Daylen let the man enjoy his nightmare for a brief moment longer before grasping the rapist and throwing him with all his enhanced strength.
The man’s screams echoed through the attic before being cut off by a loud crash as he burst through the brick wall to fall onto the cobblestoned street below.
Other screams could be heard as the man landed, but Daylen knew there was no one who could have been caught under the fall. It’s why Daylen had chosen to throw the rapist in that direction, having glanced the streets before bursting in.
Daylen turned to the poor girl who had pulled her knees close and was quivering in fear. Seeing how young she was and in her torn dress made Daylen feel sick to the stomach for more reasons than he could express.
She looked at Daylen in horror. “You…” she began through heavy sobs. “You killed my father!”
“You father deserved it, or would you rather he had continued what he was doing?”
“But… But…”
“He can’t hurt you anymore,” Daylen said, walking to the huge hole in the wall.
“You’re going? But mother will blame me. She’ll say I killed him.”
“She’ll say you did that?” Daylen said, pointing to the hole.
“No, but what will I say?”
Daylen reached the hole and looked down below. There were already several people inspecting the scene and periodically gazing up. Daylen waited until several people had seen him. “Tell them the truth,” he said and, increasing his mass with one bond, the timbers underneath him creaking in protest, Daylen leapt away. He didn’t use his gauntlet as a windshield this time, having felt the wind resistance from his last jump not being too dangerous.
With witnesses to confirm that someone else was there, no one would be able to convict the girl.
Daylen released his mass mid-flight and simply enhanced his strength as he landed, absorbing the impact easily.
Daylen stilled himself and listened once more. Cries for help echoed in his ears. Many sounded hopeless, like they knew no help would come.
Well, it would this time.
Chapter Eighteen
So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the three neighboring kingdoms to Hamahra—Sunsen, Lumas and Daymark—invaded shortly after I came to power. Those kingdoms are no more, of course; their former lands are now a permanent part of modern Hamahra.
The leaders of these old kingdoms didn’t have anything against my people, just with me. They needed to act or lose face, to show their own people what happens to those who fight their rulers. Also, if they liberated Hamahra from the lightless Queenkiller and found that there was no royalty to give the nation to, they would then have to reluctantly take a portion of one of the most prosperous nations in the world into their own kingdoms, welcoming the orphaned people with open arms into brotherhood and noble rule.
How altruistic of them.
* * *
Daylen found Ahrek near the main entrance to the skyport.
“Where were you?” Ahrek asked.
“All over. Did you think I abandoned you?”
“No,” Ahrek said, handing Daylen something wrapped in cloth. “Your lunch,” he said, smiling.
“Thanks,” Daylen said, unwrapping the bundle to find some slices of roast beef with potatoes. He ate hungrily. “I could have left, you know. Caught a skyship,” Daylen said between mouthfuls.
“Yes, but I think you’ve accepted our inevitable companionship, even if we do disagree at times.”
“I don’t disagree with you, that’s the annoying thing… I know you’re right.”
“I’m aware of how difficult my company can be. Truth be told, it’s why I haven’t had many friends in life.”
“Well, it’s their loss.”
Ahrek looked as if Daylen had just slapped him. “And here I thought my welcome was truly worn out.”
“I came back, didn’t I? Yes, you’re annoyingly good, but the funny thing is…I like that about you. You do what you feel is right even if it offends.”
“Well, I like you too, Daylen.”
“I haven’t done much to earn that. In fact I’ve treated you rather poorly, all things considered.”
“You were simply adjusting to what the Light has thrust upon you.”
“Trust me, I’m still adjusting. We’ve only known each other for what, a single fall?”
“Funny, it feels like I’ve known you for longer.” Ahrek glanced to the many people who were staring at them as they passed. “As popular as ever, I see.”
“Yeah, well, thankfully they can tell I’m with someone, as otherwise they’d all be trying to interrogate me.”
“And on that note, you’re lucky you weren’t here. The authorities came looking for you, led by the city’s chief constable. Even a pair of Archknights passed asking after you. I don’t know what they were doing, but it’s best we keep our distance from the Archons until you’re ready to join. If you used your powers while they were near they would have sensed it.”
“They’ve finally decided what to do with me?”
“Yes, which is to simply ask you some questions about your father’s death and the time he spent in hiding.”
“So you spoke with them?”
“I was seen with you.”
“Then why didn’t they stay with you until I returned?”
“Clearly they didn’t think you would…after I told them that we had argued and parted ways.”
“You threw them off?” Daylen asked, genuinely surprised and grateful.
“I said nothing but the truth.”
“But you knew saying certain truths would give them the wrong idea.”
Ahrek smiled at him.
“So you Lightbringers can’t lie, but…”
“Oh, we can lie—we just lose our powers if we do, and therefore stop being Lightbringers.”
“Fine, you choose not to lie, but you can still be deceptive.”
“If it serves a noble purpose, of course. I couldn’t ignore the fact that they might try to take you by force, something I don’t believe they have the right to do.”
“Huh, thanks.”
“I know you want to avoid the authorities, but that doesn’t mean I think you shouldn’t answer their questions.”
“Yeah, well, I’ll do that when I’m finished at the capital.”
“Why’s that?”
“Like I’ve told you before, none of your business.”
“And here I thought we were getting along so well.”
“I’m allowed my secrets.”
“Am I allowed to ask what were you doing this whole time?”
“Yes, you can ask,” Daylen said, and then remained silent.
Ahrek looked at him humorlessly.
“Huh, I thought you might have laughed at that one. Look, I was doing some good.”
“Some good?”
Daylen glanced about to make sure no one was listening. Several people were. Not exactly eavesdropping, but they were looking in his direction. He stepped closer and spoke softly. “I’m learning more about my powers. I realized that I can hear things kilometers away, specifically cries for help if I focus on them.”
“And you endeavored to help?” Ahrek asked.
“I wouldn’t be much of a man if I didn’t.”
“Interesting. Not all Archknights are so skilled at listening.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, all of the knights I’ve known could increase their listening ability—hear things through walls and such. It seems they can all increase any attribute to a mild level. But to hear things at such a distance… Well, I’ve only ever met a single knight who could do that.”
“One bond versus many.”
“What?”
“Oh, well the light I draw in can be channeled along four paths, or bonds. One bond grants a different enhancement based on the attribute being empowered, but I’ve found that putting more than one on the same attribute doubles the first enhancement expone
ntially. It sounds like the knights are only using a single bond, which doesn’t make sense.”
Ahrek paused and rubbed his chin. “Yes, that is odd. Well, I’m sure you’ll learn their secrets when you join them.”
“Yeah, but first things first.”
“You look a little worse for wear. Did this helping of others involve knocking down buildings?”
“No. Crashing through walls, yes, but not knocking down buildings.”
“Crashing through walls!”
“Yep.”
“Daylen, what did you do?”
“Let’s see… I killed two rapists and a child molester, caught five thieves, stopped a brawl, and killed two murderers.”
“Killed? Daylen, you’re not the judge and executioner!”
“I’m protected under the law of justification,” Daylen said. After all, he should know; he was the one who had instituted that law, and the current government hadn’t seen fit to get rid of it.
“Only if the guilt of those you killed can be proven,” Ahrek said. “Too many people have tried to use that law to legalize acts of violence, even murder.”
“The law works. And trust me, I’m not an idiot; I wouldn’t kill anyone if there was the slightest doubt, but with most I caught them in the very act, and the ones I was too late to stop I followed and found damning evidence. I brought the thieves to a nearby constable, but when it comes to rape and murder, death is the punishment they…they deserve.” Light, Daylen was a damned hypocrite.
Ahrek paused and seemed to try and regain his composure. “Of course I feel good those evil men were stopped…”
“I never said they were all men.”
“You killed women?” Ahrek asked, exasperated. So much for his composure.
“When it comes to crimes this severe, women deserve equal punishment, don’t you think?”
“No, they’re women.”
“I don’t buy into that drack. Same crimes deserve the same punishment.”
“Daylen, I’m very concerned that for someone so young you find ending other’s lives so easy.”
“I never said it was easy. It’s just that I can live with it. I can do what most men can’t and I’ve accepted that my life is going to be a violent one.”
“When did you first take a life?”
“In a duel, and no, I’m not going to tell you about it or any others. They most certainly fall into the realms of none of your blackened business…”
“Please watch your language.”
“I’ll blackened speak how I damn well want to speak.”
Ahrek sighed.
“Look,” Daylen said, “I’ve killed before. I’m no innocent, so the way I see it, if there’s killing needing to be done, it’s better that someone with unclean hands do it.”
Ahrek looked to be in serious thought, though his eyes never left Daylen’s. “I do believe that there are crimes worthy of death, rape and murder among them, but being willing to carry out the penalty of such crimes carries a danger that you might dole it out when undeserved. Killing without just cause is murder, Daylen. Have you ever misjudged?”
“You seem to have a short memory. None of your blackened business. I told you that I intend to use my powers for good, so if you don’t have the stomach for it, you can bugger off.”
Ahrek was frowning deeply and seemed not able to respond. He even paced a few times before sighing. “Well…to be perfectly honest, I can’t say I wouldn’t have reacted the same when being confronted with such crimes.”
“You could actually kill someone?”
A shadow seemed to cross Ahrek’s face as he replied somberly, “I have a past too, Daylen.”
Daylen nodded. No more needed to be said.
Silence fell between them for a few minutes.
“Tell me, Daylen,” Ahrek said. “You knew who your father was before he died and of his countless crimes. No one deserved to die more than him, and you’ve clearly shown yourself capable enough. So why didn’t you kill him?”
“Because it was obvious that living with his guilt was greater punishment than anything I could have done to him. If you want to punish someone like Dayless the Conqueror, you force them to live.”
“No, Dayless deserved to meet the Light a long time ago.”
“You think he deserved to go to the Outer Darkness?”
“Of course, don’t you?”
“Yeah,” Daylen said with hope, finding it hard to see how the Outer Darkness could be any worse than the guilt he had to live with every fall. In fact, some scripture said that those cast into Outer Darkness were utterly destroyed, and if that truly meant the end of his wretched existence, then Daylen welcomed it with open arms.
Ahrek was looking at Daylen intently. “Dayless the Conqueror prolonged his life for fear of the Light’s just punishment.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Bringer.”
“Then we disagree. Now, as I think of it, you must have been noticed using your powers.”
“Yeah, I realized. I took off my master’s mark, found some cloth to tie around my mouth, and put Imperious in a safe place till I was done.”
“Do you think it worked?”
“Hiding my identity was less a priority than saving lives, so even if I was recognized, it was still worth it.”
“True. So, are there no more who need help?”
“Not for the moment, not anyone close at least. With a city this size, I think if I really tried, I could always hear someone in need.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“Because I’m tired! My powers feel sluggish and need time to recover. I can only do as much as I can.”
“It’s all anyone can do.”
“Yeah, well, I’m strung up enough over the crimes that I lack the energy to stop.”
Ahrek nodded. “We best find a ship before the authorities or those Archknights return.”
“Agreed,” Daylen said, walking to the skyport, but not toward the main office where the carrier flight schedules would be found.
“The head office is that way,” Ahrek said.
Daylen turned back. “We’re not catching a carrier.”
“So you plan to get us passage on a trader? I thought you wanted to get to the capital sooner.”
“Yeah, most carriers are faster, but they all take the long way round.”
“Because of the pirates from the Floating Isles! No one flies through those skies.”
“No—some traders are willing to risk it if there’s enough incentive, and that’s who we’re going to find.”
“Haven’t you heard that piracy has increased lately? Whole ships are being stolen, not just their goods.”
“I read the papers, Ahrek, of course I’ve heard it. All the more reason.”
“All the more reason?”
“We’ll need some type of excitement along the way.”
“You want to be attacked by pirates?”
“I’m thinking of hunting them down as a lifestyle, so why not take out a few while we travel?”
Ahrek sighed. “It’s true that we possess a certain level of skill, but we’re not invincible. We shouldn’t take undue risk.”
“Then it’s good that this risk isn’t undue. Now come on.”
“You’re not serious,” Ahrek said, looking distrustfully at the crew of the trader Daylen had found.
“Of course I’m serious. This is one of the only traders planning to fly under the Floating Isles.”
“Do they know of the increased pirate activity under the Isles?”
“Of course they would, these ship crews gossip like old women. It’s just that this ship in particular has some type of crucial deadline to meet, so they’re taking the risk.”
Ahrek pulled Daylen a step farther away from the large ship. “Use that ability I taught you. Sense the light inside these men.”
Daylen looked to the crew and stretched out to feel the light in them. He eventually found the light he was looking f
or. There was light there, but not much. Daylen also felt a little revolted and sick.
“You feel that,” Ahrek said. “These are not good men. For all we know, they could be smuggling illegal goods.”
“Or they could simply be dishonest jerks?”
“And that should be enough for us to find another ship, especially since their lack of light could be a result of something far worse.”
“Perfect. If it turns out that they like to rob their passengers, it’s better we’re with them instead of others who can’t protect themselves being in our place.”
Ahrek sighed. “Daylen, those who look for trouble will always find it.”
Daylen smiled mischievously. “That’s my hope.”
Chapter Nineteen
The Hamahran people rallied behind me and we met the invaders head-on. We were outnumbered, but through military maneuvers that everyone since have called ingenious, and the creation of our new war machines of my own design, we fought the invaders off. But I didn’t stop there. They had sought to kill me and subjugate my people; thus, they deserved the same treatment.
I chose to embrace the name my enemies had called me, Dayless, for I would take away the light of anyone who challenged me. Fighting the Dawn Empire would be like casting the Night on oneself. Thus I was Dayless, and I would conquer all who dared oppose me.
* * *
Lyrah stood amongst several constables and two detectives while a dead woman lay on the floor with a snapped neck.
A man lay on a nearby couch in this finely furnished sitting room with bruises and cuts all over, while being attended by a doctor.
“I want a full report,” Lyrah demanded of a detective.
The detective, who unlike the constables was not wearing an officer’s uniform but still carried a four-shooter, had a hand grasping the lapel of his tailed coat. Unshaven, he spoke with a rough voice. “Well, Lady Archon, it’s all very odd to say the least. Apparently this man”—the detective indicated the man on the couch—“was being tortured by his wife. As to the motive, we haven’t yet figured it out, though it must have been something serious for the wife to do all this. We’ll be investigating the husband, don’t you worry. It was hard to get a lot of information out of him as he’s been through quite the ordeal. What he’s been saying is that some young man came crashing though that wall”—the detective pointed to the gaping hole that had been smashed through the wall, which was made of stone—“and snapped the wife’s neck before she could plunge that dagger into the husband’s chest.” He pointed to the bloody dagger on the floor. “The man who intervened must be an Archknight.”
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