“I don’t know, Marona. Perhaps it is a display of power. By now, he knows that Abnormals were involved in the incident and yet he still chooses to show his face so soon. His actions confuse me,” Omari said as he paced around the round table in the center of the room, stroking his chin in speculation.
“Does it matter? He’s right where we want him, hand delivered. We kill him now and everything is over,” Emil said.
“I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Emil. If we kill him in a slaughter, then what? Our name is maimed and one of his advisors is next in line.”
“And? We’ll just kill him, too. The only way to change everything may just be to destroy his régime, and I’m more than ready for that.”
“Is that how you want to be remembered? A warlord? A tyrant, just like your brother?”
“What other option do we have? If that rogue Abnormal shows up, a fight will break out anyway. He wants the same thing that we want, remember? We all want Arius dead, as well as God knows how many others who are too afraid to voice their opinion.” In his heart, Omari knew that Emil was right. Now wasn’t the time for cowardice. This was the opportunity they were pushing for. Now was the time, if ever, for action. “We’re revolutionaries,” Emil continued. “We aren’t just doing this for us, but for everybody. If it were up to me, I’d rather not be viewed as a soulless tyrant or a bloodthirsty warlord, but if that is what’s necessary for all this to end, so be it. Just know that I did it for the right reasons. This is bigger than me. Bigger than all of us, and I’m willing to make any sacrifice that needs to be done. I told you before. I’m done hiding.”
“What about the civilians in the square? Aren’t we just going to put them in danger again?” Marona asked.
“It can’t be helped. Unless we isolate him, there will always be people around. The best we can do is focus our attacks on him and try our best to minimize civilian casualties. If the people are smart, I imagine they’ll run as soon as they see that a potential fight is underway.”
“If that’s the case, I can fall back and help them evacuate,” Skye said.
“You can, but it will only make things worse. Remember what happened with the rogue? You’re the only one who can see his attacks, Skye. Omari and I will need you with us. Ultimately, we’re going to protect the people, but in order to do that, we need to gain control of the fight. If you tire out too quickly from healing the civilians, you’re less of an asset to us. We know that you can stop the rogue’s attacks, and you may be our only protection against my brother’s, as well. I’m not sure, but you are our strongest option. You’re also the only one out of the three of us who can sense other Abnormals. If the rogue shows with friends or alone, we need to know as soon as possible. You mentioned that he feeds, right?”
“Correct,” Skye responded. “He can amplify his fighting strength by stealing the energy from those around him. The last thing we need is for him to cause another riot at the expense of the people.”
“I agree. That’s why we need you to locate him before he makes the first move,” Emil said.
“Emil,” Omari interrupted. “If the rogue’s abilities can go undetected, what’s stopping him from assassinating Arius from afar?”
“His eyes...he may be able to see it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Not long after he first acquired his powers, he used them on me, but I resisted. He ultimately won but not before I saw the shade of his eyes begin to turn purple...I don’t know. It could be coincidence, but it’s almost like how Skye’s hands glow when she overexerts herself. Skye’s hands seem to be the major conduit of her power, maybe there is a link between Arius’s eyes and his power, as well. I know...it’s a long shot, just a random theory, but it’s something.”
“If he can’t see it, then that just makes things easier for us. He’ll just collapse on stage,” Marona said.
“Wouldn’t that be amazing?” Emil chuckled. “But we can’t count on the rogue making the first move...even if he does, I doubt my brother won’t be prepared. He has information on all of us now, however big or small. It doesn’t matter, just assume he knows our abilities from what happened three days ago. That means that he should have members in his personal guard to fight us directly or even counter us. Of the three of us, Omari is the most known from his work as a vigilante. Being that this is your hometown, it’s a given that he would have a counter for you. He knows you can warp, meaning a speedy assault is something he considered before making this trip. He also knows about me. With him being my brother, he’s seen my abilities first hand.”
“So, do you think this is a trap?”
“No...maybe...I’m not sure. Another thing we need to look out for is the activation of my brother’s ability. He can manipulate your actions, whether you are aware of it or not. I once saw him make a man kill his own daughters and then himself, with ease. Skye, that’s another thing we’ll need you for. I’m hoping that you’ll be able to see through his ability and give us some insight once we’re in the field. You have the ability to sense attacks on a different plane that our eyes can’t comprehend. Find a way to track his ability and develop a counter to it if you can. If you can shield us from psychic attacks, maybe you can shield us from his influence, as well.”
“It’s worth a shot.”
“It’s our only shot. Arius is untouchable because of his ability. With no way around it, I don’t see us winning. I can’t speak for your experiences, but he and the rogue are the two strongest Abnormals I’ve ever seen. We need to be prepared for the worst. Depending on how things go, today could be another massacre if we’re not careful.”
“I see, so what do you suggest?” Omari asked.
“Nothing that deviates much from your original plan. We warp in, slip the guards using your ability, and stay close to each other in the square. To keep a low profile, we go in without our masks or armor. Smuggling anything we need into the square won’t be an issue once we’re blended in. After we’re settled in the crowd, we’ll have Skye direct her focus on the area to scout out how many Abnormals are there and find out where they are. Then we strike when the opportunity presents itself. I admit, it’s not as tactically solid as it should be, but it’s all I got on such short notice. A number of variables can skew our chances.”
“What about me? Where should I go?” Marona asked.
Emil went to speak but Omari answered before he had a chance. “You should stay with Eric. If this is anything like before, you are safest away from the square.”
“Marona,” Skye added, “soldiers have been looking for Eric ever since he disappeared. If he were to somehow be captured and interrogated, Arius would have access to all the information he needs to track us down. We need you to stay with him here at the church and protect him no matter what. Okay?”
“Yeah, I got it, Skye. I can do that.”
“Good. Don’t let him leave your sight.”
Chapter 14: Together at Last
It wasn’t far past noon when the king’s carriage arrived. Emil, Skye, and Omari were already in the square, well blended with their surroundings. On all sides of the square, the guards were apparent. Their blood-red armor could be seen lining the perimeter, essentially boxing the people in. Their red-tipped lances stood pointed in the air like a fence, caging the villagers that were unknowingly prisoners inside.
As Emil overlooked the guards sanctioned around him, he couldn’t help but feel trapped. The sweat that moistened the hilt of his father’s sword grew smooth as he clutched the handle securely beneath the tan shroud that draped over his body. Omari was noticeably on edge, as was Skye. Since their arrival, she had been scanning the crowd, looking for other Abnormals, but was unable to sense any within her proximity. Omari rarely directed his gaze from the stage where Arius was expected to speak. It was the same stage where Eric’s execution was to take place, and where everything had begun. Silently under his breath, he cursed the king as he remembered the tragedy that uprooted his town only a few d
ays ago.
When Nerai was destroyed, there were only rumors and allegations spread by his militia, why a public appearance now? What does he plan on doing?
“Omari,” Emil whispered. “I need you for this. Are you with me?”
“Something isn’t right, Emil. But I’m not sure what it is.”
The beige cloak over Emil’s head bobbed as he looked on both sides of him, wary of Omari’s premonition. “What do you mean, Omari? I don’t see anything out of the ordinary.”
“I feel like this is a trap of some sort.”
“A trap?”
“Yes...a trap, for us.”
“That’s a hell of a hunch,” Emil said as he gripped his blade tighter. “But I think I know how you feel. It shouldn’t be this easy. Skye, are you getting anything yet?”
“The rogue is here, and two others. They’re on the other end of the square, to our right.”
“Damn it. Has he fed yet?”
“No, he’s a lot weaker than before. Everyone seems normal, and I don’t see any of his manifestations in the area.”
“What’s he waiting for?”
“The same thing we’re waiting for, Emil,” Omari said, eyes still focused on the center stage. “Skye,” he paused, “keep an eye on the rogue and his friends, and be sure to let us know if anything changes.”
“Got it.”
“What do we do now?”
“We wait to see who makes the first move. Arius is here, the rogue is here, and we are here. At the very least, there are seven Abnormals in the square at this moment. If Arius set a trap, the extra help will be well received.”
“So you mean...”
“Precisely, the rogue may very well be our ally if the situation permits. You said it yourself, we both want Arius dead. The more we have against him, the better our odds.”
“Humph. That almost makes me feel better.”
“The thought of working with him doesn’t sit well with me either, Emil, but depending on what Arius does, it may be our only option.”
“Fine, but after Arius and Legion, they’re next on the list.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
The calm crowd came to life not even a second after Arius’s carriage finally opened. The square was packed, but not as packed as when Eric was set to be executed. The past few days in Everrmore left the people oppressed and cautioned. Only those who blindly sought after an answer were foolish enough to show their faces in the king’s presence. What sympathy could he possibly give when it was his command to kill Crane in the first place? This was all his doing, and no good could come from it.
“He’s here,” Omari said as he saw the young king in the distance. Before his feet touched the first step out of his carriage, his guards lined him on both sides, christening his entrance. The square boomed with cheers and hope as Arius slowly rose up the steps, basking in his glory before venturing onto the center stage.
“Are they that lost?” Emil grunted as his face contorted at the masses’ apparent approval. For the past four days, the people of Everrmore had been under strict surveillance, more guards than ever patrolled the streets, and a martial law had been enforced inside the town’s perimeter. Interrogations, allegations, cruelty, and misdeeds were also the people’s portion, but as with everything else, the cry of the minority went over the heads of the masses and was covered up by Arius’s armed forces. “He’s no messiah...”
“Hello, citizens of Everrmore.” The crowd’s gratitude slowed to a halt as Arius began to speak. Not far behind him, three distinguished soldiers watched over the crowd with razor focus, seemingly ready to attack at a moment’s notice.
“Legion,” Skye said as she gestured towards the center stage. “Those three in the back. That means there are ten of us in total now.”
“Got it. I see them,” Omari confirmed. “Stay on your toes.”
“...it brings me great dismay to see what has happened to your city. Even as I rode through your courts and walked your streets, the sight of this ill-born destruction brings me pain. As soon as I got word of this incident, I authorized a blockade that came into effect not long after the city was stable, in an effort to somehow track down the conspirators of this catastrophe. Namely, Eric Crane and The Black Rebellion; a trio of three Abnormals that assisted in his escape.” The crowd began to boo, but was soon quieted once Arius began to speak again.
“Through previous research and recent findings, we have identified one of the Abnormals that was present that day. In fact, it is reported that this Abnormal proudly announced his identity before assisting Crane. You, the people of Everrmore, refer to this man as The Saint of Everrmore, but I assure you he is no saint.” Emil glanced at Omari from the corner of his eye. He was visibly shaken at the unforeseen turn of events.
So it was him they were after all along.
“...tracing the trail my men gathered ever further, we were able to obtain information that suggest that he along with the other members of The Black Rebellion were responsible for the burning of the village Nerai.”
“Damn it, they’re all lies!” Emil scowled. “Skye, do the people actually believe this?”
“It’s hard to tell. I can tell he’s doing something but it’s minor. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I made a barrier the second he started talking...it seems to be doing okay.”
He’s manipulating them...
“...and that is when I made the decision to seal off all entry and exit points to this city. To my dismay, your brothers and sisters failed to cooperate as well as my service men would have hoped. Information on The Black Rebellion, Eric, or the whereabouts of the saint has come to a screeching halt. I have been told that he is a guardian...an angel, a defender. An angel of death, perhaps, but I assure you he is not on our side. Over the past three days, we have interrogated twenty-seven people and we were no closer to finding this criminal than the day Nerai burned to the ground. That was until on the fourth day, this morning, we found someone who could ease our qualms and bring us one step closer to the truth.” A smile ran across Arius’s face as he ceased to speak and looked out to the crowd.
A cold chill ran down Omari’s spine as he gazed into Arius’s eyes from across the stage and fear instantly struck his heart. He’s...he’s looking right at me! No. That’s impossible. He’s never seen my face.
“Bring him up,” Arius said as he wiped the hair from his eyes and removed the katana that rested in its sheath at his side. Within moments, two men entered the stage and placed a man on his knees in front the king. His face almost as purple as the cloak that Arius wore. “Be still and await your judgment,” Arius whispered to the shackled man. The guards released him, and as told, he waited patiently for his end to come. “This man!” Arius said as he turned to the crowd. “Has confessed to working with the saint, but has refused to share his whereabouts! He says he is a man of God, but I assure you, good Samaritans, no man of God turns on his own people and leads a massacre! Many of you have seen this man, he is truly one of your own...a member of the patrol that services your city. He has betrayed your city’s trust by conspiring with the enemy!”
“Omari, do you know that man?” Emil said between his clenched teeth. “Omari!”
“What do we do, Omari?” Skye asked.
“Omari!”
“I...” In Omari’s head, an image flashed of the guard who shot him in the shoulder by the clock tower.
“The penance for this man’s treason can only be paid by his death!” The deafening crowd began to roar and cheer as Arius pointed the tip of his blade towards the prisoner’s Adam’s apple. “But!” The crowd’s clamor faded as Arius raised his hand. “But...I am willing to allow this man to live if the saint himself shows himself on this very stage and turns himself in.” From the crowd, a stream of boos erupted, but Arius was quick to cast them down. “Is that not fair? One life for another? If he desires to prove his innocence, let him do so amongst me and the others he claims to so dearly love. Let him explain fir
st hand, the tragedy that he has bestowed to this city and the countless families that now suffer from loss!” What were once boos, now converted into cheers from the king’s speech. In his time away from Emil, Arius had mastered the art of deception and manipulation with the use of his abilities, even making the most astute of humans susceptible to his implanted logic.
“This is...madness,” Omari gasped.
“I know he is here,” Arius continued. “He is without a doubt in this very square, watching, observing...questioning what to do. If he is half the man he claims to be, he would show himself and grant mercy to this poor man’s life!”
“Omari, if you go, he’ll kill you,” Emil warned, the tension now apparent throughout his body.
“He’s right. We handle this as a team, brother. Just as we promised.”
“Saint...I won’t kill you, you have my word. This may be a shock to you all, but I, unlike my father, believe that Abnormals have a place in society. In fact, throughout the years, through the aid of my personal guard, much has been accomplished and much prosperity has been spread throughout my kingdom. If you turn yourself in, along with your rebellion, I grant both you and your allies the chance to start anew under my command.” In a gesture of peace, Arius planted his sword into the floorboard and rested his hands across the top of its grip. “So what will it be, oh great saint? Your life or his?”
“Skye, can you break the people free?” Omari asked.
“I don’t know. I’m still not sure how his power works. He’s just talking and they’re listening. They seem to be normal, but it’s clear he’s done something to them.”
“I see...so the people are hostages without even knowing it.”
“That doesn’t matter right now,” Emil interrupted. “The people need us, remember? If we can get to him and do enough damage, maybe the people will snap out of his hold. I told you I’m willing to go all the way, whatever the cost, so don’t even think about turning yourself in. I’m fighting.” A blue rush of energy fell over Emil’s body and throughout the blade that he hid beneath his shroud. “We can’t let him get away with doing whatever he wants.” The blue flames that encompassed Emil condensed and then reignited, sending a shockwave throughout the ground. “Arius dies, today.”
The Last Light Series Omnibus One: - The Dreamer and the Deceiver - All Things Eternal - Ode to the King: A Superhero Epic Fantasy Collection (The Last Light Collection Book 1) Page 20