Ryaal grabbed the war hammer and as he swung it viciously behind him, changed it to a katana like sword just as it sliced through the tendons in the back of Gryn’s legs. With a bloodcurdling scream and no more support for the beast’s massive frame, Gryn crashed down hard on his knees. Ryaal rose slowly to his feet and walked around to face his brother who, even on his knees, could still almost look directly into Ryaal’s vengeful eyes. Gryn raised his head. Exhausted and in the greatest pain he had ever known, he gave Ryaal his full attention.
“Well done brother.” He growled approvingly as the pain burned its way throughout his body.
“You know what happens now.” Ryaal stated.
“Yes.” Gryn answered.
“Before we end this…I must tell you something.” Gryn continued.
“What is it?” Ryaal replied.
“It is father…he has released the Abomination.” Gryn informed.
Ryaal’s expression changed to one of shock and disgust as Gryn continued.
“He will employ them as personal guard.”
Ryaal looked at him, confused.
“Why brother…why do you help me now?” He asked.
“You should know better than most Ryaal. Just because a soldier follows orders, does not mean he always agrees with them.” The two fell silent for a moment.
“One last thing brother.” Gryn continued.
“Know this. If it were to be by any hand, I am honored it is yours. Now…let us end this.” Gryn said raising his head toward the sky and closing his eyes.
“Goodbye brother.” Ryaal said, as the only other sound was of the blade slicing forcefully through the air and then Gryn’s neck. His head rolled and stopped as stone at Ryaal’s feet.
Gryn was no more.
Chapter 35
“What’s up love birds?” Alina asked as she approached Connor and Etria standing in the main city street.
“Nice job out there Al.” Connor congratulated in an attempt to change the subject.
“Oh, that? Easy Peasy.” She replied.
“So listen…” Alina continued. “…I was talkin’ to Maruk and Taruk and…”
“Who?” Connor interrupted.
“Those Akirian dudes I beat up.” She answered casually. “Anyway, they told me the reason why so many Akirians are here.”
“Really?” Etria exclaimed surprised.
“Yeah.” Alina continued. “It turns out there are a lot of Akirians still loyal to Ryaal and his grandfather. None of them believed Syrk’s lies and they’ve stayed behind in the city to get those loyal to safety. Your people welcomed them immediately with open arms. They’re refugees.” Alina finished.
“Where is Ryaal?” Connor asked, scanning the crowd.
“I do not know.” Etria answered, her gaze searching the opposite direction as Connor’s.
“I’ve not seen him since after he spoke to the people.” She added.
“Isn’t that him?” Alina asked as she motioned towards the road leading to the city’s walkway.
Still a good distance from the arched entryway, the trio could not make out the blood spatter on their friend. But as he got closer, Connor noticed something.
“Why is he walking like that?” He asked.
“Like what?” Alina responded with a question of her own.
“Like he just got his ass kicked.” Connor answered.
“Something’s not right.” Etria said. “Come.”
She ordered as the three rushed to meet their friend at the city entrance. As they arrived, Ryaal leaned against the archway, exhausted.
“Big guy…what the hell happened?” Connor inquired, referring to the blood and bruises.
“I went to see my brother.” He answered.
“What! What were you thinking?” Etria snapped at him, her anger out of concern for both her friend and what they had not yet accomplished. She knew what Gryn was capable of and though she would never admit it, was surprised that Ryaal made it back as well off as he did.
“He is most likely telling your father that you have returned, as we speak! Syrk will send every Akirian he has to raze this city and everyone in it. And what do you think he will do to my sister?” Etria continued her angry rant.
“What were you thinking?” She yelled again.
Ryaal rose slowly and with a look known for sending entire armies fleeing, he responded.
“Make no mistake Etria. My entire reason for existing is to get Kara safe and I will do that at any and all cost. Do not forget who I am and don’t ever attempt to lecture me again.”
As he walked into the city, Ryaal stopped and spoke over his shoulder to Etria.
“Unless you know of a way to reattach a head…Gryn will not be speaking to anyone.”
With that he continued walking further into the city.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Alina shouted.
“I must speak to Larak. It is why we came here in the first place.” He answered without breaking stride.
His friends soon followed, hoping to find out what was going on.
Chapter 36
“How are you my son?” Larak asked as the giant warrior arrived at his doorstep.
His question was answered as soon as he lifted his head and saw Ryaal leaning against the doorway, holding his side.
“I can only surmise you’ve spoken with Gryn?” Larak asked, approaching Ryaal.
“There is no fighting like that of brothers.” He added.
He could see the pain in Ryaal’s face and offered, “I am sorry for the loss of your brother, Ryaal.”
“You need not be sorry Larak. Such is the way of war. He chose his path and I showed him where it ended.” The warrior replied.
“No matter the enemy Ryaal, there must be a respectful recognition of the loss of life. When it is someone close to you, do not let your final memory of them be the one that has become tainted. Instead, find the best one and remember them at their best, lest that contempt bring you to your worst. Kings should never forget the value of life or they forget what it is they must protect most.” Larak informed.
Ryaal began to smile. “Always the instructor aren’t you old friend.”
“I am merely a lifelong student with a willingness to share what I’ve learned.” Larak replied with a smile.
Ryaal smiled again. “There is something I must speak with you about.” Ryaal informed, just as his friends arrived. Larak greeted them with a bow and returned his attention to Ryaal.
“What is it my son?” He asked while motioning for the group to come in and have a seat.
“Before his demise, my brother informed me that my father has released the Abomination and is employing them as personal guard.” Ryaal said.
“WHOA!” Connor exclaimed. “The What? Abomination? What the hell is that? It sounds big. Is it big? Come on…how big is it?” Connor’s mini freak out would have continued had Etria not leaned against him.
“Breathe Connor.” She instructed, softly whispering in his ear.
“Ryaal, go clean yourself up and tend to your wounds. I will inform your friends of that in which you speak.” Larak instructed.
Ryaal nodded and headed off to take care of himself. Connor leaned forward and looked directly into Larak’s eyes.
“Seriously…how big is it?” He asked in a concerned whisper.
Larak began.
“The Abomination is not so named for their size or appearance. They are not even as large as normal Akirians nor are they an individual entity, as the name would suggest. Their appearance is actually quite beautiful. The Akirians refer to them as Abomination because of a very unique attribute. Before I tell you what that is, I must go back a bit further.”
“They are ancient and from a time when even Ryaal’s great grandfather was just a child. To this day, no one understands how, but the Abomination is the same exact being born to two different Akirian females at precisely the same moment in time. There was a time when they fought alongside their Akiria
n brothers and fight they did. They were often compared to battling the strongest wind. They would attack from all angles in perfect tandem and with incredible force. It was then that their unique ability came to light. It was soon discovered in the midst of a most brutal battle…that they cannot die. One of them had been decapitated and the other simply picked up the head and put it back on. The wound healed instantly and they went back to fighting like nothing had happened. They possess all of the same skills as any other Akirian, with that one incredible exception. This ability appalled the Akirian people who believe death to be of great significance. As warriors, the Akirians believe that true greatness in battle comes only from the possibility of death. If one cannot die, how can they push themselves to become the greatest warrior? If there were no consequence, would the action even matter? They tried for quite some time to destroy them. They were pierced through the heart, burned alive, and once were even hung by the neck for a thousand days and those were but a few of the methods. They can certainly feel the pain of death and the repeated and unsuccessful attempts at killing them only served to twist their minds out of anguish. Feeling there was no other recourse; they were to be locked away for the rest of time. Never to be seen or spoken of again.” Larak finished.
“Oh, that’s fantastic!” Connor exclaimed with his signature sarcasm. “Giant warrior aliens weren’t bad enough and now there’s two that can’t be killed…Super!”
“Maybe you can drown ‘em in your tears ya big baby?” Alina added, poking fun at Connor’s rant.
“Duh! He said they can’t die.” Connor returned in an effort to save face. It didn’t work.
“That is enough you two.” Etria interrupted sternly.
“Do you not realize how tragic that is? They did not ask to be born that way, yet they were and because they were different they were punished for it.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Connor apologized.
“Sadly, that sounds more human than anything else.” Alina said.
“I’m sorry too.” She added.
“Larak, is there nothing we can do to help them?” She asked concerned.
Larak smiled a warm but almost sorrowful smile. “Etria, while I applaud your compassion, you must realize they will not hesitate to kill you. The years of abuse and neglect have made them insane and murderous. The only help for them now, is death.”
“How? It doesn’t sound like it’s even possible.”Etria replied.
“I do believe it is.” He answered. “No matter how magnificent, nature does not create what cannot be destroyed.”
“How?” Ryaal’s voice commanded attention as he reentered the room and took a seat next to his friends.
He seemed no longer injured, at least not bad enough to be noticed, and all the blood had been washed from his obsidian skin. He took a seat beside his friends as they listened intently for Larak’s answer.
“As they came into life, so must they leave it.” He said.
The group remained quiet, trying to figure out what Larak meant.
“So kill ‘em at the same time…Got it…Easy Peasy.” Alina offered lightheartedly.
“It is not that simple, human child.” Larak informed.
“It must be precisely the same exact moment. Absolutely no error.” He added.
“Then it will be done.” Ryaal stated. His words seemed reassuring and confident.
“There is one more thing I must speak to you about.” He continued. “Since I’ve arrived, I noticed that those who remain loyal to my father have changed. They’ve become savage and murderous. Is this how there are to spend the rest of their lives?”
“The loss of hope is a devastating and grotesque thing my son. Their souls have become lost in the madness of your father. Should you succeed in your mission, you will return hope to your people Ryaal and when that hope is returned it shall shine brightly enough to lead all souls out of darkness. In saving that which you love most, you save everything and everyone.” Larak informed.
“Thank you Larak.” Ryaal said with great respect for his former instructor. He then turned to his friends. “Come. We must ready ourselves.”
As they turned to leave Larak stood and addressed Ryaal.
“Before you go, might I speak with you privately?” He asked.
“Go on…” Ryaal told his friends. “…I will meet you in the square.”
“What is it Larak?” He said, approaching the elder Ishra.
“I wanted you to know that I am very sorry and deeply saddened by the loss of your grandfather.”
The words struck a painful chord within Ryaal.
“I considered him to be a great friend and I will ensure that his memory is never forgotten.” Larak continued.
“Thank you Larak. That means a great deal to me.” Ryaal said.
“There is something else that has been on my mind, my son.” Larak went on.
“I must tell you that I feel if you continue this endeavor in the traditional Akirian way, as you have been…” Larak paused for a moment, as though he did not want to finish this particular sentence.
“…then I may never see you again. In order to succeed my son, you must use more than weapons and might. You must outsmart your opponent. Do not be led into battle by pain and anger. Do not follow hate or vengeance when facing your enemy, as you must not be clouded. If you must fight…”
“…do so with heart and mind.” Ryaal said, finishing his instructor’s sentence. “I remember Larak. I remember all that you’ve taught me.”
Larak smiled, not knowing what the future held for the great warrior before him. He put his hand on Ryaal’s shoulder.
“That is all I have to say my son. I do hope this not be our last conversation. Be well.”
“Thank you Larak, for the knowledge and the friendship.” He said.
As he walked the glistening city streets, Ryaal could see his friends in the distance. They laughed together, not forgetting what lie ahead, but enjoying the moment they were in now. He began to remember his human time with them, growing with them, learning with them, laughing with them. It served only to make the task ahead that much more difficult as he tried desperately to etch the sounds of their laughter in his mind.
Chapter 37
As the Akirian sentry proceeded through the city gate, Syrk could see him in the distance and knew something was amiss, almost immediately. What is he carrying? Syrk thought to himself as he rose from his throne. The unknowing made him increasingly uncomfortable and brought a knot to his stomach. He watched the guard make his way through the city and then to the stairs leading to the throne.
As he ascended the stairs, Syrk could see that the object was quite large and covered with a silken cloth.
“What is that?” He barked at the guard.
It was then he noticed the look of complete terror on the sentry’s face. He could not answer. He was only able to mutter.
“I…I’m so sorry.” As he set the parcel down and began stepping back down the stairs.
Syrk tilted his head with a befuddled look as he watched the sentry back all the way down to the first step. He then turned his attention to the mysterious package. As he pulled the silken cover away, the look that took hold on his face was of great shock and sadness. A look none had ever seen on him. As he stared painfully at Gryn’s stone head, his expression quickly turned to one of intense anger and rage.
His sinister gaze soon fell to the guard who delivered the head of his son. His head lowered and his baneful eyes focused solely on the sentry.
“Who did this?” He growled through gnashed teeth.
“I…I do not know, Great One.” He stammered sheepishly.
“I could think of only one who could, but…it cannot be.” He continued fearfully.
“NAME HIM!” Syrk screamed.
The guard hesitated before uttering the last name he knew he would ever say.
“Ryaal.”
Syrk screamed in rage as he flew down the staircas
e. He tackled the Akirian sentry and began beating him mercilessly until he was left smashing his fists against stone chunks.
After a few moments, exhausted and breathing heavily, Syrk stood and gave his orders.
“Bring all Akirians in from the outposts. Ready three thousand to mobilize to the location I specify. If that traitor is here...I want his head! The Akirian who brings it to me shall be rewarded with half of this planet and half of the Akirian forces.”
“Great leader.” An Akirian spoke out.
“How dare you interrupt me?” Syrk shouted and moved quickly toward the warrior.
The guard pointed toward the tower. As Syrk gave it his attention, what he saw both terrified and enraged him further.
Kara was awake.
She was standing. Strong and defiant, she stared down at her captor with a smirk. Gone was the dark skin of her sadness and pain and once again, she was the radiant violet that made her beauty stand out from all others. Once again she felt the hope and love only her eternal could bring to her. She spoke.
“It won’t be long now, tyrant. Your reign and your life are coming to an end, for my Ryaal is coming for me…and he will show you no mercy.”
“RAAAAAAA!” Syrk roared in anger.
“Bring her down! Chain her beside my throne.” He commanded.
Four guards moved quickly to carry out Syrk’s command. They ascended the long tower stairs to relocate their prisoner, expecting a fight. However, they did not get one. Kara did not struggle, she did not fight, she did not have to. She knew it would not be long now until her warrior came for her. Gone was the fear and sadness that had taken hold of her for so long. She made no attempt to run as the guards shackled the massive chains to her wrists, the weight of which meant to bring her to her knees. They did not. She stood strong and emboldened. She stood waiting for her Eternal to come for her and she would not let him see her any other way.
Chapter 38
“What’s the plan big guy?” Connor asked as Ryaal approached his friends waiting patiently for him.
“We go now.” He answered.