Traitor to the King

by Clare SM Keating

  The people were eager to know what their king was doing or thinking as he seemed to shuffle, and his cloud of advisors pulled themselves in around him. Gently they mumbled to the figure and were spoken to with such a light soft voice that practically everyone within the region started to lean in forward to try and find what was going on. But the Karayan just rolled his eyes and gave a soft snort before turning toward Higatso and noticing how petrified the figure seemed to be over this reaction. Finally, the mumbling stopped and one of the black clad figures of the council stepped toward them both and softly gave a cough. This encouraged total silence as the Speaker, Lord Yeruell, was about to proclaim the word of the king.

  “Our beloved king has considered the proposal and come up with a decision that must be adhered to.” The lord’s voice was high, deep and noble as it rumbled through the caverns and lifted to echo in the silence. Chosen for this stupendous voice and for the fact he was tall and a dominating presence when disrobed, Yeruell turned toward the Karayan and bowed his head gently, encouraging everyone else present to drop to the floor again. “His majesty has stated that the loyalty you are willing to show is rare and to be praised… rewarded even and he believes that you would do well in his command. However, to gain such a position you must defeat Higatso and his majesty has clearly decided that it will be done through the sword. No magic and no other weapon unless it is your body…”

  “I accept. His Majesty is most gracious and kind to consider my challenge and to have praised me.” The Karayan’s words seemed unusually humble for such a being that caused everyone’s skin to shiver with discomfort as he shifted his form about. The beast slowly removed his axe and placed it beside the bench where Damara had been waiting previously; he was watched with astonished eyes as from amongst his great thick garments daggers, throwing stars and other items unknown to the community were pulled out and placed aside. Damara’s eyes were wide almost with horror at the collection of deadly instruments and when she turned to look to Higatso she could have howled with laughter.

  The figure looked as if he had just had his soul ripped from his body and possibly even soiled himself in the process. Amongst the finery he had spent buckets of money upon Higatso was visibly shaking and appearing like a mouse against a lion with the Karayan’s pile of weaponry. He could not boast such a collection or even claim to be an expert in any other kind of warfare then the use of his sword and his magic. With even this mighty power of his curbed by the decision of the king he knew it was suicide and even if this monster did not kill him, then the humiliation and loss of position would. But he had an image to maintain and people to remain afraid of him to justify his bullying methods; he also had to impress his men. Their eyes were upon his trembling form now with expressions of disgust or confusion at the thought of their glorious general being weaker than they were. Knowing of their danger alone, Higatso bowed his head humbly towards his king and towards the Karayan before slowly straightening himself and turning to Lord Yeruell to introduce him for the battle.

  “Very well… pay attention everyone; the challenge and rules have been accepted. I present to you the King’s General Lord Nogroth Higatso the undefeated champion for fifty years. If he is defeated in combat, then his position and property will be relinquished to his opponent… the King has chosen to remain present for this battle and all work is suspended.” The lord growled gently as he then stepped back into the throng of councillors as everyone present began to ponder and mutter in delight. They were surprised by the possibility of this elf losing a battle if only because he had not so far and yet he was not to use his magic. Every eye turned then toward Karayan and Damara as the stranger turned down toward the little female with a soft snort.

  “I am Lady of Benaga, Damara sister to Lord Anouk and I am of the Klangschwert…. I present to you a warrior from the south under the name of Karayan, a student of the Zhjati Warriors of Kougen. He has passed through the Orcreich to reach us and pledges his powers to the King of Virenheim. He has come to challenge General Higatso for his title and has the sponsor of my household.” That said the look on Higatso’s face and the councillors seemed to change. She could practically hear a chuckle from the king himself at the warrior training and Higatso was obviously scared. For any being to have come as far as Karayan had and through such perilous lands, Damara knew that he would be given the greatest of respect no matter the results of this battle. But tenderly he tapped her forehead in thanks before ushering her aside so that the battle could commence.

  As soon as Yeruell and Damara cleared back the centre square of all bodies, the council seemed to stretch outwards about the king as the figure appeared to shimmer behind their black robes. It was obvious a spell was being used to allow him to witness the battle, but not for the onlookers to view him, although no one was permitted to do so. Instead all eyes turned toward the two figures that cast their heavy feet about the cleared floor of the cavern in steady circles. Their eyes seemed to burn as they locked onto one another and the mood of excitement over the battle became chilled with a deadly hush as the pacing slowed and the bodies visibly tensed. It was only when the expression upon the stranger seemed to soften to boredom that the battle began and Higatso lunged forward.

  Surprisingly swift despite his gained weight, the general was able to leap across the circle and straight toward Karayan, swinging out with his slightly curved sword. He kept his grip tight and prepared to bounce away from any strike thrown back at him, but it did not come. Instead his blade slashed the air and whatever flesh lay beneath Karayan’s thick sleeves with a splatter of blood. Instinctively Higatso leapt to the side, pirouetting neatly to come around and prepare for retaliation. When his enemy appeared to be remaining still as if the damage had not yet registered, Higatso lunged again. This time he stabbed his sword straight into the body and howled in rage as he felt the majority of cloth cut from his jab and on the edge of soft tissue. However, another jet of blood spurted onto his hands and he pulled aside quickly yet again, convinced that there should be a reaction from this second thrust, only to find he was not in trouble again.

  Once more Higatso charged and this time he was much more direct and aggressive in his assault. Eyes boggled at the spray of blood and the general boredom of the strange figure as the blade of the general’s sword slashed across his mask and through the eyehole. The moment Higatso cut he froze and gave a hideous cackle of amusement as the gap became dark and the figure did not seem to move anymore. But within a flash the great grasping gloved hands of Karayan launched about the hilt. Though it rattled in the general’s hands as he felt the strength pulling him free from the third wound, the Karayan just gave a snort of amusement.

  “You’re not fighting beast… what no interest now it’s clear I’ll take your head off?” Higatso dared to boast although he trembled at the strength that pushed him away. He was having great difficulty trying to comprehend what was happening here as his attacks were being ignored. He could see blood on his blade, blood upon the floor and yet there had been no sound or reaction from his enemy. Higatso did not know what to do, did not know how he was supposed to fight when his initial three attacks had done nothing to the confidence of his enemy. In previous fights he had won swiftly and only his very first fight had proven difficult; this opponent was confusing and though he wished to mock and goad him into a reaction he was suddenly terrified as the gravelly tone rumbled out to him.

  “If I don’t know you can cut me… how can I tell the effort needed to win?” The stranger snorted gently, almost with a laugh at the idea of this fight actually being worth some real power. The general’s eyes seemed to bulge out of his rounded head with horror and disgust at the idea of being considered worthless when he had already wounded the figure. But from the side-lines Droy’s eyes were widened in thought and then he gave a wicked grin that Damara noticed and slowly she nudged at him for information. For a moment he looked to Martum to confirm his thoughts and the figure nodded his head before Droy bent to the two girls and
whispered toward them.

  “Anouk used to train that way with strangers… checking their range and their strength like it’s a game. It’s not good, you can get seriously hurt but I don’t think this creature even cares!” Droy growled softly in irritation as he watched Higatso continue to mock the stranger as it remained quiet, trying to stop himself from losing face. The figure was becoming more and more afraid of the possibility of being killed and when he tried to think of something else to say on the matter, Karayan’s other hand suddenly leapt out with a closed fist and slammed straight into Higatso’s wide forehead. For a moment the skin on his head stretched as if the eyebrows were being pushed to the other side of his face as he collapsed onto the ground with a grunt.

  “I’ve always been told that the warrior elves of Virenheim were something of a miracle in battle… fierce and powerful despite their slender frames and delicate features. I assumed that even in charge of the home guard, you might be a little different but not so different you’d be flat on your back from a fist to the face. I wonder how old your predecessor was for you to put him in his grave.” The Karayan sighed gently, strolling away from the figure sprawling on the floor to cover his bleeding muzzle from the witnesses. The comments were insulting to everyone present and they all pressed their hands to their hearts, bent their heads and muttered their humbleness towards the sun. The gesture startled the stranger and he spun on his heel to look around as even Damara was copying the odd thing.

  Though Higatso should have also surrendered himself to humility at the same point as his people, he chose to use the distraction to his advantage. Doing something so heinous as to forget that the god Nabuto looked down onto everyone, would have caused a sensation but as the tubby creature threw himself into an aggressive swing he was spotted. The Karayan must have just sensed the air moving as he flicked up his blade to lock onto the guard’s and hold it in place. He held it there for a little while as Higatso ground his teeth together and almost swore aloud before he lifted a leg. Higatso gave a grunt as the heavy foot was swung round to knock the figure straight onto the floor again and the stranger gave a snort of frustration. But once again the grounded man pulled himself upward and swung at his tormentor with his sword, angry that he could not use his powers to defeat the creature easily!

  The Karayan dodged this one easily, stepping away and watching Higatso fall forward and almost into the crowd. But the covered foreigner stretched his arm around to grasp the figure’s back armour and yank him backward. As he pulled the elf into a straighter position Higatso did choose to swear, though parents smothered the sharp ears of their children as the guard swung out his sword again. He had jerked it upward with only the slightest bit of strength but the moment the metal of the blade connected with the edge of the stranger’s mask, there was a sound. It was a horrendous sound like a scream that was echoed by the crowd as it rattled through their delicate ears and grasped their brains for moments of pure agony. From that moment the Karayan released the figure and stretched up his gloved fingers to stroke the mask until it went quiet. The action made Higatso’s stomach twist in disgust… just what was he facing here?

  Swiftly Higatso used the next moment of distraction to try and hit the top of the mask and by some miracle his swing caught the tip of a horn. It fell swiftly to the floor and though it appeared miniscule and insignificant to the spectators, a dark aura seemed to swell from the stranger. With a speed Higatso could not imagine possible amongst the Deep Elves, the creature kicked out into the wide gut and before Higatso could fall onto his back an elbow came crashing down into his head. But with this sudden injection of aggression from his attacker, the guard spun his sword about again to slash at the Karayan’s arm and this time a darker… oilier blood spurt into Higatso’s face and made him grimace.

  It’s not an elf, it’s not Imperial… by the Fallen Devils it’s a demon! I’m facing a demon!

  When the Karayan let him drop to check the wound upon his arm, Higatso pulled himself straight back up and charged forward, his sword against his side as he rammed it into the thick robes of his enemy. But he knew he’d missed and had to twist away from the grasping hands, almost dropping his blade as he pulled it free of the fabric in a messy show. He tried hard to try and catch the approaching arm but whenever he twisted the sword to get past, the Karayan’s own blade continued to meet and match him. So once again Higatso aimed for Karayan’s face and with a few huffs and puffs of fear and concern he caught the horn again but knocked nothing from it. The beast gave a roar of irritation and Higatso tried once more, ducking to the left to avoid an attempt to stab him and in losing balance caught the beast’s helmet. As he scrabbled to keep on his feet Higatso managed to flick the helmet loose and jerk it off as the Karayan dropped his sword to grab at his bleeding face.

  When the helmet fell on the ground with a soft tunk sound, the crowd gasped in shock as they saw a human, an Imperial, head smothered in black shrouds as if he were a leper. The possibility of such a thing struck them all and Higatso grimaced in disgust as the figure turned around to face him. Higatso could have screamed and vomited for the blood to have hit his body but right now he was far too busy in the battle. He was swift to try and fight as he slashed at Karayan’s face, catching his high cheeked tan skin and drawing a line in blood. The figure gave a growling sound of pain at the action before shaking his head in frustration and turning about to slash at Higatso with his sword. The two engaged in proper sword play as they began to dart about the cleared space, the air now echoing with the sounds of their blades and the excitement of the crowd who were now undecided on which of the challengers they wished to see succeed. Even the council members shifted about the King with excitement as they imitated the dodging actions of both parties, eager to see a conclusion.

  As Higatso slashed toward Karayan’s face again he dodged and lifted a foot to kick out, but Higatso swung himself back and pivoted to dodge the foot. He slashed at the limb and scored a groove through the fabric only to find more black blood spurting out onto the floor. Higatso swore at his enemy, threatening to remove his head but when he swung his sword at the figure’s head it ducked once more. With a growl Karayan punched forward with a fist but Higatso managed to dodge again, this time slashing the knuckles of his attacker with a screech of terror as he tried not to be killed as Karayan’s blade lifted to slap at him.

  Despite everything, the Karayan had not managed to score a serious hit with his blade to his enemy and it was clear to those watching that the figure did not really fight with his sword much. They considered the blood drying on the waiting axe and the pure strength of this monster, their minds perplexed by the idea the stranger used the sword for defence rather than to attack. They wondered too if the loss of the helmet was also making the figure more cautious as he continued to try and dodge more than attack. When he did attempt another strike with his blade, Higatso became suddenly confident and was able to dart past and grasp Karayan’s hilt. In sudden close quarters the stranger seemed startled as Higatso brought his sword down into the figure’s shoulder with a hard crunching sound as Higatso felt himself cutting deep into flesh.

  The black blood screeched out past the blade and into the general’s eyes as he gave a scream from the sudden burning sensation it caused. Karayan then grasped the blade in his gloved hands and growled, making Higatso laugh as he pushed forward into the wound with his blade, not willing to withdraw whilst he still held his enemy’s sword. But then something very unusual happened as the Karayan stretched out his long fingers over Higatso’s knuckles and the moment he grabbed them bone shattering crunches filled the air alongside Higatso’s squeal. The grip on the sword was lost, the blade slid out of the stranger’s flesh and Higatso stepped back, still managing to hold onto his own sword despite the fact he knew a few of his fingers had been broken!

  Finally, the Karayan seemed to regain the confidence he’d walked into the situation with and Damara pondered if perhaps it had all been a show to try and get some joy from the
fight. She knew that he was tired of the fight and when he straightened his form Damara winced as she watched him grab Higatso’s sword and yank it straight up into the air. Higatso was pulled up with it, squeaking in pain and then the blade was jerked from his hand and the general slammed into the ground. Karayan then grunted audibly as he swung Higatso’s blade about in the air and then slammed it straight into the stone, shattering it into pieces as the crowd screamed, jeered and clapped their hands in surprise.

  That was it… the fight was over, and the stranger had won!

  Higatso lay crumbled up on the ground whimpering and wheezing as he feared the next action; he had lost and he would now be expected to kneel and accept the removal of his head. The councillors were all calling out to the stranger to take the final blow, to use his axe and the dark clad being agreed to it. He dropped his sword with frustration and the remaining hilt of Higatso’s as he grabbed the massive axe and strolled over to his enemy. Higatso began to weep as he pulled himself onto his knees, his dignity and pride gone as he realised that no one was going to save him, even if it did mean a foreigner would hold a prominent position for the first time in their history.

  “You fought well when you assumed I had weaknesses… but you should have always fought at your best…” Karayan growled in frustration as he strolled to the side of the bent figure and grasped his axe. He looked at his own reflection in the blade for a moment, grimacing with disgust at himself for a while before turning back towards Higatso. The general had not even thought to be humble and deserved this death, but as Karayan began to angle himself for the blow, Higatso began to chuckle as he tried to dig his fingers into the ground. Karayan paused; confused to see the hard-grey stone beneath the figure allow his fingers to dip inward. Before the stranger could figure out what was going on, Higatso gave a sudden violent growl and the stone suddenly became alive. A brown and green wave of energy rolled within the earth, slamming it into Karayan before punching him into the ground, which then collapsed beneath him as Higatso straightened.