With the mountains behind him erasing any chance of escape on foot, Theo boldly stood at the front of his army, looking out towards the massive approaching army, showing no fear.
The minutes seemed to drag on, as it seemed the last of the Aelaans full might was finally coming into view from under the horizon. It wasn't much later until the Aelaans front lines suddenly came to a halt, stopping only a few hundred feet in front of the army of the Free Peoples.
For a moment, it seemed as if they only stopped their advance to let the fear of their overwhelming might set in. But in due time, the Aelaans would show an ulterior motive to delaying the coming fight. As promised, among the Aelaan ranks was Razkaul, and Mesolum himself, who had both encouraged their men in the vast army to criticize their foolish men of the west before the coming battle. More than willing and able, the Aelaan soldiers just stood by, hurling insults, and slurs of every kind to the People of the West.
The vile words they spewed were getting on Theo’s last nerve. The cursing and profanities were one thing, but when Theo heard the opposing army belittle the alliance’s trust in the Light, he had finally had enough. Hoisting his great sword onto his shoulder, Theo started walking straight towards their great army.
Shocked that Theo would have the audacity to face down so many alone, Raddington yelled out from behind him.
Raddington: "Kid, are you crazy!!? Get back here!" Clearly agitated when he looked back towards the general, the champion pointedly replied.
Theo: "Then how long are we going to let this continue?! We already know this battle is happening! Better sooner, than later! At least that’d shut them up!" And as he was saying this, there appeared to be some unrest at the back of his army’s ranks.
The racket didn’t just catch Theo’s attention, as Raddington looked behind to see what the sudden commotion was all about. And while he was looked back, the general heard the stern voices of his men profusely demanding to some unknown people, who remained out of sight, to keep to where they were.
Grumbling over the sudden disturbance, the general yelled back to where the stir was coming from his ranks.
Raddington: "What's going on now?! What are you all doing back there?!" In response, one of his soldiers from the rear came forward.
After approaching the general and giving a salute, the soldier said, "Sir, there's two who came from the Order of the Light! And no matter how much we keep telling them; now isn’t the time to grant an audience with you, they still persistently keep trying to force their way through. They keep saying that they have an urgent message to tell you of the most utmost importance… Whatever it is, they’re insistent in being the ones to relay this message to you personally!" Curious, but confused over the matter, the general could only respond with an unfinished thought.
Raddington: "What in the world?..." As the general spoke, the commotion from the army’s rear only grew louder.
Soon after, Cherise, and Obi came into his sight. Both of them were still atop of their horses, and forcing their way through. And even though their mission was urgent, Cherise constantly felt the need to apologize to everyone while she urged her horse through the men.
Since their forces were now boxed in against the mountains and the Aelaans, the general knew that the two must’ve arrived earlier, and simply just gone unnoticed by him earlier. As soon as Obi saw the highly decorated man, he desperately yelled to the general to get his attention.
Obi: "General! We’ve come with grave news! You must hear us!" Irritated at the intrusion, in this particular moment, the general loudly and obnoxiously said back.
Raddington: "You've come at a great time! In case you hadn't noticed, we're facing down the entire might of the Aelaan Empire!! I have bigger things to worry about than whatever problems you bring with you! Get them out of my sight!"
As commanded, the soldiers grabbed ahold of two, and began pulling them off from their horses as Cherise pleadingly yelled out.
Cherise: "No, wait! You don’t understand! The Darkness has been set loose! You must listen!"
But her pleas seemed to be to no avail, as Raddington ignored both hers and Obi’s defiant cries, as they were being dragged off. However, Theo heard the sound of Cherise's voice, as he started running back towards his army’s line.
Heading in the direction of Raddington to investigate the matter for himself, Theo loudly exclaimed.
Theo: "Wait! Stop! I know them!" Instantly annoyed, the general replied.
Raddington: "Of course you do! Why am I not surprised?!-" And rolling his eyes, he gestured for his men to allow the two forward, as he said, "-Bring them here!" He said, not trying to hide his unamused tone, agitated at the notion of also dealing with the additional concerns of his uninvited guests, now of all times.
When the two were allowed through, Theo looked upset about the nature of their reunion. Without so much as a greeting, he bluntly asked them both.
Theo: "What are you both doing here? Are you crazy?" Obi wasn't about to let that comment slide without a rebuttal, quickly replying back.
Obi: "Crazy?! I just saw you trying to take on the entire Aelaan army, single handedly! You're not allowed to call other people crazy!"
Oh, these two! Obi has a point, but now’s not the time for some silly spat!
Feeling the need to Intervene, Cherise frantically started waving her hands for them both to drop it. And bringing the conversation back to what really mattered by exclaiming.
Cherise: "Both of you stop it! That doesn't matter right now!” She said rather uncharacteristically pointedly before continuing, after making sure she had their undivided attention.
Cherise: “Theo, something terrible has happened. The Darkness has returned!-" And giving Theo only a second to realize the gravity of the situation, she continued, "-I've seen the evidence for myself! The orb’s been shattered, and everyone in the temple grounds is dead! If Obi and I hadn’t been gathering supplies when this happened, we may not have even been here to tell you!"
The news was shocking enough already, but after hearing her last comment, Theo was all the more determined to ask her about another matter.
Theo: "What about Ira?! Where is he?! And Keller?! Are they safe?" Her dampened expression in response to his question, immediately distressed him before she even spoke.
Cherise: "Keller's been killed. And Ira... I don't know what’s become of him. I don’t even know where he is. We can only hope he's safe."
Mounted on strange yet majestic creatures, on their approach, Almahiel and Aidelin overheard the conversation among the three. When up close to the stranger from the Order, the elven princess plainly asked Cherise.
Almahiel: “Young woman, is what you're saying the truth? And if so, where is the Darkness now?"
Is that an elf?! I want to ask her so many questions… Wait, Cherise, no! Snap out of it! Now’s definitely not the time!!
Awkwardly enough, some mixed expressions of Cherise’s internal monologue showed. But her excitement, and disappointment of seeing an elf aside, she was also surprised by the princess’s question. It wasn’t particularly a strange question, but by the elf’s tone, it appeared that the princess somewhat believed her claim. Even while having this suspicion of the elf, Cherise’s response to the princess came out almost pleadingly when she spoke.
Cherise: "I'm not lying! The Darkness has escaped! I wasn't there when it happened, but those who defended the western temple have been slain! All that remains of the glass orb lies shattered on the ground!... But even with that said, I can’t say for certain I know where the Darkness is now!" To help her case, Obi intervened at this point.
Obi: "The Darkness hasn’t been made whole yet. It would likely be trying to regain its full power, by reclaiming the remaining pieces of its essence. And that means; the others orbs in the temples of the Order are also at risk."
Almahiel didn't respond with words, but just gave Cherise an inquisitive look. Trying to perceive that which remained unseen, to discern if the young
woman spoke truly.
…Is she expecting me to say something?
Nervous about the constant staring, Cherise returned an uneasy smile. Suddenly, Almahiel’s eyes opened wide, as she spoke in astonishment.
Almahiel: "You’re telling the truth!”
Wha?!... How in the world did she!?
And not giving anyone time to dwell on how she came to her conclusion, the princess turned to Aidelin.
Almahiel: “Go! You must inform my father at once!" The elven commander was completely caught off guard, but immediately protested the idea.
Aidelin: "But your highne-" His words were cut off by a sharp swiping motion of the princess, as she continued speaking.
Almahiel: "This is no time to argue! None of the men in my guard, could carry so much weight in their words to match that of your own! So, go now! This is not some trifling matter we can sit on!" The elven commander clenched his fists in frustration before tilting his head slightly to his soldiers.
Aidelin: “Until my return, keep the princess safe at all costs!” The other elves didn’t return any words, but instead, perfectly synchronized a salute with the clanking of their metal.
It was a rather intimidating, yet effective display of acknowledging their leader’s command. The elven commander then stared down the human champion, as he pointed his finger.
Aidelin: “I expect you to do the same.” He ordered Theo before turning to take his leave.
Theo felt somewhat conflicted about the whole gesture. On one hand, he was finally acknowledged by the elf, and on the other, the elven commander just managed to pile on yet another burden to consider.
Aidelin quickly left on his strange deer like steed, heading straight towards the protruding mountains cliffs behind their army. It wasn't long after that they could see him on the steep rocky cliff side from a distance. The animal Aidelin rode on was somehow able to traverse the practically unclimbable mountainside with ease. He eventually left their sight, as he continued on his way to deliver the message of utmost importance.
Preparing himself mentally for the coming battle, Raddington tried to ignore the continued commotion coming from behind him. But even still, he was unable to ignore Obi’s loud yelling.
Obi: "You all heard it! The Darkness is not just some story! It's real, and it already has already killed its fair share of good men I knew! And it will stop at nothing until it has regained its full power!" He said while looking at Raddington directly, and once he had his attention, he demandingly continued.
Obi: "The fate of the world is at stake, general! We're going to need everyone to stop this threat!... Including the Aelaans!" Raddington, and all the surrounding soldiers who heard his words, were stunned.
The expressions from all the men were telling enough, with how well they’d think that plan would go over. And after looking around to see their faces, Cherise nervously thought to herself.
It's no wonder they're all so surprised. As if their situation wasn't bad enough already. We’re telling them that the entire Ehya is in peril. And in their time of need, we’re not only asking for their help, but also the aid of the Aelaan armies, who are only here on this field for the sole purpose of eliminating them.
She grimaced at the thought, finding it hard to think positively on the bitter situation.
The truth is; even with all of their help combined, it still may not be enough to stop the Darkness. They should be shocked... What we ask for seems nearly impossible.
Like the rest of his men, the general was caught momentarily speechless. But after the shock subsided, he exclaimed back.
Raddington: "What?! Theo, are all your friends just as crazy as you are?! Telling me that the Beast of legend is free is one thing, but asking for the Aelaans help is another. It’s utter insanity!"
I guess this was to be expected…
She smiled nervously, at a loss for words for how to convince the others of their impossible task. Cherise already told them everything she could to make him understand, and surprisingly, Almahiel got in between her and Raddington. With a presence and demeanor of superiority, the princess confidently informed Raddington of her plans.
Almahiel: "I will go out to discuss terms with the Aelaans. If they can see reason, I should be the one to do it." And throwing his hands to his sides in frustration, the general pointed an accusing finger to Almahiel.
Raddington: "This isn't the time for me to be indulging your over inflated ego! I can’t risk having an elven princess dying under my watch! The Aelaans speak only one language, but having been around for centuries, you already knew that!"
His words were a bitter pill for the princess to take. Biting her tongue, she knew there were some hints of truth in what he’d spoken. But having a quick look at her guard, it didn’t exactly appear they had any intention of letting her have her way.
With an uncomfortable uncertainty filling the air, the young champion stepped up. Looking confidently straight into the general’s eyes, he said.
Theo: "If that’s what’s needed, then I'm your man!" He said while hoisting his sword up.
Giving it only a moment’s thought, Raddington's eyes widened as he considered the idea. And as if speaking to himself, the general inadvertently spoke loudly enough for others to hear.
Raddington: "That could work…" His voice trailed off in somewhat disbelief at what he, himself, was saying.
And leaning towards Theo, the general continued to speak more confidently.
Raddington: "Looks like you’ll get your chance to be a hero after all, kid! On occasion, the Aelaans have been known to grant audiences after a show of strength before their gods.” He said before having a mischievous, crooked smile on his face.
Raddington: “Go over there, and challenge their leaders honor directly to their face. Ask to face their greatest warrior, on the condition of them hearing what you have to say. And by the Light, should you succeed, tell them of the Beast, and of our plans." The young champion immediately answered.
Theo: "You won't regret it!" He said proudly before turning to face, and point, a finger towards Obi and Cherise before speaking with a reassuring smile.
Theo: "I'll be right back!" He said before turning to head off.
And as Theo started walking off to the opposing army a few hundred feet away, Obi said to Cherise.
Obi: "He’s really has changed, hasn’t he? I've never seen him so high spirited before.-“ He said before chuckling, and continuing, “-And here and now, of all times."
Obi’s point certainly hadn't gotten passed Cherise’s notice, as she looked on at her brother’s back. While he left to fight, she couldn’t help but smile.
It looks like you really did find where you belong, Theo… Just please, come back to us safe and sound.
CHAPTER 44 – A RECKLESS SOUL
The vulgar chants of insults from the Aelaans seemed unrelenting, but slowly they died down to a halt, as their army began making preparations to advance their lines forward into battle. It did not go unnoticed by those in the Empire’s front lines, in which that a lone young soldier was so boldly walking straight towards their vast army, grinning at that. Theo’s presence just riled up the Aelaans even further, all of whom, anxiously awaited for the order to attack.
As this was happening, Razkaul and Mesolum were confidently sitting atop their horses, only a mere sixty feet at best from their frontlines.
Mesolum was first of the two who noticed the rash warrior from the Alliance. He let out a laughing scoff before gesturing towards the champion.
Mesolum: "Look here! The people of the West have grown bold indeed!"
As the Emperor was letting out a good laugh, Razkaul had an entirely different take on the matter. With his one remaining eye, he looked on with contempt, continually getting more irritated at Theo's arrogance.
The young champion was less than fifty feet from the soldiers in the Aelaans front line, when the Chosen angrily yelled out to his men.
Razkaul: "Do not let allow this
cur to insult us any further! Kill the wretch!" Theo immediately stopped walking after the Aelaans Chosen spoke up, as he brashly taunted them back with his grin.
His next actions was even more daring, as he yelled back a command, aimed directly at the Aelaans’ Emperor and their Chosen.
Theo: "I demand an audience with your leader! I have news from the Order of the Light!" The Emperor stopped laughing for the moment, to respond with contempt.
Mesolum: "What right does anyone from the Order have to request an audience with me?!-" And seeing Theo's surprised reaction, the Emperor elaborated, as he spoke in disgust, "-Do you think that news of those clothed in the Order’s garments, who dared to attack my soldiers, would go unreported?... I know full well what happened at Kings Height! As far as I see it, requesting an audience under the Order’s name, may just as well be another reason to have you killed on the spot!" After hearing this, Theo immediately felt guilt over what transpired, as he quietly spoke to himself.
Theo: "Sorry everybody… Didn't think that'd come back to haunt us." But not allowing himself to give up so easily, he played dumb, smiling as he tauntingly yelled back at the Emperor.
Theo: "Is that right?! Even so, the agreement your empire made with the Order centuries ago, is still in place! Isn’t it?! You know it is, and I demand to be heard!” And seeing his remarks were falling on deaf ears, Theo quickly changed his approached, as he yelled further.
Theo: “In the sight of your so called gods, I challenge the honor of the Aelaan people! You're nothing but a nation of spineless cowards, seeking out, and preying upon the weak, and most helpless! Right here and now, I will face down, and defeat any adversary you can muster up to throw at me! And when I win, which I know I will, by your own laws, you will hear what I have to say!"
As one could easily imagine, Theo had a hard time finishing his proclamation, as he stirred the Aelaan army into a heated frenzy. Thousands of them roared out in rebuke, eagerly wanting to kill the young upstart. Their uproar was undeniably noticed by everyone there, including the entire opposing army of the West, who all stood dumbfounded, as they increasingly became more nervous.
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