by Aaron Dennis
gave way. He was weary and no longer able to focus on the mysterious force. He heard the daemons laugh at the man. One took the body of Samja and licked her face.
With a potent jerk forwards, Jorunhaal cleaved at the daemon. It turned an angle, and the warrior’s heavy arm missed. He righted himself, but the other daemon took hold of his arm. Then, the other daemon dropped Samja and approached.
Crying, the warrior threw a fist into the creature holding him, then another, and another. It did not let go. All the while, the other monster set upon him and took his other arm. The warrior bit and smashed his head into his enemies. They laughed as they bit at his arms and hands. He was no longer capable of holding his weapon, and so he thrashed about. Blood fell from his wrists as he rocked side-to-side. Still the daemons held, but they had not noticed the old man’s presence.
Quietly and without breaking stride, Wilheim took the sword from Durro. He simply walked up to the daemons holding the warrior and cut one down. A subtle shock grew over the face of the last monster. With a free hand, Jorunhaal delivered a blow to its claws and broke free of its grasp. The daemon turned to him. Fiery eyes possessed with hate and hunger stared into his soul. Jorunhaal took the creature’s head and twisted. The crack of bone brought finality to battle.
An Expedition
Years had passed in the mighty kingdom of Ilteriel. King Eidon sat upon his throne in the great castle. Satin curtains adorned the room. Exotic carpets covered the floor. Lothaam and the Council of Five had suggested sending a second expedition to the island in the south. Eidon smiled at the thought. The aging king looked to his advisor.
The burning braziers behind the throne cast ominous shadows. The obese wizard stood, looking at his lord. He was uncertain of Eidon’s intentions, but knew him well enough to suggest the new course of action without fear.
“Word of success has never reached us. What do you believe lays upon that island,” Eidon asked.
The bloated wizard searched the eyes of His Highness. “Why, power, of course. What else could stay the hand of Jorunhaal?”
The old wizard held clasped hands upon his belly as he tried to spur his lord forwards. The Council of Five had their own plans for the island, and Lothaam thought Eidon oblivious to such knowledge.
“Aye. Perhaps it is worth coveting only what can be obtained through strife and hardship. Gather more men. See to the prince. Tell him he is to be king now. I will go on this expedition to the island!”
“My lord?”
The wizard, with all his magical capacity, did not foresee that reply.
“You heard me, old man. A burning call reaches out to me. I must learn the secret of the island. No unseen force is beyond my reach,” Eidon said as he stood in all his glory.
Like this one? Check out Cayneian, A Man from Blood, a novel based on the island….