by Damon Glatz
Too bad we only have an hour here. I'd love to stay and relax with Nicholas for a while. He would really like Sierra.
They approached the Hall of the King. Ohitekah looked to its side and saw the mead hall. He remembered having his first drink there at the party. He remembered the time when Red and Lance even sat together to share a drink.
Lance. I wonder how he is doing. It’s been a while. I hope he is alright.
Two guards were stationed outside the hall. They wore heavy fur and steel armor. Similar to how Nicholas' used to look. They each held battle-axes.
"Who goes there to see the King?" One of them asked. The other one took a step forward. He squinted and thought for a moment.
"Ey. I know you! You’re the tribe boy who helped the king."
Ohitekah smiled. "Yes, I'm Ohitekah. I am good friends with Nicholas. He's not expecting me though. We have important news."
"Of course!" The guards opened the gate. "Anything for you."
Ohitekah shot a smirk at Sierra.
"Alright, don't get too ahead of your enlarged head."
They walked side by side into the large hall. There were several roaring fires along the walls of the room. There were many Vatnic soldiers sitting around talking and drinking loudly. Seated in his large fur covered throne was Nicholas. A thick golden crown rested on his long-braided hair.
The king spat the drink from his mouth when he saw Ohitekah and jumped to his feet. Focusing everyone’s attention toward the doors.
Nicholas charged down the steps of his throne and ran down the carpet of his hall. Sierra stepped to her side and Ohitekah braced himself for impact. Nicholas wrapped his heavy arms around Ohitekah and nearly squeezed the life out of him. He lifted Ohitekah into the air and spun him around. After a moment, he dropped him to the floor like a sack and turned to his men.
"Everyone! Everyone!" Nicholas boomed. He pointed his large fingers at his friend. "This is the lad I was tellin’ you all about. It’s Oakanoak… My good friend from the plains. Come in lad, make yourself home."
"Nicholas. How are you?"
Nicholas grabbed Ohitekah by his wrist and walked him through the great hall. A few men clapped and nodded their heads as they passed. Sierra trailed behind at her own pace.
"Good… No, that’s a lie. I’m great! I'm doing fine." Nicholas turned and stood in front of Ohitekah. "Now, I want you to meet... The love of my life. The young and beautiful, Queen Agatha!" Nicholas spun around and waved his hand to the woman behind him, sitting next to his throne.
Ohitekah paused before saying anything, it took him a moment to process the Queen.
"Oh, I didn't realize you had married. Congratulations." He spoke dryly.
She was a very large woman, almost the size of her husband in height and stature. Her hair was blond and braided. She was muscular and her armor played a part in accentuating her full chest. Nicholas ran to her and gave her a passionate kiss on the lips. She grabbed his head and pulled him in for a long embrace. Ohitekah squirmed.
Nicholas broke her grip and turned to Ohitekah.
"Love of my life she is." He faced his Queen again. "And may she bare me a thousand sons!"
"Here here!" The queen bellowed. They clashed their goblets together, making a mess in the process, and took large gulps of their drinks.
Ohitekah and Sierra exchanged glances. Ohitekah made a frown and rolled his eyes, Sierra let out a short chuckle and looked back to the King.
"So," Nicholas began again, taking a seat in his throne. "Who is your little lady friend there?"
Sierra took a step forward and made a slight curtsy. "My name is Sierra, your highness."
"Sierra. A beautiful name for a beautiful young lady." Nicholas gave Ohitekah a wink. "But maybe you should eat some more. You're too skinny!" Nicholas motioned to his wife who rolled up her sleeve and flexed her massive arm. They both let out a roaring laugh.
Sierra let out a sigh and took a step back.
"Men!" Nicholas shouted. "Prepare a feast for our guests! And give them rooms in our best inn." Nicholas turned to Ohitekah with a smirk. "Or should I ask for just one room for the two of you?"
Before Ohitekah could stammer out a response, Sierra took a step forward.
"Actually, your grace."
Nicholas sat up straight to listen.
"We cannot stay long. We have urgent news for you."
Nicholas' face dropped.
"Oh... You're not here to visit?"
"No. Sadly, we have come here to seek your help actually."
Nicholas stood back up, his demeanor darkened.
"Well, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time lad? I see you still can't stay away from me for too long."
Ohitekah cleared his throat.
I would have loved to stay here and feast again. We would have had so much fun together, all of us.
"We need you and your navy," Ohitekah said in a somber voice. Nicholas cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrow. "There is a war coming. Emperor Falko from Orbis wants to collect all of the Mythic powers for himself, all five, and use his army to invade the other nations. Red, the Blood Red Spades, and I are planning a counterattack to stop him."
Nicholas' face grew serious as he listened.
"Alright. Where do I come in?"
"When Falko takes his army to invade the plains, his capital will be left mostly unguarded. We need your navy to come from the south and take over the city. You will join up with our Order, the Blood Red Spades, and help occupy the city as the major battle goes on in the plains. When he is defeated, we will put power back to the Senate, and your men will pull out of the city."
"We're just going in, taking over, and leaving? My men will need a bit more… Incentive." Nicholas rubbed his beard.
"If Falko is not stopped here," Sierra spoke up loudly. "He will spread across the plains. He will strike out to all the other Nations. We need to move as one and help each other to achieve peace. Your incentive is not having your lands taken from you in a few years."
Nicholas frowned. "She's a feisty one you got there, lad."
"Yeah, I know, but she's right."
"My men," Nicholas began. "Are still recovering from our battle with the Mythic. Our ships are injured, our families broken. We sing songs of victory, but it came at a high cost. They will not be easily convinced to take up arms again so soon. It’s a tough call."
"You should not receive much resistance on the seas or in the city. Falko is not expecting your attack," Sierra spoke up again. "Also, you will be in the Emperor’s Palace... I'm sure no one would mind if some of his treasures went missing." She gave a crafty grin. "As compensation."
Nicholas let out a laugh. "I like this one! She's got it now! I'll tell the men, the first ship to the palace gets whatever treasure they can carry. That'll get their boots clicking." He rubbed his beard again. "Also... We get to use our secret weapon now."
Ohitekah furrowed his brow. "What?"
Nicholas raised his hands in the air. "The Water Mythic! It works for us now! That was the deal! With that, we can take the city no problem!"
Sierra frowned. "I'm not sure that's necessary. No one had considered that before."
Ohitekah shook his head. "Yeah, I don't know."
"The men will know they're safe with the Water Mythic leading the way. We won't have to do any of the hard work. We can just do our part with no risk."
Ohitekah thought about it for a moment.
"Come on." Nicholas walked over to him. "The sea goddess gave me her word. That’s the word of a God!"
The Gods are the ones orchestrating all of this. What side is the Sea Goddess on? Does she have to keep her word?
"Your Highness!" A guard stepped in from the doorway. "A messenger hawk just arrived from Orbis bearing your name."
Ohitekah turned to face Sierra.
"It's too soon. That can't be."
Nicholas waved him in. "Well bring it here then lad." The man walked past Ohiteka
h and presented the scroll to Nicholas who unrolled it.
"Who's Galius?" Nicholas asked.
"He is the leader of our group," Sierra spoke. "He's the one who planned all of this. What did he say?"
"Well." Nicholas rolled the scroll back up and glanced away. "He didn't say anything."
Sierra scanned his face for a read.
"Galius was killed. I'm sorry to tell you that lass. I am," Nicholas spoke softly.
Sierra took a deep breath. She shook her head.
"No. No. How? Does it say?"
Nicholas walked down the steps and handed Sierra the scroll for her to read for herself.
"Falko is preparing to move out, ready your men for your position. Another hawk will be sent when you are needed. If Sierra is there, let her know Galius has been killed. She needs to report to base right away. May the creator of light guide us all."
She dropped the scroll to the floor.
"We need to go. Now." She turned to walk out of the Hall.
Ohitekah looked at Nicholas.
"I need to be with her. I'm sorry."
Nicholas placed a hand on his shoulder. "Okay. I'm gonna start preparing my men for battle. I'm doing this for you, and your people. I want you to know that. I'll have a ship bring you two to shore. Be careful out there, alright?"
Ohitekah nodded. "Thank you, Nicholas. Now, I owe you… Again."
Nicholas let out a grin. "You owe me nothing. Friends help each other when they need it. When I get back I expect to have you here to visit sometime. For fun!"
"I'd like that."
Nicholas gave Ohitekah a slap on the back and turned to face his wife.
"Agatha! Your brave King is going off to war!"
"Give ‘em hell, Nicky!" She wailed from her chair next to his throne.
Ohitekah had to hold back a gag in his throat. He jogged out the doors to catch back up with Sierra. He walked behind her for the trail leading down to the rocky shore. She walked quickly on the stone pathway. Not letting him catch up to her.
How long? How long until Falko starts the fight? I just wanted more time... That’s it.
Chapter Twenty Eight
The Last Sunset
They had been riding in relative silence since the sun was high. Sierra kept to herself, unwilling to speak. Ohitekah rode in the rear and bit his tongue. She hadn't said a word since she heard the news, she was silent the entire time on the ship while it brought them back to the mainland. Nicholas had taken his flagship and was sailing to the other islands to recruit more sailors for his mission.
I can't believe Galius was killed. I know Falko isn't one to be taken lightly, but still.
Ohitekah wished he had someone to talk to. He had a lot on his mind. He had not heard from anyone else and had no idea how Red was doing on his end.
I'm having trouble hearing other people’s thoughts. I guess my own head is clouding out others.
Sierra stayed ahead, her hood up, never looking back.
This feels different than my fight with the Thunderbird. That time, I could turn away, I could decide to leave the battle if I wanted. But now, if I go, everyone is affected. This fight is more than just me, it’s almost the whole world. People are counting on me to win.
Their pace was a fast one, they were covering ground quickly. Ohitekah's tribe should not be too far away.
I wonder how all the tribes have been with Darius. I hope he's been alright.
"They should have been back by now." Marcus paced the center of the room, surrounded by the highest-ranking members of the Order. "Did they not receive the message?"
"There’s a good chance of that," Leif spoke. "We can only hope they are on their way, but we must plan for the worst."
"Indeed." Marcus rolled out a map of the city. "King Nicholas and his men will be arriving once Falko’s men have marched out of the city. Nicholas’ men will storm the docks, leading any remaining forces left in the city to defend them. In that time, we will strike at the palace and destroy any reserves left inside. Leaving us in control of the city. When Ohitekah and Daisuke return, we will be here to establish the power restoration falls into the right hands. For now, we must prepare ourselves and get ready for battle. Everyone is to partake in the occupation. Understood?"
"Yes sir," The men repeated. They dispersed and began preparing their weapons and armor. Word was spread throughout the order to eat and sleep well. They must prepare for one of the most important days of their lives. No mistake could be made.
Marcus looked down at the floor. He frowned and let out a sigh.
Why? Why did you have to go now? I can't lead these men. I'm not the one with the plans.
Marcus reached into his cloak and pulled out the bag of King's pieces.
I could never even beat you in this stupid game. But, I'll do the best I can. I'll follow your instructions, long after you stop giving them.
Marcus stood up and drew his personal weapon. A thick curved scimitar. He had only been training with the spear to help others, as that was Falko's preferred weapon. But Marcus had his personal favorite.
I may not be the best player in the game, but I can still be the strongest piece.
The sun was low on the horizon behind Ohitekah as he rode. A full day on horseback was tough on everyone, especially in the mind-numbing silence. But Ohitekah could tell he was close to home.
It had taken them three days for the entire trip to and from the Vatnic Islands. Ohitekah hoped that was enough time for word to spread to the other tribes. Something like this had never been attempted. The tribes had always been loosely allied although some were sworn enemies with one another. There was a chance none of them even came at all. Or the ones that did show up may be fighting each other right now.
Ohitekah picked up his pace a bit. He pulled up next to Sierra who still had her hood up. He peeked inside subtly, to see if she was alright. Her face was looking down, she did not meet his glance.
"Sierra."
"Maybe if I was there, I could have saved him. I'm always in the wrong place."
"Sierra, it’s not your fault. What happened to Galius—"
"You’re right. It’s not my fault. But I still wasn't there when I should have been. Now I'm supposed to go to Orbis and leave you here. What if I'm in the wrong place again? How can I be helpful if I can't be where I need to be?”
Ohitekah glanced away.
"I want you to go to Orbis."
She turned her head to look at him.
"Why?"
Ohitekah swallowed a lump in his throat.
"It’s safer there. You will have your friends, Marcus, Darius. You will be more of use to them than out here. My mental hearing has been really off too for a while. I can't find anyone... Even Red. I don't know how things are going with him or if he's coming here at all."
Sierra glanced around, thinking.
"You're nervous?"
"Of course, I'm nervous." Ohitekah raised his voice. "I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't like it. I'm not a fighter. In every battle I'm in, I do the best I can to not hurt or kill people. I don't know how you guys do it? Taking lives like it’s easy. You, Red, Nicholas... Everyone I know thinks I'm weak for that. And now, I'm supposed to lead all of my own people into a war. How can I expect my men to kill when I can't? Even if they're the enemy, even if they're out to get me... They're still people, they're fighting for what they think is right, just like me. And I can't live with myself if I hurt them."
Sierra stopped her horse in its tracks and turned to look at Ohitekah. His face was flushed, his breathing heavy.
He's been wanting to say that for a long time.
"No one thinks you're weak,” She spoke sternly. “No one has ever shown anything but respect and admiration for you and what you do Ohitekah. You're right. Taking a life isn't easy. But not killing is even harder. And it’s something not everyone can do. Identifying with people that want to hurt you, and seeing the goodness in them. It's something I can't do. I only see men who want t
o cause me pain, and I fight for my friends who would fight for me. You are the perfect person to lead your people. You are not someone to abuse your powers, you would never betray your loved ones, and you are a good and kind person. And that is your strength. Our enemies want to destroy people like you. People who stand up for what is right and fight for peace. People like Galius... He was never a fighter. He hated it just like you do. But just having a kind heart isn't enough. Quiet hearts are drowned out by angry men. You need to stand up for what you believe in. People are counting on you. And no matter what happens you need to fight against those who live in hate. Because they are terrified by the love that you carry and that is our greatest weapon."
Ohitekah gave a slight smirk. "You really think that?"
"Well," Sierra glanced into the deep red setting sun. "Maybe our greatest weapon is my mech-blade, but love comes close."
Ohitekah let out a laugh. Sierra always knew just what to say. He had no idea she felt that way, the warrior woman that she was. Still had a soft spot.
"Thank you. I needed to get that out."
"Me too," Sierra said with a smile. They took a moment to appreciate the pink and blue clouds on the horizon behind them.
"Sunset arrived quickly today. The Sun God must be eager for tomorrow."
"I don't like that idea." Ohitekah turned around and inhaled through his nose rapidly. There was a heavy scent on the air he was beginning to pick up. "Smells like a campfire," He said softly. "We're close to a tribe. Let’s go."
They whipped their reigns and raced across the darkening hills. The smell of cooking a meal filled his memories. He couldn't feel hunger anymore, but this was awfully close.
Ohitekah brought his horse to a dead stop. Stretching the vast open fields in front of him were thousands of tribes. All huddled in their own circles, but close to one another. Most of which were hosting their own fires for cooking tonight's meal. Ohitekah recognized some of the tribes by their paintings. A red bear, the yellow bird, a green turtle. The tribes that were enemies were stationed far away from one another, but they were still not fighting.