“Nariella, Námoman is a Truth Seeker. A Maite’Ona, like yourself and those set to be executed tomorrow. He has been aware of Ohtar’s lies from the beginning and has done well to disguise his disloyalty, especially when he sensed a rebellion forming. He had chosen to join our cause shortly after the time you and I escaped captivity, but we did not find each other until I returned from recruiting the Noldor,” Ender explained easily.
“I know you were imprisoned, and probably even tortured by Ohtar, but I have to ask you something,” I said, my chest exploding with the hope of hearing news—any news—about Mycah and Rydan.
“My Lady,” he gave his approval with a respectful nod.
“Please, you have to tell me. Are Mycah and Rydan okay? Did you see them? What happened after Mycah fell from the tower? I mean, Remycah.”
“King Remycah lives, though remains on the cusp of death.”
Instantly his last words, though few, were enough to make me want to hurl. My heart squeezed so hard, it was practically pulverized in a second. I choked on the response, “What?”
“Nariella, perhaps you should not give ear—”
I cut Ender off, “No, please…I want to know. I need to know. Especially now. What does that mean?”
“Ohtar is using King Remycah to execute creatures for sport, or so he says to the people. King Remycah’s powers are being suppressed, making the battles to be of great entertainment to the sick mind of Ohtar.” Námoman stoked the campfire with a stick.
I could hardly swallow. My throat had turned to sandpaper. “And Rydan?”
“Prince Rydan is forced to watch. Ohtar knows King Remycah cannot be slain and wishes for his brother to bear witness to his torment. He pretends to be preoccupied with his playthings but his paranoia for what King Remycah’s Guardian might do has his expectations high. I would not doubt he is already prepared for a war and aware of our armies camped inside his borders within moments of our arrival.”
“Wait, what do you mean he knows Remycah cannot be slain?”
“King Remycah’s life is now owned by the Hunter’s Moon. He cannot die before then. None of the promised ones can, until the moment the moon rises to its highest point in the sky. Then, and only then.”
“What if we can’t find Remycah? What if Ohtar stashes him away, just waiting for that moment to kill him?”
“It must be done in the face of the moon. Outside, clearly visible, and in its light. Ohtar will not risk removing him from the protection of the castle walls, for it would be too dangerous.”
“Why is Ohtar so evil? You guys have to tell me. I need to know everything I can about Ohtar. I need to know if he has any weaknesses…any at all. Or what the heck has him so wickedly twisted in the first place. There has to be a reason. I’ve waited long enough to hear about it.” I bent forward and rested my head in my hands. I felt dizzy and on the verge of tears over news of Mycah and Rydan’s torture.
“You are right,” my father admitted. “His story is long overdue, and it is a sad tale to tell, as they often are when concerning evil. Yet a legend is only as strong as the memories it lives in. Should it fade from minds even but a little, the legend would weaken until left as nothing but a bitter myth. And this particular legend I am about to impart to you, my dear, is as faint as a whisper of wind. For none now live who bore witness to these events.”
“And what events are those?”
“The events that led to Ohtar’s ruination. Of course he was not always this vile. It began long ago. Longer than your Earthly mind is capable of comprehending. Ohtar Zafriel was but a child—not but thirteen cycles could he have been, but his age has long been forgotten. Even then, it was said that darkness lived in his heart. At great speed his powers grew—as a boy who could not be deceived coupled with the ability of persuasion, Ohtar gravitated toward the dark forces of our realm. Oh, how he enjoyed influencing fellow comrades to do vile perverted things. He believed it to be a joke, yet there were none who laughed but him. And then one day, a vulgar prank involving young Tavas lads from Lassaira went wrong. As the result of humiliation and retaliation, a Tavas’Elda killed Ohtar’s Fëa. This, yes, this was the moment true darkness in his heart flourished. For a Maite’Ona to lose his soul’s counterpart is the ultimate form of misery.”
I gasped sympathetically. Ohtar’s Fëa was killed? I couldn’t even imagine. And of course what made it all the more horrible was that it had been done by the hands of a Tavas’Elda. “Is that why he hates wood elves so much?”
“Of course it is. I do believe the evil in his heart could have been contained had this tragedy never occurred, but alas. It did.” Ender crossed his arms and remained gazing into the dancing flames of the campfire.
“It was indeed a terrible day for all involved,” my grandfather commented from his place next to me.
“Wait, were you around then?” I turned to look up at him.
“Mmm, yes. I was king and not yet mated with your grandmother. As your father stated, it was long ago.” He patted me on the shoulder.
“So then what? Why was it such a terrible day for everyone and not just Ohtar?” I urged Ender to continue.
“You see, my child, Ohtar was driven mad upon his Fëa’s death. So much so, he killed all five of the Tavas boys involved and vowed to rid Luïnil of every last Tavas’Elda in existence.”
Döron added, “The elda of Lassaira were devastated, myself included. Heartbroken over the detestable murders an Isil born from our neighboring kingdom had committed, we waged war against Aselaira, demanding Ohtar’s head in penance for his crimes.”
Ender then went on to explain, “However, King Tar’dan, Ohtar’s father, refused to give up his only son, and so the animosity between our two races began. As Ohtar grew in age, his hatred also grew. His brother Remydan was born, and though Ohtar was rightfully next in line to be king, being the eldest brother, it was Remydan whom King Tar’dan chose to abdicate the crown to once the time had come, for he recognized the darkness cultivated within Ohtar’s heart.”
“Holy crap. So Ohtar killed his brother out of jealousy,” I assumed.
“True, he did. But that was not the sole reason. King Remydan, free from the grudge between our two races, attempted to end the war that had continued ravaging both our lands upon the death of their father Tar’dan, who had been killed in the war. For many cycles Ohtar worked relentlessly to persuade King Remydan to eliminate the kingdom of Lassaira. He was successful in his persuasion, until one day Remydan grew so ill, he refused to allow the same hatred to grow within his sons in fear they would suffer the same fate, and he fought back against Ohtar’s pressures. It is true what you said. Ohtar always hated Remydan. Jealousy over the crown—a crown he believed was rightfully his, and a grudge that Remydan wanted to put an end to. It was all too much for Ohtar to bear, and so he tried to take back what he thought was owed to him. He killed Remydan and his Fëa, and once he realized kingship passed to Remycah, he did all he could to eliminate any who stood in his way.”
“There are no words. I can’t even…it’s just so sad. What about Mycah’s grandmother? Where is she?” I massaged the spot over my heart. I literally ached inside for these people.
“Remycah’s grandmother was inconsolable after the death of her beloved mate, and it is said she fell ill over the poisonous heart she found in her son Ohtar. She left Aselaira as a means to escape his darkness and has never been seen or heard of since.”
I took my father’s hand. “How do you know all this? How come not everyone remembers how wicked Ohtar is? Why do they follow him? I just don’t understand.”
He gave my hand a squeeze. “I was close to Remydan. We shared our secrets with one another, and that is how I have come to know such intricate details. As for your second question, King Tar’dan kept his son’s murders a secret, for he did not wish Ohtar to be executed. The people of Aselaira knew only of the rumors those of Lassaira were spewing. The legend need not be spoken of—for through the many cycles of moons, en
mity had been passed between our races through generation after generation. Though the people of Lassaira and of Aselaira have long forgotten the reason for their loathing, the prejudice lives on.”
“And let me guess. Ohtar hates any Maite’Ona because he is envious. He lost his Fëa and can’t handle seeing others with theirs. That’s why they’ve been enslaved all this time and are mistreated. And now set to be executed,” my voice trembled and shook with pent-up rage for this detestable creature.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Ender replied. “But additionally, he desires their powers.”
I gritted my teeth. I knew one thing was for sure—it would be coming to an end very soon, if I had anything to say about it. My gaze automatically moved to the outlying troops encompassing the surrounding areas. There was no sound. Not even crickets could be heard. My nerves flared and my gut wrenched into a sickening knot. All of these beings waited to live or die—held at mercy to their duty to these lands. Though we couldn’t escape this war, I prayed with all I had in my soul that it would be the last that they ever had to fight in.
Chapter Ten
~Naminé~
Since our imprisonment, Aselaira had been weeping. For a time, it had begun to heal. The tempest storms had lessened, the sun would break from behind the ever-present dark clouds, and a fresh breath of life seemed to have filled the air. But that was before. Only when King Remycah and Prince Rydan returned to their dominion did that occur.
Oh, but as of late, our land moved backward into despair and grief yet again. Ignored by its people and directly affected by the torment of its true king, Aselaira had grown darker than it had ever been.
Rain showers continued to be shed upon us daily, as if the sky purged its sadness. I crumbled a little inside, knowing that it had almost been a fortnight since our coming here, and soon, I would depart from this world that would never be saved.
I slowly slid my gaze to Remycah as he fell to his knees. A deep rumbling from the pitch-black sky above seemed to be in tune with his emotions—For he was losing a dark battle. Battered repeatedly, his broken lip showed a trickle of precious blood that should never be spilt from our people, and yet so much of it had been. And none for valid reasons.
From another brutal blow driven into his left cheek, his neck cracked to the side, and I prayed for his safety, but did not hope that it would come. Exhausted, wrecked, and completely pummeled from the unrelenting battles, Remycah was failing. I did not know how much longer he would last.
His body soared into the air as a new horrendous creature kicked him violently. As he skidded across the stone, a murderous glare kindled in his eyes. And yet weakened to the point of breaking, he remained unmoving where he lay. I exhaled slowly, readying myself to witness the end of an extraordinary king I would have given my life to save right then.
“Don’t watch,” Rydan suggested as we waited for the final stroke to be delivered. I nodded my head in reply, though I could not be certain how Rydan had the ability to watch it. For his eyes remained fastened to the upcoming defeat of his elder brother.
“Rydan, this cannot be. He cannot depart from us in such a way as this. He was destined for great things; I know he was. We must try and do something,” I said, my lungs heaving. The monster stalked closer to its prey, reveling in the nearing victory.
“What can we do? This is part of our punishment. We’re supposed to be upset by this. If we try anything, it’ll only make Ohtar enjoy it all the more.” Rydan clenched his jaw in frustration.
“Of course you are right, but I cannot stay quiet another moment.” Already I was determined to try anything in pursuit of his relief. Without another second’s delay, I yelled with all my might, “Stop this nonsense at once! Stop this!”
The creature paused briefly, distracted by my outburst. Ohtar held up his hand as if signaling for the games to go no further. Guards rushed in and stood in between Remycah and the monster. I released a pent-up breath and dropped my head.
“Bring in the two traitors,” Ohtar ordered in a booming voice. “Let us make this far more interesting.”
My eyes snapped up to a dozen more guards as they made their way over to Rydan and me. He struggled against his restraints once again, but we were helpless to do anything in our defense.
They removed us from the shaming posts and jabbed our backs until we moved our feet in the direction they wished us to go. Rydan cursed and hollered for them to leave us be, but it was of no use. For they were under direct orders, and there would be nothing that he or I could do to stop them.
They secured our bound wrists to the wall Remycah and the monster battled within, and Ohtar explained the meaning of this turn of events. “Let’s see you defend your allies whilst keeping yourself conscious. This should be quite interesting indeed.”
Ohtar’s cruel laugh could be heard from his defiled throne, and I gritted my teeth in hate. But then my heart dropped at the horror of what I had done. “Rydan, I am so terribly sorry for this.”
Because of my stupidity, not only was a beaten Remycah put in infinitely more danger and stress, but I now secured Rydan’s torment. Fool! How could I have given in, allowing myself to lose control?
“Don’t be. I can handle some more bruises.” Rydan offered me his saddened smile. “Your unwavering loyalty continues to amaze me, Naminé.”
I looked away, a small smile tugging on my lips, and I bit the bottom one to rein myself in. “As your positivity and strength amaze me, Rydan.”
The guards released the creature once again, and Remycah was quick to return to his feet. Though his shoulders sagged, dirt caked his skin and hair, and blood stained his clothes, there was a deep determination exuding from him. A strong will to dominate his opponent, and I for a moment felt safe knowing Remycah was there to protect us.
His chest moved up and down with heavy breaths, and he kept his blazing focus on the creature’s every maneuver. Without warning, it whirled to its right and came charging at Rydan and me, and I gulped back a scream. For I did not wish to provide any sort of satisfaction or entertainment for Ohtar, who watched callously from his mountain of filth.
Remycah raced after the danger with speed that rivaled a cobra strike. I closed my eyes and waited for the painful deliverance I was sure to receive once the monstrosity reached me.
A crack like thunder sent my mind reeling for an explanation…and I remained unharmed. I opened my gaze to a struggle beyond compare. Remycah had the overgrown beast in a desperate position, its tail pulled backward with all of Remycah’s strength. Sweat dripped from his temple as he grunted from the effort, his muscles weakening from over-exhaustion. The fiend spun around and swatted at its pest wildly, but Remycah was quick to dodge the contact. How he managed to gain energy to continue the fight was beyond me. I prayed he had somehow recovered a bit of strength from the short break my distraction had accidentally provided, and perhaps made it into a blessing in disguise.
The barbaric creature broke loose and resumed his mission to extinguish either Rydan or myself. Remycah shouted, “Hey!” But the monster did not listen as it sprinted to us. Until Remycah found a stone and whipped it at its head. “Bad doggie,” he muttered.
It managed to get the creature’s attention, but only for a moment. It, however, was enough for Rydan to escape his ties. I gasped as he rolled through the beast’s legs and out the other side, drawing him away in a chase. The iron shackles remained on his wrists, but he was able to run. I yanked on my own bonds, wishing for freedom. This wall was not meant to have things tied to it; therefore, if Rydan had been able to manage it, then so should I.
Ohtar’s vicious laugh could be heard from his seat, drawing my attention for a brief moment. As I continued to struggle against the wall, Remycah and Rydan paired up and tackled the hideous monster together. As Remycah distracted him, Rydan scaled his back and wrapped his chains around its neck. But the monster would not have it. He was able to grab a hold of Rydan, and to my horror, proceeded to fling hi
s frail body across the square. I flinched and closed my eyes.
Remycah dashed forward, and in one quick movement, jabbed the stone he had thrown earlier into the eyeball of the monster. It bellowed and clawed at its face, leaving the opportunity for Rydan and Remycah to pop off his head using their combined strength and the chains that dangled from Rydan’s arms.
I collapsed from sheer relief and even disbelief—for I had thought for certain none of us were going to make it out of that without a severe beating.
“Do you believe Remycah will be all right?” I asked Rydan. We had been returned to our shaming posts to wait out the rest of the day, for in a few short hours the Hunter’s Moon would be upon us. Yet I could not keep myself from worrying over Remycah’s welfare, for he had been carried off somewhere after crumpling to the ground once the creature had been defeated.
“I think so,” Rydan answered. “What about you? Are you okay?”
“I cannot say for certain. I am frightened, but not for myself. For our kingdom. I fear what Ohtar will turn into once he inherits everyone’s powers. Oh, Rydan, what are we to do?”
At that moment, my parents, brother, and every one of the Maite’Ona of Aselaira were filed out in succession and forced to stand on the wooden benches meant for their demise with the scratchy nooses tightened around their necks. I swallowed back my grief.
I gazed upon my family with tear-filled eyes, and they did the same in return. To each of them, I poured my love into my stare, for it was all I could do.
Ohtar’s panicked voice could be faintly heard from the corner, “Ready every able-bodied elda in the kingdom and station them within the walls. Send out my entire Legion to cover the fields. Prepare for war!”
“Did you hear that?” Rydan whispered.
“I did.” Hope filled my chest. War? Could this be Nariella and Ender’s doing? Had they come for us? “But they have to reach us before the moon rises. With all of Ohtar’s Legion and army standing in their way, I—”
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