A Crimson Tale

by K. L. O Johnson

“Relax, it is dead. I saw to that.” he says and moves from the bed. I realize than he isn’t exactly naked but in black underwear. I turn my head away and scoot closer to the fire. I place my hands before it feeling much warmer. “Also a little “thank you” will do wonders.” he says after he’s pulled on his breeches before searching for his socks and boots. I glance down at my shoulder the exposed skin am covered with a cloth that has some herbs and leaves. I turn to him and regard his form. Maybe he was telling the truth.

  “Why did you save me?” I ask, slightly curious.

  “I swear you asked that before.” he says as he pulls on his clothes.

  “Why did you save me?” I repeat and he stops what he’s doing.

  “I don’t know but I have a feeling you’re not my enemy.” he says as he meets my gaze then I cross my arms and quirked a brow at this urging him to go on. “Let’s just say something seems fishy with my Order, okay.” I nod and leave it at that. I stand and allow my scales to stretch from my hips over my thighs to my feet and the opposite with my breasts over my shoulders down my back until every part of me was covered. My armor pulls itself from my scales layer after layer, followed by my weapons and my cloak. After my uniform now covers my body I glance around at the cave. I just realized, at that moment, what he was doing—treating hypothermia. I suddenly, feel guilty for calling him a “perv” when he just saved my life.

  “Thank you.” I say and the air is filled with a hesitant silence. He stops clipping a brown waist band around him and glances up at me. His uniform is white with brown through it. I didn’t expect those colors but he appears to have a coat cover his form. Brown one side and white on the other. Knives, daggers and hidden blades cover several parts of his body.

  “You’re welcome.” he says after sometime. “You know I thought the Nephalem were supposed to be indestructible.”

  “We are but were not invincible. There’s a big difference.” I say. “We have two forms, Idol and Nephalem. Our Idol form is that it’s a form that can be changed from Zylarian to human, from human to Spartan depending on what world we are inhabiting or visiting. That form is usually what gives us both our cover on your worlds and the vulnerability. Our Nephalem forms have no vulnerability. We were bred to fight. Depending on our genes’ expressions our appearance like you alters as an identity.” He nods in understanding before moving to the cave entrance where the door is he forces it open. I glance around one last time. “Cozy place you got here.” I observe.

  He laughs.

  “Yeah well you seemed to need It.” he says. I nod. Realizing his words were true; I did need it and without it I would have died. Now I feel in debt to this man and I didn’t like being in debt to anyone. If I can stand on my own two feet than I can most definitely survive on my own. Still I’ll have to pay him back in a reasonable way, I conclude.

  I was surprised to know that Lifet had agreed to help me save the women and my comrades—there were times when I believed he wasn’t the enemy. It’s strange to see and get to know a different side to a person—especially when they can kill, easily. I didn’t expect Lifet to be almost “good friend” he did well at forming a brink of trust for this plan and that was saying a lot with me. I was the type never to trust people. It surprised me to know things about him that I managed to notice over time, like how he tied knots with such concentration or tapped his foot when he was impatient. “Are you aware that most of the women could already be dead?” He had said at some part of our plan.

  “I know.” Was all I said, there wasn’t much else to say. Later that day we found our way to the town where my comrades and I were staying. Lifet had helped me secure a plan with the towns’ people while pointing out the terrains he knew—which he stated he grew up around—that was something new to learn. The town Sheriff didn’t seem too pleased about me bringing in a “known criminal” as he put it. I surprisingly defended Lifet and this surprised both him and the Mayor.

  Still, I made an unspoken truce with this man, even though he didn’t know it. I would have gone against the demons myself but wouldn’t dare consider it now. It was practically suicidal in my current form. “This is the place.” he declares and I look at him from where I kneel on the stone ground the ricks were displayed around a large stone shaped like a bent thumb. It’s gigantic in size and deep appears as a good landscape marker. Lifet crawls to me and points at the direction of the cave opening. “You said it was dry when you threaded his mind. That’s the only dry place for miles other than my little condo.”

  “Thanks.” I say. “You can go now if you want.”

  “Sorry gorgeous but you can’t get rid of me that easily.” he quips with a smile, his northern accent more evident in that sentence than the previous ones. I smile—feeling more confident about this plan. Still it made me wonder why he is helping me. I had to ask.

  “Why are you helping me?”

  “Like I said before I don’t think you’re my enemy.”

  “What gave you that idea though?” I ask.

  “I’m not all sure about it myself but I can tell you this much. If Varden is the Prince of Zylaria—this world, what does that say about my higher ups?”

  “Good point.”

  “Shh, they’re here.” There we see them assemble demon groups strut the dirt road, with ease—they appeared very uniform given their nature. It’s odd to see such discipline in such monsters but then again we Nephalem live by our laws of discipline it seemed naturally easier for us to live now I know why that is.

  I follow Lifet through the winding natural stone mazes. Years of erosion had run through here and I’m surprised at the amount of stones that created a labyrinth of tunnels, walls and caves. By the time we reached the mouth of the cave. The demons had already disappeared. “How long do you think we have?” I ask.

  “Judging by the demons only arriving now?” his words were cut short by the ear-piercing screams of the women from within the cave. The attacks had already started or were attempting to commence, if we were lucky. I turn to Lifet and his expression is that of fear and concern. Without another word we run into the small valley. It was dry and dark. Lifet had already lit a torch and we were on our way, the screams were silent and I hear the voices. I begin to run again but only to stop at the mouth of a large cavern where a path led down to the grounds below filled with cells and demons. I hear the screams of another two women.

  “Shut them up!” cries a demon.

  “Easy for you to say!” growls a demon with a large prominent pig nose. I glance around and count each head of the women. They all seem to be there, nothing seemed to have happened to them. I hear Lifet sigh with relief as we both realize we made it in time.

  “You grabbed the whores now be done with them!” barks the same scrawny demon. “The sooner the young ones are born the better.” I glance at Lifet he’s thinking what I’m thinking.

  “Does that mean I have to babysit again?” asked a rather gluttonous demon. His large claw touches his chin in a thoughtful manner; I follow Lifet as he makes his way towards the cells. I on the other hand had to be the distraction. I really don’t like this part. Why couldn’t he be the distraction? I think slightly annoyed but I do it anyway.

  “Maybe not you tubby I fear you’ll eat the children.” I remark stalking out of my hiding spot before stopping lean against a nearby cave wall. Their eyes are locked on me, I pretend to not notice and act as though my nails were more important even though they were covered in scales if necessary I can call upon them but they would be dragon claws. It’s not exactly a feminine sight. “What? Wasn’t I invited to the party?”

  “I thought you said you got them all!” cried a demon slapping the pig nosed demon in the back of the head hard enough that he falls forward. “You missed a whore!”

  “Whoa big fella…no one likes the names…” I say, nonchalantly. “I prefer the term: “Lady”, if you don’t mind?” I add and the demons look at me with confusion before returning to their gruesome yet angry masks, they wore
prior to this whole ordeal. They approach and I don’t bother looking up. I know they are right where I want them.

  “Fine…Lady, take her!” orders one of the demons and I’m quick to evade. It honestly feels like a game of cat and mouse the problem being I’m not trying to run because I know they may not be easy to defeat but I’ve gone up against many and it’s my experience that aids in my battles not just my fighting style. I can see Lifet at the corner of my eye. The majority of the demons are on pursuit to me, I pull out my crossbow and fire at a few guarding the cages that housed the fear stricken women as they watch the sight of my actions. I purposely aim for the demon’s limbs knowing that it’s their anger that causes them to abandon their posts. I turn my heel and sprint down another tunnel; this one Lifet said should lead me to an underground reservoir.

  The demons assemble themselves under where I stand my limbs lodged into the stone hand-holds and foot-holds taking in half a dozen of demons I wait a moment longer should another peer out of nowhere. When no more arrive I drop down. My boots make contact with the skull of the first demon where its head is smashed into the cave floor. I continue the flow of momentum and flip over the demon I had forced to the ground—my legs split before me I kick twice at the back of the demon’s cranium where it falls to the ground unconscious. The demons now sense my presence and coverage around me. I smile.

  It seems like the battle was slow yet it had ended as fast as it had come. I stand, shaped, turning my head before and behind me I scan the bodies surrounding my feet their bodies soon disintegrate into ash around me and remain nothing more than that. The sound of clapping greets my ears before a familiar voice sings out saying, “You could have allowed the demons to take the Prince to Golgotha.” Galavin stands on the still lake of water that leads to the underwater chasms.

  “Where the Prince goes, I go.” I sheath my father’s sword and eye Galavin. My expression impassive, I can’t allow him to read my thoughts, I can’t allow him to read my features. “Here to keep an eye on me?”

  “Something, like that,” His fingers are curled under his shaven chin as his dark eyes bore into mine. “Word of your death, sprung my attention but I found it hard to believe I had to see it myself.”

  “I’m very much alive…Messenger.” I mutter the last words slowly only to see his lips smile. Why he acts so smug is something I want to find out. The way he holds himself and insists on working for Golgotha draws me to him like a moth to a flame. Yet there is something more dark and more sister to this man than I gave credit for previously but I was right to conclude one thing. This man is someone not to be trusted nor trifled with should I continue to play this game. Golgotha must know I’m alive. Or why would he be here?

  “I can see that I trust you’ll keep your word or I’ll be forced to ensure you never see the brink of day again. Am I clear?” his voice soothing yet venomous.

  “Crystal.”

  “Good. We expect to see him in Midra by the new moon, since I trust you’ll keep track of time.” I’m alone once more the words of Galavin echo around the cave like hash whispers. I glace once more at where his form once was before turning away and returning to Lifet. The women gather outside in small groups of four. Since them being huddled together like a football team would only cause difficulty and protecting them, will be easier, should we be attacked. I know that I won’t waste all my time playing a game that isn’t in my favor since I know that it will be wise to hold back and see how things play out. So I can survive another day. At that thought Lifet and I lead the women back to the town where Lucinda immediately runs into the arms of her father with tears.

  I don’t blame her she probably was scared, who wouldn’t be? Following Lucinda’s example the other women run to their spouses, partners, lovers and family’s arms. The sight of it is beautiful. I turn from the sight as a heavy feeling weighs in my chest. I’ll never have that. I think. Where did that come from? I shake my head and return back to my room where I find Lifet stretched out on my bed, casually looking up at me with mischief. “What are you doing here and on my bed?”

  “To see you,” I couldn’t help but smile a bit at that. “You know you shouldn’t scowl so much. It’s unattractive.” he states as he rises from my bed and I quirk a brow, shifting my weight. I place my hands on my hips. My helmet is on and yet he can still see if I’m scowling. He’s a very observant man.

  “So I’m to take advice from an Assassin?” I ask and he shrugs.

  “I may be an Assassin but I’m still a man.” he says and his eyes lock with mine. I have to admit the way the light enters the room and outlined his form he was rather handsome but I pulled myself short at that. He is in the comrade category. That is where I do not linger.

  “So you are.” I comment and pull off my cloak and toss it onto a wooden chair before Lifet. “You’re here why?”

  “The Prince and your friend wasn’t there.” he says and I remain quiet. My voice stops all of a sudden, it’s like my mind wants to speak by my mouth remains sealed at his words. “Do you have any idea where we should start?” he asks and I regard him with suspicion. Is he really trying to help me or trying to get close enough to kill me? I think but can’t help but debate mentally. I’ve been known to willingly give people my trust and have only found it was misplaced. That is a mistake, I’m determined to not make again regardless of how attractive the person is. That’s their best weapon.

  “I’m not sure.” I confess, knowing that he’ll pick up on my lies because he’s trained to. Silence greets the small zealous room and I glance out the snow and ice splashed window to see flakes falling down slowly coating the current flurry around us with another layer of ice a thought swiftly occurs. “They could have been separated from the women before the demons entered the cave.” I think out loud and it catches Lifet’s attention. His eyes watch me as he sees the cogs in my mind turn. “Did you see which way they came?” I ask. He nods.

  “West.” he says glancing out the same window I did. The frozen forest greets us under a silver crescent moon. Glancing at the moon I can’t help but feel a tinge of pain in my chest at the sight. Time was running out and I needed to find Varden alive. Then what? Hand him over to Golgotha so I can live alone. Aren’t I already alone? My mind is continuously conflicting with itself but I can’t help but feel as though I’m walking on a tight-rope? My life high above the stable ground where I once was—without a net I know if I gaffe, I’ll die. If Golgotha doesn’t kill me the Chief sure will and I think he’s the only first in that long line of people I’ve betrayed.

  The snow parts and outlines the trail our boots have left behind us, we’ve walked so far and I feel as though we’re walking around in circles. Still the question does arise: “should I trust him?” I glance at Lifet who stood beside me regarding the distant frozen and leafless valley. This is the time when everything is dead and yet I couldn’t feel more comfortable in this time; feel more comfortable at this time. We reach the valley with plenty of sunlight to spare knowing that it’s dangerous to wander the frozen woods with demons around.

  The night is the time they come out—people had the gall to think Vampires owned the night. The thought of it makes me want to laugh, even they, knew when to leave, if threatened. The stagnant atmosphere doesn’t help the awareness of us being watched.

  “You feel that?” questions Lifet and I glance at him surprised.

  “Yeah,” I say. “Something’s watching us.” Knowing it’s not exactly someone.

  “Let’s carry on but keep your guard up.” he urges and I scan the clearing behind us. Nothing unusual seems to spring up at me and I can’t help but feel the air become cold. My breath slithers out before me as I exhale. I stop. Since when does the cold air affect me? It’s the water that is cold in this form. I see the ground slowly become a shade of blood red and the sky around me is not bright and yellow but tainted and filtered with a red light. The trees around me are black and Lifet is gone.

  “Nindo…” calls the demons and I
frown. Couldn’t I be able to fight a bunch of demons without them referring to my real name? They refer to my family’s name? It’s difficult to take a break these days. I lift my blade slowly; a gentle zing sounds throughout the bloody clearing. I glance at the ground around me and not sign of the snow. Silhouettes form slightly as outlines—transparent almost—before they become visible. I’m surrounded by a bunch of demons that insist on pulling me into ‘Transit.’ Still, it made me question how the demons that abducted the women were able to survive outside of the fourth inter-dimensional world of reality the place where demons and the dead reside in; the other-world if you will the Netherworld. It is kill—or—be killed survival of the fittest, survival of the coldest. No warmth will be dealt when you’re gone, especially not when you have no one to lean on.

  13:Freedom

  © 2014—All rights reserved by author

  The demons surround me. I stand staring before I take my stance and the battle begins. I step aside and from the distorted limbs of the demons before me. I dodge the first sharp bone bent like a machete and elbow the demon behind me square in the face before thrusting my blade into its comrade’s torso from the left of me. I am completely surrounded but I don’t seem to mind. In amongst all the pain—there are these moments I live for—there are these moments in which I thrive. The demons were soon defeated and I find myself in the same clearing I was in, previously.

  “There you are!” states Lifet and I regard him with confusion. Where else did he think I was? I literally was here but not here? Not that I can explain it to him without me thinking I’m crazy. Then again, demons did abduct some women and my comrades not to mention—Lifet has seen them. Surprisingly, the demons didn’t seem to notice that I was a Nephalem they either were a lower class or their powers were strongest in Transit. “Where were you? I was looking everywhere for you.” he admits and I can hear the worry in his tone and I’m taken back. No one ever cared about me before, why now?