The Bad Seed

by Michael Lackey

  The Shadow Lord was starting to regain some of his strength and replied, "Because when you let your children become more powerful than you, and let them have free reign, they will turn on you."

  Craotonus told them. "The mortals became afraid of the shadows, shunned away from Malonox and sent their prayers to us. The more they prayed, the more Akadius convinced us that Malonox had gone mad and needed to be banished, that we needed to be in power. We confronted him and used our joined powers to overthrow him. We were convinced he was wrong and could not be trusted. Akadius made a magical pact that kept Malonox from the heavens and barred him from killing the mortals. In that pact, it also stopped the Gods from stepping into mortal affairs.

  “If Malonox kills a mortal directly, it takes his power, if he kills more, it could remove his entire existence. Akadius was made Lord of the Heavens when Malonox fell. His word was and is law."

  Dori'naur asked. "So, what will happen if the Gods meddle with mortal affairs?"

  Craotonus lowered his hood, revealing his disfigured face. "We become banished from the Heavens and live our days as a demon. It could lead to our demise."

  "So, this is why we have the army,” Rauko' declared. “We invoke our will to the orcs so Malonox will not be directly involved."

  Malonox slowly stood now. "Exactly right. We need more of the very essence that feeds dear Craotonus and me to follow our cause. If the Heavens are to fall, we will need to start with the son of Akadius and this Champion of Light." The Shadow Lord looked to his followers. "We will have this world as our own, and every other world we choose."

  BENZOETE, ELOS, AND Aliz'Ra were busy going over the plans to unlock Eska'Taurn. "Can we really do this?" asked Benzoete.

  Aliz'Ra nodded and replied, "Any door that is locked, can be unlocked. We will need to use the power of the Book of the Ancients has, along with our own to do this. Elos, I need you to watch over us as we channel the spell; we cannot be interrupted."

  Elos bowed before her. "Anything you ask, madam elder, it shall be done."

  The three walked toward Gabriel, ready to instruct him it was time. "My King, we will be taking our leave now. We have most of the necessary items, the rest will be acquired along the way," said Benzoete.

  "May the Gods be with you every step. We will make our way to the outskirts of Weelinn. When you have unlocked Eska'Taurn, you and your people shall meet us there. I hope along the way we can find more willing to fight for the Light." Gabriel bowed before Aliz'Ra and bid them farewell.

  "You are a noble king. You and all these people with you are the reason Eska'Taurn will be opened once more.

  We will fight our enemy and crush them beneath our boots, once and for all." Aliz'Ra told him.

  Benzoete turned to George, "With the doors of our homeland opened, you will meet your mother. No illusions this time. I know she will be ready, but will you?"

  George smiled. "I have seen many marvelous things on this journey. I’ve discovered who I really am. This will be a final piece to my life, I am ready."

  The two embraced, then Benzoete turned to leave. As he reached his horse, Benzoete called out, "Zachery, take care of your sister." The old wizard smiled and gave the two a sly wink.

  Antoine shouted, as the elves mounted their horses and started on their way, "Godspeed friends, we will be waiting for you. As for the rest of us, we need to head out. We have a long journey to Weelinn."

  Weelinn, the city where everything started to take place for me. They had told us the demons raided the city and killed a lot of people while searching for us. How many of its citizens were still there? We didn't know, but we prayed there were some.

  Antoine, George, and Gabriel rode side by side as they made their way to the city. "Look at us. We have been friends our whole life. You are the grandson of a great elven wizard, and me the son of Akadius himself. Then, I marry the love of my life and she turned out to be direct decedent of the angels," laughed Gabriel.

  Antoine asked, "How is it that you are a demigod and do not know of it? Well, I do understand the not knowing part, really, but how did this happen?"

  Gabriel just shook his head and said, "I don't have an answer for that, my friend. I have always been Gabriel, son of King Owin and Queen Jacquelin of Whitehold. Even Benzoete and all his knowledge did not have an answer for me."

  "Well, I, for one, am glad to have such an honorable friend," said George. Gabriel placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

  Meanwhile the elven trio made their trek to Eska’Taurn. After leaving Mordit City, formally known as the elven city of Terra’Fayoak the elves made their home in the north. This is the place where the original elders sealed the doors to the outside world.

  They believed that the outside world of Amundiss had become corrupt after Craotonus and the brethren started the first War of the Gods. The elves only allowed access to the outside world to a chosen few. The new elders chose to keep the seal intact for the safety of their people, but now see they need to help the humans fight for Amundiss. If the outside world fell to the demons, they would soon have the power to break down the barriers of Eska'Taurn. They just hoped that the elves of Eska'Taurn felt the same way.

  "Will the elves fight alongside the humans?" asked Benzoete.

  Aliz'Ra replied, "We will show them that the humans have changed. They are worthy now, not just a narrow-minded young race. They will overlook the past and see the need to work toward a future."

  Elos, who rode in silence, spoke up and asked, "Were the humans as bad as the stories? I have spent the last eighteen years fighting alongside them and now consider them brothers. My opinion was based off our people's dislike for them."

  "As I said, they came a long way since the first humans were here. I will tell you this. I have watched the humans of Earth for the past three thousand years. I have seen them at their very worst and yet they always seemed to care. Always appeared to find a way to rectify what their past leaders have besmirched. I believe the human race has evolved past their ancestor's transgressions. They are a good and just race, and I will fight to help protect them and our world." Aliz'Ra avowed with confidence.

  Benzoete let out a little chuckle. "Now do not get me started on dwarves!" The three shared a laugh and continued on their way.

  WEELINN WAS JUST THREE days of a ride and along the way, the refugees managed to find close to fifty new recruits wanting to fight for their homes and families.

  "I hope we can find more inside Weelinn," remarked Antoine.

  "If anyone is left alive. The demons tore that place apart," added George.

  "Have faith my friends,” Gabriel reminded them. “The Light will show others to our task, and when it does, we will be ready."

  Zachery and Tradan scouted ahead from the air. The new recruits buzzed about seeing a real dragon, and a flying man! Everyone in Amundiss had heard stories of the Dragon Riders, but most felt they would never see another in their lifetime. Zachery and Barrok landed in front of the group. "There is a rider coming. Barrok sensed no evil. Tradan is going to escort him in."

  Gabriel, Antoine, and George rode ahead to meet him to put some distance between the group in case it was a trap

  As the men waited for the rider, Antoine confessed, "It has been a pleasure and honor to fight alongside you. You are two of the noblest men I have met."

  George squinted his eyes. "I am just a simple farmer, trying to save the world." He stated this with a stoic look on his face, the other two turned to look at him. He then followed with laughter. "I didn't think I could say that with a straight face."

  Gabriel slapped him on the back with a hearty laugh. "Now there's the George I know! Now we are ready for some fun!" Antoine shared in the laugh, as they observed a lone rider in the distant view.

  The man and his horse rode up to the trio, and Tradan landed beside him. "Gentlemen I give you, Kegan Kadrisson, King of the Iron Army."

  Kegan was King of the dwarven army. The dwarves were an anchorite society. They chose
to dwell in the mountains of the north in search of treasures. They differed from their distant cousins that lived in the south. The Iron Army were highly skilled warriors.

  Gabriel dismounted and walked closer to the dwarven king. "It is an honor to meet you King Kegan. I am Gabriel, King of Whi..."

  "I know who you be. That's why I been looking fer ya. I am not here on some social visit, lad. I be here to offer ya the honor to fight alongside the finest warriors this land has seen, the Iron Army."

  Antoine tensed up. "This is the King of Whitehold you are talking to. The honor would be yours to have him."

  Gabriel waved his hand to Antoine motioning him to stand down. "Forgive us, good Kegan. I would be terribly grateful to have you and the Iron Army join us."

  George was not accustomed to royal affairs and asked, "Why would you come this far alone? How will your army join us in time?"

  Kegan let out a booming laugh, "Aye, my friend, I not be alone. I only showed you what I wanted ya to see." With that the noble king pulled a horn from his side and blew three loud charges. In an instant, the ground started to shake, and Barrok with Zachery took to the skies to get a better view.

  "By the Gods!” Zachery yelled down to his father. “There are thousands of them! Coming from every direction!"

  Soon standing before them was a magnificent army, armorclad and awaiting orders. Gabriel dismounted his horse and knelt before the dwarf king, "Oh, great Kegan Kadrisson of the Iron Army, we are your humble comrades. Join us and help us crush this threat that is upon us."

  "Like I told ya, that's why we be here laddie!" Kegan chuckled at Gabriel.

  That night in camp, Gabriel lay awake in his tent and prayed a prayer of thanks to the Gods for leading this great army their way. "I offer my thanks to you, leaders of the Light. Help us defeat these demons and restore this world to the glory that you intended it to have." He thought about all he had been told. He was the son of Akadius, leader of the Gods of Light, and yet felt odd to be praying to him now. "Why did they hide this from me? How did this happen?" he pondered as he drifted off to sleep.

  As he slept, Akadius greeted him in his dreams. "Dear Gabriel, I am here to answer your questions and give you comfort in the decision of your parents," said Akadius.

  "My parents asked for this?" asked Gabriel.

  "Your father was one of the most honorable and noble men ever to grace this world. He found favor with the Gods as he led his people with kindness and yet was firm when needed. Alas, he needed an heir and could not father a child of his own."

  "My father was sterile?" asked Gabriel.

  Akadius stretched forth his hand. "Walk with me." Gabriel took his hand. When they started to walk, Gabriel found himself at Castle Whitehold. He saw his father, Owin and his mother Jacquelin alone in their chambers.

  "I have been told by the doctors I cannot give you a child. My family line ends with me," Owin confessed as he covered his face in shame.

  "Do not despair, my love. We will find a way," Jacquelin told her husband wrapping her arms around him.

  Gabriel found King Owin alone on the balcony, kneeling before the Heavens. "I come to you in a time of need. I offer myself to you as a servant of the Light. My lineage ends with me unless you can intervene and help. Please, I beg of you, do not let my bloodline end."

  As Owin prayed, the Gods listened. They knew he was a just man, perhaps the closest to the Gods any mortal had ever been, and they wanted to help him. A light appeared before him, and the voice of Akadius was heard. "Owin of Whitehold, you honor us with your loyalty. You stand as an example of what the Light should be. Go to your wife, tell her I will give you a son, if she is willing. Your son will stand as the symbol of this world. People will look to him as a great leader. He shall be known as Gabriel, meaning strength of the Gods."

  Owin wept, overcome with joy that his prayers were being answered. "Go, speak to your wife. In three days, I will come to her as a white owl. If she would have me, we will give you a son."

  As the two traveled, Gabriel saw his mother and father discussing the offer of Akadius. They clasped hands and leaned into one another, shedding tears of joy. On the third night, Jacquelin wore an exquisite gown of white. As promised, a white owl landed on their balcony.

  "My answer is yes, Lord Akadius. I do this for my husband, and all Amundiss. No one is more deserving a son than Owin." She walked to the bed and took her place.

  The owl took flight and morphed into a man. That night, Owin and Jacquelin received their gift.

  Akadius looked towards Gabriel. "You see, you were destined for greatness. Your legacy will outshine all others."

  "I do not want to outshine anyone; I just want peace and prosperity for the people of Amundiss."

  Akadius smiled. "And that is why you are the greatest king to grace this world. You are here for a purpose. Protect your people. Let the Light inside you shine for all. Craotonus will not be easily defeated, but you hold the power to defeat the shadows."

  Gabriel woke to a feeling of calmness. He knew what his parents had gone through, and he understood. He readied himself and went to find the others. They had the world to save, and he knew they would succeed.

  40

  New Weelinn

  Weelinn, once a powerful city full of life and vitality, and it now was just a shadow of what it once was. King Gabriel and his army rode in hoping to find any signs of life, but what they found was truly devastating.

  "This place smells of death, laddie, don't be gettin' yor hopes up," Kegan grimaced.

  "I failed this city once; I will make sure its demise was not in vain." The destruction was almost unbearable for Gabriel.

  "You do know it was not your fault. We did what we had to do," stated Antoine.

  Gabriel replied, "Yes, I realize hard decisions had to be made. For that, we will need to bring this city and all cities touched by evil, redemption."

  As they dismounted, Kegan told the Iron Army to spread out and look for anyone left.

  "We need to get to Benzoete's tower. When they unlock Eska'Taurn, they will head there to meet us." Antoine explained to the others.

  They walked the streets and observed a small child running toward a doorway.

  "She was not old enough to have been here when the demon destroyed the city. There are families here!" Gabriel started for the doorway.

  "How can people be living here? This place is a heap of rubble."

  "They found some way to survive, and we need to find them," Gabriel told Antoine.

  When they reached the doorway, Gabriel told Kegan and George to stay outside, and to keep their eyes open for anything. He motioned for Tradan and Zachery to circle above and warn them of any oncoming attacks. "When we enter, do not do anything that might frighten these people. The Gods only know what hell they have seen over these years." Antoine nodded his head in agreement. The two walked inside to find just an empty room, no people, animals, or furniture of any kind.

  "This was the right door, wasn't it?" asked Antoine.

  "I am certain of it. There must be a hidden passage. You go left and be careful." Gabriel and Antoine didn't know what they were looking for, but they knew what they saw.

  "Gabriel! Here, I may have something."

  The king rushed to where Antoine was kneeling, "Where? All I see is a pile of sticks and stone."

  Antoine pointed to a small beam of sunlight streaming in from the cracks in the roof. "Notice the smoke coming from somewhere behind the pile. Can't you smell it?"

  As Gabriel leaned in to get a better look or rather better smell, a smile crossed his face, "Is that eggs I smell?"

  Antoine grinned. "Let's see who's home." They searched around the pile and found a handle—the door was hidden very well. Gabriel reached out slowly and pulled up. When the door opened, they saw a tunnel. Suddenly, an arrow flew between their heads, barely missing them. The men fell backward and retreated from of the line of fire; Gabriel quickly slammed the door shut. It burst open again and a m
assive elf warrior barreled out, holding a rather huge sword and came to stand over them.

  "Who are you and what business do you have in Weelinn?" the elf asked.

  Gabriel held his hands in front of him showing they meant no harm while slowly standing "My name is Gabriel, King of Whitehold, this is Antoine. We mean you no harm. We search for survivors and anyone willing to help us fight the demons. How many of you remain?"

  The elven warrior stood his ground, "What proof do you have to your claim? The brethren have many bounty hunters looking to claim new souls to feed to their master."

  Gabriel opened his arms, "All I have to offer is myself: I am whom I say. We have an army waiting on the outskirts. If you and your people want help, we will do anything we can while we wait for Benzoete to return."

  The warrior lowered his weapon, "Master Benzoete lives? We lost contact with him after he left the city."

  Antoine smirked, telling the elf, "You are in for one hell of a surprise then."

  Gabriel said to him, "We can help you. In return, you can help us. We need to reach Benzoete's tower."

  The elven warrior sheathed his sword and held out his hand, "My name is Hatholon. I was captain of the defense for master Benzoete. I, and what remained of my comrades, helped lead as many as we could to safety when the demon arrived."

  Antoine shook his hand. "You and your men are very brave. How many people do you have with you?"

  Hatholon replied, "I would have you see for yourself. You are the first outsiders to set foot in our camp."

  Gabriel called for Kegan and George. The two introduced themselves and the group entered through the hidden door. They followed a tunnel lined with torches and markings they did not understand.

  "What do these markings on the wall say?" asked George.

  "It is what we are calling this place. Welcome to New Weelinn." The group made it to the end of the tunnel, which opened to a massive underground city that was truly amazing. "It has been eighteen years since the destruction of Weelinn. We managed to save one hundred people that day, a fraction of how many once lived here. Over the years, we have flourished in hiding. We have families here. People living in harmony. I would not see them destroyed by Craotonus."