“Mother, is it true?” Charnio pleaded. The Captain shook his head in sorrow, having to be the one to relay such horrible news. Renic looked at the Captain, then stood up, walking away a few steps. He growled loudly in anger. Charnio slowly stood before Queen Ayana. She put her hand on his shoulder as he rose. She didn’t have to say anything. Charnio’s face twisted in anger and agony.
“We should have been there!” Charnio yelled.
“Control yourself!” Queen Ayana stepped forward and grabbed Charnio, “Renic, go find Torak and Darrin, bring them to the palace quickly,” The crowd around them murmured with the news that sent fear through their midst. “Captain, come to the Palace. Send your men to the barracks to rest, you’ve travelled far. We thank you for your service to our king.”
They returned to the palace, where Charnio viewed the body of King Treska. It only reignited his anger and guilt. It was not lost on him that the burial rite had been performed and his father’s body was ready to depart, it incensed him. “How dare they!” he thought the soldiers who returned his father to Urixis performed the rite, which was for the family to perform. Queen Ayana, seeing Charnio’s distress, questioned him.
“What is it my son?” she said as Charnio and Princess Menina, stood side by side, viewing their fathers dead body.
“They stole our rite, mother!” Charnio started angrily, then turned to leave, “There will be a reckoning.”
Queen Ayana stopped him, “Nothing has been stolen, my son,” She said with a smile, “I have performed the rite myself, as was my place.” Charnio looked at her confused.
“How? When?” he asked, “Why did you not call for us?”
“It is done, Charnio,” Princess Menina spoke up, “Let it be.”
“When your brothers arrive, bring them here, then we will question Captain Goddard, together.” Queen Ayana started to leave.
“Mother, don’t you wish to mourn him?” Charnio asked.
“I have mourned long enough my son,” Queen Ayana said as she left, “We’ve other things to attend to.” Charnio’s face was twisted in confusion. Princess Menina grabbed his forearm and squeezed.
“I will explain it all later, Charnio, stay strong, we’ve work to do.” She followed her mother. Charnio couldn’t understand how cold and distant they both seemed to act.
It took the better part of two days for Renic to locate his brothers. They were all home protecting Urixis, but the lands of Urixis were more than just the city at its heart. Torak and Darrin were patrolling on opposite sides.
Eventually, they were located and returned to the palace. Queen Ayana allowed her children twenty-four hours to mourn their father, then called them to council. Many gifts filled the council hall from all the different races that called Urixis home. Many of the more influential families awaited an audience, most of which wanted news about the war and what King Treska’s death meant to the safety of their homes, protected by King Treska and his sons. Every district of Urixis sent an emissary, wanting to hear from their protectors, the sons of Treska, and to offer their condolences. Queen Ayana sat second to the head of the table, where Princess Menina sat. It was curious to the brothers why their mother did not sit at the head of the table, for it was she now who led the kingdom. When Captain Goddard arrived before them, he wasted no time giving an account of what happened to King Treska. He told of King Treska naming Dracon the new king just before battle, after Dracon alone, road out and met with Terrax. He told of the creature, that until it attacked King Treska, was never seen before. He told the tale of Dracon’s might, driving back the creature’s and armies of Terrax, forcing them to flee in fear of his might. And finally, how Dracon ordered them all to return King Treska home, then after taking as few men as possible, leaving the remaining army to protect the kingdom, while he rode out into the outer region in pursuit of Terrax, vowing to return with his head, or not at all. They all listened intently, the brother’s all wishing they were Dracon, envious of the tale told of his deeds that day. Wishing they could have been so mighty, to fight by their father’s side and valiantly chase Terrax back from whence he came. They all wanted to be him in that moment, even if only to find their death. The legacy he left behind secured his place in history. Queen Ayana listened on and her eyes glistened, fighting back tears for one she called son. She knew, as mighty as he was, no one had ever returned from the outer region. They all sat quietly for what seemed like an eternity, each imagining the scene and processing it in their minds eye. They all tried to imagine what type of creature it was that partially devoured their father and what had become of Dracon. Was he successful and on his way home, to take the mantle of king? Or was he dead, and in his place Terrax now marched on them?
“We thank you, Captain Goddard, rest, we will have orders for you soon,” Princess Menina finally broke the silence. Torak sat opposite Queen Ayana and glanced at her, then to Princess Menina. He wasn’t sure whether to be angry with Menina or not, for acting like she ruled the council. She appeared to be over-stepping. Princess Menina stood, “I want you all to return to your regions, we need our borders protected until we know the fate of Dracon, and Terrax.” She started to sit.
“Who do you think you are?” Charnio stood angrily.
Queen Ayana spoke quickly, and put her hand on Princess Menina to stop her from responding to her younger brother, “Princess Menina will now rule Urixis in my stead. She is now queen, and as such she shall rule all Ganlin. Until Dracon returns, she speaks for me. It is time for you all to take your places, mine will be here at your sister’s side as her advisor.”
“Why mother, why not remain queen?” Darrin stood.
“This is my wish, we have always been moving in this direction. Your sister’s ascent to the throne has been our wish for years, until the times of peace are upon us. You will honor your father’s wishes, and mine,” Queen Ayana, rose, “I will abide here in Urixis, and counsel Menina as long as I can.”
“What do you mean, as long as you can, mother?” Torak asked.
“My sons, our lives are changing, maybe for better, maybe for worse. But whatever may come, support and care for each other, and by the gods let no harm come to one another,” Queen Ayana sat again, “Respect your sister. Go now, we will convene in one months-time to discuss what we learn of our future, but the safety of Ganlin and all who reside in its borders, must come first.”
Chapter Three
The lands of the outer region were covered in constant darkness, clouded by death and doom, filled with pockets of deadly gases that killed on contact. It was a hellish, cracked earth and clay wasteland. Lightning struck the ground regularly, destroying stone and earth, filling the air with dust so thick it could fill the lungs and choke a man to death. Visibility was low, and death was at their very heels.
Dracon led fifty men in pursuit of Terrax and only twelve remained. Between the lightning strikes and the faceless, toothy creatures that hunted them in the thickness of the dust, their numbers dwindled. Every time they tried to stop and rest, it cost them lives. Dracon knew they wouldn’t last much longer in the wasteland. His only aim was to kill Terrax, once and for all, before breathing his final breath. The soldiers made their way slowly, tracking Terrax on his three-shoed horse. After days of dust and lightning, their way began to clear, they were once again able to breathe without cloth over their mouths. The lightning too had begun to subside, and signs of life appeared around them. First, in the form of grass at their feet, then more substantial brush, and finally, giving way to a beautiful forest, under a welcoming sunshine, the likes of which none of them believed possible in the outer region. For a moment, some of them considered that maybe they were turned around in the dust, inadvertently wandering home, to Ganlin. Not Dracon however, he knew his course was true, the hate in his heart kept him on track. Once inside the forest, Dracon halted his men for a much-needed rest. Satana scouted the perimeter making sure there was no immediate danger, then sought out a water source. She was one of Dracon’s fierce
st fighters, as fiery at heart as her dark red hair, and second in command, she studied battle and fighting so intently she developed her own fighting style, taught to all Dracon’s men. Satana was a strong woman, she had survived some of the fiercest fighting at Dracon’s side, earning her place as his second. She was feared by the men of Ganlin, and secretly envied. She was also Dracon’s best friend, growing up together, training side by side with him since their early childhood. Dracon, was the first-born son of the king, and she a nobleman’s renegade daughter who chose war over a family. They took different paths to becoming soldiers in King Treska’s army. She struggled to prove herself to the generals, wanting desperately to be accepted and fight for Ganlin in the armies of any of the brothers. When Dracon was made a general in his father’s army, it was he that did what no one else would do and gave her a place to serve, letting her join his army, at first for her own protection. He sought to keep an eye on his friend, but she earned her place and never let him down, or the men she served with, they all respected her. For Satana, it was as if Dracon had saved her life. She in turn, became one of Dracon’s best commanders, heading a full legion of her own, answering only to Dracon.
It wasn’t long, or far in her searching, that Satana found a waterfall, which she ordered the men to relocate to. There was fish and the hunting in the area came very easy. The animals had no fear of them, as if they had never seen people before. They feasted for the first time in nearly a month, improving their morale greatly. Unlike the land before this small piece of paradise, there was no night and the sun shone bright. It reminded Dracon of Urixis, save for the never-ending days. It was truly beautiful. In the brief time of their rest, Dracon’s thoughts turned to his father and what might be going on at home.
“My lord,” Satana roused him from his far away thoughts, “You’ve hardly eaten a thing, and I know your appetite.” She said smiling. She held a metal plate, full of food, threatening to spill to the floor and a metal cup. Dracon reached his hand out, taking the meal, she brought him. He sat up, leaning his back against the large tree he had chosen to rest against. She sat next to him after giving him the food.
“How do you have a plate and a cup?” Dracon asked as he dug into the meal.
“My lord, I should ask, how is it you do not? Always be prepared for the worst? Our training?” she asked then continued, “I have always followed training, you should know better. Whoever packs your horse has done you a great disservice, my king.” Dracon chuckled, she knew he packed his own horse. She gave him a playful smile.
“What do you make of this place?” He asked looking around the area between bites.
“Well, it is curious,” Satana also glanced around, “Where is he running too? Is all I can think,” She looked around them both at what remained of their company, “I also believe a change in tactic is in order. He must know this place, it’s safe to say this is where he hails from.”
“Yes, I agree,” Dracon also looked at what remained of the men who had followed him to certain death, “What are your thoughts, I would gladly hear them, Satana?”
Satana got comfortable then said, “Well, we have to assume he is going somewhere safe, with more men, creatures, maybe worse, a city of his own.” She looked around the forest slowly as she spoke, “Wherever he is going, I venture to say, he isn’t going back out there,” She nodded her head back to the desolation they had travelled through to get there. The remaining men wandered over to eat and listen to their conversation. “I think from here out, we become hunters, we are too few to charge in as an army. We should make this break a short one and move out, catch him before he makes it to his sanctuary, and reinforcements.” A few of them men murmured their agreement with her sound assessment.
“Yes, that is reasonable,” Dracon finished his drink, then handed the plate and cup back to Satana, she looked at him oddly, “What?” he asked.
“I was kind enough to bring it to you, I think at the very least, you can clean it and put it back where it belongs,” She said making all the men laugh, including Dracon, “You know where it goes when you’re done with it…” she paused, “My lord,” Satana stood looking down at him a moment, then walked back to the fire where the was meat roasting and cut herself off another helping, “While you’re in my saddle bags, take a good look around, see how it should be packed.” The men chuckled at her comment.
“My lord,” Velen knelt and spoke, interrupting their laugh, “We’ve spent days on our hunt, we haven’t had time to speak, let me offer you my most heart-felt condolence for the loss of our great king, your father,” Dracon lifted his hand to have him stop. Satana watched them from the fire side. “He was a great man.” Velen continued.
“Stop,” Dracon said shaking his head, “I appreciate your thoughts, but this is not necessary.”
“No, Dracon, you let him speak,” Satana walked back over to the group, that now surrounded Dracon, “King Treska was a father to us all, we all miss him. I know you are strong, you don’t need any condolences, but we need to say it, for us! We will never get to say goodbye, give us this. Our hearts are heavy, let us speak our peace,” Dracon considered her words, then tilted his head in a nod of assent.
“My lord,” Velen said looking at those around him, after Satana’s outburst, he felt less than confident with what he originally was going to say, “We all feel the loss of your father. As Satana pointed out, he is… was, a father to all Ganlin. To serve him under you, was our pleasure and pride.” Velen continued.
“Hear, hear,” Several of the others said in unison. Satana folded her arms standing back outside the group, observing solemnly. “May your rule be as lengthy as his, King Dracon!” one of the other men shouted. Satana smiled at that.
“King of kings!” She shouted and was joined by a roar from the others. Dracon smiled putting his hands up to quiet them.
“Thank you all, but remember where we are, in the heart of enemy territory,” Dracon looked around warily, to emphasize his point, “Let’s set watch, the rest of you get some rest, it won’t be much, if we’re to catch him quickly. We’ll be off again before too long,” The men slowly moved back around to the fire, some eating more, others bedding down. Dracon walked to the fire and grabbed Satana’s arm before she could move off, “While you were out, did you pick up his trail?”
“Yes, he and seven others are heading deeper into the forest, north east of here.” She said keeping her voice down.
“How far ahead of us are they?” Dracon asked matching her low tone.
“I believe we are hot sire, hours, maybe less?” she said. Dracon looked at the men, deciding whether to delay their rest and push on.
“They need this time, my lord, we need this time. It’s been days without a rest, we will lose more men if we don’t take at least this little break. Battle will be upon us shortly, rest will see us through it.” Satana could see his mind through his eyes. Dracon nodded.
“I need one man,” Dracon said for all to hear, “To scout ahead with me,” Satana began to speak. “No, you are my second, worst case,” He smirked, “You’re in charge.” She shook her head at him.
“You want to die? Is that it?” Satana asked becoming angry.
“No, I want to scout ahead. I will hold my blade. I promise you.” He said as sincere as he could muster. Satana knew the man he was and knew his word would mean nothing if he were to find Terrax.
Dracon and Velen went to where Satana picked up Terrax’s tracks. They began walking on foot, trailing them. It was less than an hour before they came upon a cave. Velen pointed out that the horses went off away from the cave, lighter than when they arrived. Dracon looked in the cave trying to see into the darkness. He decided to go in.
“My lord?” Velen followed, “We have them cornered, should we not get the others?” He asked following Dracon, whispering. Velen served under Dracon in his personal legion and was a captain, normally taking orders from Dracon himself, but since Satana gave up her legion to join the hunt, she became s
econd to Dracon over Velen and the rest of the men. They had fought side by side for years, barely surviving some of the most harrowing battles together. If anyone was as trusted as Satana among his men, it was Velen.
“They are only seven, Velen, we can do this alone.” Dracon growled his fury rising, being so close to the end.
“It could be a trap my lord.” Velen said, following close on Dracon’s heels.
“Yes, it could,” Dracon chuckled, making Velen chuckle as well. They moved as silently as they could in their plate armor, that scraped along the wall of the cave every time they came anywhere near it. “Do you smell that?” Dracon asked in a whisper, “A fire, torches!” A soon as he finished speaking screaming echoed through the cave. Both men crouch, swords in hand. They pushed further into the cave, unable to see. Then, the cave brightened, the deeper they went, and the screams turned to sounds of battle somewhere ahead of them in the cave. The screams sounded more beast than man, echoing off the stone all around them. Dracon remembered the demons that followed Terrax. They came upon a cavernous area, where above them, the roof opened to the sky. In the center of the area, Terrax and three men battled a winged creature that looked like a half human, half raven hybrid, with black feathered wings. Dracon was unable to discern what the creature was, he had never seen anything like it. At first, he assumed it was one of Terrax’s creatures.
“What is that thing?” Velen asked Dracon.
“I don’t know, it looks like some type of Harpy? Let’s hurry, it’s doing our work for us.” Dracon ran away from Velen, with a battle cry, toward Terrax and his men. Velen chased after Dracon with a cry of his own. Dracon surprised the first of Terrax’s men cutting his head clean from his body. The men wore no armor and looked more like priests than warriors. Terrax gasped upon seeing Dracon’s approach, his eyes wide in fear of his impending doom.
“Kill him!” he said to one of the last men still with him. The creature they battled was gone, and a similar, black winged, humanoid creature, appeared above them, grabbing the man Terrax was speaking to, then killing him, but not before being stabbed in what would have been its belly. The final warrior priest spat out words Dracon could not understand, summoning creatures that formed around them, in a protective semi-circle. They were the same types of creatures they had fought on the battlefield. Dracon attacked the creatures like he was chopping at a tree, hacking them to pieces faster than the priest could summon them. Before long, he reached the priest and ended the summoning, with a hack that almost split the priest in two. Terrax had fled, and was nowhere to be seen. They killed nearly fifty creatures that slowly dissipated after dying.
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