by D L Colon
Suddenly the ground starts shaking and they watch as the souls of the dead are rising up from the ground, each of them taking a solid form. Albert and Morgana step back, turn and head to their places on the other side of the battlefield, Albert is heard cursing as he is heading back. The form who seems to be the leader approaches Coral and drops to his knees, “I am Vlad and I am the leader of the warriors of old. We have stuck a deal with our King and we shall serve you for these two wars. In return, we shall be granted rest. We will make sure our King honors his word.”
“Thank you for coming. We need all the help we can get at the moment. Are you able to fight against magic?”
“Yes Milady, my warriors are ready for this type of battle.”
Coral silently says to Noryad: thank you, my love.
Chapter 74
Noryad enters the catacombs and is slowly walking through the passages that are there, but he feels like he is being watched. He knows that the souls of the dead Kings are picking at his defenses, but they know to keep their distance. Not wanting to waste any time, he uses his magic and contacts them: Souls of the Kings of the past, show yourselves to me. Bring me your wisdom and bring the Sword of Kings knowledge to me.
One by one the Kings appear in front of Noryad, some he remembers from history lessons a long time ago, and others he has no idea who they are. One by one they pass through Noryad, giving him their wisdom, but as a price for this knowledge, Noryad has to experience their deaths. He is almost at the last of them when he is brought down to his knees, sweating as his mouth clenches and his body is trying to control the weariness that is threatening to destroy him.
Each King’s death has been more brutal and harder to withstand than the one before him, but Noryad has seen that they all have something in common. The face of King Arthur is in all of their memories. He has been able to withstand all the memories, but his mental barriers are wearing down. He knows that he has to follow this one through till the end if he hopes to find news of the Sword of Kings. Each king has heard of the sword, but none has found it and Noryad knows that the sword is here. He feels the nagging feeling of the call pressing at him. The last King passes through Noryad and Noryad screams, not being able to control the memories that assaulted him, and he is brought down to his knees again. This time he puts his hands on his knees as he tries to control the memories of the King who is standing tall like the King’s before him. His eyes are showing his iron will and determination. Their legacy is now part of Noryad`s inheritance. The memories assaulting Noryad stop, but Noryad remains on the floor with his hands on his knees as he slowly starts to recover.
Once the room stops spinning he gets up to face the Kings with a different look in his eyes. Each King knew the burden they would have on their shoulders, yet they went through with the decision to become the King. Even when they had the chance to leave the Throne to someone else, they did the work because they knew none other would do what was best for the Kingdom.
Noryad nods to the Kings as Darius’ voice enters his head: You are ready
Then all of the Kings point to the end of the hall, where the grave of King Tyrone is. Noryad bows to the Kings in respect and heads to the grave of King Tyrone. The closer he gets the more his senses scream at him in warning, but he actually feels the call of the sword getting stronger. He checks his mental defense and it is holding, but he reinforces it anyway because the sword calling is a hum in his mind.
He stops in front of King Tyrone’s grave entrance and is about to take a step inside when he hears a voice in his mind: The time has come. You have come to reclaim your inheritance, but are you strong enough to withstand the power this holds or will you be consumed by greed and power? Come in, Noryad King, Son of Trez, descendant of the King Family’s strong line of successors. Merlin speaks highly of you, do not prove him wrong.
Without thinking twice, Noryad enters the grave and all around him small balls of fire start to illuminate the room until it reaches the front of the grave. Standing in front of the grave is the man who talked to him a few seconds ago. What Noryad sees sends chills through his body and bones. What is waiting for him is none other than King Arthur himself holding the Sword of Kings in his hand. On the blade of the sword, written in a small, elegant script, is one word; Excalibur.
King Arthur stands there, facing Noryad for a moment before he smiles and asks, “Shall we begin?”
Chapter 75
Noryad walks toward to the King in front of him and he asks, “How come you look like King Arthur?”
The King smiles and answers, “I am King Tyrone, King Arthur reincarnated. When I was born in the Caribbean I retained the physical features I possessed during my reign as Arthur, but without the memories. I did not have the memories from my past life until I was well into adulthood and given my ring and sword by Merlin.”
Noryad nods his understanding and says, “That information is in a book in the library at the castle. I read it and remember everything it said.”
“I bet you do, but not all inside the book was true.”
Noryad looks at him in shock, which causes him to start laughing, “Do not worry I am only joking.”
Noryad scowls at him in irritation, “I have a war to fight and I can’t stay here for long. I have a Kingdom to protect so is there a way I can get the sword without having to fight you?”
Tyrone laughs at that, “If there was a way to get it without a fight those before you would have used the sword in their time.”
Noryad thinks about this for a moment and then asks, “So they each came to fight for the sword, but they lost?”
Tyrone answers, “Not exactly. Upon my death I had Merlin hide the sword in the Throne Room and leave a note for future generations, giving them clues as to where they could find it. The clues led them here, and if they were able to defeat me they would have gained the knowledge of where the sword was and how to access it. Many came to the entrance of my tomb, but none ever stepped in. They felt an invisible wall in front of them because only the one who was truly ready would be able to step into the tomb. That person is you and we will have no choice but to recognize you as the strongest King in history if you defeat me. Now you know that this must happen.”
Tyrone assumes his fighting pose and says, “Come at me with everything you have Noryad!”
Noryad grins and assumes his fighting pose as he takes out Nightfall. He stands there for a moment before he runs toward Tyrone. Tyrone runs toward Noryad, too, and they meet with a clash as Nightfall and Excalibur meet. Upon contact with each other’s sword they exchange memories of their lives. Both are shocked by this, but that doesn’t stop them and they just continue to exchange sword blows. Both are skilled swordsmen and neither blade connects with flesh, but the memories keep flowing freely between them with each sword clash.
Noryad learns more of his heritage and Tyrone learns of what happened to the Kingdom and the road Noryad has taken to return home to face him. They see each other in a new way and Tyrone admits to himself that Noryad is the only challenger needed for the sword. Noryad admits that Tyrone is the best man he has ever fought against. They continue to fight and are so enthralled with each other and the exchange of memories that neither notice when all the Kings enter the tomb to watch the fight. None of them speak as they watch the fight in silence, not missing any detail.
One of the Kings breaks the silence when he says in an awe filled voice, “I never thought I would see a Mix Up.” The Kings all look at him in confusion and he explains, “A Mix Up is when two warriors face each other and the more they fight, the more they tap into the potential they have dormant inside of them. They are pushing themselves to the limits, and even though they haven’t cut each other, you can see the mental struggle between them. Their bodies should be tired by now, yet their will to win makes their minds ignore the signs of being tired and they will continue to fight.”
Noryad and Tyrone continue to exchange blows, but instead of showing signs of fatigue, they start m
oving faster. They both attack, but the other evades, causing their swords to clash again. When they exchange a blow that knocks their swords from their hands neither backs down and they start exchanging punches and kicks. These connect and soon they are both bloody. They continue to exchange blows, bringing them closer and closer to the limits of their bodies.
They each throw a punch and their fists connect. The impact sends them to opposite sides of the tomb and they are both able to retrieve their swords and try to catch their breath, but Noryad’s energy is really low because the warriors fighting have been draining him slowly, and Tyrone’s body is tired. They both know they have one opportunity to finish this. Tyrone looks at Noryad and smiles, he knows that Noryad is thinking the same thing. They both start running and Noryad, using a little of his power, makes his body become ethereal and disappears from Tyrone’s view. Before Tyrone realizes what’s happening, Noryad is behind him with Nightfall just millimeters from his neck. When Tyrone tries to challenge Noryad he lets Nightfall touch Tyrone’s neck and nicks him just a little. Upon coming into contact with the sword Tyrone feels an intense pain that brings him to his knees.
He drops Excalibur and takes a couple of deep breathes before he utters the two words Noryad wants to hear, “You win.”
Chapter 76
Noryad sheaths Nightfall and stands in front of Tyrone, giving him his hand to help him up. Tyrone takes Noryad’s hand and rises to his feet. Once he is on his feet he puts a hand on Noryad’s shoulder and asks, “What is that sword you have there?”
Noryad grins and answers, “Years after you, when magic began to appear, First Necromancer King Darius created this sword. The sword was destined to belong to me at some point. Why? I don’t know. All I know is that the sword choose me and it gave me this mark on my forearm.” Noryad shows Tyrone the mark and continues to speak, “Nightfall, which is the sword’s name, has the power to destroy any soul I run it through, but if I simply cut you, you still feel the pain in your soul. I knew that it would have been impossible to beat you with my staff sword, and I know that this would be the prime opportunity to test Nightfall. I haven’t been able to use it for fear of killing someone innocent, but you are already dead and I knew that you wouldn’t let me kill you easily, so I had to gamble with this.”
Tyrone, upon hearing this, starts laughing and says, “Well, Noryad King, you beat me. You are now the strongest King alive, and the last of my new line, unless you decide to bring a son into this cursed world. I don’t know what happened during the battle, but I could see your memories every time our swords clashed and I know you could see mine. I am glad I know the man behind the sword and not just the one who came for the sword. Kneel, Noryad King, the time has come.”
Noryad kneels in front of Tyrone and lets go of the Armor of Kings. As the armor slowly disappears Noryad removes his shirt, leaving his chest and back bare. Tyrone glances at the Phoenix on Noryad’s back before he places the tip of Excalibur on Noryad’s right shoulder: I, Tyrone King, owner of Excalibur, do hereby grant Excalibur to Noryad King, the last King from my bloodline. I ask you, Noryad King, will you reign like the Kings before you? Are you going to lead us, the souls of the dead, the creatures of the night, and those who are alive within our Kingdom? Are you willing to sacrifice your life for those you love to protect them from harm?
Noryad raises his head to look into Tyrone’s eyes: I, Noryad King, Son of Trez King and King of Death, swear that I will reign like those Kings before me, with just and grace. I will lead everyone under my rule. I will sacrifice my own life for those I love and I will protect them from harm. There shall be no enemy I fear, nor will I put those I love in harm’s way.
Tyrone smiles as he tabs the tip of Excalibur on Noryad’s left shoulder and finally to the crown on his head: Noryad King, you are now given Excalibur, the strongest sword to ever exist. Keep it from the enemy’s grasp or this world shall fall into darkness. Now rise, Noryad King, and accept that which you have earned.
Noryad feels an intense power rush through him as Excalibur touches his crown and all of the weariness leaves him. He rises and takes the sword in his hand. All the Kings of Old kneel in front of him and start chanting, “Long Live the King!”
Noryad turns around to face them and silences the room, then he turns back to say thank you to Tyrone, but he has already disappeared. Noryad mentally says: Thank you, Tyrone.
Chapter 77
Noryad picks up Excalibur and is thinking about what he is going to do with his staff-sword now that he has it. Suddenly he feels the sword change its form, and now in his hand is a beautifully crafted staff-sword. While it retains the properties of Excalibur, now instead of being a double-edged, single blade sword, it has twin dragons holding a rare magical stone on one end and Excalibur’s blade on the other. On the shinning silver blade gold writing appears; the one who holds this sword holds the power to destroy life. This sword can change form at the user’s will. Also, this sword is sentient, if it feels the user does not have the will to kill his enemy it will not cut, it will be guided by the user’s emotions. The sword opens a path and the user must tread carefully, there’s always a price…
Noryad reads last words again, there’s always a price, and feels there should be more, but the words end there. He shakes his head at his wandering thoughts, makes sure Nightfall is secure, and exits the tomb of King Tyrone. Once out he uses his power and seals the entrance to the tomb, the King should be left to rest.
As he`s leaving the catacombs he feels the scale of power is in favor of the enemy so he hurries to where the guardians are awaiting his command. Using his power he summons the Armor of Kings, the armor rises to answer the call of its owner and attaches itself to Noryad’s body. Once he is ready he has the guardians each touch one of his shoulders and they all disappear in a flash of black light.
*******
Coral is in the camp making arrangements for the battle against Albert with their new allies, Vlad, Commander of the Souls of Dead and the souls that answered Noryad’s call. They call themselves the Dragon Troop. Xandar, his men, Megan, Bryan, Nohar, Merlin, and Christina are all there listening as Vlad is explaining to them what his troops are going to be focusing on, with the help of Merlin. Xandar has explained that his men, with Megan, Bryan and Christina, will be leading groups of warriors in hopes of raising their will to fight. Merlin explains that he will be covering them all in a web of magic that will make them immune to mental attacks from Morgana, she specializes in using a person’s fear against them.
Once they are finished they go to the battlefield and tell the warriors the battle plan. After everyone is finished Coral speaks up, “We better get started because we have to protect this Kingdom while Noryad focuses on getting what he went to get for us.”
They break apart and everyone goes to their post, leaving the center for Coral to lead. After taking a deep breath Coral attempts to contact the souls mentally, hoping that her connection with Noryad will allow her to do so: Hear me, warriors of the Kingdom of the King Family. We all wish we could be at home, spending time with our loved ones, but that is not the case. We are at war everyone. They are making it impossible for you to return home to your loved ones. They will continue to drive you to the ground until you give your last breath. Will you stand with me, Coral, Goddess of Fate and your Queen, or will you run and hide within the castle walls, hoping this war is just a bad dream? We are losing warriors, those who choose to fight for their loved ones’ safety, and we will continue to lose them if we do not step into action now. Will you fight for their safety, or will you disgrace us all?
The warriors’ eyes grow dark as the gravity of the situation sinks in. For those who didn’t believe for sure that this was a war, they know now. Their fear is strong, but the will to protect those they love is stronger. The battleground erupts in a roar as they all scream, “YES!” in unison. Their yell has been heard by everyone and they start clashing their swords together, making the noise level rise in a crescendo of l
oud clanks and clashes.
Coral points to the enemy and yells, “ATTACK!!” and the warriors on both sides of the battlefield start running toward the other.
Coral leads her group of warriors, fighting with them. She is killing, attacking and evading, but she is receiving a few cuts on her body. The small wounds, though she knows they’ll piss Noryad off, don’t stop her from continuing to fight. Despite his orders for Behemoth to protect her, she will protect her right as a Goddess and as Queen of this Kingdom, at least until he returns.
*******
Noryad appears on the top of the hill overlooking the battlefield. He sees that the battle is raging, but his side is taking massive hits. He grins, knowing that the tables are about to turn, and says to the guardians, “It’s time to rock this party.”
Chapter 78
Noryad uses his power to communicate with Xandar and Vlad from his position on the hill: I have returned. I’m on the hill overlooking the battle, have we lost many from our side?
Vlad and Xandar both answer: Yes we have, Milord, and Vlad continues to say: We are glad that you have made it. Did you get what you went looking for?
Noryad smiles: Yes, I got what I went for and more. Were the bodies of the ones we lost destroyed or buried?
Xandar answers: Milord, the bodies were buried out of respect for those who died. Are you planning something?
Noryad smiles again and answers: You will soon see.
He breaks communications and looks at the guardians beside him, “You might want to step back a little,” he says as he takes out Excalibur, which he returns to its original form, and unsheathes Nightfall. With both swords in his hands, he starts to gather his power. The elements even respond to his call as the clouds start to turn darker and the sun is being covered. The only illumination is Noryad’s power surrounding him.