Daniel made his way through the hallway toward Alektor’s favorite study. Stifling a yawn, he glanced at several Dae officers who surrounded him. All of whom were also awakened from their sleep, and ordered to come to an emergency meeting. Daniel knew Alektor well enough to know that he wouldn’t do something like this if it weren’t dire. The only question now, was what was so important that the High King would call an assembly in the middle of the night.

  He entered the study, and saw that Robert, Athica, Ambrosia, Turak, and King Telmos had already arrived, along with a multitude of Rexunii officers and nobles. He entered, made some quick greetings, and found a seat on the far side of the study, where he then waited for the rest of the summoned individuals to arrive.

  Avria entered with Katrina in tow, and made her way to the front, sitting next to her father, beside Alektor. Katrina scanned the room’s occupants until she saw Daniel, then made her way to sit next to him.

  “Did he say anything yet?” She asked, her eyes looking as tired as he felt. “What’s this all about?”

  “No idea.” Daniel shrugged, but his voice was serious. “It’s got to be important though. Look at all these people. He called the whole fucking chain of command out of their beds.”

  “Yeah.” Katrina answered, but started looking around the room, as though she sensed something was off. “Do you feel that?” She asked.

  “Feel what?” Daniel tried to follow where she was looking, then opened his mind to the spiritual energy in the room. There was the familiar assortment of energy that resonated with every gathering of a group of this size. Then he felt it, like a sharp tinge that cut through his senses, causing him to straighten up; a power signature that resonated like a lit torch in the night. “Yeah… what the hell is that?”

  “I don’t know.” She said, softly. “I’ve never felt anything so potent before.”

  “Apologies for rousing you all from what I’m sure was a pleasant slumber my friends.” Alektor began, abruptly. “But dire news has reached me this night. News of the movements of our enemies, and where they will strike.” He stood from his seat, letting his words capture everyone’s attention before continuing. “Normally, I would have waited until a more appropriate hour, but time, it would seem, is not on our side. I have just learned that the rogue group that attacked Princess Avria’s diplomatic detachment in Baa’Yega, has crossed into our borders. Moreover, they have entered the Spirit-Forest and have begun the process of opening a gate to the nether realm.”

  There were gasps and murmurs of alarm from all present, and Daniel sat up straight, a pit forming in his stomach.

  “It is too late for us to stop this action, I’m afraid.” Alektor continued, “leaving us no choice, but to prepare for the onslaught that is sure to follow. Generals, and esteemed nobles. Now is the time to rally and deploy our forces, in preparation of this attack, and strengthen our defenses, as best we can.”

  “Are you sure about this, your majesty?” King Telmos raised the question, his weary eyes and expression showing his disbelief. “Only mere hours ago we had determined that the main objective of our enemy was to rescue their captured companion. What has changed since then, and why?”

  “This is not up for debate or discussion, Telmos.” Alektor shot back, his irritation and lack of patience clear in his tone. “They are there; and if we do not send a military detachment to stem the tide of death that his coming, no one will be able to stop it.”

  Telmos scoffed, “You have not answered my question, your Highness. How did you come by this information? Only a short time ago there were reports of a quake of some kind within the palace. Our scholars believe it to be the work of spirits.”

  “I do not have time for your foolish insubordination, Telmos.” Alektor growled, “Nor will I tolerate it any longer. My word is law, and shall be followed, without further question or descent!”

  What the fuck is going on? Daniel thought, his body tensing at the sudden change in the two men’s behavior. Alektor has never lost his cool like that before, and Telmos is usually a whole lot more subtle with his backtalk.

  “Let us take a moment to cool our heads.” Avria said, standing to intervene.

  “No, dear.” Telmos shook his head, his anger visibly rising. “This man only takes what he wants. And kills those who get in his way. He doesn’t have time or patience enough to rule.”

  “If I had known the trouble you would be, Telmos. I would have left you to the fate of Phobos and his murderers.” Alektor shot back.

  “I agree, oh great High King! It is far better to be slain by a murderer with some semblance of honor. Then a murderer from Rexun!

  Then the whole room erupted in outbursts of anger and argument as slurs and curses were thrown between everyone. Robert looked on in horror as he tried his best to deescalate the now raging argument between Alektor and Telmos, and Katrina stood to add her own voice of reason to the cacophony of shouts.

  No… Daniel thought, feeling the wrongness of it all, and closed his eyes to concentrate. Then, as a cluster of insects being revealed underneath a large rock, the distinct and foul feeling of demonic energy began to show itself to him. Daniel’s senses screamed as the invasive taint clawed at his probing presence, and he realized the sudden discourse was not at all natural.

  Daniel stood abruptly, his stone chair skidding back, and crashing into the wall behind him, making a noise that brought the attention of the entire room to him. He raised his right hand and willed his power to flood the room. In an instant, a bright, golden light, shone through the expanse of the study.

  “Show yourself!” Daniel shouted, with a power and authority in his voice that he had never felt, but now came to him as naturally as breathing. The room was still as the eyes of every Dae and human alike were fixed on him. Then a swirl of black power formed in the center of the room, above the table where Alektor was standing. The High King, and all around him stepped back in alarm as the energy writhed and squirmed as though in agonizing pain. It soon changed into the form of a strange little creature. A creature that Daniel could only describe as an imp of some kind. With a bulbous head, sharp claws, wings, a whipping tail, and eyes far too large for its face. It screeched unintelligibly as it was forced from the shadows into the light.

  “Quiet!” Daniel shouted, and the creature was silent. Its body going rigid in obedience to his command. He walked toward it, slowly, his boots echoing in the now silent room as his hand reached toward it. With little effort, he closed his hand into a fist, and the creature was engulfed in a white flame. Evaporating into dust without so much as a sound to signify its death.

  “What in all the spiritual planes, was that?” Telmos asked, his face beaded with sweat as he steadied himself. “I’ve… I didn’t even realize what… did it make us all…?”

  “That, was the enemy.” Daniel said, sternly. Turning to look at the crowd around him. “This is the darkness that threatens your world, people. Monsters who hide in plain sight. Who sit on your shoulders and whisper lies and evil into your ears. They cause you to fight amongst one another. To kill and enslave one another. Alektor is right.” He pointed to the High King, then focused his attention on Telmos. “The fact that this thing showed up here, to cause you all to fumble around like idiots, should prove beyond a doubt that what he is saying is true.” He turned to face Alektor, and felt that same power he felt in his voice, resonating through him, emboldening his words and actions.

  “We will lead the army South to the forest.” Daniel declared, gesturing to Katrina, who was now standing next to him, and Robert who was next to Alektor. “Our powers can kill these things. And if we’re going to stand any chance at all of repelling them. We’ll need to be there. To fight them back. And close that fucking gate.”

  Alektor’s eyes were locked with Daniel’s and he saw the man’s normally stoic face break into a pleased smile. “As you wish, Hego Daniel.” He said, slamming his hand into the table in satisfaction. “We will assemble as many forces as we can muster. The three spirit-sent will lead our assault against this evil, and we will crush it before they have a chance to wreak any real havoc throughout our lands.” He turned toward Turak, “Lord Turak, assemble my personal guard as well. It is high time we joined the fray.”

  “Yes, your highness.” Turak said, with a savage grin stretched across his scarred face.

  “Wait.” Robert interrupted, placing his hand on Alektor’s shoulder. “What about Demessa, and Athica? Dio’Mar threatened them both, and the children they’re carrying. I can’t allow them to be unprotected.”

  Alektor deflated slightly, taking a deep breath as he pondered the situation.

  “I can stay behind.” Robert said, looking apologetically toward Daniel. “I’m sorry, Dan. I can’t let that fucking thing kill my kids, man.”

  “No.” Alektor interrupted, “You must go to the forest. Your powers will be essential in defeating the demons. I will leave my personal guard behind to protect them. My guard should be more than enough to defeat anything that slips through. They are quite capable, you know.”

  Robert hesitated as he processed his words, but Alektor grabbed him by his shoulders. “We can only do what we are able, Reku. You are needed to win the battle. If we are defeated and are unable to close the gate, you will all die here regardless of your protection of them. These are the choices we must make. I want to protect them too, Reku. They are my kin; but it is a greater risk to not fight this evil with everything we have.”

  After several tense moments, Robert nodded in acceptance, and gave a quick glance toward Athica. “Fine… but please leave some powerful Dae behind to protect them.”

  “I will stay behind as well.” Telmos said, striding forward and placing his hand on Robert’s shoulder. “I may not be as strong as Hego Agron was, but I gave him a great deal of trouble back in the day. I will defend them with my life. You needn’t worry, Reku.”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  ~

  Within the hour, formations of the war-groups garrisoned in Vul De Rah were lining up in preparation for their deployment South. Shouts and commands echoed through the Glade as officers expedited the process, providing ‘encouragement’ to the weary warriors.

  Daniel strode toward the head of the formation, where Turak and Avria were discussing something. To Daniel’s left, Katrina’s face was a mask of purpose and determination. And to his right, Robert did his best to hide the worry for his family. It was a hard thing to ask a man to leave those he loved to fulfill a greater duty. Something Daniel was familiar with, but hated all the same. Robert though, seemed to be carrying the burden well. Part of him still held resentment toward the man, for his part in the death and betrayal of Oros and Agron. But Avria had forgiven him, and that spoke volumes. Even Illya had apparently extended him grace. How could he not?

  “How’re we coming along?” Daniel asked when they stopped before Avria and Turak.

  “Not fast enough.” Turak grunted, turning toward the forming ranks. “The Spirit-Sent are here, you Garranks! Move with purpose, or be left for the demons!”

  “We’re managing.” Avria sighed, her irritation about their progress evident. “We sent spiritual probes to the forest after our meeting with Alektor, and at first we found nothing… until nearly ten minutes ago.”

  “There is a blasted exodus of spirits.” Turak barked, his voice barely containing his rising anger. “Thousands of them are streaming out. It’s madness!”

  “It means Alektor was telling the truth.” Avria continued, her voice calm and leveled. “And that we need to move as quickly as possible.”

  “How many warriors do we have?” Daniel asked, turning to face the ranks.

  “Nearly a thousand.” Turak sighed. “Most of them are Lokkadonian reserve units from within the city itself. Only a small detachment of Elites are here from Vul De Mar, along with some of Reku’s personal guard, but they’re all staying behind to protect the palace itself. We’re desperately alone in this fight. We needed more time to prepare for a threat of this magnitude. We’ve sent word to the other clans… but it will take them days to reach the forest. Possibly weeks for Volsung and Exous.”

  “So, this is it.” Daniel crossed his arms. “Well?” He turned to face Katrina and Robert. “You guys think we can handle it?”

  “Not like we have a choice.” Robert shrugged, adjusting his armor.

  “We’re gonna have to make it work.” Katrina smiled reassuringly.

  “You all need proper protection.” Avria said, nodding toward Katrina, who’s armor was a bit too small for her, and then to Daniel who wasn’t wearing a breastplate or a cloak at all. “You’re leaders of this element, and should look the part.” She turned to an attendant who was standing behind her. “Fetch the crates.”

  “Highness.” The attendant bowed, then darted into the darkness.

  “Come on, Avria.” Katrina spread her hands apart, revealing her barely protected chest. “This should be fine, right?”

  “No.” Avria’s answer was direct and humorless. “Also, before we stride headlong into battle, there is something I must do.” She turned to face Katrina fully, and gestured to another attendant, who opened a scroll, readying to write in it. “As princess of Lokkon, and your master. I hereby declare that you, Katrina, Spirit-Sent. Are elevated to the nobility within Lokkadonia, and are immediately appointed to the rank of Hego, of Vul De Mar. I also grant you the lands and titles that go with such a station, all of Northern Lokkadonia.

  “Excuse me… WHAT!?” Katrina balked, her eyes bulging with so much surprise, they looked like they would fall out of her head.

  “Damn, Kat.” Daniel chuckled, “Congrats.”

  “Avria… I don’t… there’s no way I’m ready for something like that. I can’t rule a territory, I’m just a…”

  “I won’t hear anything to the contrary.” Avria snapped. “I am doing this, because you are an extremely powerful warrior now. And need a true station and rank. I also don’t want Alektor to surprise us with anything else. After what he pulled with Daniel, and his elevation to the rank within Rexun… this seemed the best option. Also, it doesn’t matter if you think you’re ready or not. You will have all the support you need in governance. I’ll ensure that you won’t be overwhelmed.”

  “Avria…” Tears started to form in Katrina’s eyes as she leaned in to hug her former master. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “How about ‘thank you’.” Daniel said with a smile, “I mean, she just promoted you from a squire to a Hego. That’s a big ass jump.”

  Robert stifled a laugh, but pat Katrina on the shoulder. “This will work out fine, Kat. It could be worse.”

  Then, a small group of Dae scurried toward them from the darkness, carrying crates and boxes that looked full of equipment. They placed them down before Daniel and Katrina, then proceeded to open them.

  “Katrina, these are for you.” Avria reached down, and plucked a cloak of deep crimson from one of the crates. “This belonged to Agron… I had it adjusted several days ago when I decided to do this. I wanted to announce it at the next council meeting… but, things happen, and since we aren’t sure if there will be a next council meeting. There is no better time than now.”

  “Agron’s… cloak?” Katrina held it with reverence. Running her fingers over the rich fabric.

  “It was made for war.” Avria continued, pulling a fine breastplate from another crate. “As was this. It belonged… to my mother.”

  “Avria.” Katrina sobbed, earning her an eyeroll from the stern woman.

  “It will serve you well. My father made it for her many years ago. And she wore it in many battles. Now.” She turned toward Daniel. “For you, a gift from my father.” She pulled a large and elaborate bone breastplate from another crate, and handed it to Daniel, who inspected it closely. There were detailed carvings throughout the whole of the armor piece, which also came with pauldrons and a set of bracers.

  “This is fantastic.” Daniel said, hefting the material and immediately starting to put it on. “Tell your dad, thanks for me when you see him.”

  Avria smirked, as he adjusted himself, and started going through sword forms. “It suits you.”

  “Best hold on to that, Dan!” The booming voice of Delmos echoed through the glade. Causing Avria’s face to turn sour in an instant. “You’ll need it for the wedding night. My sister thinks everything is a battle. Spirits know how she’ll manage something as simple as love making!” He laughed mockingly as he approached and slapped Daniel on the back; there was a sharp thud as his armor absorbed the blow. “Spirits know how you managed to seduce her in the first place, Dan.” He shook his head, looking at her with exaggerated disgust. “I don’t know what you see in her.”

  “Delmos!” Avria snapped, earning a burst of laughter from everyone. “Did you prepare everything with father?”

  “All taken care of.” Delmos bowed. “We’re only waiting for the signal to move out from Alektor.”

  “Very well.” Avria nodded, reaching down to another crate and pulling out another deep crimson cloak. “I know you are now technically a Hego of Rexun, Daniel. But today you are leading Lokkadonians into battle, and you will soon be a prince of Lokkon anyway… so.” She held it out to him. “I know the last time you wore one was… traumatic; and I know why you discarded it. But I would be honored to fight beside you in the crimson against this evil. Lokkon is made anew, and will be a beacon for the innocent and the just. I swear it to you, and to everyone here.” She looked at Turak, who held her gaze for several seconds, then nodded sharply, acknowledging her oath.

  Daniel flung it around his shoulders, letting it drape around his body. He felt like a Spartan as he adjusted it. Recalling the fabled battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his three hundred Spartans, held their ground against the overwhelming numbers and strength of Xerxes and the Persian empire. He basked in the thought of it, allowing the promise of the battle to come, to fill his heart with energy and his blood with adrenaline.

  ~

  Greyson fell to his knees, slumping forward as sweat poured from his face, dripping onto the soil below him. The exhaustion he felt was nearly overwhelming and with each labored breath his blurred vision began to clear again. Mustering his strength, he glanced to his left, seeing Ashley’s heaving form, prone in the mud. They had given everything they had and more to open the gate, but it still wasn’t enough. He lifted his gaze toward the skull of Dre’denisen, scanning for any indication their efforts weren’t in vain. “Fuck…” He cursed, weakly digging his fingers into the mud.

  “Still… nothing?” Ashley croaked, barely able to turn to her side. “I can’t believe this shit.” She said between heavy breaths.

  “We need… more power.” Dorian grumbled, laying on his back to Greyson’s right.

  “No.” Greyson spat, his denial of their predicament on full display. “This should have been enough, I could feel it. I could fucking feel it!”

  “We should rest and try again.” Ashley said, straining to sit up. “Give it a few hours or so.”

  “There is no need…” Dio’Mar’s voice hissed, her form appearing before them, facing the skull. “You… have all done well…” She reached a pale hand toward the skull, then floated forward. “Dre’denisen… how strong you once were… rendered to this… a monument to the treachery of the Dae. You will serve… once more… to bring our fury upon them.”

  “We succeeded?” Greyson asked, his legs wabbling as he tried to stand.

  “Yes.” Dio’Mar’s fingers pressed into a nearly invisible shimmer in the air. A deep rumble resonated throughout the forest, causing Greyson’s heart to nearly drop into his stomach. Then, a burst of bright orange light illuminated the forest. Incinerating the trees in close proximity, and blanketing Greyson in a heat so intense, he had to scramble back with a burst of adrenaline.

  “What the fuck!?” Ashley yelped, as she too seemed to have been singed by the heat.

  The gate widened, enveloping the skull of Dre’denisen and Greyson’s eyes did the same, but in horror. The edges of the portal itself were a viscus black. That writhed and bubbled like living tar; clawing the gate wider and wider. Within, screams and agonized wailing echoed into the forest, so terrible and vile that the weight of what he had done gave Greyson a brief moment of clarity. This… is hell… he thought. This is literally hell. “Oh my God…” he whispered, as tears began rolling down his cheeks. “What have I done?”

  “What you promised…” Dio’Mar said, resting her hand on his head. “And there is yet more to do… This will weaken the spiritual barriers of this world… and with the death that shall follow… the main gate will be easier to open…”

  The sounds of wailing gave way to the snarls and roars of creatures and beasts who began pouring out of the gate. Steam rose from their bodies, as the familiars he had come to recognize, clawed and gnashed upon emerging. Then, different beasts began to appear. Things that looked like Oo’lak, and far worse, with tentacles and spikes of bone, and eyes that covered their entire bodies. One large one rose out, standing nearly fifty feet in the air, and looked down at Dio’Mar with seven monstrous heads, sprouting horns on each of them.

  “Spirit…” The heads all rumbled in unison. It’s voices causing Greyson’s stomach to roll end over end.

  “I have freed you… demon…” Dio’Mar replied, growing in size to meet its height. “I ask that you fulfill your purpose here… and that you give me… two of your strongest… to command…”

  “Why?” Its words cut Greyson’s ears like razorblades, and he grasped them as the pain of hearing this creature’s speech was nearly too much to bear. “We have no such pact with the likes of you…”

  “And yet… you needed the help of the spirits to emerge…” Dio’Mar replied. “This world is yours for the taking… should you grant me what I ask… if not… I will close this gate… and you will continue to burn… in your failure…”

  The demon seemed to ponder her demand, then after a short time, reached its hand out, drawing two of the large demons to him, though they only reached to around it’s torso. “As you wish… with this… consider our debt paid…”

  Dio’Mar held her hands out to the two demons. One who had the body of a woman, voluptuous and enticing, but her head was grotesque, like a human head that had, had all of its skin melted off. The second had a dozen tentacles that it used as legs, and the upper body of a human man, with its head completely concealed behind a spiked box made of metal.

  “The enemy is forming a resistance… I want you to ignore them…” Dio’Mar commanded, “You have one goal… to consume the life of the mates… and the children of the human, Robert… conceal yourselves and use the battle to get through… Kill any who resist you… or who impede your path… I will instruct you on where to find them…”

  The two demons bowed their heads, and wordlessly began moving with the main horde through the forest.

  “Why?” Greyson asked, his throat tight with fear. “Why would you send them after Robert’s kids?”

  “Because their blood… will ensure the main gate will open…” Dio’Mar turned her eyeless face toward him, causing his blood to run cold. “And also… because I warned him what I would do to him… if he betrayed our pact… Keep that in mind… and think of what Mu’Dok will do to you… if you do not fulfill your end of your bargain with him.”

  She held his gaze for a moment, before slowly disappearing into a swirling stream of black smoke.

  “We fucked up…” Ashley said, crawling beside him. “Greyson, we fucked up so bad…”

  “It’s too late to go back.” Dorian chimed in, limping toward them both. “This is the only way home, guys. And we don’t have a choice.” He pointed toward the gate. “Unless you want to spend eternity in there.”

  Ashely looked up toward the sky through the canopy of the trees. “I think we’re going to end up there anyway… after all this.”