My heart flattered as I stared at the sword pressing against my neck. The sword was held by a young man; tall, well toned physique and black hair that had a faded green lustre to it cascading down to his shoulder with some of it tied up into an intricate bun. The iconic faded green lustre hair nearly made me pass out. (An Amorak!). Strangely, he had intricate grey tattoos all over his body that I knew weren't native but I had seen them before...somewhere I couldn't quite remember at the moment. Stranger, however, was the fact that he looked more confused than I did, flabbergasted even. It took me a moment but I recognized him somewhat. I had met him in the last season's Tabaka Tournament, though I couldn't remember his name. I knew that if he found out what had happened, what I did...I only hoped that death would be the outcome. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more tensed I became and I even started shivering. The Amoraks were known for their absolute cruelty; a people known to devour the flesh of their enemies and gain entertainment from watching them become playthings for ogres, goblins, Ostrogorths and all manner of beasts. They even sacrificed humans by ripping out their hearts and offering it to their deity while the victim was still alive! Apparently, the pain and suffering of the sacrifice was a part of the ritual! This is exactly why it always confused me. How could my brother interact with such people on friendly grounds?
Abruptly, the young man turned to face the forest. I heard what seemed to be incoherent whispers but the man's lips were firmly pressed into a harsh line. (Am I insane?) Soon a man arrived where we were and he too looked flabbergasted. He was a man of equal stature but his frame wider and a beard that magnificently hang upon his jaw. The young man scrutinized me for a moment as if confirming I was no Mahatha, a creature capable of mimicking the looks and characteristics of what it consumes. His eyes softened up and he smiled. A warm and friendly smile that made me tremble uncontrollably. To my dismay, he picked me up and embraced me. My eyes watered up with tears.
"There, there," he whispered as he gently patted my back like a senile infant.
The other man sighed, "It must've been rough for him. That storm was a terrible one."
"Yeah," the young man said, melancholy coating his voice. He pulled out a crystal. Black and dead.
The other man placed his hand on him, "I think it's about time you accepted, the proof has arrived to you."
The young man looked at me for a moment, his eyes watered up for a moment but he took a deep breathe closed his eyes and opened them. His eyes watered up again.
"It's just the three of us here, no one will know," the other man said.
At that moment, tears cascaded down his cheeks in four rivulets. He hugged me tight and wailed. He dropped to his knees, trembling and shaking, his wails coated with an infectious depression. Out of nowhere, I felt something well up within me, churn inside me and finally erupting into tears. I cried and clinged to him. I cried not knowing why. I couldn't understand myself. I stopped doing that three seasons ago. Afraid and lonely I was but it mattered not. Not to my mother, my family or even village. The older man hugged us both and whispered sweet nothings in the turbulence of melancholy. It was a while before the both of us stopped.
The older man patted the younger's head and mine. I sniffled.
"May Amora, the ancestral mother, guide him to her gardens," he chanted. (!)
"May it be so," the younger chimed in.
(Amora? Amora? Amora!) That name stirred in my head over and over. Abruptly, the tattoos from before resurged with a powerful yet calm power. A green misty aura engulfed me as a power, different from the one I'm used to, surged within my veins. The two men were astonished.
"This can't be real! No! Yes! I can feel it!" the older man said as he picked me up abruptly, a wide smile on his face. He placed his hand on my chest, "Yes! It's really her! The ancestral mother is within this boy!"
"Really?! Didn't Amazu just go down into the caverns to find her a few cycles ago? How is this possible?!" the younger questioned however he was equally ecstatic.
The older man thought for a moment, "That's true, there was supposed to be a trial left behind by our deity..." He looked at me for a moment then smiled.
"Who cares?! Our brother's cherished apple is here and with our ancestral mother to boot! He's a bit hairy for a child his age!" He chuckled
(Don't remind me please!)
The younger nodded. He was now all smiles. This was groundbreaking! However, I had to listen a bit more to even fathom what's going on.
"But what're we going to do?" the younger asked, "Should we progress as originally planned?"
(Planned?)
"Of course, we have more reason to do so. I assume he died protecting this young lad, we can't fail him, lest his spirit haunt us for eternity."
"But he didn't bring the Spirit the elders asked for, Agroc. How are we supposed to get their permission now?"
(Permission?! For what?)
The older sighed, "How complicated."
(Wait, what?! Was Enischy going to hand me to the Amoraks? What for?!) Myriads of thoughts just swirled and swirled in my head.
"We just have to take him to the Dreshillia by the end of next season. He'll be safe there, no matter the threat"
(The Dreshillia! That's where it's from!)
The younger shivered at the mention of the Dreshillia. The older laughed. "Come on! Stop being a drama queen! Do you know how many men would die to get a chance to be in a village filled with sexy women?!" He exclaimed as he patted his back.
"You don't understand! You will never understand! They just kept coming and coming and coming! Especially the chieftain! What's up with her stamina!!"
The older laughed and added mischieviously, "Well, you can't say you didn't enjoy yourself, can you?"
"Well....no....not particularly," he said a red blush across his face.
"You even got their ritual performed on you," the older said pointing to his tattoos, "now barely anyone can go against your full-power"
"There's still much to do..." the younger said clenching his fists and his face solemn.
"Amrok, you've done good for a man your age...just remember, you can't be there for everyone."
"I know Amrik...Thank yo-"
Abruptly, they both turned to face the forest yet again. I couldn't see anyone or even detect any movements
"Oho! As expected of the jewels of the village!" said a man as he emerged from the thicket. He had rough shaggy hair, cocky grin and his hand was constantly hovering over his sword.
"I see you've found an intruder," he added slyly, "I'll kill him off then we'll-"
"Since when was a child an intruder?!" Amrik roared.
The man laughed, his grin widening, "He's on our soil sir. That's reason enough isn't it?" he paused then added, "unless you're colluding with intruders." The malice within his voice made me shiver and his grip on his sword made my skin crawl.
"Are you insinuating our tribe has anything to fear from a child?" Amrik stated coolly, "if so, I won't tolerate that insult." He too gripped his sword.
"Hoho. That's indeed correct but...a child with the ancestral mother is a fearsome foe, don't you think? or are you downplaying our mother? Even I can't stomach that insult." he drew his sword. "Even by looking at him, he's definitely one of those heathens! The white hair and blue eyes! We can't let our mother be chained in such a demonic being!"
(What?!)
Other Amoraks were gathering now. I started to tremble.
"What on earth are you going on about?!" Amrik said as he pulled aside my hair to show my ears, "his ears are that of a human!"
"That's even more despicable. A half-breed abomination!" the man grinned.
By this point the other Amoraks, upon seeing me, drew their swords immediately. The man cackled victoriously.
"Despicable scum! Who told you to draw your swords towards your fellow men!" a voice boomed from within the forest. Every one of them shook and immediately sheathed their blades.
A titan of a man slowly came out of the forest, his hair tied up in dreadlocks that crashed onto his colossal shoulders accentuating the scars on his face that seemed more brutal than those all over his body. He slowly walked up to us.
"I presume you found this child," he asked, his deep voice commanding.
"I did" Amrok said and stood between him and us defiantly, "is there an issue?"
The man stared at him for a moment, his hand rested on his blade, his muscles tensed and his eyes, though seemingly focused on him, was quickly darting around the area; he was prepared for a fight. He smirked.
"Well, if he's that important, you can present your case to the elders, as procedure dictates" he turned, "what're you all idling around for?! GET BACK TO WORK!"
Instantly, they all dissipated into the forest. All except from that man.
"Sir, I'd wish to accompany them back to the village to ensure no unexpected situations occur," he said, grinning,
"Understood, Agello and you two may all leave for the village," the man said as he disappeared into the forest as swiftly as he had appeared.
"It just had to be Ababuo that came," Amrok clicked his tongue.
"What're you all dilly-dallying for? Hurry up!"
Amrik and Amrok leapt into the air and upon the leaves, hopped and dashed through the forest, Agello closely behind. For a moment, I was in awe of the spectacle. I wondered as to how someone as massive as Amrik can use mere leaves to propel himself with such great force. (Hold on! I'm going to their village!) My heart thundered against my thorax. I started praying to Zargotha. I may have been a sinful, deplorable child but I prayed anyways hoping to capitalize on his mercies. Hoping to capitalize on his justice as well; I couldn't die before the village and I knew the truth.
As I was zealously praying, we had arrived. I was in awe at what was before me. There were massive trees tall enough to reach the sky and in its midst I could spot houses and huts built atop the branches of the trees or even embedded into the thick trunk of the trees. A gigantic flower was atop the trees and at its center was a clear and large crystal peacefully resting upon the red petals of the flower. To its left and right were two other flowers both yellow; one with several tiny perforations and the other one a massive hole. The moment we neared the village, they both turned to our direction instantly.
"The boy is with us," shouted Amrik.
For a moment, the flowers continued to glare at us, at me, even though they had no eyes. I could feel it. Something was watching me and it wasn't at all friendly. However, that was to be expected. I didn't expect any warm welcome from the Amoraks and their weird plants. The flowers then closed up as if in bud and lazily turned the other way.
"Even our guardian despises the boy, you two are overstepping you-"
"No one asked for your opinion Agello," interrupted Amrok, "you'd have friends if anyone cared."
Agello clicked his tongue yelled some incoherent things and pouted like an infantile man. After we entered its area of jurisdiction, I felt the atmosphere become cooler as if maintained at a constant temperature. I wondered if there was a barrier we had just passed. Soon after, we came across a wall of dense vines with buds which instantly opened up to reveal miniature versions of the flowers atop. The same pang of dread hit me as if I had just walked into a beast's den.
"The boy is with us," shouted Amrok.
The buds closed up and the dense wall loosened up. The stench of sweat crashed into my nostrils. Behind the wall were hundreds of men training so vigorously it would seem an apocalypse was upon them. Some swung their swords tirelessly against a ball of vine that, to my consternation, whipped them. Others were training their marksmanship; shooting at a wooden totem constantly blitzing all over the place. They had markings all over their bodies like the veins of an animal and their eyes glowed a calm green. One of them shot a glance at me. I shivered for a moment. I averted my eyes and observed a group of warriors sparring with wooden weapons. The clashes were an absolute marble to witness. Unlike the swordsmanship back in my village, there was a certain artistry to their strikes. Moreover, they had a larger diversity of weapons; spears, swords, maces and daggers. However, to me, the most impressive of them all was the spearmanship. It was handled with a graceful finesse that captivated my mind and yet its strike powerful enough to overpower its opponents. Just like the Leopidas. I got a bit worried about Finaria. I knew if anything could harm her then most likely the world was coming to an end but nonetheless I was worried.
Many others were doing different types of training, however, before I could adequately observe them, everything seemed to have come to a standstill. They were staring at me with such intensity it made my body hair stand on edge. An illogical fear pricked me. Maybe they had realised it by now. However, I quickly doubted it as I looked nothing like one. I had white hair and bright blue eyes. I couldn't be further from one. Even if they reasoned that my family looked different from the rest of the tribe, they couldn't relate me to them either. The closest relation I had to them was my fathers dark blue eyes but even that was a stretch. I was a lone island in the vast sea. Well, not necessarily. There was one person who looked similar, eerily similar. Krinlin. Though even she was an anomaly in her entire region. This made it all the more puzzling. Where did all that hatred come from? I could even loosely sense some killing intent, not sure if that's because it wasn't immense or due to my lack of training.
"What're you all staring at?! Get back to training!" A roar was heard from across the training grounds.
In the distance, I could see a frail old man approach us leisurely. Everyone immediately bowed making me nearly slide off Amrik's back. I was a bit shocked but abruptly the distance closed in an instance. The man pierced right through my eyes and into my soul, his gaze unnerving.
"How strange...A prisoner within a prisoner, "He said calmly, "take him up, fifth ring should do it."
"Fi-! With all due respect elder, isn't that too much for a child?"
Instantly, I felt a mountain crush onto us! Amrik crashed onto the ground on all fours, dropping me to the ground. When I looked up, I saw it. A tidal wave of fading green Ki had overtaken the entire area. It was mighty in power yet the waves were calm. It robbed me of all the air in me as I gasped for air.
"Are you senile? I didn't stutter, " He said, his voice like that of thousands of men reverberating throughout the space.
"...U-under-stood," Amrik said and picked me up.
Not only was I gasping for air but most people around us. Well, except for Amrok. He was panting yes but something told me that was more of an illusion as unlike the others who had quivering and dilated pupils out of sheer terror there was a weird but fierce fiery glint in his eyes. We walked a bit further and a flowery wooden cage suddenly dropped down and opened itself up. We walked in and it started elevating us to what seemed an overhanging platform far above us. What was shocking however is that there was no pulley system like the ones I had seen in my home's library. Nothing was attached to this thing other than a massive crystal ball at the top and that this contraption had the same veiny tattoos as those wooden totems I had seen earlier. I could sense Ki, yes. I knew psychokinesis was possible just like the previous Gathron could but I couldn't wrap my head around how this thing moved without human interference.
"Take a good look," said Agello with a smirk startling me right out of my trance, "the last view you'll ever have."
He cackled but surprisingly this time Amrik and Amrok remained quiet. Suddenly, apprehension starting getting a grip of me.
(Was the fifth ring really that bad?)
"Don't mind Agello, you'll be fine!" Amrok tried to cheer me up to the complete opposite effect.
However, I wouldn't have time to collect my thoughts we had arrived. I hadn't noticed it but the canopy above had caused the walkway ahead of us to become noticeably dark only lit by purple flames that seemed to be lit upon a skull. I wondered how such a flame was kept alive until I heard it. As I looked long and hard into the eyes of the skulls I could hear it; the demented screams of the damned. Faint yet frighteningly clear. My eyes widened in shock. I started seeing figures dancing within the flames banging against an invisible barrier. Men, women and even some children. My teeth started chattering and I quickly averted my eyes.
"Ha! What a coward! Never seen purple flames before?" Agello laughed.
"What's your pro-"
"Of course inferior tribes would be terrified of the flames of our god!" Agello cackled. A manic laugh coated in religious fanaticism.
I jerked when he grabbed my head and forced me to look back.
"Don't be shy! Look at the flames of our deity, the scourge of all that's divine! Elpidofra antístasi!" Sweat run down my spine as I stared into the heart of the flames and agony of the damned.
"Get your hands off him!" Amrik shoved his hand away from me.
"Hoho?! Shouldn't heathens be educated?" Agello questioned.
Amrik glared at him. He laughed, a silent laugh, and kept quiet. I was panting. Amrik patted my head and held me in his arms, telling me it'll be fine and that the bastard was just a jerk. However, I couldn't be bothered. They didn't even seem to understand what was terrifying about those flames! Who would care about the color?!!! They all just looked at the flames like some beautiful art! That's when I saw Amrok who had been rather quiet and docile ever since we arrived. His eyes focused on the floor, his hands -seemingly wrapped around his neck in a casual manner- closing his ears. He looked no less terrified than I was. He could see it! He could hear them! However, to me it was just a faint whisper, I didn't have to shut my ears.
Something else caught my eye. I thought I was just going to be holed up in a cell of a tree but the closer we got to the entrance the more massive and imposing it was, especially the entrance. An image of a massive being with a flower head and many eyes set within its center was drawn around the entrance as if walking right into the beasts abyss! Moreover, that insignia I had seen in the ruins was placed right into the beasts chest. By the entrance were two titanic men.
"We've heard, leave the boy and one of your men here," said one of the guards as we approached.
"I'll stay," Amrik stated.
"Anyone but you and Amrok," said the the other.
What?! Why?!" Amrik questioned.
"Orders are absolute," they both stated uniformly.
Amrik clicked his tongue and handed me off to another warrior. He looked puzzled and then instantly shocked. It was as if he wanted to throw me onto another person, Agello was smirked, but Amrik nodded at him and stared at him with pleading eyes.
"Tch! You owe me one!" he whispered.
He stepped forward and was handed him a staff with a giant green crystal ball at its head and a knife.
"As required by the codex, I shall read you your instructions.
1. Do not, under ANY circumstance, let go of the staff. Failure to do so will result in death.
2. Do not, under ANY circumstance, walk faster than a slow pace. Failure to do so will result in death.
3. Do not, under ANY circumstance, veer off the marked path. Failure to do so will result in death.
4.Do not, under ANY circumstance, interact with the prisoners. Failure to do so will result in death.
5. If any or all of the above rules are broken, prostrate yourself and dig the knife straight into your bowels and wait for the mercies of the . Your family, relatives nor any affiliated members will not be compensated for your death.
Understood?" the guard finished and stared at him.
The man nodded slowly. I could physically hear his heart thunder against his chest. What were these rules anyways?! Dig a knife into yourself if you walk faster than a 'slow pace'? What even is a 'slow pace'? I couldn't fathom what was happening neither was it helping me. Indeed, it only served to make me more and more terrified yet weirdly intrigued.
"You may walk in," the guards said as they bowed, "we hope you make it back."
He walked in a deep darkness consuming us.
~~END~~