The Sword and the Shadows_The First Chronicle

by Patrick Kriener

  Yuri thanked Berek, as he retrieved Dawnfrost.

  A large mob of Ancients rushed toward Berek and Yuri. Suddenly an Ancient was knocked out of the way. The pack that had rushed was dispersed. Berek and Yuri tried to see this cause, but there was too much movement.

  A sword plunged into many Ancients. From the view of Berek, he saw long, golden hair fly in the breeze. A woman appeared as she stabbed and chopped along with another woman. Her dark hair and smooth skin shone in Yuri's eyes. All the attacking Ancients lay dead before Berek and Yuri.

  "Helen..." Berek could speak no more; he was never happier then to see his love. They held each other close and kissed.

  "Tablitha, you are safe!" Yuri ran to Tablitha and hugged her tightly. "I am so glad to see you're still healthy!"

  Yuri ducked and felt a blade swing right by him, as Tablitha struck down another Ancient.

  "We have no time now, we have to finish this... once and for all!" shouted Tablitha. Helen and Berek ran to any Ancient surrounding them and struck them down, quick and vast. Yuri smiled at Tablitha; he knew he could not feel weak or emotional at this time. He fought in the middle with Berek and Helen. Tablitha was near Yuri the most.

  ***

  Gorzon waved his claymore to the left and right. The Ancients’ number began to deplete outside the gate. The Reptikars had won this battle.

  "Gorzon... victory!" shouted a Reptikar pulling out his blade from a dead Ancient's chest. "Though, many men were lost along the way."

  "No... Not yet. We are not done now, we have to finish this... complete my promise." Gorzon looked to the sky, saying, "The army shall advance to the courtyard. Find an open hole. We will strike the Ancients from behind." Gorzon grabbed the horn and blew it twice. This meant a quick means, for advance.

  "Charge around the wall... find any hole that we can push though!"

  The whole army ran around the wall. This was pictured in Gorzon's view, as the perfect strategy of siege. Gorzon ran to the right side of the walls. It was only a matter of time, which they would pour through with an army.

  ***

  Dalkreen and his royal guards slew most of the Ancients around the wall. His men stood strong and very resilient. After all this fighting, Dalkreen expected a hint of weakness for his men. The west gate became piled with bodies; it was as the wall was rebuilt with dead humans.

  "Find Roark, we must ensure he is safe!" The guards began the search. The more Ancients that were slain made it easier for the search for Roark.

  Yuri, Berek, Helen, Tablitha and Aleazar regrouped in the middle. "We should head to the west gate, the east seems clear enough. Our men can hold them off." Yuri ran in front, killing more Ancients with the rest of his strength. They held them off in the middle, for long enough.

  Dalkreen stabbed an Ancient and sliced another one away. It cleared his vision, seeing a warrior lay on the ground, bleeding and scarred all over.

  "Roark..." Dalkreen ran to the fallen warrior.

  "Dalkreen, you must remember... if anything happens, let Berek know it was an honor to fight by him and be a warrior for his conquest."

  Dalkreen accepted. He pulled up Roark, glad to see he was still well.

  "You beasts!" Roark charged at another large pack of Ancients, as he pushed Blood Shadows guards out of the way. He slashed and chopped, blocking any attacks. He felt more strength now, he could not be defeated.

  Berek and Yuri saw Roark in the distance.

  "He will kill himself, hurry... we must reach him!" Yuri jumped over a Blood guard, Berek dodge any attacks, and he only hoped to reach Roark in time.

  ***

  "An opening... pull through!" Gorzon shouted, "Charge in, strongest men up front!"

  "But sir, there are bodies piled up... It would take too much force to pull it down," said a Reptikar, with doubt.

  "Push!" Gorzon and the men clashed unto the wall of bodies, pushing hard, finally getting results. Gorzon was crushed onto all the force, but did not resist. Finally the tip of the pile started to fall onto the west of the courtyard. The sound of screams and metal-clashing was heard.

  "Charge, be watchful of who you kill!" The Reptikars crawled up on the thinner surface of bodies.

  Gorzon saw the Ancients being slain quickly. Victory was eminent. "Take no prisoners! Advance to the middle!" Gorzon blew the horn one final time.

  Berek heard this and saw the army. Gorzon stood in front, Reptikars charging hundreds by hundreds. Berek smiled; Gorzon kept the promise alive.

  "The Reptikars, they have come! Hope is restored!" Yuri waved his blade high as the other heroes did. They shouted in victory.

  "Roark, come! The Ancients will scatter, the Reptikars have come!" Berek ran to Roark, and helped him finish off the Ancients he fought.

  "Gorzon... he came back?" Berek nodded to Roark.

  Yuri came to Berek. "I will stay here with all the others. We will be sure to chase out the Ancients and restore victory."

  Berek smiled as he put his hand on Yuri's shoulder. "I wish to you the best, my friend. May hope be the foundation of your life forever."

  Yuri put his hand also on Berek's shoulder. "I thank you Berek; you have brought hope to those who have none. You will have a powerful rule one day; your descendants shall be born in strength and will."

  Berek departed from Yuri and saw Aleazar and Roark standing nearby. He waved to them in thanks of their help and friendship. Helen was seen last, as Berek came close. They kissed long and with passion.

  After kissing Helen, he looked deeply into her eyes. "I must finish it," he spoke. "I must seek out Seraph, get the Crystal, and the book."

  Helen nodded. She then turned her head toward the west, as Berek followed her gaze. A great tower, adorned with black bricks stood against the horizon. Berek turned back to look at Helen.

  "He is there," she said. "In the tower." Berek nodded, gripping Dawnfrost. He turned to walk toward the tower, but stopped when Helen grasped his arm suddenly.

  "Be careful," she whispered. Berek nodded and turned again, walking toward the dark tower.

  Yuri then got up from his tired being and shouted out: "You know why we are here. We are here to fight to the end, to destroy the Ancients." Yuri unsheathed his sword, as the other did too. "Do not let them flee, we will kill them all! Restore peace to Alundiel, so that the Shadows and Shieldvanes may live forever!" Yuri charged down to the middle of the courtyard, the others followed.

  Berek felt a tear run down his eye. He wept it off, for he was not finished.

  "So may it be then... thousands may descend from the dark, but light will rise and bring back justice." Berek fastened his grip on Dawnfrost. He moved closer to the scale of the tower, the opening door was sealed with metal hatches. "I fight for truth, I fight for peace. May freedom live long throughout our lands. For family and friends, father and mother. For warriors who fight near my side... for the Shieldvanes, for Jarem."

  Berek waved Dawnfrost high and pulled it down hard on the sealed wooden door. It broke open, as stone and metal flew in the open room. Berek walked in, as he saw many stairs leading up to a high room. It was vacant and the smell was of death and disease. Walls were dark and the ceiling could not be seen from the height of the stairs.

  A sudden laugh was heard, but Berek felt no fear. He recognized it to be Seraph; this was his final stand. He closed his eyes in a quick breath and began to walk up the flights of iron stairs.

  Chapter Fifty: Retribution

  B erek climbed the stairs ascending further and further to his fateful battle with Seraph. When he had entered, two staircases, leading to the right and left had been there for him to choose. He chose the right staircase; he thought he had heard Seraph’s laughing coming from it. He climbed higher and higher, Dawnfrost by his shoulder. He looked intensely above him. He still had several more flights to go, but Berek noticed at the top was a huge room.

  He broke into a run, feeling both excitement and fear. After several minutes of climbing, he finally reached
the top floor. The area in front of him was open to the sky; a huge terrace stood looking over the battles below.

  Seraph stood there, leaning over the railings. When he heard Berek, he turned in his direction. Berek gasped. Seraph had taken his helmet off, but Berek had been expecting the face of an Ancient. Instead, a long, skeletal face with the same white eyes gazed menacingly at him. Seraph was not entirely an Ancient: he was something worse. Seraph still wore the same obsidian armor, but now it looked ten times stronger than before. His black sword hung low beside his waist. But his red cape was absent as well as his helmet.

  “Berek,” spoke Seraph with force. “Welcome.”

  Berek pointed Dawnfrost toward Seraph. “Give me both the Crystal and the book.”

  Seraph turned his head sideways. “Dwa’iin, do you really believe I shall give you what you want if you ask of me?”

  Berek smiled. “I didn’t think so.” Suddenly, Berek broke into a run toward Seraph. But Seraph was faster. He jumped over Berek and landed behind him. Berek stumbled toward the railings on the terrace.

  “Tell me, Dwa’iin,” said Seraph. “Does this remind you of our first battle?” In fact it did, for Berek had fought Seraph before, under the same circumstances: on a terrace.

  With one quick movement of his hand, Seraph whipped out his blade from his waist. He quickly slashed against Berek, but Berek held up Dawnfrost to block him. Seraph pushed his weight against Berek and began pushing him further and further backwards toward the railings. But finally, Berek spun around and Seraph lost his footing. Berek quickly came behind Seraph and slashed him in the back. A deep, bluish wound suddenly formed on Seraph's back. Seraph cried out. He turned and held out a hand. A large purple orb began to form in his palm; suddenly the orb flew forward and hit Berek in the chest. Berek was sent flying backwards and he hit the wall. He slid to the ground, grunting.

  "Even if you have the sword," panted Seraph, "I can still defeat you."

  Berek held Dawnfrost forward as Seraph sent another purple orb flying for him. Berek rolled out of the way and the orb broke through the wall. Rubble and rocks fell from the attack. Berek ran again toward Seraph and slashed against him many times. But Seraph seemed to be much stronger and pushed Berek to the ground. He sent a black-armored foot at Berek's face and the kick made his nose break. Berek cried out and held a hand to his nose. Warm liquid spilled through his fingers. Blood. Berek growled rushed once again at Seraph. Seraph seemed to smile as he grabbed Berek by his armor and threw him once again across the room. Berek hit the ground hard.

  "Dwa’iin, do I even need to use this?" said Seraph in a mocking tone, pulling out a small golden crystal. It was the Crystal of Melageth.

  "No!" cried Berek. He sent Dawnfrost flying at Seraph. Dawnfrost whistled through the air and suddenly a terrible noise was heard. Berek looked close and saw that Seraph's arm had been hewed off by Dawnfrost.

  Seraph clutched his arm, screaming in pain. Berek walked behind him, picking up Dawnfrost. The Crystal of Melageth was still in Seraph's hand, which was on the floor. Berek walked close to Seraph looking hard into his eyes.

  "For Jarem," he said quietly. Then he stabbed Dawnfrost into Seraph's torso. Seraph's eyes grew wide and remained that way for a moment. Then, they closed and Seraph fell to the ground. Berek pulled out Dawnfrost from Seraph's torso. He had done it. He had defeated Seraph and avenged the Shieldvanes. Berek searched Seraph's pockets until his fingers closed around a hard, rectangular object. He pulled it out, seeing the Maldark Santorium in his hands. This would go to Yuri and the Blood Shadows. Berek smiled as he walked back down the stairs, feeling victory in his heart.

  ***

  "He's done it!" cried Roark in victory. "He's won!" Roark, Helen, Aleazar, Tablitha, and Yuri were standing in a straight line at the base of the tower. Berek came out of the wooden doors, seeing his friends again. He walked toward them, holding high the Maldark Santorium. He saw Yuri smile at this. Berek went to Yuri and handed over the book.

  "Thank you my friend," spoke Yuri. "For everything."

  Berek smiled and placed a hand at Yuri's shoulder. "Don't mention it."

  Berek then went to Helen next and embraced her warmly. He then looked into her eyes and their lips connected. As they were kissing, Berek thought he heard a strange noise behind him.

  ***

  "Not...yet..." murmured Seraph on the floor. He then began to crawl, holding his wounded arm to his torso. He then grabbed the railings and helped himself up. He stood over, looking down at Berek and his friends. He smiled a weak smile and then held a hand down.

  ***

  Berek pulled apart from Helen, smiling at her.

  "You have the Crystal as well?" she asked.

  "Yes, my love," he replied. He held the Crystal to her face. "This shall be thrown into the sea, never again to return to-"

  And then, the Crystal was gone. Berek wondered what had happened, but after he heard laughing above him, he knew. Berek looked high above him to the top of the tower, seeing Seraph standing over them. A small object was in his hands: the Crystal.

  "No!" roared Berek. "I destroyed you!"

  Seraph laughed once again. Suddenly, Seraph held the Crystal by his wound. A great light succumbed around him, enveloping him. The light filled the entire terrace and then the tower itself. Berek held a hand to his eyes, shielding himself from its brightness. And then the light began to fade and once it did, Berek was looking at the demon in his dreams, the golden clad monster who had led him away that one night of his youth: Melageth.

  "At last," spoke Melageth, "we meet, Berek." He had a deep and commanding voice, but it sounded human almost. Berek unsheathed Dawnfrost once again, standing in front of Helen to protect her.

  "Ah," said Melageth, "and you have the sword as well? You are your father's son indeed."

  Melageth stepped off of the terrace and seemed to glide down to the ground. He stood in front of Berek, studying him.

  "Berek, I had offered you a choice on several accounts. This choice was entirely yours to make, however."

  "Don't listen to him, Berek!" cried Roark.

  "Silence!" yelled Melageth loudly. When his voice rose, it seemed the oceans and rivers crashed against one another.

  Suddenly, Roark fell to the ground. He was bound by long, black ropes. He struggled against them, as Tablitha and Yuri tried helping them off.

  "You see," said Melageth, "these fools will only lead you to death. But I give you life. The powers you possess are greater than these miscreants who stand beside you now."

  Berek looked to each of them, taking in Melageth’s words. He had a point. Berek was stronger, more faster, and agile than any person here. Even Yuri, who was well-trained in the Shadows. Berek faced Melageth again. He could not take his gaze off of Melageth’s eyes which were bright blue; the same color as Berek's.

  "Join me," said Melageth. "Join the Ancients. You would be King of my domain, Ruler of the Dark Flame, and master over the Ancients. The Ancients would bow down to you, serve your every command."

  Berek's heart beat faster and faster. The idea of a king over all seemed becoming to Berek. He would rule them, become greater than Hector, than Avrendur...perhaps greater than Melageth himself.

  "All I ask," said Melageth, "is a drop of your blood." Melageth took out a knife, holding it aloft. He gazed deeper and deeper into Berek's eyes. Melageth seemed to hold all the answers of the world. Perhaps he was right.

  Berek smiled as he took a step forward.

  "No, Berek!" cried Helen. "Don't listen to him! He's a liar!"

  Melageth looked at Helen and suddenly, she fell to the ground, the ropes surrounding her.

  Berek turned away from Melageth and watched Helen on the ground, struggling.

  "Look at me, Berek!" hissed Melageth. Berek instantly turned his head forward again. "Don't get distracted by her. She's a tool, just a tool for your descendants. But you don't need descendants, do you? Not when you will live forever, and your name shall never
wither away."

  Berek stepped closer and closer to Melageth. A greedy look entered Berek's eye. He smiled at Melageth.

  "That's it..." Melageth said. He seemed to sing it. "That's it." Berek held out his hand for Melageth to take. Melageth smiled and gripped his hand. He then began to lower the knife. Berek grinned. All of his dreams were about to come true...

  And suddenly, Melageth screamed, dropping Berek's hand to the ground. Berek fell to the ground, confused of what just happened. Melageth was clutching his shoulder, as red blood came pouring out. Aleazar stood in front of Melageth, clutching Dawnfrost. And then Berek knew what happened: Aleazar had taken Dawnfrost from Berek and slashed Melageth on the shoulder before anything could happen. At this, Berek snapped out of his trance.

  "You liar!" he yelled at Melageth. Aleazar tossed him Dawnfrost as Berek rushed toward Melageth. But suddenly, black wings sprouted from Melageth’s back and before Berek could slash him, Melageth lifted off into the air. Berek growled and turned back to Aleazar.

  "Thank you," he said.

  Aleazar nodded. "Anytime."

  Berek ran to Helen, and quickly cut the black ropes with Dawnfrost. He did the same for Roark and soon, all of them turned their heads to the air, searching the skies for Melageth.

  It seemed he had disappeared. They watched the dark night, watching for any sign of Melageth, but none came. It seemed he was gone.

  And then a loud horn blew. "That is no Reptikar horn," spoke Roark. They turned their heads to the north and saw hundreds upon hundreds of Ancients coming from the side of the city. They were all rushing toward the heroes. Berek held his sword close.

  "Stay close," he ordered. "Don't let up. This may be our final stand, but don't give in."

  All of them nodded. Berek turned back to the army. Suddenly, a great light filled the sky. Berek looked above and saw fire coming from the clouds. And then a large, black beast, bigger than any creature Berek had seen, flew through the air. It was breathing fire, and flying straight for Berek. Its skin was black as night and red eyes formed a face. Its wings were wide, around fifty feet long.