The field was still lit up from all the fires. The group of survivors watched as the battle began. Heric was a little disgusted. He knew Randall had not joined the fight.
Beyond the sound of battle, Heric could still hear the screaming he had heard earlier. It was almost drowned out by the chaos across the field. He could only just make it out because he had heard it before. He knew what to listen for. Heric stepped toward the sound in the hope that he could make out what it was.
“What are you doing?” Forman asked.
“Something is out there,” said Heric, pointing to the tree line.
“Unless it is coming this way, I suggest we don’t bother with it.”
“Kastor, do you hear that?” Heric asked.
Kastor took a moment to listen. He squinted his eyes and became lost in thought. It was a sound that was so familiar to him. He just needed to place it in his memories.
“That’s avadons screaming,” said Kastor.
“Why would they be doing that?” Heric followed up.
“I don’t know,” said Kastor.
“Then let’s go find out,” said Heric. He began walking away from the group. Forman followed.
“Where are you going?” Rarian called out.
“I want to know what’s going on out there,” answered Heric.
“You’ll get yourselves killed,” called out Rarian.
“That’s what they keep telling me,” Heric said.
Kastor and Tyeche ran up to join them. They just shrugged at their general and kept walking.
“We’ve made it this far,” said Kastor.
“Why stop now?” Tyeche threw in.
As they approached the sound of the screaming avadons, the air grew tighter and thicker. It was becoming harder to breathe, but the men pressed on. After a few steps, a weight came over them. Every step was becoming a struggle for them.
Then they stepped over the body of an avadon. Its heart had been ripped out. It was the same case for the next four avadons they passed. Each one had its heart torn out of its body.
The screams were getting louder, just over a ridge. Heric and the others struggled to climb the low hill. They crouched low to the ground. They did not want to disturb whatever was killing the avadons. As they peeked over the hill, they were all amazed to discover what was happening on the other side.
Nikali was standing in a pool of dead avadons. Their blood flooded the grass at his feet. His limbs hung at his side. He couldn’t keep his head up-right. He swayed without a care in the world. He laughed out in pleasure as he danced around the macabre scene. What few avadons that were still alive screamed out in pain.
Nikali jumped over to one of them. He kneeled over the avadon. Then the avadon cried out louder than ever. Its chest burst open and its heart flew into the air into Nikali’s hand. He looked at it for a second then tossed it behind him.
“Charos,” whispered Tyeche.
“What has he done?” Heric muttered to himself.
“We need to stop him,” said Forman.
“I’ll do it,” said Heric. He stood up, leaving his shield on the ground.
“All of you stay here,” he ordered. “I can handle this. He won’t attack me.”
“How do you know?” Forman asked.
“I don’t.”
Heric walked down the hill with his hands to his sides. He walked as coolly and nonthreateningly as possible. Nikali had not seen him yet. He was fixated on the next avadon at his feet.
“Nikali,” Heric said gently. “Nikali, it’s me, Heric.”
Nikali jerked his head in Heric’s direction. He stared blankly at his cousin. Nikali slithered up to a standing position. He hung his head looking at Heric.
“Hello, Heric,” whispered Nikali. “Please, join me.”
“Nikali, you need to come with me. You’ve done enough.”
“I have done so much,” said Nikali.
Heric continued to walk closer to Nikali. He kept his hands out. His heart beat harder and faster. Heric chalked that up more to paranoia than fear of Nikali.
“You killed a lot of avadons,” said Heric. “Louson will be thrilled. They are finishing the others off right now. It’s over.”
“That’s good. I was getting a little bored.” Nikali’s voice was hollow as if he was talking to no one in particular.
“How did you get out here?” Heric asked.
“I walked. I had a meeting.”
“A meeting with whom?” Heric asked.
“Alexus,” giggled Nikali.
Heric’s eyes went wide. “Where is Alexus?”
“I don’t know,” said Nikali. “I lost him when I decided to rip these guys’ hearts out.”
Nikali’s breathing grew heavy. His eyes turned angry as he looked around. “Where did Alexus go?”
“What happened out here?” Heric grew concerned. He put his hands on Nikali’s shoulders to get his attention.
“Please don’t touch me,” said Nikali. “I’m a mess.”
“Nikali, listen to me. What happened to Alexus?”
“I don’t care,” Nikali growled angrily. The ground began to shake. The avadons on the ground began to hemorrhage, even the dead ones. Then it all went quiet.
Heric steadied himself. He did not move in fear that Nikali would attack him.
“Please don’t mention Alexus. We should really not worry about him,” said Nikali.
“Alexus is our friend,” said Heric.
“Not anymore,” argued Nikali. A wave of energy burst out of him. Heric felt it reverberate throughout his body.
He had to act quickly and carefully. Heric dodged behind Nikali. He couldn’t use his sword against him. Instead, Heric reached for his belt. In one swift motion he pulled out his nunchucks. They were always with him- just in case. He wrapped the chain across his cousin’s throat. With one hand he held on to the handles of the nunchucks. Then he applied pressure to Nikali’s head with his free arm.
Nikali tried to struggle, but he couldn’t fight off his cousin. Heric could feel the air around him crush his armor. Despite the pain, he held on to Nikali. His armor pressed up against his body. It began to pierce his skin.
Then it dissipated. Nikali dropped to the ground. He was unconscious. Heric fell to the ground with him. He was exhausted and now stuck in his armor.
“Forman,” Heric yelled out. “Forman, get over here.”
Forman came running from over the crest of the hill. The others followed him. There was no longer any danger from Nikali.
“Alexus is here,” said Heric. “Find him.”
Forman did not hesitate. He began looking all around for his Eluan companion.
Kastor and Tyeche helped Heric to his feet. They forced his armor off. It no longer looked like armor. It was just a hunk of metal with inside indentions of a human body. Heric was relieved to be free from his restraints.
“Kastor, can you help me with him,” said Heric, talking about Nikali. “We need to get him to the tower.”
“Heric,” Forman yelled. “I found him.”
Heric rushed over to Forman. He was standing a dozen yards away. The pile of avadons ended near him.
“Is he okay?” Heric asked as he reached his friend.
“He’s dead,” said Forman.
Lying on the ground was Alexus. His body was torn apart, scattered across the ground. An avadon nearby held his arm. He was the first victim of the attack that night.
Chapter 28
The field outside the Kingdom’s wall was a bloody mess. Bodies of avadons were scattered about. The grass was no longer green. Once the soldiers had entered the battleground the fight was over swiftly. They descended upon the avadons with full force.
Heric and the others watched from a safe distance. They were exhausted from escaping the fort, and still trying to gather their thoughts on what they had seen near the forest. Nikali was out cold, but that did not mean the Lousons were any less afraid of him. Heric carried him over his shoulder at the f
ront of the rest of the group- that way, they could keep an eye on him.
Kastor wanted to kill Nikali immediately, but Heric talked him down. Nikali had killed many of the avadons single-handedly. Heric convinced Kastor that Nikali was an ally. They just needed to trust him. Kastor remained somewhat skeptical.
Forman carried what was left of Alexus’ body with them in a duffle bag. The bag quickly stained red, and Alexus’ blood began to spread to Forman’s clothes. Forman kept it out of his mind. His friend deserved a decent burial. He was going to give that to him, even if it meant messing up his armor and garments.
They could tell the field was clear of living avadons when the torches were lit. Soldiers were returning to collect their dead. The night had quieted down. The fort was nearly a cinder. The fire light slowly burned down. The insects had not yet returned. Every footstep and whisper echoed through the air.
“This is wrong,” said Kastor. “We should not be bringing him inside the castle walls.”
Heric turned around. Nikali jostled in his arms. The group startled- worried he would wake up.
“Nikali is coming with me,” said Heric. “He is not a danger to us.”
“He ripped the hearts out of the avadons without even touching them,” argued Kastor.
“I know,” yelled Heric. “I know.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. It was unbelievable,” cut in Tyeche. “Only the gods have that kind of power.”
“It was Tamor Blood,” said Heric.
“Excuse me?” said Kastor.
“It’s a drink from Eluan. It can give you heightened mental abilities. We call it arcan.”
“There are people that do this sort of thing where you come from?” Tyeche asked, in wonder and fear.
“No,” said Forman. “Not like this. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Nobody in the slums would be able to do that.”
“What are you saying, Forman?” Kastor asked.
“Yes, Forman what are you trying to say?” Heric reinforced.
Forman readjusted the bloody bag over his shoulder. He looked Heric straight in the eyes. For this one moment he was Heric’s equal.
“I’ve never seen any arcan user go to those lengths. That was not Tamor Blood. Nikali has been gone for weeks. We have no idea what he has been up to. We don’t know how dangerous he is.”
Forman’s hand instinctively went to his sword. Heric noticed and automatically crouched into a defense stance.
“I already told Kastor we are not killing Nikali.”
“I know he is your cousin, but that does not make him untouchable,” said Forman.
“We should keep him alive, if for no other reason than to get answers. Don’t you want to know what happened out there tonight? What happened to Alexus? Nikali is the only person who can tell us. If you kill him now, that is all lost.”
“I would rather feel safe than know what happened. Knowing what happened does not change it,” said Forman.
“Others are comforted with the truth,” said Heric.
“I don’t know what’s worse: you’re protection of Nikali, or your love for her. You’re making this about them, and not the safety of the rest of us, let alone the safety of the Empire.”
“You guys can continue if you want,” said Heric. “I’ll walk alone. Nikali will survive the night.”
“You heard the man,” said Kastor. “Let’s go.” He gestured for Tyeche to follow. The two men walked off toward the torches in the battlefield. They could hear their fellow men call out the names of the dead. Each one made their head drop a little lower as they walked away.
“Are you leaving me to?” Heric asked Forman.
“I hate that you keep making me do this,” said Forman.
“You’re my inner voice, Forman. I appreciate it, but it does not mean that I have to agree with you.”
“At least you know I’m valuable,” said Forman. He signaled for him and Heric to keep walking. They would be moving slower with the extra weight on their shoulders.
Later that night, back at the tower, Nikali did not sleep alone. Heric watched over him. He remained inside the room near the door, keeping watch. Many of the soldiers had seen him carrying Nikali through the streets. Heric knew it was only a matter of time before the rumors started. Kastor or Tyeche would surely tell the story of what they had seen near the edge of the forest.
Heric did not want any more bloodshed that night, but he would defend his cousin if he had to. The Lousons were afraid of their gods and what they could do. There was no reason to be afraid of Nikali- Heric believed that. He just wished he could show it to the rest of Louson.
Nikali woke mid-morning with the sun hitting his face. He stirred in his bed, groggy from the night before. His body ached all over. He stretched out in an attempt to take some of the pain away. His mouth was dry and his head felt like it had been rubbed against a grater. His eyes focused on Heric sitting near the door.
“Good morning?” Nikali quipped. He wasn’t entirely sure what time it was, where he was or why Heric was staring at him. Nikali looked himself over. He was still in his clothes from the day before. His body still felt charged from the Tamor Blood. It warmed his veins. He tapped into that feeling. It calmed him down and took away much of the pain.
“Pack your things. We’re leaving,” said Heric.
Nikali sat up. He was surprised at what Heric was saying. They had another week in Louson. Nikali was looking forward to that.
“We can’t leave yet,” said Nikali. “Forman is not going to like the change in plans.”
“He’s not going to like what will happen if we stay either. You’ve made a mess of things. We’re lucky to still be alive as it is.”
“It’s not my fault,” argued Nikali.
“You made a spectacle of yourself using arcan. Alexus specifically told you to not do that.” His last few words came out roughly. The memory of Alexus hurt him.
“Where is he? Where is Alexus?” Nikali asked.
“He’s dead, Nikali,” said Heric.
“What? What happened?”
“That’s what I want to know,” said Heric.
Nikali was confused. Heric looked at him as if he knew the answer.
“You were the last one to see him,” said Heric. “We found you out by the forest. You were deep in arcan. Alexus was nearby, in pieces.”
Nikali grew sick. He braced his head between his knees. He couldn’t recall the night before, but everything Heric was saying sounded correct.
“What were you two doing out there?”
“I... I don’t remember,” said Nikali. It wasn’t completely true. He really did not remember being out in the forest, but he did remember why he went out there. He remembered the meeting he saw between Alexus and the King.
Nothing was making sense to him. He couldn’t understand why he had blacked out. The arcan was not that powerful. He had been drinking it for the past few weeks. It was stronger than the Tamor Blood from Eluan, but nothing that drastic had happened.
“How did he die?” Nikali asked. He held back the bit about Alexus and his conspiracy. Nikali needed more information before he revealed that to Heric: He needed to remember what he had done.
“Avadons attacked. They came out of the forest you two were near. They killed Alexus, destroyed the military fort, and attacked the city walls. We found you out there, ripping hearts out of the avadons. You were using arcan. Some of the soldiers saw you. They are terrified.”
“Which explains why we’re leaving,” Nikali said contritely.
“Yes.”
“I can leave. I’ll take a horse and head back to Eluan. You and the others can stay the rest of the week. You shouldn’t have to leave on my account.”
“It’s best if we all go,” said Heric. “Alexus’ death will be a good enough excuse. The Lousons can get to work on rebuilding their defenses for the rainy season. Everything will be fine.”
“I’m sorry for this,” said Nikali. “I didn’t
mean for any of this to happen. I was only trying to help.”
“What happened to you last night? I’ve never seen anybody so entranced in arcan. None of the performers in Eluan have the kind of concentration that you had.”
“It’s the Louson tamor plants,” said Nikali. “They are different. I... I found them while I was on my own. They are stronger than back home. I must have had too much last night.”
Nikali continued to hold back the truth about Alexus. It would do no good. He was dead. His secrets died with him. If Nikali accused Alexus of anything at this moment, it would only be seen as disrespectful to the dead. The best course of action would be to wait until after they returned to Eluan. When they returned he could go through Alexus’ things. He could find evidence of his plan. There were too many blank spots. Nikali did not have the entire picture and he wanted it. He wanted to know why Alexus had turned on his uncle and cousin.
“I’ll gather my things, then I’ll be back for you,” said Heric. “I don’t want you to go walking around here on your own anymore.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“You’ve made yourself known. Everybody is talking about Charos, and your amazing abilities. Idolatry can turn into fear very easily. Please, lay low. Stay here until I come back. We’ll leave together.”
Heric got up to leave, but Nikali stopped him.
“Heric, thank you,” he said. “And I’m sorry about Alexus. How is Abigail?”
“She’s not well. Alexus was like her father. Losing him meant a lot. His loss means a lot to all of us.”
“Of course,” said Nikali. “If I remember anything else I’ll let you know. I want to know what happened out there even more than you do.”
“Please do, Nikali.”
“You know, you can trust me,” said Nikali. “I’d do anything for you. I’ve got your back.”
“I know. I always have,” said Heric. He left the room after that.
Nikali retreated under the covers. He tried desperately to remember what happened the night before. All he could remember was chaos, and blood.
Chapter 29
Forman was busy getting the horses ready for their return journey. Only his six remaining Eluan guards helped him with the loads. He did not want the other Louson soldiers to start spreading the word that they were leaving. He had everything planned out, but one problem remained. It was up to Heric to arrange that one. Marina Arraw had to come with them.
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