The Exile's Redemption (The Heart of a Tyrant Book 1)

by Reece Dinn

  Strong hands gripped his shoulders and heaved him up off the floor. Maybe not. He used Hakah in his legs and kicked the Ro-Lial as hard as could. To his delight the Ro-Lial grunted, just a little, enough to show that he did feel pain. The Ro-Lial tightened his grip on his shoulders. Beroz hadn't the strength to muster another attack. His body was a mess, both outside and in, pain permeating his whole being. The Ro-Lial squeezed harder. Beroz cried out. He was thrown to the ground, his body hitting the floor with a slap. What do? He so strong. How? Need to say stop. He will kill me.

  The Ro-Lial stood over him, snorting, eyes alive with excitement, clearly enjoying himself. He sneered, revealing yellowed teeth, then reached down, his massive hands enveloping Beroz's vision. The hands clamped around his neck. Say stop.

  The torchlight flickered in the Ro-Lial's eyes.

  Eyes. Light. Yes.

  Beroz closed his eyes and created a bright light in front of his face. The Ro-Lial howled, releasing him.

  Beroz seized the chance. While gasping for breath he used Brubah, intensifying it more than he ever had before, and rolled away, the effort straining his Raiz, expending twice as much than it usually would, exhausting his mind. He stopped rolling when he was out of the Ro-Lial's reach. The pain was tremendous, despite the healing energy running through his body, but it eased a little every moment. He swayed on his feet, nearly falling back down, his mind beginning to darken from overuse of Raiz.

  The Ro-Lial still clutched his face. Beroz knew he needed to act, but he had no strength to muster any form of attack, so he stood there, waiting, allowing Brubah to heal him as best it could. The Ro-Lial rubbed his tear filled eyes, then swung his head around, trying desperately to find him. He blind only for a moment.

  The wounds on Beroz's back and shoulders slowly sealed themselves, the pain easing, the strengthened Brubah healing him faster than he'd hoped. His vision was darkening however, the effort threatening to overwhelm him.

  The Ro-Lial spotted him, roared, then charged.

  Kak. Beroz jumped away and ran, switching from Brubah to Hakah to increase his speed as much as his legs would allow, fresh pains awakening ll over. The Ro-Lial gave chase, roaring behind him. Beroz stumbled, nearly colliding with a spike as his head swam, his darkened vision making it difficult to navigate. Need stop using Raiz. Can't though. Ro-Lial will kill me.

  He dodged another charge, darting around the Ro-Lial. The Ro-Lial spun on his heels and came at him again. Not dodge for long. Beroz bolted as fast as he could across the cave, spun around, and waited for the Ro-Lial to make another move. He stopped Hakah and began Brubah again, keeping his eyes trained on his impossibly strong opponent.

  The Ro-Lial had stopped, glaring back at him. Their eyes locked, the Ro-Lial's scarily dark eyes making him shiver. I afraid. Not feel afraid in long time. All he could hear was his pounding heart and the blood pumping around his body. Relax. Relax. Lose focus on Raiz. He swayed on his feet, adrenaline the only thing keeping him standing.

  The Ro-Lial's posture loosened and he strode towards him. 'You run all day?' he asked, his voice coarse and deep, 'I got all day. You don't.' He smirked and stopped about ten paces away from him.

  Beroz shifted on his feet, unsure what to do. He could barely focus on the Ro-Lial, let alone his Raiz. To fight the man was suicide, he knew. His every attack was like being hit by a boulder, and he was fast too. He true warrior. Push body beyond limit. Make body stronger than any I see before. How do I win? He fingered his scarred hand. Yes? He circled around the Ro-Lial, examining him, using the time the Ro-Lial was giving him to recover. He weakened his Brubah, allowing his mind to relax while he came up with a strategy.

  Ro-Lial playing with me. He not think I can win. The Ro-Lial's body was huge and powerful, yet very quick and nimble. A deadly combination. Most warriors with bulky bodies lacked the speed to match their strength. The Ro-Lial however was one of the fastest men he'd ever faced.

  The Ro-Lial regarded him with amusement. 'What'll you do, little lobkak?' He flashed him a grin.

  Hand no use, unless I catch him off guard. How? He circled him again. Yes.

  'You bore me,' said the Ro-Lial, yawning. 'Think I kill you.'

  Beroz charged. The Ro-Lial roared again, spreading his arms wide, welcoming the attack. Light. He pushed his Raiz out of him and created a blinding light. The Ro-Lial covered his eyes, not surprised this time. 'This? Nukuk. I kill you.' He lashed out at Beroz with one of his massive fists.

  Beroz anticipated the attack, and jumped to the side to shoot another bright light at him. The Ro-Lial cried out as the light stung his eyes. He spun, swinging his massive fists around wildly. Beroz avoided the fists, running around the Ro-Lial flashing bright lights into his eyes every time he saw an opening. He wasn't sure if he was cheating or not. Technically he wasn't using lightning, fire, or wind, so he couldn't be.

  The Ro-Lial lashed out, jumping at the spots he caught glimpses of Beroz being in, but Beroz was always one step ahead of him. Despite the agony Beroz used Hakah all over his body, pouring Raiz into every muscle that moved, and ploughed into the Ro-Lial's back. The Ro-Lial flew forward, but recovered too fast, spinning around in mid-air and landing on both feet.

  Beroz jumped backwards, but his legs buckled and he fell to his knees. His wounded shoulder burned still, and the whole of his side was quickly tightening. He tried not to panic, stopping Hakah to use Brubah again.

  'Nice trick,' the Ro-Lial grunted, rubbing his eyes.

  He use big Hakah in parts of the body he needs to. Muscles can handle big Raiz. Allows him to increase his strength so much he make them like rocks. That's the secret. Train for many years to do. Use Hakah all time. He readied himself for the Ro-Lial's charge. He not fall for that trick again. Need be smarter. Beroz took a deep breath, pushing himself back to his feet.

  The Ro-Lial moved as Beroz did, facing him at all times, their eyes locked. He gestured for Beroz to try again, seemingly enjoying the encounter.

  Beroz crouched, then used Hakah in his legs and leapt high into the air, hissing from the pain it caused. He drew the expended Raiz back, then pushed more back into his body than he ever had before. He like rock. I be rock also. The strain made him scream, the pressure building up all over his body felt like he could explode at any moment. He plummeted towards the Ro-Lial.

  The Ro-Lial gasped, stepping back. Beroz screamed a battle cry then smashed both of his feet into the Ro-Lial's chest before he could grab him, making him groan as he was knocked back. Beroz crashed to the ground, but using momentum flung himself back upright using his legs and abdominal muscles, drawing the Raiz back in as he did. He staggered forward, the motion causing his head to swim. Come on.

  The Ro-Lial was recovering, finding his feet. Beroz created more light, dazing the Ro-Lial, making him howl again. Beroz charged and, putting everything he had left into it, swung his scarred hand at the Ro-Lial's face. The Ro-Lial caught his arm mid swing, but to his surprise the fist kept on going and crunched into his nose. He grunted, staggering back another step. Beroz shone another light into the Ro-Lial's face, making him hiss in fury. The Ro-Lial lashed out at Beroz with both of his massive hands, just like Beroz anticipated he would. Ducking down under them he then threw himself at the Ro-Lial's legs.

  The Ro-Lial fell back, barely staying on his feet. Beroz jumped up, swinging at the Ro-Lial's chin with his scarred hand, connecting with another crunching blow, knocking the huge Ro-Lial back again.

  They were close to the spikes. Finish him. While the Ro-Lial was still reeling Beroz made to shove him towards the spikes. As his hands touched him however, the Ro-Lial suddenly became as heavy as a mountain, and Beroz's shove barely moved him. He could see the spikes behind. One shove was all it would take, but no matter how hard he pushed the Ro-Lial didn't budge.

  A massive hand grabbed the top of Beroz's head and he was heaved up off the ground. He dangled in the Ro-Lial's grip, helpless. The Ro-Lial's other hand clamped to the side of Beroz's face.

/>   'No more light tricks,' the Ro-Lial snarled, digging his fingers hard into Beroz's head, making him scream. It felt like his head would burst from the pressure, the pain agonizing. The fingers dug in even harder, piercing his skin. Beroz screamed again, and in a last ditch attempt swung his scarred hand at the Ro-Lial's face.

  To his surprise it connected, snapping the Ro-Lial's head back and knocking it into the spike behind him. The spike burst into rubble.

  'DIE, BONOKOK,' roared the Ro-Lial as he tossed Beroz into the air, then kicked him in the chest harder than he'd ever been kicked before. There was nothing but sheer, unbelievable pain as he flew through the air, then crashed down, bouncing along the floor before sliding to a halt. It was difficult to know what was broken, everything hurt so much.

  The Ro-Lial advanced on him, his hulking frame heaving, massive fists balled at his sides. 'I rip you in half,' he spat.

  'No. He win,' the man in white cried as he hurried into the cave.

  'WHAT?' snapped the Ro-Lial.

  'You hit your head on the spike. Draw your blood. Feel.'

  The Ro-Lial snarled, then felt the back of his head. His eyes widened and when he pulled his hand away it was wet with blood.

  'No. Lobkak win. No.' He slammed a huge foot on the ground and glared at Beroz.

  I win? Beroz forced air into his lungs, relieved to find that he could still breathe.

  'You play with him. Your own fault,' the man in white said to the Ro-Lial as he shuffled over to him, Mutumuz clutched in his hand.

  'Bah,' spat the Ro-Lial, folding his arms and looking away.

  'You up. Next test,' the man in white said to Beroz, kicking him lightly in the side.

  'What?' Beroz croaked. His head swam, mind darkening, muscles tightening from overuse of Hakah. He was done, he knew.

  'Next test,' the man in white repeated.

  No. I can't. Need to rest before. I will die.

  'If not want to, just say stop,' said the man in white.

  No. Not stopping. Win two. Groaning he pulled himself up. The room span as he moved. He risked a glance at the Ro-Lial. With great effort he managed to feel his Raiz and began using Brubah. He was amazed to feel that he'd not lost any Raiz at all during the fight. Not sure if will in next one. The pain eased. Nothing felt broken. Although it hurt he found that he could move too, though his muscles were tight and sore. His mind was still dark, thoughts slowed, vision blurred. He wouldn't last much longer.

  The huge man was glaring at him again. 'Clever bonokok,' he said. 'Not see light trick before. Don't like it. Will pull your eyes out next time.' He clapped his hands together, evidently pleased. 'We duel again. Real fight. It'll be an honour.' He laughed, the sound echoing throughout the cave.

  No. Not again. He kill me. Beroz nodded, wearily.

  'Apochal,' shouted the man in white from behind him. 'Come. Don't waste time so you can heal.' He disappeared behind the fur covering.

  Beroz glanced back to the Ro-Lial, who gestured with his head towards the opening. 'Don't die. Next test harder,' he said with a grin.

  Harder? Reluctantly, Beroz staggered out of the cave. The man in white handed him back Mutumuz. He'd never been so happy to have his sword in his hands.

  Just moment to rest. He knew though that he wouldn't get to. He could barely concentrate on anything except his Raiz, and remaining on his feet.

  'Next test through there.' The man pointed to the opening opposite them. Beroz headed for the appointed opening.

  This cave was lined with many torches. One was placed on the wall every couple of steps. The ceiling too was lined with them, revealing the stone beams that criss-crossed it. The crackling torches bathed the hall in a warm glow.

  The third Ro-Lial stood in the centre of the cave, his arms slightly outstretched at his sides. His long braid was snow white and singed at the tip. He had a long nose, fiery eyes and a wicked smile. His dark red furs were singed around the edges, like his hair.

  He not have a weapon.

  'For next test,' said the man in white. 'You need to survive until I say stop. Do what can to live.'

  Survive? All need to do? Fight unarmed man? This'll be easy, yes? He kept his Brubah intensified, scared that as soon as he stopped it he'd collapse. In spite of the healing he was weak, exhausted, and in pain. Hopefully this was an easier test to allow him to recover from the last. 'Next test harder,' Ro-Lial say. He twisted Mutumuz around in his hand, swallowing hard.

  'Fight.'

  The Ro-Lial cackled and suddenly became wreathed in flames.

  KAK!

  The Ro-Lial screamed then shot forward as a massive fireball. Beroz jumped aside, stumbling as he landed. Flames caught his furs and he desperately patted them out. The Ro-Lial smashed into the wall beside the entrance, flames flaring out from him in many directions, torching the fur hanging over the opening.

  Kak. Kak. Kak. Not good. The flaming Ro-Lial blazed towards Beroz as a giant fireball, his whole body burning brightly, the flames roaring. Beroz leapt away, but was greeted by two fireballs hurtling towards the spot he was about to land in. One singed his furs as it passed him, the other hit Mutumuz, breaking apart in a shower of embers. He lost his footing and stumbled again, momentum the only thing keeping him on his feet.

  The Ro-Lial screamed and a powerful blast wave exploded out of him, knocking Beroz onto his rear, then he surged forward, wreathed in flames.

  Beroz cried out in terror as he desperately scrambled away, but not fast enough and the Ro-Lial smashed into his back, sending him sprawling, flames scorching him. He rolled across the floor, frantically trying to extinguish them.

  The Ro-Lial's flaming body left a fiery trail behind him as he leapt at the nearest wall. The torches around him blazed, bending towards him, merging with the flames covering his body, feeding them.

  Beroz was barely able to push himself back to his feet. Kak. Kak. Kak. The air was suffocatingly hot, sapping his already depleted strength.

  A wave of fire swept towards him, spreading outwards as it moved. He scrambled away, squealing as he ran. The flame wave roared, its heat sweltering.

  He used Hakah, screaming from the pain it caused, and leapt as high as he could over it. His mind darkened, the feat using everything he had left. He lost focus on his Raiz, missing drawing back the expended energy.

  The flame wave smashed against the wall and broke, the torches on the wall blazing as fire met fire. Flame trails streaked the floor.

  The Ro-Lial had vanished.

  Beroz's head brushed against the ceiling and then he began to drop. Where go? There were no shadows to hide in. Nothing to hide behind. Hide in fire? Panic set in.

  A light to his left caught his attention. Lines of flame erupted across the ceiling, then a huge fireball shot towards him. It moved too fast for him to react to and it smashed into his side, fire searing his body, every part of him becoming inflamed, then something solid slammed into his stomach, forcing the air out of him. He dropped Mutumuz, crying out, but his cries were swiftly muffled by the flames. Two scorching hot hands grasped his throat, the already burning skin sizzling where they touched him. They plummeted to the ground in a big ball of fire, the Ro-Lial on top of him, Beroz too weak, too pained to fight back in any way.

  'BURRRRNNNN,' screamed the Ro-Lial, his voice sounding like roaring flames.

  They hit the ground with an almighty crunch. Beroz screamed, but the flames swallowed it, devouring his body, engulfing his vision. The Ro-Lial knelt on his chest, his knees digging in hard. He cackled.

  'BURN TO DEATH.' That wicked face appeared through the wall of flames engulfing Beroz's vision, a terrible smile spreading across it.

  No.

  The Ro-Lial proceeded to pummel his face with punches, Beroz's head slamming against the floor, again and again and again, his skull fracturing with every punch. This it....He kill...Not stop. Each blow knocked thoughts out of his mind. There was nothing but ceaseless pain, nothing he could do. No way for him to even yell 'stop'.
r />   'STOP,' someone cried.

  The beating ceased. 'Not done,' snapped the Ro-Lial.

  A weight lifted off Beroz chest, though it made no real difference. His every nerve burned, every fibre of his being ablaze.

  Shuffled footsteps.

  'Not done. He alive,' hissed the Ro-Lial.

  'You go too far. Not need to kill. Win without killing. Look at him.' It was the man in white, his soft voice unrecognisably fierce now. Through the flames Beroz could see him pressing his face up into the Ro-Lial's.

  All suddenly went quiet save for the crackle of the flames. Then they too faded away. Eventually even the pain faded as his mind burnt away to nothing. The last thought to flash through it was the Enemy's hot touch on his arm. Die.

  Chapter Fifty Eight

  Melonaz scooped up handfuls of snow, then used Nipah to melt them in his hands. Within moments water was trickling through his fingers. Tilting his head back he raised his hands over his mouth to allow the water to drip onto his tongue. Its cool taste revitalised him, although he hated drinking this way. Soon enough the snow had reduced to slush and dribbled into his mouth freely. When he'd had his fill he threw the slush to the ground.

  All day he'd hunted for something to eat, but there'd been nothing around, save for some frozen nuts he'd plucked from the few gola he'd come upon. He'd found some shumdniz too, picking the majority of it. Need to stop. Learn to sleep without it. Shumdniz makes head hurt in morning. He'd tried to, but found that the noise of the mountains at night kept him awake, that and the fear of being attacked by the Enemy while he slept, the image of that lilnac being claimed haunted his dreams.

  He'd not encountered either the Enemy, or its ludenez since, to his relief, but he knew the next encounter was never far away. If not see here, see at village. The fear and anticipation of it appearing was fraying his already ruined nerves. This life of Apochal? Waiting for the Enemy? Waiting for ludenez? Hunting it? Fighting it? Hope the Enemy not claim you? Not what think this be like.