The Fortress: "I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" He yelled while thrashing about, swinging his mace wildly.
As his adversary was recoiling in pain, it gave the young champion the much needed time he needed to get to his feet.
After standing up, Theo noticed his sword lying beside the Fortress’s leg. Steeling himself, he knew what he needed to do. Mustering all his courage, Theo once again charged his massive foe, head on, and unarmed.
Taking his hand from his eyes, the giant glared at Theo with a fierce hatred. He had enough of this charade, and he started prepared himself to meet the young fighter’s challenge directly, to finish this once and for all.
The Fortress swung his enormous weapon sideways, which Theo narrowly dodged by sliding under, as the young champion now found himself to the side of his massive foe.
In one continuous motion, Theo grabbed ahold of his sword that laid nearby, as he quickly maneuvered to reposition himself slightly behind his opponent before swinging his blade with full force. His sword cut deep into the back of one of the Fortress's unarmored knee joints. And with this, Theo’s giant adversary was brought to a knee as he yelled out in pain.
Even though finally humbled, the hardened champion of Aelaa was far from finished. The hulking giant swung his mace around his back, carrying with it all the inhuman might he had.
The Fortress’s every movement was predicted, as Theo had preemptively stuck his sword into hard ground, and using it as a means to hoist himself high into the air. Pulling his sword up with him just in time to dodge the Fortress's strike, Theo came crashing down with the blinding light of the sun at his back, directly atop his enemy. Putting his entire weight into this next attack, Theo cried out, as he struck his blade down on his opponent’s skull, and smote him.
Before the young champion landed onto the ground, even in death, his defiant foe still remained upright on his knees. Seeing he was already vanquished, Theo made sure all who witnessed knew the result of their duel. Swinging his sword one last time, Theo cut the lifeless Aelaan champion’s head clean off his shoulders, as the massive husk of his body fell to the ground.
And so, the impossible was achieved.
CHAPTER 46 – A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
The triumphant cheering from the Aelaan army just moments ago had utterly vanished, as both armies became silent in sheer astonishment. There was such a lack of sound that even the whistling of the wind's gentle breeze could be heard, as it brushed up against the grass. The short silence was finally lifted when the victorious cries arose from the army of the Free Peoples of the West. More amazed than the rest, the general of the west had an accomplished smile when he spoke with amazement.
Raddington: "I can't believe it! He did it! That crazy little shit actually did it!" He said with joyous laughter, partly in disbelief as it was all still sinking in.
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However, over in the Aelaan ranks was a combination of disbelief, fear, and uncertainty among their vast army. In the Aelaans eyes, this contest was proclaimed by their Chosen to have been in the sight of their gods, and their champion who had seemed undefeatable, was vanquished by a warrior who was barely an adult. Even still, none of them were in more shock, and outrage at the result of this contest than their Chosen himself. Stuttering his words through his rage, Razkaul spoke only loud enough for the Emperor to hear.
Razkaul: "This-s c-cannot be a-allowed. We must kill him! We must kill him now!" He said before turning to the Mesolum.
The Emperor’s expression quickly soured as he glared back at the Chosen. Intentionally loud enough for the soldiers around them to hear, he answered Razkaul with contempt.
Mesolum: "First you escape your duties by refusing to face this challenge made in the sight of the gods, and then you conspire to break the agreement you made before them?! Perhaps we lost this contest, because the gods were angry at their Chosen’s cowardice?"
Immediately, the soldiers within earshot looked at Razkaul, their Chosen by the gods, eagerly awaiting an answer to these accusations. Now suddenly nervous, the Chosen quickly, and loudly rebuked the claims.
Razkaul: "I never said that!-" And forcing himself to control his seething temper, he exclaimed further, "-The gods have chosen that the West’s champion should win, and we are duty bound to hear what he has to say!" And although retraining himself, it was obvious for everyone around that Razkaul held deep scorn for the young champion.
For not even being a part of their army, it was even clear to Theo that if not for the strife between the Aelaan leaders, he likely would’ve never had a chance to speak. With that in mind, he definitely appreciated their shared resentment towards one another. After all, if not for their struggle, he might well have had to face down their entire Aelaan army. After that thought came across his mind, the young champion couldn’t help but smile. And without moving an inch from his spot, Theo started yelling back at the two Aelaans in command.
Theo: "As I was saying… I bring news from the Order of the Light!-" And he continued yelling the following words, as clearly as he could manage, saying, "-The Darkness has returned!" He said, wanting to make sure there was absolutely no chance at his words being misinterpreted.
Fully expecting a mixture of reactions, Theo waited for a moment before seeing some of the surprised expressions from the Aelaan army. Even then, there were only a few, most of them just simply scoffed at his claim. It wasn’t really unexpected, after all the beliefs of the west were and are incompatible with the Aelaans own religion. And with that said, the Chosen was the first among them who loudly protested the champion’s claim.
Razkaul: “That's a lie! The Light and the Beast you vermin speak of, and believe in, is nothing more than the beliefs of madmen and fools! You only mean to buy yourselves time! But this will not save you, or your army!" The Emperor interrupted Razkaul, exclaiming sharply.
Mesolum: "ENOUGH! We will hear him out! The gods have decreed it! They must have their reasons!" He said with Razkaul angrily biting his tongue, allowing the champion to continue.
Theo: "It's true! The western temple of the Order is already in ruin! It’s defenders’ slain! The Darkness will stop at nothing until it's reclaimed all its power within the Order’s temples! This threat involves us all! Before it’s too late, we need to unite our forces to stop it!"
If not for the Chosen sitting on his horse, this request would've had him floored. Razkaul started throwing his arms in the air before he yelled back.
Razkaul: "What?!" It was a simple, but passionate question, which was shared by all in the Aelaan ranks.
Razkaul: “This is ridiculous! And it’s clearly a lie! Don’t think just because our ancestors made a pact to honor the Order's call to arms in a bygone era, that we’re also obligated to follow in step to their foolhardy ways!" Again, Razkaul was interrupted by the Emperor who exclaimed back.
Mesolum: "Enough! Do I have to repeat myself?! The gods have already spoken! However false these claims may sound, we will honor our agreement. Even if the treaty is ancient, Aelaans do not go back on their word! But before these calls to arms are answered, we shall see for ourselves if what this man says is true!" He said before outstretching his hands to his troops.
Mesolum: "Send out scouts to inspect all the temples of the Order of the Light! We will verify the heart of these claims! Until then, neither army is to leave the field!" He said as a clear threat, glancing at Theo.
Theo didn’t quite seem to mind the emperor’s threats or glares directed at him. Rather, he just pleasantly smiled at the outcome.
Theo: "It's settled then!" He said before nodding in acknowledgement back at the Emperor, and not pressing his luck any further, he turned to walk back to his army.
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As the young champion came closer to his force’s side, he was welcomed back with spirited cheers echoing throughout the entire army. As Theo was being welcomed back, he seemed more nervous receiving praise from his fellow soldiers, than he ha
d earlier when intending to face off against the entire Aelaan army, alone. However, before Theo could make it back to his lines, he was met by Cherise, and Obi, as well as his comrade in arms, who ran out to meet him. All of them happily celebrated Theo’s safe return to them.
Both excited and frustrated at the same time, Obi spoke to Theo.
Obi: "I don't believe you picked a fight with all of them like that, and came out still standing! I swear, you’re just like Ira! I can't handle this kind of stress!" He said before grabbing Theo by the shoulders, and shaking him vigorously, as he continued yelling somewhat jokingly.
Obi: “Will you just stop it!?" After finally relenting on shaking Theo, he then spoke in a somewhat flustered relief.
Obi: "Jeez, kid. In the end, I'm just glad you're okay!" He said before rubbing Theo's head, thoroughly ruining his already messy hair.
Cherise just looked on, smiling and giggling the whole time until she enthusiastically spoke to her brother.
Cherise: "I'm so glad you're safe! Do you realize how worried you had us?!-“ She said pleasantly enough before instantly changing her tone to scold him properly, as she said, “-Now tell me! What in the world were you thinking, picking a fight with all of them like that?!" And he acknowledged her concern with a guilty expression, but left it at that.
Oh, no way! We’re not done having this talk!
She made her displeasure with his lack of answer abundantly clear, pouting before she scolded him further.
Cherise: "Don't ever do that again! Next time you have the urge to do something reckless, can you do me a small favor and don’t! Okay?! Just don't!" Surprised by her adamant protest, he smiled back while nervously laughing.
Theo: "It looks like almost everything I do now a days, everybody either calls crazy, or reckless." And a little upset he was making a joke out of it, she yelled back.
Cherise: "No!-" She said sternly before pouting again, and continuing, "-You know what I mean..." Theo just shrugged, and smiled back.
Theo: "Okay, I'll try to remember that next time." He said unconvincingly.
…That’s probably the best answer I’m going to get from Theo. Oh well…
Letting out a defeated sigh, Cherise smiled back to her obstinate brother. Obi was compelled to interrupt their conversation.
Obi: "I don't know Theo, maybe there’s a reason people are calling you crazy or reckless. It may be a warning you should start listening to them. Who knows? You might even live longer." He said as teasingly as he could.
Theo returned a halfhearted smile, shrugging, knowing there was truth to his concern.
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As the three made their way back into their army lines, Theo was applauded and given pats on the back by every soldier he passed by. Not knowing how to handle the attention, Theo just nervously waved as he slowly went on his way. Eventually making it back to Raddington, Theo saw the general proudly sitting atop his horse, still somewhat in disbelief. The general let out a quick chuckle before joking.
Raddington: “You little madman! You actually did it! I can't believe you're not dead!" He said with delight before speaking loudly enough so everyone around could hear him.
The general then continued making a joke out of it, but he was somewhat serious when he spoke.
Raddington: "This kid just walked up to the entire Aelaan army, and taunted all of them to their faces. And not only did he come back alive, but just look at that triumphant smug grin on his face!" He said while displaying Theo's smile as his evidence.
Still astonished over it all, the general had to finish his thought on the matter by saying one last thing to Theo.
Raddington: "Someone, or something must be looking after you, kid." And now having spoken his mind, it was back to business for the general, as his expression became more serious before he spoke to the champion again.
Raddington: "So, what exactly are the terms the Aelaans agreed to?" With a wide smile, Theo answered.
Theo: "Well they’ve agreed to hold off on fighting us until they’ve had time to look into what I said about the Darkness. They already sent out scouts to each of the temples of the Order. As long as they’re honest, the scouts are sure to report back to their leaders’ proof I didn’t lie. But… their emperor did make sure to issue a rather pointed warning to us. He said neither army is to quit the field, but judging by the way he said it, I think we should play nice and go along with it." The general went wide eyed.
Raddington: “Theo, I'm impressed. And you know that I'm not an easily impressed man. But I must admit, I'm still not certain of the claims your friends made myself. Although, it doesn't hurt to have them verified by my own men as well." After Raddington said this, he motioned for some scouts of his own to investigate the matter.
The scouts must've been given prior instructions, because each of them immediately left, purposefully heading their own way. In the meantime, the cheers from Theo’s army had seemed to finally die down.
Raddington looked back at the champion, clearly with something still on his mind. Not leaving the young man in too much suspense, the general asked him with a genuine curiosity.
Raddington: "What happened between you and their Chosen earlier?..." After hearing his question, Theo looked back at Cherise to make sure she heard his answer before speaking.
Theo: "We actually have some history.-" He said before subconsciously gritting his teeth slightly, and continuing to speak to Cherise in particular, "-Ten years ago, he was the man that killed our parents, and ordered our village be razed to the ground."
Both Obi and Cherise waited momentarily to see if Theo was possibly joking, but his dead serious expression was their answer.
What?... That horrible man is really the Aelaan’s Chosen?... If he’s their leader, then how can we possibly trust them?
Consumed by a torrent of inner thoughts, Cherise was speechless, completely dumfounded by her brother’s words. Obi abruptly stepped forward, interrupting their conversation to ask Theo directly.
Obi: "Wait, are you sure? You mean to tell me that the man you three told me about is also the Aelaans Chosen?” He asked insistently, with Theo only nodding as his answer.
After seeing Theo’s response, Obi’s temper flared up. He swore at the thought of the contemptible man before continuing.
Obi: "That monster! All this time, he's been idolized as their Chosen! Living the life of luxury! He even makes the nobles of Valenor look like saints! Unforgivable!" He said in an angered frustration.
Originally, Raddington was intending to scold Theo for his reckless actions, but he couldn’t help but sympathize after hearing all that Razkaul had done to the two siblings.
Raddington: "Well, just try not to kill him until we're in the clear alright? If what this business regarding the Beast is true, then the last thing we need is to give the Aelaans an excuse to break this unstable truce… Nevertheless, you found yourself quite a formidable enemy, kid. And from what I hear, he’s second to none in his brutality. Should you care to know it, their Chosen’s name is Razkaul. He is also credited for the Aelaans newfound abilities to control magic." And regaining a sense of herself, Cherise asked the general back.
Cherise: "Really? That wicked man is also responsible for them having those powers? How?" She asked in a curious yet spiteful way, almost looking for another excuse to resent the Chosen.
Shrugging, the general looked uncertain himself as he continued explaining.
Raddington: "These are unconfirmed, so bear that in mind when I tell you. There's been rumors that he was once a prominent Aelaan noble that dabbled in alchemy. Using his slaves in his alchemic arts, he was somehow able to imbue himself, and his followers with magical power... It is said; that the power they wield at their fingertips is directly weighed by the lives sacrificed in their twisted experiments. I did not ask for the details, for I shudder to think of how he went about it.” He scoffed in disgust.
Raddington: “They call it alchemic arts, because it is conven
ient term for them, but I see it as nothing short of witchcraft and sorcery!” And not wanting to dwell on this long, he finished his thoughts.
Raddington: “Long story short, Razkaul’s accomplishments were acknowledged by the Aelaans religious sect. In particular, their Prophet took notice, and eventually he gained influence and power. His continued alchemic successes propelled him to become a religious figure himself, their Chosen by the gods, as they so call it. Since then, he’s continually performed similar alchemic rituals on his soldiers’ so they too can harness magic."
He’s… He’s a monster! The more I hear about him, the more I know, the worse it gets. Somebody has to make him pay for him crimes.
After hearing what Raddington had said, Theo clenched his fists in a tempered anger. He was now surer than ever that justice needed to be dealt upon this villain, and he fully intended on being the one to do it.
CHAPTER 47 – OMEN
A few days passed while the armies remained camped apart from one another. It was an uneasy tension to say the least, with both forces had hardly moving from their original spots. The opposing armies were still armed for battle, and prepared to fight each other on a moment’s notice. Everyone was on edge for at least one of two reasons; from either awaiting potentially dire news from the returning scouts, and or also being rightfully worried about the other army breaking the paper thin truce between them.
Like fresh spring water running into a stale pond, the sights of returning scouts in the distance brought life back into the whole situation. Of the two forces, the Aelaan men were the first to return. And almost immediately, their camp buzzed with the murmurings of spreading rumors, as the scouts returned to report directly to the Chosen and the Emperor themselves.
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In the Aelaans side of the field, the last and highest ranking of the empire’s scouts had just returned back at camp. Stepping inside his leaders’ tent, he appeared before as quickly as possible. The man was the captain of the Aelaan scouts, Ephir, who presented himself before Razkaul and Mesolum with a salute before presuming to speak.
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