by Jarod Meyer
“Okay,” William said to Juarez. “This is it. Just remember, don’t say anything to anyone, and the worst you can be accused of is not reporting to your designated ranks. At most, you might get a night under the atlas ball.”
Juarez nodded. “You just make sure to get in and out quick, amigo,” Juarez said.
They floated in complete silence, waiting for the bell. When it sounded, it rolled over them like a wave, a ghastly tremor that filled the halls and shook William to his core. A feeling of dread washed over him, and then the action began. The doors to the wing flew open, and hundreds of bodies shot out like bolts of lightning. The commotion was staggering, and Juarez disappeared in an instant.
Alright, he saw Meredox, and is following him, William thought. Ok this is it.
He shot forth from the wall once the hallway was empty He didn’t waste any time, utilizing his memory well. He found Meredox’s private quarters right away. He opened the doors, and crept in. It was so silent in the room that he could hear his soft footfalls. He looked around the room at all the artifacts lining the walls, the hair on his neck and arms standing on end. He was being watched.
In the darkness the room didn’t feel as homely as it had previously. It actually put William more on edge. The silence was suddenly split by a whizzing sound. William looked up at a book shelf, where an object was flashing brightly, and making a very loud noise.
Oh no, he thought with dread.
He must have triggered some sort of alarm. He was already in too deep. If he was ever going to get out of this, he needed to secure proof, and fast.
His gaze snapped around the room as he tried to decide where to look first. He saw Meredox’s desk at one end of the room, and rifled through papers as fast as he could.
It didn’t take William long to find what he was looking for, as it stood out rather boldly. It was a single piece of parchment as black as coal. The edges were burnt, and the script was glowing red like flame. William picked it up, and it was hot to the touch. He held it as if it would fall apart at any moment, and read.
My Dearest Meredox,
The time of my coming is nigh. I pray you will be by my side. I have found a way past the Obelisks. Together we can rule Archonia, and make things the way we always wanted. Look for my coming at Last Light on the first day of Antioch. We shall be united once more.
L.
William’s throat went dry, and he swallowed hard. He had to get this letter to Brock, or the Synod, or somebody. Panic struck him. He knew that he was right about a plot, but he simply didn’t know how serious it was. He moved quickly back towards the door, but a force hit him like a wall, and scattering the letter out of his hand. The force took him through the wall of Meredox’s chambers, and out into the hall. A man walked through the hole after him. It was the same man William had seen Meredox conversing with in the middle of the night.
“Thief!” he shouted.
“Traitor!” William growled back, and wrenched himself from the ground.
Blazing light filled the hallway as William projected, his armor appearing out of thin air and securing itself to his body. Benjamin’s armor appeared as well, and wasted no time in his second strike. This time William was ready, and using his experience in jujitsu, used the weight of his attacker to toss him into the wall.
The wall crumbled, as Benjamin continued to bowl through several more layers of wall. William shot after him through the tunnel of holes, eventually stepping into the library. Books and pages flew everywhere, and the man came shooting back at him. William caught his wild haymaker with a strong arm, and cracked him on the head with an armored elbow. Benjamin smashed into the stone floor with a crunch, forming a small crater, and went still. William turned him over, to find that he was unconscious.
He didn’t realize just how strong he had become. He was able to take on an experienced judge. Though their main focus was not combat, he thought that the man would have provided a little more fight. His thought was cut short as bright flashes filled the room, four men fell over him, restraining him. William struggled, but could not break free. They turned him around, and he came face to face with Meredox.
“Tainted one!” Meredox’s face was filled with rage.
“Traitor!” William shouted.
Meredox and his men burst into laughter.
“Ironic that you deem me a traitor, yet I am not the one sneaking about in places where I should not be,” Meredox said, before stepping aside to reveal Juarez on his knees.
“This one was following me. I thought it amiss that a Guardian would be amongst our ranks. He refuses to speak, even under the threat of punishment. And I wonder who it was that rang the bell?” he asked, probing.
William didn’t speak. He wouldn’t give the vile traitor the honor of his voice.
“It matters little. You have all broken the law and shall be punished,” Meredox spat.
“He has broken no law,” William said, defiantly, looking at Juarez. “It is not a crime to follow someone.”
“The filth is not as dumb as he looks. You’re correct, escort him out,” Meredox said, motioning towards his men.
“William, no!” Juarez shouted as they began to drag him out. Meredox held up a hand for them to stop.
“Have you something to say” the Grand Justicar asked.
William locked eyes with his friend, and shook his head. Juarez went silent, a single tear dripping down his face. Meredox motioned for them to drag him away.
“Very well. He was not in ranks when he was supposed to be however, so I imagine his commander will be none too pleased,” Meredox said casually. “Very noble of you to bear the blame for this little endeavor.”
“I would risk all to save this world,” William growled, and was struck in the face with a hard fist as he struggled.
“And what exactly will you be saving it from?” Meredox inquired.
William spit blood onto the floor at Meredox’s feet.
“I think you know. I saw the note he wrote to you. You’re in league with Lucifer, and he is planning an invasion,” William spat.
“Lucifer?” Meredox and his men laughed again. “Lucifer has been banished to the underworld for all eternity!”
“I will stop you, Meredox,” William said solemnly, still struggling against the strength of the men holding him.
“You will stop nothing,” Meredox said, his tone almost bored. “You will be punished for your crimes, tainted one. I am the law. And before the creators and all the eyes of Archonia you shall be branded a liar, a thief, and a traitor for attacking one of your brothers.” He motioned towards Benjamin, who was now sitting up, holding his head while one of the guards attended to him.
“With any luck that fool Achilles will finally see fit to strip you of your rank as Guardian. Maybe he will finally see reason, and allow me to punish you appropriately,” Meredox said, practically glowing at the thought.
“You bastard!” William roared, and strained with all his might.
“You do not think this fair, tainted one? Were it up to me, I would have you destroyed or banished to hell, where you could rot away in flame and sorrow for all eternity.” Meredox stared down on him, a triumphant gleam in his eyes, and then abruptly turned away.
“Like your brother?” William asked, slowly.
Meredox spun and raised his hand as if to strike. William didn’t flinch, and Meredox didn’t follow through.
“Take this filth from my sight.”
Chapter Nineteen
Last Light
William opened his eyes, and took in the room around him. It was a miniscule space, with no window, and metal bars for a door. He sat on a small stool in the center of the room, facing the door. Chains bound his hands, feet, neck, and waist projections created by a group the sentinels that had escorted and bound him in place. They were strong, but William could break them, if he wanted to.
William quietly pondered his options. He could break free of the feeble prison, and perhaps avoid purs
uit. He was much faster now, but he didn’t know where he would go if he was able to escape. He could break free and attempt to find the letter he discovered in Meredox’s office. Although the deceiver had most likely already destroyed any evidence that could jeopardize his position. William’s heart began to stray. There was an alternative to all of this. He could side with Meredox, and try to gain favor and power when the attack came.
“NO!” he shouted, and stamped his feet on the ground, causing the room to shake. “Get those thoughts out of your head, William. You’re better than that,” he said to himself.
Many hours passed, and finally a visitor arrived to see him. Brock, his face was sullen, slowly opened the cell door. He knew Katrina and Juarez wouldn’t come. They would only be incriminating themselves.
“I didn’t expect this of you, William,” Brock said, sadly.
“Brock,” William said, his voice quiet and tense. “It had to be done. I found evidence that Meredox is a traitor.”
“Yes, William, your friends came to me, and asked for my help. Meredox has been confronted, and his quarters searched. There is no such letter to be found,” Brock replied.
William’s heart sank.
“He destroyed it then,” William sighed.
“My friend, I want to believe you, but Meredox is a hero. He defeated the fallen Archonians so they would never threaten Archonia ever again,” Brock said, moving towards him, only to falter and step away.
“Then you have fallen for his ruse,” William said, spitefully. “Weird that only he survived, don’t you think?” William asked.
Brock turned away slowly.
“I can’t tell you if you’re correct,” Brock said. “The only thing we can do is let these events unfold.”
“My friend Juarez, who spoke to you,” William said.
“The Spaniard?” Brock asked.
“Yes. Did he tell you where Meredox went when the bell rang?” William asked, desperately.
Brock looked at him, seemingly weighing his options, debating if he should speak further.
“He headed north, towards Mount Olympus,” the large Guardian muttered and turned to leave.
“Wait, Brock. What is Antioch?” William asked.
Brock turned and squinted at him.
“That is a very odd question,” Brock said, slowly.
“Please, Brock,” William pleaded. “Look, I will take this punishment. I broke the law. I will pay for what I have done, but you must believe me!”
There was a long silence, where William wondered if his large friend would speak again.
“Antioch is the name of a month, William,” Brock said softly at long last. “One of the ten in the year.”
“And when does Antioch start?” William asked, focusing.
“Uh,” Brock said looking at the ceiling and thinking. “Today, little brother. The first day is today,” he said confused. “Why is this important?”
William felt a shiver run down his spine, and a bead of sweat ran down his face.
“The letter, Brock. It said look for my coming on the first day of Antioch. Lucifer is coming,” William gasped.
His large counterpart’s face grew very serious now.
“Who is coming?” Brock asked, his tone very guttural tone.
“The letter…it was signed ‘L’. Tt must be Lucifer the Archon, right?” William said. “You must take the Guardians to Mount Olympus immediately!” William could hear his own voice, and knew he sounded half-crazed.
“William, I…” but William wouldn’t let him finish.
“This is what we are trained for! You must do your duty! To Archonia!” William shouted so loudly that even the experienced Guardian recoiled.
“William I can’t just go flying off to the edge of the world with the Guardians because you claimed you saw a letter from Lucifer. Do you know how crazy you sound?” Brock asked, shaking his head.
“Then take your squad,” William retorted. “And if I’m wrong, no harm done. Everyone gets to see the tainted one branded and beaten, and everyone will have a merry old time,” William said, sarcastically.
There was a momentary pause and William could see the cogs turning in his friends head.
“Brock, think about the reports of strange disappearances. The bat-like creatures that I fought below the Forge. I could tell you have been worrying over something. What if Meredox has been testing the barrier for a weakness, and succeeded at getting demons through.” William said exasperation.
“Alright, little brother,” Brock said, holding his hands up, trying to calm him down.
Just then there was a commotion outside the door, and it swung open. Ten armed guards flowed in through the passage, instantly making the tiny room very claustrophobic. They unbound William from the walls, and each grabbed a chain to restrain him. As they escorted him out William looked over his shoulder at Brock.
“Take Katrina with you to ring the warning beacon. She is the fastest Guardian,” William said, struggling to meet Brock’s gaze. The old warrior stood in the corner, watching him speechless.
The guards led William to the training grounds, where two massive stone pillars had been erected upon a stage overlooking the grounds. William sized up the massive constructs, wondering if he could break them, if the need arise.
A vast sea of people covered the training ground beyond the stage, lined up in endless rows. It appeared the entire Archonian was in attendance. He didn’t see the gleam of armor, instead the crowd appeared to be in formal dress. They were going to make his discipline into a public spectacle. Not just shame him, and try to break him, but do it in front of everyone. William felt a flush of anger warm his insides, fueled by his indignation.
Yes, I tried to serve Archonia. Punish me…makes sense. This world is just like the last one, he thought, eying the crowd, and suddenly realizing that there appeared to be no civilians in attendance. Good, at least Angelica won’t have to watch. I only hope she will talk to me again.
The guards pulled him into place on the stage and chained William to the ground. Next they bound his wrists with massive manacles. When the guards let go William’s arms sagged. They felt as though they weighed a ton each. He tugged at them, and they didn’t break. Apparently they didn’t trust him to take his punishment honestly.
The chains binding him drew backwards towards the pillars, pulling William’s arms out wide, stealing almost all of his strength. With his arms pulled back, his chest was exposed. The guards ripped his shirt off, leaving him completely bare. The crowd remained completely still, and silent. William half expected them to cheer, to take pleasure in the savage spectacle. That he would have expected, but the silence was worse. It was unnerving.
Drums suddenly split the still air, and a man stepped forth, clad in the armor and purple of an Adjudicator. He wore a large cowl over his face, so William couldn’t immediately identify him. He was too tall to be Meredox. That much he did know.
He produced a scroll, unrolled it, and with a loud voice started reading it aloud.
“William of Archonia…you have knowingly, and willingly, broken the laws of the Synod, and of our people. As punishment for your crimes…you shall be branded a liar, a thief, and a traitor to this world,” the adjudicator paused for effect, and this time a ripple of motion and noise rose up from the audience. “In addition, you shall be stripped of all rank, your title as Guardian, and be henceforth exiled from the great hall of Valhalla!”
The light dwindled, the shadows growing longer, reaching out to him like dark, sinister fingers.
“Do you wish to speak?” the Adjudicator asked.
William scoured the crowd, looking for Brock, Katrina, or Juarez, but couldn’t pick them out of the sea of faces. His panic quickly turned to hope. Perhaps Brock listened after all, or, maybe his friends were loyal, and refused to watch him be tortured.
Of course Meredox was absent. If William was right, then he would be elsewhere, preparing for the attack. William’s last hope would be th
at someone would see the invasion coming before it was too late, and ring the nearest beacon. He struggled with doubt. There was no telling exactly where the attack would come from, or how Lucifer would be getting past the power of the obelisks. He looked out at the fading light, and took a steadying breath.
“I have nothing to say. Let’s get this over with,” William said, grinding his teeth.
The Adjudicator nodded, and motioned towards a man in thick armor, a metallic mask covering his face, save for his eyes.
“Hey, ugly,” William smirked. “Afraid to show me your face?”
He came forward, holding up a branding iron. It was round, featuring an intricate Chinese seal. Light shot forth from the large man’s hand, heating the metal. William swallowed hard, his nerve and strength wavering.
Then the crowd began to chant. “Liar! Liar! Liar,” over and over again, rising in a deafening crescendo.
William saw the red-hot iron moving towards his chest. He breathed in slowly and focused his mind. The metal touched his skin, and for a brief moment it felt cold. Then the pain shot forth, filling William with pain and scrambling his thoughts. His body shook, rattling the chains loudly.
William winced but then remembered the fire of the forge, and managed to gain control. Compared to that, this pain seemed miniscule. He began to chuckle. The second iron came quickly, preceded by more chanting by the crowd. “Thief, thief, theif!”
William took quick breaths to help numb his mind.
“Is that all you’ve got?!” William shouted at the brander, his flesh melting against the hot metal, and the pain filling his head.
The third iron came, and William remained silent. The crowd chanted, but William blocked them out, instead focusing on the man holding the steel.
“I may be a liar and a thief, but I am no traitor,” William growled, staring straight through the mask at the man’s brown eyes.