by D L Colon
Noryad tells Vince what he’s been doing in the Caribbean, and Vince tells him what has happened since he has been gone.
“Vince, I came because I need help. I need all the Guild leaders, plus Drake, Selene, Blaze and Zack.”
Vince nods his head and contacts the leaders. Then he contacts Blaze to get all the remaining people to the lobby.
Chapter 82
Noryad is in the lobby opening the portal when Samantha, Raven and Nemesis come through the door. The three of them look at Noryad and then at Vince, shock over Noryad’s appearance evident in their eyes. Samantha looks back at Noryad and says, “Wow, I was expecting him to change, but not this much. He looks like a different person than he was the last time we saw him.”
Noryad ignores her comment and says, “While we wait for the others I must ask, did you leave anyone to manage your Guilds in your absence?”
Everyone looks at Noryad and Vince asks, “Is that necessary?”
“It is, unless you want to come back and find the city destroyed by Gabriel’s Saviors.”
Vince nods and leaves to appoint someone to lead the Guild. Samantha, Raven and Nemesis already took care of that in their Guilds so they are waiting with Noryad for everyone else to arrive. Vince steps back into the lobby just as Blaze comes down the stairs with Zack, Zack immediately goes over to Noryad and sits beside him. Another couple of minutes pass before Drake enters the room with Selene and Noryad can feel Drake’s eyes and mind questioning him. He looks at Drake and can see the surprise that comes into his eyes.
Noryad has set up the portal already and it’s waiting for everyone. He looks at everyone, meeting each set of eyes, before he asks, “Are you ready?” When everyone nods he steps into the portal followed by the Guild leaders, then Blaze, Zack and Selene. He sees Drake pause and look back into the lobby before he enters the portal and Noryad closes it behind him.
Back at the Castle entrance
Everyone steps out of the portal at the Castle’s entrance and is surprised by the number of people working, but they are more surprised by the majestic Castle standing there in front of them. Noryad leads them through the gates and Nohar appears between Noryad and everyone to receive him, “Welcome back, Milord. I hope you were able to bring everyone back with you.”
“Yes I did, Nohar. They are right behind you.”
Nohar disappears and reappears beside Noryad, facing everyone else this time and apologizes to them. Selene, who is having trouble, asks between breaths, “Can we get to where we are going please?”
A worried look crosses Noryad’s face and he turns to Nohar, “Please lead everyone to the Throne Room. I am going to take Selene there now.”
“Yes, Milord,” Nohar answers and Noryad walks toward Selene, touches her shoulder and they disappear in a flash of black light.
Blaze looks on in amazement before he smiles and says, “SWEET! He has got to show me how to do that.”
Everyone except Drake chuckles at Blaze’s reaction. Nohar interrupts them when he says, “Everyone, if you would be so kind as to follow me, I will take you to the Throne Room.”
As they are walking curiosity gets the better of Samantha and she asks, “Excuse me, but how can we see you? Aren’t you supposed to be dead?”
“Well, Miss, the line between life and death is a thin one and only a necromancer can see us, but he can grant us the power to be seen. Now that we are preparing for war it is a skill that we are glad he possesses.”
Vince looks at him in confusion, “War? Noryad never mentioned a war.”
“His Majesty will tell you soon enough,” Nohar responds then stops in front of the Throne Room door. He turns around, faces everyone and says, “Here we are. Let me make sure we can enter.” A moment passes before Nohar speaks again. “Yes we can,” he says and opens the door to the Throne Room.
Chapter 83
Noryad appears in the Throne Room with Selene beside him and he proceeds to get something comfortable for Selene to sit on. Once he finds a soft chair he helps Selene sit down and notices that the Throne Room is empty. He knows this means that Xandar and the guys are busy preparing for the war so he contacts Xandar: I have returned from the Lost City. Bring every member of Behemoth, your mates and Coral to the Throne Room please. I have brought guests.
Xandar answers within seconds: Yes, Milord. We will be heading there immediately and then cuts communication.
After a few minutes Noryad feels another presence calling him and realizes that it is Nohar.
Yes, Nohar?
Milord, we have arrived at the Throne Room. I am asking permission to enter with them.
Noryad smiles and answers: Yes, Nohar, you may bring them in.
Noryad cuts communication and turns to face Selene. “They made it,” he says, but she has fallen asleep. He smiles, but his expression turns serious as the door to the Throne Room opens.
Everyone from The Lost City enters and immediately feels the pressure of being in Noryad’s Throne Room. After a moment of deafening silence Coral, leading the members of Behemoth, walks in and moves to the front of the room to stand beside Noryad. They both have an unreadable expression on their faces as the room slowly starts to get crowded with warriors. Vlad appears with his warriors and they form a circle around everyone from the Lost City, not completely trusting the newcomers.
Then the temperature in the room drops suddenly and Tyrone, with the rest of the Kings of Old, appear behind Noryad and Coral. All of the souls in the room kneel in respect to their former Kings and Noryad moves away from the throne. He hands the Excalibur to Tyrone, and steps aside for Tyrone to talk.
The moment the sword touches Tyrone’s hand he becomes solid and starts speaking in a loud, clear voice, “We are here for one purpose, and one purpose only, and that is to officially crown your new Monarch. The power he holds does not apply solely to the Caribbean, but to the entire World and any people who remain alive will serve under one ruler. The four Guilds that have taken control of the Lost City will work under Noryad’s leadership. You will be his eyes and ears on earth and he will protect all under his rule, including the creatures of the night.”
Tyrone turns to face Noryad and Coral, “Kneel Noryad, Son of Trez.” Noryad proceeds to kneel in front of Tyrone, exposing his back to everyone. Tyrone proceeds, “Now remove your armor.”
Noryad removes his armor and kneels again, in only his pants, with his back facing the room. Everyone in the room gasps in surprise at the large Phoenix covering his back. Tyrone silences the room and continues, “I, Tyrone King, former owner of Excalibur, summon Merlin to bring the Crown of Kings to the room.”
Merlin slowly approaches the throne, carrying a black satin pillow with the crown of black and red resting upon it. Once he reaches them he puts the crown on Noryad’s head then turns and faces the room as Tyrone proceeds, “Noryad King, upon your shoulders rests the fate of humanity and the creatures of the night. You shall protect this earth and you will guide humanity to the life that awaits it. You will lead for the greater good. If you stray from your path someone will come to claim your throne.”
Tyrone taps the tip of Excalibur to Noryad’s right shoulder, then his left shoulder and last on his crown. When he is finished he passes the sword to the next King. As each King proceeds to do the same everyone sees the Phoenix get brighter and the Armor of Kings slowly starts to settle on Noryad’s body again.
When all that remains of the armor is the head, the last King steps forward. King Darius grasps Excalibur and his eyes turn white as he says, “I, King Darius, First Necromancer say to you, Noryad King, bearer of the Phoenix, owner of Excalibur, King of Death and the strongest Necromancer to ever live, and everyone in the World, war with the son of Lucifer is at its breaking point. Shall you fall in battle, bearer of the Phoenix, life shall forever be lost in this world. Choose your path carefully, King of Death, or that is all you shall have, death. Only God can change your fate.” Then he touches Excalibur to Noryad’s shoulders and crown
and the rest of the Armor appears on Noryad.
King Darius finally says, “As everyone has seen, the Armor of Kings has chosen a new owner.” Then he looks at Noryad and continues, “Throughout time the Armor of Kings has been a legend and no King has ever possessed it as a whole. Each King has only found one part, but they were never able to use it and upon their death the part would disappear. The reason every King had to touch you with the sword was so they could give you their part of the Armor. The Armor had already chosen you, but for you to officially claim it this ceremony had to be held.”
King Darius turns and faces everyone in the room, “Now I give you King Noryad, humanity’s ray of hope.”
Before anyone could say anything they hear clapping coming from the back of the room, “BRAVO, NORYAD, BRAVO!”
Everyone turns to face the new arrival and Noryad shakes his head, “I should have known that you would show up Lucifer.”
Chapter 84
Lucifer smiles and says, “Now Noryad, don’t give me that look. That is not a good way to receive the Devil in the flesh, but no matter, it will be my son who will take care of you. I might as well enjoy myself because I don’t see you coming out of this one alive.”
Noryad smirks at her. “That was supposed to happen twenty years ago and here I am. Your son may be coming for me, but I am ready for him.”
Lucifer narrows her eyes and looks at the room. She sees that everyone is ready to strike her and she laughs at them, “You think that all of you can stop me? You are mere flies around me and I could destroy all of you if I wanted.”
“If that was your intention you would have already done so, but you know that would bring out the wrath of the Heavens on your ass.”
The fires of hell come into her eyes, but she knows his words are true so she whispers, “You are just another cocky ass.”
Noryad, Drake, Vince, Zack, Coral and every member of Behemoth hear her words loud and clear. Drake, Vince and Zack transform and look at her with hatred in their eyes. Vince takes out his long whip, Drake unsheathes his swords and Zack, despite being in his human form, is growling. The members of Behemoth ready their weapons, too, and Noryad takes Excalibur from Darius and unsheathes Nightfall, then he disappears and reappears in front of Lucifer.
“That doesn’t change the facts.” He says to her, then calls over his shoulder to everyone else, “Nobody move unless I say to.” When they all nod he focuses his attention on her again, “If you think that we will attack you you’re wrong, but I do think it is time for you to leave Lucifer.”
Noryad raises his hand and everyone in the room takes a step forward. Lucifer disappears with a wisp of smoke and Noryad turns to face the room again. As everything returns to normal, Noryad kneels in front of King Darius again and King Darius looks at everyone and says, “Now that that’s over, let me say again; Rise, King Noryad.”
While Noryad rises, King Darius kneels and presents Excalibur to Noryad. The moment Noryad grabs Excalibur everyone in the room kneels and Noryad says, “Rise.”
When they get up they start chanting, “Long live King Noryad!”
Noryad raises his hand and the room goes quiet. After making eye contact with everyone he starts speaking, “I will cut straight to the point. As you have seen, I have brought the Guild leaders and my brothers, along with Selene, from the Lost City, like I said I would.” He turns to look at Vince, Raven, Samantha and Nemesis and proceeds, “You all are the leaders of the Lost City and will remain so. I am at war with Lucifer’s son, Raphael, and even though he hasn’t arrived yet, he knows where I am and it could be any time now.”
Everyone in the room is looking at each other, wondering, except for Drake and Selene, who has woken up and has been paying attention for a while now. Noryad continues, “Someone gave my position to save the life of another, and that’s something I will not condemn that person for because in his position I would have done the same. Lost City members, I ask you to fight in this war with us. I ask you to help me.”
Vince steps forward and kneels in front of Noryad, followed by Blaze, Samantha, Selene, which caught Drake off guard considering that she is ready to give birth at any moment, Raven, Nemesis and Zack. Drake is uncertain of what he should do, considering what happened and that he is the reason Noryad is facing Raphael, but he knows that Noryad wouldn’t hesitate to fight with him or for him. With a new resolve, Drake steps forward and kneels in front of Noryad beside Selene.
Noryad smiles as if he read the thoughts running through Drake’s head and says, “Everyone except those from The Lost City, the members of Behemoth and Vlad, you are dismissed.”
As the room empties Drake rises to his feet and approaches Noryad. “I am sorry, my brother. My actions are unforgivable, and I cannot make excuses because there aren’t any to make. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me for the way I acted when you left and for giving your location to Raphael.”
Noryad lays his hand on Drake’s shoulder and says, “Brother, there is nothing to forgive. You were battling your own demons when I left and I know that under different circumstances you would have never given my location to Raphael.” He looks at Zach, who has returned to his wolf form, and then back at Drake and says, “There’s something peculiar about that wolf. I sense demonic power within him, but I don’t sense him as a threat. Can you tell me more about him?”
Drake nods and tells him about how they met, about how Zack transformed and everything that happened afterward. When he’s finished Noryad approaches Zack and Zack walks toward Noryad. After Noryad touches him he asks him telepathically: Do you remember your name, or where are you from?
Zack answers: No, your majesty, all I know is that I am a Filtiarn, and before you ask, no I can’t transform at will.
Noryad smiles and asks: Do you want to be able to change back and forth?
Can it be done?
Noryad nods and says to everyone in the room, “Make sure the curtains on the windows are closed, not letting any light come through.”
Everyone does what he asks and he makes a circle of fire around Zack. When he is finished he looks at everyone and says, “Do not move, or try to stop me.”
He takes a breath and puts his hand on Zack’s head, trying to learn something about his past. When Noryad sees that his mind and powers are blocked he smiles and raises his hands to make the fire surrounding Zack envelope him.
Drake moves to stop him and is sent flying back from the force of Noryad’s power.
Don’t do anything to stop him, Drake, I agreed to this.
Drake curses viciously, but remains where he is as pain starts to radiate through his body.
Noryad takes out Excalibur, and in front of everyone, the sword changes into a majestic looking staff-sword. He ignores their gasps of surprise and cuts the palms of his hands. He slowly lets his blood drip into the fire and everyone watches in awe as it turns a greenish color and they all hear Zack’s growl. The growl turns into a howl loud enough that everyone in the room has to cover their ears and close their eyes. When everyone opens their eyes again the wolf is no longer there, but standing before them is a man.
Chapter 85
Zack feels the fire start to envelope him, but he doesn’t feel any pain. He’s starting to relax a little when suddenly it feels like his head is being cracked open. He watches as Noryad drops part of his blood in the fire that envelopes him and feels the fire grow stronger. The pain in his head increases and Zack knows that Noryad’s blood is breaking whatever is blocking his memories and power. When the pain becomes too much, Zack howls louder than he ever has before and feels his body changing into a human again. Unlike with his other transformations, for some reason he knows that this is his normal body.
The fire penetrates his mind and leaves no trace of the barrier that was there and he is immediately assaulted by all of his memories. He stands there immobile while all his memories return. After a few minutes the flow stops and he remembers everything, including the way his power works.
He looks up and realizes that everyone is looking at him.
Everyone is surprised at the turn of events. Standing before them is Zack in his human form. Noryad uses his magic and covers Zack with clothes before he grins mischievously, “I had to put some clothes on you before you poked someone’s eyes out.”
Everyone in the room, including Zack, erupts in laughter and when everyone stops laughing Zack turns to face Noryad and says, “I want to say thanks. I have recovered my memories, but also the complete control of my abilities.”
Samantha looks at him in awe, “Fascinating as this great turn out of events is, can you tell us your real name?”
Zack grins at her and answers, “I was once called Angel, but that life is long gone and I will continue using the name Zack.”
Noryad looks at him and asks, “Can you tell us why you couldn’t change at will?”
“When my memories were blocked so were my powers of shape shifting. I couldn’t change form every time I wanted to. I have only been able to transform two times since I have been here and the situations kinda triggered those, but I haven’t been able to change back and forth at will. I know I can now and for that I can never thank you enough for what you have given me.”
Noryad raises his hand to silence Zack and responds, “I only gave my help where it was needed.”
Zack proceeds to tell them all a little of his background and after he is done Noryad says, “Take the rest of the day for yourselves, we start training tomorrow.”
Everyone leaves the Throne Room and Coral and Noryad go to their room where they make slow, passionate love until they drift into an exhausted sleep.
Chapter 86
The next day
Noryad is awake, he has taken a shower and he is getting ready to leave when someone starts banging hard at the door. Repeatedly. He opens the door and irritably says, “Stop it. You’re going to wake everyone in the castle.”
