Darrin saw the look on Charles’s face and said, "Where’s Cyrus? We can discuss this in front of our distinguish guests."
Charles said, "Cyrus has fled. We couldn’t find him. His tracks seem to have disappeared."
Darrin didn’t seem alarmed. However, Charles could see Darrin clenched his jaw.
"Can you find him?" Darrin said.
"Yes, he mentioned a graveyard of the Drakus Vinnikai," Charles said.
"Yes, I remembered he mentioned this back at Druthic," Darrin said. "Oh, I am sorry. Charles this is Brutan and Rachel and the lady with the mask is the Shade."
Charles ready surmised who the masked lady was, but he thought the Shade would be taller and stronger. She looked like a young girl.
"I came back in person to ask your permission to find him and bring him back," Charles said.
"Yes," Darrin said. "He might be in trouble."
Charles knew what Darrin was hinting at. He wanted Charles to track him down and, if necessary, kill him.
"I will go with you," the Shade said.
Darrin said, "I agree. Charles I think you need somebody to help you. Cyrus has been acting very erratic lately. Who knows what is happening to him."
Charles was surprised. He didn’t need the Shade’s help.
"Brutan," Narah said, "I want you to stay with the Freedom Fighters."
Brutan said, "Where you go, I will follow. You need my protection." He stared at him.
Charles said, "Do not get me wrong. I actually do not want her to come with me."
Darrin said, "The Shade is not under my command. She can do what she wants to do."
"I feel a storm is coming. We need to leave at first light."
Darrin said, "Are you sure you can find Cyrus?"
"Yes, he doesn’t know the ways of the forest. I can find him."
Darrin said, "I hope his magic will not unearth any old arcane powers."
The Shade said, "Charles do you believe Cyrus is becoming evil?"
"I think he is becoming twisted somehow. I just don't know."
Narah said, "Cyrus is not capable of killing. He has always been so kind."
"He has killed several times, since I have known him."
Charles had an odd feeling about the Shade. He wondered how she knew him.
•••
Captain Mercer saw darkness and sweet slumber. He wanted to fall asleep in death’s arms. His pain was gone. His sorrows were gone. He saw a bright light far away in the darkness. He reached out to the light, but he didn’t have any arms. Yet, he knew he was moving closer. He was at peace. Something snatched at him. He tried to get out of its grasp. He almost escaped. However, this thing grabbed him and compelled him away back into the darkness. He opened his eyes and all he felt was an intense desire for revenge. Captain Mercer forgot about the beautiful light.
Dark cloaked figures came out of the blackness. One mage said, "You are reborn. Seek your undead army. You now have power over them."
Captain Mercer tried to say something but his words burned in his throat. He scanned his hands and his body. He was bandaged from head to toe. He furiously tore off the bandages. His skin was tattooed all over with dark red runes.
A dark mage continued. "We have a surprise for you. We have made you armor and a grand steed."
The dark mages fitted him with the armor. It was color of night. Another mage gave him a large black broad sword. Behind him, he heard the snorting sounds of a horse.
"Command it," the dark mage said.
Captain Mercer lifted his gauntlet-clad hand and beckoned the horse to come to him. The beast dutifully came closer. The steed’s eyes glowed a blood red. The horse stopped in front of him and bowed its head.
CHAPTER 50
Hearing that Cyrus had changed frightened Narah. She thought the choices she had made contributed to Cyrus altering into somebody she might not know. She should have seen this when he displayed magical powers a few months ago at the capital. Since, she was a little girl, she knew Cyrus was different and this uniqueness drew her to him.
Darrin was kind enough to supply her with some salves and medicine in case Cyrus needed them. She didn’t know what shape Cyrus would be in when they found him. She placed them in her traveling pack.
Narah detected somebody in her tent. She said, "Hello Darrin."
"Ah, you have grown in your abilities."
Narah said, "I always remember the footsteps of my teacher."
"Yes, I have taught you well. However, you have grown beyond my teachings. Do you know why I want you to go with Charles?"
Narah shook her head.
Darrin said, "Cyrus needs to be stopped."
"Why?"
Darrin said, "You know I was not born in this kingdom. We have tales about the Drakus Vinnikai. We had called them Protriats. They were protectors until they turned to evil."
"What has this to do with Cyrus? Surely, you do not believe he is one of those mages?"
"I am not entirely sure. I cannot believe he is a Drakus Vinnikai. It was my former nation, which helped stop them a century ago. If Cyrus finds the Drakus towers, he might return those mages into power and we all would be in trouble."
Narah said, "Darrin, I am in love with Cyrus. He will not harm me."
"I know. That is another reason you should go."
"Yes, thank you."
"Please return. I want you to rule instead of your uncle," Darrin said.
"I am still not sure," Narah said.
"Do not worry about that for now. Do not be surprise if Cyrus is not the person you remember. Having so much power in one person can corrupt a man and render him insane. I have always like Cyrus. I hope we can help him."
•••
Earthy smells, trees fleeting by. He moved quickly along the forest feeling so powerful. Sensations unknown to him before appeared to him. He found himself sitting on the ground. Giant scales spread throughout his skin. His body and mind were primal and he moved by instinct. Everything seemed so vibrant and new. He forgot at times where he was and why he was traveling. However, he always remembered the tower. It was his home. His instincts were honed and bred for death and destruction. He was challenged by a wilderwolf and he answered. He tore and killed the animal without a moment’s thought. He moved swiftly away.
The sun broke through the dark night. He awoke in a patch of grass. It was early morning. He looked at his hands. He was himself again. He wondered if he was dreaming. Did he change into a beast and devour the wolf? Yet, he felt a yearning to change again. It was as overpowering as his arcane powers. He suppressed this thought. He didn’t realize where he was and needed to get his bearings. He saw the marshes ahead of him and knew where he was, the capital was several leagues to his northeast. He tried to remember what happened to him. His memories were scattered.
He was well-rested and looked for his traveling sack. He didn’t have anything on him. A cold breeze came from the mountains. He needed to make himself a fire and find shelter.
•••
The Freedom Fighters prepared for battle. They marched along the main road to the capital. Darrin expected some type of resistance from the emperor. His scouts told him there was a small garrison of royal soldiers southeast from here. He kept them prowling along the southern flank, in case they tried to attack.
It was a gamble to let Narah go with Charles. She was his only hope for the revolution to survive. Narah was smart and capable of leading the new republic. He didn’t trust the other commanders in his army. They were capable enough to fight a war but not to govern over a nation. He had to think of the populace as a whole.
"Sir," his commander said, "a messenger just came. He has an important message for you."
"Yes, Robert, bring the messenger to me," Darrin said.
The commander brought a young lad to him. He was weary and his eyes look wild.
The young lad said, "I came from Druthic. I made haste, as soon as we saw," the lad looked over his shoulder.
"Come now. You are among friends. Do you have a message?" Darrin said.
The lad looked scared and constantly scanned around him. His hand held the hilt of his blade.
The lad gulped and said, "Sir, Commander Varsly has been slain, and Druthic is overrun by the dead."
, "Calm down. You are safe here. Repeat everything what you saw. What is your name?"
"My name is Brandon. We were attacked at night. The dead came from the mist. It was the dead royal soldiers come back to life!"
Brandon stopped and trembled.
Darrin said, "Brandon you need some rest and food. We will talk later."
Brandon trembled and said, "Sir, I saw Captain Mercer. He was dead. He was the person who killed commander Varsly. He will kill us all!"
Brandon’s voice rose to a high pitch.
Darrin said, "Robert, bring Brandon to the doctor."
Commander Robert took the lad away.
His other commander, Johan, said, "What do you think?"
Darrin said, "I don’t think the dead can come to life. Brandon is obviously delirious. Captain Mercer must have come back with Royal soldiers and overtaken Druthic."
•••
Charles led Narah and Brutan to the area where he last saw Cyrus. Even though he had second thoughts about Cyrus being a Drakus Vinnikai, he still was acting differently.
They found the spot. Charles viewed the ground a few minutes looking for Cyrus’s footprints. He stopped after a few minutes.
The Shade said, "We’d better start moving. Cyrus is a whole day ahead of us."
Charles said, "I was just wondering if Cyrus is dangerous as we think.”
"Are you having doubts that we should find him?"
"I have been having doubts, since Darrin made me spy on him. I wished Cyrus gave me an explanation why he left."
The Shade said, "Do you know why I wanted to come with you?"
Charles said, "I am not really sure."
"I am here because of the princess,"
Charles said, "I don’t understand."
"The princess is a personal friend of mine. She told me to watch and protect Cyrus."
Charles now understood. The princess was in love with Cyrus. The Shade was her eyes to the world while the princess was in hiding.
"Okay, but Cyrus is beyond saving," Charles said.
"I do not believe he is beyond saving."
Charles stared at the Shade for a few seconds. He wished he could see the Shade’s eyes through the mask.
He said, "Ok, let’s start moving. The place Cyrus was looking for was the graveyard of the Drakus Vinnikai mages. He said it was north from here. It is called Kravel."
She said, "Do you know this place?"
Charles shook his head. "The place is not on any maps. All we can do is head north."
The Shade said, "I just came from the prison mines. I don’t want to go back."
"You do not have to come."
Brutan said, "Mistress Shade, we don’t have to follow this fellow. We can find Cyrus ourselves."
"No Brutan. We will go with Charles."
•••
The emperor smiled while he looked at his new warriors. He heard the sounds of his warriors snarling.
"These men have been transformed your highness," Barthrow said.
"Ah, very good," the emperor said.
"We still have more conversions to do."
The emperor said, "Can these warriors fight?"
Barthrow smiled and said, "Please bring in the prisoner."
A prisoner was ushered into the chamber. He was dressed in armor and held a shield and sword. When the captive saw the emperor, he screamed and brandished his weapon. His demon soldiers leaped at the prisoner and tore through the prisoner’s chest with their long claws. Another demon soldier ripped off the prisoner’s head. A shower of blood shot into the air and spilled on the floor and walls.
"Good. Stop!" the emperor said.
The demon soldiers stopped their blood lust and went back to their place.
The emperor said, "Excellent. We are ready."
"I have even better news for you. Captain Mercer is back and he brought back the Royal Army with him."
"Well, why didn’t Captain Mercer report this to me?"
Barthrow said, "He will. Do not be shocked because Captain Mercer is now the undead. "
The emperor smirked and said, "Nonsense, there is no such thing as the undead."
"He will be here tonight. You shall see for yourself."
•••
It was nearing twilight. Cyrus’s head felt feverish and he was weak. He walked through the forest feeling a little scared. He found some edible berries on a bush nearby. His Familiar followed his steps. Reza changed into a glass sphere. Sometimes, Cyrus forgot it was even there.
Cyrus said, "Reza."
"Yes."
He stopped walking. Cyrus was awestruck.
"Why did you not talk before?" Cyrus said.
"You couldn’t listen. You have to learn to listen to me."
"Can you help me?"
"You don’t need my help. You have all the power and knowledge you need. Your father gave you that knowledge," Reza said.
"The Rathraka."
"Yes," Reza said.
"How do I use this knowledge?"
"I do not know. You are Drakus Vinnikai."
Cyrus didn’t know what to do. His Familiar was right. If this knowledge was ready for him, how could he utilize it? He needed a guide, a key. He knew he was changing but changing into what? He wanted to use his magic but he didn’t give into temptation.
He heard a howl of a wolf sounding in the night. Other wolves responded. Cyrus could smell the scent of fear. He was ready if he needed to be. His magic wrapped around him like a soft blanket.
An animal appeared in front of him and growled, "Great One."
"Yes," Cyrus said.
"We are yours to command," the wolf said. "My name is Grrl, the alpha female of the pack."
"Why do you call me the Great One?"
Grrl said, "It has been many moons since the Great Ones came. You are the Great One."
Another wolf carried out a large stag for his dinner.
Cyrus said, "I will start a fire. Your brethren can have most of the animal."
"Thank you, Great One. The hunt was long. Will you join us later in the hunt?" Grrl said.
"No. I need some rest after I eat," Cyrus said.
He roasted some meat and ate. After his dinner was done, Cyrus sat next to the fire. His blood was on fire. He wanted to roam free with the wolves. He heard their howling throughout the night.
CHAPTER 51
The Freedom Fighter camp settled into the night. The sounds of leather creaking, low conversations and metal rang in the dusk hour. Darrin walked alone. Most of his troops knew him by sight and nodded to him as he walked by them. His battle awareness was on edge. He was disturbed about the message from Brandon. Even though the lad was delusional, Darrin didn’t know what happened at Druthic. Even in his sleep, Brandon whispered evil things. Darrin knew dead men didn’t rise from the grave and stalk the living. But while travelling to their destination, Darrin saw a steady stream of people who fled the capital pass through their battle camp. They spoke of blood sacrifices, black magic, and demons roaming the streets killing anything they saw.
Darrin walked back toward his tent. A cold breeze stirred and he gathered his cloak around him. He smelled the scent of decay. He turned with his sword in hand. Nobody was around him. His senses were playing tricks on him.
•••
Traveling north from the spot he lost Cyrus, Charles wondered if the Shade was always so quiet. He tried several times to engage her in conversation, but she didn’t respond. He wished he made this journey alone. Brutan was a large man and walked very slowly. The night was fast approaching, and Charles decided to stop for the day.
The Shade said, "Couldn’t we travel awhile longer?"
A wolf how
led in the distance. Brutan raised his weapon. Another wolf howled. The wind was coming downwind. They couldn’t smell them. Charles thought wolves did not travel this far north. They usually stayed by the forests and mountain area. The twin moons were full, shining lunar light along the fields.
Charles found a small clearing. He had Brutan gather some wood. They started a large bonfire. The howling of the wolves continued. The noise unnerved Charles.
The Shade said, "It is odd how the wolves keep on howling."
Brutan grunted and started to sharpen his sword.
Charles said, "I know. Wolves hunt in packs and are territorial. I think there are several packs of wolves gathering for some reason."
The Shade said, "I think wolves served the dark Wizards."
"We have to be alert tonight," Charles said.
They ate their rations. Brutan and Charles stockpiled as much wood as they could find. Charles took the first watch.
•••
Charles gently shook her. Narah didn’t want to be awake. She was dreaming of her bedroom in the capital. However, she jumped up and crouched in a defensive position.
"Shade, it is your turn to take the watch. I’m getting sleepy," Charles said.
Narah noticed the wolves had stopped howling. But the usual sounds of crickets and animals of the night had not started. It was alarming how quiet it was. Charles slumped into his bedding and fell asleep. The fire started to burn low so Narah added more fuel. She stretched and gazed at the dark corners of the trees, and bushes. She stretched her senses to the limit trying to gauge if anything was hiding amid the foliage. The bonfire seemed too small.
Darrin always told her to relax and search with her true feelings. Sue tried but could not. She felt something or someone was looking at her. The fire crackled. She took out her weapon.
She heard something. It was moving through the underbrush. She couldn’t determine the location. She heard the noise again except it was louder and coming closer. She was about to awaken the others, when something stopped her. A little girl came out of the bushes to her left. Narah could only see some of the girl because the night covered her features.
"Hello," Narah said.
The girl stopped and looked toward her direction. A chill hit Narah. She dropped her weapon. The little girl beckoned her to come closer. Narah started to move toward her. She couldn't help herself. Somebody was controlling her movements. The closer she got to the girl, the more she felt repulsed and sicken.
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