Sytravious: The Lost Warlock Of Moruz (The Oathbreaker Book 1)

by Acevedo, E. B.

  “Who you are? I think you meant to say, who you were!” She yelled and released a black fireball from her hands. It flew at him like an expertly shot arrow, but Hellios was not surprised as so many poor souls before him had been. He unsheathed his sword and cut right into the flame attack, causing the black fire to engulf the blade’s edge. Hellios got into his offensive fighting stance and held his sword high behind his shoulder.

  Nyxseous stared in awe at his sword. It was a long sword and the unique steel was a dark, metallic grey color. The hilt was forged into the shape of a winged serpent, and at the sight of it, a look of worry crossed her face. “That is my father’s sword. Where did you get it?”

  “This sword has been in my father’s care for many years now, ever since the fall of the great Lord Byronicus. It amazes me you dare refer to him as a father, after your treachery. The Fifth Legion has not forgotten your deceit that led to our fall, and I have been sent here to right that wrong, Nyxseous, so prepare yourself. Your fate has led you to this moment, where Byronicus’ own sword will bring you to justice!”

  He came at her and swung the flaming sword. She dodged its scorching edge.

  “You foolishly helped seal your fate by attacking with the black flame, an art well known to the legion. Perhaps you have forgotten, but the more you use it, the more powerful this blade becomes. You know better than anyone that King Daegon had dual weapons forged for the purpose of channeling the VanDrake magic into them. This is the sword, and I am assuming you took the halberd when you fled Moruz. No matter, I shall reclaim it to its proper place.”

  “You are very brave, indeed, to a fault I fear. Your confidence shall be the very poison that betrays you in the end of this meeting,” Nyxseous replied.

  They engaged one another in battle yet again with fire and steel crashing against each other. Nyxseous ducked and jumped away from countless swings of the blade, while Hellios was mindful of her black flame counter strikes. The deadly magic barely missed him each time she launched an attack, and he noticed each one got closer and closer to finding its mark, with the last one burning off some of his beard.

  She caught Hellios by surprise when she added high-level hand-to-hand combat techniques to her arsenal. He had been trained to expect the deadly flame technique from her, but the well-placed front kick she landed on his hip threw him back with enough force that he fell. He landed on the ground and stared up at her in disbelief before standing up. He twirled his sword around a few times to reestablish his grip.

  “You are proving to be a more worthy opponent than I anticipated, but you are still unworthy of the name VanDrake. I will not falter until your last breath is drawn.”

  “Then I suppose I will have to get used to you being a nuisance for a while longer, because I have no intentions of falling tonight.”

  Hellios saved any smart reply, and instead ran at her, jabbing his sword to point at her heart. She jumped back in response. He sprung forward into a front flip and swung the blade down with both hands, using his falling speed to add momentum to the force behind the slash. The sidestep she took was enough to avoid being hacked in two, but not enough to evade being hit all together.

  The blade’s edge cut her across the shoulder, exposing the flesh. She cried out in pain and fell down on one knee. Blood did not flow from the wound because it had been scorched shut from the flame, and that same enchanted blaze is what made the pain much worse. Hellios knew he had the perfect opportunity to finish her off, and pulled back the sword over his shoulder to strike it down across her neck. Bringing back the head of your target was necessary in the Fifth Legion as proof of the kill.

  He paused for the briefest moment, looking down at Nyxseous, and thought it such a waste to cut out the VanDrake line forever. He even felt the slightest pity for her, but then put those feelings aside. He sliced down at her neck, but his sword was met by the edges of dual daggers. Just then, a powerful knee came crashing into his ribcage causing him to trip into the alley wall, making him gasp for breath.

  “Hellios, stand down!” Nysight shouted as he blocked Nyxseous from any further attacks.

  He regained his balance and held his arm against his ribs, when the shock hit him. The man was the old leader of the legions armies whom they had presumed dead, the legendary General Nysight.

  “General…” Hellios gasped. He fell to his knees and bowed his head in respect.

  “If you still regard me as such, you would not have dared attack my wife.”

  Hellios look between Nyxseous and Nysight with surprised confusion. The reality of her husband’s identity had become clear, and his whole mission objective was suddenly flawed. He threw his sword down and held his hands up in surrender.

  Nyxseous moaned in agony, and tugged hard on Nysight’s pant leg. “I need warm milk and Rosewood herb right away or my wound will spread,” she managed to utter before passing out.

  “We have a lot to talk about, but not here in the open. I will explain everything, but first, do I have your word you will not harm her?” Nysight asked.

  Hellios looked at the unconscious witch, and then back to his sword. Although he was baffled, his mind was made up. He would not be killing anyone until he knew the whole story.

  “You have my word, General.”

  Sytravious stood outside the temple of Vesalys and stared up at its highest tower which twisted into the evening sky. The crescent sun was glowing purple on the horizon and the moon was centered in the sky, reflecting off the white stone walls of the tower. Twenty feet in front of him, two guardians stood at the entrance. He studied their green and gold armor, trying to imagine if he could ever wear the traditional outfit himself.

  After his conversation with Kenshiro weeks ago, he could not resist the urge to speak with Jezra. The High Priestess had suggested he could have a place amongst the guardians, and he had wanted to find out how sincere the offer was, but the two guardians blocked his entry. He stated his business with a sense of urgency, not wanting to waste more time than was necessary. Nyxseous would wonder where he was if he stayed out too long and he wanted to get back before she could pester him with questions of his absence.

  “I am Sytravious, and I have come to seek a meeting with the High Priestess. Can you please inform her of my arrival? I am certain she will grant me entrance.”

  “Her Holiness has requested that she not be disturbed tonight. You may return tomorrow during daylight to submit another request,” the guardian replied.

  Sytravious sighed and stared up at the tower windows. He could see a faint light coming from the top floor and wondered if that was Jezra’s quarters, or perhaps Raiven’s. Since their conversation at the stables, Kenshiro had made good on his word to see to it that they stalled Sytravious from entering royal grounds. Every time he had attempted to get in the castle, the elite guards would block his way and give the most ridiculous excuses as to why he could not proceed. ‘The warden has private guests; there is an illness in the court; the High Priestess is not here; maybe he should try the temple,’ were just a few of the explanations he got.

  The list went on and Sytravious had grown tired of it. He then tried to meet her in the temple, but every time he went, he was informed Kenshiro had summoned them to the castle. Only a few days ago, he had seen Raiven and Jezra standing on a balcony of the temple and the guards had the nerve to tell him the priestesses had not been seen all day. It was a never-ending circle that always led to him returning home in vain.

  “My apologies, but I have asked to see Her Holiness several times during the day and she is never here. Do you think it is possible to inform her in any way? I am almost positive she will be pleased to hear I have come to see her.”

  “Well, I am just as positive that she does not want to be disturbed at such a late hour. I know who you are, Sytravious. Now, once more, I will ask you to leave and return tomorrow morning. If you insist on refusing my request, we will remove you by force,” the guardian said.

  Sytravious clenched his jaw,
trying his best to control his building temper. He knew Kenshiro had gotten to the guardians as well so he could block all possible ways to get to Raiven. He debated on how wise it would be to disarm the guardians and try to force his way into the temple, believing that once Jezra saw it was him, she would be understanding and hear him out. Thankfully, he never had to make such a bold decision.

  “What seems to be the problem, gentlemen?” Xertias asked as he emerged from the inner gardens to join his fellow guardians at the gate. The head guardian saw Sytravious and motioned for the men to allow him to approach.

  “Ah, the young champion has finally arrived. The High Priestess and I were talking about you earlier. We were wondering why you have never returned, and thought perhaps Edgar had claimed you for himself after all.”

  “No, that is quite the opposite of what has happened. I have been trying to see Her Holiness for weeks, but have been turned away every time,” Sytravious replied with annoyance.

  “That comes as a surprise to me. It is the first I have heard of it, but no matter, you have spoken to me now, and I shall inform the High Priestess of your request.”

  “Is there any chance that I may see her now?”

  “I am afraid not. She already has a guest right now, and will retreat to her quarters for the night after that. Worry not, when I see her tomorrow, I will inform her of your arrival.”

  Sytravious nodded though he was unsure if Xertias was telling him the truth or not. Either way, he had done all he could tonight. He would have to return the next day and hope the guardian would keep his word. He said farewell and set out for the city while he still had time.

  The night brought a steady and cool breeze from the western sea, which swept over the city and filled the air with smells of fires and all sorts of suppers being prepared. He paced past the Dew Drop Inn, where Nysight might have still been working, but the forge was closed for the night. He headed a few blocks away to the Trapper House and peeked, but he did not see his mother either. She probably had gone to their new home. He had hoped it would have been a late night for both his parents, so that he may avoid their inquisition by making it home before them.

  Thinking there may still be a chance to beat them home, Sytravious hustled away from the bar and inn, towards their home. As he took a shortcut through a backstreet, a large man covered in a hooded cloak cut off his path. Sytravious instinctively stepped back and placed his hand on the dagger beneath his shirt. The man pulled back his hood to reveal his big, blonde beard.

  “Easy there, friend, what has got you on edge?” Bryce asked.

  “I think this is a reasonable reaction to a giant cloaked man emerging from the shadows. What are you doing lurking around here at this hour? The bar is a block east,” Sytravious replied.

  Bryce punched Sytravious in the arm. “It is good to see you still have your sense of humor, but I will have you know I do not drink as much these days. Our mutual acquaintance has kept me too busy.”

  He rubbed his arm where the punch had landed. “Who? Raiven?”

  “Yes, your girlfriend. Ever since Jezra’s arrival, she has had Raiven going all over the place, and guess who has to escort her?” Bryce pointed at his chest.

  “I knew she was being kept busy, but Jezra is not the only one to blame. Kenshiro has been summoning them around the clock, which is my fault, but that is another story.”

  Bryce crossed his arms and frowned at Sytravious. “Another story, you say? Kind of like the one where you are excellent with a halberd and joined the tournament, or like the one where you actually knew Raiven all along and kept it a secret?”

  Sytravious avoided eye contact for a few seconds before groaning. He knew he owed Bryce an explanation, but he had not gotten around to putting one together just yet. In truth, the fact that the guardian was busy had been working out in Sytravious’ favor, until now.

  “Yeah, like those. I am sorry about all the secrecy. I wanted to tell you everything, especially about the tournament. You are my friend Bryce, but you are also a guardian, so I was not sure how you would react.”

  “Sure. I know you did not mention it because you knew I would knock some sense into you, but that being said, I must say you are a damn good fighter. However, that is nothing compared to what you have accomplished with Raiven. I have been around her for years and no one has ever gotten her attention the way you have. So, how about you teach your ol’ friend here a thing or two, eh?”

  “Hey! You are supposed to be checking if anyone is around and letting us talk, not asking him for advice,” Raiven whispered.

  Sytravious felt his heart jump at the sound of her voice. He looked past Bryce, and realized her small frame had been concealed behind him all along. She pursed her lips the way she had when she pretended to be upset, like that first day in spring. The guardian stepped aside and allowed her to approach Sytravious while he checked around to confirm the streets were clear of any onlookers.

  “What are you doing out here? And you have the nerve to call me bold?” Sytravious exclaimed.

  “Well, I had to be. If I left it up to you, it might be another few weeks more before we saw each other again.”

  A spark ignited inside of him, something that had been missing for weeks. “Well, I have been preoccupied these past few days.”

  “Oh, really? With what?” She smirked and stared at him with her beautiful honey eyes, which seemed to shine in the moonlight.

  “Just some things…” he drifted off as her gaze transfixed him.

  Raiven bit her lower lip and pulled him in closer before locking her lips onto his. He was taken by surprise, but that did not stop him from holding her tight, and getting lost in the taste of her kiss. It had only been weeks, but for Sytravious it felt like an eternity.

  Bryce’s eyes grew wide in embarrassment and shock, and he cleared his throat as loud as he dared. “I do not mean to break up the reunion, but this is not my idea of a discreet and brief ‘hello’, Priestess.”

  “Oh, sorry,” she said.

  “Just ignore him,” Sytravious told her.

  “No, Bryce is right. I told him I wanted to see you so that I could find out what was going on. I expected you be around more after the banquet. What happened?”

  Sytravious informed Raiven and Bryce about his meeting with Kenshiro at the stables and the multiple obstacles the general had set up for him since that day. He concluded with his meeting with Xertias at the temple that had taken place earlier that night.

  “If we are lucky I will have a meeting with the High Priestess tomorrow, and get on track to becoming a guardian. Let us see Kenshiro keep us apart after that.”

  “There is more to it than that, I am afraid,” she informed him, “I overheard Jezra and Kenshiro speaking the morning after the banquet. It sounded as if they were bargaining over my courtship. My cousin wants to marry me and Jezra seemed more than willing to help. I could not make out the details they discussed, but it sounded like she was asking for something in exchange, and he refused. What I know for sure is that the meeting ended badly because I saw him storm out.”

  “What an arrogant pig!” Sytravious cried.

  “I will never marry him. I swear it,” she whispered.

  “If only I could guarantee Xertias actually tells Jezra of my arrival.”

  Bryce walked over to Sytravious and put his arm around his neck, holding him in a tight headlock. “You see where secrets get you? All these obstacles and no help can be frustrating. Trust in your friend here a little more, and watch the doors open for you. I will make sure Xertias and Jezra speak. Do not worry, it will not be obvious.”

  Bryce released Sytravious and slapped him on the chest, before avoiding Sytravious’ jab to his arm. He was grateful that Raiven’s guardian was his close friend.

  Nysight and Hellios hid in the shadows as they observed the trio. They had been following Sytravious for the past several streets until he had come to a stop.

  “That is him right there,” Nysight said.r />
  “His resemblance is uncanny, can it be true?” Hellios asked.

  “It can, and it is. Nyxseous gave birth to him the night the legion marched south, and I saw them to safety here. I have raised him myself. He is my boy, but at the end of the day, he is also the VanDrake heir.”

  Hellios watched as Sytravious spoke to the priestess and the guardian, marveling at how his facial features were an exact replica of his grandfather’s, right down to the cold blue eyes. Uniting the boy with the army of legionnaires would spark the revolution they needed for years, perhaps even aligning some of the other legions behind them. The only drawback was that he would first have to make peace with Nyxseous, which was something he would need to clear with Cairo first.

  “Do you mind if I stay a while and meet the boy? There is much I would like to learn about him.”

  “You want to test his skills to see if he meets up to your expectations?” Nysight smirked. “I expected as much.”

  “You know, it is a tradition to duel a legionnaire before being accepted in our company. It is a rule you upheld many years ago as our general.”

  Nysight nodded his head in affirmation. He remembered the tribulations he put his legionnaires through all those years ago, but he did not worry about Sytravious dueling Hellios. The assassin was very skilled, but having trained his son all these years, Nysight knew Sytravious would be more than an equal match for any legionnaire who wished to test his skill.

  “You may stay, but should you make any move against Nyxseous again, you will answer to my blade. Not all your skills will deliver you from my wrath. Do you understand?

  “On my honor, I will never harm her. Once again, I apologize, General. I will make this right, I swear it.”

  “I will remember that.” Nysight nodded again, and then motioned for them to leave. The two men slipped away into the darkness.