Chapter 6

Arios stood atop the wall. Father on one side and Ilaria on the other. Father had not wished them to join him but they had shouted him down. This was there reality now, there was no point in shielding them from it.

They looked out on the burnt fields and deep trenches. It was unrecognizable. Had this really been their home? Now, transformed by the machine of war. On the horizon a small group rode towards them. Perhaps a dozen or so men. As they grew closer Arios could see the crimson banners flying high. The bleeding sun, sigil of the false god Arram. At the front of the procession, there also flew a white flag and as Arios spotted it the gates of Kenosia began to creak open.

Out of the gates below rode Lord Pyragos and Lord Kalydor. They were followed by their own retinue of cavalry.

“Surely there can be no negation, Father?”

“No Arios, but tradition and honor demand at least the pretense. Neither side wants to be seen as so bloodthirsty that they did not attempt a peaceful resolution. It is all for show.

The three of them stood silently, waiting and watching.

“Are they Hiereus?” asked Ilaria.

“If not all of them, there are certainly some amongst the party.” replied Father. “I cannot see well enough to point them out.”

“I have heard they use dark magic to bend men to their will!” continued Ilaria excitedly. “I have heard they trade with demons for unholy powers! I have heard—”

“Where did you hear such nonsense?” Arios cut her short. “They are heretics not wizards.” There was no time for such childish things.

“Like you know any better!” she spat.

“Children. Children! Now is not the time. Whether the Kyrithon have converted their men through the occult or simple lies it makes no difference now.”

They settled back in to silence. Glaring at each other.

After a short time, Lord Pyragos and the other men got back on their horse and began to ride back to the city. The Kyrithon party made no move. Only when all of the men had returned and the gate closed behind, did one step forward.

With no others to block their view, they could get a better look at the man, although he was still too far to see much. He wore flowing crimson orange robes and upon his head a golden helm adorned with many stones. The light danced upon its surface and it shown like a brilliant sun. Two men were chained to his person. The men wore nought but loincloths; slaves of some sort. He began to speak.

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“Citizens of Kenosia. I speak for the Kyrithon. Our Megas has sent me here to liberate your city.”

His voice was soft nearly a whisper and yet Arios could hear him as clear as if he stood just before him. The words crept into his mind banishing all other thoughts. What was this?

The man continued. “I am Archiereus Hesperion and I have razed many of your cities in the name of Arram but never without cause. I provide you, the people of Kenosia, with same offer I give to all.”

“Father, what is happening?” cried Arios.

“Silence!” His face was white and he stared across the plains unblinking. Arios had never seen Father like this. He was frightened.

Ilaria grabbed his hand squeezing tightly.

“The stewards of your city have failed you. You are only yet to see it. They have constructed a world without justice and devoid of light. A world in which few live in opulence while many go without. They tell you that Arram is a false god, that is a lie. I say to you, the gods of these noble men exist to imprison you, to keep you blind. Arram promises all the gift of sight. Under his light all are equal.”

Over the horizon rode a dozen new contingents all flying the bleeding sun. They were too far to see distinctly but they lined up alongst the span of the wall. Did they plan to attack now? This could not be their entire army, could it?

“I beg you, people of Kenosia, give up these wretched men. Before long you will see them for what they are but the longer you wait the more they can take from you. The people of Ephyrea believed their lords to be good and wise. And so, they refused to give them up. But when we broke through the gates these kindly lords abandoned their people to an ugly fate attempting to flee the city in secret.”

At this he jerked the chained men forward and they fell to their knees before him.

“I present to you the lords of Ephyrea as a gift to your city. To show you, our goodwill. Violence is not in our nature but we must burn away all that would obscure the brilliance of our Lord. For how can we call ourselves his followers if we live in the light while so many perish in shadow.”

From behind Hesperion came two soldiers carrying great stakes and large drums. They drove the stakes into the chains severing them from the Archiereus and rooting the men to the ground. Then they took the drums and doused the men in a liquid. The lords started to call out begging for help. Hesperion raised a staff above his head and shouted, “Arram, hear my prayer! Although we are not yet worthy let your cleansing light guide our way!”

The men were set ablaze. Arios could not see them in flames but there screams where horrifying. All along the line fires sprung up as more and more screams joined the smoke rising to the heavens. The smoke caught on a breeze and an acrid stench filled his nostrils. His eyes began to water and he was sick.

“Do not let this be your fate. Give us your masters or at the next city we will tell the tragedy of Kenosia. We will wait as long as needed. We are not here as conquerors but as liberators. There is no need for fighting but do not delay your salvation is at hand.”

The screams had ceased and the fires burned low. The sun was setting now. Archiereus Hesperion turned away from the city mounting his horse. He rode north over the horizon and out of sight. The rest staid behind and as he left, they began to sing. It was a beautiful haunting melody though Arios could not understand the words. He began to feel light headed. It seemed they were singing for him and him alone.

Suddenly he was falling, no sinking, into a deep pool. The water surrounded him as he plunged deeper. There was something at the bottom, a shadow, with a thousand eyes. Its arms reached up to take him. He could not escape it.

“Ari! Ari!”

Ilaria was shaking him. He felt cold and wet. Had they pulled him out? No, he was right here, on the wall. Something splashed onto the top of his head. He starred up at the sky to see water falling. The rains had begun.