The Shadow of Death: The Conquering Darkness

by Lucas Hault

  “Who are you and what makes you here?” asked one among them. His voice was quite heavy, which made a gargling sound as he talked. His tongue was long and thick; drooling every time that he opened his mouth.

  None among the men spoke. It was not just fear, but the trauma for conceiving something which none among the two had ever seen or heard before. However, the one interrogating them was familiar to Owen. He was exactly the one who had been glaring them their whole way through the long desert road.

  The Reaper pulled himself closer to Borkan, placing one of his hands over his shoulder, while his great sandy eyebrows bunched into a yellow tangle. Its hand felt hard over his shoulder, just like some solid rock over flesh and bone. “I have never seen someone like you before. You look different. Tell me who exactly are you?”

  Perhaps it should have been Borkan asking the same, but it would not be wise to provoke the ones, not at least in their first encounter where they knew nothing about them. “I am Borkan Solomon Rayne of Townslane”.

  “Aaah Townslane!” he remarked, his voice louder than before, while his expression too hard and set, as if his face might have been chiselled out of marble. “Are you Elias Rayne’s son?” Borkan nodded. “How is this that a man of dignity has sent his son into the shadow of death? Master Dronzo would be so pleased to meet you, before watching you die”.

  Borkan remained silent, his heart beating fast within his chest. In all that broad landscape, there was no gleam of hope. He could see no escape, but the end in the form of these Grim Reapers staring them down. It was hard to match their eyes, and fighting them sounded absurd. He once peeked at Owen who was already gazing at him, with the same grave look round his face. It all looked to be done. It was just the matter of time before they were perhaps slaughtered or devoured.

  Borkan saw a lot more of them on hilltops and everywhere around, staring at them fiercely as the horde took them towards the large cave. They were in the desert hills, located a few yards before Gubby. It was an arid and repulsive place, which was a region of desolation and silence. It comprised of sand-covered rocky mountains and dark and gloomy caves. There was no bird in the steel-blue heaven, but the buzzards seated on the rocks, whose coming was believed to be the forerunner of death. The place looked pathetic with the Reapers around everywhere, while there was extreme silence that wrapped the place—complete and heart-subduing silence. Abella’s words repeated in his head, the ones being the darkness that cannot be defeated. It proved absolutely true. It was improbable to survive a single, and here they were exceeding a thousand or two.

  “Are we going to die?” whispered Owen walking next to him.

  His features were dull as he simply shook his head. It wasn’t a no; it was just that he had run out of words. Borkan was never afraid to die. He just didn’t want to die helpless, doing absolutely nothing for the residents of the town, after hearing their disheartening tale. This was something that he hated the most.

  There was a pathway traced out across the desert and amongst the hills, which wound away and was lost in the extreme distance. Here and there were scattered white objects which glisten in the sun. They moved past it, discovering it to be bones; some large and coarse, others smaller and more delicate. They moved past the large hills, before standing by the huge opening of the cave, preceded by a long stairway carved through the rocks. It resembled darkness that was overcomed by burning torches attached to its walls. The Reapers pushed them on, forcing them to take bigger steps. The anxiety within Borkan continued as he ascended and finally entered the cave.

  The cave was enormous within; lighted with numerous torches. There were bones and remains of other animals lying in the corners. Borkan also noticed the skin of some desert leopards thrown among the remains, portraying the brutality of its slaughter. It gave a convulsive shiver in every limb, and his stomach clenched tight. The creature leading these ferocious beasts could hardly be imagined, and that was exactly what troubled him. All manner of vague and terrible fancies filled his imagination. The one whom they call their leader must be unimaginable, perhaps double their size and strength. The one who would enjoy watching them killed, as mentioned by one of his servants.

  They walked through the narrow ways that had the dead bodies of young women hanging by it. They might have been raped by these creatures, leaving the bodies to rot. The foul smell of decaying flesh infected the entire way, causing the men to suffocate. It was highly inhumane, something far worse than a nightmare. The dead bodies, the devoured animals; something was similar—something coincidental that struck Borkan’s mind all of a sudden. The forests of Townslane! His heart raced, pumping stress and discomfort all over his body, striking a chill deep into his heart. The same brutality, bodies destroyed, with absolutely no clue. The questions in his mind had been answered, and there he was trapped between the attackers—the ferocious Grim Reapers.

  They crossed the narrow way that opened to a spacious chamber. It was circular, surrounded by torches on the rocky walls. Borkan was already dipped in sweat, deeply affected by various scenes before them. He noticed a high semicircular platform that was connected with concave stairways on both its side. In the midst of that platform, lay a big pointed throne upon which a similar creature reclined, with pride and a wide smile over his face, which was similar to his servants, except for the body structure that appeared more beastly. He was on his throne with two nude women seated on his lap, his hands rounded around them, and his palm resting on their bosoms. The women who pined and wept bore upon their faces the traces of an inextinguishable horror. This was something which immersed his fear, replacing it with resentment. His hazel eyes gleamed with sudden and dangerous anger.

  One among the Grim Reapers ascended the steps, whispering something in Master Dronzo’s ears which strengthen the grin around his face. Borkan noticed many other women chained in the corners of the cave. They lay numb on their knees, staring at the men with their tearful eyes. There were also a dozen men, with glasses of wine in their hands, who had submitted themselves into their service, as per Abella’s words, which never proved wrong. This triggered something within Owen as well, and they were no longer starving for their own lives, but ready to struggle for the poor souls.

  “So here we have a royal blood,” cried Master Dronzo, his voice much heavier than his servants, which echoed in every corner of the enormous cave. “The son of Elias Solomon Rayne, who no longer loves his life, but has made his way to embrace death all by his own”. He laughed, poking one of the women, who with her shaking hands drew a large glass of wine around his lips. He sucked it all at once.

  “You call yourself a Master and yet you do not treat your followers fairly,” responded Borkan. He sounded aggressive, throwing some of it into Owen as well. “The one abusing his powers can never be called a master. I suggest a better name. A coward!”

  “A coward?” repeated Dronzo. He looked captious. “I am a Master no matter what you say. And you should be thankful for my mercy”.

  Borkan appeared unaffected. Thanking him was not even the last thing that he would ever do.

  “By now you must be aware of your father’s visit once to this place. He would never have returned back if it wouldn’t have been for my grace”.

  This annoyed the bold Borkan further. The intrepidity had begun flowing through his veins, sparking the fierceness in his eyes. “You are no threat to our valiant army, who will hunt you down like wild boars. The only thing which bothers me is that how did you manage to escape our men in the Forests of Townslane?”

  “What are you talking about boy?” asked Master Dronzo, sounding confused, as if he had no idea about the ongoing.

  “You know exactly what I mean. You managed to sneak into our place, brutally killing some innocents and a tiger, and escaped the place successfully. How did you manage to escape unnoticed?

  “We Grim Reapers know no other world than Gubby,” replied Master Dronzo. “But I know who you speak of!”

  Borkan noticed a spark of r
ecreancy in Dronzo’s eyes as the Master recalled something, and judging by the look on his face, Borkan could assure that he was not lying.

  “Who?” asked Borkan. The Grim Reapers were no less than a nightmare, and the fact that they feared someone was simply beyond any imagination.

  “We Grim Reapers never talk in this regard! It is something that has always haunted us, and we never want to cross paths with each other”.

  “Whoever it may be, but neither the one you mention nor you are any threat to our army,” said Owen. He sounded aggressive, overflown with the emotions of the poor helpless women. He hated helplessness, especially after the disheartening incident with his brother, and wanted to wipe that bloody word out from every suffering life. “You all shall be shot down and left to decay in this very place”.

  This made Master Dronzo laugh-out-loud. An atrocious laugh though, penetrating deep into their hearts. “You honestly think that you and your flaccid army are any threat to me and my Grim Reapers. You must have lost your mind, and I can see that. But I truly appreciate the courage of Elias Rayne’s son and the black one beside you. None has ever dared to look us into the eyes before. I therefore have something different to offer you”.

  Borkan and Owen looked at each other. The Master sounded different, though his intention was still not clear. They remained still. Dronzo continued, “We Grim Reapers fight as hard as we fuck. I offer you a golden opportunity, never laid to anyone before. The two of you must be aware of the Death Ally Brawl. It is perhaps the best sport for a man besides fucking. I invite you both to face off one of our champions, and if you somehow manage your victory, I promise that the two of you shall be set free. Besides, you can also take any of these women of your choosing”.

  He sounded challenging. It might be difficile and could perhaps prove futile, but it was the only chance, their only chance to do something about it. It struck him as being a remarkable mixture of shrewdness and of absurdity. Fighting them still sounded insane, but a challenge in the face of some sport seemed better. Borkan and Owen exchanged a dull look, with perhaps the same thought clustering them around.

  Owen nodded. “We agree. But on some different terms”.

  The relaxing Dronzo gave them a sharp look. He flushed an angry red and then burst into a roar of laughter. His dark, cruel eyes stared them continuously, while his face rested by the shoulders of the woman on his left.

  Borkan responded, “We are ready to face one amongst your champion. If we lose we are ready to accept death. But if we stand victor then you have to free all of the enslaved women, and have to swear to stay away from the lives of the people of Gubby forever”. He was still not sure about his words, or what made them slip out of his mouth, but could see the expectant faces of those poor helpless women staring back at him.

  Dronzo agreed at once, with a cunning smile over his face, as if he knew the outcome of the clash beforehand. This was something that bothered Borkan.

  “The men aspire to fight and let’s give them one”, roared Master Dronzo. The creatures surrounding them stepped backward, providing them enough space. There was the show of discipline among them before their Master. The large cave now resembled the look of a circular arena, surrounded by the weird spectators to enjoy the action. Some among them threw swords and spears within, awaiting it to begin.

  Everything was set and now it was time to reveal their opponent. Borkan and Owen stood close to one another, with swords and spears in their hands, awaiting their opponent, someone whom these monsters called champion. Borkan stood firm, with his heart beating in strain and anticipation. He felt that instant death would be better than the suspense which shook his nerves and chilled his heart. His senses numbed, while the eyes rapidly scanned the ones surrounding them.

  The Reapers roared, their heavy voices sounding like an avalanche, following which a similar figure with a slight varying tint emerged amongst the crowd. His eyes were a little more bulging than the rest, but still smaller than that of the leader. He stood before them, big and fierce, staring them down ferociously. Borkan had definitely not presumed something like the one before, who looked impatient to tear them apart.

  “Meet Dondoss!” introduced Dronzo smiling. “You know the rules quite well. I don’t expect you to surpass them or the consequence won’t be favourable”. The Master pulled his hands off the women, giving a loud clap following which the anticipated brawl began.

  Dondoss pounced at them at once, following the clap, but luckily the two dodged. He sniffed, turning around the two, following the same strive. They dodged him again, annoying the fierce creature. Owen could still feel his body trembling, trying to penetrate the spear through his chest. The creature opposed, hitting Owen hard on his back. The enormous force brought him crashing down to the ground. It had almost broken his back, and perhaps his spirit. Borkan rushed to his aid, but was thrown far back, where he dropped down on the rocky surface. Master Dronzo and his followers enjoyed the game, looking assured of their victory.

  Dondoss bent down to grab Owen by his neck, raising him high in the air. Borkan rose back quick, loping his way towards Owen. He kicked the narrow legs and his gut a couple of times, but nothing did actually affect him. Dondoss grabbed Borkan’s neck with the other hand, raising them high, choking the two. Owen had already begun to turn cold, while Borkan tried with a few more kicks over the creature’s gut which proved useless. Dondoss’ features broadened into a grin, while the two bodies suspended in air had already begun to choke. Nothing worked fruitfully, until Owen, with his remaining strength, pulled himself close, spitting into the creature’s eyes. This time it worked, as Dondoss threw them down, while his strong hands rubbed his itchy eyes hard and rough.

  He threw a few punches blindly in air, but luckily the men dove. Owen took a proper breath before grabbing the spear. He dragged himself closer, taking his first shot. But unfortunately, the sharp spear did not penetrate through the creature’s thick skin, but rather left a slight wound. Owen tried it for the other leg but the outcome was the same. Dondoss pulled himself straight, hitting Owen for the other time. This one wasn’t as hard as the initial shot, but it forced Owen down on his knees. The creature tried to grab him again, but this time Borkan slid forward, hitting hard the wounded leg. He trembled a little, but remained on his feet. Owen did the same on the other one, but it still wasn’t enough to bring him down. Borkan dragged himself backward, pouncing for the other shot, but this time was caught between his arms, who tossed him in the air, throwing him far towards the stairs. Owen landed a few punches all over his body, before kicking his wound hard. He groaned while still in his feet, and yet did not quiver much. Owen jumped towards the sword, gripping it hard, as he swung it quickly across Dondoss, but the creature got hold of it at once. The hold was firm, so tight that it hardly moved any further. He pulled away the sword from Owen’s hand, throwing it far towards the stairway.

  He punched Owen’s shoulder, before finally crushing his neck with his giant palms. The grip was hard, fading the colour on his face, while the creature roared loud with its wide opened mouth. It was perhaps his song of glory, echoing in every corner of the cave, but the very next moment appeared Borkan with the sword. He, without a moment’s pause, passed it through his mouth and down the throat. Blood gushed out, like water from the fountain, as the beastly creature thrashed down hard, throwing its hands and legs in pain. The gargling sound continued, forcing blood out of his mouth, and the very next moment, they witnessed his dead eyes staring up at the large structure of the cave. He was perished. Wasted. A complete silence fell over the place, while all the astounded eyes rested on the two survivors.

  Everyone around, including Master Dronzo, was stunned; their eyes gaped while their senses crippled. How did it happen? It was impossible, something that he had never ever imagined. The stumped eyes looked at Borkan and Owen, wounded and covered in blood and sweat, struggling to remain on their feet. They had done the impossible and perhaps overwhelmed the darkness, if not defeated i
t.

  “I hope you remember your promise”, said Borkan, rising to his feet breathless and panting, trying to veil the pain under his smile. He could see the bright faces of the enslaved women chained in desolation. It was probably the first time that they might have smiled ever since their abduction. “Free the women and stick to your words”.

  “I remember nothing as such!” The state of shock could be seen no more around the thick wrinkled face of the Master, but a corrupt smirk. “How can you expect some reward when you have just killed one of my Reapers?” He sounded boorish, denying his very own words. He waved at his followers below him, and some of them moved on, returning with certain women tied in chains. They broke them free following their leader’s command, and stood beside them awaiting the other.

  Dronzo rose to his feet, with the two women standing beside him. He walked to the corner of the platform, with his hand over their hips, while his eyes constantly set on Borkan and Owen. “Kill them all!” he roared, pushing the ones beside him down to the surface.

  The Grim Reapers growled, and the horde rushed in a disorderly manner. Borkan could apprehend absolutely nothing. It appeared like a huge storm rushing their way, which could never be stopped, and anything on its way would face nothing but destruction. They barely survived one, and now there were thousands. Borkan and Owen stood helpless, with the sword and the spear hanging on their hands. The bunch of women tried to reach the men, but were trapped among the large horde that began lynching them. Owen aimed his spear among them, throwing it as hard as possible, but it stood uselessly. It did not take too long for the men to fall victim in those hands.

  The Grim Reapers assaulted them, tossing Borkan over the unforgiving walls of the rocky cave. Some others dragged him by his hand, throwing him hard against the platform. Master Dronzo pulled him up by his neck, slamming him down the surface. Borkan bled all the while, lying unconscious beside the stairway. Owen on the other side had the same beatdown, where the merciless creatures stamped him hard against the ground. He once looked at Borkan, who lay cold and still.