PART 1

King Erik looked at Zepper, frightened, and standing before him. “What did you say?”

Zepper had come from Vori, the village Erik had sent Rayman to investigate. Crowds of people were at the door, buzzing with shouting and pushing. Noise echoed continuously off the walls, getting louder and louder. Guards struggled to bar entry from the crowd of citizens, let alone keep them quiet and orderly.

“SILENCE!” Erik bellowed through the throne room.

News had obviously spread like wildfire and there was nothing he could do to stop it now. Keeping order and the chaos to a minimum was Erik’s priority to avoid panic.

The crowd grew still and shuffled backward, quieting themselves, not wanting to make their king angrier.

“Get these people out of the castle,” Erik ordered. “Make sure the walls are secured and keep the citizens as calm as possible. Make a show of authority, I want the people to feel safe. I want everyone to return home where it is safe.”

Torstein barked orders and guards instantly shuffled off, pushing through the crowd outside. The guards at the door pushed everyone out and closed the doors behind them.

“You,” Erik pointed at Zepper before him. “Continue, tell me everything you saw.”

“Y-yes m-my lord,” he stuttered. “It all happened so fast, Rayman and the men went into the cave. We heard noises and shouting, rumbling and shaking, we thought the tunnels would collapse. We were about to go in after them, to make sure nothing bad had happened to them when…” he trailed off.

“Yes?” Erik said impatiently. “What did you see? Describe these animals to me.”

“Beasts, the size of horses came pouring out, without warning. They attacked us and started killing everyone but we all managed to escape. They had scales and horns all over their bodies, sire. Demons.” he whispered. “Their teeth were long and sharp as knives and their eyes, lord, their eyes could kill you with a stare.”

Torstein leaned over to Erik. “Sire, I have reliable sources that no one was killed.”

Erik nodded to Torstein, acknowledging him. “You say people were being killed, yet no report says a death occurred.” he addressed Zepper.

Zepper looked at them in shock. “I saw them lunging onto people, I assumed the worst, sire.”

“It is extremely odd that no one was killed, sire,” Torstein added.

“Yes, it is peculiar.” he pondered. “Where is Rayman?” Erik asked Zepper. Did he and his men make it out?”

“I-I, we don’t know. I’m sorry, sire,” Zepper bowed his head sadly. “We ran away before we saw them.”

“No, it is not your fault, just tell me everything you know to be true,” Erik brought his hand to his forehead, thinking. “If no one had been killed then that must mean there is still hope for Rayman,” Erik whispered to Torstein.

“Are you sure you saw anyone be killed before your own eyes?” Erik asked.

“Uh, um,” Zepper said dumbly, not understanding. “I don’t recall seeing anyone being killed, your majesty.” he realized his mistake.

“You said they attacked you, yet no one was killed, is that correct?” Erik questioned.

“Yes, I suppose. Many were severely injured but no one died from the attack,” Zepper told the whole truth now. “You don’t mean…”

“Rayman might still be alive!” Erik cut him off. “We must send a rescue party at once.”

“Is that wise my king?” a voice from his right asked.

He looked over to see one of the elders standing there calmly, unaffected by the news. Jebbin met his gaze, refusing to back down from questioning his king. Several old men stood behind him in support.

“King Erik, you have thousands of subjects in need of aid. Shouldn’t we fortify our position in preparation for another attack? Think of your people,” Jebbin added. Mumbles of agreement came from the other elders who stepped up behind Jebbin.

Erik’s anger flared at the thought of abandoning Rayman. Jebbin was cold-hearted and frank, he didn’t let emotions blind him to a logical solution. Jebbin was an honorable man but rarely kept his mouth shut on issues of importance. He had governed Vulkira for three years and without question, handed him the crown. He could be trusted but Erik always found himself getting angry and frustrated at the old man.

“Perhaps it is unwise to separate our forces in search of one man,” Jebbin said calmly.

“It is not just one man. There are a dozen men with him, if they need our help, we must not forsake them.” Erik countered. “Rayman is loved by the people, they will agree to a rescue party.”

The room grew still. Zepper watched them stare each other off, he wanted to run away and not be involved in the discussion but dared not leave without being dismissed.

Erik couldn’t have people questioning his judgment during this time. So much was still unknown, perhaps Jebbin was right but Erik was loath to admit it. Deep down he knew Jebbin spoke with wisdom and not without careful thought.

“The people may agree to a rescue, but should we divide any forces on a slim chance of success?” Jebbin reasoned logically, which infuriated Erik. “Doing so will only weaken us and for what? We can all agree, Rayman is an honorable man but even he would want us to put the capital’s safety first.”

Jebbin was right. Erik knew Rayman would prioritize the capital over himself, not to mention Shay and his son and daughter must be protected.

“Torstein,” Erik addressed his royal guard, still staring at Jebbin. “See to it the city is prepared for an attack. Raise the alarms, guard the gates, and see to it the women and children are safely hidden. No one is to leave the city.”

Torstein was Halden’s Royal Guard and served his father well. He was a strong man, early fifties, level head, and good at following orders. Built like a brick, he demanded respect and was intimidating to look at. He had requested he stay on as head of security after Erik’s father died. In Rayman’s absence, Erik needed someone he trusted wholeheartedly and Torstein was just that.

“Jebbin is correct. We must see to the safety of the city first, then we will find Rayman and his men after.”

“It will be done, my lord. Shall I arm the citizens?” Torstein asked.

“Yes. Do as you deem necessary for our protection.” Erik looked over to Jebbin who nodded in satisfaction.

Erik believed in letting experienced men do their jobs. He was not proud enough to feel inadequate as to let his subjects take over roles. He was inexperienced in many things, especially war times, which is why he had many advisers around him if he ever needed aid. Jebbin was the exception, he disliked the man but could not ignore his experience. He had kept the kingdom from crumbling into chaos and secured his right to the throne after his parents died.

In all honesty, Erik owed Jebbin his life many times over. For without Jebbin, the lords striving for power would have silenced any competition to the throne in an instant. He was not a cruel man but was not kind either. Jebbin got things done and that often pushed him to be heartless in order to serve his country.

Erik could not blame the old man for his attitude to the people around him. He had to be tough and quick, for if he did not, it would get you killed. He saved Vulkira in its greatest time of need and Erik would never forget that, even if he was bullheaded.

King Erik was exceptionally successful in running the economy of his kingdom. When necessary he would assign loyal men to run other parts. Dividing the responsibilities with good men Erik could trust and put Vulkira’s needs first, was something Erik needed to do now. He would trust Torstein to do his duty and protect the people and himself.

Erik dismissed Zepper, who quickly retreated, glad to leave the room. Jebbin stared at Erik with an unreadable face, then turned to leave with several men following behind him.

By the time the sun was setting on the horizon, the guards finished preparations. Dozens of lookouts were watching for any movement. Torches lit up the edges as guards patrolled along the outer walls, giving them view of any intruder that would attempt to scale the twelve-foot stone wall. The moon was nearly full, laying shadows across the forest where the sun had already disappeared.

King Erik sat in his personal quarters as a knock on his door pulled him from the window he was staring out of.

“Enter,” Erik said loudly.

“Sire. You asked to be informed the moment preparations are complete.” Torstein said as he slipped through the door.

“Yes. Please sit down Torstein.” Erik gestured to a chair and sat back down in his own.

“Thank you, my lord.” Torstein seemed glad to have a short rest, giving his feet a break.

“Did you see to Shay and her children?” Eric asked.

“Yes, sire. Rayman’s family is safe.” Torstein reassured his king.

“Very good.” Erik’s face relaxed a little.

They sat in silence for a few moments and they both looked tired and solemn. The whole situation seemed unreal and if not for multiple reports and dozens of people from Vori, Erik would not have believed it to be true. The thought of giant monsters roaming the mountains sent a shiver down his spine.

“As for the guards, I’ve placed fifty men on the wall, all patrolling in increments.” Torstein broke the silence. “Fifty have been ordered to patrol the city, keeping the peace and looking for anything suspicious. Two hundred men are on standby in the barracks. I’ve also armed every household in case the worst happens.”

“Very good, Torstein, thank you,” Erik said. “What of the delegates from Xer, and Tykin?”

“They’ve been asking questions, sire. Understandably, they are confused and upset at the lockdown of the city. Blocking all communication to the other kingdoms has them all on edge,” Torstein replied.

“I don’t blame them. However I cannot let anyone spread unrest in Vulkira, at least not yet.” Erik said.

“Both delegates are demanding answers for your reasoning. I’m guessing they think they will be killed in some plot against their countries. Perhaps we could inform them of the danger with the mine and the creatures that attacked. Keeping them in the dark may be unwise, sire,” Torstein advised.

“You may be right, Torstein but I cannot allow panic to envelop the city. Letting our rival nations know of our temporary weakness would be a grave mistake. We must deal with these creatures ourselves, the less they know the better.”

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“Of course my king,” Torstein bowed again.

“That will be all Torstein, thank you. Get some rest if you can, I will need you tomorrow.”

Torstein paused in his chair, “Whatever you do, don’t doubt yourself.”

“What do you mean?” Erik looked up at him, curious to know what he had to say.

“As king... you will be required to make difficult decisions. Many will doubt your judgment, but you must never second guess yourself.” Torstein said seriously. “You will make mistakes, that is inevitable... but as long as you have the good of the people at heart, I and others will follow you.”

Erik pondered what he said. "How could he not doubt a decision that may cost lives? He wished Rayman was here, he would know what to do and how to go about it." he thought to himself.

“Believe in yourself. You are a good king. You have put the safety of the people first and I know Rayman will be proud of you for that.” Torstein praised him. “You are a far greater king than your father before you.”

“You disagree with me though. You think we should go and save Rayman.” Erik stated. “You also doubt Jebbin, as do I.”

“It is not my place to agree or disagree,” Torstein replied. “My job is to protect you with my life and when necessary, advise you. As for Jebbin… he has sacrificed many years to Vulkira. He is a good man.”

“Thank you, Torstein.” Erik appreciated his honesty. “I am glad you are with me.”

“I will leave you to your thoughts, sire.” Torstein stood from his chair.

Torstein stopped at the door when both of them froze at the sound of a faraway scream. Waiting in silence, they strained their ears to confirm what they heard. A moment later a single alarm bell rang, followed by dozens of seconds later.

Running to the window, they looked down at the city. Enormous figures poured over the walls, guards screaming and shouting alerted more to the attack. There were too many of them. Fear gripped at his gut and Erik struggled to suppress it.

“Help me with my armor!” Erik shouted.

He slipped out of his robe, with only his undergarments on, and rushed to where he kept his armor. Quickly removing his breastplate, arm guards, and shin plates, Torstein bent down, attaching the shin guards to his legs as Erik tied his forearm pieces. After finishing, Torstein placed the breastplate on his back and Erik slipped his arms through. Taking sixty seconds to dawn his armor Erik stalked over to his sword.

The sword was Frostrium steel, its blue hue gave it a faint glow. Frostmoon was the name his father gave the sword and before Halden died he had passed it to him. A master craftsman in Secarro had forged it in Halden’s honor. The sheath was made of the same metal with patterns of dark purple and black resembling a dragon. His armor also was Frostrium steel, nearly weightless yet the strongest metal in Isulia.

Torstein led the way as they rushed down the stairways and hall. Upon entering the throne room, Erik could hear the whole city was in turmoil. Screaming and fighting could be heard much clearer now. Several bells had gone silent, which meant one-fourth of the city had already been overrun.

Four towers stood in the city, each with its own purpose. If one rang that meant that part of the city or wall was under attack. Once going silent, that either meant the attack had been repelled or the tower had fallen too.

“This was a coordinated attack, Torstein. These beasts must have a leader,” Erik said in alarm. “What should our next move be?”

“We need to section off each part that has been overrun. Block the streets where we can and form shield walls to prevent further advance,” Torstein advised. “If we can contain the breach then there is still hope.”

“Yes, and we need to prepare to evacuate the women and children if we can’t repel them,” Erik said.

Several guards at the door saw them and rushed over to them, looking panicked. Torstein began to give orders when three more bells rang in the distance. The monsters had attacked from all sides, which meant they had been boxed in, with no escape.

Suddenly loud pounding footsteps drew closer from outside. Backing up towards the throne, Erik, Torstein, and four guards waited with suspense, unknowing what was to come next.

A massive body shoved its way through the walls of the castle and into the throne room. Stones flew everywhere and the roof caved in on top of the enormous creature. Rocks peppered them, unable to block them all, Torstein jumped in front of Erik to protect him with his own body. The four guards had brought their shields up too late to protect their king. Several stones smashed into Torstein’s back and head, knocking him out cold. Erik caught him as he went limp and as gently as possible laid him on the ground. Blood pooled around his head, but Erik’s attention returned to the castle being torn apart.

Rubble covered the beast but it brushed it off like leaves. It stood eighteen feet tall, its head kept breaking away at the room, causing several more large stones to fall to the floor. Intense red eyes were glued to Erik, unwavering.

Smaller creatures, though still the size of small horses, poured into the room after the bigger one. Erik couldn’t count them all, hundreds rushed around outside, and over a dozen entered the room staying behind, what Erik believed was their leader.

The enormous beast bent down, its face pushed forward coming closer to them, its eyes still on the king, ready to attack.

The guards were shivering in fear but huddled closer together in an attempt to shield the king from danger. It was hopeless they all knew but they wouldn’t abandon Erik. Growls erupted as the men raised their swords in defiance of their impending doom.

Erik pulled Frostmoon from its scabbard, then immediately regretted it. Huge teeth bared at him with a snarl, as if warning him. The beasts kept reacting to their every move but still did not attack. Erik had a gut feeling they were trying to communicate somehow. Fear and shock were blinding him to his thoughts, and pure instinct screamed at him to run away.

Apart from the rushing creatures outside, all the beasts in the room were motionless except for the enormous one, it crept closer and closer but they backed away each time. Finally, they ran out of room to retreat, Erik thought of making a mad rush for the door from which Torstein and him had come but it was too late. He couldn’t leave Torstein, bloody and dying to this grim fate. And he wouldn’t give into his fear and abandon his men either.

One guard broke formation and sprinted forward, swinging his sword at the leader that was cornering them. In a blink of an eye, an enormous paw slammed down, crushing the man with little effort.

“No!” Erik screamed. Horrified at the crunching sound but relief came an instant later.

Struggling and screaming, the guard was alive, spitting and cursing trying to escape the beast.

Before any other man could panic Erik barked an order.

“Stand down!”

Three pairs of eyes glanced back at him questioningly. “Stand down!” Erik repeated.

They lowered their weapons and abandoned any thought of rushing the creatures.

Erik shoved down his fear and pushed past the shields protecting him. Sheathing his sword, he took several steps forward then stopped five paces away.

“I don’t know if you can understand me, but please allow my men to go free,” Erik addressed the giant beast and took another step forward.

Erik raised his hands in a gesture of non-aggression.

To Erik, it looked as if it nodded but its eyes still looked enraged. His gut told him to give it a try. He turned to his remaining three guards. Praying he wasn’t sending them to their deaths needlessly.

“Drop your swords and shields and take Torstein away from here,” Erik said. “Now!”

Obediently they did as he said, then picked up Torstein carefully and started walking past the beasts. To their surprise, the creatures didn’t move to stop them and let them pass.

Lifting its enormous paw, the soldier beneath scrambled to his feet but hesitated, looking at Erik.

“It's alright. Go,” he told the man.

It flabbergasted Erik, but this confirmed his suspicions. The monsters could understand him somehow. Perhaps it wasn’t his words but his actions. Erik didn’t know how but searched frantically for a way out of this.

“Thank you... for letting them go,” Erik didn’t know what else to do but bow to the massive beast.

It gave no response Erik could understand but it moved toward him. One step closed the gap between them and it extended its giant arm. One long sharp claw pointed at him, which filled him with fear but he stood his ground.

An inch from his chest it stopped and Erik looked up at it, its eyes had turned bright blue. It was like looking into an ocean of stars and lights flickering in and out. Erik was mesmerized by its eyes and he felt his knees grow weak.

A spark of light shot from its claw and it pressed it into Erik’s chest.

PART 2

Frozen on his feet, Erik felt the enormous claw press against his chest and an explosion of thoughts filled his head. He was blinded from the world, all he could see was a river of thoughts rushing through him. They were not his own, Erik couldn’t understand them, only the feelings from each. Millions of images flooded into his mind but he could only catch glimpses of them. The amount of information, emotions, and experience that hit Erik was overwhelming. It felt as if his whole body would explode and wished it to stop.

Tears poured from his eyes and he didn’t know why. Hatred filled his heart, then pain and suffering. Emotions flew through him like arrows piercing him. Confusion, love, frustration, and many more transferred into his mind continuously.

As this all happened, Erik felt as if someone was also feeling every emotion he had ever felt in his life. Every thought, every moment was being pried open as if looking into his very soul. He resisted and pushed with all his might. If this continued, Erik knew he was going to die.

Pain began to fill his body as if he would burst open from the inside. Just when he thought it would never stop, and his life was about to end, everything froze.

Erik collapsed to the ground, rolling in pain, clutching at his heart. It felt as if his heart had been broken a million times then thrown back together. His mind felt weak and foggy. He couldn’t think straight.

Flashes of light blasted him along with images. A planet, burning, death, and suffering. He saw other creatures of the same species on this planet. Millions of them, struggling against something. Their planet was destroyed and the feeling of hopelessness shook him to the bone.

A deep voice reached him. “You will not die today, king of Vulkira.”

Erik glanced around the room looking for the voice but another flash shot through his chest, causing his whole body to writhe in agony.

“Your mind was too frail for the fusing. I cut it short to preserve your life. However, I have seen your mind. We can speak now.”

It took too long for Erik to realize the voice was in his head but was coming from the creature. After all, his mind was cloudy and he couldn’t think straight or hardly move for that matter.

“I see now my actions were not entirely justified. Peering into your mind, I see the fault was not your own,” the deep voice said to Erik. “You are an honorable and just king. I was undecided till now. You and your people must leave this land. We are now known to the world, I require a home for my daughters.”

Erik hadn’t the slightest idea what it was talking about but images popped into his mind. Rayman was sitting with a baby Vog in his arms crying.

“Vog?” Erik thought. “What is a Vog?” confusion engulfed him. “Why am I seeing Rayman? Where is he?”

“You are rightfully confused.” the Vog said. “That is what we are. Vog is our race.”

“Your son.” Erik managed to ask, still unable to move. “What happened to him?”

Erik again realized he had memories that were not his own. Several emotions still filled him that did not belong to him. Rayman had something to do with the death of his son. The egg.

“I-I feel sorrow. Pain. Where is this coming from?” Erik asked.

“You feel what I feel. Your humans entered our home. We have been hiding in an attempt to avoid humans, our concerns were warranted. Your soldiers, though by accident, killed my son.”

“Rayman?” Erik asked. “If it was an accident, why punish them? Spare Rayman and my soldiers, please.”

“Rayman led, intentional or not, was the direct result of my son’s death.” the Vog said. “The blame should be his.” he seemed to be testing him.

“If you're going to blame someone… blame me.” Erik gasped for breath. “I sent him. It is my fault, do not punish them.”

“Indeed. I see you truly care for this man, like a father.”

“Is he alive?” Erik asked. “Tell me!”

“Search your mind. You have seen it,” it said.

“I-I can’t! What did you do to me!” Erik yelled at him, pain threatening to overwhelm him.

“I have seen your every memory, including ones of Rayman. You have taken care of Shay and his children in his absence. You regard Shay as a mother, yet… she is not nor is he. Keeping them underground in the bunker was wise of you. Rayman would be grateful.”

“Is he alive!” Erik yelled out loud.

“I see your mind could not process my own. To put your mind at ease, he lives,” the deep voice addressed Erik. “However... many of my daughters attacked without orders and killed several of your humans before I could intervene.”

“We entered your home. For that… I am sorry. And I am sorry for your son’s death, but please, do not make my people suffer for my actions.”

“We do not destroy needlessly. We have spared your lives and will allow you to leave in peace. I have already released Rayman and his soldiers. They remain in the cave still, but fear not, they will leave soon.”

“I don’t understand.” Erik tried to organize his jumbled mind.

Erik felt relief but also shame and pain. “Is this pain I’m feeling, from you?”

“Perhaps. Or from another. However, I would not have performed the fusion if I’d known you would die.” the Vog leader said. “I will give you three days to leave. All humans must remove themselves.” he turned to leave.

“Wait!” Erik shouted. “I am sorry for your son’s death. I know Rayman would not have meant to kill him.”

“It is for that reason, I spared his life. His compassion for my son during his death showed me that humans are more complicated than expected.” the Vog said. “He showed true compassion and for my son.”

“Ugggh,” Erik rolled to his stomach in pain. His mind was still foggy and dim.

“You should know. I despise humans. You are vile and corrupt beings. You destroy and betray, thinking only of yourselves, yet still, my son asked, that you be forgiven.” the Vog said. “You owe your lives to my dead son.”

Erik laid there, unable to move, and watched as the creatures left. He cursed and rolled on his back, causing more pain. A thought came to the front of his mind. One that Erik knew was not his own.

“Who is Kaladin?” Erik whispered, then passed out.