Rebirth of the Undead King: Book 2

by Ink Bamboo

  “Anything else?” asked Jan. It was uncommon for Nolan to find such little information about someone he’d set his sights on.

  “Nothing but random guesses,” said Nolan. “I’ve had a few of my informants tell me about his habits. He keeps to himself and usually guards his food a bit too close. That’s a common trait seen in people from the slums.”

  “He’s also well versed in hunting,” he continued. “Whenever we lack meat, he will go hunt some wild lizards to feed himself. That’s a trait common to those who grew in a small village, particularly those near the forest. If I was to guess, I’d say he comes from either Sol or the surrounding villages.”

  “What about his nature then?” asked Katherine. Her question was addressed to Arkus instead of Nolan. “He can’t be all that bad if he’s receiving your praise.”

  Arkus didn’t know whether to laugh or cry after hearing Katherine’s question. “I can’t say for sure, but he seems like a good boy. Perhaps a bit naïve for his age. The other recruits say he often talks to himself. In my opinion, he might be one of those.”

  “Another crazy one?” muttered Jan, crossing his arms over his chest.

  As Nyx’s former strategist he had seen many young men develop strange habits to cope with the tensions of growing in their kingdom. Not everyone could witness starvation, injustice, or slavery and still keep a good state of mind.

  “I guess going crazy is better than going suicidal,” said Arkus.

  “That’s cold,” said Katherine. She had seen spoken to many of the young deserters who joined the rebels. All of them had a reason, a past that drove them here. Some escaped from a noble’s chase while others were running away from debt. Some were just in it because of their own hatred towards the crown, and some were fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.

  “They didn’t choose to be born here. Were they born in another part of the continent, they might have not had to face such circumstances,” she added.

  “We can’t dwell on what ifs,” said Richard. “What if I had been recognized as the heir to the throne? What if I had never chosen to gather the rebel forces? They are just empty statements without reality backing them up. All that matters is whether that kid can be of use to us.”

  “I can give you my word of that, sir,” stated Arkus. “While he keeps much to himself, it’s pretty obvious he holds no affection for the current royal family.”

  “Well, it would be good if you can pay closer attention to him then,” said Richard. “We can always use people like that close to us. The kingdom will need people like him to rise again, even more so if we accept the Church of Light’s proposal.”

  Katherine closed the fan in her hand, bringing it to her lips. “It’s about time we call the envoys from the church and have a discussion, isn’t it?”

  Most of the group nodded in agreement, leaving Nolan alone in his reluctance.

  Jan tried to salvage the situation offering him some solace, “Don’t worry, Nolan. It’s not like you’re from the Lapas family. Your shady past isn’t enough to attract the attention of the church, even more so if we establish an alliance.”

  Nolan sighed, not willing to say anything else above the matter.

  Seeing his partners reach a compromise, Richard finally gave his order. “Very well, call them here Arkus.” It was time for them to settle the terms of their alliance.

  It didn’t take long for Magnus and Erin to arrive. Behind them were two of the initiate paladins. They had left their plated armor behind, wearing the ceremonial robes members of the clergy usually wore instead. It was a small display of their peaceful disposition, not that it mattered with Magnus’s presence. A mage’s most dangerous weapon was his mind.

  “Please, take a seat,” instructed Arkus. He sat next to the silver-haired Richard, carefully observing Magnus’s every action. Even if he believed in the church’s sincerity, he wouldn’t risk an assassination attempt on his leader.

  Magnus, however, just ignored him. Nodding his head, he took a place in the table along with rebels’ leaders. “Everyone, I’m sure Arkus has already delivered our request to your hands. May I hear your initial thoughts before we continue? I’d like to dissipate any doubts you may hold.”

  Nolan looked at Magnus and then scoffed. “You’re sending us into our deaths,” he said. “No amount of clerics will justify a frontal attack into Nyx’s capital. Your proposal is tantamount to suicide.”

  Magnus nodded, attentively hearing Nolan’s complaints. “Anything else?” he asked. He wanted to address every single point with a single strike if possible.

  Jan looked at him before saying, “We would also like to know what the Church of Light has to gain from this. You must understand your stance seems to hold no basis in our eyes. There is no such thing as allies, just partners in the face of benefits.”

  The paladin candidates behind Magnus and Erin had trouble controlling their expressions. They felt offended by such claims. The noble Church of Light represented justice in their eyes. No mortal men should be willing to question their goddess’ will.

  Magnus looked at Katherine, piercing her eyes with his own. “You seem to want to say something, my lady, please speak.”

  The woman smiled coyly, twisting a curl of her red hair with her finger. “It’s nothing much, just something I feel pulling at the back of my mind. Why now of all times? We could have used your help at many points in time before, so why did the church suddenly change their stance?”

  “Your concerns aren’t without basis,” said Magnus. It was his mission to make this meeting work out smoothly, he had already planned his answers beforehand. “The church has seen the pain the royal family is putting its populace through. As for our stance on the matter, that changed after our Goddess sent us a divine revelation instructing us to intervene.”

  “I see,” said Katherine. Magnus’s answer was plausible, but seemed rather far-fetched. Divine revelations were just as mystical as the appearance of a Chosen so far from the mainland. Having both happen at the same time was pulling luck a little too thin.

  “In that case,” she said, “why didn’t the Church of Life or the Church of Harvest do something? They are the two churches with the biggest influence in Nyx. You would think they would intervene before the Church of Light did.”

  “That is something I’m afraid I can’t answer with certainty,” said Magnus. “Each god has their own views, as do their churches. I can only speak as a representative for the Church of Light.”

  Not that there is any church interested on that barren land you call your kingdom, he added in his mind. We could invade the whole thing and no other church would care.

  Katherine sighed in resignation. Her question might as well go unanswered. “Very well,” she said. It was a better use of their time to receive answers to Nolan and Jan’s questions.

  Seeing her give way for him to continue, Magnus resumed his explanation, “Regarding what we have to gain, it is quite simple — a new ally. Nyx and Ionia have been at war for far too long, leading us to spending resources that could have been used for the development of both our kingdoms. The current royal family in Nyx still holds those grudges, but I’m sure your group would be willing to let go of them in exchange for victory.”

  Jan pondered about it, looking back at Richard. Despite being banished from the kingdom, he wasn’t sure of Richard’s stance on the matter of old grudges. It took a nod from their nominal leader before he turned back to look at Magnus, requesting him to carry on.

  Magnus nodded and continued. “We can even help with Nyx’s expansion towards the south as long as your leader swears to open up our trade routes once again. Of course, we will also request permits to the establishment of a few chapels in the new settlements.”

  “That still doesn’t answer how you will support our war effort,” said Nolan. He had been the first to ask his question, leaving him frustrated when Magnus answered everyone but him. His previous interactions with the church didn’t he
lp him hold any good feelings towards Magnus’s sophistry.

  “I was getting to that,” said Magnus. “As members of the church, we can’t involve ourselves in military matters, and therefore cannot provide you with any troops. This point you must understand.”

  Magnus’s answer seemed to darken the mood in the room. Nolan was especially upset about it, pushing him to stand up from his seat and face Magnus, disregarding what the mage could do to him if angered.

  “What good are you then?” he demanded. “You’re pushing us to our deaths.”

  The paladin candidates took a step forward. Even if Magnus was only a temporary commander, they had a role to uphold.

  “Relax,” said Magnus, waving his hand to have his temporary subordinates step back. “It isn’t like we come empty handed. If you take a seat, I can show you what I’m talking about.”

  Richard seemed intrigued, causing him to look sternly at Nolan, leaving the poor man no choice but to take his seat.

  “Very well,” said Magnus. A smug smile rose on his face as the situation came back under his control. Once everyone’s eyes were on him, he tore a hole in space, bringing out a small rosewood box from within.

  Extending his arm, he placed it on the table.

  “Behold, this is our offer.”

  Chapter 08

  Old and New.

  Everyone’s eyes were piqued with interest. Nolan in particular had trouble holding his hands back. He was familiar with the runes carved on the wooden box. They were often used to seal mana or energy fluctuations coming from magical items. Dark markets often used them to contraband objects from questionable origins.

  The paladin candidates from the church took a step back, leaving Magnus and Erin alone with the rebels’ leaders. Moving quickly, they took up positions next to the door, sealing it off completely. It was their role to prevent anyone else from entering while they were discussing this part of their ‘alliance.’

  Magnus’s gaze examined the rebels’ leadership, quickly noting their reactions. He found it mildly amusing how such a thing aroused their interest. Ironically, it would be this same object that would lead them to their downfall.

  “The box isn’t what matters,” said Magnus, his tone sprinkled with mockery. “It is this.”

  Magnus’s hands then opened the rosewood box, revealing the dark marble contained within. Its surface was black like the night sky, tainted only by the cracks that refracted the light shining on its surface. The expression on Nolan, Katherine, and Jan shifted to one of disappointment. They were expecting something else. Something more impressive.

  However, shortly after the marble was revealed, a dark aura spread out from the box. Arkus covered his body in aura, assuming a battle ready position. Richard and the rest grimaced, taken by surprise.

  Fortunately, the marble had been purified, and the remnants of energy contained within the box quickly dissipated.

  “What is that accursed object?” asked Arkus almost instinctively. As the strongest man amongst the rebel troops, he realized the object’s deadly nature more so than the others.

  “This,” said Magnus pointing towards the gem-like sphere, “is nothing more than your salvation.”

  Jan caressed the white stubble on his face, thinking about the nature of the object. Nothing was as deadly as the unknown. What he felt moments ago was strong enough to leave an impression of danger deep within his soul. Noticing Richard and the rest of his comrades had the same expression, he willed himself to press the issue.

  “Please, mage, do explain what we’re looking at.”

  “This is a divine artifact,” explained Magnus. “Its powers are enough to ensure your army comes out victorious in your battle against Nyx.”

  “Are you saying the Church of Light is willing to give up one of their artifacts?” asked Katherine with a fair amount of surprise. Her eyes were no longer on the marble but on Magnus’s conniving grin.

  “No,” said Magnus, shaking his finger from side to side. “Not the Church of Light, but the Church of Death.”

  Jan immediately took a guess at the implications behind Magnus’s words.

  “I see,” he said. “The Church of Light plans to use our kingdom as bait to draw the Church of Death out. Even if they do not do so immediately, they will eventually come and try to retrieve this object.”

  “Not really,” said Erin, joining in the conversation for the first time. “His holiness, the cardinal, made a ritual to cleanse this artifact. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to make any use of it.”

  Magnus nodded, continuing where Erin left off. “What she means is that the Church of Death shouldn’t have a way to track the artifact. Of course, it will also help us grasp the full use of the item.”

  “A gamble then?” asked Richard. “Is that what you’re offering?”

  “Perhaps,” answered Magnus. “Is it one you’re not willing to take?”

  He was aware of the rebels’ desperation. Many of their forces still had family in Nyx waiting for them, living through the abuse of the ruling class. Even if the council held control over the troops, it didn’t mean their authority was absolute. Everyone acted based on their own interests, and the troops were no exception.

  Three words surfaced on Arkus’s mind. ‘Treacherous old man.’ He now realized the offer Magnus had originally given him carried a price. Not everyone was as straightforward as he was. Devious intentions were often hid within human kindness.

  “You must understand we can’t give you an answer right now,” said Richard. “Not only are we ignorant on how this artifact is supposed to work, but the risks we’d be going through for something of this scale can’t be based on a rash decision.”

  “I’ll explain how to use the artifact later on,” said Magnus. “But I can understand your need for time. When can we expect an answer?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t say,” explained Richard. “I’ll have someone call for you when we’ve made our decision.”

  “Very well,” said Magnus. His face was solemn for he already knew what their answer would eventually be. His hand extended, taking back the rosewood box on the table as a smile surfaced on his face.

  “We’ll be awaiting your answer.”

  ✽✽✽

  “Is it here?” asked Zaros.

  Moments ago he had been inside his quarters, doing maintenance on his trusted dagger. It symbolized the first time he stood up for himself and for others, taking down the slaving business of Baron Lapas. As he was cleaning the blade, Amro had instructed him to run in this direction, leading him towards a place far from the barracks.

  His footsteps were light as he jumped from building to building. The makeshift constructions were not enough to block the grace and fluidity of his moves. Eventually, he arrived at a building facing the rebel’s headquarters. He wasn’t supposed to be here, but he had no reason to doubt Amro’s instructions.

  “So, is it here?” asked Zaros for a second time.

  Amro hesitated before answering. Moments ago he had sensed a familiar energy in the vicinity. It was almost like the call of an old friend. Alas, he was no longer his past self. Recognizing an energy signature from such a distance was not an easy matter.

  “Yes, it should have been here,” answered Amro. It was better to be safe than sorry. “Lie in wait, we might not be too late.”

  Zaros complied and laid prone on the roof. A few minutes after he did, an old man and a young girl came out from the headquarters. Their garments contrasted deeply with those from the rebel troops. Elegant white robes covered in golden patterns made it clear that they were beyond ordinary. Especially so for the older man. Zaros couldn’t help but feel an instinctual sense of danger when he looked at him.

  Amro was particularly delighted when he saw both of them, particularly the young girl. A refreshing sense of relief washed through him as many things started to make sense.

  I see, he thought. Even on its own, nature would have found a way to make things right.

&n
bsp; Zaros, however, wasn’t aware of his partner’s thoughts. Being bored after laying so long prompted him to repeat his question. “Hey, Amro, are you sure we are at the right place?”

  “Yes,” answered Amro in a nearly mechanical manner. “We’re always at the right place, always where fate wants us to be.”

  “It isn’t fate that made me come here,” replied Zaros. “It was you. So, is there something wrong?”

  Amro laughed, realizing how even his mind was prone to distractions. No longer in his throne as a god, he was now more vulnerable than ever, closer to a mortal than he was to the divine. “No, boy, everything is as it is meant to be. Just stay here and watch in silence.”

  Zaros did as instructed and laid down, looking carefully towards the old man and the young girl. As they exited the building, two other men covered in robes followed after them. Zaros had no way to know of their identity, but Amro was much too familiar with their demeanor.

  The style of their clothes might change with the epoch, but Amro was sure of their identity. Taking the habitual chance to teach a lesson, he soon explained the situation to his host. “You see, child. Those are the ceremonial robes members of the church wear.”

  “The two men walking at the back are initiate paladins,” he continued, “you can tell them apart from priests because of their physiques. Remember Michael? Priests are usually thinner, proof of their dedication to scholarly matters like reading the scriptures. Paladins are their counterpart — bulky and muscular for they are those who join the front of the battlefield.”

  “What about the man and girl in front?” asked Zaros. For some reason unknown to him, he was strangely attracted to the blonde girl walking along the old man. She was focused on a small book but it was far too distant for him to peak into its cover.

  “The old man is a wizard, boy. If you focus on sensing the surrounding mana, you will notice its odd behavior. It’s something that naturally happens after you start familiarizing yourself with the truths of this world.”

  “What about her?” asked Zaros. He felt curious about the young girl who could walk next to such a dangerous man with such ease.