by R A Oakes
A dozen had dared to accept the challenge. Many had been impressed with Ulray’s courage during the ambush. The tigers had concluded that in his chest beat the heart of a tiger and felt like they were helping one of their own.
“Ripta zenkur toolray mintar!” Eldwyn began shouting repeatedly as the big cats had surrounded the dying prince and felt their life energy flowing from themselves into Ulray. One big cat in particular had thrown himself into this experiment with all his heart. It was Chaktar’s great, great grandfather, and he’d believed in the young prince most of all.
The physical world is but a fragile, surface-like skin over the real world. A rule of thumb for wizards is that if you can see it, feel it, taste it, hear it or smell it, then it doesn’t have lasting value. True reality begins when conventional perceptions are no longer of any use. Being blind to all things is the first step onto a bridge that takes you into the land beyond.
Even in those early days, Chaktar’s great, great grandfather had possessed courage beyond his peers. As a battle cry, he had given a loud, ferocious growl while his inner spirit charged across the bridge into the unknown. The giant tiger plumbed the depths of those uncharted waters and dove into the dying man’s soul heedless of what peril might await him.
The farther the tiger’s spirit went into Ulray, the greater his belief in the prince had become. On the deepest level imaginable, right at the very boundary between life and death, Chaktar’s ancestor had battled mortality as he fought for his new master’s life as well as his own.
But during the battle, things had gotten mixed up a bit. The stronger Prince Ulray had become, with the energy of the tigers entering him, the more he began to help Chaktar’s ancestor fight the forces of darkness. The prince and the giant tiger were committed to an interlocking, mutual alliance. Eventually, it became hard to separate the human’s spirit from the tiger’s.
As Ulray had pulled away from death’s door, he and the big cat rose up from the depths of the prince’s soul. However, apparently, they came back into the physical world too quickly and hadn’t allowed time for their spirits, their life energies, to separate properly. And so, some of one had gotten mixed in with the other.
Much to their surprise, Ulray had awakened in the form of a tiger, and Chaktar’s ancestor had awakened in human form, and though Eldwyn was relieved that his prince was alive, the young wizard didn’t know what to make of the transformation. He’d assured Ulray that the change was temporary, but that was pure speculation.
Gradually, the man-tiger and the tiger-man had reverted to their original forms. At first, however, they had trouble stabilizing, and for days they’d gone back and forth repeatedly between human and big-cat form. After about a week, the man remained a man and the tiger remained a tiger. Mostly.
Months later, when they’d made their way back across the almost 2,000 miles separating them all from Dominion Castle, Prince Ulray and Chaktar’s great, great grandfather were virtually inseparable. Wherever Prince Ulray went, Chaktar’s ancestor followed.
The mighty tiger was at his friend’s side when the prince had been crowned King Ulray Kardimont. Not long afterwards, he’d served as best man at the king’s wedding, fortunately being in human form that day. But this had caused some astute court observers to wonder where the tiger was. Others had speculated on who the stranger was standing next to their king, given that the two men bore a family resemblance.
King Ulray had never lost the feelings of intense gratitude he felt toward all the tigers who helped save his life. Yet his undisputed favorite had always been the biggest cat of them all, Chaktar’s great, great grandfather.
However, a half-century after that dramatic day when twelve tigers and one dying prince joined spirits, life at Dominion Castle had changed considerably.
First of all, King Ulray was now dead. And Chaktar’s great, great grandfather had passed away years ago. Chaktar’s great grandfather had joined his ancestors right before Swarenth and his gargoyles had overrun Dominion Castle. Chaktar’s grandfather had been born shortly after Swarenth took power.
So, Chaktar, his father and grandfather had lived their entire lives under the rule of gargoyles. They’d rarely seen a human.
So, instead of enjoying King Ulray’s continuing gratitude, the big cats all faced Swarenth’s endless scorn and derision. The gargoyle warlord saw them as a symbol of the Kardimont dynasty, which they were, and he never tired of making their lives miserable.
Not long after conquering Dominion Castle, Swarenth had come up with his favorite way of mistreating the big cats. He’d begun having them fight armed gargoyles in a public arena, and it soon became a badge of courage for his warriors to test themselves against the big cats. Some winged apes fought panthers and cheetahs, but the most prestigious fight of all was for a gargoyle to pit himself against a tiger.
Chaktar’s father and grandfather had already died in the arena, and the huge, 700-pound tiger knew his own death was inevitable. It was only a matter of time.
The arena was the real danger, but there was one other thing that got on his nerves, an ancient tiger named Prophet.
Of the big cats living in Dominion Castle, only one had been born in freedom. Only one could remember King Ulray Kardimont, and he was called Prophet because he was forever predicting the return of a tiger king who would set them free. Chaktar, however, readily dismissed such optimism.
To him, false hope was worse than no hope at all. The absence of hope could grind a creature down, but false hope led to nothing but crushing disappointment. When hope collapsed, those depending on it caved in. To stay strong, Chaktar felt he needed to purge himself of expectations that were not rooted in practicality. If you couldn’t prove it, Chaktar didn’t want to hear it.
“The way gargoyles treat us is just plain wrong,” Prophet had repeatedly told the other big cats. “When King Ulray was alive, he treated us like family.”
Also, Prophet had constantly urged Chaktar to accept more personal responsibility by assuming leadership of the big cats, a role the huge tiger had turned his back on.
“The truth is, big cats are bred for sport,” Chaktar had responded making a realistic assessment of the situation. “Swarenth loves watching us die in the arena. All that saves us from total destruction is that the warlord keeps enough big cats alive to serve as breeding stock. Big cats don’t need leadership because no matter how hard we try, Swarenth’s warriors will eventually kill us. All we can do is fight hard, die well and take a few gargoyles down with us.”
“Certainty of death isn’t an excuse for giving in and submitting to Swarenth’s plans for us. We should refuse to fight,” Prophet had responded.
“You know what happens to big cats if they refuse to fight. They’re shoved deep into the dungeon and die of starvation. Some even face torture, and for what?” Chaktar had asked.
The huge tiger sometimes thought, Why do I allow Prophet to draw me into these philosophical debates?
And the answer was always the same. What else was there to do?
At times, Prophet could be especially relentless, and today was one of those days.
“You’re the largest, the smartest and the bravest big cat, and you can transform into a human. That’s a rare gift passed down from one generation to the next. It’s obvious that part of King Ulray Kardimont lives in you. When you change into a man, you even resemble him. You could have been his brother.”
“Prophet, you’re all caught up in the past because you lived in those days. I didn’t. King Ulray died 25 years before I was even born.”
But the old tiger wouldn’t be dissuaded. “You’re a member of the royal family. Ulray’s life energy flows through your veins.”
“That’s a problem, not a privilege. When humans ruled Dominion Castle, if a tiger changed into a man, he could blend in. But now, anytime I feel myself changing into a human, I have to hide.”
“Chaktar, after I die, you’ll be the only link the other big cats have with the past.”
<
br /> “The past is dead, Prophet.”
“Not if you keep it alive. The other big cats need hope, and only you can give it to them.”
“It’s easy for you to talk about hope. You don’t have to fight in the area. You don’t have to struggle just to stay alive.”
“For more years than you’ve been alive, I fought gargoyles.”
“When’s the last time you fought in the arena?”
“It’s been quite a while,” Prophet admitted.
“I’ve never seen you in the arena, ever.”
“I retired before you were born.”
“Retired? No one else has ever been allowed to retire.”
“True, all of my friends are now dead.”
“But you’re still alive. How is that?”
“Chaktar, I was once a great tiger gladiator. Many gargoyle warriors had tested themselves against me and lost. In my last fight, which I won, I sustained a serious injury to my left shoulder. Out of respect for my courage and numerous victories, I was sort of put out to pasture. However, in all honesty, I wish I’d died in the arena. Over the last few years, I could have let myself just waste away, but I’ve stayed alive for a reason.”
“And what is that?” Chaktar asked in a cynical tone of voice.
“I’ve stayed alive for you. Your father died in the arena before you experienced your first transformation into a human, which took place on your second birthday.”
“I remember.”
“Your father died before your first birthday. I had to stay alive to explain what was happening to you and why.”
“You’ve been telling me about this for years. So, why not die in the arena now?”
“I will.”
“When?” Chaktar asked.
“After you accept your role as one of the last remaining members of the Kardimont family left alive.”
“One of them? Who else is there?”
“Tarlen.”
“He’s dead.”
“No, he’s not. He’ll return to fight Swarenth.” “He’s taking his time. His father died 30 years ago.”
“He’ll come back. King Tarlen Kardimont is one of us. He should be able to take the shape of a tiger. None of his older brothers or sisters had the gift. The ability only goes to one member of each generation. He has to be the heir.”
“So you’ve told me 100 times.”
“King Tarlen can’t forget us. Always remember, you and he are brothers. You share the same bloodline.”
“My brother, if he even views me as such, has long since abandoned me. He’ll never come back. Never.”
“Yes, he will.”
“Prophet, why not fight in the arena once more and put yourself out of your misery? Maybe I’ll finally get some peace after you’re dead.”
“And if I did fight again?”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“I used to be able to leap farther than any other big cat.”
“How nice for you.”
“Chaktar, how would you like a shot at gaining your freedom?”
“Get in touch with reality, we live in a fortress.”
“Tomorrow, Swarenth is moving the fights to the smaller arena outside the main gate.”
“That’s nothing unusual.”
“The wall encircling the fighting area isn’t as high, and the distance from the top of the wall to the platform where Swarenth sits isn’t as great.”
“So what’s your point?”
“I’ll join you in the arena tomorrow, and we’ll fight together.”
“I don’t think so. I fight alone.”
“Are you afraid I’ll upstage you?”
“No, I’m afraid you’ll be an embarrassment. And if the gargoyle gladiators find you to be an easy kill, it might increase their confidence and make my job that much harder.”
“They won’t find me an easy kill. And after our opponents are dead, and the crowd is on its feet cheering our bravery, I’ll take advantage of the noise and confusion and create a diversion. Meanwhile, you will choose that moment to change into a man.”
“In front of everyone?”
“Everyone will be looking at me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ll leap up onto the top of the wall, then spring forward and jump onto the platform where Swarenth will be sitting.”
“I’m not sure if I could make the two jumps you’re talking about.”
“I can.”
“Really?” Chaktar asked doubtfully, yet also curious to see whether the old tiger could actually make those jumps. It wasn’t totally impossible, but it would be quite an impressive feat.
“Yes,” Prophet said with confidence.
“Why even attempt it? What could you hope to gain, your freedom? Even if you attack and kill Swarenth, there’s no way a tiger could escape from the arena.”
“But you could. It’s going to be total chaos, and all the guards will be running towards me. At that point, change into a man and slip outside.”
“I’d be naked.”
“Improvise.”
“Yes, of course, provided we get that far along in your plan. First, we’ll have to defeat the gargoyle gladiators, and only the best dare to face me. So, the outcome is by no means certain.”
“We’ll win. Then after you slip out of the arena, head northwest and make for Skybrook Castle. Keep off main roads and travel only at night. If you really push yourself, you can get there in two weeks.”
“Why Skybrook Castle?”
“Swarenth fears Lord Stallington’s reputation, and though I’ve heard that Swarenth’s planning an invasion of that region, he’s not ready to attempt something that big, at least not yet.”
“Why not? Everyone has heard of the Fighting Eagle’s achievements, any warrior that is, man or beast. But he’s still just a man.”
“There’s a little matter of a young woman who has surfaced, and Swarenth almost panicked when he learned about her. If you meet someone named Aerylln, help keep her safe. She’s our only hope.”
“I thought your dreams centered on Tarlen, your Tiger of Dominion Castle?”
“If King Tarlen had sufficient strength, he would have returned by now. Find Tarlen and Aerylln, find them both.”
“And if they’re together? If they’ve already found each other?”
“Then, it’s the beginning of the end for Swarenth.”
“You want Swarenth taken down, and you want it badly, don’t you?”
“He’s responsible for the death of Ulray Kardimont, and he took Dominion Castle and turned it into a pigsty. On top of that, he robbed me of the life I could have lived as an honored member of the royal family.”
“You’re a member of the Kardimont family?”
“Yes, I, too, am a direct descendent of one of the original twelve who had the courage to step forth and help their dying prince. But I’m not like you, a descendent of the most courageous tiger, the one who could become human. However, my ancestor’s life energy mingled with Prince Ulray’s. They were blood brothers, and Ulray accepted him as such. That’s why I know King Tarlen will accept you as his brother as well.”
“You know nothing about Tarlen.”
“When he was a boy, I knew him, and Tarlen had an air about him that was special.”
“What do you mean?”
“Even as a child, Tarlen feared nothing. He possessed a mental toughness that made you proud to be a member of the Kardimont family.”
“He could have changed, but anyway, only a fool would try to recapture this castle.”
“The blood of five centuries of Kardimont kings flows through Tarlen’s veins. He won’t stray from his duty to regain Dominion Castle for the Kardimont line, and it won’t take a fool to do it.”
“What will it take?” Chaktar asked starting to get caught up in the old tiger’s enthusiasm.
“It will take someone with a compulsion so insistent, so demanding that to deny it would destroy any chance for perso
nal happiness. It will take someone with a soul so filled with a calling to be king that to deny it would condemn the person to a meaningless life. But a true king is not anxious to accept such a burden. In his heart, he understands how it will consume him. A true king gives his life for his people. Becoming king is not a thing of glory, but one of humility.”
“Prophet, we’re just two tigers in a castle ruled by gargoyles. I applaud your dreams, but they are madness.”
“Are you willing to attempt to escape tomorrow?”
“Of course, being out of Dominion Castle will be a relief.”
“Gaining your freedom won’t be enough for you.”
“Why not? It’ll beat being in here.”
“Without a sense of purpose, freedom can be its own form of prison.”
“Even if you’re right, a prison without walls or cages will be a major improvement.”
“Not necessarily. In fact, it could be worse.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Chaktar said laughing at the thought of anything being worse than living under gargoyle rule and fighting in an arena.
“A tiger, or a man, can use prison walls to hide from himself. He’ll claim the walls are holding him back, and that they’re the reason he can’t succeed in life. However, when you’re free, you have no one to blame but yourself. Some would prefer prison to the awareness that they don’t have what it takes to make it in the outside world.”
“If you get me out of here, I’ll be forced to confront myself, is that it?”
“Exactly.”
“And you’re willing to give your life for this?”
“I’m willing to sacrifice my life, but not just for you. Swarenth’s abuse of big cats must end. Also, the Tiger of Dominion Castle will be hungry to be with his own kind. You can help to strengthen Tarlen. Tigers are the symbol of the Kardimont line of kings. Help lead his men into battle.”
“Prophet, you have an incredible vision of what life could be like, but I’m not up to it. I’ll fail you. All I know is how to stay alive in the arena.”
“Don’t worry, you won’t fail me.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t expect you to be motivated by idealism. I’ll leave that for King Tarlen. However, something else will motivate you and give you all the strength you need.”
