Rift of Askrah Book 1: Fracture
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“What did you do to them!?” Nihlen roared. His comrades had suddenly passed out, slumped on the back of their horses. Cal had swaggered sideways, and fallen from his mount.
“That cube there is a suppressant device, I don’t care to remember the technical name. What it does though is amazing. It renders people with dormant powers unconscious. This one doesn’t have a large radius, but they are very effective for situations like these. Now you and I can spend some time together.” The man said, taking a step toward Nihlen, his arms spread wide.
“Who are you? Why is Illian doing all this just because of me?” Nihlen asked, trying to keep a grip on his calmness. He could see Marina slouched down in the corner of his eye though, which made it quite difficult, even in the detached state of using the Eye of Kings.
“I am Hetal, of Illian. And we do this because you have a power.” Hetal said. “Speaking of, let me see it. We’re going to fight, so no harm in unveiling it now, yeah?”
Nihlen reached up, sliding the hat on his head out of his face, exposing the Eye of Kings. With the exposure, more power flowed out, like a river no longer restrained by a dam.
Hetal inhaled sharply. “The force it emits is as potent as the records indicate. That is truly fascinating. Nihlen, I believe your name was. We’re going to have a lot of fun I think.”
“We’ll see if you think it’s fun after we’re through.” Nihlen said, rushing forward. He’d had enough of it.
He closed in on Hetal, unleashing a flurry of punches. Hetal weaved around them. Nihlen dug into the Eye of Kings' power, increasing his speed and power. Ten hits. Twenty hits. Hetal dodged them all. Still Nihlen kept attacking furiously. White hot anger had finally tipped his internal scales, and he was fully enraged now.
A few more attacks, and then a dull thud to Nihlen’s right cheek. The hit was light though, barely stinging, and Nihlen continued attacking through it. A few more attacks from Nihlen, and he received another light blow to the chest.
Why can’t I hit him?! Nihlen wailed internally. His fury was partly to blame, but he could not quell it. There’s more though…
On he attacked, suffering those occasional light blows from Hetal. Nihlen was beginning to sweat. He stepped forward to kick at Hetal. Just as he lifted his right foot off the ground though, his left knee buckled. With a grunt, Nihlen lost his footing, pitching forward. As he went down, a fierce blow suddenly connected with the side of his head, sending him rolling sideways.
“Well this is a shame. I thought this was going to be fun. I even volunteered for this assignment and came all the way out here...” Hetal said, staring down at Nihlen. “Your ability is no match for mine at your current level though.”
Nihlen was writhing on the ground. Unlike all the other hits before, that kick had been quite powerful. His ability? Nihlen forced himself to think through the fog that was beginning to surround his mind. What is his power? He hasn’t done anything yet! A sudden jolt of pain in his head sent a wave of nausea over him, breaking his thoughts.
“Well, what should we do now, Prince of Draven?” Hetal called. “Is this really all the fun you can offer me?” Hetal suddenly broke out into another spell of maniacal laughter, and started walking toward Nihlen.
Wait… Nihlen thought, forcing himself to start standing. He is using his ability. He never once blocked me, only dodged… Those hits, they were light, but I'm highly damaged. Think back, what did they feel like?
As he remembered the hits, Hetal's power occurred to him.
“Truly fearsome.” Nihlen breathed hoarsely as he gained his feet. Hetal stopped moving forward. “Your power truly is suited for nothing more than combat. An amazing self defense technique, that also has great offensive power.”
“You’ve figured out my power?” Hetal asked, breaking into laughter once more. “Knowing it, even if you really do, will not save you! It looks like you’ve got more in you though, which is great! I couldn’t stand it if this was all the fun I got here!”
Nihlen stared at Hetal. As the battle had progressed, so had Hetal’s insanity. As he stood a few feet from Nihlen, his eyes were wide as he stared at Nihlen. He looked detached, and was breathing heavily.
“We’ll see if knowing helps or not.” Nihlen said simply, taking a deep breath. I hope this works…
Nihlen centered himself. He dug further into the Eye of Kings, increasing his peripheral senses as far as he could. Then he began to walk forward, focusing on Hetal’s presence in front of him.
“Did that kick knock your head loose?” Hetal asked, breaking into his most hysterical fit of laughter yet. “Or maybe you’ve just decided you have no chance of winning? Well come this way, and I’ll end it!”
Nihlen continued forward, ignoring Hetal’s words. He was wholly focused on Hetal’s presence, waiting for his chance. His presence was shaking, almost buzzing. Razor sharp and ready to cut anything that came into its domain. As he entered Hetal’s reach, Hetal attacked with a quick punch. Nihlen was ready though, and he caught the attack. Instantly, Nihlen’s right shot out. Hetal moved his head sideways to try and avoid it. Still holding Hetal’s right arm though, Nihlen pulled him back. Hetal moved with Nihlen’s pull though, dodging the attack twice in that short span of time.
“Amazing!” Nihlen exclaimed, as he held Hetal’s arm. As he talked, he kicked upward, aiming for Hetal’s jaw. Hetal tossed his head back, dodging the attack by a hair's breadth. Nihlen stopped just as Hetal dodged, and changed his trajectory, kicking down instead. The heel of his boot sunk into Hetal’s chest, making him grunt.
Hetal pulled on his arm, trying to free it from Nihlen’s grip. Another kick ceased his efforts though as he was forced to dodge.
“What kind of fighting is this supposed to be?” Hetal yelled, trying to free his arm once again. “Stop holding onto me like a weakling!”
Nihlen ignored his words once more, and pulled on Hetal’s arm without warning. He stepped to the side, planning to throw Hetal to the ground. As Hetal stepped though, he planted a hand on the ground, and kicked hard into Nihlen’s stomach.
Nihlen was knocked off balance, taking several steps backward. He got out… Now I have to get him again. It’s not going to be easy to do though…
Re-centering himself, Nihlen began walking forward toward Hetal again.
“That’s not going to work twice.” Hetal said flatly. His insanity seemed to have suddenly disappeared. Nihlen could feel a complete difference in his presence. It was blank, and sharp as a knife. As Nihlen entered Hetal’s range, he felt several blows. They were the lighter hits from before, so fast he couldn't even sense them. They hurt though, much more than they should have. He was seeing stars. His body felt so heavy, and he could barely breathe.
With a surge of fear, Nihlen bounded forward. In a reflexive move, he grabbed Hetal’s arm mid attack. Stepping in, he slammed his forehead into Hetal’s face, and felt blood gush onto him from Hetal’s now broken nose.
Hetal grunted, his remaining free hand flying up to his face. Taking advantage of this chance, Nihlen twisted Hetal’s arm furiously. With a sickening crack, Nihlen broke Hetal’s arm and shoulder in several places. Hetal howled in pain, and wrenched his crippled arm from Nihlen.
He dashed away, and turned back to Nihlen when there was a large distance between them. “You gave me much more than I expected Nihlen!” He screamed maniacally. The insanity had returned in full force. “Next time we play though, you won’t be walking away from it! I can’t wait for that day Nihlen!”
With that, Hetal began sprinting out of the village, cradling his destroyed arm as he went.
Nihlen began to pursue him. I can’t let him get away now! He can tell us so much! Nihlen screamed inside his mind. It was only a few steps before Nihlen’s head began spinning uncontrollably. A sudden wave a nausea led to him half coughing, half throwing up a mass of blood. He then pitched forward, slamming hard into the ground.
He was out cold.
Chapter 16
Seeking Truth