Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  He turned around and yelled “Sound the bell eight times and send word to all commanders that we surrender by order of Runkamon.” They were reluctant until he said “Do it or you’ll all be executed as you should be for attacking your future king!”

  They all ran.

  Only Veign remained as a King’s Guard, all others were either lifeless or running to complete orders. Thane struggled to right himself a dozen yards away.

  Freto stayed close and asked “Prince, what else do you want done?”

  Alex didn’t answer right away as he asked “Lily, you’ll be alright. Help is on the way. Tell me what you feel.”

  “Pain… Everywhere…” She grunted. “Hurts… too… much… to… move… and… even… breathe…”

  “I will send for healers.” The elder exclaimed, turned around and stopped.

  Then the first bell struck a deep resonating note that spread throughout the city and emanated directly below the garden. A moment later it rang again. Silence again befell the city as each ring seemed to grow louder and heavier than the last. In less than a minute eight tolls of the bell sounded and a quiet blanketed the land. Sounds of battles, explosions and feral sounds came to a complete and abrupt halt.

  “Freto,” Alex said while not even taking an eye off his woman. “Do what you can to help Zara with our grandfather.”

  It took several moments to fully sink in. the elder turned to look at the naked and beaten man being tended between Zara and Veign with Kyri staring right at him since he was the only conceivable threat. He then yelled in recognition “MINE KING!” and ran with all he had and before Kyri felt it were an attack Zara said to let him through. The man knelt at the king’s feet and cried. “My liege, I had not an iota of knowledge you were here. Had I known I would have freed you and done as is befitting of an old friend. I have failed your father and now you… I will make things right!” he declared and stood to hurry, but stopped when he felt his blue robe being weakly tugged. He spun to see Gerieg’s mangled hand weakly holding on.

  Gerieg coughed, shook his head and opened his mouth to inadvertently show that both his teeth and tongue were savagely ripped out. Words came out slowly as little more than a whisper, but he said even without a tongue “It’s too late, old friend. My time is short and even if it weren’t too late I would refuse healing. My heart is broken worse than my body because of the death of Elo and Sheer. I’m bleeding internally and am surprised I’ve lived so far in this day. I feel I should have died an hour ago, but it won’t be long.” His one remaining eye met Zara’s. “Granddaughter, bring me to Alex. I must speak to you both before my strength ends.”

  “I’ll do it.” Veign said and slipped his arms under the king’s shoulder’s and legs. He easily lifted the large, broken old man and gently walked a hundred feet to where Alex remained by Lily’s side. Zara stayed close and both Kyri and Freto walked behind. Marlin watched the scene and remained standing guard, trying not to laugh as the fat person continued grumbling several yards away.

  Alex looked up and watched as Veign lightly laid Gerieg in the soft grass beside Lily. He looked between her and him. “Alex?”

  “I’m here, Grandfather!”

  “Good. Now you, young man, what is your name?”

  “I’m Veign, your majesty.”

  “Then Veign, remove your helmet and let me see your face.” He did so and placed the helmet beside himself.

  Veign very carefully leaned Gerieg up as Zara knelt down beside her cousin. Gerieg looked between them and both Veign and Lily too. He said quietly “Lily, I realize you are in pain, but listen closely. Both you and Veign must realize that although you are not Furion, your heart is just as powerful. You unconditionally love my grandchildren, that I clearly see. Through you two you will bear great children. Raise them as well as you can and do not spoil them too much. Being the lover of a Furion is fraught with difficulty, but the rewards are great. Should the time come when my clan no longer rules, continue to teach them in the old ways of balance and harmony. Runkamon disregarded the teachings and turned out as he did. I also must say that should you four have children and the unfortunate day come that you aren’t around you must tell one person not of your confidence about our ways and trust them to raise the children. Do you both understand?”

  “Of course.” Veign admitted solemnly.

  “Aye…” Lily growled through the agonizing pain while keeping her item around her head.

  “Thank you.” Gerieg coughed and spat blood and both Alex and Zara came closer, but knew they couldn’t do anything. When the fit ended he continued “Alex as of right now I’m crowing you king. Although I’ve taught you some of the duties, you will need help. Take this to heart. Listen to the advice of Travis, Kikren, Janken and Freto here for they are good men, but you must act as you see best. Although Kikren likes to call himself my servant he was actually one of the four councilors before my son destroyed all I upheld. Use their wisdom, but rule good and true. If you ever get overwhelmed delegate your duties and relax. I must stress you do not become complacent as I did so long ago. Lastly you must retrain your cousin as I had taught you. She will learn the skills more quickly, only because of circumstance. Take her to our ancestral capital.”

  “I will.”

  “And Zara, know that although I’ve only spoken to you the once, I’m glad. I’ve always wanted a granddaughter to dote on, but seeing and speaking to you I know my wish came true in a way. You are every bit as beautiful as I dreamed. Work together with Alex and nothing can stand in your way. Your kindness and compassion as a female Furion will help make a better future. Let your instincts guide you. Listen to your cousin for he too will help you to truly understand what it means to be a Furion…” He began coughing more violently and weakly. “Darkness is calling me I’m afraid, but just know I die happy. My descendants will be in the best hands… I love you both…”

  Gerieg leaned forward and began coughing more harshly and wheezing began getting louder as he breathed in. Veign patted his back to help clear it, but suddenly Gerieg turned his swollen and beaten face to his grandchildren and smiled so lovingly that he died seeing a fruitful future in the two remaining adults of his clan.

  Chapter 26

  Even with her eyes closed Lily knew Gerieg’s life ended and she too cried like all who were present, but none more so than Alex.

  Veign leaned the once great king down and saw that the smile lingered even after death. He leaned him straight and crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Get me up!” Thane demanded as he continued to struggle and stand.

  Angered at such a pathetic excuse of a man Marlin approached him and turned back “Alex, what do you want me to do with him?”

  Alex wiped the tears away and inquired the same question to Zara. She said “He’s a cruel and vindictive being who revels in the discomfort of his subjects and sees women as less than property. His father isn’t any better. Without his power he’s helpless, although he deserves death for his cruelty I cannot condone it.”

  He nodded and said “Then my first order as King is that Thane and his father be stripped of their title, wealth and all authority and be expelled from all cities within Ra’van’s domain. They are hereby exiled, but if they should have any children they will not share their fathers fate and be allowed in as a citizen if they so choose.”

  “Wise decision.” Freto advised.

  Thane began shouting and crying.

  Marlin looked at him and said “Shut up!” and slammed his fist into the man’s face, knocking him completely out while breaking his bulbous nose.

  Moments later came a rumbling sound deep within the castle. It grew louder and more distinct as it came closer. To Alex it sounded like a stampede, but with a single-minded focus. There were many shouts to drop weapons and skirmishes ended quickly for those who didn’t obey. Still the rush of sound grew louder the closer it came.

  Many deadly forms spilled out into the decimated garden and leading the charge was th
e battleaxe wielding king of Alluan. Rakkian quickly took in the bloody and smoldering scene as fifty warriors and an assortment of fiend lords gathered. Beta stood at his side, coated in the blood of all who foolishly stood in his way.

  Kyri exclaimed “Not a step closer!” and hissed a small flame.

  Many fiends flattened their ears against their skulls and crouched.

  “Enough! There has been enough blood spilled this day!” Alex roared.

  All fiends postures rose in confusion until realizing it was Alex who spoke. Gruesome grins spread on every muzzle.

  Rakkian ordered “Stand down men! It’s over, we won.” seeing a familiar face staring right at him.

  Every warrior cheered after many seasons of hardship.

  Marlin whistled and said “Can a few of you help me throw out the trash? Alex exiled this whale.” More laughs resulted and Rakkian nodded. Five warriors approached and took charge of expelling Thane and told Marlin to stay here.

  The General-King approached with Beta while the men secured the palace. Kyri stepped back to stand behind Zara to glare at any who ventured too close. Rakkian’s proud grin vanished as he looked upon the lifeless eyes of the man who murdered his first love and raped and murdered his daughter. His axe was already coated in blood, so why not, he decided and beheaded Peile’s corpse. Satisfied his vengeance over, he hurried to Alex when he realized he hadn’t moved.

  “Stand back.” he ordered the man with gold armor and Zara both. They complied without question or hesitation and he felt they weren’t a threat. A look to Beta was all that was needed to be sure his reasoning wasn’t proven wrong. He knelt, and examined Alex’s nakedness and the shackles still clasped to his wrists and ankles, finding him unharmed and then to Lily to find her not so fortunate. “Tell me what happened.” Rakkian asked kindly to Alex and he explained what transpired quickly, saying only the most vital points that Rakkian needed. He pointed to Runkamon’s corpse and received a pat on the shoulder. He explained further about Zara, Kyri, Veign and Freto’s contribution and were innocent. Rakkian closed his eyes to give silent thanks for he didn’t recognize Gerieg until Alex told him.

  Alex finished by stating “And I sent Ava and Shade to find either Allahandra or Niranene to help Lily. She’s in critical condition and says it hurts to move and even breathe.”

  Rakkian laid a hand on Alex’s shaking shoulder, knowing much has happened and his worry to be quite understandable. He then turned around and ordered “Men, find one of our healers who came with our party. Tell whoever to stop what they are doing and get here immediately. We need to help Lily before one of our strongest healers arrive. Move!”

  Half left to do as ordered. The remaining took up a defensive position.

  “Help is coming, Lily.” Alex said while touching her protected cheek tenderly.

  “Heard.” She tried to joke, but couldn’t even open her eyes.

  “You got here quick.” Alex noted while worrying over his wife.

  “You can thank Marlin’s brother for that.” The general-king admitted and Marlin approached to kneel as helplessly by Lily’s side as the others did now that reinforcements arrived. “Beta and I were pulled from the front lines by an emergency summons from Allahandra. We had begun our siege for only five minutes before being withdrawn. We arrived and were surprised to see she had withdrawn every level five warrior with a fiend lord and some who were of standard size. Pirn had been screened and met her faster than any person has done before. Under the circumstances I’m glad he was. Angie had much to do with expediting his need to speak to my queen. She then ordered me and all she gathered, six hundred and nine men and equal fiend to be led by Pirn into a forgotten smugglers passage. It was a tight fit, but we managed to sneak in. To circumvent Ra’van’s seers we weren’t allowed any knowledge of our destination or what to expect. We arrived in quick order, but the passage wouldn’t allow more than three men or one fiend any escape within the tunnel. I’ll admit, it gave me pause to risk my men’s lives by taking a untested path that could have been a trap or collapsed upon us. Eventually Pirn got us in without any hassle. Our Shadow Fangs lured away the bulk of the Kings guard till I got all my men out of the tunnel and we all attacked in unison.

  “We fought them till they retreated into this palace. Our Beran began lobbing acid against the doors when our items proved ineffective and it worked, but we didn’t breach the gate before they kindly opened it for us and threw down their arms at our feet…”

  “Because of you” Alex began saying in a much more rational tone. “Lily was able to use your distraction to harm Runkamon. She took a chunk out of him and it gave me the edge. If it weren’t for your impeccable timing we might all be dead.”

  “It was a group success. We worked together as I hope will continue, King Alex.” Runkamon stated in all seriousness.

  “That will never change, Rakkian. I could care less about the throne. Remember, I’ve only known about my heritage for about three years. I have always believed I was a commoner, a slave even. We’ve been through too much and shed blood together. It is a lot to take in, becoming king as I have, but I’m still me. My past has shaped me into who I am. If I prove to be a tyrant like my uncle I give you permission to kill me an appoint a proper successor that’ll rule justly.”

  Zara gasped, thinking the man with dark skin would to it regardless and claim it all for himself like any power hungry man would.

  Rakkian grinned. “I too give you permission to do likewise. We are brothers in arms, ya. We’ll keep each other in check, but I doubt it’ll be necessary with our queens already doing a great job at it.” Zara sighed, noticing it was their way to express friendship.

  “Where is she?” A man in a white coat demanded with a large Orggian whooping at his side. Both looked out of breath with blood and sweat clinging heavily to them.

  “Over here, healer!” Rakkian waved.

  The healer rushed over and began seeing to Lily, asked for room and what happened to get a clearer diagnosis on how to aid the patient. He pulled a satchel from around his shoulder as his Orggian knew he couldn’t assist her and began going over to the positioned guards, to use his hair to stitch up wounds and use his saliva to help quicken the healing process. The healer then stated “I’m only a level three healer, but I believe her neck might be broken. Her item saved her life for if what you say is true he would have knocked her head off with the strength he used. But pain is a good sign. If she felt nothing I would be much more worried. I cannot move her without knowing exactly what is broken for fear it might do more harm, but I can ease her suffering.”

  “How?” Alex inquired.

  “By putting her in a deep, healing sleep. My items take longer to heal, but they are highly effective.” And withdrew an egg-shaped violet item. “Lily, when I tell you, you must take the deepest breath you can manage and hold it.” He then broke the shell and it became a fine powder. He brought it right up to her metallic mouth and said “Breathe deeply now!”

  Lily shuddered as she inhaled the dust in a sudden move to get it over with. They all watched as she held it for a few tense seconds before coughing out some powder, but in seconds her expression of pain slacked when it took effect. Her metallic features began flowing like water as the defensive item took up its neutral position on her torso as blissful unconsciousness took all the pain and agony away.

  “Alex!” he turned to see Ava and another Fury lord flying right at them less than a minute later. He raised his arm and she landed on the offered perch. As she came to a stop, Breaker landed nearby. “Shade is coming quickly with Allahandra. Niranene and Krum are riding Clift and will be here soon.”

  “Good work and thank you.” Alex then brought her close and hugged his feathery sister in a tight embrace. “I missed you, little one.”

  She nuzzled her cheek affectionately and took in his scent, it wasn’t exactly right, but he had been through much and musty, smoky smells had seeped into the skin. “And I you. We we’re all worried about
you and seeing you again makes all the worry and pain disappear.” She then leaned away. “How is Lily?”

  As he explained, Zara met Rakkian’s disconcerting stare. “Ava just said Shade is bringing Allahandra here quickly… Why are you looking at me like that?”

  Before he answered he told his men to make sure nothing disastrous happens to Allahandra as she comes. Rakkian then explained “You are a danger and until I know you won’t kill me or my men I won’t let my guard down. Woman or not, you are undeniably a powerful foe.”

  “You needn’t worry about that.” She explained. “I truly cannot kill. I can defend myself and break you, but I cannot kill anyone. It is impossible for me to even consume meat because death is revolting. I can draw your blood, break bones, but to even think of taking a life fills me with dread. I’m female and we of the fairer sex of the Furion clan cannot kill. I don’t know why, but we just cannot.”

  “Kikren said something similar…” he then cocked his shaved head and wondered aloud “Why are you dressed in a wedding gown?” She smiled and explained. He then met the blue eyes of a man of equal stature as himself. Quite rare, he admitted. “And what is your part in all this. Alex said you helped and kept him alive and well during his imprisonment. What did you have to gain?”

  “Me.” Zara stated and wrapped her arm around Veign’s waist while blushing. The warrior smiled and blushed as well before saying “She was the reason I initially tried to help, but after meeting Alex I knew he was worth following and saving. I’m just glad the worst is over.”

  Rakkian shook his head seriously and holstered his battleaxe to his back. “That is wrong. Ya, we’ve dethroned Runkamon, but it will take much effort to right all the wrongs and corrupted minds he influenced. First Alex must officially and publically succeed the throne, win the loyalty and hearts of the people. Much anger and resentment will rise and most do not like change. Time will tell and many battles lie ahead, but if you rise to your full potential it will work.”