The Hero of Legend

by Demethius Jackson

  “Fine!” Igthu surrendered. “We can go, but we can’t leave now. Patrols have been doubled since the escape.”

  “Indeed they have,” Seku said. He stroked his long gray beard as he contemplated their situation. He was brought back to an earlier conversation he’d had with Damian.

  “I know for a fact that the invasion of the Realmsic Kingdom was only the first part of Damian’s campaign. He’s planning something else … something bigger, and it’s during or perhaps right before that time we need to escape.”

  “A new, bigger campaign?” Igthu asked, almost laughing at the thought. “What could be bigger than conquering the Realmsic Kingdom?”

  “I have not the slightest idea,” Seku replied, and then suddenly smiled. “But I’m a spy. I’m sure I can figure it out and create an exit strategy around it. In the meantime, keep your head down and watch out for yourself. Since the King’s escape, you’ve now got the officers’ attention, and they’ll be looking to make another example out of someone.”

  He extended his hand to Igthu and helped him out of the chair. Assisting him over to the door, he carefully unlocked it and poked his head into the corridor.

  “It’s clear,” he said. “Make sure no one sees you leaving. I’ll be in touch.”

  Chapter Fifty

  Maebus barely had time to grab his battle sword off the table before Leoden burst through the metal door of the stone cottage. Somebody’s coming!” The young warrior was nearly out of breath from what seemed like a long run back to their haven. Sweat beaded the ends of blond bangs and dripped onto his face. Ever since Kelm had released the Fire Hawks only days earlier, Leoden had been regularly patrolling the perimeter. Though up until this point, things had remained quiet.

  “I’ll check it out,” Normandy said to Maebus. He climbed onto a bed of hay located under the cottage’s only window and shaded his eyes with his hands to peer through. Maebus’ palms began sweating upon his sword handle. Kelm and Fable tiptoed behind Normandy, both peeking over his shoulders.

  “I don’t see anyone,” Normandy said without averting his eyes. “Leoden, was it friends or foes you saw?”

  The young man shook his head. “Not sure. I couldn’t get a clear view through the trees.”

  “Well, how many were there?” Normandy persisted.

  “I saw at least seven persons.”

  Maebus pointed the tip of his sword towards the group. “We’ve prepared for this, people,” he said. “Everyone take your positions, get down, and stay quiet!”

  Maebus watched each person quickly scamper into their predetermined defensive positions, just as they’d practiced every day since arriving at the cottage. Leoden stood adjacent to the door, pressing his back against the wall. He lifted his axe high, ready to strike anyone who entered.

  Maebus stood several feet in front of the door. His sword shook with anticipation and would catch anyone Leoden missed. Normandy towered behind him, holding a massive club. Kelm and Fable guarded the cottage’s rear entrance. Kelm extinguished the cottage’s only flickering candle, blanketing the interior in darkness. Everyone inside the cottage remained still. Maebus couldn’t even hear the sounds of breathing.

  Suddenly, a hint of movement caught his eye. Someone had just snuck past the cottage window, trying to duck beneath it but not getting low enough.

  “Get ready,” Maebus whispered to Leoden, who then held his wood axe even higher in strike position.

  Moments later, Maebus heard something thud against an outside wall, as if someone were leaning against the cottage. Shuffling could be heard just on the other side of the door.

  The metal door slowly creaked open.

  The silhouette of a man’s head appeared in the opening. Maebus kept his eyes on the man’s neck as it craned in to glance around the interior of the cottage.

  “Hello?” The stranger whispered. “King Maebus? Grand Wizard Kelm? Are you in here? It’s Councilman Ferst,” he continued. “We saw the Fire Hawks flying overhead and have returned. Hello?”

  Maebus reflected the outside light off his sword blade to signal to Leoden to lower his axe. Then slowly, Maebus crept towards the light flooding through the doorway, revealing himself. He kept his expression impassive, stone-like.

  “Show me your hands,” he commanded.

  Ferst immediately complied, holding out his arms and turning his palms up.

  “Who else is with you?” Maebus asked, tilting his sword to make sure it was seen by Ferst.

  “The entire council,” Ferst replied. “…and also the brothers,” he added. At that moment, Hom popped his head around Ferst.

  “Hello!” he eagerly said. “Remember me?”

  Maebus replaced his hard expression with a beaming smile. “How could I forget the cookie thief?”

  Hom burst into laughter as his brother Heegan also entered. Maebus sheathed his sword. “Stand down, everyone,” he called.

  Kelm reignited the candle flame, illuminating everyone within the interior once again. Before Councilman Ferst could speak, Maebus sprang forward, capturing him in a huge hug. Ferst laughed, patting Maebus on the back.

  “It’s good to see you again, my friend,” Ferst said.

  “And I, you,” Maebus replied. His heart overflowed with joy, perhaps truly experiencing the emotion for the first time in weeks. “Where are the others?” he asked.

  Ferst pointed towards the door. “They’re standing just outside. Come on in, everyone. It’s safe!”

  The council began trickling their way into the cottage—first Windym, then Jawn, Mert, Greeve, Elva, Tavon, Sheld, and Landi. Maebus’ overjoyed heart skipped several beats upon seeing Landi. Wearing dirty and tattered clothing, with unwashed hair—straggly and half covering her thin, malnourished face—she was just as beautiful to Maebus as she’d ever been. He coyly averted his gaze as she and the others gathered in the small living area of the cottage, bringing with them much chatter and smiles.

  Kelm moved from one person to the next, shaking hands and introducing them to Normandy, Fable, and Leoden—the new members of their alliance. Maebus thrived on the harmonious joy filling the room. Even Councilmen Jawn seemed to enjoy himself and withheld any complaints. He grinned while shaking the hands of the new alliance members.

  Maebus approached Heegan and Hom, who were standing by themselves on the other side of the room. He kneeled down and hugged both brothers in a big, fatherly embrace.

  “You remarkable children,” Maebus exclaimed, his eyes tearing. “Words cannot express the admiration I feel for you both! Your ability to covertly guide the council to safety has undoubtedly helped to preserve our entire Realm!”

  The boys’ smiles lit their faces.

  “Thank you, King Maebus,” Heegan said.

  “Feel free to reward our great work with cookies,” Hom added.

  Maebus chuckled. “That you shall have!”

  He then rose to his feet, placing a hand on the shoulder of each child. He scanned the room for Landi but instead locked eyes with Councilwoman Elva across the crowd. Her presence seemed weary, yet peaceful. As she approached them, Maebus extended his hands to greet her.

  “King Maebus, it is so good to see you! I am delighted beyond measure that you are well and reunited with these two remarkable boys,” she said.

  “And I you, Councilwoman.” He planted two kisses upon each side of her cheek. “I can’t thank you enough for…”

  “No, Maebus,” she placed her hand above his, patting it. “It is we who should be thanking you. Your leadership, given the Realm’s impossible circumstances, has brought us together again.”

  “But Elva, it was not my doing alone. You of all have shown unbelievable strength, keeping the council together. In fact, I’d like to thank all of you…” Maebus raised his voice to address the entire room. The room grew quiet as he spoke.

  “Each person here, as well as our soldiers beyond, have played an integral role in our efforts to preserve the kingdom. I know that your individual journ
eys were filled with great perils and personal despair. And because we faced an enemy of immense evil—one who used information as a weapon—much of our plan was kept secret for our overall safety. In spite of the great loss of those who gave their lives…” he paused, thinking briefly of Commander Khroy. “I believe we will prevail. For we have survived and have made new alliances.”

  He turned to Normandy, Fable, and Leoden, who had gathered by his side as he spoke.

  “Having no particular obligation, these people have selflessly sacrificed their own well-being and have devoted themselves to saving the Realm. With them and with you, we will continue to fight against the odds, and we will defeat the Legions of tyranny and save our Realm!”

  The room erupted in applause.

  “Well said, King Maebus,” Councilman Ferst proclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.

  “Thank you,” Maebus replied. “But we still have much to discuss regarding our current situation.”

  “I imagine so,” Ferst stated. “Allow Elva and myself some time to gather the others, and then we can proceed.”

  “Okay,” Maebus said.

  After all introductions were made, dinner was served, consisting of wild game and vegetables gathered from the South Woods. The group sat in a large circle on the floor, engaged in a long discussion that lasted into the wee hours of the night.

  Elva and Ferst recounted General Thane’s raid upon the cottage and how the brothers guided the council’s retreat deeper into the Hellish South Plains.

  “I’d never been so scared in my life,” Elva placed a hand on her cheek as she described Thane’s growling and beast-like behavior.

  Maebus and Kelm also recapped their journey to the Ancient Lands, the unfortunate capture of the Realmsic Crystal, and their pursuit of ancient prophecy.

  The council listened carefully to the rationale behind the decision. Considering every detail, some were open to the idea of a Hero of Legend, while others remained as skeptical as Maebus initially was.

  Maebus briefly imagined how awkward it must be for Leoden who sat unassumingly across from them, listening to the Realmsic King basically refer to him as the prophesized Hero. But Leoden did not succumb to mental reservations, if he had any. And in light of the bigger picture, it was agreed by the council that all would remain in solidarity with Maebus’ plans.

  As the midnight hours crept by, no one could sleep. Maebus stayed up all night and watched from the window as the morning rays shone into the cottage.

  Leoden, who had continued his patrols of the perimeter, suddenly burst through the doors. “Someone is coming … again,” he said. This time, there was a smile on his face.

  Normandy and several members of the council rushed to the window with Maebus, fighting for a view. A silhouetted figure moved toward the cottage, followed by another and another.

  Maebus smiled. “Will you look at that!” he exclaimed.

  A sense of pride began filling his heart. The first of the Realmsic soldiers were, at last, returning.

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Maebus was in awe as the kingdom’s soldiers continued to arrive at their cottage-haven in the Hellish South Plains. In addition to the armor, weapons, and rations they carried, each also brought with them a renewed thirst for battle and an appetite for war.

  The commanding officers arrived first and were formally greeted by Maebus, Kelm, and the council. Shortly thereafter, the infantry soldiers and Crucifers began appearing by the thousands. The troops seemed as eager to reunite with Maebus as he was to finally reunite with them. Since their last encounter with Damian, they had settled in every part of the kingdom, and their personal stories were as unique as the places they’d been.

  “Upon seeing the Fire Hawk’s message, it took me five days to get here, your Highness,” one soldier told Maebus. His name was Burgis. He was tall and muscular, and spoke enthusiastically about his time foresting near the Northern Lands after the battle in Centre Pointe.

  Another soldier mentioned that he’d killed several Legionaries upon his journey southward, which the dried blood on his clothing confirmed. Other soldiers had temporarily fled close to the non-magical Western Nations, or had remained within the ruins of fallen cities. Every passing day, the soldiers waited anxiously for word from their King, and finally that day had arrived.

  Maebus designated several miles of land around the cottage to be used as their military encampment. Normandy, Leoden and Kelm helped organize and direct the returning troops. It was in the encampments that the soldiers regrouped with one another and returned to their military routines of distributing food and supplies. Fable, Landi, and Elva also assisted in establishing civilian barracks for those soldiers traveling with their families.

  The area around the cottage bustled with activity as more soldiers arrived. Maebus often walked the encampment by himself, trekking through the muddy fields that were grassy only days prior. Regardless of what the troops were doing—combat drilling, building living quarters, or eating—each one stopped their actions immediately and saluted Maebus as he passed. He appreciated their eagerness and could tell that the infantry longed to finish what had been started over two months ago.

  Shortly after activities within the Realmsic encampment normalized, Maebus officially called a meeting with the Realmsic Council and Joint Officers Corps.

  On the day of the meeting, they all crowded into the cottage. Although its limited space made a less than ideal meeting place, it provided the privacy they needed. Also, being able to shut its doors was symbolic of sealing the Realmsic Castle’s Great Hall—the chamber where, historically, all important discussions regarding the kingdom had been made.

  With over thirty people sitting together on the floor of the cottage, its small interior was nearly filled to capacity. The air became stuffy and uncomfortable after the door was shut. But each person in attendance remained focused on Maebus as he addressed them.

  “I appreciate the attendance of each of you,” Maebus began. “Both literally and figuratively, we’ve come a long way to get here, and now we have an opportunity to finish the work we’ve started.”

  Maebus scanned the determined faces of those surrounding him. Collectively, they sat clustered together, with the nine council members sitting to his left, and the rest of the Joint Officer’s Corps sitting to his right. Kelm, as tradition dictated, took his position on the right-hand side slightly behind Maebus.

  After a brief summary of events and an update on recent developments, Maebus officially introduced Leoden and Normandy. With great pleasure, Maebus promoted Normandy to the rank of General. This, as expected, took many in attendance by surprise, including Normandy himself. Prior to the meeting, Kelm had even stated that the rank of Commander would have been a more appropriate title for Normandy. But Maebus wanted to make a bold statement. Upon hearing the announcement, Normandy, tall and overbearing, nearly fainted from surprise.

  Next, they discussed potential attack strategies for reclaiming the kingdom. Normandy listened carefully to all that was proposed. Although he knew nothing about Realmsic military protocol, not once did he hesitate to interject his ideas and opinions. This came as no surprise to Maebus, who’d grown accustomed to his blunt personality.

  Leoden, however, seemed like a fish out of water. Being the youngest person in the room, Maebus imagined he felt somewhat intimidated and therefore remained quiet for most of the meeting.

  As the war meeting continued, members of the Joint Officer’s Corps gave progress reports to Maebus and council. Prior to Damian’s invasion, the senior officers had received two official instructions via Commander Khroy: to disband the Realmsic Army upon the safe retreat of the royals; and, while in hiatus, to visit cities within the Western Nations as a representative of the King. Their purpose was to solicit support for a final attack against Damian. Such liaisons were usually the responsibility of council members. However, with the heavy Legionarie presence within the Realm, such a task would have been too dangerous for non-mi
litary persons.

  Although the non-magical nations had long separated from the Realm, Damian had also attacked many of them during his initial rise. He then absorbed their armies into his own. Those nations yet to experience his wrath viewed themselves as the Warlord’s next potential targets. Individually, they stood no chance against him. However, they recognized that uniting with the Realmsic Army provided a slim opportunity for victory. Therefore, the nations proclaimed that if called into battle, they would gladly join forces with the Realm.

  In the final hours of the war meeting, a final attack strategy was agreed upon. It was determined that this latest allied campaign would be a powerful but simple man-to-man frontal invasion.

  During this assault, no tricks or gimmicks would be devised. The Crucifers would begin with a massive air-to-ground assault, while Realmsic ground forces followed shortly behind. They would engage targets and fight their way towards the castle. From the opposite end of Centre Pointe, the combined allied forces would do the same. Together, both armies would create a pincer maneuver, squeezing and trapping the Legion within.

  Councilman Mert suddenly raised his hand to be recognized by the group. “King, Advisor,” he began, “This strategy seems like a traditional Realmsic strategy, and we already know that the Warlord can defeat it.”

  Maebus considered the idea, and then shook his head. “Although this strategy does not deviate far from standard military operations, there is one significant difference … we’ve now seen Damian’s Legion in action, and therefore we know what we’re up against. Granted, this upcoming battle will not be easy, for the Warlord’s Legion is highly skilled. But every Realmsic soldier now knows what’s at stake.”

  From his place on the floor, Maebus rose upon his knees, giving him a taller view of the group. All eyes trained upon him as he began speaking, raising his hands expressively with each word.

  “Tomorrow, the battle for Centre Pointe will officially begin,” he said. “And it will be for all or nothing. If we win, the Realm can potentially solidify its alliance with the Western Nations and end the endless war. But if we should fail yet again, then darkness will prevail, and the light of tomorrow’s future will unfortunately never come.