“How are you holding that?” Connor asked, surprised that his petite friend was easily wielding such a massive weapon.
“It’s super light.” Alina answered, just as surprised herself.
“When they attached themselves to you, they made themselves aware of everything you are capable of. No matter the size of the weapon, it will be custom fit to precisely what you can handle without ever becoming cumbersome. It will always feel as though you are moving only the weight of your arm and nothing more.” Ryaal informed and then nodded to Etria.
With that, she took Connor and Alina by the hand and led them over to the boulder.
“Ryaal needs to be alone for a few moments.” She said.
“Why?” Alina asked.
“He is to put on his battle wear now. I imagine he will incorporate his grandfather’s wear with his own. When an Akirian dresses for battle, it is a ceremonious act. He must sit in silence and reflect on why he fights. It is a way for them to remember the battles and lessons learned from the past. They connect with the memories of the garments. As such, it will strengthen him further and give him battle knowledge held only by his grandfather as he will incorporate his wear into his own.” After a few moments the three could hear heavy footsteps approaching. Ryaal appeared in full battle gear, but not the gear of a regular Akirian warrior, he appeared wearing the battle wear of a King.
“I want to thank you all for doing this. I do not know where I would be if I did not have the three of you.” He told them before motioning to Etria to join him in speaking privately. She acknowledged and the two walked a short distance away from Connor and Alina.
“You must promise me something Etria.” He told her.
“Of course, what is it Ryaal?” She asked.
“If at any point, things look as though we may not survive, you must swear to me that you will take them and run. You must promise to bring them back home safe.” Ryaal instructed with heavy hearted sincerity.
“I swear to you Ryaal. If need be, I will keep them safe. You have my word.” She replied with the same sincerity.
As the two made their way back to their human friends, Etria spoke up.
“I should let the two of you know something. When we travel through this gate, it will take a serious toll on you. When we arrive on the other side, you will need time to adjust.”
“What kind of toll?” Alina asked.
“Well, when you first enter the gate, it will feel like every atom, every cell in your body is racing to get ahead of itself and then all of a sudden slams to an instant stop. When you reach the other side of the gate, you will feel as though you were pulled through a hose and beaten along the way.” Etria answered matter-of-factly.
“Not many humans have travelled through gates like this. There have been some who haven’t made it. Their psyches broke or their bodies couldn’t take it and they died.” She added.
“That doesn’t sound so bad.” Connor responded with an uneasy sarcasm.
“I have no doubt that you two will make it through just fine.” Etria said, believing her words quite strongly.
“You are every bit as strong as Ryaal has told me, and I too am honored to fight alongside you. I would also like to thank you for helping us.” She added.
“Well, I guess it’s about that time then. It would seem we have an appointment for some ass-kickery and what kind of uncivilized people would we be to keep those a-holes waitin’. Let’s light this firecracker!” Alina added enthusiastically.
With that, Etria smiled and turned to face the large rectangular doorway carved crookedly into the rock face. She closed her eyes and extended her hands down with her palms facing the boulder. It was quiet at first. Then suddenly, the ground before them began to tremble as a sliver of light broke through the rock and quickly spread, filling every inch of the carved doorway. Etria grabbed Connor by the hand, smiled at him and said,
“Just in case.”
She pulled him in close and kissed him deeply, sending a surge of adrenaline rushing through him and without waiting for a response, she pulled him into the light and they were gone.
Ryaal looked at Alina.
“What was that all about?” She said confused
“Yeah, that was weird right?” Ryaal smiled in agreement.
The light hearted smiles they held at their friend’s awkward moment quickly faded and Alina’s look become one of complete seriousness.
She looked into the brilliant light of the gate and then back to Ryaal.
“No matter what happens, I wouldn’t have changed anything. You’re the best friend any girl could’ve ever asked for. I love you Lucian.” And with that, she turned and headed fearlessly into the unknown.
Ryaal stood there for a moment, hoping his friends had made it through but trying to prepare himself for what he might find on the other side. He closed his eyes and visions of his grandfather’s smile, he and his friends walking to school and laughing, and Kara looking at him with those captivating eyes flooded his mind. At that second his eyes widened, his teeth gnashed, he dug his feet into the desert sand and charged through the light, headed for home, headed for his greatest battle, headed for Kara.
Chapter 20
A brilliant light ripped through the rock face as Connor came crashing through. He fell to his knees, gasping for air and holding his head which felt like it had been bounced off a sidewalk. A second later Etria came through, fatigued but in a far better state than Connor. She rushed to his side and began to rub his back in an effort to calm him.
“It is alright. You’ve made it. Just breathe and try to relax. It will pass.” Her calm and relaxing voice instructed him.
Her soothing words were soon interrupted by the sound of someone vomiting. She turned and saw that Alina too had made it through the gate, though not in much better shape than Connor.
“It is alright you two. You have made it. The ill feelings will soon subside.” Etria assured the two.
“Move and you die?” A gravelly voice stole Etria’s attention. She raised her head and to her horror, saw four massive Akirian guards staring down at them with weapons drawn and ready to end the trio.
“Ewww! What are they? They look…unformed.” One of the guards spoke up.
“I do not know.” The largest of the three answered. With a giant scar draped across his face, he seemed to be the one in charge as the other three stood behind awaiting his command.
“Grab them. Keep them on their knees.” He ordered.
Connor and Alina quickly snapped out of their sickly stupor, as the crushing grip on their necks forced their eyes to the ground.
“Who are you?” The scarred Akirian demanded of Etria. Instead, Connor answered for her.
“Tourists.” He answered with his signature wise assery.
“Might you be so kind as to direct us to the gift shop?” He continued.
Connor and Alina began to laugh but Connor’s was quickly interrupted by the Akirians large boot to the side of his face. As the blood began to leak steadily from his mouth, another Akirian attempted an answer.
“Maybe they were sent through by Rek. He will most likely be through next.”
“I don’t think you’ll be seeing him anytime soon.” Alina informed.
“What do you mean?” The scarred guard snarled as he crouched low and close to the young girl’s face.
“He’s all kinds of dead.” She answered proudly as she turned and faced her captor.
“Ha! By your hand?” The guard laughed back at her, amused at the thought of something so small killing an Akirian like Rek.
“No.” She answered more seriously this time.
“My very good friend killed him. You should’ve seen it. He didn’t stand a chance.” She said, almost sounding as though she were trying to provoke him.
“Is that so?” The Akirian questioned, now closer to the young girl’s face and finding no amusement in her words.
“And who exactly is this friend of yours?” He
asked.
Alina raised her head and stared directly into his shark like eyes and with pride and defiance, answered.
“You call him Ryaal.” She answered.
The Akirian became fear stricken at the very mention of his name, as he stood and staggered back in disbelief.
“You lie!” He screamed at her.
He raised his hand to slap the young human and at that moment, the blazing light again ripped through the rock face. The blue light of the gate silhouetted the massive warrior as he stepped through and slowly surveyed the situation. A moment later the light subsided and the rock face returned to normal. As it became evident that the massive figure was in fact Ryaal, the Akirian guards gasped.
“Oh you guys are screwed now.” Connor spoke up.
Ryaal’s eyes grew wide as he grabbed his head and began to scream so violently loud that it forced everyone to cover their ears. After what seemed like an eternity, Ryaal collapsed.
“Son of a….” Connor started.
“What happened to him?” Alina yelled to Etria, who had been dragged to the farthest end of the group.
“He’s closer to her now. Their souls are screaming out to one another and the pain caused him to collapse. We are on our own until he recovers.” Etria informed them.
“Alina! Get ready.” Connor ordered.
“Hey, numb nuts.” He called to the guard still holding him by the neck.
“I found this weird stick. Do you know what it is?”
Connor asked as he slid the Arc staff from his sleeve and slammed it into the ground. The guard leaned forward to see what it was. Connor quickly changed it into a long spear which shot up through the guards face, killing him instantly.
Alina saw this as her chance and quickly pushed herself back through her captor’s legs, breaking his grasp in the process. He turned quickly to regain control of his prisoner but she was already on her feet. She jumped, threw a quick and vicious left hook that caught the Akirian in the throat. She then pulled the Arc staff from her waistband changing it into a short sword, and drove it hilt deep into the Akirian’s chest, twisted and pulled it back out. She landed on her feet as the guard crashed to his knees, dead.
Connor and Alina looked to Etria who had just broken her guard’s neck, when she motioned towards Ryaal. The two looked and saw the lead Akirian sprinting towards him, war hammer raised and ready to end the incapacitated warrior. They threw their weapons with incredible force, hoping to halt the attack on their unconscious friend. Connor’s spear found its mark in the Akirian’s back and pierced him completely. Alina’s sword found its place in the side of his head. His lifeless body crashed to the ground hard and slid to a stop, just inches from Ryaal.
“Are you two alright?” Etria questioned with big sister concern while patting them down, ensuring they had no wounds.
“I’m alright.” Alina replied.
“I think were good.” Connor answered.
Etria put a hand on each of their shoulders and looked them in the eyes with great pride.
“You did very well.” She praised.
“What’s happening to him?” Alina asked looking at Ryaal whose skin had begun to turn a deep and void like black.
Etria smiled sadly. “He is taking some of her pain.”
She answered as a tear slipped down her cheek, unable to imagine how much pain her sister must be in.
“I thought he might do this.” She said.
“Does it hurt him?” Alina asked.
“Immensely.” Etria answered, turning her attention back to the young girl.
“Can we help him?” Connor asked.
“No. We can only wait.” She answered.
“Come, gather their weapons.” Etria motioned towards the petrified corpses that had tried to take them prisoner.
“We will make camp here until Ryaal is ready.” She told them.
Chapter 21
He could see her now. Though his body lay motionless, Ryaal’s mind was raging uncontrollably. He could see her in the tower. Knelt with her head down feeling alone and afraid. He could see his father, looking upon her with a sense of both victory and disgust. He could see what his home had become. The majestic buildings and wide city streets that had once glistened with pride and honor had now dulled over with an immense sadness. His people had hidden themselves away in their homes so as not to become open targets to their own armies.
The vast majority of warriors had given their loyalty to Syrk and with no war to fight, had begun to turn their aggression and frustration towards the very population they were supposed to honor and protect. Those who had sided with Syrk had changed in some way. Not physically, but their behavior, their demeanor had become jagged and disfigured. The Akirians had always conducted themselves with nobility and honor. Now they just seemed murderous and savage. Etria noticed it the minute she’d seen them and she now stared upon their death statues with bitter contempt.
“Are you alright?” Connor’s voice interrupted her gaze.
“Yes…Thank you for asking.” She answered, snapping out of her hateful stare.
“This place is ridiculous.” Connor continued.
“I do not understand.” Etria said, confused at the comment.
“How is this place deserving of mockery?” She asked.
Connor laughed.
“No. That’s not what I mean.” He said smiling as he looked out over the landscape.
“I figured that a planet populated with mighty warriors would look more like a military base and not a paradise. It’s just so…beautiful.” He clarified.
What his eyes had taken in had struck awe in him which he had never known before, but that would soon be surpassed by something far more breathtaking. Their current position found them on a mountain top which overlooked a seemingly infinite landscape. Waterfalls cascaded over cliff faces like an endless flow of diamonds gliding over platinum silk. Lakes like liquid glass, both deep purple and crystal clear, were scattered perfectly throughout the lands. Mountains stood high like silver glaciers carving into the sky and shimmered golden when smiled upon by the aureolin sun. Cyan clouds floated high above celadon green trees, providing shade where needed. Etria slid closer, pushing gently against Connor’s side.
“Do you see that place, far on the horizon?” She asked as the warmth of her body temporarily distracted him.
Realizing she had asked him something, he returned his attention and looked in the direction she was pointing. As he did, he saw a sparkle in the distance.
“Yeah, what is that?” He inquired.
“That is my home.” She told him smiling.
Connor saw how happy thinking about her home had made her.
“What’s it like?” He asked.
She stared off in the distance, fondly recalling her memory of home.
“It is so beautiful.” She said with soft reminiscence.
“Describing it in simple words would do it no justice. You would have to see it.” She told him.
Connor took her hand, stealing her attention back to him.
“I would very much like to.” He told her. The two sat quietly staring into each other’s eyes.
“Get a room much.” Alina’s voice interrupted their intimate staring contest, as she dropped a pile of wood.
“Oh, we’re just…” Connor began.
“Yeah yeah, whatever.” Alina again interrupted.
“We should talk about what we’re looking at here.” She added.
“You’re right. Let’s get started.” She replied.
The three friends sat across from one another as Etria began.
“The Akirian city is about four days travel from here. We can expect more guards like these along the way and most likely in far larger numbers.”
Etria became silent at the very thought of what exactly may lie ahead. She knew what to expect, but seeing the Akirians again and knowing how long Ryaal has been away from battle, cast a slight shadow of doubt in her mind as to whe
ther or not they could make it to their destination.
“How much larger? Like…a hundred?” Connor asked.
“Hundreds…thousands more likely. Ryaal would know better than I would.” She answered.
“What!” Connor exclaimed in disbelief.
“How the hell are we supposed to do that? Do you see how big these guys are? Seriously, there are only four of us. Well, most of the time.” He said, looking over at Ryaal.
“I don’t know, Connor.” She answered.
“I mean, I’m not crazy right? Al, don’t you think that’s a bit much? Connor continued.
“You never know what you’re capable of if you don’t push yourself.” Alina answered giving more attention to the fire pit she was trying to construct than Connor’s question.
“Besides…” She started, now turning all her focus to Connor. “…we’re here for a reason. Our friend needs us and nothing would stop him from helping us, right?”
“You’re right Al, my bad. Whatever we have to do…we’ll do, no matter the odds.” Connor replied.
“That a girl.” Alina teased, turning back to her project.
Chapter 22
“Are you not concerned as to the present state of things?” Gryn asked his father as they surveyed their home city from the outskirts.
“No, I am not. Before things can be built anew, there must be a destruction of the old.” Syrk replied.
“Does it not bother you father, the condition of our people.” Gryn asked as they turned and began walking back toward the city.
“How do you mean son?” Syrk replied.
“Look at them father. They scurry throughout the city like fearful cowards. They are no longer the proud Akirians they once were. They no longer carry themselves with dignity. It is shameful!” Gryn barked out at a young Akirian hiding along the walkway.
“We are a war faring society my son. Without a war to prepare for or victory to celebrate, they feel as though they have no purpose. The important thing to remember is that our armies are strong and ready to fight. When your brother returns with Ryaal’s head, our people will be rejuvenated and we shall bring the might of the Akirian’s crashing down throughout the universe, starting with the Ishra. Once we have acquired their knowledge, we will conquer everything. If our people cannot conduct themselves accordingly by then, they will be exterminated as quickly as any other enemy.” Syrk replied.
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