Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  “I wasn’t told I needed another sentry down here…”

  “And I was ordered. You can take it up with the general if you want.”

  “Turn around.”

  “Aren’t you going to buy me dinner first?” This Veign said and Alex heard small chuckles from the other guards set up if he somehow managed to escape.

  The Captain wasn’t the kind of person with humor and told him to turn around again and remove his helmet. “I see your mark remains whole. Very well you can stand over by the western wall with those other three.”

  “Aren’t you going to tell me why I was told to come down here?”

  “Not particularly. Ask the men I told you to stand beside.”

  “Sir!”

  Footsteps approached and Alex caught a glint of gold as a large man clad entirely in armor passed by the cell and barely held eye contact before vanishing from sight. Moments later the footsteps came to an end and the new man set to guard him, known as Veign began speaking. “So boys, why are we down here? Has the king some new toy that needs protecting or something?”

  “Hardly.” One said and another explained “See the locked cell five doors down?”

  “Aye.”

  “That is the person the princess fought back in Alluan and the one suspected in having involvement in the mass transportation in Gagiat.”

  “Really.” Alex continued allowing the marble to cool his aches, but assumed one of the men nodded or gestured through the conversation. “You mean the one the boys said is the imposter prince?”

  “One in the same.” The man explained. “General Peile personally captured him himself and brought him here a week ago. I swear Veign, he is as much trouble as the rumors say. I’m still wearing a bruise from our first encounter.”

  “Oh?”

  “Don’t give me that look. I’m serious. He killed a skilled torturer while being beaten and has injured three of our brothers to the point a healer needed to be rushed down here.”

  Veign then said aloud “That is probably why the general wanted me transferred here. He couldn’t hurt me if he tried… Hey, why is it I have a headache? I rarely get them, but I’ve only been here for a few minutes and out in the hall I didn’t have one.”

  “See the lamps?... They give off a smell capable of making his strength useless. The king says he’s immune to poisons or will quickly adapt to them or something, but this herb extract in the oil makes him as helpless as any of us without our item.”

  So that’s why. Alex finally understood. The special metal restraints, twenty stationed guards and the pungent aroma were all designed to confine me.

  “You’ll get used to it.” The other man said. “The headache will be there, but the smell will wane after awhile.”

  “Are there any more prisoners?” Veign wondered.

  “Aye, but not on this level. The other prisoners were either executed to make room or they were transferred down to the lower levels.”

  “What else do you believe I should know?”

  The original man began speaking again. “That this is the most dangerous prisoner we’ve ever faced. Use the upmost caution and stay out of his grasp. He’s quick so when the trainer arrives we are to secure him before he fights back. We are not to underestimate him. If you do then you’ll get hurt or worse. We aren’t allowed to speak or interact with him in any way. And lastly we aren’t allowed to harm him to the point of death. The king wants him alive.”

  “Seriously?” Veign’s tone changed into skepticism. “After all of the brothers we’ve lost because of him? The King still doesn’t want him dead after disgracing all of us so openly?”

  “Orders are orders.” The man replied and let out a great sigh.

  “Will we at least hear him scream?”

  “Not as often as we’d all like. One thing that is remarkable is his tolerance for pain. He can take more than we were given during our training.”

  “How long before he’ll break?”

  Alex could almost hear the smirk on the other man’s tone. “At the rate and methods being used, he’ll be broken within the week.”

  “That’s something.”

  An hour later Alex heard the familiar squeak from the iron doors that led to the dungeon. Right on time. He thought and rose to his feet again. Alex situated himself against the stone bed while several steps of footfalls descended down into the dungeon. “We’re up.” He heard coming from the right.

  Still trying to feel the familiar surge of strength or rapid beat of his heart remained fruitless, but that didn’t make him reconsider his options.

  Three large men approached the gate. One touched the gate and a faint pop of a sound gave knowledge that the electricity coursing through the bars and walls were gone. Jingling keys clicked within the lock and a screech from non-lubricated hinges gave an opening.

  Alex sprung since both feet remained as bound as his wrists. In the lunge towards the new man in armor he seemed to expect it, but all he did was firmly plant his feet and Alex came to an abrupt stop, as if crashing against a stone wall. Veign simply grabbed Alex by the neck and tossed him back into the cell. The two men watched in amazement as the defensive type warrior effortlessly subdued a man they found a challenge.

  Wrestled to the ground, Veign willed the faceplate of his helmet up slightly and Alex stared defiantly back. In the softest of whispers while struggling the warrior said “Prince, keep struggling.” Alex was more than willing to oblige, but something in the kindness of Veign’s expression and tone made him pause. “Don’t stop till I’ve bound you to the floor. Do whatever you wish, you cannot harm me.” The faceplate dropped and Alex resumed bucking his hips to throw off the large warrior.

  “Chains!” Veign demanded and he heard a clanging of metal striking stone nearby. He reached a hand out and found the iron chains. While quickly and singlehandedly securing the chains to the marble ground, Veign pulled out a folded piece of paper and slipped it deep into his captive’s pocket. Alex looked into the eyelets and found someone not truly out to cause him harm.

  Alex began to open his mouth, but this Veign person shook his head so subtly that only he could notice. Then Veign stood and stepped outside the cell as every guard had done when he couldn’t flee or cause any harm.

  This time two forms entered the cell. The first to slip in was the new practitioner of causing pain that replaced the last one Alex got hold of. The second visitor made Alex’s jaw drop and after full recognition hit, his anger surged completely, tinting his vision red.

  “Rakkel! What are you doing here you bastard!”

  Sure enough his demented cousin stood before him, seeming as smug and cruelly handsome as ever. Rakkel got his blonde hair and blue eyes from his mother Jeda, who died in childbirth delivering him, and showed off Gambit’s features. The bright pink, caterpillar looking item wrapped around his ear allowed him the ability to hear everything from leagues around his position with as much clarity as an idle conversation. He only hoped his cousin didn’t hear what Veign had to say moments ago. From the cold, familiarly uncaring expression, he hadn’t.

  If there is one person Alex wished to rid of the world more than Runkamon it would be Rakkel. Cruel deeds scarred others and watching the one fatherly figure fall by an act of family betrayal warranted a justified revenge. Memories rushed into Alex, especially those the night Rakkel and his squad burned down their farmhouse and killed Gambit. Gambit was Alex’s uncle, mentor, friend and only father figure he had growing up. Rakkel openly ordered his death and Alex and Shade were both too far to intervene before the blade pierced his heart.

  His cousin needed to Die!

  The anger and resentment burned through his eyes.

  Rakkel smirked slightly, acting superior. “Ah, dear cousin, I see your new accommodations suit you well. I hardly recognize you from our last encounter and your sickly visage. It has been what… two years since we last saw each other and the first thing you call me is a bastard? That is no way to start a conversation,
but it is not unexpected for an itemless reject such as yourself. If not for your dull eyes I’d never recognize you. Imagine my surprise when I hear you joined the same rebel group my father foolishly fought in and look at the irony, you’ll die like a dog too. You’re in no better position.”

  “Come closer and I’ll show you a better one.” Alex flexed his fingers in a way that gave little doubt he’d happily strangle the life from him. Large, corded muscles bulged and a slight look of fear crossed Rakkel’s featured as he realized Alex would have no problem fulfilling the promise if he weren’t chained.

  “You believe I’m here for your enjoyment?” Rakkel laughed harshly. “I’m here for my own and to make sure your prepared to meet the king properly by this time next week. He wants you there to witness Freelan’s inevitable downfall before you join him or be killed. Either way you have lost, just as you always have… But I still cannot believe half of the reports of your deeds these past few years. I’m going to prove how misinformed and overestimated they make you sound.

  “Now, shall we begin?” He grinned triumphantly. “I’d like to start with the iron bar if you don’t mind.”

  “Certanly, but do not forget protocol…” The primary torturer allowed and pulled out one of his signature items. A three foot long, inch and a half thick iron bar found its way into Rakkel’s hand. The specialist snapped his fingers towards the awaiting guards and since Veign was new and needed to be properly taught as a jailor he approached. Rakkel then ordered “Do you wish to join the king’s order and live as his servant?” Alex perfectly lobbed a wad of spit directly in his cousin’s left eye. “I’m going to enjoy this.” He admitted, wiping the spit out. “Kick his legs out from under him and make sure he lays flat.”

  Veign did so, pretending to be as uncaring as everyone else within sight seemed to be. He then held the struggling prince down with a golden boot on his lower back. Though he held him down, Alex fought with a ferocity few men possessed after being tortured daily to the point of death.

  Rakkel then moved around, raised the bar overhead and brought it down solidly on the back of Alex’s knee, breaking the joints with a cringing sound.

  The beating continued for much of the day and Alex barely screamed as his cousin beat and mutilated his body, inflicting as much torment and humiliation as anyone could withstand. It seemed as if he endured the brutality for days, but only a single day, daylight hours passed. Rakkel obviously enjoyed himself and it even put fear into those forced to watch.

  After it all came to an end a healer was called in to save Alex’s life for Rakkel had gone further than anyone ever had before. The healer simply repaired flesh, bone and anything detrimental or could cause permanently damaging effects, but wasn’t allowed to take away any pain. Delirious from the session, they took the chains off and left him a crumbled heap. Rakkel and the impressed interrogator/torturer left, leaving everyone else to return standing guard.

  Around midnight, Alex guessed, when the pain felt manageable he sat up, covered in dry sweat from all he endured and the sharp stinging still making his body tremble, but at least he could breathe easier now that even his ribs had been healed. Phantom pain remained. Although he hadn’t lost a limb, he could still feel pain even knowing full well his body had been healed properly.

  The guards had already changed from the sounds of voices.

  Muddled memories slowly became clear. He then slowly remembered what that man in gold armor did and reached at his side. He worried for a few minutes until his trembling, throbbing fingers that had been mangled hours before found the folded letter that had a peculiar feel. Sensitive sight that many wished for truly helped Alex to read in the low lighting. In the letter he read about who Veign is and who had sent him. Never in his dreams would he have though Zara would send someone to watch over and protect him. He understood that the two of them were walking a fine line and would be in serious danger should someone uncover their plot to keep him alive and well. Well enough to not bring about suspicion, that is. For some strange reason, he believed in what this Veign wrote and wondered about the man’s motivation.

  The last line made Alex smile and he did as it said. To destroy the evidence he consumed the letter silently, making sure the guards didn’t hear the familiar crinkling sounds associated with paper and Veign thought enough ahead to write on a special type of paper prepared from nutritious vegetables that is made to be eaten. Alex heard stories of such remarkable rations in Ra’van keeping men alive when hearty rations were gone, but after consuming the bland nourishing paper he found himself with slightly more energy and a clearer head, but the burning oil continued preventing him from harnessing his true strength and escaping.

  Knowing what will be coming soon, he managed to pull himself atop the slab and fell asleep moments later.

  The very morning that Veign arrived in the dungeons to rotate the guards he glimpsed at the slumbering prince and found his jaw hurting from clenching so hard. Thankfully his helmet hides emotion from his brothers in arms. Blood and grime clung heavily to the flesh. The sight of Alex’s treatment went well beyond any torture or interrogation requirements of any captive. And the amount of pain tolerance he endured should have been commended. But knowing now that he saw the rightful prince of these lands made Veign’s belly turn and his anger surface. He couldn’t find anything about the situation to smirk at.

  An hour later the pathetic meal consisting of gruel and bread was delivered by a slave and all the large guard could do was glare and stand at full attention with two other Kings Guard. He tried making conversation to get his mind off dark thoughts, but the ranking officer ordered silence.

  The dungeon went silent so long he could hear his fellow warriors breathing and groaning deep down in the lower sections of the palace jail.

  Just before sunrise a small team of four men came in and refilled the oil lamps that gave off a headache inducing aroma.

  Two hours later he heard the dungeon door open and voices pleasantly approaching. “Here we go again.” The man to his left stated and the three of them approached the cell after being signaled by the captain and hearing the sounds of high class weapon items being prepared for another escape attempt. The shorter warrior jailor removed the ring of keys and opened the gate while deactivating his item that deals a painful shock. Realizing that it would be a safer option, Veign casually entered to see Alex laying in the same position he originally saw him when it was time to change the guard. The bowl and plate were empty and absently Veign wondered when he ate for he didn’t hear any movement indicating he even roused to eat. Stealth to such a degree gave a semblance of fear.

  Veign placed a firm hand on the prince’s shoulder and wasn’t as prepared as he believed as he suddenly jerked around, twisted and slammed his feet against the wall to launch himself towards the open gate. The warrior managed to lunge after him and wrap his large hand around the prince’s foot, bringing them into a fight for submission. He must have read the letter. Veign said to himself as Alex fought harder against him than anyone else he ever grappled with. Sudden disorientation surprised Veign as Alex flipped with incredible strength and unprecedented flexibility and slammed his knees and elbow with all the force he could generate against the golden helmet. It didn’t hurt by any means, but the surprise alone made the other two warriors enter and help Veign bring him under control.

  Secured to a ring in the center of the cell again Veign smiled behind his visor with newfound respect. Few men had ever put up enough of a fight to give him pause and none that had their wrists and ankles bound. While the other two began walking out to take up position Veign slipped another sheet in his pocket and Alex met his stare and winked knowingly from a kneeling position. Such strength after all he endured made Veign realize just how dangerous Alex is, even when held captive. Unbreakable will worthy of respect touched the guard in a way he never knew could be possible. Veign slipped out and waited stoically, but internally he vowed with more determination to set things right for before him kn
elt the one who should rule, not the man several floors above who dominated all who didn’t agree with him.

  Seconds later the duo from the day before returned.

  As usual they gave Alex the choice to change his cause to stop the pain, but again he refused with unwavering will. The one known as Rakkel again administered the brutal beating. Every bone breaking swing and cry of pain truly tested Veign’s restraint. He held fast to his position, but his hatred for this man who appeared to be a cousin wouldn’t be nearly as denied. Soon more blood coated the dirty floor, but still the specialist continued till the prince lost consciousness about six hours later.

  Again a Kings Guard healer’s skills were in great need, but after yesterday’s incident one was prepared and wasn’t long in repairing the broken body of the prisoner.

  At the change of the guard Veign knew what he had to do. He left the dungeon and palace. Fifteen minutes later he went to the finest tavern in Ra’van, a favorite place to relax for the guard. He greeted many joyfully, but instead of sitting in his usual location, he opted for a corner. A task was needed, but first he needed to wait. A waitress came over and quickly brought him a hearty meal to sate an appetite worthy of his size and a single ale to wash it all down. A single silver as payment was all he needed to begin consuming. He tossed it over and went to work.

  It didn’t take long for the true prize to enter the establishment.

  Rakkel entered and took a seat with a few boisterous men.

  An hour later, when the bard finished a grand song, Rakkel stood, spoke briefly and waved to his fellow companions before leaving.