Furion's Trials (Book Two of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  “During the course of the next two years some protesters and speaker against my son’s outspoken philosophy began disappearing suddenly or ending up dead. I covertly sent my agents and several fiends to find the culprits or leaders, but very few returned and those that did couldn’t find the ones doing those heinous acts. Those agents that didn’t check in, I now believe, found a connection to my son and he had them killed before they could give me the report. Without any evidence I didn’t have the authority to come in and take control of Runkamon’s territory and instill peace again. I had to abide by the laws set. During this time that my hands were tied, Freelan was founded and stood against the oppressive thumb of the premise that sacrificing yourself for the whole wasn’t right.

  “Alex, when you were a boy you were so happy and loving that everyone fell in love with you at a glance. You brought joy to our house and the people of the city with your smile. Your parents were so proud, as was everyone else. I want you to know that above all else.”

  Gerieg took a moment to have a drink of water before his tone turned tense and ominous. The plot of the story was about to be told and Alex prepared himself by keeping his breathing steady and anger in check.

  “The worst day in my entire life happened on your fourth birthday celebration. Hundreds of nobles and dignitaries came for your birthday as did every other Furion who shared our blood. They brought many gifts and trinkets for your day. But the biggest surprise was that Runkamon showed up with both Rake and Jerkin, after not being seen in the city since he left the day of getting his land. He entered the hall with a chest of valuable trinkets for your day, and he acted strange, that I remember clearly. I’ve never seen him so pleasant, except as a young boy before I brought him and your father to be trained as a Furion. It was unexpected and I thought he had changed into a proper and decent man, and king. I hoped that the burden of rule would have shown that kingship was something for the people to look up to with loving respect and admiration, not fear.

  “My assumption was my biggest regret, for almost all was lost.

  “Nearing the end of your birthday celebration, Runkamon’s ruse dropped. His soldiers had snuck into Royal City and set up preparations to shift power to him. Knowing that as long as there was the firstborn and his heir, Runkamon could never become the true king of Ra’van, he knew you, a mere child, were a threat to his ambitions.” Gerieg pointedly said to Alex who felt a trail of fear descend down his spine. “You were in your mother’s lap at the time, opening the last of the gifts that were brought, when your uncle sprung his trap.

  “Runkamon drew his blade and rushed to kill you first, but your father was the only one capable of saving your life for he was the closest and capable of fighting his brother. Sheul forgot his own blade, thinking nothing ghastly would happen this day. He jumped in front of you and took the weapon in your stead. Before Sheul’s partner could strike back, Jerkin overpowered her and killed her. The other Furions there and personal warriors were killed before they even understood what was happening. Your father managed to kick the throne that held you and your mother away only a moment before Runkamon severed his spine.” Alex’s tears began swimming as the forgotten memories began returning and the description filled in the blanks. He suddenly remembered his father’s large back taking the blade, but thinking it a game as a child.

  “I tried helping Sheul, but his last words were ‘Save them!’ and he pointed to Eriana and you as she clutched you to her chest and rolled away from the kicked chair. Before I made my decision, my son’s armed warriors funneled into the hall and began killing off all the opposition that were loyal to me.

  “When I finally reached you and your mother, Elo lunged at Runkamon. My son grabbed his fang and broke it with his bare hand.” Elo began looking down and rubbed his one half-broken fang as if it still pained him to this day. “As Elo recoiled from the attack and pain, Rake began attacking Sheer, his own sister.” Sheer too looked down and Alex realized that her right scaled talon had a faint scar from a sharp peck. “I called for them to help me get away with you and your mother. To this day the three of us wished we could have went back and ended it all back then.” Elo, Sheer and Gerieg glanced at each other and they truly wished it never happened to begin with.

  Elo then said with regret “Sheer and I barely managed to get away. If not for the fact that other partners who lost their Furion were enraged at Runkamon’s plans began fighting back, we would have fallen prey to Jerkin. In that one night, only three Furions remained.”

  Gerieg then continued. “We were grateful night had fallen for we managed to get passed all of the patrols my son set up and we escaped the city. The balance of power shifted into my son’s greedy hands on your birthday. Many of my most trusted companions perished that night along with my queen when she tried to stop the attack. My son even killed his own mother for she too stood in his way. Those that managed to escape found me in a secret place I told only those of honor. Runkamon gained nearly everything in that night for he planned nearly every eventuality and his endeavor was an almost complete success.

  “The last day I ever saw you was three days after the death of your father, when I told your mother to find a secluded place to raise you in secret, for I was confident Runkamon would stop at nothing to have both you and me killed. I told Eriana to spirit you somewhere not even I should know about, should I ever be captured. I wouldn’t ever tell him of course, but just incase there was the slightest chance that I would threaten your life there needed to be a complete and absolute barrier between us for the time being.

  “I tried several times to reclaim our home, only to succeed in failing. Runkamon put a price on my head so high that it was a king’s ransom, which I was.” He looked to the fire again for it was difficult to keep the connection with his grandfather’s words. “I had many agents and friends under my shield and a few stand-ins when needed, but one of my stand-ins came up to me with a plan that he decided on to save my life and escape. He would be killed and his head brought back for the ransom.

  “I had one of my most trusted agents and dearest friends, Travis, take our friends head and was greatly rewarded by my son in turn. My secrecy needed to be hidden for years. He is now one of Runkamon’s advisors and has secretly given me firsthand information and I’ve been dealing minor blows to the major plans with my men and fiends. I couldn’t deal any personal strikes because my strategy needed me to remain in the shadows. I cannot tell you them all just yet, but you are part of them.”

  Alex understood why things needed to be this way.

  “When I was given word that Allahandra’s wedding was ruined and her parents murdered before her eyes, her quest for vengeance couldn’t be of better use to me. I snuck into her room later and gave her one of Janken’s item’s, in the hopes you’d one day find your way there should it take that long for me to return our home to its proper rulers. I’ve also set up others in the search for you, should you appear and be in need of me.” Then Gerieg became choked-up. “After so many years of silence, I feared you dead and hoped beyond hope that you were safe. When Janken contacted me, telling me you were safe and alive I was happier than I’ve been in many, many years. Even Elo and Sheer were joyous. I packed in seconds, found Kikren’s home and ran full out to find and see you once again. I even broke my cover for the first time since my friend gave his life, just to see you.” He finally smiled again to his grandson. “And here you are, fifteen years later, a full grown man with friends and people who love you. I’m so happy to see you safe and in excellent condition.”

  When Gerieg went silent Alex realized it was his turn to say something. “The past is the past now. I’ve gotten the answers to the life I’ve been looking for and it is lifting.” Gerieg nodded, feeling the same way.

  “Alex Sheulson… I finally have a proper last name.” Alex said with a happy smile and his grandfather couldn’t have looked any more pleased. “There is little we can do in the past and the present is more pressing, but I do have a few qu
estions.”

  “Speak as many as you wish.”

  “What was my father’s partner?”

  “Sheul, like you, partnered with a Shadow Fang. Her name was Helen. He had no other partners.”

  Shade grinned and looked to his brother. “Like father like son.”

  “Do you have any more questions?” Sheer asked calmly.

  “Just one at the moment,” Alex replied. “Since you are the rightful King, does that make me a prince?”

  Gerieg smiled. “More than that, my boy. You are the rightful heir to the throne, a crowned prince. Should I retake my home successfully, you will be next in line for your birthright. How does this news make you feel?”

  “Frightened, to tell you the truth.” Gerieg’s smile turned into a grin. “I’d rather be a peasant than a royal heir. Being a king is not something I’d choose willingly. Too much would be at stake should I make an miscalculation.”

  “Very wise, and for that reason I know you will become a great king. A king’s rule is the heaviest burden one could bare for everyone’s life beneath your station will be affected by each and every choice. Should I fall in battle or by old age, I’d feel safe knowing our peoples fate couldn’t be in more capable hands.”

  Then Gerieg stood up and walked to his backpack and grabbed something from it and walked back. “Alex, please rise.” He did and walked over to his grandfather. Gerieg held something closed tightly in his fist and held it out. “This is your inheritance and birthright only given to those of direct royal blood.”

  Alex’s hand extended and Gerieg dropped a heavy gold ring in his hand. Set inside the stone was a blood red ruby deeper and longer than a woman’s fingernail. Inside the ruby was a skilled engraving of two dots connected by a thin line. Alex held the ring with a weight that only those of noble birth were capable of wearing. He didn’t feel special, how could he? He was a nobody, a peasant, but deep down he knew he was more than a normal person. He still asked “What do the dots and line represent?”

  “The dots signify the division of man and animal, but we are that line for we walk in both worlds and are the only ones capable of binding them together.” Strong fingers helped Alex close his own around the ring. “My only grandchild,” Gerieg began speaking in a compassionate tone. “this ring has always belonged to you. When you were born I had my greatest jewelers craft this ring out of the purest gold and stone in my treasury, as has been done for each generation of succession of kings and their forefathers. I would have given this to you on your sixteenth birthday like I did your father, but it has come nonetheless. Wear this ring as all of the past and future kings have done and will do.” Then he removed his grasp of Alex’s hand and watched to see what decision he’d make.

  Ever so carefully Alex took the ring and placed it on his left index finger. A protector of Freelan on his right and rightful heir to the throne on the left. Alex needed time to sort out the balance and weight.

  But before anything next could be said, Gerieg pulled Alex into a fatherly hug and whispered with honest heartfelt emotion “Oh how I’m missed you, my grandson. Seeing you again after all these years has been my only hope, I’m so happy I’ve lived to see this day come to pass.” Alex returned the grateful hug with one of his own, but remained silent for so much was told this dark night and the emotions filled their thoughts.

  A difficult hurdle has been overcome, but one worth everything.

  As they pulled away Alex asked “So what do I call you now? Grandfather?”

  “Nay, you cheeky brat.” Gerieg said with a grin and tussled his grandchild’s hair. “Until the day your training is complete you will continue to call me Master. When all is over we will see about how you will address me.”

  Silence lasted for the rest of the night. Sheer devoured her meal and Gerieg and Alex ate much of the meat. Elo declined to eat most of the remaining and offered it to Shade who gladly partook. The only meat that remained would be for Alex and his grandfather’s breakfast.

  With so much told this night, Alex was quiet and continued looking at ring that proved his rightful heritage. It was a perfect fit and the physical weight was right, even the weight of succession felt appropriate. Its polished surfaces in the firelight gave the perfect jewel and casing a daunting look.

  Everything about it was flawless. The large stone of the thumbnail size of the ruby showed its worth, the precision cut and engraving showed this was made with skilled care and the polished surfaces shone to perfection.

  What filled most of his thoughts was that of his parents, mainly his heroic father who gave his life for his only son, without thought to his own wellbeing. Alex felt proud of his father’s heroic actions, though the loss of them both still hurt. But the greatest though were that he was born to loving parents, not a blatant murderer. Alex felt proud to take his father’s name. Alex Sheulson, Freelan warrior and heir to the most powerful throne in the land. This kept him smiling more than anything and everyone noticed the dreamy look he didn’t want to hide.

  What was strange was how should he act? He wasn’t like anyone he’s met with nobility. He didn’t feel any more different than the everyday people. His station might be of royalty, but he had more in common with the people.

  What would Lily think if she knew who he really was?

  Soon all were fast asleep when the silence stretched for hours, except Alex and Gerieg as they stared at each other in a new light. No longer were they primarily Master and pupil, but also grandfather and grandson, they were family. Reunited after fifteen years of hardship, they sought fit to sit in silence. Alex wasn’t alone for his family’s blood still ran strong.

  As the darkness began to turn grey, the false dawn pushed the darkness away, until the next night. Neither Alex nor Gerieg slept the entire night, but neither were showing any signs of fatigue. All that had been revealed made it unattainable for sleep. Alex was to be the king in time, if he lived to see the false king’s fall that is. His true father, Sheul, gave his life so that Alex could live on and his grandfather was right here, training him in his stead.

  With a renewed sense of self, Alex swore to set things right. He would do whatever it took to free the people and reclaim his grandfather’s throne.

  Soon all were awoken and Elo was the first to say “Alex, much happened yesterday, but I expect both you and Shade to keep focused on your training. But I must say, Gerieg was right.” Before he could ask what his grandfather was right about Elo said “You were in control throughout the entire story. Although you gave your weapon away you will continue to train, but from now on Gerieg won’t be your sole instructor. When we make camp tonight your next session will begin.”

  “Master,” Alex accepted with a bow.

  Alex and Gerieg had the last of their quick morning meal, stretched and rode together throughout the day.

  Since Shade didn’t need to run as hard yesterday he recovered much of his strength for it showed in his swift run. His speed was so quick that Elo sometimes had to force himself to run harder than Alex had ever seen from the Beran. What’s more, Shade ran the entire day and showed his endurance had increased yet again for he panted heavily, but did not collapse to recover. He was tired, but still had strength to continue.

  By nightfall camp was built and they all ate from a grove of wild pear trees. Each ate their fill and recovered for an hour.

  When all had regained their stamina Gerieg stood and Alex followed, for it was time for a nightly stretch before training. Alex followed the intense poses and miraculously kept his balance, but still didn’t achieve each pose with the proper flexibility. Though the first day of stretching was impossible, this night showed the remarkable process that has taken place.

  After a thick sheen of sweat coated Alex’s skin and the stretching session ended, Gerieg stood proud to begin an explanation. “Alex, there are seven levels in triggering a Furions powers to come at will and not have any dangerous side effects. We achieve perfection and a new sense of clarity through the training
until all within us is in harmony. In the first level, our abilities activate through an outside force or stimulation and we elders find the root of the cause and we intentionally make it occur. The second level is in burning off the instinctively supplied energy so that our item doesn’t destroy our body through the violent quakes.

  “Yesterday you showed me you’ve initially begun learning the third and fourth step of ruling your powers so they obey you, not the other way around. What you did was think upon all the destruction that you’ve witnessed and made sure the priest of the Juguan would never do it again. Now for this session on we will trigger you without telling a story. You must do this on your own, without my entire help this time. Do as you did yesterday and take control yourself.”

  “The fourth level will begin with me.” Elo stated. “I will give chase and your priority will be to either flee or stand your ground while trying to trigger your item by yourself. From now on, instead of using your power once a day we will do it as many times as it takes until you are worn to exhaustion or you reach the next step in your ascension as a Furion Master.”

  “What are the other three levels?” Shade asked before the training could commence. He was just as curious as Alex, but was the first who managed to ask.

  Gerieg looked between the brothers and said “Each step will be explained in time and in sequence. For now we take these steps one at a time as they present themselves. When Alex gets adapted to doing this himself we will go to the fifth step. Let me tell you this though, each step is more difficult to master than the last. Soon you will be able to turn on your strength without any hesitation or thought. Your item will come to your call each and every time once these two steps are mastered.”

  Gerieg had Alex sit down, cross-legged. He gave simple instructions to his pupil on how to slow his breathing, close eyes and find a calm, serene center. Once Alex was fully tranquil he realized the stretching helped focus and keep relaxed. With a whispered tone Gerieg gave Alex the steps on how to find what he needed.