The Shadow of Death

by Timothy Smith

  Nolan: "Please!-" He exclaimed aloud to Razkaul, but seeing that the man gave no reaction to his cry, he nervously continued to plead louder, "-Please, I beg of you! Take anything you want! I... I'll even be your servant, just let my family be!" He said stuttering slightly, and somewhat reluctantly getting on his knees as he lifted up his arms submissively.

  All the while, Razkaul remained stern faced, unmoved by the father’s pleas, not even showing anger or resentment to the man, only indifference.

  Nolan: "Please!!" He cried out once more, refusing to give up, even though he saw Razkaul’s complete lack of regard to his pleas earlier.

  It seemed Nolan’s last plea had finally got a response from the Aelaan leader, who eyed the father down.

  Razkaul: "You’d willingly make yourself my servant for your family’s sake? That's quite admirable coming from non-believing filth like yourself. I'm impressed. But!..." Nolan's ever hopeful expression was cut short once Razkaul uttered these words.

  He knew what was going to happen next, as the cruel man continued saying menacingly.

  Razkaul: "Does this look like a negotiation to you?"

  After hearing this, Nolan got to his feet, and rushed back as fast as his legs could carry him towards his house. Grabbing ahold of an axe that stood against the side of his home, he turned back to face the intruders.

  While Nolan was doing this, Razkaul looked on curiously at him, interested in to what the lone villager had planned to do. But when he saw it was just a simple axe in Nolan's hand, Razkaul was slightly disappointed before he yelled out ferociously.

  Razkaul: "Now... Die!" After the Aelaan said this, his eyes and hand were suddenly alight with bright blue flames.

  Nolan: "Magic? But how?" Nolan said wide eyed, hardly believing his sight as he paused only for a second.

  As easily known and accepted as the laws of this world, it was common knowledge throughout the Aya, that only elves could ever be able to wield magic.

  With fear gripping his heart, Nolan forced his legs to press forward, as he charged directly at Razkaul.

  ────────

  As all these events were transpiring outside Cherise’s home, she was sitting and anxiously waiting underneath their table alongside her brother. Both of them were just staring at the door, hearing everything that was unfolding outside. And both were hoping against all hope that there father would prevail, and that it would all come to an end, with Nolan entering their home to comfort them. Reality however, can sometimes be cruel.

  As she eagerly paid attention to what was transpiring outside, Cherise heard a large sounding crack, similar to a thunderclap. The sound was immediately followed by their home’s door bursting with tremendous force. In a quick and violent reaction, the wood from the door was shattering into hundreds of pieces before Cherise’s eyes. Alight with a blue flame, the broken splinters were scattered all around in an explosive reaction inside their home, with Nolan’s body in the midst of it all.

  As Cherise’s father slammed against the opposing wall of the door, her eyes were wide open as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. In a state of disbelief, Cherise looked at her father’s lifeless body on the floor, only feet in front of her.

  No, it can’t be. Daddy, get up. Please get up…

  Unable to take in what had happened, Cherise screamed. Theo on the other hand was in shock, remaining speechless, as he sat beside his sister. Their mother couldn’t help but start weeping continuously.

  Not even giving the family a few seconds of respite, Razkaul casually made his way inside their home. With a few soldiers at his back, he shook off any lingering magic flame on his hand. Just a few feet inside their homes entrance, Razkaul stopped for a moment as he began smiling, admiring his handiwork made visible by the fire in an already lit fireplace. After indulging himself in the satisfaction of his work for a few seconds of grinning fiendishly, Razkaul then turned his gaze towards the remaining family.

  After seeing what this stranger was capable of, Cherise no longer paid any more attention towards the monstrous shadowy presence that clung to him. It was now apparent to her that the true monster here was the man who stood right in front of her, snickering in delight after murdering her father in cold blood.

  The Aelaan darted his eyes around the remaining family, taking particular notice in Adalene with a piggish smile after thoroughly inspecting her from a distance.

  Razkaul: "You're in luck! I've decided to make you one of my concubines."

  Adalene: "What?!.." She said with as much disgust as she could muster.

  The man’s remark was made in such a way that it appeared as if he were completely oblivious to the injustice he'd just committed upon them. Clearly not accustomed to being denied, the Aelaan was momentarily taken back by her rejection.

  Razkaul: "Oh, that?-" He said while briefly glancing back at his handiwork on the floor, before saying dismissively, “-Pay him no mind."

  Razkaul: "I'll have you know that you're far luckier than you think. It just so happens you stand in the presence of the Chosen! I was handpicked by the Prophet of the gods himself to lead the Aelaan Empire in our glorious campaign! This divine task was given to me, and I intend to see it through to the end. I will not rest until every man and woman serves the gods, and if they resist, then they’ll face my righteous judgment. If you stand by me, you'll know luxuries like you've never seen, and as for your children." Glancing down at Cherise and Theo for only a second, he shrugged.

  Razkaul: "They will be my servants, so you can see them on occasion. And I am certain that when the day comes that you decide to worship the gods, that this man will become nothing more than a fleeting memory." The twisted man said with an equally crooked grin, as he gestured towards Nolan’s corpse before offering out his hand to Adalene.

  Repulsed by Razkaul’s complete disregard and lack of remorse, Adalene raised her hand to slap him.

  Adalene: "You monster!" She said while trying to strike the murderer, only to have her arm caught by his hand.

  Any pretense of gentleness was erased, as Razkaul’s expression instantly changed from that of a hopeful crooked smile to that of remorseless killer. He glared straight into Adalene’s eyes.

  Razkaul: "You should not have done that..." He said slowly with a soft yet fearsome voice.

  And turning his head slightly towards his men, he ordered aloud.

  Razkaul: "Go and continue the search elsewhere!-" He declared, glancing at his men at the corner of his eyes, before glancing back to the defiant woman to say further, "-I will handle this myself!"

  Without question, the soldiers’ immediately took action to follow their leader’s commands, leaving the area without a second’s thought. While Razkaul was taking care of unfinished business, Mikael was anxiously waiting outside, keeping a safe distance from the home.

  With Razkaul's attention turned back towards the family, he reached out to Adalene with his other hand. Grabbing her by the throat, the Aelaan threw the mother atop the table where the children were hiding.

  Drawing his sword, Razkaul stepped towards Adalene, raising his blade high, he struck it down upon her, piercing it through both her and the table, almost hitting the children underneath.

  No, not again!...

  After seeing the bloodstained tip of the swords pointed end, Cherise immediately knew what had occurred, as she began whimpering for her mother. Holding onto hope for a response, Cherise was dismayed to find that would never come again.

  A few seconds later, Razkaul let out a disgruntled grunt, as he began pulling his blade back. After the sword was drawn out, with a thud, Adalene’s body slumped to the floor nearby, with her lifeless hand resting nearby her daughter.

  This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening! Mommy, Daddy, please get up!

  Unable to hold back her tears, Cherise slowly reached out her hands before grabbing ahold of her mother’s hand, hoping for a response. The young girl’s heart was being torn apart, and the pa
in in her chest was almost unbearable. Racked with guilt, despairingly, the young girl spoke aloud to herself.

  Cherise: "This is all my fault. I could’ve prevented this. If only I tried harder to warn them. Then maybe this wouldn’t have happened."

  The man who killed the children’s parents, would not even give them a moment to grieve.

  Razkaul: "Get out from under there you two." With no response from either of the children, Razkaul’s voice grew noticeably more irritable and louder, as he kicked one of the table’s legs.

  Razkaul: "I said get out from under there, now! I've already lost a slave today, and I will not be denied my right!" Terrified, the children only backed further away from the man.

  In response, Razkaul grabbed the table before throwing it aside, before glaring directly at the children.

  Razkaul: "Your father, and mother had already caused me enough trouble. If you know what's good for you, you'll stand and do as I say." The children didn't immediately respond to his command, but backed even further way until they were against the wall.

  Razkaul: "I am not a patient man! YOU WILL OBEY!" He said with a grimacing menace, pointing his sword towards the siblings.

  What are we supposed do we do now?... Someone help us!

  Mustering all the courage he could, Theo nervously stood up. Looking defiantly at the man, he began nudging his sister fully behind him.

  After seeing the young boy’s defiant act, Razkaul made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a laugh, before snarling at the brave yet foolish boy.

  Razkaul: "Do you think to oppose me? I will not tolerate it! Those who oppose me, oppose the will of the gods themselves!” As he said this, the children could see the Aelaan fully believed every word that was coming from his mouth.

  There seemed to be little hope for the two siblings when small, but fast paced footsteps could be heard making their way towards the homes doorway. Bursting inside their house, with a dagger in hand, was Ira. Sweat on his face, Ira briefly looked around with shock at the fallen father, and the scattered door remnants around him, before looking directly at the assailant whose blade was pointed towards his friends.

  Noticing the unexpected guest, the Aelaan let out a haughty laugh.

  Razkaul: "Looks like I'll be bringing home three slaves after all!" He said while waving his arms to his sides, as if showing the world.

  Turning himself fully around to face Ira, Razkaul then started making his approach towards the new child.

  While Razkaul was closing in, Ira eyes were darting around the house looking for something, anything to use, before finally noticing that the flame in the fireplace was still going strong. On his approach, the Aelaan paused momentarily.

  Razkaul: “Wait, I’d recognize you vermin anywhere. I didn’t think I’d get the privilege of bringing the last of your kind to judgment. Oh truly, how the gods have smiled upon me this day.”

  With a confident grin and his sword arm ready, Razkaul was only feet away as he neared the young boy.

  To the Aelaan’s surprise, Ira reached into the fireplace. Ignoring the searing pain from the hot flames, the young boy swiftly grabbed ahold of a log that was still burning red hot. Aiming true, he threw the fiery log as fast as he could directly at his adversaries face.

  Razkaul was partially able to deflect the burning log with his sword, as red hot fragmented ashes burst forth from the splintering wood, pelting his face.

  The scattered flame covering the Aelaans face drew his attention away long enough for Ira to position himself for his next attack. With his other hand, Ira threw his dagger with all his might at the villain’s face. Barely having enough time to react, Razkaul attempted to dodge the attack but wasn't quick enough. The dagger flew by the Aelaan’s face, as he let out a terrible scream.

  Razkaul: "Wretched scum! Vermin!! I'll kill you!! I'LL KILL YOU!!!!" The dagger had made a deep gouge on the right side of the Aelaan’s face, stretching from his bleeding eye all the way through to his ear.

  As the Aelaan was screaming in pain, he held onto his pain ridden face, for both the stinging cut of the blade, and the temporarily scorching pain of the hot fragments. With his free hand, as he was stumbling backwards, Razkaul was wildly swinging his sword around. And seeing that the intruder was temporarily disposed of, Ira motioned to the siblings.

  Ira: "Come on!"

  Quickly grabbing ahold of Cherise’s hand, Theo pulled her up before the two made a mad dash out the door, following shortly after Ira’s lead. The three then ran straight into the forest, which at this time of day was now completely under the cover of darkness.

  After witnessing all that has transpired, Mikael decided to abandon his safe distance, as he began walking cautiously towards the house. He froze immediately at the sight of Razkaul, who was making his way at the doorway. Moving slowly into sight with an enraged expression, and a hand covering his bloodied eye, the Aelaan gritted his teeth furiously.

  Still with one hand over his now permanently scarred eye, the Aelaan leaned his sword wielding hand on the homes door frame for support, before furiously crying out to his men.

  Razkaul: "Soldiers!!!!"

  It wasn’t even a minute later after Razkaul's yell before results were shown. The soldiers who had arrived hastily from the bottom of the hill were both astonished, and unsettled, as they beheld the current condition of their leader. With an enraged sneer, Razkaul peered as his men.

  Razkaul: "I've changed my mind! Kill them! Kill every last one of them!-" And in spiteful rage, he changed his glare from his men to Mikael to ensure he was heard, loud and clear, "-KILL THEM ALL!"

  None of the soldiers’ dared second guess their leader on his decision.

  With the closest soldier among them to Razkaul promptly responding to their leader by simply stating, "It will be done, my lord!" The Aelaan dutifully said while saluting, before leaving along with the others just as hastily as they had arrived.

  Distraught upon hearing this, the tall man started approaching Razkaul.

  Mikael: "But we had a deal! There were to be no woman, and children killed! You promised-" As he was walking closer to Razkaul, his words were abruptly cut short.

  Still in a hot rage, Razkaul swung his blade at the man. Just slightly avoiding a fatal blow, Mikael escaped with only slight cuts towards the edges of his palm. After seeing his strike had missed, Razkaul continued speaking in his heated rage.

  Razkaul: "You cur! You should be grateful that I've allowed a scum like you to live this long! Even after all that you've done to your fellow kin! This was all you ever really desired… This!" Sticking his sword into the ground to free up his hand, Razkaul pulled a pouch from his belt and flung it at the man’s feet.

  Aelaan silver shekels spilled out on the ground before them, as the Aelaan leader continued to say.

  Razkaul: “This is what you wanted! Lest anyone say I'm not a man of my word. As agreed, I provided your riches!" He in disgust, as he raised himself to stand fully upright.

  Grabbing his sword from the ground, Razkaul gave the tall man a sinister glare, and pointed his blade threateningly while leaving him with a few parting words.

  Razkaul: "Tread carefully, I will not tolerate your presence again. And if by chance I should ever come to see the likes of you again, I will kill you." His intentions were abundantly clear, as he stared at Mikael with utter contempt, giving all the more weight to his loaded threat.

  Knowing that Razkaul wouldn’t tolerate his presence much longer, the tall man hastily started picking up the coins as frantically as he could manage, so as not to try the Aelaan’s patience any further. Gradually, Mikael’s pace got slower with each single shekel he grabbed, occasionally finding himself looking back to the village he once lived in, now a fiery inferno. It was becoming clear to Mikael with every coin he grabbed, that he traded his fellow villager’s lives for mere wealth. His friends, his family, his neighbors, all of their lives he traded weighed less than a third of a single coin.

  After grabbin
g the last of the silver pieces, Mikael left in a hurry, knowing he would not be tolerated a second longer.

  ────────

  Making quite some distance from the village, Mikael noticed the path he traveled was only made visible by the light from his burning village. Having seen firsthand the consequences of his actions, it was not until now that he fully realized the height of his crime.

  With his eyes fixated towards the village, Mikael walked backwards as he started saying aloud as if to dissuade his conscience of his guilt.

  Mikael: "it's not my fault. I didn't want this. I didn't ask for this!" And not keeping track of his footing, he tripped, falling backwards over an object and onto the ground.

  The tall man looked at what he tripped over, to see it was nothing more than a wooden beam. The beam had been part of an abandoned wagon, utterly broken beyond repair with some rope still among the wreckage.

  Overcome with grief and anguish, Mikael grabbed the rope, fastening it tightly into a noose. Seeing a tree nearby him, he threw his rope in the air before wrapping it around one of its larger branches. Upon climbing atop the branch he then fastened the noose tightly around his neck before taking one last look at his former home.

  With an unbearable guilt on his shoulders, Mikael looked out towards the raging flames consuming his village, the last glance proved to be more than he could take. Unable to stand the sight of what he’d done for another second, he leapt from his branch.

  CHAPTER 7 – MERCHANT’S PASS

  After the children successfully escaped into the forest, it was difficult, but possible to navigate through the brush. The orange light of their village aflame was still partially visible through the small gaps peeking through the foliage of the forest, and with it, the fiery orange glow emanating from the sky behind them helped guide their way. With the sun fully set, the three continued stumbling through the thick forest.

  With all that transpired, Cherise nervously clung onto Theo’s arm as they made their way. Even now, with the difficulties of traversing the forest at night in their escape, Cherise’s mind was elsewhere.