Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

“I guess they are becoming more cunning,” observed Gewey. He remembered the elven Vrykol from the black Oasis. He grinned maliciously at Aaliyah, and charged forward. Aaliyah drew her dagger and followed.

In moments, he saw the Vrykol, waiting. But, instead of a sword, the twang of a bowstring sounded. The arrow whizzed through the air seeking Gewey's heart. Gewey twisted and dove sideways. Only his incredible speed saved him from being skewered.

Aaliyah ran straight ahead, slashing at the Vrykol's neck. The creature was barely able to drop its bow and draw its sword in time. The sound of metal on metal rang out. Aaliyah pressed the attack, forcing the beast back.

Gewey scurried to his feet and charged in. The Vrykol slashed hard at Aaliyah, and in a split second he reached inside his cloak. Just as Gewey was about to be in striking distance, the creature threw something to the ground at Gewey's feet. The earth burst into flame, and Gewey slid to a halt. He heard soldiers approaching from either side. Quickly, he threw the earth beneath the fire upward and to his left, then leaped over the gouge in the ground. Aaliyah was being pushed back, as the Vrykol attacked, furiously. Gewey slashed at its leg, cutting deep, and sent it stumbling back. Aaliyah slashed at its neck, but it lifted its sword deflecting the blade. In a flash, it brought its fist across Aaliyah's jaw, sending her sprawling.

The Vrykol turned to Gewey, and thrust his blade at his gullet. Gewey twisted and countered, opening the Vrykol's chest. It fell back stabbing wildly.

Just then the first patrol of soldiers arrived. Aaliyah recovered her feet and brought her knife across the first soldier’s neck. She spun around gutting another. A blast of wind threw the center of the patrol forced them back, as she attacked the left side, cutting down two men with a single stroke.

Gewey pressed the Vrykol hard. The flow swelled inside him made even stronger by his sword. With all his strength he swung the blade at the beast’s neck. The Vrykol tried to block the blow but its blade shattered and its head rolled from its shoulders. Gewey turned to the soldiers, Aaliyah was blasting them back with bolts of air as she carved her way through their ranks.

He could hear more soldiers approaching from the south. The flames from the Vrykol attack were beginning to spread to the dry leaves and twigs that lined the forest floor. “No use hiding anymore,” he thought. He created a wall of flame, splitting the soldiers in two, and pushing them back. Only two men were on the other side, in front of Aaliyah. Fear struck their hearts, and they dropped their weapons and fled. Gewey had already surrounded the others. He tightened the ring of flame, as he had done to the Soufis. The soldiers began to scream and cry.

“Kill them or let them go,” yelled Aaliyah.

Gewey realized he was allowing the wall to creep in slowly, squeezing the men together. Hatred and anger were filling his spirit. He wanted them dead. He wanted to watch them burn. Then, with great effort, he let the flame die. “Run if you want to live!”

The soldiers dropped their swords and ran away. The other soldiers had just come into view. Gewey turned to face them. A column of fire burst to life above his head. Shouts of terror filled the air as the second patrol fled as well.

“Your powers are growing,” said Aaliyah. “You could have easily bested ten times as many.”

Gewey glanced down at the dead Vrykol. Not powerful enough, he thought. Not yet. They ran off into the night at a full run. The flow raged….but it felt different. More intense. He smiled as he wound his way through the forest. The name Darshan echoed in his mind.

King Halmara paced in front of the jeweled throne of his forefathers, glancing angrily at the door every time he turned. The throne room was cold and empty, and rarely used. For generations the well-being of his kingdom was navigated from the king’s office, and the council chambers. This room was for receiving honored guests, and nothing more. The walls bore the banners of the twelve kingdoms, with the eagle and fish symbol of Skalhalis hanging proudly above the throne. His family had ruled for more than four hundred years. Now folly could end everything. Lord Sialo sat in a plush chair to the right side of the throne, watching the king carefully.

“You should relax, your highness,” said Sialo. “Things are going according to plan.”

Halmara stopped and turned on Sialo. “Is that so? In what way was the poisoning of King Lousis, part of the plan?”

“I told you that I had nothing to do with it,” said Sialo. “It was Yanti that gave the order.”

“Then Yanti is a fool,” he roared. “And when I see him-“

The door flew open. Yanti strode in confidently. “You will do what?” He laughed. “My good king, nothing has been done that wasn't according to my design.”

Halmara snarled. “Your idiocy has ensured that the other kingdoms will surely align against me. They probably gather as we speak.”

Yanti stopped. His eyes grew dark and threatening. “Mind your tongue…highness, or you may find your long reign become a fleeting moment. I have enough soldiers to crush Althetas. They cannot muster enough of a force in time to stop us.”

“I will not be intimidated by you.” Halmara's voice wavered.

“I do not try to intimidate,” said Yanti. “I only want you to know your situation. You are a vassal of Angraal, and will bend to the will of the Reborn King. And his will, is what I tell you it is.” He leveled his eyes. “Are we clear about this, your highness?”

Halmara felt as if his breath had been taken away. He fell back onto his throne and slumped down, defeated. “I still think it was a mistake to poison King Lousis.”

“I'm truly sorry, but that had to be done,” Yanti explained. “After poisoning my poor dear Salmitaya, it was an imperative.”

A messenger burst through the door and bowed low. “I bring news, your highness.” He handed King Halmara a rolled up piece of parchment. The boy bowed again and hurried away.

Halmara unrolled the parchment and read it carefully. “It would seem your attempt on King Lousis' life has failed.”

Yanti smiled, and waved his hand carelessly. “It matters not. Once the army is assembled and ready we will attend to that.” He turned to Sialo. “How go the preparations?”

“On schedule,” he replied. “Will you be staying?”

“Of course,” said Yanti. “I have learned not to leave these events unattended. Now if you will pardon me, I desire a wash and a fresh set of clothing. Please tell me this place is civilized enough to possess a shower.”

The king didn't bother to respond. He rose, led Yanti to the door and instructed the guard to show him to his chambers.

“You should be careful, your highness,” warned Sialo. “The Reborn King puts a great deal of faith in Yanti's judgment. You should maintain a pleasant relationship with him.”

King Halmara returned to his throne. He rubbed his finger along the cushioned chair arms, and wondered how long he would be allowed to sit here. King Lousis had been right. But it was too late now.

Kaylia had been wandering the halls anxiously. Since Gewey had told her of the ships bound for Skalhalis, Valshara had been in a panic. Elf and human soldiers had been arriving for over a week, but so far there were only fifteen thousand in total, not nearly as many as they needed. The rest would not arrive for several more weeks.

Selena had been distraught when she heard of the attempt on King Lousis' life. She knew it was because of Salmitaya. That he had survived was the only thing that kept her from flying into a rage.