by T. Sae-Low
Everything was shifting. Soldiers on both sides were thrown out the windows or crushed between moving parts. Sargatum was a mechanical wonder. Giant gears and motors appeared out of nowhere, the Ancients’ ingenuity displayed at its finest. What the fortress was transforming into and why were irrelevant for the moment as its thousands of current occupants struggled to simply survive the change.
General Sako had tracked Aric down to a dead end when the shifting began. A few Vicedonian soldiers flanked Aric, protecting him behind their shields. The floor that Aric and his guards stood on was now moving them upwards, as Sako’s platform shifted sideways. She leapt into the air, trying to grab a hold of Aric before it was too late. Aric took no chances. He pushed both guards off his platform and into Sako.
The three of them landed with a bang on a platform shifting sideways. One guard fell off the edge, disappearing down to the bottom of the castle. Sako immediately sensed something massive closing in on them and leapt onto a column shifting downward. The other guard didn’t react in time and was crushed between the gigantic objects. Aric had disappeared, and Sako knew she didn’t have time to pursue him. She moved in and out of constantly shifting parts before the castle finally settled into place. She was now in an unfamiliar part of the castle. She looked out the window to see that a large number of soldiers had fallen below. This unexpected move had taken out a number of Renzai soldiers, too many by her estimation. With nothing to do now but move, she began her ascent to the top once more.
Aric rode the rising stone block all the way to the top of Sargatum. He exited the small, rocky opening, noticing the sweeping landscapes off in the distance, the remnants of the Issus Valley below, and most importantly, a garrison of Vicedonian soldiers nearby. He recognized the scout with the deep-set eyes who had greeted him upon his arrival. This soldier is still loyal to me. He will take me to safety. I am his prince.
Aric called out to him. “Soldier!” The soldier turned around. Recognizing Aric, he immediately made his way over.
“My lord, you are in grave danger! Follow me!” Aric followed the soldier as he led him down the northern pass; a small, narrow road that gradually led down to the foothills of the mountain. Heavily guarded, it was the only true way of entering or exiting Sargatum, but the thousands of soldiers stationed along the route were nowhere to be seen. Only a small contingent remained. The group of Vicedonian soldiers surrounded Aric, keeping him safely hidden in the middle of their bodies. They began to move down the road when they suddenly halted.
“What’s going on? Why aren’t we moving?” Aric whispered in a panic.
“There’s too much fighting along the path. The Renzai have been battling their way up the road, but our soldiers have halted their advance. It doesn’t look like they can hold out much longer. Enemy reinforcements just keep coming. There’s too many of them!” The soldier’s words were drowned out by the sounds of the clashing armies. Aric sank low in his place, hoping to avoid being seen by the enemy.
Raden and Symin now found themselves in an unfamiliar place. The room they had just been in fighting Major Kymon and his lizards, had split into seven or eight different sections, Raden presumed. They had been completely separated from the Howlers. Symin wondered how many of them had survived the ordeal, and offered up a silent prayer for his devoted soldiers. Raden looked around his current surroundings, a small room with a low ceiling and no apparent exit. The stone walls were bare, but Raden felt an energy in this place.
Symin inspected the room, careful not to aggravate his wounded shoulder. He continued searching for any clue that could help them get out. He noticed Raden standing still, doing nothing apparently. “You going to help me find a way out of here, youngblood, or you just going to stand there?”
Raden didn’t respond.
“Raden? Hello?”
Raden stirred a bit. “There’s something strange about this room, Symin. It’s like… it’s like I’ve been here before.”
“The heck you talking about, Raden? Until a few moments ago, I bet the Vicedonians didn’t even know this room existed. Nobody’s been here for centuries. Now come on and help me.”
“I know it sounds crazy, but this place feels… familiar.”
“Well, if you’ve been here before, then why don’t you show me how to get out of here.”
Raden glanced around the room until his eyes settled on a smooth portion of the ceiling. He walked over to it, reached out his hand, and then the unexpected happened. A symbol of the Ancients appeared out of nowhere, glowing bright yellow and pulsating vibrantly. Raden recognized it as the symbol for transference. With his hand still raised to the symbol, he gripped his fingers over an invisible knob and twisted. The room flashed white, and the two of them found themselves outside. They stood along a narrow dirt path leading up a mountain.
Symin’s mouth hung open. “How the heck did you do that, Raden?” He quickly began checking to see if all his body parts were still intact.
“I really don’t know. I just… kind of knew what to do.”
“Well, whatever that was, it worked. Looks like you took us to some kind of road. We can follow it and figure out where to go from here.”
They began walking up the road when the sounds of combat caught their attention. They rushed up towards the commotion when they saw thousands of Renzai troops pushing back a dwindling number of Vicedonian soldiers. Symin realized where they were. They had been transported to the northern pass of Sargatum.
“How can those be Renzai soldiers? I thought every one of our soldiers had breached the castle walls?”
“No, Raden, we sent a contingent of ten thousand soldiers to circumnavigate the mountain. We figured whatever Vicedonian forces they had protecting the northern entrance were not going to survive against ten thousand of our troops. It was General Sako’s move, and I guess she was right. Heck, that scary woman usually is.”
“We should go help them, Symin.”
“Slow down, Raden. The Vicedonians are falling apart quickly, and our soldiers won’t need any help winning this battle. You can hang back for once, or is that twice today?”
“Oh… about that. I was overwhelmed, confused...” Raden’s face became sullen, looking almost ashamed.
“Look, I get it, Raden. I’ve been there, too. But we’re soldiers, and this is war. You have to remember the big picture. If we win this war, the Renzai Empire can usher in an age of peace for all of Eos. And you’ll be at the head of it.”
Peace. It sounded so refreshing to hear the word. Raden smiled. “You’re right, Symin, I have to remember why we’re doing this.” Raden began walking towards the battle.
“Raden, what’re you doing?”
“Winning this war, Symin.”
As Raden approached the ensuing melee, flames began to surround his body. They spun around him, increasing in speed, until he ignited in a deafening explosion. Soldiers from both armies immediately took notice. The Renzai soldiers parted before Raden, as he methodically marched towards the remaining vestiges of the Vicedonian forces. A few brave ones charged at Raden, but they were immediately greeted by a wave of fire, scorching them whole. Their bodies littered the ground as Raden continued to take deliberate steps, leaving a macabre pathway of ruin in his wake.
The Vicedonian soldiers continued to back away from the dragon bearing down on them, their will to fight tenuous at best. The Vicedonians had now been pushed all the way back up to the very top of Sargatum. Renzai troops encircled the remaining enemy soldiers. More and more Renzai troops began to pour out from the staircases that led up to the top. The mountaintop was filling up quickly with soldiers.
Raden extended his arms out to his sides. “Give up… there’s no more point in resisting.” Two flaming swords manifested in each of his hands. “This battle ends for you… one way or another.”
Recognizing the futility of their efforts, all of the Vicedonian troops threw down their weapons, raising their arms up in defeat.
“We surrender,
we surrender!” One soldier after another called out, begging for leniency. “We offer no more resistance!” a wounded soldier shouted.
Symin looked at Raden. “What do you think we should do? Spare them or kill them?”
“Spare them. They are no longer a threat to us. We greatly outnumber them. There’s nothing they could do now.” Raden’s swords and flames extinguished away.
“I figured you say that. I was of the same mindset. I just don’t think General Sako is going to agree with you on that. She’s a little less… forgiving than you and me are.” Symin reached for his wounded shoulder, wincing at the pain.
“Captain Symin is correct to assume that. I do not plan to let them live.”
Raden turned around to see General Sako making her way up the stairs. She looked entirely unscathed. Not a drop of dirt or blood on her.
“But they no longer pose any threat to us. The rules of war dictate that we take in prisoners of war.”
“Raden, they are only prisoners of war if they are alive. I do not plan to let them leave this place intact.”
“But they surrendered!”
General Sako brushed passed Raden without looking at him. “Kill them. They will only slow us down and waste our resources and manpower. Quickly, get it over with.”
Renzai soldiers closed in when the Vicedonians made an intriguing offer.
“Please don’t kill us! We have Prince Aric with us! Take him prisoner and spare our lives, we beg of you!” The scout with the deep-set eyes grabbed a hold of Aric from the center and threw him forward.
General Sako’s ghostly eyes opened wide. “Prince Aric? You escaped me once today by sacrificing your own men. Interesting how fate works, don’t you think?”
The scout with the deep-set eyes called out. “You have the prince, so let us live, please!”
Raden watched Sako as she contemplated the offer. She paced for a bit before offering a response. “I agree, soldier. You may live for giving us the prince.”
The Vicedonian soldiers sighed in relief. But their moment of peace lasted but a few seconds. With a wave of her hand, Sako sentenced them to death. Daggers, knives, and arrows flew at an instant, and the Vicedonian army was done. Completely annihilated.
“You have nobody left to protect you, young prince.” Sako’s eyes burned with contempt.
Aric slowly began to unsheathe a small dagger, hidden beneath the armor plate on his forearm.
“Your capture could secure our victory.” Sako moved in closer.
Aric slowly inched the dagger out, using his fingertips discreetly to remove the blade.
“Or perhaps your death could do that as well.” She moved behind him, kicking the back of his knees out, forcing him down to the ground. She grabbed his hair, sniffing his salty skin. “What do—”
Aric turned and spat in her face.
Sako slapped him across the cheek with the back of her hand. She reached for Reaver when Raden interrupted.
“We need him alive! He’s worth more to us as a prisoner. The Ministers will want to see him unharmed.”
The mere mention of the Ministers put a check on Sako’s bloodlust. Even she knew better than to go against their wishes.
Aric removed the dagger completely. He gripped it tightly, masking it from his captors.
Sako slowly let go of Reaver. “You are fortunate that the Renzai Candidate feels you are fit to live.” She reached out, grabbing Aric by the chin. “Next time, you won’t be so fortunate.”
“Nor you.” Aric swung the dagger across Sako’s face.
A stream of blood erupted from her cheek. She staggered back, reaching for her wound. Her pale skin made the bright red blood appear even more ghastly.
Renzai soldiers closed in on Aric. Swords, spears, and arrows pointed at his head. “Drop the weapon!” A Renzai soldier commanded.
Aric refused to let go of the dagger.
Sako glared at him. She waved off the soldiers. As they began to back away, she thrust her right leg forward, snapping Aric’s head back violently. He crumpled to the ground, the dagger sliding out of his hand.
“Enough, Sako!” Raden shouted.
Sako turned towards Raden, Reaver already in her hands.
“He is to be unharmed. He is a prisoner of war, now.”
Sako was still livid. Blood dripped down her cheek. She took a step towards Raden, when she was met with a wall of heat.
“This ends, now.” Raden’s body ignited in flames, two fiery swords visible in his hands.
A fight with Raden was something she didn’t want, and so she unwillingly relented. Sako glanced over her shoulder at Aric, mumbling something inaudible before walking away.
Aric stared coldly at Raden as shackles were placed on his wrists and ankles. He had run out of tricks. There was no escaping this time. Vicedonian soldiers had given him up to save their own lives. Perhaps he should’ve known better than to trust Major Kymon’s men. Yet, they were still killed. Aric snickered at the thought. The only person he could truly rely on was himself. That’s the only thing that mattered anymore. But here, in this place, at this moment, his best efforts still weren’t good enough. The shackles around his wrists and ankles were extremely tight; the circulation seemed to be cut off entirely. His face was badly bruised, and blood poured down his nose. If this is to be my end… so be it.
Raden released his powers, the flaming swords disappearing in an instant. This battle had finally ended. With Prince Aric’s capture, this war was as good as over, Raden believed. He knew the Vicedonians would not risk losing the life of one of the royal family. Aric provided the Renzai with an incredible amount of leverage, now. On top of that, they had scored a decisive victory here at Sargatum, utterly decimating the Vicedonians. Word would be sent to General Yagar, letting him know of their victory. Lake Raphia will soon be back in their possession, and if the Vicedonians resisted, they could use Aric as a bargaining chip. Prince Xander was at Lake Raphia, and Raden knew that he would do anything to protect his brother. Even give up control of the city.
Raden had done it. He had used his newly-endowed gifts from the One to begin the process of ending this war. The Renzai had only lost a few hundred men in the attack. They would be remembered for their bravery in giving their lives for the empire, to the beginning of the Renzai’s complete victory over the Vicedonians. They would soon control two of the three vital points in the Disputed Lands. The third point remained in the south, but that seemed like a foregone conclusion given how relatively easy it was for them to take Sargatum. Once dominion of the Disputed Lands was attained, the next target would be the Vicedonian capital itself. With their capital destroyed, the Vicedonian Kingdom would fall apart from the inside out. Every colony would abandon their loyalty, quickly diminishing King Maximus’ power. In his heart, Raden began to feel the peace he so desired. He had fulfilled his promises to his family, to his friends, and to Kara. Her death had not been in vain, and now the war would soon be over.
Raden looked at the incredible view from the top of Sargatum and could see why it was such an advantageous position. From here, he could truly see everything west of the River Fate. The river itself was a thin black line looming off in the distance. For the first time, the River Fate made Raden smile. Daybreak had revealed a beautifully painted sky, the One, honoring Raden’s victory with a new day, a new start. He felt a comforting warmth resonate inside of him. Raden knew this feeling well. He had experienced it when he was young. It wasn’t the rays of the sun, nor the powerful fire burning within him. It was the feeling you get when the people you love surround you. He could feel his parents watching over him from above, proud of what he had become. He knew Kara was close by, keeping her promise as she always did. He clasped the medallion around his neck and kissed the sunflower softly.
He looked up to the heavens and whispered. “Thank you, Kara.” Kimi and Lulu were home waiting for him, too. Everything seemed more majestic now. Things felt right with his soul.
General Sako
was still pacing next to Aric. Her steps clicked faster and faster. Aric took notice of her. Everyone was staring now. Raden’s moment of peace was interrupted by her odd behavior. She was whispering something inaudible to herself.
Aric turned towards Raden. “Looks like your pet albino is still angry about her scratch.” Aric began to laugh. “If that freak wants her revenge so badly, then come get it. I’m right here.”
Sako reached for Reaver. Raden could not react quickly enough to prevent Sako from going through with her intention. She drove Reaver down across Aric’s neck. The moment happened in slow motion. Raden watched as the giant blade shattered into pieces. Sako stood still, with a broken hilt in her hand, shocked at what had just occurred. Raden felt something shift inside of him. His powers were raging angrily now. He stared at Aric, his eyes widened with disbelief. No, he thought. This can’t be. This war is far from over. It’s only just begun. Aric stared back at Raden, and on Aric’s forehead appeared the mark of the Ancients. “Chosen.”
…It is said to be, and forever determined that a Candidate, chosen by the Creator, empowered with divine justice, and nurtured by His loving family will be birthed unto the lands of the world, to restore mankind to its humble beginnings, and to chase into the darkness those that would seek to resist fate…
-A passage from the Vicedonian interpretation of Prophecy Rock
END OF BOOK ONE
The story continues in
Book Two of the Prophecy Rock Series
2014
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Without the support of my family and friends, Genesis would still be just a thought in my head. To my parents, for the sacrifices you’ve made to give your children a better life. My brother and sister, for always taking care of Baby and keeping me on the right track. To Ted and Ben, your invaluable feedback has made Genesis better than I could’ve imagined. Writing my first novel has been an unbelievable journey, countless hours of hard work have culminated into what you have in your hands. So my final thank you is to you, the reader, I hope you enjoy reading about the world of Eos, as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it. Thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T. Sae-Low was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Youngest of three siblings, he spent his childhood buried in comic books, drawing his favorite characters and creating plenty of his own. Over the years, he translated his creative passion into writing. Genesis is his debut novel. He has worked in videogames, recruitment, fundraising, and is currently teaching third grade. He lives in Los Angeles with his dog Oscar.
For more information about T. Sae-Low, Genesis, and the Prophecy Rock Series, visit https://www.tsaelow.com/
Connect with Me Online:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TSaeLow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsaelow.author
My Blog: https://www.tsaelow.com/blog.html
