notion of them being mere effigies to rest. The click of nails on stone announced the presence of other guardian souls in the room. The guardians of this armory noted everyone who came and went, and made sure that only those who belonged passed the inner doors. They had nothing to fear, since Alex went to the High Council and the news would circulate. Still, no one could be sure how they reported what they saw or heard.
“Zacharius!” A voice bellowed from somewhere beyond the pillars, statues, and armaments. “Welcome to Walhall! What brings an alder to my rock?”
“Dux Sephr, we come to warn you of an impending battle,” Zacharius answered, as a giant warrior emerged from his hiding spot near the chancel.
“A stroke of serendipity.” The giant grinned. “I have just been standing here, horribly bored.”
Sephr appeared as a svarg, but was a seraph, just like General Mikhael and the others boasting such high rank. He wore a circlet of gold in his black curls, denoting his special charge, and had a coarse, dark beard. His teeth flashed a brilliant white against his warm golden skin. The news put a twinkle in his black eyes and a flush in his cheeks. The great sable wings rose in anticipation. Joel knew he’d like what they had to say. The Dux was always eager to open his armory against the hordes of shadowalkers. He was girded in heavy cloth and mail armor, with a spiny mace tucked into his belt. The shirt of rectangular scales, with button centers—a mark of the armory battalions—was in ready condition. These guardians did not just like to battle; they were made for it. When they were not fighting, they were preparing to. Sephr was ready to fly out that instant.
the day he’d reported there for a fitting, barely a graduate of the Ordo Priori. Sephr presided over the ceremony, wearing a very different mien, one much graver than what he wore at present. The elder officio still kept a curved blade at his side, and it was still just as intimidating these many years later. After all, he was the master of arms, a giant who had earned his title and orders.“Perhaps so, but we’ve yet to see. My khata has run to the Samsara in fear of punishment from the High Council. They plan to retrieve her as we speak,” Zach clarified.
“Captain Maiel? What has she done? Is there another temple in her honor?” Sephr suddenly looked ill.
“No, Dux, nothing so simple as that. She fears she fell from favor and seeks to fix her mistakes so she may return to us, reputation intact,” Zacharius replied.
Sephr scowled deeply. He chewed his tongue, ruminating on the news.
“Is this about the little human child?” Sephr asked. Zacharius nodded and he was stunned. “I suited Maiel myself. I never sensed a single thread bent in that direction. Her atman was clear,” Sephr said. Sephr gave a sheepish grin in response to their questioning gazes, embarrassed at the suggestion he might have been mistaken in his forecasts of their bend toward ascendance or destruction. “For years my Order fitted the others. You get a sense of these things,” Sephr explained. “What has caused this rift?” he asked as they fell uncomfortably silent.
“Time with the humans—dark intrusions by ill-intending imps.”
“You think there’ll be a fight to take her over?” Sephr asked.
Zacharius nodded.
“Why have they not sent Mikhael or one of the other svargs to retrieve her? Uriel or Gabriel would surely give them what for. Even Raphael would turn his cheek from his art for a chance to best those who threaten that erela. Not even Bade?” Sephr asked, glancing at Gediel.
“A good question. They didn’t even ask the outposts to help in the girl’s transition. That’s why we believe she’s being tested, unless more occurs than we understand,” Zacharius replied.
“It’s always more than we understand. I’ll spread the word through Walhall.” Sephr smiled.
“Thank you. In the meantime, you should know, they plan to send her husband after her. This may avert a confrontation in the end, if he can succeed,” Zacharius replied.
“That gives me great pause.” Sephr frowned.
Joel and his akha exchanged glances.
“Dominic, isn’t it? I remember him well—very eager to achieve greatness and very willing to take it without earning. Quite confusing, their ketu. I had her pegged for someone more like—” Sephr cut himself off. His eyes flicked to Gediel again, but just as quickly returned to Zacharius. “Well, quite frankly, more like you and me,” he laughed.
“Yes, well. What we think is of little consequence in that matter,” Zacharius replied, guarding his curiosity about Gediel. “They are to bring Dominic here for a fitting. He left the legions to become a painter and put his efforts
into rising. He’ll not be prepared properly for facing the people of Jahannam unless they’re toddlers or gallery owners. I fear we have no time to correct that,” Zacharius continued.Sephr nodded with a grin. “I’ll fit him myself. I’d like to know if anything’s changed.”
“As one who’s not clouded by years of watching, I can tell you he hasn’t,” Gediel replied.
Joel and the others were stunned by Gediel’s declaration. Gediel raised an eyebrow at them and was about to speak again when the doors to the hall opened. A much sought after guardian entered and cast the thought out of their minds.
The great carved doors of the armory swung inward, revealing a long, red granite hall. Passing through the archway, they also passed under the watchful gaze of two heavily armed cherubim and their war hounds, trained by Praefect Fenrir himself. The black eyes of the four-legged sentinels followed them until they were well inside. A matched set of Powers stood to either side of the entrance interior. In the far-off apse, a seraph floated before the great seal of Walhall, a downward-pointed, open-palm hand with an eye. Another set of Powers guarded the base of the steps that led to the chancel. The seraph took note of them but seemed uninterested, and rearranged the plates of armor that partially covered his wings. He had no worries of intruders, because the apse floor was the resting place of a long, red lung with a hoary gold beard and suspicious eye. Its great head rose. Like a dog, it stood up, circled, and lay back down.
As part of their duties, the Walhall guardians also fitted the legion younglings with their second skins, a very proud moment among warriors. The skins were stored until the time came to move on to other duties. Joel rememberedClick here to learn more about The Trailokya Trilogy, and let me know what questions you have in the comments. If you loved this article, subscribe to the blog to get more. Donate by buying a book.
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