Retaliation (William of Archonia Book 2)

by Jarod Meyer

  When William drew close to the beast he stopped, floating level with its head. The ape let out a roar, the heat created by the projection’s breath washing over him. Slime dripped from its mouth.

  William flexed with all his might and unleashed his energy like a broken dam. His grey energy poured out of his aura at chest level and his arms focused it into a beam, the fiery torrent ripping the creature apart at the head.

  The body of the ape collapsed, crushing many of the projections below. William let out a huge breath as steam rose off of his body. As he began to relax something hit him. He felt it wrap around him. Then he felt the sharp pain of needle teeth in the back of his arm. He gave a cry, and tried to shake free, but another creature latched around him. William was stronger, but before he could shake them loose, four more tightened themselves around his arms and legs. He tried to repulse them with a blast of energy, but there were too many now, and he felt more teeth clamping down. One wrapped over his face, and then he felt himself falling.

  He gasped for breath. The scaly armor of the snakelike creatures dug into his face, the slime coating their bodies suffocating him. He crashed into the ground with a painful thud, and then heard a shrill whistle. The pressure released and he found himself gasping for breath, looking at the blazing sun. He heard a voice above his head.

  “Captain! Attention!”

  William could barely move, his muscles numb from where the teeth had sunk into his flesh, but he managed to crawl to his knees, and then eventually to his feet. He stood up tall, and said, “Sir!”

  He squinted, recognizing Aeros, his Adjudicator lieutenant.

  “Captain, you abandoned your fellow Guardians in pursuit of glory, and foolishly sacrificed your life. Consequently, your fellow Guardians were left a man short, and could have been overwhelmed. What have you to say for your actions?” his superior officer asked.

  “Lieutenant, I measured the threat and made a quick decision,” William replied, but was interrupted.

  “Your actions were youthful, and ridiculous. This exercise was one in teamwork. We work as a single, indomitable unit. That threat was mine to address. You will remember your place, Captain,” Aeros, stated sharply.

  The adjudicator’s long, blond hair hung down to his waist, flowing in the breeze, his grey eyes sinking into William like the needle teeth of those flying monsters.

  “Yes, Lieutenant. It will not happen again,” William said through gritted teeth.

  “This will be the truth, or I shall see to it that you never captain a squad again. Dismissed, Guardians!” Aeros shouted.

  William collapsed to a knee. He must have broken one of his legs fighting off the snake creatures. A healer rushed over to him, warm light falling over his body. He felt bones realign, and the flesh surrounding swell with blood, and then relief washed over the area. The teeth marks that had ruptured his skin closed and the deep burn went away. He slapped the healer on the back, and walked towards the water fountain.

  The sun beat down from overhead, the water fountain’s aqua blue liquid looking refreshing and cool. He splashed some into his face, and looked at the simple statue in the center. It depicted a man older in years. William recognized this statue. It was Kronos. Kronos was like Gabriel, one of the original Archons. The statue held its hands open, and down at his sides, where the clear water flowed into the pool below.

  A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

  “Kronos was a great warrior, but a better healer there was none,” Meredox said.

  William jumped up, and faced him, saluting. “Grand Justicar,” William said. How is it that you’re up and about so soon?”

  “Your friend must have some of Kronos’ blood in his veins. He cured my wounds with a surprisingly deft hand!” the ancient Adjudicator offered with a smile.

  “He has talent. What brings you here?” William asked, now curious.

  Meredox looked at him thoughtfully. “Achilles asked me to come. He requested that I assist you in preparing for your new task,” he said.

  William shook his head in confusion. “I would think you have many duties to attend to, Grand Justicar,” William replied, in a more formal tone.

  Meredox sighed, and splashed some water with a flick of his hand.

  “I have been relieved of my duties as a Grand Justicar, young William. My actions indicate that I have been compromised. I am unfit to make judgments,” Meredox stated, looking out at the horizon.

  William’s heart sank. He knew that Meredox’s punishment could have been, and nearly was, far more severe.

  “So what will become of you now?” William asked slowly.

  You have a perilous quest ahead of you, my young friend. Achilles has asked that I share my knowledge with you. If you recall, I have traveled to Dichonia once,” Meredox said, turning to face William.

  He remained silent, waiting for Meredox to continue.

  “Officially I am no longer with the army. I bear my marks of shame gladly,” Meredox said quietly.

  William touched his own chest without thinking.

  “As a civilian I am not bound by rank, so I will be free to teach you everything you need to know about the underworld.”

  “Has Achilles briefed you on my mission?” William asked.

  “He has not. His only request was that I prepare you for the dangers that lay ahead. Admittedly, that task will be difficult to accomplish if I do not know what your mission is,” Meredox said.

  “The fewer people know the plan, the safer the operation,” William replied.

  “I agree with you wholeheartedly, which is why I will speak of it to no one. I am not bound to report to the Synod anymore, and I am in disfavor, marked as a liar. None would believe me now anyway,” Meredox said, with a shrug of the shoulder.

  William splashed some water, considering the man.

  “Ok, I’ll tell you,” he finally agreed.

  “Let us leave this place. There may be wandering ears,” Meredox said.

  They walked for a moment, eventually arriving in Valhalla, where they passed into vast, abandoned corridors. The artwork hanging around them was so vivid it was surreal. Any artisan on Earth would be ashamed of their own masterpieces after viewing these.

  Finally satisfied that they were alone, William began to speak. “Your brother Luxor threatens this realm, and it is my intention to stop him. Though I thought it was you at the base of mount Olympus. Your brother saw that my soul was not pure, and asked me to join him. I will use this to make Luxor believe that I have defected, and convince him to open another portal. Once through, Achilles and his best men will have a trap laid out. We will capture him, and put an end to this once and for all,” William offered, quickly laying out the plan.

  “You will not capture him though, will you? You will destroy him,” Meredox replied evenly.

  William winced, and stopped in his tracks. He couldn’t imagine how difficult this must be for Meredox.

  “He is a threat now, Meredox. I’m sorry.”

  The old Greek sighed. His jet-black hair was now perfectly groomed, the curls slicked back over his ears. It seemed his posture, and appearance was not just for the sake of militant formality because he still stood rigid with pride.

  “I agree with you, Guardian. I already anticipated such a plan. I must warn you that deceiving my brother will be no easy task. And should you fail, you must be ready to fight him alone. Can you do this?” Meredox asked, stopping and facing William.

  William considered the question, his mind racing through possibilities, each one direr than the last. “I will try,” he said, finally, standing tall.

  “There is no room for maybes, young Archonian. In the underworld there are only two options. Live or die,” Meredox offered, grimly.

  William narrowed his eyes, clenching his jaw in determination. “Then, I will.”

  “We begin!” Meredox replied.

  William furrowed his brow, but before he could get a question out he felt a massive force blast him back
ward. The stone wall behind him shattered, and he flew out across the open plains of Archonia.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  SCOUTING RUN

  Wind swept across her face, the smell of old oak trees filling her nostrils as Katrina hopped through the foliage of Astoria. She’d been chosen to scout and scour the far reaches of Archonia for danger, due in no small part to her uncanny reflexes and speed. Each morning she played drill instructor to William’s unit of rag tag tainted souls, but in the afternoon when they were in study she set out to complete her scouting runs.

  Archonia lived in fear since the first portal opened. To make matters worse, there was the added fear that another would appear at any moment. Not a possibility, but an eventuality that every soul in Archonia had to face. Kat understood that truth well enough. Now, the best they could do was to keep a close eye on things, and prepare.

  Katrina was assigned the northeastern quadrant of Archonia, which was heavily wooded. Twice as many scouts were assigned to this region, simply because they could not see under the thick canopy of trees from the air. The plains could simply be patrolled from the sky.

  She dropped under the speed of sound and deftly leapt to the forest floor as she spotted a stream. The air was warm, and the cool water from the stream felt refreshing against her neck. She took a handful of water and swished it through her mouth. A twig snapped loudly behind her, and her heart skipped. She turned her head to the left as slowly as she could. The creature was purple with black stripes. Long ears protruded from its head, just like a rabbit, but its body was built for speed, like a cheetah. White eyes peered at her curiously.

  Many of the animals in this world were created by Archonian souls, and were devoid of any real character. They would also perish if the Archonian that created them died. She didn’t know why, but Katrina could tell that this particular beast was not someone’s projection. She could feel its tension, but also its curiosity.

  An unusual thumping sound echoed off the trees and the creature blinked out of sight. Katrina’s heart sank, but she soon felt the eyes upon her again. She looked around, before catching sight of it on the ridge. It watched her, its head cocked to one side.

  Katrina could not believe how fast it was. This creature must have been created by the Archons, making it truly one of the wonders of Archonia. Could it be faster than me? She wondered.

  She steadied her posture and as quickly as she could, she sprinted up the hill towards it. The creature sat perfectly still, even as the vortex of leaves sticks, and dirt kicked up behind her swirled into a deafening racket. Katrina smiled she had it. She could see its cute pink nose wrinkle as she reached out for it, but another tremendous thump issued forth and her hands closed over a purple blur.

  She skidded to a halt and laughed, now finding the creature to her left, easily a hundred feet away.

  It’s playing with me, she thought.

  She should have continued on her scouting run, but she simply couldn’t help herself. She blasted off again.

  “Thump,” and again “Thump!” After the third time the creature chittered at her as if it were laughing.

  Katrina’s temper was well documented, but surprisingly, she wasn’t angry, but more embarrassed, which merely made her push harder.

  She took off at full speed, turning the foliage around her into mulch. The creature took off as well. At first she thought it was a simple game, but then she realized that there was a direction to the madness. Finally, the creature came to a halt in a clearing, where the air was split by a terrible sound. Something sounded injured.

  Kat spotted her purple friend, standing next to a peculiar looking beast, but when she approached it zipped off into the tree line. Katrina didn’t follow this time. Instead, she slowed and landed next to the beast crying out in agony. It was magnificent. Green shaggy fur covered its horse-like body. Enormous antlers adorned its head. It laid on its side, writhing in pain, a wound marring its underbelly. The flesh was ripped and torn from what looked like teeth.

  Katrina felt panic rush over her. No creature in Archonia would have done this, and it was less likely that any Archonian soul had done it.

  The beast struggled to get up as Katrina approached, but she placed a firm hand on its neck, forcing it to stay down. Then she reached out her free hand and let energy flow over the wound. To her dismay, the light repaired very little of the damaged flesh.

  There was only one reason why the wound wouldn’t heal under her touch. This savagery was the work of the twisted creatures of Dichonia. Only the more powerful, practiced healers could mend them. Unfortunately there were none of those around, and this creature would be dead by the time she reached help. She closed her eyes and shook her head, and with an iron grip, twisted the creature’s neck until she felt it snap. The beast’s eyes grew dark and its lifeless body relaxed in her hands.

  There is a hell spawn around here somewhere.

  She would need to find it and destroy it. That was one of her duties as a scout, after all. Even though Dichonia’s forces had been defeated, their remaining dark creatures spread across the land, and with the Archonian wounded taking priority, there weren’t any soldiers sent to mop up the stragglers.

  She looked about the meadow, her keen eyes failing her. The creature could be miles away by now. She would have to try her skill at sensing its energy signature, a practice that she was nowhere near proficient at yet.

  Your energy is made from the same energy as it. She thought recalling her new captain’s teachings. She closed her eyes, concentrating. The Chirping of birds filled her ears. The close air, muggy with moisture, clung to her face. Her Ch’I sprang outward, pinging the area around and her mind lit up with a picture of the immediate area. For a moment it was all so vivid, but no better than the sight her eyes gave her.

  She tried for many minutes and her energy echoed off the matter around her. The waves of her Ch’I found their way back to her and she found she could sense a handful of bodies that were warm and moving. Among them was something she had never felt before. It gave her a queasy feeling, and she knew she had found what she was looking for. She stood up quickly, drew her bow, and drew the string. An arrow of pure energy appeared, drawn out of her by her weapon. She let fly with confidence, the arrow sailing into the tree line, where it erupted in a brilliant ball of light. A terrible screech followed.

  She was upon her target in an instant, ready to strike a killing blow, but what she found was a cooked Tera-spawn. Its large leathery hide smelled of burning hair and fetid flesh. With an open palm she let go a wave of energy that engulfed its charred remains, disintegrating them. She then strapped her bow back across her back. This needed to be reported. A squad would be needed to comb the area. Jumping back into the forest canopy she broke the tree line to see where the sun was at in the sky. This dirty job had sidetracked her, and she was now behind on her stops.

  As a scout it was also her job to check in on the inhabitants of her quadrant. There weren’t many small settlements in this area, but one was more important than the others. Most simply referred to it as the keeper’s village, even though it was listed as Meridian on the map. A seemingly mundane village, Meridian was made of small, brick homes. A creek ran along one side of the village, while the other was tucked into a valley, full of trees.

  The air always seemed to smell of lilac. One would think they would get sick of that smell, Katrina thought.

  The importance of this village was paramount, but not because of its location, but because of its inhabitants. The village’s residents looked like most Archonians, if not a bit older in the face and hair, but for the most part, just as youthful and vigorous.

  They were called the keepers because each one was responsible for a major function of the Archonian world. One keeper made the sun rise and set. Another made the moons and stars shine at night. There were keepers for temperature and water flow in essence, any function that made Archonia appear more Earth like.

  They chose to live in seclusion becau
se these jobs were tedious at the best of times, and strenuous when things didn’t go quite right.

  She came to a halt in the town center, in front of a large beautiful fountain depicting the sun moon and stars. The keeper of the wind sat on the stone lip, reading from a thick tome. He wore simple, cotton robes and thong sandals.

  “Hail, Guardian. How fairs your day?” the man asked, gently closing his book and setting it upon the edge of the fountain. As he did, the fountain, which was flowing vigorously began to flow more gently.

  “A fine day, sir, anything to report?” she asked.

  “No anomalies, though I think the keeper of the clouds is planning rain later this week,” he replied, smiling.

  “I shall inform the people, we could use a good wash,” Katrina chuckled. Then she began to turn and leave. “My dear, one more thing before you depart,” another man said, cutting in. It was the apprentice of the stars. His master must have been prepping for the evening sky.

  “What can I assist with?” she asked courteously, trying her best to be cordial.

  “Can you please inquire as to when the capitol will see fit to construct our own warning beacon?” the man asked, his tone abrupt.

  “I will inquire, good sir,” Katrina said.

  “Be sure that you do,” he stated, curtly.

  His tone raised her hackles, and a horrible taste rose in her mouth. Formality was never her strong suit, but she had been instructed to be formal, and was even reprimanded for being less than courteous to the keepers before. She bit back a sarcastic retort, instead taking a cleansing breath. It was not worth the hassle so she resolved herself to play the sweet little Guardian girl scout.

  It was his master Eurus who sent word to Chang Fei about her discourteous conduct. All she’d said was it was a “Damn fine day for a run!” Now his smug apprentice saw fit to give her orders.

  She gritted her teeth and bowed her head as was customary. Then she took off into the woods, imagining taking the master and his apprentice to the edge of oblivion and dropping them off the side.