by M J Webb
The remaining warriors of the Guard sprinted to the edge of the rise and ran down the slope to reach the long grass. There, the experienced soldiers halted their charge, fearful of ambush. They proceeded cautiously forward, fanning out into an extended line in order to search the ground ahead, mindful of the fact that the long grass which reached their thighs provided excellent cover for any attacking force.
The small wooded area on the other side appeared to be deserted, but the soldiers were certain that the noise had originated from there, and they decided that they had to check it out. It took them some time to clear the grassland but eventually they reached the slope which led up to the trees. As they neared the first of them, a powerfully built knight suddenly stepped out from behind the tall, thick trunk. His sword was drawn and he looked ready for a fight. The warriors before him changed their expressions and closed up around their leader. One look in their eyes revealed what they were thinking; ‘This was no incompetent fool.’
“Now, if I am not mistaken, this land we all tread upon is Alliance territory? Yes, and that being the case, I would question what you are all doing so far south? Indeed, I would go further, and offer you some advice… Leave now, go back to your fortress and take your wizard with you, for if you remain, I will be forced to kill you all.
…No? None of you willing to see sense? Come now, surely it is better to live a coward, than die a fool?”
The spirit of Gerada Knesh Corian was having fun. He had never appeared so menacing. He loomed before the soldiers larger than life, using all his powers of concentration to make his image look as real and threatening as he possibly could. Knesh had employed an old rebel trick to begin the diversion, imitating the snapping of wood vocally in order to gain his enemy’s attention, the sound magnified by a power beyond his own. But, having succeeded completely with the first part of his deception, everything now depended upon how long he could hold his form, how much time he could give his friend, and how long he could keep the formidable warriors occupied. So far, the ruse was working. The soldiers of the Guard actually believed that the threat before them was real, leaving King Vantrax virtually unguarded.
“…Yah! I do not understand why you do not run away? The choice before you is as clear as can be. Tell me, are you simpletons? Is that the entry requirement for the Guard these days? My my, the standards have fallen in recent times… Sawdon must be very proud? So be it then, a fight to the death it is… Now, let me see… Nine of you? And one of me. Krmmn… I would consider that fair odds? What do you think? I could even fight with my weaker hand if you prefer? Maybe place one hand behind my back? No? Good, I was beginning to feel a little cold standing here all by myself. Step forward and feel my wrath. I do not know what awaits you on the other side, but you have chosen your path, and it is time to find out.”
The elite warriors were astonished by the lone knight’s impudence. There was something vaguely familiar about him and they were enraged by his mockery. They all looked at each other, at first uncertain how to respond to such an unexpected and ridiculous challenge. As members of the King’s Personal Guard they could scarcely believe that someone, anyone, would dare ignore their status and reputation to deliver such a suicidal affront. It was a ludicrous statement of defiance from a hopelessly outmatched foe.
A few seconds later, it was an ugly looking Retian in the centre of the group who replied on behalf of them all. “Raar… You would like that, for us to come at you one at a time, like traags to the slaughter? You would no doubt consider it the honourable thing to do? While we hold the advantage of numbers however, it will not be that way. I know not who you are but you have given your last insult, and you will pay for them with a slow, agonising death.”
He gestured with his sword arm urging the others forward, as he took a step towards Knesh’ position. “…Come on, we will take him together, from all sides.” The nine hired killers advanced steadily. They spread out once they neared the ghost of the Ruddite Gerada, until they had him completely surrounded.
Knesh was now in the centre of an ever decreasing circle. “That is it, keep coming… The day is young, and my blade is yet dry.”
Finally, the large Retian lunged forward and began the attack. He thrust his sword viciously towards Knesh, aiming for the great warrior’s stomach. The spirit of the seasoned veteran tried instinctively to block the blow with his own weapon. But, to the complete amazement of all the warriors there, the Retian’s sword passed straight through the image of the Gerada’s blade, and appeared on the other side of his body!
“Ha ha ha…”
Knesh roared with laughter as he stared the mystified Retian in the eye. It took less than a second for the King’s guard and his companions to realise what had happened. The look of absolute horror on their faces as the realisation dawned on them filled Knesh with a feeling of immense satisfaction.
“…Ha! And you are the best he has? We have nothing to fear, it seems. Live and learn. This lesson is on me… The cold jintan steel of a sharpened sword is an awesome weapon, but it is nothing without a sharpened mind and a strong arm behind it.”
* * *
Weak and feeble, but brimming with determination, King Artrex had worked his way around the ledge by now. He was concealed in the long grass which lay at the foot of the slope, in front of his evil brother. His heart was racing and he could scarcely catch his breath. He looked up and stared at the backs of King Vantrax and his two followers. When he judged that the nine warriors of the Personal Guard were far enough away, just as they were confronting Knesh, he drew his sword and silently raised himself to his feet. Then, he charged towards his brother for all he was worth, the memory of almost twenty years of bitter conflict and hatred burning within him.
Artrex’ sword was held in his one good hand. It was stretched out in front of him as he intended to run it straight through King Vantrax’ body. The tip was fast approaching the evil wizard’s back and there was nothing he could do. He had been caught completely off guard, and he was once again only seconds away from being killed. But suddenly, the Lichtus stone around his neck began to glow brightly. It vibrated, warning the wizard of imminent danger, just as it had done so many times before.
“Zsabrutt!”
Vantrax felt the change and screamed the ancient word without hesitation or thought. A shield of bright white light covered him once again from head to toe, and it was not a moment too soon. The tip of King Artrex’ weapon crashed against it almost immediately. It bounced off sideways as if hitting a wall of steel, stinging the rebel King’s arm and hand so badly that his whole body felt the blow, and he cried out in pain.
The noise was so loud that it immediately alerted all the warriors of the evil wizard’s Guard on the plain below. But, they were at the treeline now and too far away to help. Having just discovered the shocking truth about Knesh and learned that they had been fooled, they immediately began rushing back to the small hill in a desperate effort to protect their King.
The closest of the warriors however, the one who had remained behind to guard the wizard, heard the attack and responded swiftly. He turned just in time to parry King Artrex’ sword with his own, as the Ruddite warrior launched his second assault upon his brother. The almighty clash of swords devastated the King Artrex. He turned with heavy heart to engage the elite soldier, realising instantly that his efforts to kill his brother had failed.
Before he could begin the fight against the fearsome warrior however, the shield of white light surrounding King Vantrax suddenly vanished, and the powerful wizard ordered the Sevitrian to halt. “No! Wait! He is mine. Step away!”
The disciplined warrior obeyed the command immediately. He took a pace backwards but kept his sword raised. King Vantrax drew his own weapon from its scabbard and moved forward to take his place.
“Sire!” yelled Nytig, alarmed by his master’s actions and thinking more of his own protection than anything else. “What are you doing?! There is no need to endanger yourself. Your Guard can
perform this task?”
“Relax Nytig, I am of sound mind,” replied King Vantrax, his voice now cool and calculating. The nerves of before had disappeared, now that he had his nemesis, his lifelong enemy, exactly where he wanted him. “…This is my brother before me. Though I have denounced him time and time again, he is still my father’s flesh and blood. Magic and wizardry be damned on this occasion, I will see him die by my own two hands! I will prove who is the better between us, the one more worthy of our throne.”
King Artrex had expected to die when confronted by the Sevitrian warrior. He could hardly believe what was happening. He was at his brother’s mercy now and he was sure that he would show none. For years Vantrax had been hunting him down, persecuting him and his people, his army. And now that he finally had the chance to kill him, he was giving him a fair fight? It did not seem possible.
Though, with a little more time and thought, King Artrex began to believe that he could read his brother’s mind. “Ah… Yes, I see why you delay; you have noted my wounds?”
King Vantrax smiled wickedly as he took up a guard stance and faced his brother. He looked more than a little uncomfortable with sword in hand, but he was still confident of defeating his weak and wounded opponent. “I cannot deny it. It has not escaped my attention, that you are not perhaps the warrior you once were. Wounds such as those should help to even the odds? They will ensure a fair fight. After all, brother, it was you who had the schooling in warfare, and you who was given the opportunities to lead our army in battle. Come to think of it, it was you who had everything!”
Artrex looked a little shocked to be discussing such things at the end of a sword point. He was absolutely stunned and amazed to be discussing anything at all. “Now? You want to talk of this now? Very well… You speak of past history, of times long gone. Look at us and what we have become. It is you who has everything now, because you took it, you stole it! It was not yours to take, brother. In the beginning, I sought only peace between us. You wanted vengeance. You wanted war! And for what? What did I do that so wronged you?”
“You… You were… First born!” the wizard raged, his face blood red in anger. His sword point moved threateningly close to that of the rebel King.
“Yes, but I could not help it. And for that you destroyed our kingdom?” Artrex roared in reply.
“Yes! And I would destroy much more! You were handed everything that should have been mine, solely due to your birth date, nothing more. You had to work for nothing! You were weak, and you wasted the power that was handed to you. But, I am the stronger of we two. I will take it all, the entire continent. I will raise it to the ground if I have to, and it shall be rebuilt as I command. Nothing and no one can stop me.”
King Artrex’ heart sank. He knew this brief conversation was probably his last, and it confirmed all of his worst fears. “Then, there is nothing left to say, is there? I was right to oppose you from the beginning, to resist for as long as we did. My army will fight on, they will never surrender. Let us finish this quarrel between us here and now. I do not care to live in this world if you are its leader. Look hard upon me, brother, for my wounds go far deeper than those you see. I am ashamed of you! Embarrassed to share your bloodline. If he were here, our father would…”
“Grar! Enough! You!” Vantrax bellowed, to the lone warrior from the Guard. “…As soon as the others get here, tell them to spread out and ensure that he does not escape. Keep your eyes on the fields around us for there may be others. Though, I think not? We would have been attacked before now if there were. Do not intervene in this fight, whatever the outcome!”
The warrior nodded obediently. “…Good. Now, rebel, prepare yourself, you have thwarted my plans for the last time, the spirit world awaits.”
King Artrex raised his sword to defend himself. His whole body ached furiously from his wounds and the effort of his journey. His face was a picture of determination, but he was in no real condition to fight. “At last. I pictured a different scene when I dreamt of this day, but I am ready to die, or live, should that be my fate. Can you honestly say the same? I would give everything I have for this land and all who live here.”
* * *
Jake, Tien and Ben flew low and fast over the battlefield. The winged horses headed straight for the hill where they knew King Vantrax would be. Several arrows whizzed past them as the attackers below tried to shoot them down. Some only missed their intended targets by a very narrow margin, and Ben Brooker was becoming increasingly scared.
“Bl-bloody hell mate, if we do manage to survive this thing, which I seriously doubt, I’m never gonna let me dad make me watch another western on telly again!”
Jake ignored the comment and concentrated on weaving the horse from side to side in order to avoid being hit. Within minutes, they were clear of the army and approaching the rise. King Vantrax was standing with a sword in his hand, at the centre of a circle of warriors, just about to attack King Artrex. The rebel King looked to be in a very bad way. His wounded arm hung limply by his side and he was clearly in no shape to fight. Jake couldn’t believe what Artrex was doing. It seemed to be a futile gesture, though he knew it was a courageous one borne of desperation. He decided that he had to intervene to save the rebel King’s life.
However, before he could, another voice sounded loudly inside his head. It was a strong, deep voice, and it was warning him. Tien and Ben heard it also.
‘No, Jake! You must not interfere!’
Ben recognised it immediately, a fraction of a second before the others. ‘…Cast your eyes towards the trees, I am over here,’ the voice instructed.
As they approached the hill they looked beyond it and saw the spirit of Gerada Knesh Corian waiting for them. ‘Knesh! What do you mean? What should we do?’ asked Jake.
‘Simple. I know you want to help the King, I can feel your desire. It is only natural that you should think that way, but you cannot. You must not. You have to come to me now, before it is too late!’ answered Knesh. He sounded almost as though he was begging them to listen, desperation resounding in every single word.
‘Too late? Too late for what? And what about Artrex?’ asked Jake.
‘He buys you the time you need. He fulfils his destiny. It is what was always meant to be.’
‘What?! That’s no choice! That’s crazy!’ Ben screamed, with his thoughts. ‘We won’t leave him to die! It’s not our way.’
‘You must trust me, Ben. It breaks my heart also. The King knows exactly what he has to do, and he is doing it. He knows what it means, but he would have it no other way.’
Ben tried once more to object, but he suddenly felt the horse veer away to the right, changing direction and heading straight for the trees. “Hey! What the hell are you doing?” he yelled at Jake, shouting so loudly over his shoulder that he almost burst his friend’s eardrums. Tears of frustration and sorrow began falling from his eyes once more. “…Go back, go back now! We have to save him!”
As the horse began to land next to Knesh, Jake replied to his distraught friend. “I’m feeling it too. But, tough choices come with the territory when you’re a Keeper. I can’t ignore what Knesh has said. I have to believe that there’s a reason to it, a reason I might not understand as yet, but one I know I can’t dismiss. I’ve been afraid of making these choices all my life. It doesn’t come easy sometimes you know. The stone’s powers, they come and go. When I’m me, the old Jake you know and have grown up with, it really scares me to death. And I don’t want to grow up so quickly. Sometimes, I’d trade it all in if I could, to go back to being me again. But right now I can’t, can I? All I know is, if Knesh tells me to walk into the fires of hell, I’m gonna do it! I’m sorry mate.”
“Yeah? Well it’s no good telling that to me. Tell him!” snapped Ben, pointing back towards the hill and the surrounded rebel King. “…I’m glad nobody told you to abandon me when I needed help, when I was dying with that Taskan’s poison inside of me. What’s the difference, eh?” Ben asked, his emot
ions getting the better of him as he attacked his friend with an immature outburst. His reaction highlighted perfectly the difference between the two young boys now.
“Me! I’m the difference. Every now and then I feel and act like a boy, like any normal teenager from back home. But, those moments are getting fewer and fewer. I want to feel the way you do, really I do. But I don’t. We’ve got to face facts, Ben; I’m not the boy I was. He’s gone. There’ll be glimpses of him I suppose, from time to time. But, I’ll always revert to being a Keeper, with all that goes with it. You know it’s the stones, don’t you?” he asked, looking his best mate in the eye, pleading for understanding. “…It’s not who I am really. But, to be honest, if I was told to leave you now, I don’t know what I’d…”
“What?!” interrupted Ben, completely gobsmacked. “You mean, you’d actually leave me out here?”
“Ha ha ha… Ah, stop your whining. I was just playin’ witchya,” said Jake, winking at him. “Now, let’s see what Knesh has to say? Remember, it ain’t over yet. The day’s still young, and I can’t see any fat ladies singing, can you?”
Chapter 17
