by user
«Don’t blame them, It’s just my fault...» Damian answered.
«Your? Why never? It’s the fault of a demon popped by accident!» Diosmed said.
«You are wrong. He had come for me. Did you see what I was about to become again?», Diosmed gave a straight face», That creature was sent by the Devil. I even heard the Kraken’s voice call me to himself. My goal is to find out how to defeat him and I feel the answer lies in Egypt!» Damian said.
«Thanks again. I’m sorry I didn’t help you» Emmanuel said sadly.
«Quiet. I don’t think the things went as you say, after all you were unharmed» Damian comforted him.
That boy with a slightly dark complexion held a golden cross in his hands and looked very scared.
The cook brought food for everyone, including the wounded and Tanya who were in the infirmary. The Captain also received his food, but he did not enjoy it. There was nothing to celebrate. The ship was destroyed, friends had fallen in battle.
After a while Tanya also arrived in the room where the three boys were.
«How is he?» Diosmed asked.
«He’s better, but he’s very weak. His shoulder is broken, the wounds in his abdomen and head are deep, my treatment will take a long time to heal him. He’s not like you, he’s just a human» Tanya said.
«But I’m human too!» Diosmed replied.
«You speak the Language of the Gods like Damian, you come from Yilawid. I have studied a lot on the subject, besides your sword is not a simple blade» Tanya replied.
«You know too much... it was my father who forged the Dragalòs from the Dragon’s arm» Diosmed said.
«The arm, like its claw, have become our weapons. The essence of Evil mixed with that of the Dragon is found within them. On the other hand, it is nothing compared to weapons what I try to carry them inside me» Damian added with discomfort.
«Your meeting is not accidental, the Dragon has called you two. The Legend of the Dragon has been handed down on my island for generations. I never thought I’d find a connection with The Dragon of Time and Memory» Tanya said, looking at Damian.
«Enough of this story! Now tell me how did you find me!? Don’t apologize this time, Jormungandr is a Loki’s son, give me an explanation!» Diosmed said angrily, looking at the woman with different eyes.
«I? You won’t believe that I came here for you! I have revealed my mission to you. He was not Jormungandr, but his son. The White Snake was purified from evil, away from Loki and his deceptions. Watch over me and if it hadn’t been for him, I would never have lived until now! You who dare to accuse me, tell me how do you know Loki?» Tanya roared angrily as she grabbed Diosmed by the neck of her tunic.
«Stop!» Damian said and with Emmanuel separated the two. Then, when the tension subsided, Diosmed composed himself and began to speak: «So... as Damian well knows, I come from the Village of the Gods. One day, as a boy, I went with my brother Dasmond to the woods on Mount Elphòr to hunt wild boars. A dark force appeared out of nowhere, I did not understand anything at that instant. It was Loki, in the form of a black elf with red eyes. He had two long pointed ears, long smooth silver hair, he wore a long dress of fine fabric, half white and half black. Above the dress he had a gray cloak with a hood. He said that he wanted the two of us as servants, for his evil plan. We were bound and gagged by his followers, strong men, rough and mean. While we were tied to a tree, I used a stone to cut those ropes that held my wrists. I was six then, while my little brother had four. So, I decided to free him and act as bait. My brother escaped and the dark elf became furious. He was about to kill him, so I begged him to spare him and take me with him. Subject to this, he erased all that had happened from my brother’s memory and along with that, all his memories of me. Our parents died when we were still young. We received the two swords, the Draghiria, as a gift and the Dragalòs, forged by my father from the arm of the dragon, which he himself cut. I have always taken care of my brother. The village people helped us as much as we could, especially Zakhior the old baker, a very good man who always gave us something to eat. Now everything has been lost, I no longer have a place to go. Don’t blame Damian!», he looked at him with sincere eyes, «You’re not the real ruin of the Village of Gods. For thirteen years I lived employed by Loki, this scar me has made him during my escape».
«So, you really come from there! And you Damian, you are responsible for the opening of the largest Gate of Hell! And then you say that I’m the weird one!» Tanya said in amazement.
«I’ll make my mistakes right! I’ll close that abominable Hell Gate!» Damian promised.
«So, I know a lot about your language, but I need your help to learn it. It will be particularly useful to communicate between us, so far this Latin has had its benefits in Rome, but we will need the divine language to communicate with others. I know many languages, but the Language of the Gods makes any other language understand. It’s like a melody that lets you talk to everyone using just one language. You Emmanuel, instead, what languages do you know?» Tanya said.
«I speak Latin, the Hebrew and the Aramaic. If I have to learn this language, I will do it. But whoever these Gods are, my God is one and always will be!» Emmanuel replied.
«Stay calm. We will use my spell only to learn the language. Sit with your legs crossed, place one in front of the other creating a square and give yourself your hands» Tanya explained and the others did as she requested.
«I still await answers!» Diosmed insisted.
«You start talking, continue your story using your language!» Tanya retorted.
«All right...» the young man complained.
«Language of the Gods come to our aid. Become part of us, help us to understand the world. Let your voice become ours» Tanya said in her native tongue.
A yellow light enveloped the four, after which Diosmed began to speak.
«Asgard, land of the “Aesir”. I have lived in this place situated on a magical island, inside of a palace bleak ruled by Loki and his minions, “The Giants of Fire and Ice”, the “Valkyrie” and the “Men falls in battle”, worthy of living in Walhalla. I never understood for sure what Loki wanted from me. His interest has always been towards my sword, as if he wanted to use it against someone or something. He always had his own ally, who had promised to return the “Ragnarok” to “Midgard” after his first failure. Many of the Aesir, the Norse gods, were killed during the first Ragnarok, the “End of the World”. Then, his powerful ally freed him from the chains of punishment to which Odin, the strongest of the Aesir, had condemned him for bringing Ragnarok to the Land of the Aesir, called Asgard, and to the World of Men, called by them Midgard. Once free, Loki, the meanest and lowest of the Aesir, defeated Odin thanks to his ally and stole his throne. It is capable of taking on a thousand forms: elf, man, horse and more. His true identity is unknown. In these years I have trained with the Souls of the Dead, in the great green plain that surrounds the palace of the Aesir, now become Loki‘s. From the dawn at sunset they fought and the losers, the following day, returned to “life”. Once upon a time some small demon appeared, I defeated them with my blade. None of those warriors could not kill them, Loki and the other Aesir who remained did not bother for so little, but they appreciated my strength. And from there on, their eyes were on me for a long time. Served and revered, but a prisoner and unable to escape. Once I tried to escape by threatening a Valkiria, a winged woman, but Loki understood everything and punished me by causing this scar on my face. One day, however, I met a very skilled warrior. He told me he would help me to run away. He turned the warriors against Loki and the Aesir during the night. He gave me a boat, with which I crossed the river Ifingr until it fell from the top of a waterfall. I found myself in this world without knowing how. I wandered aimlessly, Loki had removed memories of the Village from my mind. My wandering took me into a small tavern, where to my misfortune, I was involved in a fight and sentenced to the Colosseum, where I have been for three months. Thank you for releasing me,
Damian!»
«I’m glad to have you help. You have therefore been 13 years in Asgard since you were kidnapped at the age of 6. You should be 19!» Damian pointed out.
«Well, maybe I should. The time in Asgard is different from the one that runs in this world. When you leave that place, for every six years you live in Asgard your life increases by a year. So I’m 21 or a little older» Diosmed answered.
«Your sword... Loki may know about the Dragon. Many are interested in him and his power. But where are the other dragons? And why do they want me?» Damian asked to his friends.
«Ishtar was not a common dragon. She had great powers, it is said she could destroy the world and recreate it. The other dragons have disappeared or hidden somewhere» Tanya explained in the Language of the Gods.
«In the sky a great sign appeared, a huge Dragon with seven heads and ten horns and on the heads seven diadems. Its tail dragged down a third of the stars of the sky and rushed them to Earth. Thus says the apostle John in the book of the Apocalypse. The end of the world. The Dragon of the Apocalypse or rather Satan himself. The one you call the Demon King was once an angel of Paradise. The most beautiful of all angels, a seraph in the throne of God, with six multi-colored iridescent wings. Satan in Hebrew means enemy, but this was not his first name. His name was Helel, which means “The Morning Star”, or as later was called later by the Latins Lucifer, from lux and fero, “The Bringer of Light”. He dared to disobey God, he wanted at all costs and overcome it, for his pride was driven from Paradise and confined in the darkest corner of the universe. In the Hell. From here he always tries to escape and to bring evil and destruction. And so, the most beautiful angel, became the ugliest being of creation. The enemy of God, Satan. Whoever understands counts the number of the beast, for it is a man’s number and its number is 666 . The day of the Apocalypse, the Dragon and the Devil will destroy the life» Emmanuel began in the Language of the Gods, for the first time.
The three were amazed by the boy’s words.
«Don’t you think It’s me? How could I?» Damian asked bitterly.
«Of course not! You showed it and I know you will keep your promise!» Diosmed intervened, placing his hand on his right shoulder.
«Forgive me... I didn’t want say this. I just said what I know, I didn’t want to accuse anyone» Emmanuel said sincerely.
«It’s the first time who I’ve seen anyone learn a language so fast. It is as if I had already used this word. Who are you really?» Tanya asked.
«Yeah, you spoke perfectly in our language» said Diosmed.
«I was born in Rome, my father worked with my mother in our haberdashery of fabrics from the Orient. My mother Miriam was born in Jerusalem, while my father, Raphael, was born in Rome and was one of the first to be converted to Christianity. I still remember their face, full of sadness and pain, when two months ago the Romans started to persecute us. We sought refuge in every place, until we came upon evil men and only now do I understand that this was the people of Satan. My parents allowed me to escape. Before separating, my mother told me something I will never forget: «Emmanuel, don’t cry. God is with you!». My father gave me this golden cross that I carry around my neck. I ran away but, unfortunately, I was captured and locked up in that cell by other soldiers. I will be grateful to you forever. My mission will be to defeat the Demons and find out where they brought my parents!» he said bravely, but the tears came down anyway. Tanya hugged him.
«Don’t cry, we’ll win our battle together!» Damian said.
«Now It’s your turn. Jormungandr, the snake that envelops the world. The Uroboros who biting his tail. Why did he come for you?» Diosmed.
«I was born on the day of the end, during the Ragnarok, the end of Midgard and Asgard. My mother Asshia left for the northern lands, searching for information on Loki and the Aesir, as the High Priestess had ordered her. Because of a great storm she found herself in the land of the Aesir, this was told to me by my teacher. We don’t know how she got into it and what she did there. Surely, she found his beloved and from that union I was born, just before the big event. Shortly after the outbreak of Ragnarok, the Three Beasts daughters of Loki were defeated and chained, the same fate befell their father. From the King of Snakes, Jormungandr, was born Jorg, his son and heir, the one who brought me to safety on my native island. He knew how to make himself understood by priestesses and this was certainly my mother’s work. With a powerful spell she had bound Jorg to me. I can hear him close and command him, as if there were a very strong bond between us. This is the second time I call it in my life. And you, who lived there, have you ever seen the three beasts? And my mother?» Tanya said.
«I understand .. I owe you an apology. I would never have thought that you had something in common with that world. I’ve never seen the three beasts in person, or even your mother. If you were born during the Ragnarok, which broke out just before I arrived in Asgard, then you should be 12 or 13!» Diosmed answered.
«You would like it!», Tanya laughed, «So you were in that place devastated by Loki and his great ally, the Evil King!»
«What?» the three boys said in chorus.
«Do you mean that the one who saved Loki, the Great Joker, is Satan himself?» Asked Diosmed.
Damian thought back to his father’s words and, in his mind, everything was clear.
«Now I understand! My father told me about Satan’s two great allies, the Great Joker and She who ate the fruit of the Tree of Death. We must defeat his allies, so as to make him weak and win over him!» he told his friends.
«One day I’ll come back there to get even, so I can feel really free!» Diosmed said.
«I’ll come with you!» Tanya added bravely.
«Those two still didn’t understand, that destiny would bind them forever».
Tanya lay in a hammock.
«Don’t you want to sleep here?» Diosmed asked.
«And where do you want me to go? Certainly, there are no rooms for ladies on this ship. I’ll sleep here with you» the girl replied.
That small room, located near the bow, contained four hammocks, while the rest of the crew was in the center of the ship and instead the infirmary was aft.
«The Captain is still bitter, after all he couldn’t do anything» Damian said, and a little later the Captain himself came through the door.
«We have to celebrate! We will play and sing! We are alive! We will also celebrate for our friends who will remain forever in our hearts! » Maximus said with joy.
The four immediately got up and followed him. On the bridge, the men had already arrived to celebrate. Barrels of wine from the hold had been brought to the scene.
«I wonder why the Captain changed his attitude» Diosmed said in amazement.
«Well, I believe that when you escape death you must always celebrate!» Adrianus exulted.
«You’re fine» Diosmed and Damian said together.
«You’re still hurt! Come back to the infirmary, soon!» Tanya replied.
«Leave him alone, we must celebrate!» Diosmed replied.
The night was dark, nothing could be seen on the horizon. The ship had been minimally repaired, the mast was barely standing. While the rest of the crew drank wine and celebrated, Damian looked at the horizon for something.
«The night always hides its mystery, the sea breeze warms your heart, but it is the Moon that guides us at night, my dear» the Captain Maximus said.
«Yes, a full and shining Moon this night. Even these blue stars maybe show us the way? Where are we Captain?» Damian asked.
«We came in distant waters, I’ve never sailed before, but I’m sure that the Egypt is here somewhere. Perhaps, as you say, the Pleiades like a hen with her chicks, will guide us to their destination» the Captain replied.
Suddenly, the wind began to blow so hard that the ship advanced very quickly.
«Soon, everyone to your seats! We will use the moment to navigate as fast as possible! Raise the sail
s! Reach as fast as you can!» the Captain ordered.
Immediately he went to the helm, the men were already there to row, even Damian and his companions helped the rowers. Tanya took care of the wounded as some, despite their injuries, still wanted to row. The Trireme reached a great speed, almost seemed to fly, then at a certain point the wind stopped and the Captain gave the order to the oarsmen to stop.
«The wind was favorable to us! Crew is time to rest, go to the resume dawn! Throw the anchor into the sea! Let the chosen rowers stay on guard at the bow, stern and deck!» the Captain ordered and then retired to his cabin. Damian and the others returned to their room and quickly lay down on the hammocks, they were tired.
«Wine, give me other wine» Diosmed murmured in his sleep.
«Oh! It’s a gripe! Shut up!» Damian complained.
«Here, put these plugs in your ears» Tanya said and handed them to him and Emmanuel.
The three so they could finally fall asleep without hearing the voice of the drunkard. Emmanuel put the caps on and then began to pray in a low voice.
Meanwhile, the rowers on the bridge stood guard.
«Silvius throws the anchor» one of them said to the comrade.
The man rushed to the bow and took the U-shaped iron anchor. He was ready to throw it into the sea, when he saw a strange creature in those waters. It was a woman of exceptional beauty, with long blond hair and a polished breast. The oarsman was immediately struck by it.
«Who are you?» he asked her and that creature answered him: «Come to me!»
The man then put down the anchor and began to look out over the edge of the bow. The woman insistently called him: «Come, come and I will be yours forever!»
Silvius was bewitched by that beauty, he extended his hand towards her and was so attracted to her that he tried to kiss her. But that was his biggest mistake, the creature turned into something abominable, grabbed the hand of the man and pushed him under water, then she ate of his flesh. On the ship everyone was asleep, the wounded were in the infirmary, including Adrianus. One of the rowers on the bridge asked the others if they had thrown the anchor. A rower nodded, but then, when he called his friend Silvius, he received no reply. Then he went to the bow and saw the still on the ground, that beautiful woman reappeared and he too was bewitched, suffering the same sad fate. The ship continued to sail the sea, then two other rowers, tired of the thing, both went to the bow and magically, from the water came three women, one with green hair, another with red hair and the other again he had heavenly ones. They emanated sunlight, they were bare-chested and instead of legs they had the typical tail of the green-colored siren, as if the legs were melted and at the end of them there was the fish fin.