“Dead…dead…dead…is what they all will be. I shall feed their flesh to the goblins…”
Barbarious glanced up slowly as three knocks came from the door outside the throne room. The door slowly opened to reveal the hobgoblin Zuers.
“My lord…the vampire king William has come to see you…”
Barbarious motioned with his skeletal fingers as a sign to enter.
William burst into the room wearing a long black cloak with two long tusks attached to the shoulders; his fangs extracted as he approached Barbarious; his eyes blood red and full of anger.
“Three of my children are dead, wizard. Was that part of your masterful plan or will you have everyone else fight your battle, you pathetic old fool!” William’s voice boomed throughout the throne room.
“There are always casualties of war, my friend…that is the price war pays…” Barbarious answered with no emotion.
“And I suppose your hand was the first victim, or did you just lie down on your back and allow the son of Mabruk to remove it for you?”
Barbarious leaped from his throne and stared into the vampire king’s eyes.
“Do not get carried away now, wizard,” said William. “We both know your magic will not harm the already dead. So do not be foolish. You have no power over me. Do not make me return again, wizard; the next time will not be this pleasant.”
The vampire king wrapped his long black cloak around him. He turned and left the throne room, slamming the heavy doors.
“ZUERS!” Barbarious screamed, “FIND THE WARRIOR AND HIS FRIENDS! NOW!”
Evadsatu
“And that is how I learned to fly,” Winston said proudly looking at the many elven children who had come to listen to his tales—and they enjoyed them all. He sat down on a boulder next to the creek with all the children surrounding him. They giggled and clapped as he went on to tell the story of how he named himself.
The once empty village was now very much active. Elven men built huge pillars out of stone near the entrance of Evadsatu; the women helped and took care of daily chores.
Alexandros worried about Elora, not even noticing the beauty of the surrounding village. He leaned against a tree, which stood about twenty feet from the royal home. He had made up his mind: if the princess was not outside by noon’s sun he would find her. He glared at the royal guards, which made them uneasy.
“Relax, human,” Valchor said, approaching Alexandros from behind. “Like I said, we will not harm you or your companions. Just look at your Dragon friend; he seems very calm and happy here. Why must you look like someone slaughtered your favorite pet all the time?”
Alexandros took in a deep breath, ignoring Valchor. “Winston loves to tell his stories to those who listen; he would be happy almost anywhere,” Alexandros said to him. “Bixbin cannot wait to leave. He says the tall trees frighten him. Alistair is only here for Raphael who needed your springs to help cure him. The princess is too kind to tell you she cannot stand you, and, as for I—everyone I have ever known from my home village are now in graves…including my parents, so you must excuse me if I am not the happiest human in the lands right now.”
“…I do not know what to say…except that I really did not want to hear your entire life’s story, but since you were on a roll I figured I would let you finish.”
Alexandros clenched his fists tightly and looked away from Valchor, at that moment he wanted to pull the elven prince’s tongue out.
“I anger you much too easily human.” Valchor placed a hand on Alexandros’ shoulder. “If you cannot tolerate to be around me how will you face the dark wizard once you find him? Keep your emotions in control—the most important one being what you are feeling towards me right now. Anger only makes you weak and unfocused…never use anger in battle; it will get you killed. Now follow me. I will take you to meet my father.”
Valchor led the way up the spiral stairs that led into the royal home’s entrance. Instead of going down to the fountain room, they traveled up the stairs built in the main entrance hall. The stairs were hidden behind what did not even look to be a door. More lanterns, giving off a deep green forest color, placed in the dark staircase dimly lit the way up the narrow flight of stairs.
“Why is there such little light in the royal home?” Alexandros asked.
“We are night elves…not wood elves. We feel more at home in dimly lit areas, and we are much more active obviously at night.”
It took them about five minutes to finally reach the massive throne room. The king’s throne stood on a pedestal in the center of the encircling room, lanterns hung from the wooden oak walls and outstanding green vines with night flowers grew from the floor and scaled the walls, reaching up to the high ceiling. Two tall long thin candelabras stood on each side of the king’s oak throne.
King Dokohan sat on his throne with incredible poise. He was tall and thin, about five feet eleven. He had long dark hair and piercing silver eyes; his lips were thin, and he had a small pointed nose. His long hair covered his pointed ears, and his golden crown covered much of his forehead. Dokohan wore a brilliantly crafted elven robe that was a deep midnight purple with golden trim. He sat with his elegant hands crossed awaiting his son’s arrival.
Alistair stood next to King Dokohan wearing a magnificent deep-sea-colored blue robe with a gold trim.
“Please come in, young man,” King Dokohan said, his voice enchanting and full of mystery. “Alistair here has told me much about you.”
Alexandros stepped forward with Valchor giving him a slight push.
“Do not be nervous around me,” said the king. “I will not be harsh with you. Your centaur friend is doing well; he is downstairs in the fountain spring room with the lovely Princess Elora…as my son refers to her. I wish to ask you something of great importance.”
“Of course, anything…we are in your debt,” said Alexandros.
“Your journey is indeed great, and you will have many challenges to overcome, so I ask in favor of healing your comrade…if my son could travel alongside you?”
Alexandros wrinkled his forehead. “Huh?”
Siruac
The cold rain poured down hard in the land of Siruac, and a thick fog rolled in from the forest. The goblins searched the land for anyone who may have gotten away from their first wave of attacks on the castle. Three goblins sat inside a small tent sheltering themselves from the rain.
“What are the orders from Zuers?” the first goblin asked, picking his nails.
“Not sure,” said the second in a gurgling voice. “But I am certain he is not in a pleasant mood…Barbarious is in a foul frame of mind right now.”
“Very true indeed,” said the third goblin. “The word around the castle is that the vampire king…I forget his name—well anyway, I heard he made Barbarious look like a fool. But I believe the warrior lad made him into a much bigger fool after slicing off the wizard’s hand. Ha ha ha!”
“Funny how brave you are when neither Barbarious nor Zuers are around,” said the second goblin. “Would you be brave enough to say this to either of them? Or while they are near enough to hear?”
“I am no idiot. I know my place, but I can also say whatever I want to.”
The first goblin climbed over the other two to step outside.
“Where on earth are you going?” the second goblin hissed.
The first Goblin turned back to the two in the small tent and as the hard rain poured on him he leaned over and with a ghoulish hissing voice said “I am hungry…I am going to see if our king has any remains of Mabruk or his wife…”
Evedsatu
Back in the elven throne room Valchor wondered how on earth his father could expect him to travel with such people.
“Father, what have I done to deserve such horrid traveling companions?”
King Dokohan shook his head. “You have done nothing. You parade around the village as if you are greater than the rest. As prince you must learn you are no better than anyone. A true ruler sees
himself as an equal to his people, and you have always thought you were better than the rest of the elves. This challenge shall determine whether you are capable to be king someday or not.”
“But father…” Valchor whined. “Very well, but this is far from something I shall enjoy. Well warrior,” he said to Alexandros. “It seems you and I will be spending more time together…hope you will not mind.”
“Would you not consider something else as repayment,” Alexandros asked the king. “We do not have much, but I am sure my friends and I can gather up some coins for you…”
King Dokohan let out a small laugh; he placed a hand on Alexandros’ shoulder.
“I am much aware my son is a lot to withstand, but it shall be good for him…and yourself. You will need companions that are fierce in battle; my son will not let you down… at least not in battle.”
Alexandros rolled his eyes while shaking his head and agreed to allow the elven prince to accompany them.
“We shall leave at night fall, and I thank you again King Dokohan for all,” Alistair said.
Alistair led Alexandros and Valchor back down to the main entrance chamber. “Gather what you need, Prince Valchor, we leave shortly,” Alistair said.
As Valchor turned to gather his materials, Elora and Raphael made their way up the steps to the main hall as well. Raphael walked up the fountain room steps with little energy; bags under his eyes gave the impression he had not slept for days. His long black hair was not tied up as normal; it rested on his shoulders and looked messy.
Alexandros gave Elora a gentle kiss on the forehead.
“How are you feeling, better I hope?” he asked Raphael.
“Yes. The elixir they have given me has returned much of my strength back. I hope to be better sooner than later.” Raphael looked as if he had been awake for months; his once magnificent glow had faded.
Elora then gathered Bixbin and Winston, and the group stood in a circle before the royal home.
“We need to destroy the goblin army,” Alexandros declared. “Once those beasts are dead, burned and turned to ash, Barbarious will not have much help in his war. No more side-tracking and no more games; those demons will pay for all they have done, and I shall be the cause of their demise.”
“I agree with all you just said Alexandros,” said Bixbin, hoisting his hammer over his shoulder. “But how on earth are we to find their lands? Barbarious killed the one goblin beast that could have told us.”
“Bixbin is right…” Raphael said in a low voice. “My father never got the opportunity to tell us where Heshuezo is, and after being cursed the last thing I remember is returning home with the goblin beast we caught.”
“Wait…you are searching for Heshuezo, the goblin land?” Valchor asked with a laugh. “Ha ha ha! Heshuezo is only about a two day’s journey from here…Of course, that is if we take the short way…”
The group stared at him.
“What is it?” Valchor said, uncomfortably. “Did I say something wrong…or even worse…is there something on my face?”
CHAPTER XV
NATION DESTROYED
THE AMAZONS ARE a nation of women warriors—tall, strong willed. Trained with tremendous battle skills, Amazons are masterful at archery and fierce with a sword. Amazons believe men are a curse to the world and are only good for one thing, reproducing. An Amazon’s code of honor is one she will stand tall for…and one she would die for.
THREE NIGHTS AGO…
The goblins had completely taken over; they ran through the village burning down homes and killing anything that moved. Zuers led the horde along with the goblin king himself. The Amazons had battled two days and nights; Cassandra, the Amazon queen, led her people into battle against the goblin horde.
But the Amazons were betrayed by Jasmine, their first in command. Jasmine was once a close friend of Cassandra; Jasmine fought alongside her in the great battle of Heshuezo, but after Cassandra gave birth to her daughter Aloysia, jealousy consumed Jasmine, and she was never the same. For so long Cassandra treated Jasmine as a daughter, but now Jasmine felt replaced. Jasmine was tall and had the most beautiful dark skin; her hair was long and dark brown. Jasmine’s eyes were narrow and light brown; her beauty enchanting. Her full lips and exotic look made most men stumble over with lust…but her soul was dark and full of hate and anger. After her betrayal, Jasmine cowardly left the Amazon village and headed to Siruac after the goblins took over.
Most of the Amazons lay dead on the ground. Cassandra, her daughter Aloysia, and seven other Amazons knelt chained together with a rusty old shackle. Cassandra was the most respected queen in Amazon history. She was six feet two; she had long blonde hair, light brown eyes, and fair skin. Cassandra was incredibly beautiful for her age and ruled her nation fairly. Her daughter Aloysia was young, only just turning seventeen years old; her tanned skin and dark brown hair made her gorgeous features show even more so. With her big brown eyes and athletic body that was still yet feminine, no man would have been able to resist her. The goblins had stripped the Amazons of their armor, leaving them to wear dirty rags. The burning Amazon village lit up the night sky, taking away all the history that had been passed down to them.
“My queen,” the goblin king hissed, jumping off his horse. “My you have aged so much. You were once a young lovely thing…now not so much. I hope you remember me. I would be terribly saddened if you did not.”
“Of course, I remember you, foul beast!” Cassandra cried. “I shall destroy all of you for what you have done. And never shall I grant mercy to such an evil bottom feeder such as yourself again.”
Cassandra leaped to her feet and broke free from her shackles; the incredibly tall and graceful Cassandra powerfully kicked the goblin king in the face, sending him smashing to the ground. She let out a mighty warrior cry signaling all remaining Amazons to retreat. Cassandra repeatedly stomped on the goblin king, and, as goblin warriors approached to aid him, she tossed and smashed all that placed hands on her.
She raised her sword. “Now, no mercy shall be granted for you…ever again!” She lifted the sword high and went for the killing strike…but Zuers charged in from behind, piercing her in her back with an enormous sword. She fell to her knees with the sword sticking out of her back.
Zuers laughed as she crawled to her daughter. Aloysia cried as her mother lightly kissed her on her forehead.
“Say hello to Mabruk and Tobias for me…” the goblin king hissed then beheaded her with a single swipe of his rusty sword. He kicked and spat on her body.
“Bring back any Amazon you find,” said the king. “Take them back to Heshuezo and keep them as fresh as possible… I am sick of eating rotted flesh…oh, and leave her head here. I do not wish to have her stare at me as I feed on her corpse.”
His warrior troops gathered up the remaining Amazons and left the burning village. The goblin army then split up after the invasion; the majority of the horde returned to Siruac with Zuers, and the other few returned to Heshuezo with their goblin king.
CHAPTER XVI
TAKEN
“Why have me captive!” Alexandros shouted at the cloaked figured man. “I am no threat to you! Release me now!” The cloaked figure tightly wrapped the rope around Alexandros, which held him to a tree. The cloaked figure had disarmed Alexandros and tossed his weapons in a pile near the campfire.
“Why will you not answer me?”
“You will be fine,” the cloaked figure said in a deep hoarse voice. “What I do, I do for your own good; nothing rewarding can come from the place you wish to go…I shall release you once they have moved on from those mountains.” The cloaked figure crouched by the campfire that burned bright before them. “I have seen what those beasts are capable of… you would be foolish bursting in like a headstrong boar.”
“I will rip your head off and feed it to the wolves if I miss this opportunity,” said Alexandros.
The cloaked figure turned slowly to look Alexandros in the eye. “Well, just try and escape
then, my friend…”
The Morning Before…
The morning sun rose high in the sky as the group traveled down the road toward Heshuezo. It had taken Alexandros and the others most of the night to make it out of the Evedsatu forest. Valchor had gotten the group lost twice trying to find his way to the road. It finally took Winston to fly up over the forest to point the way out, Winston flew up into the sky with joy, for anytime he could make himself useful Winston jumped at the opportunity.
All through the night Valchor complained about everything, to the point where even the soft-spoken Elora had to tell Valchor to silence himself. Alexandros tried not to take resting stops too often. He led the group down the rocky dirt road that seemed to go on for miles without end. Tired and hungry they traveled, but Alistair seemed a bit unsure if this was a smart choice. He questioned Alexandros’ decision to head straight for Heshuezo. For twenty-two winters no man had stepped on the Heshuezion Mountains—who knew what they would find there?
“I must say this,” said Alistair, stopping Alexandros in his tracks. “And I wish for you to listen, young warrior: your judgment is clouded by anger, and at this moment you cannot see straight. We should be taking the fight to Barbarious; if the goblin army is truly at Heshuezo then Barbarious’ forces are weak; therefore, he is at his most vulnerable.”
“This is not your choice to make, wizard,” said Alexandros. “I have decided this is best. I will end Barbarious, but first we take care of these ghouls.”
“You are confusing vengeance for strategy; you are walking blind right now as you cannot see beyond the hatred in your heart.”
“Do not give me any of your nonsense, wizard; these are the monsters responsible for the murders of my family and every soul in my village. So how dare you say I am the blind one? You have known this was my main focus since the morning I met you, and now you think I am unfocused and reckless?”
“Barbarious is the one making the decisions for the goblins—once he is vanquished then the goblins will be nothing.” Alistair said to the group pleading with them. “I think you need a night to level yourself, Belen. You are not thinking clearly. Let us rest here for the remainder of the day and…”
The Legend of Alexandros: Belen Page 10