The Bad Seed

by Michael Lackey

  "There is my princess!" He tossed her into the air. "You're getting to be a big girl! You will be grown before I know it." George longed for the day he and his family could settle back into their small farmhouse and for everything be normal. Time will only tell.

  After everyone had a chance to eat and have their wounds cared for, Benzoete motioned for Antoine to follow him. He led him to a small room in the back of the stables where a barrel had been placed with candles lit around it. On a table beside the barrel was the Book of Ancients, opened to a page near the front.

  "You asked me why your family was cursed with the burden of the Champion of Light. This was no curse it was a choice. A choice made many centuries ago by your ancestors. Do you know why the orcs were attacking your village that day?" asked Benzoete.

  Antoine looked confused but answered, "Because they were looking for food and resources to carry back to their village. It happened more than once; it was not a rare occurrence."

  "Yes, it was not rare for your village. The orcs did not raid any other village, at least, not to the extent of the carnage they laid on yours. What made yours so special? Why on this day did they bring so much death and destruction?" Antoine did not know how to answer this. "I will show you why." Benzoete pointed to the Book and read:

  "The days of the great war were hard to bear. The Gods knew they needed to create a vessel to nurture a Champion of their Light. This Champion would harness the power of the Light and be able to use this power to banish demons into the pits of Hell. They asked their most trusted angels to stay on earth and continue the line of Light. The angels had the choice to stay and fight for the Gods or return to the heavens. The Champion can only be born to a mature female descendant while the males will possess powers of war. These males will use their power to protect and honor the Light in all forms, any deviation from this will draw them to evil and be damned."

  Benzoete looked to Antoine. "You see, my child, you and Natallia are descendants of that first line of angels left here to protect this world and deliver a Champion of Light. Natallia is the first female of your line in centuries to live to a mature age. The orcs were acting on their instincts of darkness, trying to kill her before she reached adulthood. The orc race is a brutal race indeed, but flat out massacre is not in their nature. They were guided by darkness, looking to dim the Light one more time."

  Antoine searched his memories, trying to find the truth in this. He recalled his father telling him he was to protect his sister from all dangers, no matter the cost. "My father taught me the way of the sword, told me to use this talent for the Light, to protect my sister and all innocents. Our parents were always protective of us. I thought it was normal. I see now, it goes beyond parental love. Does this mean we are angels?" asked Antoine.

  "Your bloodline is from the ancient angels that came to this world. You and your sister and all before you were half angel and half human. The females in the bloodline were the only ones who could produce a champion. The males in the bloodline were unrivaled in fighting and celebrated battle leaders, sworn to protect. If the Champion of Light can rid this world of the demons, he will fulfill the destiny of your people. He then can take a wife and live a somewhat normal life. You also can marry and have children. Just know, as long as there is darkness, your children will be hunted, especially the females. Darkness is never truly gone. As long as there is light, there will be shadows."

  Angels. They were direct descendants of angels. This simplified why their father fought so valiantly to defend his children, not only for the love he possessed for them but also for the love he had for the innocent lives still on this world. Antoine knew he had to protect Natallia. She held the hope for all mankind.

  "Thank you for sharing this with me. It has provided a clear picture for me. I have one last question. You read that if there is any deviation from this, if one of our blood turned from the Light, they will be damned. In what way?" Antoine asked.

  Benzoete's face became stern and still, "Dori'naur and his brother both were once angels that turned from the Light. An angel not in the Light is damned to be a demon."

  This answer shook Antoine to his core. Dori'naur and Rauko' were angels at one point. He and Natallia were in direct relation to the demons.

  They rejoined the others at the fire to share stories and ale. Gabriel and George were telling stories from their childhood and the children were having play sword fights with sticks. These brave people were the last hope to save their world, and they were bound and determined to do it. They were going to find the Tomb of the Elders, and they would bring back the Champion of Light and a new Dragon Rider to put an end to these demons for all eternity.

  The group laughed, drank and shared stories of battle and loves lost. Saduj, the newest member of the refugee army was eager to get to know his new companions, "Good people! Let us celebrate today's victory in the name of our king, all hail King Gabriel!"

  A deafening cheer arose from the patrons of the pub. "GAB-RI-EL! GAB-RI-EL! GAB-RI-EL!" they all shouted.

  Saduj lifted his mug to Gabriel. "Raise your mugs and honor yourselves for a well won victory!"

  The group gave themselves a toast and a pat on the back. George and Elizabeth took their leave to tend to Launa. Gabriel and Antoine were making sure the men stayed within their limits for they were leaving at first light toward what they hoped was the Valley of Ice Shadows.

  Benzoete and Elos talked of old tales with Saduj of Mordit City, back before man took it over when it was still called, Terra'Fayoak. Suddenly, Lucas, the first of the King's Guard, fell to his knees knocking plates and mugs to the floor. Grasping at his throat for air. Benzoete rushed over and tried to help but it was too late; he was gone.

  "This was poison!" declared Benzoete. "I have seen this before. The red marks along his throat are signs of Crimsunrain, a deadly plant that constricts its victim's airway until they suffocate. This plant was thought to be extinguished over two centuries ago."

  "Then where would it have come from? Who could have access to a plant that has not grown for over two thousand years?" asked Elos.

  Gabriel instructed the men to take Lucas out and ready him for a hero's burial. "Well, we don't know that is what happened here. We cannot be afraid of our own shadows for the real shadows await us, and we need to have a clear mind to overcome them."

  As the people retired to their sleeping quarters with heavy hearts, Benzoete stopped Gabriel. "My king, I know that is Crimsunrain, my people used it against our adversaries until we felt it was too dangerous to be left growing wild. We gave the orders to destroy all the plants and seeds to keep it from dangerous hands."

  Gabriel leaned in close in case anyone was near. "I know you speak the truth, but without proof we cannot let the men think we have more dangers to consider than we already do. We will find the ones responsible and deal with them quietly."

  With the death of Lucas, the group traveled solemnly for days to come. He was a trusted and proven warrior. He would be missed. Antoine had the feeling something was wrong, that something was out of place. He kept it to himself and rode silently, until he could find proof, as well as pondering this new family information he had received.

  21

  Brothers Grim

  “What do we hope to find within the Elders tomb?" asked Antoine.

  "During the great War of the Gods, the first elders were hand chosen by the old Gods to carry out works for the Light. Given as a gift, the first elders possessed a great weapon to battle the evil minions of Craotonus. This gift was forged in the heavens by the Gods themselves a blade made from their immortal and holy blood. This blade was a deep crimson color with its hilt formed from the purest gold mined from the mountains of Terra'Fayoak. They called it the Bloodblade. When used in battle against the minions, it would destroy the very essence inside them, returning them to the ashes of creation." Elos explained.

  "The Bloodblade served a great use for the elders, it won many a battle where the outcome should have gone
the other way. The second seat of the first elders was held by a High Elf mage named Aliz'Ra, my mother. She wielded the Bloodblade with deadly precision," Benzoete said.

  "During one of the biggest battles of the war, this was the turning tide that sent the minions of hell back to where they belong. Aliz'Ra and a troop of her wizards were pushing back a large group of minions when the ground started to quake, and the air seemed to get thin and dark. Inside a black and purple swirl of mist, Craotonus himself appeared and led the fight. In the troop of elven wizards was a very young elf new to the order. That elf was me.

  "Aliz'Ra knew she had to protect the others and help get them to safety. She gave me the order to retreat and help the other soldiers while she served as a distraction. I thought she was to protect us from the rear and be right behind us, alas I was wrong. Her plan was not to be a distraction, but to also confront the evil God and end the war right there. She waited to see her followers get to a safe distance before charging in.

  "Craotonus reared back and let out a bloodcurdling roar sending the minions into a frenzy. They were no match for Aliz'Ra and the Bloodblade. She cut them to pieces and made her advance toward the demon himself. Craotonus then summoned a portal to flee and fight another day after seeing the determination in her eyes and the blade of the Gods in her hand.

  'Stand and fight me coward!' she shouted.

  “Craotonus laughed. 'We will meet again, dear wizard. Next time you will not fare so well!'

  "As the portal opened and the demon jumped through, so did my mother. She knew wherever they went she had to end this. The remaining wizards and I saw her rush in and when the portal closed, the last minions were defeated." Benzoete choked as the words came out, trying to hide his emotion. “But she did not return, and I feared the worst”

  “‘We need to find her; she will need our help against the demon!’ I shouted. ‘I saw Malotorin, the first seat of the elders standing before us, badly wounded.’

  “'She will give all to defeat this threat, as we all have. The Light will guide her and help her. I just hope it is enough, for I fear we cannot endure much more,' he told me.

  "I did not want to accept that there was nothing more to do for my mother. I wanted to continue the fight as long as I had breath in me. To this day, I keep up my search for her, for I know this was not the end of her, I feel it."

  Benzoete composed himself and continued the story. "It was not long after the battle Malotorin succumbed to his wounds and passed to the afterlife. Craotonus and his followers were not seen since the battle that took him and Aliz'Ra from us. Everyone believed the war to be over and peace would follow. Chrin'lolas, an elderly elf, held the last seat of the first elders, and decided it was time to leave Terra'Fayoak to search out new lands for the elves. This marked the dawning of a new time, a new way, and a new life.

  “As Chrin'lolas struggled to lead the elven people alone, he was visited by one of the old Gods, Hagorith, in person, atop the mountains of Terra'Fayoak.

  “'You have served us well Chrin'lolas, you are deserving of rest. Search out a place to lay the body of your fallen elder and prepare it as your own. We will watch over you, but your days are short. The minions of evil still lurk, as from the Light there will always be shadows cast. We fear the blade of our blood is lost to you, take this.

  “When we saw our brother, Craotonus, had turned to evil and darkness we wept for him. Our tears collected as one at our feet. It formed a powerful gem that when forged into a blessed blade will become a powerful weapon. It holds the power to banish evil and shed Light upon the world. Craotonus is a celestial being and the only way to truly destroy him is with the power of another celestial being. This gem holds our essence, keep it safe. We fear it will be needed.' Hagorith told him."

  "So Hagorith told him to prepare his own grave?" asked Antoine.

  Elos replied, "Yes, we believe the Gods delivered Aliz'Ra's body to him after the tomb was prepared."

  Benzoete seemed to lose himself in the story. "Chrin'lolas took the gem and spoke the name, 'Heaven's Tear'. The gem shined bright in his hands and felt warm to the touch. Chrin'lolas took a group of our most trained high elf wizards and set out for the final resting place of the first elders. Before he left, he appointed me a true high wizard and placed me in a position to lead. Along with myself, keeping with tradition, Chrin'lolas appointed two others. I still remember his speech to the people."

  Benzoete straightened his robe and reenacted as if he was the former leader.

  “‘Today marks a day true to elven history.’ he said to his people, ‘We must make our way to the other realms and start anew. I give you Calaerphen, he will lead whoever will follow him to the realms of the sea. Gailben, she will lead those of you who wish to live out your time in the peace of the mountains, stretching forth to the heavens. Lastly, we have Benzoete, son of our own Aliz'Ra. He has been tasked to lead you to the cities, markets, and trade ways. We need to branch out, to spread our race. We need to help those who need us. Foremost, we will help our own kind whenever the need is present.

  “‘Families, you must choose your leader and follow them. If you do not choose, and wish to make the journey, Eska'Taurn will be opened and waiting for all who wish to settle there. Once the families enter Eska'Taurn, the doors will be sealed to guarantee our races survival, all who wish to return can enter, but no one shall leave.

  “‘Choose well and live in peace. I am taking the remains of our dear elders to our final resting place deep within the catacombs of the ice. Go forth and make our race proud of the sacrifices we have been able to endure. My last request of you is this, honor me as your Elder. Go in peace and go find happiness.’

  “Hearing the last speech of Elder Chrin'lolas, I made a vow before the Gods, ‘I will strive to honor my mother, and the elders in their name. I will choose the Light over the darkness and fight for those who the Light shines upon,’ he said.

  "In the speech Chrin'lolas said he took the remains to their final resting place, I assumed they had found my mother, or her remains delivered, and felt overwhelmed by sadness. She had given her life for her people." Benzoete began to cry remembering.

  Benzoete would spend centuries fighting the darkness and helping all that needed him as he settled into the commerce city of Weelinn. While researching in his library he discovered the Book of the Ancients. With that discovery, all of history would be mapped out and Benzoete did not like the outcome he saw. So now the refugee army searched for the Tomb of the First Elders and so does the Demon Brethren. If they can find it, can the demons open it? If Benzoete and George get there first and can open it, can they bear what lies inside of it? What memories will flood Benzoete with the opening of his mother's tomb?

  22

  Zachery Feels A Jolt

  It has been ten years since Zachery and Natallia left their home of Amundiss. The two are still trying to blend in. They live in Southland, Georgia and have learned their new home is on a place called Earth. A fair and simple world; filled with new adventures and things to learn. They have met some truly nice people willing to help them and go out of their way to help them fit in. The most important ones so far have been an old woman named Miss Lizzy and her granddaughter, Cassy. Now, Miss Lizzy is a wrinkly, loud, and a genuinely outspoken old woman, but she does not hesitate to help someone in need. She and Cassy have provided a lot of information about Earth, and in particular, Georgia.

  "Zachery, for you to be an adult, you don't know much," Cassy told him.

  "Have you ever been to England? Things are much different there than here. I bet you would feel lost also," said Zachery.

  The biggest news on Earth the last ten years, well as far as they were concerned, was Natallia giving birth to a healthy baby boy. Yes, the Champion of Light was born. A strong baby boy born without tears. He came into this world that is not his, only to leave it to save another. Gabriel had been able to see his son on occasion through the mirror, needing to be wary as not to scare the lad. With magic
being their only form of communication to their home world, they had to be careful. A few years ago, Miss Lizzy heard Natallia speaking with Benzoete her from the hall. She had to explain cautiously.

  "Natty, you aight in there? I hear voices," Missy Lizzy called through the door.

  Natallia swung the door open, "Oh, that! I pretend sometimes to talk to my husband, and that day he asked what our plans should be for Billy. It kind of helps me cope and stay sane." She said in a panic.

  Miss Lizzy rubbed her stubbly chin. "I can see that. Motherhood can be a rough one when going at it alone."

  Natallia named the prince Tradan, after her father, but around others here they just called him Billy. "Prince Tradan of Whitehold. That is a fine, upstanding name fit for royalty," Gabriel said as he gazed upon his son the first time. He wept at the first glance of his son. He knew now they had to keep fighting the demons. They had to try and save as many people as possible, for one day his son would take the throne and he needed a kingdom to come back to.

  THE LAST TEN YEARS for the refugees had not been a pleasant journey and rough many times over, but after the prince was born, they knew the final years were upon them. Tradan will soon celebrate his tenth season or as they are called on Earth, his birthday.

  "His tenth season is upon us, he needs to start training, my lady. Elos and I have searched the pages of the Book as best we can. Do not try to force it on the child. He is born of an Angelic race, if he is ready, he will take to it grandly," Benzoete told her through the mirror one day. He had given them pointers on how to ease Tradan into his training to have his power develop.

  As for Zachery, his training as the next Dragon Rider was an intense but slow process. He has taken the teachings from Benzoete and Elos and tried to apply them, some went well, some not so much. One night he almost burned down Miss Lizzy's barn while trying to channel the inner fire of the Rider. He told Benzoete what happened, and it seemed to puzzle the old wizard. "You say you were trying to channel the power of inner fire and you started a blaze around you?" he asked Zachery.