Revelations of Doom

by Jedidiah Behe

  Lucian caught her using the past tense when Kara spoke of her father. “Your skill reflects how truly great a swordsman your father must have been. I am sure he would be proud of his daughter and her courage on this day."

  Kyrianna stared back at Lucian and couldn’t keep the tears from rimming her eyes. The pain of losing her family so recently tore at her soul. She could see Lucian reading her eyes, her pain. She didn’t want to appear weak in front of this stranger so she breathed in deeply and pushed the agonizing thoughts away.

  "Thank you, that was very thoughtful,” she said appreciatively, but then decided to change the subject. “You speak elegantly, Lucian of Yavasura. Tell me, what is your position among your tribe?"

  Lucian realized what she was doing and couldn’t blame her. The pain in her eyes was all too familiar. "I have no position. I am merely a hunter and a farmer. I spent little time in the village."

  "I find that hard to believe,” said Kyrianna cynically. “You have the bearing of a leader." She gestured toward Tarriel, Eliath and Solomon. "And they seem to be following you, not the other way around."

  Lucian smiled and waved off the uncomfortable topic. "They are my friends. We fight together for the future of our peoples."

  Kyrianna nodded and withheld any further inquiries. She was certain that the others followed Lucian. She herself had willingly gone along with his plan to rescue the High Priest when at first all she had wanted was to get back to her city. Something about the man made her believe that what he was doing was necessary. Now, standing amidst the people of Kaheendra, the very city that once held her prisoner, without fear of attack or further imprisonment, she realized that he had been right. Had she more time to think about it, she never would have come along on what she thought was certainly a fool’s errand.

  Makashin's screaming voice pulled her from her contemplations. He was yelling at the people, imploring them it seemed, pointing an accusing finger at Ojori. "This man was a criminal, you heard his confession yourselves!"

  Some of the people were nodding their heads. Others were shaking theirs furiously and yelling out that the accusations were false. Small pockets of arguing citizens formed throughout the crowd until a man stepped up onto the platform and raised his hands for everyone to be quiet. The crowd hushed and waited for what he had to say.

  Kyrianna wondered who could have subdued the mob so quickly and was shocked when she saw that it was the farmer, Hounu. She looked over to Lucian and he shared her bewildered expression. The old man had the entire city patiently waiting to hear what he would say.

  Kyrianna tapped one of the townsfolk standing in front of them. "Why does the mob calm for that man?"

  The townsman turned around and at first, acted as though it was a foolish question. But when he took her in fully, he realized that she was not Kaheendran. When he looked closer at her eyes he stepped back in shock and Kyrianna had to grab him and urge him to answer the question.

  Lucian saw the transaction and thought it a bit strange, he figured she was someone important from Vorea, but who might she be to gain such response from a Kaheendran? He set the thoughts aside as the man started to explain after looking to the ground.

  "That is Hounu. Yes he is a farmer, but he is also the head of the agricultural committee and the chairman of the city council. He is the voice of our people."

  Lucian and Kyrianna looked at each other as if to say, ‘who knew’ and Eliath, hearing the conversation, simply looked back and smiled.

  Hounu raised his voice while on the platform. "Many of us here did not witness the trial against Ojori. But we were all told that he admitted to committing crimes against us. We were also told that he was executed and yet here he stands. If this was false, what other lies have we been told by Makashin and Sorintao? Who among us was actually wronged by Ojori?"

  No one spoke out.

  Hounu gestured back at Lucian and the others standing with him. "These people came to my home last night, seeking shelter. I believe them to be decent folk and yet Makashin tried to have that one killed." He gestured toward Kyrianna.

  "That woman escaped our prison yesterday and came back to murder our General only moments ago!" screamed Makashin as he pointed an accusing finger at Kyrianna.

  The old High Priest Ojori stepped forward and hushed the crowd as objections and arguments ran throughout the masses. He turned and gestured for Kyrianna to join him on the platform. She reluctantly ascended the steps, keeping her eyes to the ground, hoping nobody would recognize her. Ojori turned to the crowd again once she was at his side. He noticed her apprehension and treaded lightly, understanding her dilemma.

  "I witnessed Hihanzo's death by this woman's hand and it was in defense of her life that she took his." He turned and faced Kyrianna. "Please, tell us what has happened to you."

  Kyrianna shifted her head so that some of her hair fell in front of her face before she stepped forward to address the crowd. She kept her eyes down, hoping to come across as a shy commoner.

  Lucian watched her body language with amusement and curiosity.

  "Good People of Kaheendra,” she began. “Not long ago, I was fleeing Vorea from the man who murdered my parents."

  Gasps and whispers scattered throughout the crowd.

  Lucian shared a look with Eliath, both men wondering who her parents were.

  "I came to Kaheendra to seek aid, but instead I was imprisoned, starved, and beaten. My friend Yosu, who was protecting me, was tortured and murdered within your prison for not yielding to Makashin's false claims. It was Makashin’s own hand that slit poor Yosu's throat while I watched under the sole of Hihanzo's boot."

  More gasps echoed throughout the gathering and some women even started to cry. Everyone was so transfixed on Kyrianna while she told her story, that no one saw Makashin pull out a small dagger, no one except Lucian.

  Sorintao watched in shock as Makashin lunged forward, knocking Ojori off the platform and pushing past Hounu, thrusting the small blade straight in at Kyrianna's back. The tip of the dagger stopped a hairs width from her spine. Makashin looked up in surprise at Lucian's ignited golden eyes, and then screamed out in pain as his wrist, held in Lucian’s iron grip, was forced back at an impossible angle. Bones popped and snapped and the dagger dropped to the platform.

  Kyrianna spun around in surprise, seeing Makashin squirming on his knees as Lucian stood over him, holding his shattered wrist. Suddenly the crowd surged forward and before Kyrianna could react, she was in the protective embrace of Lucian as the mob snatched the screaming Makashin and Yanzin into the air and carried them off the platform. As the tumult of people pressed in around them and pushed past them, Kyrianna pulled closer to Lucian, pressing her head against his plated chest.

  When the crowd finally passed, she and Lucian were all that stood on the platform. Tarriel, Eliath, and Solomon were at the base, looking up them, each with varying expressions of amusement etched on their faces.

  Kyrianna stared up into Lucian’s eyes and he held her gaze. She was still trying to understand the feeling that had come over her when Lucian suddenly let her go, sheepishly, and apologized. She realized that he must have misunderstood the confused look on her face. She decided it best to let it go and just thanked him in a quiet voice before turning her attention to Ojori. "Where is the crowd heading? What will they do with them?"

  "They are heading to the gallows where Makashin and Sorintao will be hanged for their treacherous ways and for misleading the people,” stated Ojori.” Makashin attempted to commit murder in front of their very eyes. That alone is enough to convince the people of the truth of things." He gave her a smile and a warm embrace. "Thank you for returning and rescuing me from that forsaken prison."

  Kyrianna returned his hug. "I may have done the rescuing, but the planning and the larger part was made by this man." She turned and held out her hand to Lucian. "This is Lucian of Yavasura."

  Ojori gave Lucian a deep bow. "Yavasura is it? What brings you to Kaheendra Lucian? Sure
ly you did not come only to save my people from a malicious and devious leader?"

  Lucian returned the bow and addressed Ojori and the Prince at the same time. "I have come on behalf of Vorea and all the southern tribes. We seek to unite against an immense threat from the North that even now, gathers in front of Vorea to wage war on her. We have faced many hardships on our journey and have lost many an honorable friend,” he gave Tarriel a thoughtful look. ”But the cause is great, and today I have witnessed the good of man, and it has given me hope." Lucian bowed again to the Prince. "Will Kaheendra now stand with the southern tribes?"

  Prince Toharri laughed and threw up his hands. "I have been a fool since my parents were murdered. You have freed my tribe from the oppression of that evil man and pulled the veil from my eyes. We are indebted to you. I would find it hard to convince my people otherwise."

  Kyrianna couldn't contain her smile and bowed gratefully to Prince Toharri and Ojori. When she turned to look at Lucian and saw the broad smile stretched across his face, she couldn’t hold back the tears from streaming down her face. She rushed forward and collided with him, hugging him as tightly as his armor would allow.

  He grunted from the impact and laughed. It was a beautiful laugh, she thought. Leaning her head back, she stared into his eyes. "I thank you Lucian. Not only did you save my life but you risk everything to save my people. I am in your debt."

  "Nonsense, you owe me nothing,” he replied, staring deep into her beautiful emerald eyes. “Would you not do the same thing for me, or anyone else in need?"

  Kyrianna gave him a small smile. She was not sure about anyone, but she was sure of one thing. Her voice was just a whisper. "For you I would. Thank you."

  She quickly realized that everyone was watching them and her cheeks heated. With another look into Lucian’s beautiful golden eyes, she offered him a small smile and then pulled away and turned to Ojori. "Can we call a meeting with your prince and council? I need to be off to Vorea and I would like to know where Kaheendra stands officially so that I can report when I return."

  Ojori nodded. "Of course, I will gather the councilors and such. You and your friends need some rest and nourishment." He signaled for a guard that was standing nearby to come over. "Take our guests to the palace and give them quarters, then have the servants bring them food and drink."

  The guard saluted and gestured for Kyrianna and the others to follow. They each offered Ojori a bow and followed the guard. A good meal and a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in sounded nice to all of them.

  Lucian was stopped short by Ojori and Kyrianna held back to listen in on what the old man had to say.

  "One often takes for granted the sweetness of the air that they breathe until that air is taken from him. I will not make that mistake again. I have had a long time to think about things while locked away from the world. A great many things will change in our city from this day forward. Thank you, again, for rescuing me.” He stepped off the platform and patted Lucian on the shoulder. "Tell me Lucian, how has a man from Yavasura come to lead others in such a war? What has called you to this point in your life?"

  Kyrianna edged closer, very interested in what Lucian’s answer would be, but trying to keep from looking as if she was eavesdropping. She caught her breath when she heard what he had to say.

  "My family was murdered, for reasons that still make little sense to me. I left on a journey to find out who the killer was. Many things have happened since I left and many things have changed. I find myself in this position, not by my own choice, but regardless, I will not abandon my friends or a fellow man in need. I believe that the only hope for a bright future in Los is if we unite against this horde from the north." Lucian thought of the visions that the warrior had shown him, of suffering and catastrophe. A shiver ran up his spine. "I have seen what this world will become if a stand is not taken. I only hope that we can gather enough of a force to the side of good, to overcome the great evil that wishes to envelop us."

  Kyrianna just stared at Lucian as Ojori rested both hands on his shoulders. "You have a great burden, Lucian. Do not attempt to take it on all alone. Friends are placed in our lives for a reason, to lessen the load. You have powerful friends. Do not compromise them by stubbornly thinking that you can keep them safe by doing this all by yourself." He gave Lucian a shake and a wrinkled smile. "Now go, get some food and recover your strength. I will send a messenger right away."

  Kyrianna moved off a few paces as Lucian nodded and thanked Ojori then spun to catch up to the others. He looked surprised when he saw her waiting for him but there was nothing on his face that showed any concern about being overheard. He simply smiled at her. It was a smile that made his eyes twinkle and she felt her cheeks heating again. By the Gods, he sure is handsome, she thought.

  Once they had eaten, they were taken and shown their individual rooms. Kyrianna bathed and asked one of the servants to clean and care for the dress that Hounu had given her and slipped on a beautiful night robe that the maid had left on her bed. She finished brushing out the tangles and knots in her hair and looked around the large room, completely estranged. She had been moving at such a fast pace since she escaped the prison and so much had happened, that she felt unsettled, tense, and cramped in the large room that seemed to be quickly tightening in around her.

  She rushed out into the hall, panting. After spending so much time in the small cell, she just didn't feel comfortable inside the room. She clenched her fists angrily at how she had been affected by the capture. Pacing down the hall, she thought she heard a struggle coming from Lucian's room. She thought about the assassin and it put her into a panic. She kicked his door, blasting it inward, shattering the frame around the lock and rushed into the room. She slid to a stop as Lucian stood in the middle of the chamber staring at her with wide eyes.

  "Are you all right? I thought I heard a struggle," Kyrianna asked, breathing heavily.

  Lucian's brow furrowed in confusion and he looked around the room. And then, as he realized what she was talking about, a wide smile drew across his face and he burst into laughter.

  Kyrianna felt her shoulder’s tense as she realized her mistake. "What is so funny, why are you laughing?" The outburst from Lucian was making her feel ridiculous and she didn’t understand why he thought it was so funny. Her face turned red and she started to become very embarrassed and angry.

  Lucian saw her complexion turn and quickly explained. "No, no, there was a struggle. I was having an incredibly hard time trying to get out of this armor."

  Kyrianna stared at him a moment without expression. She realized that he had been laughing at himself and not her. Her eyes narrowed and she turned and started out of the room.

  "Wait, where are you going?" said Lucian.

  "I'm leaving before I embarrass myself any further."

  "Oh come on, Kara. I am the one who should be embarrassed. Here I am, grunting and sweating, knocking things over while trying to get this armor off, and I caused you to splinter my door apart to come to my aid."

  It was his boyish grin that softened her up, even making her laugh a bit. "Well you did look pretty ridiculous when I came in."

  "So are you going to help me with this or what?” asked Lucian, as he fumbled with one of the shoulder straps.

  Kyrianna smiled helplessly and walked over to start undoing the strap on his shoulder. "This is a most magnificent suit." She said as she looked over the intricate details carved into the armor. "You must be quite wealthy to have afforded such a thing."

  "This was given to me as a gift, from Solomon of Ortsk. I could never afford such a prize. Riches are something I have never cherished and have never attempted to attain."

  "I think that you wish to beguile me with such a tale,” said Kyrianna. She truly thought he was not being honest. “You surely are a man of great importance to be worthy of such an incredible gift." She set the shoulder pads down on the table and turned him around so that she could get at the straps securing the chest and back plates
.

  "I think that you, Kara, are the one who has been less than candid about your position in Vorea,” said Lucian.

  "Why would you think that?" she asked quietly, her fingers stopped working at the strap.

  “Several reasons,” said Lucian. "First, Hounu gave you that outfit because he knew something about you that made him want to give such a gift. Second, when anyone here in Kaheendra sets eyes on you they almost fall back as if they recognize you. They looked upon you with reverence when you spoke to them. Third, why would Makashin wish to keep you prisoner if you were not someone of political worth? But most of all, it's the way you carry yourself. You have a regal air and a commanding presence about you that is unquestionable. You also said that your parents were assassinated, which means they must have been important.”

  Kyrianna was shocked at how observant Lucian had been when it came to her. She stared at the back of his head for a moment and couldn’t bring herself to speak. She continued her work on the straps and unlatched the chest and back plates. She set them next to the shoulder pads, and then started on his gauntlets, realizing that he was still waiting for a response.

  "The reason why people look at me the way they do is because of my eyes."

  Lucian gave her a puzzled look so she went on.

  "Among my tribe and those of Kaheendra as well, a woman born with eyes like mine are thought of as a mystical phenomenon. It is quite rare for one of our races to be born with such eyes, so as you can imagine, I get a lot of different reactions. Some of them are not all good, like Makashin's. He thought I was a witch." Kyrianna felt horrible about lying, but recent events left her believing that she needed to keep her identity a secret, even to Lucian.

  She thought that Lucian was buying into what she was telling him. But her story didn't explain away how she carried herself and he wasn't so sure that he believed what she said about Makashin thinking she was a witch. She also neglected to comment on her parents or their station within Vorea, but he decided that he wouldn't push it any further. He didn’t want to upset her by prying. Whatever her secrets, she must have good reason to keep them.